< Previousit is not available. Or, they may need to be very flexible with their expectations, such as going to a more limited-service property, choosing a second-tier city, paying a higher rate or changing dates, agenda, etc. to fit.” So, when negotiating contracts, she stresses being careful with terminology. For example, using the term right of termi- nation instead of force majeure. “Force majeure is generally situations that are unforeseen and out of the parties’ con- trol,” Everett says. “There is some gray area around whether COVID can be considered a foreseen situation now, so it might not be covered under force majeure. If you have a right of ter- mination clause, then you are simply outlining scenarios when the contract may be terminated and what happens in those scenarios. The hotel and meeting host could jointly agree on how/when a termination for a pandemic would apply.” Virtual meetings have also changed some of the legal issues that must be considered. As efficient and safe as they may be, there’s a barrier between the parties that isn’t present in per- son. With this, miscommunication or misunderstandings hap- pen. On a more technical level, planners need to understand where someone is located. A lot of people relocated during the pandemic and virtual meetings allow them to take calls anywhere — so making sure you’re licensed and authorized to practice/sell/work in that jurisdiction is vital. NEGOTIATING CONTRACTS Damien H. Weinstein, a partner in Weinstein + Klein PC, notes the contract will often define the relationship and set the tone. “As in any ‘sales’ situation, the potential buyer wants to see the fine print,” he says. “And given the sensitive nature, they may be on high alert and inherently nervous, suspicious or event skeptical. The most important issue is having a clear, understand- able, and the least ‘legalese’ contract as possible,” he says. “Don’t make the arrangement more confusing or difficult than it needs to be. Clear, concise and fairly drafted agreements can put the other party at ease, encourage closing the deal and avoid delay, distrust or the concerning ‘I’ll take this back and look it over.’” Disclaimers are one thing that needs to be checked for sure, Weinstein says. “No guaranteed results, figures are based on projections only, nothing is binding until signed,” he says. “Don’t overdo these, since you should stand by your pitch — but make sure that the other party understands the hypothetical nature of some of the information conveyed. Equally important is a disclaimer about uncontrollable events. In the financial world, the markets are outside of our control. Don’t acciden- tally include language in the contract that suggests otherwise.” Kim Chan, founder and CEO of DocPro, has more than 20 years of experience providing legal advice to meeting plan- ners. “The most important issue is not how much the meeting planner can charge, but what is the potential liability for plan- ning, supervising and coordinating the activities necessary for the production of events,” he says. “Should an accident occur, it has the potential effect of devastating your business or even ruining you personally if you are conducting your business as a sole proprietor and not a company.” Generally, the employer or the customer, is likely to be responsible for the action of its employees, and also the safety of the premises it occupies and manages. It is not so clear cut in the case of meeting planners who are not employees and may have some degree of control of the event venue. “The test to establish occupier’s liability is whether a per- son has a sufficient degree of control over the premises that they owe a duty of care to those lawfully on the premises,” Chan says. “It is important for the meeting planner to agree with the customer that it is not an occupier. It is not respon- sible for the control of the premises. Its liability is limited to the amount of fees it received, and if there is sufficient third- party insurance to cover the event. If possible, it is good to get themeetingmagazines.com 20 AUGUST 2022 | INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT Damien Weinstein, far left, partner at Weinstein + Klein PC, says fair contract negotiating is vitally important because it will often set the tone and define the relationship between parties. COURTESY OF DAMIEN WEINSTEINwarranties and indemnities from the customer.” Other legal issues that must be considered, according to Chan, are the completion date of the project and if it can be extended by either party; servicer’s obligations, and what the event planner’s services cover; pre-event consultation, and how it should be conducted; how much to charge for service fees; licenses, permits and/or permissions to provide the ser- vices; and the ever-changing cancellation policy. “There should definitely be a COVID disclaimer for the event,” Chan says. Mark A. Herschberg, author of “The Career Toolkit, Essential Skills for Success That No One Taught You” and professional conference speaker, has seen a lot change since COVID-19 reared its ugly head in March of 2020. “One confer- ence I go to has been going to the same hotel for decades,” he says. “When COVID hit, someone was going to lose money. It was a question of how to split it between the conference and hotel. They could go to what the letter of the contract said based on the date decisions were made. Both sides recognized that they expected to work together for years to come, and in doing so, were less concerned over maximizing this one deal — minimizing their loss in this instance.” So rather than bicker over the legalities, both parties rec- ognized that, working together, instead of quibbling over a specific dollar today, generated the best outcome. “One way to price in uncertainty is allow for cancellations to become deferments,” Herschberg says. “As a simplified example, instead of a strict 66% refund, 33% refund or [no] refund, depending on how many days out an event is changed, maybe it’s more granular, and any remaining percent is a deposit split for future events over the next two years.” That’s something he thinks should be negotiated and included in the contract so no legal fight ensues if something were to happen. Jonathan T. Howe, founding partner and president of Howe & Hutton Ltd., has fielded call after call from meeting planners about what’s going to happen with scheduled meet- ings in the upcoming months. “Bottom line is, you have this conflict between ‘Will I travel?’ ‘Can I travel?’ ‘What does my boss say?’ and ‘What do I say about how I feel about travel?’ The major concern is what is going on in the place I want to go, who else is going to be there and how am I going to plan this,” he says. “Everything is semi up for grabs right now. Peo- ple want to get out and about and have face-to-face meetings.” But the impact of COVID and the ability to get to a meet- ing safely is making that all hard. The airlines have canceled thousands of flights, and that is a concern and can impact who can attend a meeting, which could result in a legal battle over cancellation. “A lot of the insurance companies and financial institutions still have in-place restrictions on the ability of their people to be able to travel,” Howe said. “So, right away, if I’m a savvy meeting planner and I’m looking at what I want to do, I need to find out what the corporate policies may be at this given moment for my meetings in the next 6 to 7 months.” After all, there were plenty of return-to-office programs scheduled for early this year, but the Omicron variant changed all those plans, with many being pushed out at least a month or two. “It comes down to doing your homework,” Howe said. “The problem is, a lot of these meetings have already been pre-planned, contracts have been signed and planners don’t know their legal options for the contract.” One of Howe’s mottoes to clients is, “I cannot blame you for bad news, but I can blame you for not telling me.” He con- tinues, “A lot of this comes down to negotiating contracts you may have signed in 2019, and now things are happening in a lot shorter term from the standpoint of booking, and what you want to put in play,” he says. “You need to be aware of your decision points — the dates you need to make a decision going forward as to a go or no-go.” So, if someone is planning a meeting for 2023 right now, they need to consider the flexibility to renegotiate, postpone or even cancel, and build all of that into the contract. “Don’t assume the contract you saw yesterday is the same contract you are getting today,” Howe says. “Changes are being made. This is not a static industry, and terms and conditions are being adjusted according to the concept of risk. They are going to use the contract in no small part to be the device to limit the risk. If you don’t under- stand what it means, you better darn sure ask what it means.” FINAL THOUGHTS One thing the experts agree on is that planners, before sign- ing any contract, should hire an attorney to look it over to pro- tect their interests. “Better to do that upfront before signing rather than after,” Shedlock says. “However, if you find yourself in a situation where you’ve signed a contract and are now trying to undo it, contact an attorney. It may take several weeks’ worth of letters and negotiations, but most venues are reasonable.” Weinstein has seen scenarios where cut/paste jobs carry over bad legal language from one contract to another. For example, choice of law provisions, arbitration v. litigation, etc. What works for one client may not work for another, so being diligent is vital. “My best advice is review, review and review, then have a lawyer review,” he says. “No two contracts are the same, and even the slightest confusion or ambiguity can have a disastrous impact. For such a foundational document, get professional eyes on the document.” The financial and insurance industries can be complicated, nuanced and intricate. Don’t rely on stock or form agreements circulating the internet or available for purchase from “profes- sional contract” websites. A little time, and a little expense, can go a long way to getting a contract that works for you. I & FMM INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT | AUGUST 2022themeetingmagazines.com 21 Jonathan T. Howe , Founding Partner and President, Howe & Hutton Ltd. If I’m a savvy meeting planner and I’m looking at what I want to do, I need to find out what the corporate policies may be at this given moment for my meetings in the next 6 to 7 months.themeetingmagazines.com 22 AUGUST 2022 | INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT The ‘Garden State’s’ Gleaming Gaming Oasis BY MAURA KELLER A longtime favorite among East Coast residents, Atlantic City is fast becoming a nice option as a meetings and events destination for insur- ance and financial meeting professionals from across the country. This Jersey Shore resort destination is teeming with fun-filled entertainment, capti- vating casinos, award-winning cuisine, wonderful shopping destinations and oceanside retreats that leave meeting and event attendees wanting more. And while the city’s historic Boardwalk and casino gam- bling is a key attraction of Atlantic City, many planners and attendees themselves find this entertainment destination offers something for everyone. Best of all, Atlantic City is easily acces- sible and within a three-hour drive of 30% of the U.S. popula- tion. In addition to the Atlantic City International Airport, the Philadelphia International Airport is within a one-hour drive. What’s more, the city offers more than 5 miles of pristine beaches, boasts 17,500 hotel rooms and 1.8 million sf of meet- ing space. And while the regional resorts and casinos offer a wonderful array of meeting space options, the Atlantic City Convention Center’s (ACCC) five spacious exhibition venues are located on the building’s second level and range in size from 29,400 sf to 199,500 sf. In addition, the ACCC features a wealth of meeting rooms — 45 in total that are ideal for small meetings or training seminars. And with more than 32,000 sf of pre-function space, the ACCC offers ample room for gath- erings and events of all sizes. Lisa Obolsky, vice president of operations at a group repre- senting New Jersey builders, recently orchestrated the largest annual building industry trade show in the Northeast. The event draws thousands of participants from the region, including resi- dential and commercial builders, developers, remodelers and subcontractors, plus a variety of manufacturers, suppliers and DESTINATION REPORT CITYconsulting professionals. The convention features hundreds of exhibits showcasing the latest products and services to a large and diverse audience of decision-makers. Attendees gain up-to- date information about the latest market trends, government policies and technical developments at educational seminars. For Obolsky, Atlantic City offers abundant meeting and event space throughout the city, as well as a great diversity of enter- tainment options to incorporate into the trade show’s schedule and enhance the attendee experience. “Whether you are bring- ing your show to the city for the first time or for the 45th time, the best first step is to contact the folks at Meet AC,” Obolsky says. “They are responsible members of the business community and expertly refer the right business to meet your needs. As we strive to keep our show fresh and introduce something new each year, we have turned to the staff at Meet AC, who are keenly aware of what is going on in the city and have helped us incor- porate points of interest into our show to help attract visitors.” CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT Atlantic City is filled with an array of venues that can accommodate groups of all sizes. One of the biggest names in resort destinations is Caesars Entertainment. Known for providing a memorable experience at all of their world-class casinos and hotels throughout the U.S., Caesars Entertainment has certainly made its mark on the Atlantic City landscape — pro- viding a wealth of meeting and event venue options at its Las Vegas-style resort destinations in the Atlantic City region. In addition to Caesars Atlantic City, the company’s other two proper- ties — Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City and Tropicana Atlantic City — have become favorites among meeting planners thanks to their wealth of amenities and experiences, including nightlife, shopping, celebrity chefs and entertain- ment. “In particular, [Harrah’s Resort and Tropicana] offer an all-inclusive resort all under one roof. Tropicana is per- fectly located on the Atlantic City Boardwalk and offers great space for outdoor receptions and experiences,” says Steve van der Molen, vice president, meeting operations, Atlantic City with Caesars Entertainment. “Harrah’s Resort is a little more secluded and is the largest hotel conference complex from Baltimore to Boston, and Caesars Atlantic City is the jewel on the Boardwalk. In addition to the flexible conference space, the properties have large theaters, which are often used for general sessions.” In fact, with its prime Marina District location, the Water- front Conference Center at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City offers more than 100,000 sf of flexible meeting space. In addition, Harrah’s Resort offers another 125,000 sf of meeting space and more than 2,500 guest rooms. A favorite spot for many groups to meet is under Harrah’s 90-foot-high glass dome INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT | AUGUST 2022themeetingmagazines.com 23 COURTESY OF RESORTS CASINO HOTEL Atlantic City’s popularity among meeting planners and attendees has grown as the destination now offers more than gaming. Donna Ward Vice President of Sales Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City There is something for everyone, and the opportunity to have any experience at your fingertips is what sets us apart.CaesarsMeansBusiness.com 855-633-8238within an indoor tropical oasis. Here, up to 2,000 attendees can be enamored with a unique meeting experience. For more than 40 years, Tropicana Atlantic City has been a favorite among meeting planners who are looking for expansive meeting spaces. As one of New Jersey’s largest hotels, Tropicana boasts more than 122,000 sf of meet- ing space and 2,400 guest rooms. For large-scale events, conferences and trade shows, Tropicana’s Grand Exhi- bition Center is a multipurpose space measuring almost 20,000 sf. Often used for trade shows, this room can accom- modate more than 115 standard exhibit booths. In addition, Tropicana offers a 2,000-seat Broadway-style theater, ideal for large award programs or gen- eral sessions. While Tropicana has long been cel- ebrated for its memorable cuisine and casino entertainment, recently Tropi- cana Atlantic City announced that it soon will be debuting eight new din- ing and entertainment concepts, and undergoing gaming enhancements. The new additions and enhancements are part of Caesars Entertainment’s com- mitment to invest $400 million into its Atlantic City resorts by next year. Eight of the 14 new restaurants and fast-casual concepts debuting at Caesars Entertainment’s Atlantic City properties this year are at Tropicana. The plans for Tropicana join the game- changing enhancements that are tak- ing place at Caesars Atlantic City and Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City, including more than 2,100 newly renovated rooms and suites. Nobu Atlantic City — which will be within Caesars Atlantic City — and Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen are soon opening, and a new theater show by Spiegelworld is arriving next year at Caesars Atlantic City. “Building on Tropicana’s success over the last four decades, we are thrilled to go all-in on our investment in this incredible resort destination, our team members, and the community we serve, as we introduce an unparalleled eight new dining offerings and addi- tional transformative gaming enhance- ments this year,” says Jacqueline Grace, senior vice president and general man- ager for Tropicana Atlantic City in a recent news release. And as van der Molen explains, the enhancements to Caesars Enter- tainment’s presence in Atlantic City is further exemplified by the hands-on attention and service meeting planners receive while planning an event at this oceanside gem. “Our sales people are located in your destination. They know the properties well and can not only check availability and quote rates, but be a great resource to help you plan an impactful conference,” van der Molen says. “Our catering and convention ser- vices managers are knowledgeable and will help you with all of your needs. Everyone is focused on delivering and exceeding expectations.” The properties also have a wide range of amenities and offer great value for conferences. Caesars Entertain- ment has a reputation for service and providing a memorable food and bever- age experience,” van der Molen says. “The catering team will work with you to customize your menus. Being in the Garden State, the menus are always changing with the seasons as much is locally sourced.” HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO ATLANTIC CITY Another fan favorite among meeting planners is Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. As Donna Ward, vice pres- ident of sales, explains, the resort can host meetings and conventions of any size, with more than 2,000 rooms and more than 150,000 sf of meeting and event space. “We have a variety of ven- ues available to amplify programs and are designed to accommodate groups of all sizes — from intimate board meet- ings to large-scale events with the ability to host up to 7,000 people or 300-plus-booth trade shows and expo events,” Ward says. As a resort destination, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City offers non- traditional venues available for roundta- bles, discussions and appointments that are attractive to groups and social set- tings. “There is something for everyone, and the opportunity to have any experi- ence at your fingertips is what sets us apart from other destinations known for their meetings and events,” Ward says. “The casino resort is motivated by music, and that is ingrained in our offerings for groups. With a vast collection of music memorabilia, often touted as one of the largest collections in the Northeast, we are able to offer unique music- centric activities, such as trivia and scavenger hunts and guided tours for groups during their breakout sessions.” Last year, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City made a $20 million capital investment, which included suite reno- vations, the opening of a new Starbucks, additional slot and table games, a new dining outlet called Sandpiper Coastal Bar & Grill, and a refresh of beachfront amenities. Additionally, Hard Rock Atlantic City was the first casino resort in the destination to bring back live entertainment in 2020. “There are endless opportunities at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City for work and play. As a resort destination, themeetingmagazines.com 26 AUGUST 2022 | INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT COURTESY OF HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO ATLANTIC CITY Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City has additional slot and table games and other amenities after a $20 million capital investment.attendees are able to enjoy a wide array of activities from exciting entertainment to world-class relaxing spa treatments at the Rock Spa,” Ward says. When it comes to dining, the legendary Hard Rock Cafe offers an indoor/outdoor dining option — including a private space for groups — with a sophisticated urban vibe and clas- sic American menu, alongside signature fine dining at Council Oak Steaks and Seafood, Kuro and the aforementioned Sandpiper Coastal Bar & Grill. “We also have additional outdoor dining options, including the Hard Rock Beach Bar, Balcony Bar, Sugar Fac- tory and Fish & Co.,” Ward says. “We’re fortunate to be located on the famous Atlantic City Boardwalk with the iconic Steel Pier as our backdrop, so our loca- tion alone allows guests to enjoy a nice walk, run or bike ride along the ocean.” OCEAN CASINO RESORT Another venerable venue in Atlantic City, Ocean Casino Resort, sits promi- nently on more than 20 acres of beach- front property along the Boardwalk. With more than 160,000 sf of flexible indoor meeting and convention space, Ocean Casino Resort can accommo- date groups as small as 10 to as large at 10,000 attendees. For those looking for “meet-and-greet” opportunities, the resort offers many outdoor gathering spaces. In total, Ocean Casino Resort boasts 90,000 sf of unique outdoor space where you can bring your event outside. Following a $15 million casino floor remodel this year, Ocean Casino Resort has recently announced that it is begin- ning construction on a new sports venue, intertwining an entertainment bar and lounge, along with an immersive gaming and sports wagering experience. The $4 million initiative debuted recently. RESORTS CASINO HOTEL There’s something to be said about working some and playing some at any meeting or event. That’s why Resorts Casino Hotel, with its nearly 100,000-sf casino, is a playground for those attend- ees looking for entertainment oppor- tunities 24 hours a day. And thanks to Resorts 310 feet of Atlantic City Board- walk frontage overlooking the stunning Atlantic Ocean, those looking to take in nature’s beauty can do so. Resorts features a 1,350-seat show- room, a 300-seat theater, six restaurants, two VIP slot and table player lounges, an indoor-outdoor swimming pool, Boogie Nights dance club, two lounges, a salon, a health club and spa and retail shops. And the property features approxi- mately 39,000 sf of convention facilities, including seven meeting rooms and a 13,000-sf ballroom. The Resorts Confer- ence Center is a multifaceted convention and event space featuring an additional 12,000 sf of meeting space and 12 con- ference rooms. The Atlantic Ballroom is a 6,500-sf function room with a multi-use pre- function area. In total, Resorts offers more than 64,000 sf of space, with 24 meeting and event rooms, many of which offer natural light and ocean views. MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL MGM Resorts International has long been celebrated as the “go to” for casino entertainment, thanks in part to its wealth of properties dotting the Las Vegas landscape. However, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City is an MGM gem that offers meeting plan- ners a wonderful option to house their next meeting or event in contemporary, state-of-art environs. Borgata’s expan- sive ballroom features 30,000 sf that can accommodate everything from large formal dinners to receptions to shows. In fact, the ballroom can accommodate a theater-style event for up to 3,200 attendees or banquet events for 1,700. In addition, Borgata’s Central Conference Center is a contemporary space that is ideal for business expos, trade shows and meetings. Highly customizable, the conference center showcases 18,000 sf of space in a bi- level design. The space includes five meeting rooms, a boardroom and an office on the lower level, as well as a 6,500-sf, clear-span ballroom on the upper level. And when it is time to relax and unwind, Borgata’s Premier Nightclub is an ideal location to host a private social gathering in the 11,200- sf venue that can accommodate up to 1,400 attendees. WHAT’S NEW IN ATLANTIC CITY Casinos and resorts aside, Atlantic City is always featuring new, innova- tive attractions and venues that are ideal for meeting and event attendees to enjoy. The all-new North Beach Mini Golf features 18 holes and is set amidst historical design elements, all of which celebrate the great “Garden State’s” sites and landmarks. For water lovers in your group, Atlantic City’s upcoming Island Water- park, set to open next year, is sure to excite. It will be considered the larg- est indoor beachfront waterpark in the world when it opens. Located at the Showboat Atlantic City Hotel, Island Waterpark will span 103,000 sf and feature an array of waterslides, lazy riv- ers and pools. The waterpark will also feature retail outlets, party rooms and lounge areas, plus a retractable glass roof making it the ideal year-round attraction. I & FMM INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT | AUGUST 2022themeetingmagazines.com 27 COURTESY OF STEVE VAN DER MOLEN Steve van der Molen, vice president, meeting operations, Atlantic City with Caesars Entertainment, center, says the company’s convention services team is “knowledgeable and will help you with all of your needs.”themeetingmagazines.com 28 AUGUST 2022 | INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT ARIZONA A Destination Offering Boundless Desert Beauty Y ear in and year out, Arizona delivers exceptional value for insurance and financial planners seeking a five-star destination that offers easy accessibil- ity, affordable luxury, expansive indoor/ outdoor spaces, magical dining venues and an environ- ment infused with boundless desert beauty, as well as the warmth of sunshine 300+ days a year. It’s a win- ning combination that elevates the meeting experience every time, eliciting high praise from meeting planners and attendees eager for a return visit. SCOTTSDALE “It all starts with accessibility,” says Kelli Blubaum, vice president of sales & services for Experience Scott- sdale. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) serves as a key transportation hub for the region — a mere 4 miles southeast of downtown Phoenix and only 10 miles from Scottsdale — while downtown Tucson is a short 20-minute drive from Tucson International Airport. In addition, many hotel properties lie within easy walking distance of shopping, dining and popular local attractions, a prime factor for planners when it comes to scheduling free time and/or group activities off-site. Blubaum highlights but a few of the possible activities: “Meetings groups can sample regional, farm-to-table cuisine at downtown Scottsdale’s locally owned and operated restaurants, as well as sip and savor Arizona- made wines and beers at downtown’s tasting rooms and breweries. Plus, groups can experience the Wild West during tours and events planned at Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, located in downtown Scottsdale’s Arts District.” Blubaum adds: “Scottsdale’s Sonoran Desert setting DESTINATION REPORT BY NANCY MUELLER COURTESY OF VISIT TUCSON Sunset at Gates Pass in Tucson epitomizes the scenery found throughout Arizona.Kelli Blubaum Vice President of Sales & Services Experience Scottsdale The desert is always in sight, whether groups are staying overnight at one of our world- class resorts that sit on the desert foothills or a hotel in our vibrant, cacti-dotted downtown. is one that truly sets itself apart. With the remarkable clarity of light, crisp air and exotic cac- tus blossoms, the desert leaves meeting guests feeling inspired. Groups visiting Scottsdale experience the desert no mat- ter where they are in the city,” she says. “The desert is always in sight, whether groups are staying overnight at one of our world-class resorts that sit on the desert foothills or a hotel in our vibrant, cacti-dotted downtown. For example, meeting groups can adventure out into the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, more than 35,000 acres of pristine, protected desert. They also can get a taste of the desert’s bounty in downtown Scottsdale. It’s all topped off by the untamed beauty of the Sonoran Des- ert, with our wide-open spaces, diverse vegetation and unrivaled sunsets, providing an environment that is nothing short of invigorating for any event.” Scottsdale offers an array of convention hotels. Set within the spellbinding beauty of the Sonoran Desert and surrounding mountainscape, the 250-acre The Wes- tin Kierland Resort & Spa offers a bounty of world-class amenities and services. The resort’s 732 luxurious guest rooms include 55 spacious suites providing pool, mountain or golf course views, while out- door spaces feature patios or private balconies. A personal Executive Meeting Specialist assists planners, who have access to more than 200,000 sf of indoor/outdoor meeting space, including more than 40 meeting rooms. With its 25-foot ceilings, state-of-the-art, high-tech light- ing, acoustics and visual innovations, the 24,395-sf Kierland Grand Ballroom provides a stellar venue for hosting events ranging from elegant galas to large-scale exhibitions and general sessions. The 14,322-sf Her- berger Ballroom and 11,036-sf Trailblazers Ballroom are also available. When it comes to dining, Southwestern food fare takes center stage in 10 unique venues ranging from upscale Latin American cuisine to casual cafés, a pool- side bar and grill, coffee houses and more, with private dining options available. After busy meeting days, rest, relaxation and renewal lie within reach at the resort’s 27-hole golf course. The Westin Kierland Golf Club ranks as one of the Top Public Courses in Phoenix/ Scottsdale by Golf Advisor, and one of “America’s 9 Most Cheerful Golf Courses” by Golf Digest. Attend- ees seeking a different kind of rest and relaxation will appreciate the list of services at Agave, The Arizona Spa & Salon, featuring 20 treatment rooms, steam rooms, whirlpools and saunas, together with a variety of wellness massages, body treatments and facials. Opt for the Athletic Recovery, Traveler’s Relief or signa- ture Desert Essence Massage with a blend of exclusive essential oils and aromatherapy after a round of golf, a dip in the pool or an afternoon of shopping at adjacent Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter. INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT | AUGUST 2022themeetingmagazines.com 29 Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, top, and The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, below, offer bountiful activities for attendees to enjoy after a long day of meetings. COURTESY OF THE WESTIN KIERLAND RESORT & SPA COURTESY OF LOEWS VENTANA CANYON RESORTNext >