ARE YOU BUDGETING ENOUGH FOR AV? PAGE 12VOLUME 41 NO. 6 | JUNE/JULY 2023 | ISSN 0739-1587 | USPS 716-450 12 16 20 24 28 32 38 46 42 52 4 Publisher’s Message 6 News & Notes 8 Perspective Are Your Business and Personal Brands Prepared for AI? BY KAREN TIBER LELAND 10 Perspective Adapting to the “Next” Normal in Business BY SCOTT STEINBERG 66 People on the Move departments destinations features Arizona Sunny Scenery & Stellar Service Draw Meeting Planners BY DAN JOHNSON VOLUME 41 NO. 6 | JUNE/JULY 2023 | ISSN 0739-1587 | USPS 716-450 12 16 20 24 28 32 38 46 42 52 4 Publisher’s Message 6 News & Notes 8 Perspective Are Your Business and Personal Brands Prepared for AI? BY KAREN TIBER LELAND 10 Perspective Adapting to the “Next” Normal in Business BY SCOTT STEINBERG 66 People on the Move departments destinations features Arizona Sunny Scenery & Stellar Service Draw Meeting Planners BY DAN JOHNSON Colorado The Perfect Destination For Any Meeting BY CHRISTINE LOOMIS Atlantic City Recent Renovations Mean More Amenities BY CARMEN ANTHONY Florida The Sunshine State Offers Something For Everyone BY DAVID SWANSON TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | June/July 2023 3 Creating an Experience Keeping Attendees Engaged While Prioritizing Safety BY CHLOE LABELLE Mind Your Language Multilingual Considerations in Today’s Meetings BY MAURA KELLER Colorado The Perfect Destination For Any Meeting BY CHRISTINE LOOMIS Atlantic City Recent Renovations Mean More Amenities BY CARMEN ANTHONY Florida The Sunshine State Offers Something For Everyone BY DAVID SWANSON TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | June/July 2023 3 Creating an Experience Keeping Attendees Engaged While Prioritizing Safety BY CHLOE LABELLE Mind Your Language Multilingual Considerations in Today’s Meetings BY MAURA KELLER Are You Budgeting Enough for AV? How To Make The Most of Your Audiovisual Spending Plan BY MARLENE GOLDMAN Are You Budgeting Enough for AV? How To Make The Most of Your Audiovisual Spending Plan BY MARLENE GOLDMAN Motivating the Masses Keynote Speakers Who Make An Impact BY KATHY SINGLETON Access Success Ensuring ADA-Compliant Events BY CARMEN ANTHONY Success at Sea Expanding Itineraries and New Ships Create Planner Appeal BY MAURA KELLER IN THIS ISSUE On the cover: Encore and Hargrove from Encore provided end-to-end event production for the 2022 Phillips 66 Power Ahead Conference in Las Vegas, ensuring engaging, immersive content for an audience of thousands of internal stakeholders. Motivating the Masses Keynote Speakers Who Make An Impact BY KATHY SINGLETON Access Success Ensuring ADA-Compliant Events BY CARMEN ANTHONY Success at Sea Expanding Itineraries and New Ships Create Planner Appeal BY MAURA KELLER IN THIS ISSUE On the cover: Encore and Hargrove from Encore provided end-to-end event production for the 2022 Phillips 66 Power Ahead Conference in Las Vegas, ensuring engaging, immersive content for an audience of thousands of internal stakeholders. 12 32Corporate & Incentive Travel (USPS 716-450) is published bimonthly by Coastal Communications Corporation, 2500 North Military Trail — Suite 283, Boca Raton, FL 33431-6322; 561- 989-0600. Single copies $15.00 U.S.A. only. Yearly subscription price is $135.00 in the U.S.A.; Canada and foreign is $175.00. Back copies $17.00 U.S.A. only. Distributed without charge to qualified personnel. Periodicals Postage Paid at Boca Raton, FL, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Corporate & Incentive Travel, 2500 North Military Trail — Suite 283, Boca Raton, FL 33431-6322. Nothing contained in this publication shall constitute an endorsement by Coastal Communications Corporation (Corporate & Incentive Travel), and the publication disclaims any liability with respect to the use of or reliance on any such information. The information contained in this publication is in no way to be construed as a recommendation by C&IT of any industry standard, or as a recommendation of any kind to be adopted, by or to be 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. Subscribers: Send subscription inquiries and address changes to: Circulation Department, Corporate & Incentive Travel, 2500 North Military Trail — Suite 283, Boca Raton, FL 33431- 6322. Provide old and new addresses including zip codes. Enclose address label from most recent issue and please allow five weeks for the change to become effective. Printed in U.S.A. © 2023 As Leisure Travel Grows, Corporate & Incentive Travel (USPS 716-450) is published bimonthly by Coastal Communications Corporation, 2500 North Military Trail — Suite 283, Boca Raton, FL 33431-6322; 561- 989-0600. Single copies $15.00 U.S.A. only. Yearly subscription price is $135.00 in the U.S.A.; Canada and foreign is $175.00. Back copies $17.00 U.S.A. only. Distributed without charge to qualified personnel. Periodicals Postage Paid at Boca Raton, FL, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Corporate & Incentive Travel, 2500 North Military Trail — Suite 283, Boca Raton, FL 33431-6322. Nothing contained in this publication shall constitute an endorsement by Coastal Communications Corporation (Corporate & Incentive Travel), and the publication disclaims any liability with respect to the use of or reliance on any such information. The information contained in this publication is in no way to be construed as a recommendation by C&IT of any industry standard, or as a recommendation of any kind to be adopted, by or to be 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. Subscribers: Send subscription inquiries and address changes to: Circulation Department, Corporate & Incentive Travel, 2500 North Military Trail — Suite 283, Boca Raton, FL 33431- 6322. Provide old and new addresses including zip codes. Enclose address label from most recent issue and please allow five weeks for the change to become effective. Printed in U.S.A. © 2023 As Leisure Travel Grows, So May Your Woes Leisure travel is on track to set record levels this summer. That means Ameri- cans are flying more to their dream vacation destinations. That’s good news for most people, but bad news for meeting and incentive travel planners. More lei- sure travel means you’ll likely be finding it harder to book enough seats for your next meeting or incentive program at a time of your choice or on selected flights. Aside from the leisure travel boom, because of the high demand, the option to get better rates or free upgrades will also be tougher to negotiate. Meeting planners need to stop the trend of diminishing amenities and get more for your at- tendees for your next meeting or incentive travel program. Of course, a lot of the travel and hotel headaches would be nonexistent if you chose the right destination and venue for your event. With new and renovated properties in many popular and second tier destinations, the op- portunity to negotiate a better deal may be pos- sible. In many cases, working with a CVB will help negate some problems. What else is likely to turn your world upside down this year? Aside from transportation costs, food and beverage costs have become a major planning factor. Not is all gloom and doom. If the cost of gaso- line and diesel fuel comes down, airline fares may somewhat moderate and a So May Your Woes Leisure travel is on track to set record levels this summer. That means Ameri- cans are flying more to their dream vacation destinations. That’s good news for most people, but bad news for meeting and incentive travel planners. More lei- sure travel means you’ll likely be finding it harder to book enough seats for your next meeting or incentive program at a time of your choice or on selected flights. Aside from the leisure travel boom, because of the high demand, the option to get better rates or free upgrades will also be tougher to negotiate. Meeting planners need to stop the trend of diminishing amenities and get more for your at- tendees for your next meeting or incentive travel program. Of course, a lot of the travel and hotel headaches would be nonexistent if you chose the right destination and venue for your event. With new and renovated properties in many popular and second tier destinations, the op- portunity to negotiate a better deal may be pos- sible. In many cases, working with a CVB will help negate some problems. What else is likely to turn your world upside down this year? Aside from transportation costs, food and beverage costs have become a major planning factor. Not is all gloom and doom. If the cost of gaso- line and diesel fuel comes down, airline fares may somewhat moderate and a reduction in food costs will no doubt follow. Also, as we move past the half way mark of this year, the meetings of tomor- row will surely include newer, faster and more helpful meeting planning tech- nology, but to what extent, and will you be ready? So, as leisure travel continues to grow this year, and available flights get scarc- er and scarcer, your work behind the scenes will likely be your best defense. reduction in food costs will no doubt follow. Also, as we move past the half way mark of this year, the meetings of tomor- row will surely include newer, faster and more helpful meeting planning tech- nology, but to what extent, and will you be ready? So, as leisure travel continues to grow this year, and available flights get scarc- er and scarcer, your work behind the scenes will likely be your best defense. PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE // A COASTAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION PUBLICATION PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Harvey Grotsky harvey.grotsky @ themeetingmagazines.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kristin Bjornsen kristin.bjornsen @ themeetingmagazines.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Rachel Galvin rachel.galvin @ themeetingmagazines.com CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Cynthia Dial A COASTAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION PUBLICATION PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Harvey Grotsky harvey.grotsky @ themeetingmagazines.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kristin Bjornsen kristin.bjornsen @ themeetingmagazines.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Rachel Galvin rachel.galvin @ themeetingmagazines.com CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Cynthia Dial Marlene Goldman Dan Johnson Maura Keller Christine Loomis Kathy Monte Nancy Mueller 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 REGIONAL MANAGER Bob Mitchell 630-541-3388 bob.mitchell@themeetingmagazines.com DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL PROJECTS Michael Caffin Marlene Goldman Dan Johnson Maura Keller Christine Loomis Kathy Monte Nancy Mueller 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 REGIONAL MANAGER Bob Mitchell 630-541-3388 bob.mitchell@themeetingmagazines.com DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL PROJECTS Michael Caffin 914-629-5860 michael.caffin@themeetingmagazines.com 4 June/July 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com Harvey Grotsky Publisher 914-629-5860 michael.caffin@themeetingmagazines.com 4 June/July 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com Harvey Grotsky Publisher linkedin.com/company/ CorpIncTravel @CorpIncTravel @CorpIncTravel facebook.com/ CorpIncTravel FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA linkedin.com/company/ CorpIncTravel @CorpIncTravel @CorpIncTravel facebook.com/ CorpIncTravel6 June/July 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com NEWS + NOTES // 6 June/July 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com RENOVATIONS Hyatt Regency Irvine Undergoes Multi-Million Dollar Transformation LOS ANGELES — Hyatt Regency Ir- vine, previously known as Hotel Ir- vine, will reopen this summer after renovations. It is available to book now for stays beginning August 15. The redesigned property will reopen in two phases, starting with the first 175 guest rooms. The full renova- tion will be completed by next spring. There is a total of more than 50,000 sf of flexible indoor/outdoor event space, including an outdoor lawn. For more information, visit hyatt. com/en-US/hotel/california/hyatt- regency-irvine/snari. AWARDS Cvent Recognizes Seven MGM Properties as Top Meeting Hotels LAS VEGAS — MGM Resorts International announced that seven of its Las Vegas destinations were recognized as Top Meeting Ho- tels in North America by industry-leading meetings, events and hospitality technology provider Cvent. ARIA and Bellagio were the only Las Vegas hotels to place in the top 10, joined by The Cosmo- politan of Las Vegas, Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand, Park MGM and Vdara also named to the list. The properties were ranked according to various criteria, in- cluding total requests for proposals (RFPs), awarded RFPs, total room nights, awarded room nights, major metropolitan area mar- ket share, conversion rate and response rate. The globally recognized Cvent Top Meeting Hotels list spot- lights properties that prioritize planner collaboration and attract significant group business value. Rankings are determined by sourcing activity through the Cvent Supplier Network, one of the world’s largest venue-sourcing platforms. Courtesy Photo EVENTS IMEX Group Releases Post Show Statistics After Frankfurt Event FRANKFURT, GERMANY — The IMEX Group has released post-show statistics following another success- ful edition of IMEX Frankfurt at Messe Frankfurt in May. The num- bers show that a total of 11,764 peo- ple participated, of which 3,883 were buyers from 94 countries. The total number of exhibiting companies reached 2,900. Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX Group, says, “This year’s IMEX Frankfurt gave the industry a more accurate feel for the post-pan- demic market. Clearly there are some big factors still at play – the war in Ukraine, supply chain disruption and rising prices. However, the upside, and it’s a strong one, is that pent-up demand is still playing out and there’s a renewed commitment to – and need for – face to face events. To read the post-show statistics, visit imex-frankfurt.com/about- imex-frankfurt. RENOVATIONS Hyatt Regency Irvine Undergoes Multi-Million Dollar Transformation LOS ANGELES — Hyatt Regency Ir- vine, previously known as Hotel Ir- vine, will reopen this summer after renovations. It is available to book now for stays beginning August 15. The redesigned property will reopen in two phases, starting with the first 175 guest rooms. The full renova- tion will be completed by next spring. There is a total of more than 50,000 sf of flexible indoor/outdoor event space, including an outdoor lawn. For more information, visit hyatt. com/en-US/hotel/california/hyatt- regency-irvine/snari. AWARDS Cvent Recognizes Seven MGM Properties as Top Meeting Hotels LAS VEGAS — MGM Resorts International announced that seven of its Las Vegas destinations were recognized as Top Meeting Ho- tels in North America by industry-leading meetings, events and hospitality technology provider Cvent. ARIA and Bellagio were the only Las Vegas hotels to place in the top 10, joined by The Cosmo- politan of Las Vegas, Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand, Park MGM and Vdara also named to the list. The properties were ranked according to various criteria, in- cluding total requests for proposals (RFPs), awarded RFPs, total room nights, awarded room nights, major metropolitan area mar- ket share, conversion rate and response rate. The globally recognized Cvent Top Meeting Hotels list spot- lights properties that prioritize planner collaboration and attract significant group business value. Rankings are determined by sourcing activity through the Cvent Supplier Network, one of the world’s largest venue-sourcing platforms. Courtesy Photo EVENTS IMEX Group Releases Post Show Statistics After Frankfurt Event FRANKFURT, GERMANY — The IMEX Group has released post-show statistics following another success- ful edition of IMEX Frankfurt at Messe Frankfurt in May. The num- bers show that a total of 11,764 peo- ple participated, of which 3,883 were buyers from 94 countries. The total number of exhibiting companies reached 2,900. Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX Group, says, “This year’s IMEX Frankfurt gave the industry a more accurate feel for the post-pan- demic market. Clearly there are some big factors still at play – the war in Ukraine, supply chain disruption and rising prices. However, the upside, and it’s a strong one, is that pent-up demand is still playing out and there’s a renewed commitment to – and need for – face to face events. To read the post-show statistics, visit imex-frankfurt.com/about- imex-frankfurt. Courtesy of IMEX RESORTS Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa Offers Renovated Spaces PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL — Saw- grass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa, lo- cated in Ponte Vedra Beach near Jack- sonville, FL, has completely renovated 55,000 sf of indoor meeting space. There is 114,227 sf available overall of indoor and outdoor venue space. Inspired by its beachside loca- tion, the renovation includes updated breakout rooms, pre-function areas and ballrooms. The location not only offers access to 26 miles of beachfront, but world-class golf, as it is adjacent to the famed TPC Sawgrass Golf Club. In addition, the property offers a 25,000 sf full-service spa, four pools and complimentary shuttle service to the property’s upgraded private Ca- bana Beach Club, which includes new and renovated dining venues. In ad- dition, the property has seven restau- rants and lounges. For more informa- tion, visit SawgrassMarriott.com. Aria PROMOTIONS Terramar DMC Announces Expansion of Global Team LOS CABOS, MX — Terramar Desti- nations, a DMC Network company, an- nounced the promotions of Lisa DeLe- on, DMCP, to Vice President of Global Sales, and Kate Patay, CPCE, to Vice President of Engagement. “Lisa brings not only a wealth of ex- perience in sales and operations, but a strong presence as a mentor and leader in our industry,” according to Matt Cue- vas, managing director, Terramar US. According to Lee Chipman, manag- ing director, Terramar Latin America, “We will continue to lean in on [Kate’s] expertise, network of media partners and sphere of influence to increase the visibility of not only Terramar, but the industry as a whole, by adding her to our corporate team.” EXPANSIONS Caesars Entertainment Unveils Plans to Add Hotel Tower to Paris Las Vegas AWARDS Kathleen “Kitty” Ratcliffe Honored With International Award ST. LOUIS — Explore St. Louis an- nounced that Kathleen “Kitty” Rat- cliffe, President, Explore St. Louis and America’s Center Convention Complex, was lauded by colleagues from around the world at the 2023 Meeting Professionals International (MPI) President’s Dinner recently at Tulum Riviera Maya for her excep- tional leadership and contributions to the convention and tourism industry. Characteristics considered by MPI when selecting Kitty Ratcliffe as the 12th annual honoree include: Strong engagement and support of MPI throughout their career; history of volunteer service with MPI and other non-profit organizations; history of driving innovation and change in the industry; visibility across the indus- try; and personal traits, such as lead- ership, integrity and being a trusted role model. PROMOTIONS Terramar DMC Announces Expansion of Global Team LOS CABOS, MX — Terramar Desti- nations, a DMC Network company, an- nounced the promotions of Lisa DeLe- on, DMCP, to Vice President of Global Sales, and Kate Patay, CPCE, to Vice President of Engagement. “Lisa brings not only a wealth of ex- perience in sales and operations, but a strong presence as a mentor and leader in our industry,” according to Matt Cue- vas, managing director, Terramar US. According to Lee Chipman, manag- ing director, Terramar Latin America, “We will continue to lean in on [Kate’s] expertise, network of media partners and sphere of influence to increase the visibility of not only Terramar, but the industry as a whole, by adding her to our corporate team.” EXPANSIONS Caesars Entertainment Unveils Plans to Add Hotel Tower to Paris Las Vegas AWARDS Kathleen “Kitty” Ratcliffe Honored With International Award ST. LOUIS — Explore St. Louis an- nounced that Kathleen “Kitty” Rat- cliffe, President, Explore St. Louis and America’s Center Convention Complex, was lauded by colleagues from around the world at the 2023 Meeting Professionals International (MPI) President’s Dinner recently at Tulum Riviera Maya for her excep- tional leadership and contributions to the convention and tourism industry. Characteristics considered by MPI when selecting Kitty Ratcliffe as the 12th annual honoree include: Strong engagement and support of MPI throughout their career; history of volunteer service with MPI and other non-profit organizations; history of driving innovation and change in the industry; visibility across the indus- try; and personal traits, such as lead- ership, integrity and being a trusted role model. DeLeonPatay Courtesy Photo SURVEYS IRF Study Names Attendees’ Top Incentive Travel Destinations MCLEAN, VA — The Incentive Research Foundation’s “Attendee Preferences for Incentive Travel” reports that group incentive travel was considered highly motivating by 91% of North American em- ployees surveyed. Top destinations included Hawaii, the Western U.S., the Caribbean, the Eastern U.S., the Southwestern U.S. and Western Eu- rope. Sixty-six percent of recent win- ners said they extended their North American incentive trips; 70% ex- tended their international trips. For more information, visit theirf.org. Luis Marti Photography LAS VEGAS — Caesars Entertain DeLeonPatay Courtesy Photo SURVEYS IRF Study Names Attendees’ Top Incentive Travel Destinations MCLEAN, VA — The Incentive Research Foundation’s “Attendee Preferences for Incentive Travel” reports that group incentive travel was considered highly motivating by 91% of North American em- ployees surveyed. Top destinations included Hawaii, the Western U.S., the Caribbean, the Eastern U.S., the Southwestern U.S. and Western Eu- rope. Sixty-six percent of recent win- ners said they extended their North American incentive trips; 70% ex- tended their international trips. For more information, visit theirf.org. Luis Marti Photography LAS VEGAS — Caesars Entertain- ment has unveiled plans to renovate the Jubilee Tower at Horseshoe Las Vegas and integrate it into Paris Las Vegas with a new name, Versailles Tower. The tower will feature a new exterior and interior. The renovation will introduce 756 redesigned luxury guest rooms and a pedestrian bridge connecting the Versailles Tower to the existing Paris resort. Caesars Entertainment offers more than 23,000 rooms across Las Vegas, and this renovated tower will showcase some of the finest rooms throughout its nine resorts. The Ver- sailles Tower will feature some of the largest standard rooms on The Strip, starting at 436 sf. In addition, select guest rooms will offer new 55 sf bal- conies with unmatched views of The Strip. The enhanced rooms in the Versailles Tower at Paris Las Vegas are slated for completion in late 2023 with the pedestrian bridge to follow in early 2024. Kitty Ratcliffe and Paul Van Deventer TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | June/July 2023 7 Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com is the founder of Sterling Marketing Group, a branding and marketing strategy and implementation firm specializing in personal, business and CEO branding. She is the bestselling author of 13 traditionally published books, which have sold more than 500,000 copies, including “The Brand Mapping Strategy: Design, Build and Accelerate Your Brand.” DepositPhotos.com To build thought leadership, attract attendees and speakers, sell your services, recruit talent or engage potential clients, being on the radar is crucial. TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | June/July 2023 9Next >