< Previousand/or directed us with our needs — food and beverage, pre- sentation needs and meeting logistics,” Michaelsen says. “They also connected us with a company that provided the team-building activi- ties. One could say it was a one-stop shop.” Those team- building activities are not your typical events either, which the Swiss Re Management Corp. team loved. “We participated in a catama- ran excursion and a scavenger hunt in historic San Juan,” Michaelsen says. “The latter afforded the opportunity to get to know the history of the island, interact with its locals and practice some Spanish.” A variety of beach sports activi- ties are also on offer, including fishing, snorkeling, etc. Hiking trails are within reach in the mountainous areas of the island. Local restaurants can be rented exclusively for corporate parties, and musicians or performers can be hired for a tailored entertainment program. “Our team loved the getaway feel of being on an island; a warm and invit- ing area,” Michaelsen says. “The mix of business and vacation guests gives an event a more casual flair. Likewise, the dress code can be relaxed and the food offerings can range from formal to very casual. This allows for more variety in the daily program at differ- ent price points. The business trip can be extended by adding personal days, which is also a welcome perk for many.” Debi Tracy, CMP, CH, E-RYT, senior event designer with Think Wellness NY, enjoys holding meetings in Puerto Rico because the people are warm and folksy, and hospitality seems to be in their blood. “There are so many beautiful venues, many his- torical sites and the food is as amazing as the beaches,” she says. “You feel like you are in another world, yet can com- municate easily since so much of the industry staff is bilingual.” Tracy has planned numerous phar- maceutical medical education meetings and held others for financial companies as well. She appreciates that meeting attendees from more than two dozen cities can fly to the island on a non-stop flight, and its less time to travel there than from one coast to the other in the U.S. A VARIETY OF VENUES From a traditional convention cen- ter environment, to luxury hotel con- ference rooms, to more unique venues such as historic casinos and world- famous rum distilleries, Puerto Rico has a variety of options to entice and inspire. For instance, the Puerto Rico Convention Center (PRCC) is the most technologically advanced in the Carib- bean, with a total of 600,000 sf, high- end video-conferencing capabilities, an on-site lobby lounge, 15 meeting rooms and 29 breakout rooms. “Most recently, the venue also added broadcast capa- bilities to meet the growing need for hybrid meeting options,” Dean says. “This can be set up in any of the meeting rooms or breakout rooms and includes livestream- ing, video broadcast and interactive video editing.” At the Wynd- ham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort, meeting planners coming to the hotel can provide a memorable and diverse attendee experience, and the destina- tion is known for increasing attendance. The venue offers safety and security with large indoor and outdoor spaces, it has the largest conference facility of any hotel in Puerto Rico, direct access to a banquet kitchen, drive-in access to the ballroom and hybrid meetings capability. Although COVID-19 canceled large events, it’s only a matter of time before large meetings are back enjoying all the venue has to offer. Wyndham Grand Rio Mar offers extensive team-build- ing opportunities that allow groups to immerse themselves in the destination while staying very close to the resort. The property also has an unmatched beach location and has nine restau- rants, three different pools, two cham- pionship golf courses and more than 48,000 sf of indoor event space. Marriott International boasts a variety of lodging options on the island, including the Shera- ton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino, a first-class business hotel in a tourist destination. The hotel has an ample foyer with natural light and a modern 40,000 sf of meetings space. Both indoors and on its outdoor sundeck, the hotel accommodates up to 1,900 attendees for conferences or seminars held next to the PRCC. Understanding the challenges plan- ners face today, Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino has implemented new meetings technology, such as livestream- ing support and touchless options via Marriott’s Meeting Services App. There are also additional operational resources, such as room set-up charts to support social distancing, and enhanced themeetingmagazines.com 30 FEBRUARY 2022 | INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT MEET IN PUERTO RICO. The colors of Puerto Rico are ready to inspire you. Green to encourage balance. Blue to improve performance. Orange to promote enthusiasm. Our vivid color palette, along with vibrant immersive experiences, creates the perfect backdrop for your next meeting. You won’t even need a passport to get inspired. Meet in full color in Puerto Rico. Learn more at DiscoverPuertoRico.com/Meetings. Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort has nine restaurants, three different pools, two championship golf courses and more than 48,000 sf of indoor events space. Debi Tracy, CMP, CH, E-RYT Senior Event Designer Think Wellness NY There are so many beautiful venues, many historical sites and the food is as amazing as the beaches. You feel like you are in another world. PHOTO BY OMARK REYESMEET IN PUERTO RICO. The colors of Puerto Rico are ready to inspire you. Green to encourage balance. Blue to improve performance. Orange to promote enthusiasm. Our vivid color palette, along with vibrant immersive experiences, creates the perfect backdrop for your next meeting. You won’t even need a passport to get inspired. Meet in full color in Puerto Rico. Learn more at DiscoverPuertoRico.com/Meetings.cleaning protocols for all meetings and events spaces. Marriott’s food and bever- age concepts have evolved, too, as it has implemented new approaches to buffets and the dining experience in general, including banquet menus and service adjusted, for instance, to eliminate self- service buffets. An additional notable venue on the island is Distrito T-Mobile. “Opened in 2021, this expansive space is destined to be the most vibrant and popular set- ting for events, conventions and per- formances of all types in the Caribbean region, offering a multisensory, audio- visual and technologically advanced experience,” Dean says. “This includes an exhilarating urban zip line, virtual reality gaming center, a variety of res- taurants, bars and lounges, and the island’s first day/night disco. This is not to mention the Aloft hotel on its grounds — the first in the Caribbean.” THE LAY OF THE LAND Although Puerto Rico is known for its beautiful beaches, the island’s culture — a blend of Taíno, African and Span- ish roots — results in a variety of unique experiences, world-renowned culinary options and unparalleled nature expe- riences that provide a wide range of activities to enjoy outside of meetings. One of the things Stys loves about the Caribbean Island is that people are so passionate about the culture. San Juan, the capital and largest city, is famous for its hotel strip, beach bars and casinos. Its Old San Juan neighborhood features colorful Spanish colonial buildings and El Morro and La Fortaleza, massive centuries-old fortresses. “Old San Juan offers a European destination feel, with unique walking tours, cultural tours and history,” Stys says. “Culinary tours and cooking classes are always popular, and there’s hiking, historical site tours and water activities also in demand.” Tracy notes the El Yunque National Forest is an amazing experience that can be easily done with groups of attendees as an activity. “There are also water sports for the more athletic and adventurous, along with cruises, sail- ing and water tours,” she says. “Biolu- minescent Mosquito Bay is not to be missed, nor are the Gozalandia water- falls and the many beaches and smaller islands. Strolling through Old San Juan is one of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon into evening dinner.” Puerto Rico has more than 70 muse- ums across the island, ranging from classic to modern options, including Museo de Arte de Ponce, Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Puerto Rico, and Museo de Arte y Diseño de Miramar (MADMi), among others. Yet, Puerto Rican art goes far beyond the walls of museums. Visitors will stumble across impressive street art in various parts of the island, including in the Santurce neighborhoods of San Juan, where muralists globally flock to contrib- ute their works. For those who appreciate archi- tecture, Dean notes visitors can walk the historic cobblestone streets of Old San Juan while visiting the historic El Morro fortress within the UNESCO site, taking in the 500-year-old his- tory amid the colorful buildings of the Spanish colonial era, or visit the Museo Castillo Serrallés, a mansion in the city of Ponce, built in the 1930s, among other notable experiences only possible in Puerto Rico. “In their spare time, meeting attendees can also follow the Taína Route, an informative tour that highlights the role that the Taíno had on Puerto Rico’s heritage,” Dean says. “It offers a glimpse into the Taíno’s ceremonial centers, tombs, caves and petroglyphs across the island.” There’s also plenty of nature and outside adventures to enjoy during the downtime. Puerto Rico is home to three of the world’s five bioluminescent bays located La Parguera, Fajardo and Vieques. These rare ecosystems hap- pen when microscopic, single-celled organisms called dinoflagellates grow in quantities big enough to produce a “glow-in-the-dark” effect when they are stimulated by movement. Like Tracy, Dean also points to El themeetingmagazines.com 32 FEBRUARY 2022 | INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT Puerto Rico is teeming with history, such as Castillo San Felipe del Morro, right, built between the 16th and 18th centuries. Bottom: the La Guancha boardwalk is a popular spot in Ponce, on the south side of the island. PHOTO COURTESY DISCOVER PUERTO RICO PHOTO BY AEROVISUAL MEDIA Yunque National Forest, which, as the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. For- est System, is an excellent experience for those looking to be immersed in nature. Visitors can take a hike on one of its many trails, go horseback riding, swim in natural pools beneath water- falls, or simply relax and enjoy the scen- ery. “The Cabo Rojo Salt Flats, whose beautiful pink-and-red tones contrast with the turquoise color of the Playuela, are part of the Cabo Rojo Wildlife ref- uge, and have been recognized as an important wildlife habitat,” Dean says. “For those looking for a unique thrill, Puerto Rico is home to the longest zip line in the Americas — El Monstruo [2.5 kilometers, or 1.5 miles] — located at Toro Verde Adventure Park.” Then there’s the cocktail culture, which many attendees enjoy learning more about. Puerto Rico is the birth- place of the piña colada, and is known as the rum capital of the world, with much to experience in both cocktails and craft spirits. Casa BACARDÍ, for example, is the largest rum distillery in the world, which produces about 85% of BACARDÍ rum. The island also offers tours of the Ron del Barrilito facility. This is the old- est Puerto Rican rum, and, here, visitors can learn the about history and unique craftsmanship of the brand. ADJUSTING TO THE NEW NORMAL The COVID-19 pandemic obviously had a tremendous impact on Puerto Rico, but the meetings and events indus- try remains a top priority for the island, and Discover Puerto Rico works directly with the island’s officials, adapting its offerings to meet the new needs of meeting planners. “For example, we’ve held virtual FAM [or familiarization] experiences for meeting planners to keep them informed in an effective and efficient way,” Dean says. “One of them was focused on how to host a hybrid meeting from Puerto Rico — and was a hybrid meeting itself — to demonstrate the robust hybrid meeting spaces in our Puerto Rico Convention Center and a sneak peek of El Distrito T Mobile.” In keeping up with the virtual reali- ties of present day, the PRCC has also developed 360-degree videos for plan- ners to virtually explore the venue and see its different levels, as well as its popular terrace. “We’ve also partnered with Travefy, an itinerary managing tool that creates custom agendas rich in multimedia content which can be expe- rienced virtually and, ultimately, in person,” Dean says. “It also includes geomapping and flight trackers, among other aspects, that make it seamlessly interactive and engaging.” To ensure the safety of residents and visitors alike, Puerto Rico acted quickly at the onset of COVID, becoming the first destination to implement an island-wide curfew, as well as thermographic cam- eras at the Luis Muñoz Marín Interna- tional Airport in San Juan. The island is also enforcing local measures developed by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC), alongside U.S. Travel Associa- tion (USTA) guidelines, such as social distancing, mandatory face coverings in public areas, and a variety of mandates for businesses and hotels — including reduced capacities and high standards of cleanliness in accordance with CDC and EPA guidelines. For the latest guide- lines and regulations, visit discoverpuer- torico.com/info/travel-guidelines. “We are proud to [have been] the first U.S. destination to receive the WTTC’s Safe Travels Stamp, and trust our rigor- ous efforts in health safety will set the stage for a strong recovery,” Dean says. “As we look to the future, our local indus- try has also implemented a series of mea- sures in place to ensure the health and safety of all future meeting attendees.” For example, the PRCC now has the impressive GBAC Star Facility Rat- ing, the first venue with such a rating in the Caribbean. Additionally, as an ASM Global managed facility, it implemented the new VenueShield Environmen- tal Hygiene Program, with measures including the use of PPE, food-safety measures, air-quality control, surface cleaning, and physical/social distanc- ing, among others. “Distrito T-Mobile … has also developed new safety-first concepts, including technologically advanced equipment, and refined health protocols, to guarantee the safety of all visitors and employees,” Dean says. “Safety has, and will continue to be, our main priority.” I & FMM INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT | FEBRUARY 2022themeetingmagazines.com 33 Michelle M. Stys, CMP Owner/President mc2 production services llc Old San Juan offers a European destination feel, with unique walking tours, cultural tours and history. Distrito T-Mobile, which opened in 2021, offers a “vibrant and popular setting for conventions and performances of all types,” says Brad Dean, CEO of Discover Puerto Rico. PHOTO BY MAX TOUHEY CORPORATELADDER themeetingmagazines.com 34 FEBRUARY 2022 | INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT PLANFORSUCCESS ABOARDOURSHIPS Exceed expectations. Start planning spectacular meetings and events with us. We can’t wait to welcome you back aboard our luxury ships, with all the amenities of leading hotels and resorts, plus much more. Turnkey spaces, from intimate board rooms to our grand theaters with high- impact audiovisual systems, are included. Fine dining, with menus craed by our Michelin-starred chef, is included. Exciting original entertainment—music, comedy, drama—is included. And now, drinks, Wi-Fi, and tips are Always Inlcuded SM for every guest, too. * Accommodations are luxurious, destinations change daily, and our top priority is your health and safety. *Visit celebritycorporatekit.com for complete terms and conditions. Always IncludedSM applies to sailings booked and departing on or after November 17, 2020, excluding Galapagos cruises, in an inside through AquaClass® stateroom (“Eligible Bookings”). All guests in an Eligible Booking who choose the Always Included pricing package will receive a Classic Beverage Package, an Unlimited Surf Internet Package, and tips included. All guests in a stateroom must choose the same pricing package. Offers are nontransferable. Changes to a booking may result in removal of a package. Pricing and packages are subject to availability, cancellation, or change without notice at any time. Imagery and messaging may not accurately reflect onboard and destination experiences, offerings, features, or itineraries. These may not be available during your voyage, may vary by ship and destination, and may be subject to change without notice. ©2022 Celebrity Cruises Inc. Ships’ registry: Malta and Ecuador. CALL |VISITCELEBRITYCORPORATEKITCOMORCONTACTYOURTRAVELPARTNER Omni Hotels & Resorts, which is slated to open in the spring of next year, has announced that is has selected Gus Tejeda as director of sales & marketing. Tejeda has been in the hospitality indus- try for more than two decades, most recently as the director of marketing at Four Seasons Las Vegas. Fontainebleau Las Vegas has hired Tony Yousfi as its SVP, sales, cater- ing & conference services. With almost two decades of experience, industry veteran Yousfihas worked with Carver Road Hospitality as chief growth offi- cer, at ARIA Resort & Casino and Vdara Hotel & Spa as VP of sales, and at The Bellagio Resort & Casino as national sales manager. Signia by Hilton San Jose has appointed Catherine Hendricks as its complex director of sales and marketing. Hendricks, who has been with Hilton for a decade, will oversee Signia by Hil- ton San Jose and Hilton San Jose. Before working with Hilton, she worked with DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Pleasanton at the Club, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Modesto and elsewhere. The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, has announced that it has hired Anna Jaszczyk as director of sales & marketing. Before this, she worked with The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago as director of group sales. Her career in the hospitality industry has included working for Marri- ott International and The Hotel Chicago. The Beverly Hilton, Beverly Hills, California, has chosen Ryan Paterson as its director of sales and marketing. Paterson has worked with Hilton for more than 16 years holding positions at various locations, including Hilton Den- ver City Center; Hilton Portland Down- town; The Duniway, a Hilton Hotel; The Diplomat Resort and Spa; Hilton Anaheim and elsewhere. Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa has announced that it has pro- moted Lenne Goslin to director of group sales. Goslin began working at the resort more than 20 years ago when it first opened. At that time, she was a convention services manager and moved her way up to this new role. I & FMM TEJEDAHENDRICKSPATERSONYOUSFIJASZCZYKGOSLIN 888.671.1756 or info@sanctuaryaz.com SanctuaryAZ.com | Scottsdale, AZ Inspire your group with exclusive meetings in a spectacular setting, featuring casita-style accommodations and private villas along with an impressive diversity of indoor and outdoor space and activity options. Welcome back to paradise “World’s Best: Top 15 Resort Hotels in the West” – Travel + Leisure, 2020 “Readers’ Choice: Top 20 Destination Spa Resorts in the United States” – Condé Nast Traveler, 2020PLANFORSUCCESS ABOARDOURSHIPS Exceed expectations. Start planning spectacular meetings and events with us. We can’t wait to welcome you back aboard our luxury ships, with all the amenities of leading hotels and resorts, plus much more. Turnkey spaces, from intimate board rooms to our grand theaters with high- impact audiovisual systems, are included. Fine dining, with menus craed by our Michelin-starred chef, is included. Exciting original entertainment—music, comedy, drama—is included. And now, drinks, Wi-Fi, and tips are Always Inlcuded SM for every guest, too. * Accommodations are luxurious, destinations change daily, and our top priority is your health and safety. *Visit celebritycorporatekit.com for complete terms and conditions. Always IncludedSM applies to sailings booked and departing on or after November 17, 2020, excluding Galapagos cruises, in an inside through AquaClass® stateroom (“Eligible Bookings”). All guests in an Eligible Booking who choose the Always Included pricing package will receive a Classic Beverage Package, an Unlimited Surf Internet Package, and tips included. All guests in a stateroom must choose the same pricing package. Offers are nontransferable. Changes to a booking may result in removal of a package. Pricing and packages are subject to availability, cancellation, or change without notice at any time. Imagery and messaging may not accurately reflect onboard and destination experiences, offerings, features, or itineraries. These may not be available during your voyage, may vary by ship and destination, and may be subject to change without notice. ©2022 Celebrity Cruises Inc. Ships’ registry: Malta and Ecuador. CALL |VISITCELEBRITYCORPORATEKITCOMORCONTACTYOURTRAVELPARTNERMAKA ALA LOBBY‘ KAIONA BALLROOM KA WA A, A LU AU‘‘ 18-HOLE CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF COURSE AULANI CONFERENCE CENTER Kaiona Ballroom 4,590 sq ft Ka ala Ballroom 2,885 sq ft Covered Pre-Function 4,715 sq ft Kipuka Lawn 5,195 sq ft Kipuka Courtyard 3,633 sq ft Na auao Room 240 sq ft Total 21,258 sq ft OUTDOOR VENUES Wailana Pool 9,250 sq ft Rainbow Reef Patio 1,766 sq ft Kula Wai 3,000 sq ft Ka Maka Landing 16,000 sq ft Halawai Lawn 12,800 sq ft Aulani Beach 20,000+* sq ft AMA AMA Patio 4,869 sq ft AMA AMA Veranda Alohi Point Total 76,685 sq ft • Additional function space may be available, depending on specific event configuration. ‘ ‘ ‘‘ ‘‘ When you partner with AULANI, A Disney Resort & Spa, our expert planners work with you every step of the way, to make sure your event isn’t just fully customizable, but brings the sights and sounds of the Hawaiian culture to your meeting attendees. Set on the pristine western coastline of O‘ahu, this 21-acre oceanfront resort offers more than 76,000 square feet of stunning outdoor venues and 21,258 square feet of meeting and event space. Add to that the award-winning Laniwai Spa, fine dining and shopping, KA WA‘A, A Lu‘au, Ko Olina Marina, an 18-hole championship golf course, Hawaiian-style excursions specifically designed for groups and the comfort of 832 rooms you’ve got everything you could want to create a magical event with a Hawaiian flair. For more information, call 321-939-4031 or visit disneymeetings.com/Aulani. AULANI, A DISNEY RESORT & SPA HONOLULU WAIKIKI OAHU ‘ NORTH SHORENext >