< Previous• Providing participants with a variety of meeting connection methods (computer, app, telephone) to maximize accessibility and choice for participants with disabilities. • Providing window-in-window sign interpretation and captioning on all video content. • Building accessibility features and reminders for planners directly into the event technology software (e.g., maintaining proper color contrast, adding alt text to images). ADA Management Tips Kouznetsova says that event organizers need to consider accessibility — not just of their venue, but also of the event website, social media, emails and recordings. “Often, they focus on ensuring that physical venues are accessible but forget to ensure that online components are also accessible,” Kouznetsova says. “Disabled people can- not sign up for an event if an online form is inaccessible and cannot enjoy record- ings if they are not professionally cap- tioned, for example.” And it’s important to remember that planners aren’t doing this alone. There’s an entire events ecosystem that can help planners deliver more accessible experiences. “For example, choosing a technology partner that values (and facilitates) accessibil- ity through their plat- form can help planners stay ADA-compliant,” Cutchins says. Com- panies can claim they are accessible, when in reality, they might not be. So, look for technology companies that leverage outside companies to evaluate their accessibil- ity and inclusion efforts through robust reviews and accredi- tations.” Cvent, for example, enlists an independent third- party firm to analyze its technology performance to ensure alignment with accepted accessibility standards and Volun- tary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) — which out- lines how a certain technology product or service is acces- sible to people with disabilities. Cutchins points out that planners can also look to resources — like ADA.gov — that provide guidance on regulatory requirements, as well as helpful recommendations. Although of technical nature, planners can also refer to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which provides an internationally recognized standard for software products, although most are reliant on the software platform itself. “Finally, for in-person events, work with your venue contact to ensure the experience will be welcoming for all,” Cutchins says. Challenges Aplenty The biggest challenge planners face when addressing issues with ADA compliance is a lack of awareness. The best way to overcome this is to first educate yourself on what the ADA law states and then review the venue, the event program and all activities through that lens, ensuring any proposed direction adheres to the guidelines. This will safe- guard a compliant and enjoyable experience for all involved. Due to the complexity of the ADA environment, it is easy for meeting planners to make some simple mistakes. One common mistake planners make regarding ADA compliance is not focusing on the specific needs and where to find the best options to resolve any noncompliance concerns. Whenever pos- sible, ask attendees in advance during the reg- istration process if they have special needs and be sure to pay atten- tion to responses. You may need to bring in an interpreter, CART (computer aided real- time transcription) provider or mobility guide, or offer accom- modations for the attendee to bring their own. Planners can bet- ter meet their attendees needs by understand- ing in advance what to expect. That includes having emergency plans in place to address ADA needs, which is something that should be addressed with security. If there is a fire or fire drill, for instance, certain people may need assistance to exit the building expeditiously. They may not be able to take the stairs, for instance. This type of situation is just one example. Often event planners also think about accessibility close to the event or during an event, which is a common mistake. They also treat accessibility as an afterthought or something that can be done easily or for free. “Accessibility is a cost of doing the business and needs to be treated just like any other business operations,” Kouznetsova says. “Event organizers need to think about accessibility as soon as they start planning an event and to engage an accessibility consultant that can help them coor- dinate all many moving parts.” DepositPhotos.com Provide adequate seating for those needing sign language interpretation. 30 June/July 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comWhat’s more, planners should keep in mind that no two disabled people experience their disability in exactly the same way. That’s why Cutchins says engaging directly with attendees to see how their needs can best be accom- modated (before, during, and after the event) can mitigate confusion or frustration and ensure everyone is on the same page. For example, in pre-event surveys, make sure to ask attendees about any special needs or requests they might have and follow up with those concerns thought- fully and directly. “Also, for software partners, the role technology plays in the meetings and events industry is critical, and its outsized importance in ensuring accessibility cannot be overlooked,” Cutchins says. For example, Cvent recently launched an online training program that is a core component of its internal certification and teaches the company’s software engineers how to think about accessibility as they build event solutions. “This is valuable because engineers who are building these solutions should not only be aware of accessibility requirements but also be properly trained,” Cutchins says. To streamline the process, Mack recommends making a list of various types of disabilities. In selecting a venue, look at your choices to determine the availability of public or accessible transportation to and from the venue, as well as the level of accessibility of the venue itself. “Keep pre- and post-conference gatherings in mind when applicable. Go over your event checklist from start to finish (including website, registration and programming) and con- sider how members of each of the disability groups you’ve listed will engage with the physical environment, website, registration, programming, food and beverages, emergency preparedness etc. from your event checklist,” Mack says. ADA Compliance in the Virtual World Virtual meetings and events are delivered on a medium that already lends itself to a more inclusive experience. As Herb Werth, chief product officer at OpenExchange, a vir- tual meetings platform, explains, individuals who can’t travel are able to join a meeting or event and feel welcomed, live transcription services are available for video, and video quality and production has improved for a no hassle, seam- less connection. “Today, we can do things on the web that are far more challenging to support in-person. By making your meetings more accessible, you are making a statement about your com- mitment to inclusion,” Werth says. When orchestrating an ADA-compliance virtual expe- rience, Werth says it’s important to consider the entire experience, from announcement through registration and, of course, the experience on the day of the event because attendees will be on that complete journey with you. “Offering participants an easy-to-navigate platform is part of the inclusivity that is in the spirit of being ADA-com- pliant,” Werth says. “Organizers should strive for creating an environment that makes participants feel welcome at every step of the journey.” What exactly does that look like? Virtual lends itself to being a more inclusive environment because you can use technology to eliminate some of the communication barriers that limit the accessibility of in-person events. For example, virtual events can utilize real-time transcription tools for attendees with hearing disabilities. “It’s important to remember that virtual meetings aren’t one size fits all — a lot more goes into planning successful virtual meetings and events than meets the eye,” Werth says. And while being compliant is certainly a desired outcome, assessing the overall utility and usability of the event’s vir- tual interface is a way to ensure that you’re not only meeting the standard but also providing an outstanding experience for your audience. Making virtual events more inclusive and accessible is going to continue to evolve and new guidelines and stan- dards will emerge. This is evidenced by the active work being done by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI). As Werth explains, this community is working to update the Web Content Acces- sibility Guidelines (WCAG) and expects to publish a new version later this year. “Plus, additional work is being done on a new standard, which will include guidance related to more needs, including the needs of people with cognitive disabilities,” Werth says. An Evolving Process It is important to always keep up-to-date on protocols and procedures when it comes to being ADA compliant. The ADA National Network can help identify resources and pro- vide access to other people who have had success in imple- menting appropriate measures to keep compliant. Federal and state government agencies are the best resource for pub- lications and training. Taking steps to ensure your event is the most inclusive it can be will make for a more comfortable environment for attendees of all types, and lead to those who need accom- modations feeling welcomed and wanting to return to other events in the future more readily. C&IT TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | June/July 2023 31 Making sure everyone feels welcomed and accommodated should always be priority No. 1. STEPHEN CUTCHINS Senior Product Manager of Accessibility, CventN ow that the pandemic has waned and cruis- ing is getting back to normal, more and more meeting planners are turning their sights to the horizon and considering hosting a cor- porate meeting or incentive trip on a cruise. “Cruises offer attendees unlimited options and this is what makes cruise meetings wildly appealing to planners and attendees alike,” says Susan Staf- ford, meeting planner and co-founder of The Event Archi- tects. “In a traditional meeting, a planner must select food for all of the meals, select what drinks are available at the bar and for what periods of time, and choose activities. With a cruise, the food and drink options and timing are limitless.” As Stafford points out, on a cruise meeting, attendees can have basically whatever they want, when they want. In addi- tion, there are activities at all hours of the day to appeal to many different interests. And there are built-in activity options such as pool, game decks, onboard games and seaside excursions, etc. “A cruise ship offers more variety and options than a land- based meeting,” Stafford says. “Those who want to watch a musical can do so while those who want to see a comedian will have that option – all the while someone else might be playing a game of pickleball. Also, cruise meetings can be easier for planners because the planner does not have to take into account all dietary restrictions, vet and book enter- tainers, or come up with an itinerary. The cruise line does that!” Cruises also are the perfect incentive offering because the options they provide have mass appeal. For example, according to Stafford, the winner of an incentive cruise is usually given a certificate with certain parameters. One person may choose to take a family of four on a four-night cruise to the Bahamas while someone else could use the same certificate for a seven- night European cruise for two. “It is a tangible incentive but with flexibility to personal- ize, making it a desirable reward,” Stafford says. Tips & Advice for Cruise Planning The best part about cruising, the options, can also be a hurdle for meeting planners. “When there is so much to do, a meeting planner must make a concerted effort to provide opportunities for group togetherness, if that is an important part of the cruise for the sponsor,” Stafford says. Meeting plan- ners should plan several group activities, such as a welcome or farewell reception, group tour of the ship, group activity or des- ignated group meet-up times/locations. While some of these may have a small upcharge, many of them are provided by the Success at Sea BY MAURA KELLER Expanding Itineraries and New Ships Create Planner Appeal 32 June/July 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com CRUISE MEETINGScruise line at no additional cost. Planners can also have private group excursions in various ports. Cruise lines do have meeting space available and planners must work with the cruise line as early as possible to secure dedicated meeting space or private event space. Planning a cruise does require a slight mind shift in how a meeting or event is produced. For example, it is important to think about the flow of the program and how it relates to the itinerary of the sailing. When identifying which type of cruise is ideal for a par- ticular group, Stafford suggests that planners need to con- sider the itinerary and the port of debarkation/embarka- tion. Is it centrally located to the attendees or will you need to provide overnight accommodations pre- or post-cruise? Stafford says, “Cruise itineraries have become as numerous as the dessert offerings at the buffet! Would this group like an educational itinerary focused on culture or ecology, or would they prefer a tropical-based relaxing itinerary? Is the point of the cruise to focus on company bonding and brainstorming, or to offer employees an opportunity to unwind with little struc- ture?” She adds, “Options are limitless so the planners must know their audience and desired outcomes to make the best choice for the group.” Also, if the group or company orchestrating the cruise meeting or event does a ship “buy out,” it is easy to brand the cruise with corporate logos throughout the ship. “If the group is part of a regular sailing, the planner should make a conscious effort to brand the event,” Stafford says. “Logoed items can be delivered to the attendee state rooms by the cruise staff. Many ships will incorporate corporate logos into electric signage denoting designated meeting spaces and will also use logos on food items for group dinners. Arrangements must be made well ahead of time but there are plenty of opportunities for corporate branding even without a buy-out.” It is important to think about the goals of the program. If this is the type of event where people are going to be together and networking all the time, perhaps a smaller ship would be a better choice. Alternatively, maybe this event is intended to be a reward and attendees can explore on their own and only come together for select group functions, in which case a larger ship could work well. Smaller ships often have smaller or non-traditional meeting spaces, so it may be necessary to find a balance in the size of the P h oto by S te v e n D ia z From left: the Celebrity Ascent; the Disney Wish at Disney’s private island oasis, Castaway Cay; and the Seabourn Ovation. TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | June/July 2023 33 Planners must work with the cruise line as early as possible to secure dedicated meeting space or private event space. ship compared to what is needed for the group size. It is also important to match the ship selection to the demographics, interests, activity levels and travel experience of the event audience. There are cruise lines that offer something happening every minute of every day, and there are cruise lines that are more curated in their options. Understanding what your attendees are looking for will help you select the right ship and design your program to work around what is already offered. According to Emily Parsons, exchange program specialist at Meeting Professionals International, the biggest piece of advice to other meeting planners would be to look at the full picture and be open minded. “Often, food is included in the cost of the cruise so you will be saving money in your budget that can be allocated elsewhere,” Parsons says. “I often tell people that these are the types of meetings that create memories for people and I like to think, as meeting planners, we are memory makers.” Ongoing Innovations At Sea In recent years, the cruise industry has started focusing on groups, meetings and specialty cruising, dedicating staff to booking and working with corporate groups. As this mar- ket continues to grow, Stafford points out that cruise lines are making the changes necessary to become major contenders in the corporate meeting space. “As the cruise lines become more ‘meeting friendly,’ plan- ners will increasingly turn to cruise meetings as options for unique meetings and incentives,” Stafford says. “The com- pany that plays together stays together.” With more and more cruise ships coming online, Stafford would expect to see ships further dedicated to corporate and group meetings. “I foresee more corporate buyouts of full ships. The future for cruise meetings is as vast as the ocean,” Stafford says. “We are just on the cusp of exciting opportunities to come.” Indeed, Parsons also thinks cruise lines will evolve to really curate meeting experiences for attendees. “I like to think of Virgin cruises and how, within the last year, they have changed the cruise landscape with their cut- ting-edge ships,” Parsons says. Parsons is referring to Virgin Voyages’ goal of providing exceptional (and free) internet access abroad its ships for passengers and crew alike – something that is vital in the world of corporate and incentive meetings and events when connectivity is key. As mentioned, cruise companies are recognizing the need to entice corporate groups to embark and enjoy all of their offerings. As such, Disney Cruise Line offers a variety of meet- ing facilities aboard several of their ships, including Disney Wish, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic and Dis- ney Wonder. In addition to offering dedicated meeting spaces onboard, Disney also offers guidance to meeting planners and attendees through their shoreside and onboard teams. In addition, Disney Cruise Lines provides a full-time group services manager and catering team to help corporate meeting planners coordinate all of the nuances of a group event. Also, for presentations, Disney Cruise Line features the high-tech accoutrements needed for gatherings, includ- ing Broadway-quality lighting, digital surround sound, and film and video support. With more than two dozen ships, also referred to as “floating resorts” by many, Carnival Cruise Lines prides itself on offering a variety of itinerary lengths – from three to seven days – which is ideal for corporate meetings and incentive programs. In addition, from Europe to Alaska, to Photo by Michel Verdure Susan Stafford, meeting planner and co-founder of The Event Architects, says a cruise is a tangible incentive but with flexibility to personalize, making it a desirable reward. Celebrity Beyond’s Magic Carpet, a cantilevered, floating platform that reaches 13 stories above sea level. 34 June/July 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com ©Disney Ships’ Registry: The Bahamas MEET THE DISNEY WISH Welcome aboard the newest ship from Disney Cruise Line, the Disney Wish. Here, there’s enchantment around every turn as fantastical worlds and favorite stories from Disney, Marvel, Star Wars™ and Pixar come to life like never before! Indulge in imaginative dining alongside favorite Frozen Characters at Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure. Prepare to be pampered at Palo Steakhouse, an elegant, adults-only restaurant inspired by the lovable pomp and circumstance of Cogsworth, the enchanted clock from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, offering a scrumptious selection of premium steaks and exquisite Italian dishes. Feel the thrill on AquaMouse, the first-ever Disney attraction at sea. And with elevated adult-exclusive spaces like the Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge and incredible kids’ clubs like Marvel Super Hero Academy, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on board. Magic meets the sea on the Disney Wish on 3- and 4-night adventures to The Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay! To learn more about your next meeting or incentive at sea visit DisneyMeetingsAndEvents.com ©Disney Ships’ Registry: The Bahamas MEET THE DISNEY WISH Welcome aboard the newest ship from Disney Cruise Line, the Disney Wish. Here, there’s enchantment around every turn as fantastical worlds and favorite stories from Disney, Marvel, Star Wars™ and Pixar come to life like never before! Indulge in imaginative dining alongside favorite Frozen Characters at Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure. Prepare to be pampered at Palo Steakhouse, an elegant, adults-only restaurant inspired by the lovable pomp and circumstance of Cogsworth, the enchanted clock from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, offering a scrumptious selection of premium steaks and exquisite Italian dishes. Feel the thrill on AquaMouse, the first-ever Disney attraction at sea. And with elevated adult-exclusive spaces like the Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge and incredible kids’ clubs like Marvel Super Hero Academy, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on board. Magic meets the sea on the Disney Wish on 3- and 4-night adventures to The Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay! To learn more about your next meeting or incentive at sea visit DisneyMeetingsAndEvents.com the Caribbean, Carnival also provides plenty of itineraries, conveniently embarking/disembarking at many U.S. ports, a convenience that is embraced by groups of all sizes. And to help corporate meeting and event planners orchestrate well- designed group gatherings, Carnival also offers on-staff event planners and onboard facilitators to help along the way. Of course, configurable spaces and venues are paramount for any corporate event. And Celebrity Cruises prides itself on offering unique areas that are perfect for the type of meet- ing and the number of attendees. Imagine hosting a gathering at the rooftop terrace as moonlight reflects off the beautiful sea. Celebrity recognizes the importance of offering idyllic meeting spaces, to allow attendees to revel in the surround- ing atmosphere while getting down to business. Although cruise companies are as varied as the attendees onboard, most of them offer custom entertainment, as well as custom food and beverage options to tailor to any group’s pref- erence. And most also offer the opportunity to charter a cruise whereby the entire vessel is reserved for the corporate group. And while large-vessel sea or ocean cruising continues to dominate the itineraries of many corporate and incentive groups, others seek more leisurely experiences. From Victo- rian crafts to river lore chats, there are several smaller cruise boat options that offer an old-fashioned “showboat” and quiet cruising experience in state-of-the-art vessels, right in the heart of the U.S. Stately plantations, lively cities, and the adven- ture of exploring Mark Twain’s riverside America, appeal to many attendees, who enjoy gliding along the Mighty Missis- sippi or the Columbia and Snake rivers at a leisurely pace. Like its American counterparts, European river cruises ply the Rhine and Danube to visit timeless medieval towns, castles and great Romanesque cathedrals. Even more exotic river cruises penetrate deep into the Amazon Basin or into the heart of China. Full Speed Ahead And like most things in the meetings industry, customiza- tion within the cruise industry continues to be the trend the meetings industry will see going forward. Instead of large buffet lines, F&B options often include a la carte meal ser- vice offering attendees choices. This makes them feel like it is more personalized to them. If you can turn a meal into an experience, even better. In addition, to accommodate more people, cruise lines are offering more types of dining options, as well as entertainment options. Cruise Lines also offer different types of ships with new ones being announced every year. Now that the pandemic is behind us, people are ready to get out and explore the seas, so holding a meeting or event on a cruise seems to be a natural option. “When you think of a typical meeting or incentive, you may not think of a cruise, and it is for that reason that I think a cruise is a great option — it’s different and unique, which is something that attendees are aching for these days,” says Mary Davidson, meeting planner for EP Events. “A cruise option captures more attention and offers an atypical envi- ronment. I mean, it doesn’t get much cooler than having a group meeting on the ocean! Cruises also often offer attend- ees all-inclusive options while providing a healthy balance of relaxation and exploration.” Davidson said, “We co-host an annual retreat and are currently planning for a 2024 retreat cruise. This will be an all-inclusive adult-only cruise mixed with wellness and work, which a cruise naturally offers so we’re excited to take advantage of this!” Asked her advice for meeting planners, Davidson adds, “Meeting planners should consider who their audience is and if they would appreciate a cruise. We surveyed poten- tial attendees for our cruise and learned about their cruise- specific concerns (like sea sickness) and were able to address these ahead of time and plan accordingly to ease their minds. Cruise Lines are well equipped for travel at sea and it can be a very safe, affordable way for groups to meet and travel.” She adds that she expects to see more cruises focused on wellness in the future. “Wellness in the workplace is a shift in corporate space (one that I’m totally down for) and I think that we will see more curated activities and expe- riences both on and off the ship that incorporate wellness more fully.” C&IT Courtesy Photo Seabourn Odyssey sails through Sydney Harbour. 36 June/July 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com *All Included applies to inside, ocean view, veranda, or Concierge Class stateroom who book with the All Included Rate (“Eligible Bookings”). All guests in an Eligible Booking will receive a Classic Drink Package, Gratuities (“Tips”) Included, and an unlimited Basic Wi-Fi Package. All guests in an AquaClass® stateroom will receive a Classic Drink Package, Tips Included and an unlimited Basic Wi-Fi Package. All guests in The Retreat will receive a Premium Drink Package, Tips Included, OBC and an unlimited Premium Wi-Fi Package. OBC amount varies by length of sailing and will be credited to guests’ stateroom folios. OBC has no cash value, is applicable to cruise only, non-transferable, not redeemable for cash, and will expire if not used by 10:00 PM on the final night of the cruise. Guests with Wi-Fi Packages will receive instructions for Wi-Fi access in their staterooms on the first day of the cruise. All guests in the same stateroom must choose the same rate. ©2023 Celebrity Cruises Inc. Ships’ registry: Malta and Ecuador. CALL | VISIT CELEBRITYCORPORATEKITCOM OR CONTACT YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR There are so many reasons to choose Celebrity Cruises® including destinations and stunning ships that represent the ultimate in luxury travel with drinks, Wi-Fi, and tips All Included SM . Whether you want to host a meeting, offer incentive trips, or hold any other corporate event on board, one of our revolutionary ships, our Corporate Sales Managers will make it easy to create a fully customized package on the right ship with event spaces and AV equipment included along with sailing dates and -to -night itineraries that best suit your company’s specific needs. Contact us today to learn why planners trust Celebrity Cruises to organize their sales incentive trips and company gatherings. ELEVATE YOUR INCENTIVES AND REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR RETREATS 05_26_23_MICE_PRC_C&I.indd 15/26/23 10:47 AM I often tell people that these are the types of meetings that create memories for people and I like to think, as meeting planners, we are memory makers. EMILY PARSONS Exchange Program Specialist, Meeting Professionals International*All Included applies to inside, ocean view, veranda, or Concierge Class stateroom who book with the All Included Rate (“Eligible Bookings”). All guests in an Eligible Booking will receive a Classic Drink Package, Gratuities (“Tips”) Included, and an unlimited Basic Wi-Fi Package. All guests in an AquaClass® stateroom will receive a Classic Drink Package, Tips Included and an unlimited Basic Wi-Fi Package. All guests in The Retreat will receive a Premium Drink Package, Tips Included, OBC and an unlimited Premium Wi-Fi Package. OBC amount varies by length of sailing and will be credited to guests’ stateroom folios. OBC has no cash value, is applicable to cruise only, non-transferable, not redeemable for cash, and will expire if not used by 10:00 PM on the final night of the cruise. Guests with Wi-Fi Packages will receive instructions for Wi-Fi access in their staterooms on the first day of the cruise. All guests in the same stateroom must choose the same rate. ©2023 Celebrity Cruises Inc. Ships’ registry: Malta and Ecuador. CALL | VISIT CELEBRITYCORPORATEKITCOM OR CONTACT YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR There are so many reasons to choose Celebrity Cruises® including destinations and stunning ships that represent the ultimate in luxury travel with drinks, Wi-Fi, and tips All Included SM . Whether you want to host a meeting, offer incentive trips, or hold any other corporate event on board, one of our revolutionary ships, our Corporate Sales Managers will make it easy to create a fully customized package on the right ship with event spaces and AV equipment included along with sailing dates and -to -night itineraries that best suit your company’s specific needs. Contact us today to learn why planners trust Celebrity Cruises to organize their sales incentive trips and company gatherings. ELEVATE YOUR INCENTIVES AND REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR RETREATSM eeting properties in Arizona already have the advantage of being located in a sunny, scenic environment, but some planners of corporate and incentive meetings are also amazed at the stellar service provided by their staff members. “Hats off to the amazing hotel and resort staffs in each and every resort and hotel in Arizona,” says Cindy Rosbrook, president and owner of Phoenix-based Conference Solutions, LLC. “The hospitality industry has been taking some very big hits these past couple of years, and we came out smiling and busy as ever, as we always do in this resilient industry. Hos- pitality people work 24/7 to ensure the best experiences for our corporate meetings and incentives.” Rosbrook books hotels in Greater Phoenix regularly for groups ranging from 10 to 650 attendees. They include Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale, The Scott Resort & Spa, The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, Hyatt Regency Scott- sdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch, Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows, Hotel Valley Ho and The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale. Tucson In Tucson, Rosbrook books The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, Loews Ventana Canyon Resort and JW Marriott Tuc- son Starr Pass Resort & Spa. “There are so many unique resorts and hotels,” she says. “Each Arizona experience is different from the others, pending which resort or hotel is selected, and in which area. So, I encourage clients to look around with me at other properties when they are here for their precontracted meeting to obtain ideas for their next meeting or incentive.” Tucson also was the site for the National Computer Corporation’s (NCC) Annual Reseller Conference in 2018 and 2023, which attracted 110 attendees. Jody Harris, vice president and co-owner of the company— based in Green- ville, South Carolina — came across a site selection company, Vision Quest, while she was searching for a location for the 2018 conference and found that Visit Tucson offers a program that enables planners to visit meeting properties in the city. “The reimbursement for planners’ airfare really caught our eye,” she says. And our conference is in March, and we defi- nitely look for pleasant weather. Tucson definitely fit the bill! We decided on a site there for our 2018 conference and then, for the first time, we chose to repeat in Tucson for 2023.” For both meetings, NCC attendees booked Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa, an 80-acre property with more than 20,000 sf of meeting space, including 16 meeting rooms, 4,312-sf Sonoran Ballroom, 3,626-sf Catalina Ballroom and 3,696-sf Sonoran Rooftop Patio. “I actually brought my extended family to Tucson for a week to share the location and use them to test some outing ideas,” Harris says, add- ing that, as a result of the trip, a Visit Tucson staff member helped her to plan a Saturday outing for the 2023 attendees. The outing took place at White Stallion Ranch and included a “cowboy breakfast” and jeep rides to explore the property. “The Trail Dust Jeep Tours drivers use humor and interesting stories to weave in a lot of information about all that is unique about the Sonoran Desert and its fauna and flora,” Harris says. Tucson offers other excellent venues for corporate and incentive meetings and events, including Tucson Convention Center, with more than 200,000 sf of meeting space, including 20,164-sf grand ballroom and three performance facilities. Other options include JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa, with 88,000 sf of meeting space, The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa (more than 92,000 sf), El Conquis- Arizona BY DAN JOHNSON Sunny Scenery & Stellar Service Draw Meeting Planners Courtesy Photo JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort 38 June/July 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com DESTINATION REPORTtador, A Hilton Resort (more than 100,000 sf) Loews Ven- tana Canyon (83,000 sf) and Casino del Sol/Estrella Hotel (almost 20,000 sf). Phoenix Just outside of Phoenix, in Litchfield Park, Rosbrook has booked several meetings at The Wigwam, an AAA Four Dia- mond resort and Historic Hotel. The groups she has brought here have ranged in size from 10 to more than 650 attendees and have stayed in some of the property’s 331 spacious casitas and utilized the 100,000 sf of meeting space, which includes 30,000 sf of indoor space, 15,000 sf of prefunction space and 55,000 sf of outdoor space, including 10 gardens and lawns. Rosbrook has not only planned events at the Wigwam, but participated in one as an attendee at a corporate gather- ing. “The hotel was able to not only handle 2,000 people for elaborate dinner stations and cocktail parties, but pulled it off stunningly and without a hitch,” she says. “It was one of the absolute best and most memorable holi- day parties in 14 years that we had attended.” Phoenix Conven- tion Center features nearly 1 million sf of meeting and exhibit space, including a 312,500-sf main exhibit hall and 99 meeting rooms. The 1,003-room Sheraton Phoenix Downtown is the anchor property to the conven- tion center and offers more than 100,000 sf of meeting space. JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort has 255,000 sf, Renaissance Phoenix Downtown provides 51,000 sf and Hyatt Regency Phoenix offers 50,000 sf. Scottsdale Another premier hotel is Talking Stick Resort, located in Scottsdale. It features 113,000 sf of indoor and outdoor meet- ing space. Julie Solomon, chief marketing officer for CCS Pre- sentation Systems — a provider of audiovisual products and equipment based in Scottsdale — brought 350 attendees to the resort for the CCS National Sales Summit a few years ago. She says, “We had a short list of properties, and decided to stay in Scottsdale rather than venture out to another local city. Talking Stick is always a favorite destination for out-of-town guests.” She says the meeting went smoothly. “Talking Stick had an amazing events coordinator who understood our program and went above and beyond to make sure our complicated event ran smoothly,” Solomon says. She adds that Talking Stick’s 240,000-sf Casino Ari- zona is also a major attraction for groups. It contains 1,400 multidimensional slot machines, as well as a high-stakes area for added excitement. The wide array of table games includes tables of blackjack and three-card poker. Casino Arizona also is home to the largest poker room in the state, with 50 tables running Texas Hold ’Em, Omaha and seven-card stud. Solomon has also brought CCS Presentation Systems groups to JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa. She planned the CCS Southwest Presidents Club incen- tive event for 35 attendees, as well as the CCS annual Holiday Brunch/Golf Invitational for 150 participants. “Camelback had a great staff that worked with us on all aspects of the event,” she says. “We utilized restaurant outlets, catering, and golf and spa staff, all on the same weekend. They made it appear seamless.” She says that all win- ners in the golf invita- tional received funds on their account that could be used at the Spa at Cam- elback Inn and for food and beverages. Recently, the resort was re-imag- ined during an exten- sive $12.5 million transformation of its 453 casitas and suites, lobby, restaurants and patios. This renova- tion inspired Solomon to book the property. “The CVB (Experience Scottsdale) is always an amazing resource for the latest information on the best properties,” she says. “During the pandemic, they switched their in-per- son tours to a virtual series where they broadcast live from properties around Scottsdale. This is the way I was able to see the newest renovations to the Camelback, and decided that it was my No. 1 choice.” JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa has more than 132,000 sf of meeting space, divided among 26 rooms, as well as 19,968-sf Arizona Ballroom and 15,048-sf Paradise Ballroom. The 32,000-sf Spa at Camelback Inn includes a pool, saunas, steam baths, whirlpools, a full range of services and 30 treatment rooms. Camelback Golf Club features two 18-hole championship golf courses featuring extraordinary desert landscapes. It also offers professional lessons and luxurious clubhouse amenities. Some of the other leading resorts for corporate incentive planners in Scottsdale are The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa (more than 200,000 sf of meeting space), The Phoeni- cian (160,000 sf), Fairmont Scottsdale Princess (more than Courtesy of Julie Solomon CCS Presentation Systems hosted its national sales summit at Talking Stick Resort. TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | June/July 2023 39Next >