Photo by Darren Hardy A COASTAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION PUBLICATION SEPTEMBER 2023 VOL. 41 NO. 9 $15.00 IN THIS ISSUE SURGING CRIME & PLANNER CONCERNS PLANNING EXECUTIVE RETREATS THE IMPORTANCE OF DEI ARIZONA LAS VEGAS IMEX AMERICA 2023 Neil Patrick Harris hosts Forbes Travel Guide’s 2023 Summit at Resorts World Las Vegas. PAGE 26ORLDW-SALESADM@hilton.com 407.827.4000 hiltonlakebuenavista.com 1751 Hotel Plaza Blvd. Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 MCOBU-SALESADM@hilton.com 407.827.2727 buenavistapalace.com 1900 E Buena Vista Dr. Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 MEMORABLE MEETINGS AWAIT, WITHIN STEPS OF DISNEY SPRINGS ® Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace and Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista are Official Walt Disney World ® Hotels, connected via Skybridge to Disney Springs ® , featuring over 150 shopping, dining and entertainment options. With a combined 200,000 ft 2 of flexible meeting and event space, our award-winning catering and events teams will bring your next meeting or event to an entirely new level. THE DISNEY DIFFERENCE Come experience the newly redesigned meeting space and pair your meeting with a Disney in-park event, Disney institute program or exclusive Behind the Scenes Tours and more. TWO HOTELS, One Amazing Location Offer applicable to meetings contracted by December 31, 2023 and actualized between 2023 and 2024. Applicable to new bookings only. Offer is not retroactive on previously contracted business. Minimum of ten (10) rooms on peak required to qualify. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. Some restrictions apply. OUR BIGGEST SALES EVENT OF THE YEAR CONTACT US FOR YOUR CUSTOMIZED OFFERVOLUME 41 NO. 9 | SEPTEMBER 2023 | ISSN 0739-1587 | USPS 716-450 14 18 22 26 54 58 64 68 76 4 Publisher’s Message 6 News & Notes 8 Snapshots Scene at Destinations International 2023 Annual Convention 10 Perspective Young Employees Want Leaders Who Care About Them BY GARY HARPST 12 Perspective How to Use AI to Design Better Meetings BY SCOTT STEINBERG 82 People on the Move departments destinations features Las Vegas Always A Winning Choice BY DAN JOHNSON Arizona Offers Endless Meeting Space BY CHLOE LABELLE TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | September 2023 3 The Importance of DEI Inclusivity Begins With Education BY CHRISTINE LOOMIS The Pulse Of Recovery Meetings Get Back on Track BY MAURA KELLER Proceeding with Caution Surging Crime Makes Planning Paramount BY MAURA KELLER IMEX 2023 Preview Working Together The Importance of Developing Strong Partnerships BY CHRISTINE LOOMIS Cruising Renaissance Planners Find Value in Cruise Meetings & Incentives BY DAVID SWANSON Planning Executive Retreats What Are Today’s Executives Asking For? BY MAURA KELLER IN THIS ISSUE 22 68 26Corporate & 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 Retrenchment: What Can You Do About It? Amid the public, sometimes loud, debate over the huge federal budget defi- cit impinging on all of us, private business is quietly, but just as intensely, go- ing through its own unsettling period. To polish over the unpleasant situation, corporate management and business analysts have taken to calling the pro- cess retrenchment. Name it what you will, you, the corporate meeting and incentive travel plan- ner, recognizes that management has mandated cutting costs and streamlin- ing budgets. Unfortunately, such downsizing efforts usually focus on middle managers whose specialty doesn’t add directly to the bottom line and who are considered to be “cost centers” rather than profit centers. Does the job description fit you? Enter the independent planner, or should we say re-enter? In the past, most independent planners were hired to plan or run a specific program or series of meetings. Now, they are being asked to provide broader services on a continuing basis. Obviously, all of the above bodes little good for the in-house corporate planner and staff. To put it frankly, it behooves every meeting planner to review the organization’s meeting needs and goals and align them with the re- drawn budget modifications. As a planner, you should be able to answer every question relating to costs that are under your control and make appropriate recommendations. Have the facts and figures at your fingertips. Draw on the knowledge of your peers when needed. Contact helpful associations in our field, especially if you are a newcomer to the planning job, for an abundance of material that will en- able you to be a better and more cost-efficient meeting planner. In the final analysis, every meeting planner should participate in the deci- sion-making process. After all, if you do not make the decisions, you can believe that the decisions will be made for you. 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 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 September 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com Harvey Grotsky Publisher FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA linkedin.com/company/ CorpIncTravel @CorpIncTravel @CorpIncTravel facebook.com/ CorpIncTravel |TERRANEA COM|TERRANEA MEETINGS ONTHECOASTOFSOUTHERNCALIFORNIA Extraordinary Southern California’s premier meeting and event destination, Terranea off ers a wealth of off erings for conferences, retreats and social occasions of every size and purpose. The 102- acre luxury resort features more than 135,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space in a majestic oceanfront se ing and the capacity to host receptions with up to 1,500 guests.NEWS + NOTES // 6 September 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com Global Business Travel Industry Makes Fast Rebound ALEXANDRIA, VA — The global business travel industry has rebound- ed at a more accelerated rate than expected just a year ago and is now expected to surpass its pre-pandemic spending level of $1.4 trillion in 2024 − and grow to nearly $1.8 trillion by 2027. Last year, global business travel spending rose 47% to $1.03 trillion, with strong gains continuing and 32% growth expected this year. These robust gains were fueled by pent-up demand after the pandemic, more fa- vorable global economic conditions last year and this year and recession risks that have yet to happen. These are the central findings from the latest 2023 GBTA Business Trav- el Index™ Outlook – Annual Global Report and Forecast published by the Global Business Travel Associa- tion in collaboration with Visa. Now in its 15th edition, this latest report outlines the top-level outlook for fore- casted global business travel spending and other trends for 2023 to 2027. New in this year’s BTI are also data and analysis from GBTA’s comprehen- sive survey of 4,700 business travelers across five global regions, represent- ing insights from employee travelers regarding their business travel pref- erences, behaviors and spending, in- cluding what they report as their av- erage price of a business trip now. Margaritaville Lake Resort Offers Promo To Planners MONTGOMERY, TX — Margaritaville Lake Resort, Lake Conroe, Houston, has launched its “Sail Into Paradise” promotion. Between now and Nov. 1, meeting planners who book an event at the resort will receive special offers. Choose from the following three reward tiers: • $10,000 + Room Spend: complimentary Margaritaville • Bahamas frozen concoction maker. • $20,000 + Room Spend: Bahamas cruise for two aboard the luxurious “Margaritaville at Sea” cruise ship. • $30,000 + Room Spend: Round-trip airfare credit and a Baha- mas cruise for two. In addition, they are offering a range of additional concessions, including exlusive rates, waived resort fees, additional add-ons, team building and golf discounts. Suite rates: Enjoy exclusive rates starting from $129 per night for qualified meetings. Waived resort fees: Attendees can indulge in the resort’s amenities, including the Jolly Mon Waterpark, Fins Up Fitness Center, the onsite wellness retreat, St. Somewhere Spa and six Margaritaville-inspired restaurants without any additional resort fees. Additional add-ons: Complimentary Wi-Fi, self-parking and meet- ing room rental (with a minimum F&B spend). Team building and golf discounts: 20% off any team building activ- ity that excludes F&B and 10% off weekday (Tuesday – Thursday) golf to attendees. For more information, visit margaritavilleresorts.com/margarita- ville-lake-resort-lake-conroe/meetings-events. Courtesy Photo WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Travel Association announced recipi- ents of the 2023 Destiny and Mercury Awards at the 39th annual Educa- tional Seminar for Tourism Organiza- tions (ESTO) conference, held August 19-22 in Savannah, GA. “These awards are the only of their kind to recognize excellence in travel and tourism marketing campaigns at the city and state level and are a best- in-class showcase of creativity reflect- ing the unique travel destinations of our country,” Nan Marchand Beau- vois, Senior Vice President of Mem- bership and Industry Relations at the U.S. Travel Association, said. “Con- gratulations to this year’s Destiny and Mercury award winners for their out- standing achievements in travel pro- motion.” Honors in 21 categories were awarded for excellence and creativity in destination marketing and inspir- ing visitation, a critical component of the continued growth of the travel industry. U.S. Travel Honors Destination Marketers With Awards At ESTO 2023MAUI, HI – “The Hawaiian Islands are open for business,” John Reyes, senior vice president and chief MCI sales of- ficer, Meet Hawaii said. “While non-essential travel to West Maui (including Lahaina, Nāpili, Kā‘anapali, and Kapalua) is currently strongly discouraged through Oct. 17, per Gov- ernor Green’s sixth emergency proclama- tion, group business to all other parts of Maui (including Ka- hului, Wailuku, Kīhei, Wailea, Mākena, Pā’ia and Hāna) and other Hawaiian Islands are welcomed to keep residents employed and our economy alive. Hotels in unaffected areas will con- tinue to operate and welcome guests.” Meeting planners and event industry professionals in- terested in making donations to help communities and fam- ilies recover on Maui can contribute through the Hawai‘i Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund at hawaiicom- munityfoundation.org/maui-strong. Also, meeting attendees are being urged throughout Ha- waii to be especially mindful and respectful as the commu- nity endures this extremely difficult time. Enhancements And Expansion Continue At Gaylord Rockies AURORA, CO — Known for being the largest combined resort and convention center in Colorado, Gaylord Rockies has played host to meetings ranging in size from five to 10,000 attendees. Focusing on continued investment in exceptional meeting spaces and unique food and bev- erage experiences, Gaylord Rockies is expanding its po- sition as a leader in bringing people together in an ex- traordinary way. Scheduled for comple- tion next year, these en- hancements are phase two of the current multi-year in- vestment plan by ownership group Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc., providing a more spacious and elegant en- vironment for both group and leisure customers. The addi- tional enhancements will complement the phase one invest- ments, that included a completed redesign of the outdoor lawn spaces and the addition of dining terraces last spring. Courtesy Photo New Orleans Event Planning Visionary, Diane Lyons, Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award NEW ORLEANS, LA — ACCENT New Orleans an- nounced the recognition of its founder, Diane Lyons, who has been honored with the esteemed DMC Network Found- ers Award. This prestigious lifetime achievement award celebrates Lyons’ unwavering dedication, exceptional commitment, and unmatched contri- butions to the event and meeting plan- ning industry while crafting unforget- table experiences in both New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Lyons has played an integral role in the DMC Network since its inception, serving on the origi- nal board for seven years. Group Travel Still Welcome In Some Areas Of Hawaii RNC Announces Houston As Host City For 2028 Convention HOUSTON, TX — The Republican National Committee (RNC) officially selected Houston, TX, as the host city for the 2028 Republican National Convention. RNC Charwoman Ronna McDaniel said, “After a smart business decision made by the RNC last spring to allow us to select the next convention city earlier than ever, we are looking forward to seeing Houston in the spotlight come 2028.” “We were able to showcase our community’s leadership, our dynamic convention campus and our team’s professionalism to the RNC, and we be- lieve that’s why they chose Houston for their most important event,” Houston First Corporation Pres- ident and CEO Michael Heckman, said. “When we began this bid process more than a year ago, we did so knowing that winning the Republican Na- tional Convention would be a significant economic win for our city and an opportunity for Houston to shine. Now we look forward to making that op- portunity a reality.” Courtesy Photo Vincent Lim / Hawaii Tourism Authority Lyons TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | September 2023 78 September 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com D estinations International, the world’s largest global association for destination organizations, recently held their sold-out Annual Convention in Dallas, Texas. This convention is the destination organization industry’s premier event to meet your peers and gain cutting- edge knowledge to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. Attendees come from destinations of all shapes and sizes, and it is an opportunity for all members of the industry to gather and network, regardless of where they are in their career path. This year’s event, with 1,600 attendees from 23 countries, featured 35 concurrent sessions, four general sessions, three pre- conference sessions and 60 Flashes of Brilliance Micro Sessions. It also kicked off Destinations International’s “Year of RE” theme, REimagine. Destination organization leaders of today must have a renewed focus on solutions to tackle the challenges of showcasing organizational strength and resilience that create welcoming communities and increase resident engagement. C&IT 2023 ANNUAL CONVENTION DESTINATIONS INTERNATIONAL SCENE AT DI //TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | September 2023 9Next >