NAVIGATING NAVIGATING CRISIS CRISIS MANAGEMENTMANAGEMENT PAGE 14 IN THIS ISSUE EVENT PLANNER’S TOOLKIT EMERGING DESTINATIONS TECH TOOLS COACHING & MENTORING TEXAS ORLANDO ARIZONA DepositPhotos.com A COASTAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION PUBLICATION NOVEMBER 2023 VOL. 16 NO. 6 $15.00Southwest Florida’s inspirational surroundings help you lead more productive meetings Expert conference services team for a seamless experience between planning and event Wide variety of accommodations and meeting rooms near Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) Ready to connect? We can help. Call 1-800-237-6444 or submit an RFP at MeetInFortMyers.com Innovation. YOU’RE THE ONE WHO WE HELP YOU MAKE IT LOOK EASY. LEADS THEM TOfeatures destinations departments viewpoints 22 26 34 10 Diagnosing Your Business Leader Builder, Decorator, Remodeler or Realtor? BY DAN ADAMS 12 Built to Beat Chaos (The Mind Shift That Changes Everything) BY GARY HARPST 14 Navigating Crisis Management Keeping Attendees Safe and Secure BY MARLENE GOLDMAN 18 Event Planner’s Toolkit Learning to Sharpen the Tools of the Trade BY MARLENE GOLDMAN 22 Emerging Destinations Appealing Options for Your Next Meeting BY MAURA KELLER 26 Tech Tools Enhancing the Meeting Experience BY MAURA KELLER 30 Coaching & Mentoring Building Relationships, Sharing the Journey with Others BY MAURA KELLER 34 Texas Lone Star State’s Partnership with the Meeting Industry BY CHRISTINE LOOMIS 40 Arizona Expansive Options For Large-Scale Events BY MAURA KELLER 44 Orlando Making Meetings Memorable BY MAURA KELLER 4 Publisher’s Message 6 News & Notes 50 Career Track ISSN 21628831 | USPS 003500 | A COASTAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION PUBLICATION | NOVEMBER 2023 | VOLUME 16 | NUMBER 6 NOVEMBER 2023 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES 3 ISSUECONTENTSA COASTAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION PUBLICATION PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Harvey Grotsky harvey.grotsky @ themeetingmagazines.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kristin Bjornsen kristin.bjornsen @ themeetingmagazines.com MANAGING EDITOR Maritza Cosano maritza.cosano@themeetingmagazines.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Rachel Galvin rachel.galvin @ themeetingmagazines.com CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Cynthia Dial Marlene Goldman Dan Johnson Maura Keller Christine Loomis Kathy Monte David Swanson PRESIDENT & CEO Harvey Grotsky VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS David Middlebrook david.middlebrook @ themeetingmagazines.com ADVERTISING SALES OFFICES 2500 N. 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Provide old and new addresses including zip code. Enclose address label from most recent issue and please allow five weeks for the change to become effective. Printed in U.S.A. ©2023 Harvey Grotsky Publisher we'll move mountains for you. NEED VETTED TRANSPORTATION THAT SHOWS UP ON TIME? Visit Aurora’s dedicated team is here seven days a week to deliver the customized services you need to pull off a seamless event. But that’s just one of the reasons we’re one of Colorado’s premier convention, business, and leisure travel destinations. Let’s start talking today. visitaurora.com/meetings linkedin.com/company/ ACFacilities @ACFacilities @ACFacilities facebook.com/ ACFacilities linkedin.com/company/ ACFacilities @ACFacilities @ACFacilities facebook.com/ ACFacilities FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESNOVEMBER 2023 PUBLISHER’SMESSAGE 4 The Old And The New A s we move toward a new year, there are a host of new meeting planning technologies available to help accomplish your meeting planning goals. With limited budgets, staff cut-backs and reduced lead times, it’s a good thing. But, no matter how easy these new technologies make our lives, we shouldn’t forget the basics of our jobs. Our interactions with people are what make this industry so remarkable. Noth- ing can subsititue human communication. Meeting planner professionals agree that face-to-face contact with suppliers from site inspections to negotiating contracts, to the end result of accounting for goods and services received is a given. Seasoned professionals will no doubt agree with this thought; however, it seems that some feel that email or zoom meetings suffice. No amount of conference calls or brochures will ever replace personal contact and an actual venue visit. Get- ting exposure to facilities, especially new ven- ues or destinations, provides insight into the invaluable resources available. As a planner, you may have previously used a venue prior to your next event so the question arises, do I need to do another site inspection? Yes, you do! If you think you have seen it all, you’re wrong. Things change all the time. Since many venues have had upgrades and personnel changes, don’t underestimate the importance of a site inspection. It is important to put a name with a face, build a rapport with staff members that you need to rely on for a successful event and evaluate the facilities amenities. This is also a great time to meet with the destination’s CVB, which can help you to execute a memorable event for your attendees. Negotiating your meeting contract involves working with the venue to forge an equitable partnership, from services to upgrades, to off-season perks, in some cases. Remember, negotiating is an art form, something no computer can do for you. You are the most valuable tool you can bring to the table. Don’t forget the basics and you’ll have a successful year ahead.we'll move mountains for you. NEED VETTED TRANSPORTATION THAT SHOWS UP ON TIME? Visit Aurora’s dedicated team is here seven days a week to deliver the customized services you need to pull off a seamless event. But that’s just one of the reasons we’re one of Colorado’s premier convention, business, and leisure travel destinations. Let’s start talking today. visitaurora.com/meetingsHold your next event at Atlantis Paradise Island, with a minimum of 1,500 room nights for arrival between now and December 31, 2024 and group will receive one complimentary firework display at Paradise Harbor Beach or West Beach. Contract must be signed by December 31, 2024. Applicable to new groups only. Offer is subject to availability and blackout dates and can be pulled at any time. Offer is not combinable with any other offers. See full details at www.meetingsatatlantis.com. DISCOVER RENOVATED ROOMS NEW DINING OPTIONS AND A REIMAGINED CASINO CELEBRATE IN PARADISE the fireworks are on us MeetingsAtAtlantis.com themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES NEWS & NOTES VISIT DENVER: On Sustainable Event Standards WASHINGTON, DC — The Events Industry Council recently announced that VISIT DENVER has achieved Platinum Level certification to the EIC Sustainable Event Standards. Denver is the first destination to achieve the highest level of certification. The EIC Sustainable Event Stan- dards are specific standards for envi- ronmental and social responsibility within the events industry. Created by the EIC Sustainability Committee in partnership with industry profession- als and leading sustainability practitio- ners, the requirements provide event planners and suppliers with prescrip- tive actions for producing and deliver- ing sustainable events. The standard specifies perfor- mance criteria in the areas of organiza- tional management, marketing, com- munications and engagement, climate action, water management, materials and circularity, supply chain manage- ment, diversity, equity and inclusion, accessibility and social impact. The destination standard is one of seven comprehensive standards for environ- mentally sustainable meetings. “This is a milestone achievement for VISIT DENVER and all of us work- ing to make Denver the sustainable destination of choice for convention planners,” said Richard W. Scharf, president and CEO of VISIT DENVER. “It is a great honor to be the first to earn such a vitally important certifica- tion while making a significant con- tribution toward our city’s long-term vision for sustainability.” EIC CEO Amy Calvert lauded VISIT Denver for their accomplishment. “The Events Industry Council congratu- lates VISIT Denver on their Platinum Level Certification,” she said. “This demonstrates a strong commitment to the environmentally and socially responsible practices that are needed to support long-term sustainability in our industry.” ASAE Names Susan Marchese, CAE, as VP of Marketing WASHINGTON, D.C. — Susan Mar- chese, CAE, recently joined ASAE as vice president of marketing, announced ASAE President and CEO Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE. Marchese has been brought on to over- see the development and employment of various marketing and branding strate- gies to achieve ASAE’s strategic goals and drive business results. Working across the organization, Marchese is estab- lishing a digital-first marketing strategy and managing ASAE’s marketing, design and production teams to implement campaigns tailored to ASAE’s specific market segments, programs, products and events. Marchese comes to ASAE with exten- sive experience in developing and direct- ing world-class marketing and public awareness campaigns in both the asso- ciation/nonprofit and corporate sectors. Before ASAE, Marchese served in several important roles with the American Indus- trial Hygiene Association, including most recently as chief strategy officer and vice president of external affairs. “It is an honor and a privilege to join ASAE as the new vice president of market- ing,” Marchese said. “I am passionate about ASAE’s vision to be the essential commu- nity for association professionals, and I am eager to apply my skills and experience to help it achieve its strategic goals.” Marchese Denver’s certification demonstrates a strong commitment to the environmentally and socially responsible practices. HOUSTON, TX — United has announced growth plans in Houston that include a $2.6 billion renovation and expansion of Terminal B at George Bush Intercon- tinental Airport (IAH), a new United ClubSM location and Early Bag Storage facility (EBS) as well as a new direct flight to Georgetown, Guyana. These investments are part of the airline’s United Next growth plan and include the expansion of 40 gates at IAH to accommodate larger aircraft, resulting in a 40% increase in the overall number of people who can fly on peak travel dates in 2026 compared to 2023. In addition to the new direct flight to Guyana, the airline will also debut its largest-ever schedule between Hous- ton and Florida this spring. For more information, visit united.com/ en/aw/newsroom/announcements/ cision-125310. United Expands in Houston with $2.6B Terminal Project NOVEMBER 20236Hold your next event at Atlantis Paradise Island, with a minimum of 1,500 room nights for arrival between now and December 31, 2024 and group will receive one complimentary firework display at Paradise Harbor Beach or West Beach. Contract must be signed by December 31, 2024. Applicable to new groups only. Offer is subject to availability and blackout dates and can be pulled at any time. Offer is not combinable with any other offers. See full details at www.meetingsatatlantis.com. DISCOVER RENOVATED ROOMS NEW DINING OPTIONS AND A REIMAGINED CASINO CELEBRATE IN PARADISE the fireworks are on us MeetingsAtAtlantis.com themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESNOVEMBER 20238 U.S. Travel Inducts Roger Dow, Elliott L. Ferguson, II & Peter F. Herschend Into Hall of Leaders WASHINGTON, D.C. – Travel industry leaders Roger Dow, former president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association; Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO of Destination DC; and Peter F. Herschend, co-founder of Her- schend Enterprises, were inducted into the U.S. Travel Association Hall of Leaders recently. Dow was the 2022 inductee while Ferguson and Herschend were the 2023 honorees. Dow, Ferguson and Herschend were honored at a dinner attended by more than 100 U.S. Travel board members and guests in Washington, DC. Distinguished individuals are named to the U.S. Travel Association’s Hall of Leaders for sustained, noteworthy contributions that have positively impacted the travel industry and raised industrywide standards. To date, 106 individuals have been named to the Hall of Leaders, U.S. Travel’s highest honor. Dow has led U.S. Travel as chief executive for 17 years. Prior to his appointment in 2005, Dow served for 34 years at Marriott International. Ferguson has served as president and CEO of Desti- nation DC since 2009, having previously held the role of senior vice president for seven years. He also led U.S. Trav- el’s board of directors as National Chair from 2019 through 2020. Prior to joining Destination DC, Ferguson was vice president of sales at the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau for 10 years. Herschend and his family grew a small cave tour in Branson, MO, into the internationally acclaimed Silver Dollar City. More than 70 years later, the company, known today as Herschend Enterprises, is recognized as the world’s largest family-owned themed attractions company. For more information, visit ustravel.org/press/us-travel-inducts-roger- dow-elliott-l-ferguson-ii-and-peter-f-herschend-hall-leaders. NEWS & NOTES DALLAS, TX – Omni Hotels & Resorts has announced new details about its enhanced Select Guest Loyalty Program making it easier and faster to achieve and retain Select Guest Status. Representing the first major program transformation in a decade, members will now be rec- ognized and rewarded based on all the experiences they enjoy during their stay. Loyalty members will continue to earn rewards at the same rate as today for each night of their stay. In addition, they will now also earn rewards each time they dine at any on-property restaurant, play a round of golf, spend a relaxing day at the spa, or charge just about anything to their room. Beginning in 2024, Omni will introduce revamped tier names and structure. The new tiers progress, each delivering increasing levels of recognition, benefits and free nights. Select Guest Status will now be determined by members’ on-property spend accumulated within each calendar year. The new program will enable Members to achieve higher levels of status after even a single stay. For example, Insider Status requires only $1,000 of spend during their stay. Select Guests earn rewards — to be called Omni Credits — for every night stayed and for purchases beyond the room. Many of the favorite benefits remain the same. For more information, visit omniho- tels.com/loyalty/new-select-guest-2024. Omni Hotels And Resorts Transforms Select Guest Loyalty Program From left: Hilton President and CEO Chris Nassetta, Roger Dow, Visit California president and CEO Caroline Beteta, U.S. Travel Association president and CEO Geoff Freeman. The Omni PGA Frisco ResortMeeting & Events 30,000 SF of indoor space 5,600 SF of foyer space 9,395 SF grand ballroom 7,205 SF junior ballroom 5,245 SF junior ballroom 15 meeting rooms STEP INTO A NEW ERA: GRAND OPENING FALL 2024 Pier Sixty-Six Resort is a world unto itself, combining the pull of curiosity and the thrill of discovery in a world-class South Florida landmark. From the extraordinary Pier Sixty-Six Resort marina to the picturesque waterfront accommodations and dining, our resort sets the new standard for luxury as one of the best hotels near the Fort Lauderdale beach. Welcome to a reimagination worth whispering about. PIERSIXTYSIXRESORT.COMNext >