Courtesy of Melissa Park Events A COASTAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION PUBLICATION APRIL 2022 VOL. 29 NO. 2 $15.00 Planners Are Continuing to Embrace the Wellness Trend THE WONDERS OF WELLNESS INSIDE LAS VEGAS DESTINATION REPORT FLORIDA PLANNER GUIDE BAHAMAS & CARIBBEAN MEETINGS BEATING WORKPLACE BURNOUTTriple The Points, Triple The Options We invite you to meaningful, productive meetings at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort. For any group event contracted by September 30, 2022, for arrival through December 31, 2023, we are oering: Triple Marriott Bonvoy™ points on eligible meetings. All guests enjoy full access to every amenity on property including Mandara Spa, six pools, 22 restaurants and lounges, including five signature restaurants and preferred tee times on nearby Disney® championship golf courses. 1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 | 407.934.4290 | swandolphin.com/meetings Complex total number of guest rooms 2,619 Complex total sq. ft. of meeting space 348,711 sq. . Complex total number of meeting rooms 99 Complex total number of meeting suites 149 Complex total number of restaurants & lounges 22 The view from the top of the All-New Walt Disney World Swan ReserveINSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT | APRIL 2022 themeetingmagazines.com 3 APRIL 2022 Vol. 29 No. 2 12 22 28 8 departments features 12 16 22 28 4 The Wonders of Wellness Planners Are Continuing to Embrace the Wellness Trend By Maura Keller Las Vegas Offering Something for Everyone By Maura Keller Florida Attractions and Activities That Appeal to All By Nancy Mueller Bahamas & Caribbean Reopened and Ready for Meetings and Events By David Swanson destinations 6 8 10 34 Publisher’s Message News & Notes Collaborate to Succeed Workplaces That Foster Collective Intelligence More Easily Overcome Hurdles By Ed Hess Beat Burnout The Worst is Over, but Many Workers Are Still Feeling the Pressure By Mark Goulston, M.D. and Diana Hendel, Pharm.D. Corporate Ladder 16 ISSN 1095-9726USPS 012-991Harvey Grotsky A COASTAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION PUBLICATION PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Harvey Grotsky harvey.grotsky @ themeetingmagazines.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kristin Bjornsen kristin.bjornsen @ themeetingmagazines.com MANAGING EDITOR Henry Fitzgerald henry.fitzgerald @ themeetingmagazines.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Rachel Galvin rachel.galvin @ themeetingmagazines.com CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Sophia Bennett Sara Churchville Cynthia Dial Maura Keller Christine Loomis Nancy Mueller Patrick Simms David Swanson PRESIDENT & CEO Harvey Grotsky VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS David Middlebrook david.middlebrook @ themeetingmagazines.com ADVERTISING SALES OFFICES 2500 N. Military Trail, Suite 283 Boca Raton, FL 33431-6322 561-989-0600 Fax: 561-989-9509 advertising@themeetingmagazines.com IL | IN | WI REGIONAL MANAGER Bob Mitchell 630-541-3388 • Mobile: 630-235-0126 bob.mitchell@themeetingmagazines.com DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL PROJECTS Michael Caffin 914-629-5860 michael.caffin@themeetingmagazines.com Keeping the Value of Incentive Travel and Motivation Uppermost in Mind The key question facing planners today is to go or not to go. According to a recent Incentive Research Foundation survey, incentive travel is definitely a go! As disruptions from COVID-19 variants continue, the survey looks at how organizations are managing their incentive travel programs, impacts to incentive program budgets and views on vaccination policies. The IRF surveyed 180 corporate incentive program owners, meeting planners and third-party incentive providers about their 2022 incen- tive travel programs. The majority of respondents to IRF’s survey are planning incentive travel pro- grams in 2022, but flexibility is key. While sporadic disruptions from COVID variants remain, health and safety protocols and other considerations are still major factors in decision making and travel planning. When it comes to program dates and loca- tions, there are high rates of change in re- sponse to the possibility of COVID variants and evolving travel restrictions. Business fortunes rise and fall, and the insurance and financial indus- tries, like any others, are often buffeted by change. These factors of change create a constant challenge, especially when seeking motivational tools. Too often, companies overlook the power of an incentive travel program in its ability to create a common corporate philosophy, to focus attention on new sales products and objectives, and to form a sense of unity among employees. Such programs have been proven eminently successful. As insurance and financial companies move along with the change of the meetings and incentive travel industry, we must keep our eyes firmly focused on the abiding value of motivation to drive business forward, to achieve common goals and positive results, and to provide a unified sense of “esprit de corps.” I’m convinced that constant change can be ameliorated and made to work to your advantage when the value of motivation is fully appreciated and applied. Insurance & Financial Meetings Management is published bi-monthly by Coastal Communications Corporation, 2500 N. Military Trail, Ste. 283, Boca Raton, FL 33431-6322; 561-989-0600. Single copies $15.00 U.S.A.; back cop- ies $17. Yearly subscription price is $70.00 in the U.S.A.; $135.00 in Canada. Distributed without charge to qualified personnel. Periodicals Postage Paid at Boca Raton, FL, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Insurance & Financial Meetings Management, 2500 N. Military Trail, Ste. 283, Boca Raton, FL 33431-6322. Nothing contained in this publication shall constitute an endorsement by Coastal Communications Cor- poration (Insurance & Financial Meetings Management), and the publication disclaims any liability with respect to the use of reliance on any such informa- tion. The information contained in this publication is no way to be construed as a recommendation by I&FMM of any industry standard, or as a recommenda- tion of any kind to be adopted by or binding upon any corporate/incentive travel planner or agent. Reproduction of any portion of this publication by any means is strictly forbidden. Editorial contributions must be accompanied by return postage and will be handled with reasonable care. However, the publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited photographs or manuscripts. Subscriber: Send subscription inquiries and address changes to: Circulation Dept., Insurance & Financial Meetings Management, 2500 N. Military Trail, Ste. 283, Boca Raton, FL 33431-6322. Give old and new addresses including zip codes. Enclose address label from most recent issue and allow five weeks for change to become effective. Printed in U.S.A. © 2022 www.themeetingmagazines.com 844.350.4522 Broadmoor.com 1 Lake Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80906 Welcome to the True Colorado Convention Experience. So much space, the possibilities are wide open. Nestled in the scenic foothills of the Rockies, the Convention Center at The Broadmoor offers over 315,000 square feet of meeting space. And every detail and service has been considered to make your event a success. Book your event today at conventioncenter.broadmoor.com 315,000+ SQ FT MEETING SPACE 93,500 SQ FT TRUE EXHIBIT SPACE PUBLISHER’SMESSAGE 4 APRIL 2022 | INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENTthemeetingmagazines.com844.350.4522 Broadmoor.com 1 Lake Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80906 Welcome to the True Colorado Convention Experience. So much space, the possibilities are wide open. Nestled in the scenic foothills of the Rockies, the Convention Center at The Broadmoor offers over 315,000 square feet of meeting space. And every detail and service has been considered to make your event a success. Book your event today at conventioncenter.broadmoor.com 315,000+ SQ FT MEETING SPACE 93,500 SQ FT TRUE EXHIBIT SPACE INDUSTRYNEWS themeetingmagazines.com 6 NEW YORK, N.Y. — Hard Rock Interna- tional has announced the opening of the much-anticipated Hard Rock Hotel New York. Uniquely situated in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, steps from iconic landmarks, including Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center and the Theater District, Hard Rock Hotel New York offers a backstage pass to the city’s historic Music Row, honoring its legacy through intricate design, curated amenities and award-winning guest experiences. Pay- ing homage to Music Row, the mecca of recording studios and music stores that once lined 48th Street, the hotel offers live music across all public spaces with a dynamic and engaging approach to entertainment programming. As part of a groundbreaking brand partnership between Hard Rock International and Audacy, one of the largest broadcasters in the United States, Hard Rock Hotel New York is home to an integrated Audacy Live state-of-the-art performance studio and entertainment hub. Hard Rock Hotel New York also features 446 exquisitely designed guest rooms and specialty suites offering floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the city’s vibrant energy. APRIL 2022 | INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT NEW ORLEANS, LA — New Orleans CityBusiness, a weekly business news- paper, has named Tim Hemphill, the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center’s vice president of sales, marketing and events, to their annual “Power 20.” The “Power 20” represents the most influential people in the New Orleans Hospitality and Tourism industry. Hemphill was chosen for this honor through an anonymous nomination process and was ultimately selected for his long list of contributions to the New Orleans hotel & tourism industry, as well as his contribu- tions to the local New Orleans community. An industry veteran, Hemphill has more than three decades of experience. BEAVER CREEK, CO — The Ritz-Carl- ton, Bachelor Gulch is at the final stage of the property’s transformation of the guest rooms and suites, Club Lounge and an enhancement of guest experi- ences, all to be unveiled this summer. As the summer season arrives, the resort invites guests to be the first to experience the design overhaul that embodies the pioneering spirit of the American West. For two decades, the resort, which offers 15,000 sf of indoor meeting space and 18,000 sf of out- door space, has remained at the fore- front of mountain luxury with best-in- class outdoor experiences, a celebrated collection of unique dining experiences and signature Ritz-Carlton hospital- ity. The renovations present a look that will cement its status as the top luxury mountain getaway, will debut enhanced room and suite interiors and will further the resort’s commitment to its guests and the destination. STUDY: BUSINESS TRAVEL STEERS TOWARD SLOW, YET STEADY ASCENT NEW YORK, N.Y. — Even as COVID-19 health concerns and travel restrictions subside, corporate travel faces a complex progno- sis. Many companies are now implementing the return-to-office plans they delayed last fall, and an increase in corporate travel is likely to accompany this shift. However, according to Deloitte’s new report, “Reshaping the Landscape: Corporate Travel in 2022 and Beyond,” a recovery to 2019 spending levels is not expected this year or next. While uncer- tainty around international relations and additional COVID-19 variants will continue to affect corporate travel, the scope of why and when employees are expected to travel for business is becoming clearer. According to the study, corporate travel did not meet most companies’ expectations in the second half of 2021 as the Delta and Omicron variants hindered plans. While one-third of travel managers surveyed in June 2021 expected to reach half of 2019 spend by the end of the year, only 8% reached that mark. Also, business travel spend is at least two years from reaching pre-pandemic levels. It is projected to reach 36% of 2019 levels in Q2 2022, and 55% by the end of the year, and three in 10 companies expect sustainability goals to result in an 11% to 25% reduction in travel budgets by 2025. Deloitte fielded its first corporate travel survey in June 2021, when a rebound appeared to be aligned with return-to-office plans initially set for the fall. To view the study, visit deloitte.com. HARD ROCK HOTEL NEW YORK MAKES ITS DEBUT NEWSPAPER PUTS CONVENTION CENTER EXECUTIVE ON LIST THE RITZ-CARLTON, BACHELOR GULCH AT FINAL STAGE OF TRANSFORMATION A recovery to 2019 spending levels is not expected this year or next. HemphillINSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT | APRIL 2022themeetingmagazines.com 7 PARADISE ISLAND, BAHAMAS — Atlan- tis Paradise Island is going bigger and bolder in 2022 by announcing multimil- lion-dollar renovations and exciting new partnerships at the iconic resort located on 5 miles of white-sand beaches in The Bahamas. For nearly 25 years, Atlantis, best known for exuding Bahamian cul- ture, serving as a marvel and custodian of marine life, and its landmark pink architecture — specifically the highly recognizable Royal Towers and Bridge Suite — has paved the way for luxury, hospitality, and entertainment in the Caribbean and around the world. Now the resort is raising the bar even higher by embarking upon a new chapter with an array of massive upgrades and striking enhancements that include the redevelopment of The Beach Tower and all Royal Tower guest rooms and suites, a reimagined Atlantis Casino, and the addition of another Michelin-starred chef to its already impressive dining ros- ter. The property enhancements include renovation of all guest rooms and suites in The Royal East Tower, which will be complete by summer 2022, closely fol- lowed by newly renovated rooms and suites in The Royal West Tower. Also, the Royal’s world-famous Bridge Suite is on track for total renovation and completion next year. The epitome of relaxed luxury on a grand scale, the design elements will include bold, organic, rich and opulent textures and details that reflect the legend of Atlan- tis and its oceanic design motif found throughout the resort. Gold finishes will remind guests of found treasures of the lost city of Atlantis. ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — On the heels of its 40th anniversary celebration last year, Tropicana Atlantic City is further strengthening its position as a leading destination on the East Coast. The casino-hotel has announced that it will be debuting eight new dining and entertainment concepts starting this summer, and undergoing gaming enhancements to further the resort’s evolution as a casino of the future. The new additions and enhancements are part of Caesars Entertainment’s commit- ment to invest $400 million into its Atlantic City resorts by 2023. Eight of the 14 new restaurants and fast-casual concepts debuting at Caesars Atlantic City proper- ties this year are at Tropicana. New arrivals this year are Wild Honey Smokehouse and Tavern, Ossu Japanese Tavern, Hash House A Go Go, Purple Zebra, Gin Rickey’s, The Royce Social Hall, Il Verdi, and Hawthorne & Cork. The property will now have a diverse and unparalleled offering for attendees this summer, further solidify- ing Caesars Entertainment resorts in Atlantic City among the top destinations for world-class hospitality experiences, gaming experiences and sports. LAS VEGAS, NV — For the first time, Caesars Entertainment, the world’s most diversified casino-entertainment pro- vider, was honored to accept two Fred- die Awards for “Best Customer Service” and “Best Promotion” in the Americas region for its loyalty program, Caesars Rewards, at the recent 31st annual Fred- die Awards ceremony in New Orleans. The Freddie Awards are voted on by millions of frequent flyers and reward program members to honor excellence in the travel loyalty industry. Caesars Rewards is a fully connected ecosystem where members can earn and redeem credits on gaming, hospitality, entertain- ment, nightlife, dining and shopping at more than 50 destinations and through the Caesars Sportsbook app. With more than 65 million members, it is the largest loyalty program in the gaming industry, and has continuously been recognized by members and the industry. CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT’S LOYALTY PROGRAM WINS TWO FREDDIE AWARDS FOR THE FIRST TIME ATLANTIS PARADISE ISLAND ANNOUNCES GROUNDBREAKING ENHANCEMENTS TROPICANA ATLANTIC CITY TO DEBUT EIGHT NEW DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT OFFERINGS DUBLIN, IRELAND — Following on the heels of the recent incredibly success- ful SITE Global Conference in Dublin, Ireland, the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) announced its 2023 Global Conference will be held in New York City next February. “We are thrilled to welcome the SITE Global Conference back to New York City next year,” says Fred Dixon, NYC & Company president and CEO. “We share a long history, hav- ing hosted the first-ever meeting of the Society of Incentive Travel Executives in NYC almost 50 years ago. With a robust hotel inventory, including more than 9,000 new rooms debuting this year, world-class venues, iconic museums and attractions, exclusive experiences and so much more to be found across all five boroughs, there is no better time to visit our vibrant destination. We greatly look forward to welcoming SITE attendees — and their clients — to NYC once again.” Next year’s SITE Global Conference will take place the week of February 13, 2023, with registration set to open later this year. SITE GLOBAL CONFERENCE CONFIRMED FOR NEW YORK CITY NEXT YEARCollaborate to Succeed Workplaces That Foster Collective Intelligence More Easily Overcome Hurdles BY ED HESS W hy collaboration matters is a no-brainer. As skill sets become increasingly spe- cialized and business gets more complex, multiple people must work together to problem-solve, innovate and do all the other tasks technology can’t. It goes without saying this needs to happen quickly. But, what we may not realize is that great collaboration isn’t just a meeting of minds. It’s a meeting of the minds, hearts and souls. It is that meeting of the minds, hearts and souls that enables the highest level of collaboration, which is called “collective intelligence.” Achieving this result is highly dependent upon how “human” your workplace is. You can’t just stick people in a room and say, “Okay, now collaborate!” The environment has to be right. People have to be able to bring their best selves to work. Otherwise, fear, ego and all kinds of other collaboration-squelching dynamics will run rampant. In a nutshell, leaders and employees alike must be able to continuously learn, unlearn and relearn so they can adapt to the reality of the world as it evolves. And a big part of making this happen is creating a culture in which caring, trusting teams can come together and do their thing. Team structures will dominate the digital age. INDUSTRYINSIDER themeetingmagazines.com 8 APRIL 2022 | INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENTBut before they can reach the highest levels of human collaboration, team members must be able to trust lead- ers and each other. They must feel safe. And creating those conditions is not easy. It requires a whole new style of leadership, which is actually more like “enableship.” So what about your company? Are leaders setting people up to collabo- rate at the highest level? Here are some observable actions to look for: 13 SIGNS THAT YOUR COMPANY IS COLLABORATION-FRIENDLY … • People feel safe to speak freely without retribution, ostra- cism or punishment. • Employees are more interested in finding the best ideas and solutions than in competing with each other. They are there to learn, not to “win” or “be right.” • Leaders define the purpose of the meeting up front. Because everyone is clear about why they are there, the team can immedi- ately get down to work. • Everyone is fully present and attentive. They make eye contact and display positive body lan- guage. They avoid multi-tasking and distractions. • People really listen to each other and ask questions to understand each other’s positions before they tell or critique. • People leave their egos at the door. • People are respectful of each other. They care about co-work- ers and emotionally connect in positive ways with each other. • People aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo. In fact, they constantly seek ways to reinvent and disrupt themselves. • Leaders encourage employees to take risks — within financial parameters — and be vulner- able and transparent. In turn, employees deal with their own fear and challenge themselves in their psychologically safe work environment. • People are willing to ask ques- tions and keep digging to get to the very best result — even if it means going with some- one else’s idea. • Everyone gets a chance to speak. Younger team members and introverts are asked to speak first — this guarantees that their views are heard. And the leader always speaks last. • Everyone uses “Yes, and” lan- guage instead of “Yes, but.” This prevents the group or outspoken individuals from overpower- ing certain voices. • A lot of people volunteer to be on teams. … AND 10 RED FLAGS THAT WARN IT MAY NOT BE. • Meeting sizes are too big to allow for effective collaboration. Smaller groups — generally, four to five people is ideal — allow for better communication and exchange of ideas. • There’s a sense that meetings are not really open discussions. The outcome is pre-determined and the real goal of the meeting is consent and compliance. • People rarely disagree or risk vulnerability, and when they do, they may be ridiculed, attacked or punished in some other way. • In meetings, people may check their phones or seem distracted. • Certain people aggressively advocate their views and push to a conclusion quickly. They are not interested in examining all sides of the issue, and as a result, good ideas are some- times overlooked. • Some people dominate the conversation, while others rarely speak. Extroverts talk over introverts, and highest-ranking people take the lead without giving lower-ranking personnel a chance to be heard. • People get personal in their cri- tiques. What someone says may be used against them — a sure sign that psychological safety has not been established at the onset of the meeting — or ever. • Some people refuse to budge on their positions. They are ego- driven, and therefore are unable to listen to or consider other ideas or opinions. • There’s a lot of interrupting. • Instead of listening to learn, people listen to confirm. The good news is that all compa- nies can create conditions that foster the right kind of collaboration. But a Band-Aid approach rarely works. It takes intention, focus and often a seismic shift in how leaders lead. I & FMM INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT | APRIL 2022themeetingmagazines.com 9 Edward D. Hess is professor emeritus of business administration, Batten Fellow and Batten Executive-in- Residence Emeritus at the Darden School of Business, and the author of “Hyper-Learning: How to Adapt to the Speed of Change.” He spent 20 years in the business world as a senior executive and the last 18 years in academia. He is the author of 13 books, more than 140 articles and 60 Darden case studies. His work has appeared in more than 400 global media outlets, including Fortune, Fast Company, WIRED, Forbes Inc., Huffington Post and The Washington Post. For more information, visit EdHess.org. THE AUTHOR Leaders and employees alike must be able to continuously learn, unlearn and relearn so they can adapt.Next >