< PreviousKiawah Island Golf Resort Kiawah Island Golf Resort stands apart with unparalleled natural beauty along ten miles of stunning Carolina coastline. Here, meetings go beyond the boardroom, past the podium, and away from the mundane. This island destination inspires groups with exquisite views and engaging adventures, offer- ing myriad opportunities for connection and collaboration. Swaying sweetgrass and cascading dunes rest alongside lazy lagoons and salt marshes to deliver exceptional meeting experiences for all. Every moment on Kiawah Island is pure happiness. Groups revel in a spirited mix of relaxed elegance and effort- less access to legendary golf courses, a tennis center, distinc- tive culinary fare, and award-winning spa services designed to energize and revitalize. The panoramas alone will take your team’s breath away, and a captivating beach sunrise will leave them feeling motivated. A short drive from Charleston and a direct flight from many U.S. cities, memorable team gatherings at Kiawah Island are as accessible as they are awe- inspiring. The island is yours to explore and a place where co-worker camaraderie will bloom. Diverse venues make for exciting connections, from inti- mate executive sit-downs to conferences up to 1,000 attend- ees. Kiawah Island Golf Resort is the ultimate destination to spark creativity and strengthen bonds within your group. Inviting spaces to socialize and dine are plentiful—as well as wide-ranging waterfront experiences. The West Beach Con- ference Center offers more than 23,000 square feet of cus- tomizable meeting space, or, if you wish, convene riverside for an authentic Lowcountry oyster roast at Mingo Point. From captivating conference areas to classic clubhouses, the options are varied and vast indeed. The Ocean Course Clubhouse delivers executive-level meetings overlook- ing the famed PGA Championship and Ryder Cup greens. Turtle Point Clubhouse presents a large-scale meeting space with spectacular views of the iconic Jack Nicklaus-designed course. Located lagoon-side with four distinct private meet- ing spaces, The Osprey Point Clubhouse is a favorite among all guests. During downtime, five championship golf courses, designed by names synonymous with the game, are part of the winning equation as well. Guests wake to new adventures – from birdwatching tours to tennis lessons and paddleboard excursions. The relaxed oceanfront luxury of The Sanctuary ensures a one- of-a-kind, Forbes Five-Star stay, while Resort Villas offer the rare opportunity to reside in one of the island’s private com- munities. While every visit to Kiawah Island Golf Resort is unique, all are filled with exciting days and oceanfront dis- cussions charged with anticipation for tomorrow’s events. Guest Rooms: 755 Total Meeting Space: Approximately 90,000 square feet Total Number of Meeting Rooms: 37 Other Amenities: 500 villas & private homes, Forbes Five- Star rated Sanctuary Hotel and 23,000 square foot con- ference center. 14 restaurants, 5 golf courses, 22 tennis courts, 3 outdoor pools, indoor pool. FACTS & FEATURES 40 August 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com One Sanctuary Beach Drive Kiawah Island, SC 29455 Contact: Marty Couch Director of Group Sales 844-958-0670 | MeetatKiawah.com Marty_Couch@kiawahresort.com CONTACT GREENS OF DISTINCTION Connect with your team along glistening shores where time is measured in golden hours and performance is in perfect harmony. SOUTH CAROLINA 844.958.0670 MeetatKiawah.com MEASURE KPIs INW hen Vince Slack, CMP and his team from Do it Best, located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, were searching for a destination to hold a large conference for their company, Orlando soared to the top of their list. “Orlando offers beautiful, warm weather and the family- friendly destination we were looking for, not to mention an unlimited number of dining and entertainment options,” Slack, who is a meeting and market planning manager for his company, said, “Our attendees and our team are used to going to the same convention center in the same city. We wanted a change of pace and Orlando was the perfect destination.” He said the biggest factor in his selection of hotels was the proximity to Orange County Convention Center (OCCC). “Next, we considered the convenience to International Drive for dining, shopping, theme parks and entertain- ment venues,” Slack said. “We also always strive to offer our attendees options ranging from high-end to more affordable. The amenities offered, such as outdoor pools, on-property dining and shopping outlets were also important.” Do it Best hosted its own team building and networking events nightly at local restaurants and entertainment venues, and Visit Orlando was able to assist. “The team at Visit Orlando was instrumental in assisting us and making us feel welcome in Orlando,” Slack said. “They were a huge asset in connecting us with all the key contacts in the area, ranging from the convention center to bus com- panies, security companies, theme parks, dining and enter- tainment venues. They contributed to our successful event.” Many of the 6,000 attendees extended their stay to spend extra time exploring and enjoying the many ameni- ties Orlando offers. SAP, a multinational software company headquartered in Walldorf, Germany, chose to use many of the same venues when it hosted its recent SAP Sapphire & ASUG Annual Con- ference for more than 10,000 attendees. The company, which has hosted the event in Orlando for more than 20 years, pro- vided marketing services for business management and sup- ply chain management software. “The partnerships in place within the Orlando I-Drive District, which includes Visit Orlando, Orange County Con- vention Center, the robust hotel community and so many other in-destination resources and in-service providers, form a stable base for SAP to optimize our brand and achieve event marketing-driven business goals in an exceptionally unique and successful way,” Stefanie S. Goffredo, the firm’s category manager for events and sponsorships in North America, said. The Hyatt Regency Orlando, one of the hotels that both Do it Best and SAP booked for their attendees, also hosted a gathering offered by Meeting Alliance, an event management company in Robbinsville, New Jersey. Mary Jo Kouch, the director of sourcing for the company, was impressed by the hotel’s attentiveness and receptivity to her group’s needs. “We know the hotel executes large programs like ours routinely, but they recognized how important this program was to us, and made us feel like it was important to them,” she said. “They listened attentively to our requests, big and small, and worked to deliver a near-flawless program. We The Caribe Royale Orlando features more than 220,000 sf of meeting space with 58 breakout rooms. Courtesy Photo 42 August 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com Orlando BY DAN JOHNSON Booking Orlando for Successful Meetings DESTINATION UPDATE Our attendees and our team are used to going to the same convention center in the same city. We wanted a change of pace... VINCE SLACK, CMP Meeting & Market Planning Manager, Do it Besthope to have another opportunity to bring a program back to Orlando and the Hyatt Regency.” The property also offers wellness classes each morning at the hotel spa. Across from the convention center is Pointe Orlando, a vibrant, outdoor dining and entertainment complex. Descend 21, a social and entertainment lounge that opened earlier this year, highlights an elevated lounge for events, as well as games and a menu with items meant for sharing. Exceptional Meeting Venues Dave Wagner, partner and president of GoGather, in Escondido, California, hosted a group of 700 attendees recently at another Orlando meetings magnet, Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate. Situated on 15 sprawling acres, the AAA Four Diamond resort offers more than 248,111 sf of meeting space, divided among 73 rooms. “This event hadn’t been hosted in nearly three years, which meant the attendees were eager to connect, so we focused on giving them ample time to bond and net- work,” Wagner said. “The layout of the hotel made it especially effective for hosting a conference, with the ballrooms and meeting spaces near each other,” Wagner said. “This meant that there was less confusion about where to go and attendees didn’t have to walk as far to get to their breakout sessions.” When meetings wrapped up, attendees participated in several enjoyable group activities on-site, including an eve- ning networking event with competitive games. Wagner mentioned that the biggest highlight of the event was the staff. “They were helpful across the board,” he said. “They were quick to help with securing overflow villas and rooms when the attendance headcount increased. While we were planning, they helped provide recommendations on layouts and breakout sessions. On-site, they were responsible and flexible, helping us with any last-minute changes or needs.” Hanna Mantel, vice president of Tangerine Meetings & Events, a corporate and incentive travel company in North- field, Illinois, planned an event for a client’s 3,000 attendees at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin earlier this year. Just as last year, the client’s attendees stayed at the Swan and Dolphin as well as at Walt Disney World Swan Reserve. “This was a pretty busy meeting in and of itself, with breakouts, a trade show and evening receptions that were held on the property,” Mantel said. Located in the heart of Walt Disney World Resort and adjacent to Disney’s BoardWalk, the Swan and Dolphin properties offer a combined 333,000 sf of meeting space, including 87 meeting rooms, two executive boardrooms, four ballroom options, 110,500 sf of contiguous convention and exhibit space, outdoor function areas and two business centers. “The meeting space exceeded expectations and is always a top choice for a group of this size,” Mantel said. “We’re able to host everyone in one property and they have an overwhelming amount of flexible meeting space that could suit any meeting.” She said that, at first glance, the large size of the properties can seem a bit daunting, with a combined 2,270 hotel rooms on 87 acres of lakefront property. “It may seem large and overwhelming at first, but the team there is always prepared to ‘welcome you home’ every time you walked through the door,” Mantel said. The Swan Reserve resort is in close proximity to its two sister properties. Booking Other Favorites Disney has several other top meeting properties for large meetings in Orlando with plenty of meeting space, such as Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort (more than 220,000 sf), Disney’s Contemporary Resort (115,000 sf) and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort (73,000 sf). Another popular property for large meetings, the Orlando World Center Marriott, provides more than 500,000 sf of conference and ballroom space, nearly all on one level, including and 104 breakout rooms. Magnolia, a 30,000 sf event space with floor-to-ceiling windows, features eight 3,600 sf meeting rooms that can be broken down to create 24 rooms. Magnolia also features expansive foyer space with natural light and an outdoor lawn and patio space. The Event Technology Department at Orlando World Center Marriott provides the latest in presen- tation equipment and custom-designed services. At Caribe Royale Orlando, staff members and attendees are eagerly awaiting the fall opening of The Grove, a 19,000 sf event lawn for receptions, banquets and team building. Options to tent the space will be available. It will join the existing 220,000+ sf of meeting space, which includes the 50,000 sf Palms Ballroom, 40,000 sf Grand Sierra Ballroom, 26,000 sf Caribbean Ballroom, 58 breakout rooms, two boardrooms and 20,000 sf of outdoor space. The property’s Boca meeting rooms, Boca foyer and Boca Pavilion provide nearly 20,000 sf of combined indoor and outdoor event space. Groups can convene in any of the Boca rooms, enjoy breaks in the sun-filled Boca Foyer and then head outside to the pavilion for a cocktail reception under the palms. TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | August 2023 43 They listened attentively to our requests, big and small, and worked to deliver a near- flawless program. MARY JO KOUCH Director of Sourcing Meeting AllianceLocated next to Grand Sierra Ballroom and encompassing 20 spaces that can be combined or separated, Caribe Royale Orlando’s Antigua, Bonaire and Curacao breakout rooms can be combined to offer 4,000 sf and include designed dedi- cated workspaces. The 6,400 sf Reception Building, with four breakout rooms, is set between two of the main suite towers, and is ideal for cocktail recep- tions, dinner parties and networking events. Loews Hotels and Resorts offers several excellent meet- ing venues at Universal Orlando Resort. The Carib- bean-themed Loews Sap- phire Falls Resort, at Univer- sal Orlando Resort, features 115,000 sf of flexible meeting space. The Loews Royal Pacific Resort has more than 130,000 sf of meeting space. Loews Royal Pacific Resort’s meeting space includes 41,503 sf Pacific Ballroom and 35,991 sf Oceana Ballroom, both divisible into 12 sections. The 25,000 sf of outdoor space at the 1,051 room property includes the 6,356 sf Wantilan Luau Pavilion, surrounded by exotic foliage and bamboo and including a lava-rock fire pit, tiki torches and track lighting. Italian-accented Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is located bayside at Universal Orlando Resort and is set amid cob- blestone streets and tow- ering Italian cypress trees just like those in the seaside town of Portofino, Italy. The more than 42,000 sf of meet- ing space includes the 15,040 sf Tuscan Ballroom with its soaring 27 foot ceilings and eight meeting rooms. The 47,464 sf of outdoor meet- ing space includes 16,150 sf Harbor Piazza for a stylish outdoor event on the bay. Resort Renovations Several Orlando meeting resorts have been undergoing significant renovations. JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa, featuring 50,000 sf of meeting space, now offers illume, a rooftop lounge with an open-air terrace. The Wal- dorf Astoria Orlando has 60,000 sf of meeting space, includ- ing the new Central Park Ballroom, with more than 8,000 sf. It is undergoing a comprehensive, multiphase reimagination to be complete at the end of the year, which will encompass the guest rooms, lobby spaces, spa and 18-hole golf course. Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is undergoing an expansion that will create an additional 103,000 sf of mul- tifunctional meeting space, including a 35,098 sf ballroom, divisible in 12 sections; an 8,132 sf screened veranda, with views of the golf course, a 2,700 sf outdoor event patio and a 35,185 sf event lawn. Also, the Conrad Orlando is scheduled to open at the end of the year with 65,000 sf of indoor event space, a spa and several dining options, including a signa- ture rooftop experience. It sits on the 1,100-acre cam- pus of Evermore Resort Orlando, which plans to begin booking attend- ees early next year. It will include a lagoon, 150,000 sf of meeting and event space and two Jack Nicklaus golf courses. Orlando’s Vibrant Growth Continues Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando, is encouraged by the ongoing new activity. Matej is hopeful that Orlando will be able to lure even more meetings now with the recent opening of the South Terminal Complex at Orlando International Airport (MCO). The facility added 15 gates and includes a seamless, low-touch environment with a technologically advanced radio baggage sys- tem as well as several shops, restaurants and lounges. “The partnership pro- vides specifically for event planners customizable health solutions for their conference and attendees through the new Orlando Health Virtual Care Cen- ter, now open at the Orange County Convention Cen- ter,” Matej said. “Located in the west concourse, on the first floor, near the Visit Orlando Welcome Center, medical providers will be able to evaluate medical conditions of attendees during large conventions.” Virtual-visit physicians are able to evaluate many medi- cal conditions, including allergies, cold and flu symptoms, diarrhea, pink eye, insect bites, respiratory infections, skin rashes, sore throat and sprains. They are also able to write prescriptions that can be sent to local pharmacies. C&IT Courtesy of Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin The Walt Disney World Swan Reserve has 15,711 sf of meeting space, including two ballrooms and 12 meeting rooms plus an additional 13,835 sf of outdoor space. 44 August 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com ORLANDOMEETING.COM Make meetings that make memories. Continuously ranked as Cvent’s Number 1 meeting destination in the country, Orlando offers event spaces, hotels, dining and entertainment unlike anywhere else. When collaboration fuels enthusiasm, attendees leave so inspired they might just wear their badges on the flight home. WHERE MATCHING LANYARDS ARE WORN PROUDLY The partnership provides specifically for event planners customizable health solutions for their conference and attendees. CASANDRA MATEJ President and CEO Visit OrlandoORLANDOMEETING.COM Make meetings that make memories. Continuously ranked as Cvent’s Number 1 meeting destination in the country, Orlando offers event spaces, hotels, dining and entertainment unlike anywhere else. When collaboration fuels enthusiasm, attendees leave so inspired they might just wear their badges on the flight home. WHERE MATCHING LANYARDS ARE WORN PROUDLYN ew Orleans is a vibrant city with lively jazz music, authentic Cajun food and a vibrant nightlife. This atmosphere, coupled with the increase in bleisure travel, where conference and meeting-goers add on vacation days to their work travel plans, means event planners are also looking at cities like NOLA for their corporate events. “Meeting planners should consider New Orleans for a corporate meeting/event because the city offers a unique and vibrant atmosphere that is sure to leave a lasting impres- sion on attendees,” Diane Lyons, CMP, president of Accent New Orleans Inc., said. “With its rich history, diverse culture and world-renowned cuisine, New Orleans provides a one-of-a-kind experience that cannot be found any- where else. Additionally, the city boasts a variety of meet- ing venues and 29,000 hotel rooms within a very walkable city. The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is an award-winning LEED- certified building with over 1.1 million sf of continuous space under one roof.” The new airport, she added, has won many accolades, as it is located less than 20 minutes from the center of the city. Indeed, New Orleans is “Built to Host” with a strong hospitality industry that is experienced in hosting small and large-scale events and ensuring that attendees have a memorable and enjoyable experience. “Visitors can explore the city’s rich French and Spanish colonial past through its architecture, food and music,” Lyons said. “New Orleans is also home to numerous festivals through- out the year, including Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest and the French Quarter Festival. In addition, the city offers a vibrant nightlife with numerous bars, restaurants and music venues. For those who enjoy the outdoors, the nearby swamps and bayous pro- vide opportunities for fishing, boating and wildlife viewing. Overall, New Orleans has something to offer for everyone.” Recently Lyons worked with a corporate client whose event theme was “Together, We Are Unstoppable.” The Accent New Orleans team was able to expand the theme to include the cultural vibe of New Orleans. From a companywide talent show to an authentic New Orleans Brass Band and Grand Marshal leading attend- ees through the streets with a police escort complete with sirens, this corporate event was memorable for all involved. “The parade brought us to The Fillmore, an off-site venue,” Lyons said. “We kicked off the evening there with a jazz ensemble, but once again we surprised and delighted attendees with way more than swinging beats,” Lyons said. “Attendees were spoiled, allowing them to have a choice with the entertainment offered, between a karaoke lounge, a masterful DJ bop- ping away in the bar, a roaming magician, an interactive photo booth and even tarot card read- ers secreted away in quieter corners for private readings.” Without a doubt, these entertainment elements were key to making this meeting a tremendous success. As Lyons explained, they kept attendees riv- oted and the energy high – two primary goals of their client. “Using cultural elements of the city to engage their employees and creating an event that engaged the team made for a once in a lifetime experience,” Lyons said. “Only in New Orleans can you take over the streets and block traffic with your very own police escort.” Amber Soletti-Cabrera, founder of Intellectual Blonde Events, has also planned various events in New Orleans. “A couple of fun events stand out in particular,” Soletti- Cabrera said. “We’ve planned and hosted some corporate events at Jamnola, which is perfect for clients looking to show- case New Orleans culture, art and give attendees the opportu- nity to take amazing and fun photos. They have larger-than- The Accent New Orleans team expanded their event theme to reflect New Orleans, which included participating in a parade. 46 August 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com New Orleans BY CHLOE LABELLE The “Big Easy” Is Built To Host Courtesy of Diane Lyons DESTINATION UPDATElife crawfish, a ‘bling’ bayou with a golden alligator, babydoll umbrellas, interactive wall mural art where you can pose in a second line parade with a giant po-boy and so much more.” The majority of attendees at this event had never been to New Orleans before so this was a perfect space to give them all a dose of all of the amazing gems the city has to offer. “It was definitely a hit,” Soletti-Cabrera said. “Another super fun event we helped coordinate was Jamfest at Press Street Station. For this particular event, we booked several NOLA food, drink and art vendors to give attendees a literal taste of NOLA festival food. It included snow balls, kingcakes, crawfish bread, pasta, po- boys, bread pudding, cajun tacos and more. With live music performances and entertain- ment, this delivered an authentic food and music experience that only NOLA can offer.” Angele duPassage, CMP, partner and owner of Cypress Planning Group, plans corporate events in cities all over the world, but New Orleans is often on the top of their clients’ lists when considering a host city. “New Orleans is that city that you’ve never been to but always wanted to go, or you’ve been to, but you want to go back,” duPassage said. It’s a first-tier meetings destination that has not only multiple hotel products from luxury to lim- ited service to hosting success- ful meetings, but is also a walk- able city that attracts attendees because of its food, culture, music, museums and the hospi- table nature of its community.” The city is an easy destina- tion to fly into and to do business in. Du Passage finds that when meetings are hosted in New Orleans, attendees arrive early and stay later to enjoy the des- tination, thus impacting overall registration, guest room pickup and attendee enjoyment. “It’s an unbeatable city for any meeting or event,” she said. As a full-service meeting planning company, duPassage sourced and planned a variety of meetings at the Virgin Hotel in New Orleans. The hotel is in a location that New Orleans calls the South Market District, which is in a revitalized up-and-coming area, so it is centered around a lot of restaurants and bars as well as near the street- car line and the French Quarter. The Virgin Hotel has over 5,000 sf of flexible meeting and event space, the majority of which offers sweeping views of the city. In addition to the Virgin Hotel, many new, renovated and soon-to-be completed New Orleans’ venues are sure to please today’s corporate planners. For instance, Nobu Hotel New Orleans is scheduled to open next year within the newly cre- ated Caesars New Orleans. Caesars Entertainment is investing $325 million in renovating and rebrand- ing Harrah’s New Orleans. The new Four Sea- sons Hotel New Orleans features 29,000 sf of meeting space, a cultural museum, and a roof-top pool and bar area. Another new addition to New Orleans’ portfolio of meet- ing and event spaces is the Kimpton Hotel Fontenot, which is celebrated for its close proximity to the convention center and Caesars Superdome. New Orleans also was one of Cvent’s Top 20 Destinations in this year’s ranking, which can be credited to the city making new invest- ments to make it an attractive meeting and events des- tination, including gradually freshening up and expanding its hospitality offerings. “Hotels are a major area being targeted for upgrades,” Rachel Andrews, senior director, Global Meetings & Events Cvent, said, adding, “The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Con- vention Center is the sixth largest convention facility in the nation and consistently ranks in the country’s top 10 of facilities that hold the most conventions and tradeshows annually.” Making It A Success When planning an event in New Orleans, it is important for meeting planners to remem- ber that the city is a very popu- lar destination with numer- ous festivals and events which can impact availability, as well as cost for accommodations and transportation. Soletti-Cabrera said that con- siderations that need to be made should include what time of year the event is taking place. If it’s in the hot summer months, plan- ners definitely need to book a venue with air-conditioning that is working well. You also need to consider how large the group is, whether you want to have a catered event and the location of where your attendees are staying, versus the venue and budget. “So many factors come into play when planning an event, but the good news is, New Orleans offers a wide range of ven- ues for events and activities that can be booked for an unfor- gettable, authentic and cultural NOLA experience,” Soletti- Intellectual Blonde Events planned an event at Jamnola, which offers 17 exhibits that reflect New Orleans culture. TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | August 2023 47 New Orleans is a vibrant city, with lively jazz music, authentic Cajun food and a vibrant nightlife. Courtesy of Amber SolettiCabrera said. “Large, inti- mate, in-between, modern or historic, the Crescent City has so much to offer!” Also remember that inclement weather, espe- cially during the hotter months and hurricane sea- son, can definitely provide challenges, so make sure to plan accordingly. “Make sure you’re host- ing your event at a place that has a backup gen- erator in case power goes out,” Soletti-Cabrera said. “Weather scenarios can be a nightmare for event planners, so make sure to do your research and take proper precautions to make sure your event is a hit come rain or shine.” DuPassage always encourages their team of planners to experience New Orleans at the same general time of year the meeting will be hosted. For New Orleans, this is particularly important as the energy is indicative of the season. The feel, the temperature, the festivals, special events and the overall vibe changes in New Orleans depend- ing on the season. “I always say, ‘seeing is believing,’” duPassage said. “You can watch videos and look at photo after photo of a destination, but to fully understand a city, especially one like New Orleans, you need to come and experience it for yourself. Eat the food, enjoy the music, speak to the hospitality community, stay in the hotels you are considering and walk the meeting space.” With any major city, there can be any number of things going on at any given time and New Orleans is no different. As duPassage explained, New Orleans is known for hosting a bevy of festivals year-round, but beyond this, because it is a host city, many citywide conferences and conventions can often be found in New Orleans, in addition to special events, including special sporting events, concerts and more. “Anything from Mardi Gras, to the Jazz and Heritage Festival, to the Essence Festival, as well as countless sporting events, can put pressure on the city, which may impact factors such as hotel occupancy, room rate, restau- rant availability, flights and more,” duPassage said. “We encourage our clients to be flexible with their dates, since that might be the difference of having availability or not in New Orleans.” DuPassage also recom- mended New Orleans & Company as a great resource for corporate planners exploring the idea of hosting a meeting or incentive event in New Orleans. “Their team is geared toward helping planners understand more about the city of New Orleans and what is available to suc- cessfully host your event,” duPassage said. “They pro- vide resources from meet- ing planning guides to help- ing connect planners to the best of the best in the city. They are devoted to help- ing you better market your meeting, which can include stock photos, videos, mar- keting tools and so much more. Many of our clients continue to keep coming back to New Orleans, and there’s a reason for it. It’s not just us, but it’s the attrac- tion of the city.” When planning events in New Orleans, Cvent sug- gests planners highlight for attendees all the great attrac- tions that make it easy to hop from business and networking meetings to fun activities, like trying iconic NOLA dishes or doing some shopping. “In today’s meetings and events landscape, planners and marketers are experiencing difficulties driving on-site atten- dance due to rising costs, supply chain issues and other fac- tors,” Andrews said. “To entice attendees, the reputation of a host city is also important to consider, and New Orleans makes it easy with its record of treating visitors to world- class food, shopping and entertainment.” Andrews said there are many ways to infuse some of New Orleans’s culture into a meeting or event, including: • Incorporating the local cuisine into an event and working within the constraints of your budget. Planners can work with local vendors, which can introduce local favorites to your attendees, like gumbo or jambalaya, or including beig- nets for dessert. • Carving out time in your agenda for attendees to explore the city. Between meetings, give attendees some breathing room to check out some of the local attractions, like the French Quarter or the Garden District. C&IT The New Orleans Convention Center Theatre is a versatile conference auditorium that has a seating capacity of over 4,000. 48 August 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com PLAN YOUR MEETING WITH NEW ORLEANS © 2023 New Orleans & Company All Rights Reserved. NewOrleans.com/meetings | @neworleansandco A successful event is easy to get to. The compact footprint of New Orleans – with major convention facilities, hotels, restaurants, and attractions, all within 2.5 miles of your meeting – is what makes us Built To Host. Ride the streetcar or walk through our beautiful neighborhoods, from the French Quarter to Uptown, to connect with colleagues and build new relationships in our one-of-a-kind community. Call the New Orleans & Company Convention Sales Team at 877.393.5836, email at cnvsales@neworleans.com or visit NewOrleans.com/meetings. Their team is geared toward helping planners understand more about the city of New Orleans and what is available to successfully host your event. ANGELE duPASSAGE, CMP Partner and Owner, Cypress Planning Group Courtesy of Angele duPassagePLAN YOUR MEETING WITH NEW ORLEANS © 2023 New Orleans & Company All Rights Reserved. NewOrleans.com/meetings | @neworleansandco A successful event is easy to get to. The compact footprint of New Orleans – with major convention facilities, hotels, restaurants, and attractions, all within 2.5 miles of your meeting – is what makes us Built To Host. Ride the streetcar or walk through our beautiful neighborhoods, from the French Quarter to Uptown, to connect with colleagues and build new relationships in our one-of-a-kind community. Call the New Orleans & Company Convention Sales Team at 877.393.5836, email at cnvsales@neworleans.com or visit NewOrleans.com/meetings.Next >