< PreviousClass gathering in March, according to Jennifer Boyce, senior manager, experiential marketing for the company. The event celebrated the top 65 Equitable producers and managers within the Tax- Exempt Group Retirement Market, a unique group of financial professionals dedi- cated to serving employees in the education, police, fire and health-care sector. “The Caribbean was an ideal meet- ing location because we were looking for a beautiful des- tination with good weather in March,” Boyce says. “San Juan has good airlift from all around the U.S. and the cost to travel was reasonable.” Boyce notes the Fairmont El San Juan offered flexible meeting options for the event, which drew a total of 100 attend- ees. With almost 30,000 sf of meeting space, the hotel has a 10,040-sf Grand Ballroom, along with breakout rooms tucked away from guest areas with meet- ing spaces named for some of the resort’s past crooners, such as (Paul) Anka, (José) Feliciano and (Rita) Moreno. “The out- door spaces for evening functions were perfect, and the Grand Ballroom for the general session was just what we needed, Boyce says. “The Fairmont El San Juan worked very hard to ensure all attendees had a great experience. I did not person- ally encounter any challenges, and they did a wonderful job of being responsive to all of our group’s needs from the moment we booked to the time we checked out.” The renovation of the resort, along with the Fairmont relationship — which started in 2020 — has built on the hotel’s mid-century glamour while updating many of the features today’s upscale market demands. The Club Tropicoro stage has been refreshed, and its ter- raced seating areas can be leveraged for smaller events, while the Chico Caba- ret stage offers another private lounge in the style of a Manhattan speak-easy. The resort’s most recent addition is 13 renovated Banyan Rooms, one-story villas positioned next to a 300-year-old banyan tree. And the glamorous casino, closed since the hurricane, has received a $12.5 million restoration and just reopened under the Foxwoods banner. A MIX OF OLD AND NEW New to San Juan is the 177-room Aloft San Juan hotel, which opened in 2020, but gained full steam with the debut of the adjacent Distrito T-Mobile entertainment complex last August. Aloft’s 3,524-sf Grand Salon can be bro- ken into four sections, with large win- dows for natural light. The WXYZ Bar offers cocktails and light meals next to the lobby, and offers work and networking space through the day, becoming a livelier music space at night. Meanwhile, Distrito T-Mobile offers 12 dining options and the Coca Cola Music Hall, a mixed-use per- formance venue with space for more than 6,000 attendees. With the neighboring 600,000-sf Puerto Rico Convention Center — the most techno- logically advanced facility in the Caribbean — and three additional hotels, the island now has a thriving, walkable convention center district providing planners the ability to stage large-scale gatherings. Another Puerto Rico icon is the Caribe Hilton, located a half-mile from the convention center, on a 17-acre property at the entrance to the penin- sula containing Old San Juan, the oldest city in America flying the stars and stripes. Originally opened in 1949, the hotel is a Caribbean classic, and where the piña colada was first conceived. Hur- ricane Maria provided the incentive for a $150 million renovation of the 652-room hotel, which reopened in May 2019, just in time to toast its 70th anniversary. “Our company has always looked to host events in the Caribbean, due to its accessibility and weather conditions,” says Carter Sims, director of market- ing for Captive Alternatives (CapAlt), an insurance consultancy that brought its 150-attendee annual meeting to the island last November. “We thought Puerto Rico would be the ideal location to host our annual meeting, since no passport is required. It’s a great place for groups because it offers diverse topog- raphy with beach, city and rainforest all within a pretty short drive; great, authentic cuisine; friendly locals and a rich culture that can be felt through its music, food, art and celebrations.” Sims notes that San Juan is a short flight from many major U.S. cities, Eng- lish is widely spoken, there’s no cur- rency exchange and no passports are required for U.S. citizens. “Here, groups get the benefit of an exotic, tropical escape without the hassle of having to travel abroad. It was an easy decision when we came across the Caribe Hil- ton and its amenities.” Sims continues, “The Caribe Hilton features more than 65,000 sf of versatile meeting space, which incorporates three ballrooms and plenty of picturesque outdoor event spaces, inclusive of the resort’s beach, sprawling oceanfront pool area, sweep- ing gardens, gazebo, terraces and more. In addition to plenty of outdoor space, the hotel provides groups with the option to keep accommodations within themeetingmagazines.com 30 APRIL 2022 | INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT Jennifer Boyce Senior Manager, Experiential Marketing Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company The Caribbean was an ideal location ... we were looking for a beautiful destination with good weather in March. A Junkanoo band, part of a variety of entertainment offerings at Atlantis, Paradise Island, brings island culture to life in the Bahamas. your event can MAKE A DIFFERENCE Atlantis is proud to support World Central Kitchen (WCK) and their mission to use the power of food to nourish communities and strengthen economies in times of crisis and beyond. When you hold your event at Atlantis you can help further the humanitarian efforts of World Central Kitchen. Simply choose the WCK banquet option and a donation will be made in your organization’s name along with a matching donation from Atlantis. For more information visit MeetingsAtAtlantis.com or call 800.722.2449your event can MAKE A DIFFERENCE Atlantis is proud to support World Central Kitchen (WCK) and their mission to use the power of food to nourish communities and strengthen economies in times of crisis and beyond. When you hold your event at Atlantis you can help further the humanitarian efforts of World Central Kitchen. Simply choose the WCK banquet option and a donation will be made in your organization’s name along with a matching donation from Atlantis. For more information visit MeetingsAtAtlantis.com or call 800.722.2449one building or wing of the hotel to minimize interac- tions with other guests. The meeting and event space is big enough to accommodate convention- sized groups, yet the prop- erty offers a true leisure feel so groups get the best of both worlds and enjoy San Juan in style.” Sims says the hotel’s operations team ensured the conference ran smoothly, providing assistance with stage setup, and sound and video equipment. “Having a flexible operations team for catering and A/V equipment is a must, and at the Caribe Hilton, they offered much more,” Sims says. “We wanted to create a very laid-back atmosphere, and the team at Caribe Hilton helped to per- fectly execute our ideas.” AROUND THE REGION Grand Cayman was locked down tightly in the early stages of the pandemic, but has been gradually opening its doors since December, and can now show off a renovated Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. During the first year of the pandemic, the resort relied on a steady stream of guests who spent a mandatory two weeks of quarantine on arrival in The Ritz-Carl- ton, Grand Cayman’s cosseting embrace. Last June, the resort used the destina- tion’s strict protocols to close its doors, embarking on a $50 million renovation that transformed guest rooms, meeting spaces and public areas. The face-lift was designed to retain a sense of place, while “imbuing a more youthful and chic spirit,” and playing up sophisticated Brit- ish West Indies style. The resort features 13,000 sf of event space, including the 9,000-sf Royal Ballroom with an adjoin- ing terrace, and additional indoor and outdoor meeting space. For its annual conference this year, the Barbados-based Insurance Associa- tion of the Caribbean Inc. (IAC) will be bringing attendees from more than 40 countries around the world. Easy air access is important, which is a major reason the group chose Nassau, Baha- mas for its upcoming summer event. “The Bahamas is an ideal location, as most attendees use Miami as a hub air- port,” says Janelle Thompson, B.Sc., PG. Dip., M.Sc., CEO of IAC. Further, the group selected Atlantis Paradise Island — located a 25-minute drive from the Nassau airport — to host its projected 450 to 600 attendees. “It is ideal to have a property that has conference facilities so that attendees don’t need to shuttle back and forth from the hotel” to a con- vention center, Thompson says. The 3,401-room Atlantis boasts the largest hotel-based meeting facility in the Caribbean region, with more than 500,000 sf of meeting space. The 171- acre resort also includes a casino, golf course, retail complexes, more than 20 restaurants, an aquarium and the largest water park in the islands, themed around the lost city of Atlantis. Its towers house a variety of room products, ranging from the iconic, family-friendly Royal Tower to the adult sophistication of The Cove; from the condo-style Reef Tower to the less-costly Beach and Coral towers built in the 1960s and predating the Atlan- tis concept. There’s also Harborside Resort, a time- share option overlooking the resort’s marina. “Having a convention center is a plus,” Thomp- son says. “Also, having a range of rooms with vari- ous price points appeals to attendees, as you have your pick from five properties at one location.” For planners utilizing the convention center, Thompson recom- mends housing attendees at the Coral and Royal Towers, which provide faster access — a shorter walk — to the conference area. Although Thompson notes that A/V pricing is on par with other properties, she echoes a common observation about Atlantis: “Banquet menus are a bit pricier than most, especially once service charges and taxes are added.” It’s also worth considering ongoing room renovations, a project that started in 2018 with an overhaul of the Coral, Cove and Reef buildings, but was then delayed due to the pandemic. The east wing of the Royal Tower is scheduled to be completed soon, with the west wing to be wrapped up the first quarter of next year. “For a larger business con- ference, it is absolutely necessary to do a detailed site inspection to ensure that the space allocated is suitable,” Thomp- son says. “With such a large convention center, which is more than often shared, you will want to ensure that you get the best possible space to suit your group’s needs, and to ensure that any breakouts are in close proximity to each other.” Thompson also recommends work- ing with the Bahamas Ministry of Tour- ism for assistance with hotel selection, site inspections, visa and immigration clearance, and airport meet and greet. “For the larger properties, the earlier you book, the better.” Thompson looks for- ward to sharing the broader region with the association. “Being a Caribbean based group, this is a good opportunity to showcase to international attendees what the Caribbean has to offer in terms of hospital- ity, culture, food and accommodations,” she says. I & FMM themeetingmagazines.com 32 APRIL 2022 | INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT Atlantis, Paradise Island offers more than 500,000 sf of meeting space, a casino, golf course, retail complexes, more than 20 restaurants, an aquarium and the largest water park in the Bahamas. Carter Sims Director of Marketing Captive Alternatives We thought Puerto Rico would be the ideal location to host our annual meeting, since no passport is required. 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.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. CORPORATELADDER themeetingmagazines.com 34 APRIL 2022 | INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT Choose Chicago has hired Shavonne Harding as national sales manager for the convention sales depart- ment’s East Coast team as a national sales manager. Prior to this role, she was regional director of sales at Visit Baltimore. She also has worked with The Freeman Company, Amazon Web Services and Destination DC. Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, has pro- moted Jillian Stevens to director of meetings and spe- cial events from her role as assistant director of cater- ing and conference services. Stevens brings more than two decades of experience. Before joining the Grand Wailea, she was the director of catering and events at the Waldorf Astoria. Hutton Hotel has hired Larry Tsoumas as direc- tor of sales and marketing. His more than 20 years of experience in the luxury market includes working with One&Only Palmilla; Peninsula Chicago; Four Sea- sons Santa Barbara; The Ritz Carlton, Amelia Island and Mandarin Oriental, Boston in sales and mar- keting positions. Marquis Los Cabos has promoted Casandra Luna to the position of director of sales and marketing. She started working with the company in 2016 as tour and travel manager before moving up to senior manager tour and travel and then associate director of sales, before this newest position. She also worked with Tes- oro Resorts and Villa Group Resorts. The Statler Dallas, a Curio Collection by Hilton hotel managed by Aimbridge Hospitality, has hired Crystal Kennedy as area director of sales. Part of her position will include leading sales at the Hilton Dallas Lincoln Centre. Before, Kennedy was senior national accounts director at the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau. She has also worked at Dallas’ Hilton Anatole Hotel. Virgin Hotels Las Vegas has brought on industry veteran Edd Karlan as vice president of sales & ser- vices. He has worked for Hilton for more than 25 years in various positions. Most recently, he was the complex director of sales & marketing for the Chateau Elan Win- ery & Resort in Atlanta, Georgia. Visit Greater Palm Springs has hired Carolina Viazcan as vice president of sales. Her most recent position was as director of sales & marketing at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa. She has more than 20 years of experience, including at PGA National Resort & Spa, JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa and La Quinta Resort & Club. The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch has announced that it has hired Tim Keough as its new director of sales and marketing. Keough has worked for many companies over the last 20 years, includ- ing Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resorts, Crescent Hotels & Resorts, Destination Hotels and Starwood Hotels & Resorts. 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 KARLANKENNEDY KEOUGHVIAZCAN LUNATSOUMAS STEVENSHARDINGPLANFORSUCCESS 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 |VISITCELEBRITYCORPORATEKITCOMORCONTACTYOURTRAVELPARTNERWe care about event professionals and the environment. Hilton shares your commitment to making the world a better, more sustainable place. Our Meet with Purpose program oers opportunities to execute more impactful meetings and is driven by a focus on environmental responsibility. A key component is LightStay, which provides metrics for events to ensure you meet your environmental and social impact goals. Available at every Hilton location, LightStay measures a hotel’s impact and tracks the hotel’s environmental progress. Ask your Sales Manager about the Impact Calculator and ensure meetings are sustainable and measurable in the ways that matter most to you. Learn more at meetwithpurpose.com . You have everyone else’s back. Hilton has yours. Your time is a precious resource and so is the planet.Next >