< Previousthousands of dollars. A cruise makes putting together a bud- get and sticking with it a lot easier.” For the upcoming Avoya Travel Annual Conference, Graves booked her group onto an existing itinerary aboard Discovery Princess, the newest ship in the Princess Cruises fleet. Debuting last year, the 3,660-passenger ship has all of Princess’ hallmark features. The Princess Medallion is a quarter-sized wearable that enables faster boarding, locating fellow travelers and enhanced service wherever an attendee may be situated, on the ship, poolside or in their cabin. “Princess has been a great partner for us,” Graves said. “We haven’t done this particular itinerary before, so it’s a great experience for attendees, who are all travel agents.” Sailing To Scenic Alaska The upcoming seven-day sail out of Seattle this year will port at Alaska’s top destinations: Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. “We are planning on hosting our general sessions in the theater, which is great because they already have a built-in stage, screens and existing AV, so we are able to save a lot of money not bringing that in from another vendor,” she said. One challenge Graves noted on the technology front is that WiFi can be inconsistent when sailing. She recommended that any audio or visual con- tent to be presented should be pre-recorded. Graves also observed that, on some ships, the lack of traditional break- out or meeting space can be a challenge if an event includes a lot of meetings or breakouts. Still, planners with flexible requirements will find many venues on most ships, including restau- rants, bars and theaters, that can be adapted. “When we’re sharing a publicly-available cruise, we need to be flexible with space and times and exclusivity expecta- tions,” Graves said. “This includes times when we can have the theater for sessions or other areas for private receptions.” Shared spaces were not a problem for Bloss when she chartered with Seabourn Cruise Line for a seven-day Medi- terranean cruise recently. There are, however, important considerations when choosing a full-ship charter, and size options have never been more diversified, ranging from sail- ing ships that can accommodate 148 attendees to mega-ships catering to 2,000 or more. “Matching a client with the right ship and itinerary is crucial,” Bloss said. “When choosing a ship for a full charter, obviously size is the first factor one has to determine. You are buying the entire vessel, even if you don’t fill it 100%.” Ships tend to stay in one region for a season before mov- ing to another destination, and cruise schedules are released 18 months or more in advance. Therefore, if a specific ship is desired, some destination flexibility may be required. “Another important factor is where the company has been before,” Bloss stated. “What is their bucket list? What is new and different? What destination has the magic touch? And then, of course, you have the budget.” Luxury At Sea “We chose Seabourn Cruise Line for a particular client because they wanted luxury and needed a certain number of top suites,” she continued. “They also wanted a creative itiner- ary that was different from the standard itineraries. Dining was another important factor. Seabourn is a five-star-plus luxury cruise line, with outstanding service and multiple restaurant options. Compared to a land program, the organization that is needed for a cruise program is definitely more streamlined.” The client planned for a high-scale meeting presentation and the size of the theater and the quality of the AV equip- ment were top priorities, so events and special needs were organized in advance by the ship staff, Bloss noted. The company also did a couple of customized shoreside events. Another advantage that comes with a full-ship char- ter is that corporations can fully capitalize on branding possibilities. “These stay in place for the entire cruise and the options are truly endless,” Bloss said. “You can also customize the daily order of events, select from a choice of entertainment, adjust din- ing times to suit meetings or excursions, provide input with menus and much more.” For a broadcast company, Bloss recently planned a 100-person incentive cruise aboard Holland America Line’s Eurodam. The client wanted an Alaskan cruise and Bloss noted that Holland America is the founder of cruises through the Inside Passage and they get the better port position, so people have a shorter walk into town. “In fact, most are docked right downtown,” Bloss said. “Holland America also owns most of the shore excursion companies, so they have priority on numbers and you have the peace of mind knowing that, for excursions you book, the tour company and equipment are all top-notch.” Bloss pointed out that Holland America Line is known for providing live music, and on the newest ships, you’ll find Courtesy Photo The Seabourn Odyssey provides more than enough space for meetings. 60 September 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com ©2023 Celebrity Cruises Inc. Ships’ registry: Malta and Ecuador. CALL | VISIT CELEBRITYCORPORATEKITCOM OR CONTACT YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR There are many reasons to choose Celebrity Cruises®, including destinations and stunning ships that represent the ultimate in travel for hosting meetings, incentive trips, or other corporate events. Your planning team will seamlessly coordinate the whole trip, and with virtually everything included—accommodations, Michelin-star dining, beverages, Wi-Fi, tips, A/V, meeting spaces, entertainment, and activities—you and your aendees will have an exceptional experience. Plus, with sailing dates ranging from to -night itineraries, we can tailor your cruise on one of our revolutionary ships to best suit your company’s needs. Contact us today to learn why planners trust Celebrity to organize incentive trips and company gatherings. THE NEXT LEVEL OF INCENTIVE TRAVEL IS HERE 8_15_23_MICE_PRC_C&IT.indd 18/14/23 12:51 PM©2023 Celebrity Cruises Inc. Ships’ registry: Malta and Ecuador. CALL | VISIT CELEBRITYCORPORATEKITCOM OR CONTACT YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR There are many reasons to choose Celebrity Cruises®, including destinations and stunning ships that represent the ultimate in travel for hosting meetings, incentive trips, or other corporate events. Your planning team will seamlessly coordinate the whole trip, and with virtually everything included—accommodations, Michelin-star dining, beverages, Wi-Fi, tips, A/V, meeting spaces, entertainment, and activities—you and your aendees will have an exceptional experience. Plus, with sailing dates ranging from to -night itineraries, we can tailor your cruise on one of our revolutionary ships to best suit your company’s needs. Contact us today to learn why planners trust Celebrity to organize incentive trips and company gatherings. THE NEXT LEVEL OF INCENTIVE TRAVEL IS HEREa variety of venues like the Rolling Stone Rock Room, the Lincoln Center Stage for classical performances, a B.B. King Blues Club and the World Stage, which features a wrap- around, panoramic screen. In addition to the traditional main dining room and Lido Market buffet, the 2,104-passenger Eurodam also features the Pinnacle Grill steakhouse, Tamarind for Southeast Asian cuisine, Canaletto for Italian and Rudi’s Sel de Mer for classic French seafood preparations. “Holland America is regarded as a premium brand and the service and food are extremely good,” Bloss said. “The price point compared to their competitors is also very attractive. For this par- ticular group, we had several cocktail parties, special dining requests, group shore excur- sions, room gift deliveries and group transfers, all of which can be handled by a ship of this size and layout, hence why we choose the Eurodam.” Norwegian Cruise Line just launched its all new Norwe- gian Viva. This is the second ship of the Prime Class. The ship mirrors the design of the award-winning sister ship Norwe- gian Prima. The 965 ft. ship offers space for 3,100 attendees and ports at many European destinations. The initial voyage started at Venice, Italy and sailed to Lisbon, Portugal. The ship will also port in the Greek Isles and take many Mediterranean voyages through November, before homeporting in San Juan, Puerto Rico at the end of the year for a season in the Caribbean. Attendees will find interesting onboard experiences, including a three-level racetrack, a food hall with 11 unique eateries, “the fastest slides at sea” and an industry-exclusive sustainable cocktail bar, the Metropolitan Bar. There is also an expansive array of art on board and a sculpture garden. In addition, the ship features a world-class entertainment lineup. David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, said that the ship has “well-appointed spacious design, ele- vated experiences, expansive culinary offerings and signa- ture Norwegian Cruise Line hospitality.” Carving Out a Niche Although the largest cruise lines try to appeal to the broad- est swath of the marketplace, most cruise lines strive to carve out an identity that resonates for a particular audience seg- ment. Chief among them is the Disney Cruise Line, which this year celebrates the 25th anniversary of its first ship launch, the Disney Magic. Since then, the line has grown to five ships, with a sixth, the 2,500-passenger Disney Treasure, due to come on line late next year. The line continues to innovate while catering to distinct areas for different age groups, including sophisticated adults-only dining options and an adults-only pool area. A tropical retreat developed by Disney arrives next summer when Lighthouse Point on the Bahamian island of Eleuthera is set to debut. Virgin Voyages started sailing a few years ago and now has four 2,770+-passenger ships. They specifically market to the 18-and-up crowd. Onboard is a surprisingly diverse group, with the average age from late 40s to early 50s. The entertain- ment is skewed toward adults and isn’t far afield from what one encounters in Las Vegas. Carnival Cruise Line con- tinues to hone it’s offering for a broad audience, with a focus on sailing year-round from more U.S. ports than any other line. Although Carnival recently retired its six oldest ships two years ago, the company launched its Excel Class fea- turing Carnival’s largest ships ever, starting with the 6,630-passenger Mardi Gras. The Car- nival Celebration followed last year, and the Carnival Jubilee starts sailing from Galveston, TX, at the end of this year. Cruising Industry Gems At the market’s upper end, Silversea has continued its rapid expansion following Royal Caribbean’s acquisition of the line three years ago. Since then, Silversea has converted two of its smallest ships to expedition class, acquired Crystal Cruises’ expedition vessel The Endeavour and added a new, 100-passenger expedition ship dedicated to the Galapagos, the Silver Origin. Silversea also launched two new-build, 596-passenger luxury ships, the Silver Moon and the Sil- ver Dawn, both featuring the groundbreaking S.A.L.T. culi- nary program and recently the line debuted the Silver Nova, which accommodates 728 attendees and is touted as the most environmentally advanced cruise ship sailing today. Crystal Cruises, which went bankrupt last year, has been acquired by the A&K Travel Group, including its two clas- sic ships, the Crystal Symphony and the Crystal Serenity. Prior to their re-launch this summer, the vessels received a total $150 million overhaul and many cabins were enlarged, meaning capacity was reduced for both ships by about one- quarter. The crew size remains about the same, ensuring a 1:1 staff-to-guest level. Going forward, the line is now called simply Crystal, and recently, they announced plans for four new ships in the coming years. Launching next year is Cunard’s Queen Anne. This is the fourth ship in the line, which includes the Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria. Offering world class com- fort and Art Deco style, the ship can accommodate almost 3000 attendees. The ship sails to global destinations, including Med- iterranean cities, Northern Europe, Norway’s Fjords and more. Voyages can last for three nights up to three months. C&IT 62 September 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com When you partner with Seabourn for an event, your guests will enjoy a seamless, all-inclusive, ultra-luxury experience. Our intimate ships with just 250-600 guests, all ocean-front suites, inviting group spaces, luxurious amenities and nearly one team member for every guest converge into a voyage so beyond compare, your guests will never want it to end. SeaCharIncentive@Seabourn.com 866-827-5257 or +1 206-626-9177 outside North America Charters • Meetings • Incentive You have the peace of mind knowing that, for excursions you book, the tour company and equipment are all top-notch. DIANA BLOSS Director of Operations, Worldwide Cruise AssociatesWhen you partner with Seabourn for an event, your guests will enjoy a seamless, all-inclusive, ultra-luxury experience. Our intimate ships with just 250-600 guests, all ocean-front suites, inviting group spaces, luxurious amenities and nearly one team member for every guest converge into a voyage so beyond compare, your guests will never want it to end. SeaCharIncentive@Seabourn.com 866-827-5257 or +1 206-626-9177 outside North America Charters • Meetings • IncentiveC orporate executives face a tremendous amount of pressure and stress in their roles as the company’s top decision mak- ers. That’s why many corporations utilize executive retreats to allow executives to relax, recharge and refocus. While execu- tive retreats can be extremely effective for helping executives renew themselves, creating retreats that are effective and not seen as a waste of an executive’s time, is paramount. How have executive retreats evolved over the years and what are today’s executives asking for in retreats? Beth Sur- mont, CMP, vice president of event strategy and design at 360 Live Media in Washington, D.C., said that the biggest Planning Executive Retreats BY MAURA KELLER DT Creative 64 September 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com PLANNER TIPSchange she has seen is that executives are valuing their time much more, which can affect the form and duration of the retreat. “They have higher expectations for what a retreat can and should accomplish,” Surmont said. “Also, how long a retreat should take, is of importance, even if it should be done in- person. I have more corporate clients who are opting for remote meetings now, where they would have done an in- person meeting without a thought before.” If people do go in-person to retreats, they want the expe- rience to be worthwhile. Some of the important aspects of executive retreats include a venue that is easy to get to, good food and a program that feels like it is moving things forward, not just a lot of talk. It must also have meaningful team build- ing, not something generic or mundane, but something that allows people to really get to know each other better. As Surmont explained, the entire point of an executive retreat is dedicated time for discussion and strategy, so there should be time and space set aside for this. The expectations for accomplishment need to be laid out at the start, and the group should continually check-in on them to ensure they are on track. “Another key element is the opportunity for people to get to know each other on a different level,” Surmont said. “This can take many forms from icebreakers, to table topics at lunch, to the opportunity for casual conversation during an activity, golf, or a tour.” During her corporate event planning career, Surmont has planned many executive retreats. She has found that success in executive retreats comes from the balance of deep work, reflection and bonding time. It all begins with the advance planning for what the group wants to accomplish. “The retreat leader, oftentimes the CEO or sometimes a professional facilitator, needs to clearly lay out what the expectations are before attendees even arrive at the retreat,” Surmont said. “Having some prompts for people to think about prior to arrival can help to prime the conversation. Ground rules are important. Attendees should agree on how they want to be together, laptops open or closed, and the opportunity to speak freely.” Surmont has been a part of sessions where a token has been used such as a talking stick or toy animal to help people feel as if they have permission to speak freely. The schedule also should include downtime so that attendees can check in on things back at the office. This allows them to be fully present during the working sessions. “There should be quiet time at the end of the day, before evening activities, so that attendees can recharge and reset,” Surmont said. “And there should be group dining, to allow for the casual conversation and bonding, but it should not go too late into the evening.” Venues For Executive Retreats The location for an executive retreat depends on a com- pany’s budget, attendees’ tastes, the duration of the retreat, number of attendees and where they may be traveling from. During the planning phase, check in with the executives to see their preference for the location of the event. Does a resort with golfing opportunities fit the bill? Or are they looking for a secluded spa resort that will allow them to truly relax and unwind? When it comes to finding the ideal venue for an executive retreat, there are some key things you need to consider. From a logistics perspective, a retreat space should have a room where everyone can see and hear each other, ideally around one table. In addition, flipcharts or whiteboards are a must, to capture the real-time ideas. “It is nice when a retreat is set in a space where attendees can take time to think and reflect, so avoid the downtown or airport hotels and look for something that has aspects of nature around,” Surmont said. “Don’t underestimate the importance of some good dinners; this is often where the magic happens with the team bonding. Local restaurants nearby, ideally with private dining spaces, are important.” Jack Feichtner, director at BlueStar, a solutions-based dis- tribution for auto ID, point-of-sale, mobility and RFID prod- DT Creative Entrepreneur and Fit-Pro Anne Mahlum at the Reset Retreat talked about getting motivated and breaking negative patterns. TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | September 2023 65 Attendees should agree on how they want to be together, laptops open or closed, and the opportunity to speak freely. BETH SURMONT, CMP Vice President of Event Strategy and Design, 360 Live Mediaucts in Hebron, KY, has planned several board meetings and executive summits at Casa Marina, Key West, Curio Col- lection by Hilton in Key West, FL. “I have been doing this for over 50 years,” he said. “I suggest choosing an eclectic venue that will give all execu- tive retreat attendees something to remember. Key West is known for the best place to visit any time of year, mak- ing it a fantastic location for an executive retreat. The weather is almost always perfect and there are many things to do on-site and off-site. The ambience and fluidity of a majestic historic venue to impress the most discerning attendee is not easily found. Casa Marina is just the place. The food is very creative and tasteful and the meeting spaces are very functional, which both help lead to a successful event.” Executive retreats held in locations with a wealth of outdoor beauty like this allows attendees to participate in year-round activities. Other corporate meeting plan- ners turn their attention to such idyl- lic places as Colorado and the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Tracy Orpin, senior meetings and events planner at The National Asso- ciation of Insurance Commissioners in Kansas City, MO, has organized high-end executive gatherings at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, CO. Hosting executive retreats at a high- end resort, with beautiful surround- ings, incredible food and beverage is one of the biggest attractions for many busy executives. “At the Cheyenne Lodge on the Broadmoor’s property, which is a five- minute shuttle ride from the main hotel, it makes you feel like you are far up in the mountains. The views are spectacular and it is a quick, easy ride. No one wanted to leave the din- ner,” Orpin said. “We had a wonderful guitarist that played, the food was spec- tacular and the location and surround- ings were gorgeous. It was like living in a fairy tale.” At another event during the week, a wine pairing dinner was a huge suc- cess as hired sommeliers spoke to the executives about the wines and why they paired so well, she mentioned. “The budget I had to work with was decent so I had that luxury, which makes planning this type of event eas- ier,” Orpin said. “And when it comes to planning executive retreats in general, I advise other planners to consider doing something different. Select a dif- ferent menu, make it a spouse event, do something that is completely different and gives that ‘wow’ effect. And make sure you select an interactive, engaging location with great food.” Mistakes To Avoid Executive retreats are a unique niche within the meeting planner arena. As such, corporate meeting plan- ners are bound to make some mistakes due to the unique aspects. The first mistake to avoid is not understanding what the retreat is meant to accomplish. A planner should ask what success means for the retreat, so that it can be incorporated into the logistics. “If success is a more bonded team, then the meeting planner would look for more activity-based venues,” Orpin said. “If success is a focused plan, then the planner should look for quiet meeting space that is isolated from other groups.” The meeting planner should also focus on developing an agenda that 66 September 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com The little details, things that are unexpected and surprise- and-delight moments are what attendees will remember forever. JAMIE HESS, Event Planner and Co-Founder, NYCfitfam U.S. Postal Service Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation 1.Publication Title: Corporate & Incentive Travel 2. Publication Number: 716-450 3. Filing Date: August 29, 2023 4. Issue Frequency: Monthly 5. Number of Issues Published Annually: 12 6. Annual Subscription Price: N/A 7.Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: 2500 North Military Trail, Suite 283, Boca Raton, FL 33431-6322 Contact Person: Harvey Grotsky Telephone: 561-989-0600 (x106) 8.Complete Mailing Address or General Business Office of Publisher: 2500 North Military Trail, Suite 283, Boca Raton, FL 33431-6322 9. Full Names and Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor and Managing Editor: Publisher: Harvey Grotsky, 2500 North Military Trail, Suite 283, Boca Raton, FL 33431-6322 Editor: Harvey Grotsky, 2500 North Military Trail, Suite 283, Boca Raton, FL 33431-6322 Managing Editor: Mark DeLap, 2500 North Military Trail, Suite 283, Boca Raton, FL 33431-6322 10.Owner: Harvey Grotsky, Coastal Communications Corp. 2500 North Military Trail, Suite 283, Boca Raton, FL 33431-6322 11.Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: None 12.Tax Status: Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months 13. Publication Title: Corporate & Incentive Travel 14.Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: September 2023 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation: Controlled Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 months No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date a.Total Number of Copies (net press run)41,65441,654 Legitimate Paid and/or Requested Distribution b1.Outside County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions stated on PS Form 354124,93424,934 b2.In-County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions stated on PS Form 3541—— b3.Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid or Requested Distribution Outside USPS® —— b4.Requested Copies Distributed by Other Mail Classes Through the USPS®—— c. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation (Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3), and (4))24,93424,934 Nonrequested Distribution d1.Outside County Nonrequested Copies Stated on PS Form 3541—— d2. In-County Nonrequested Copies Stated on PS Form 3541 16,46116,535 d3.Nonrequested Copies Distributed Through the USPS by Other Classes of Mail—— d4. Nonrequested Copies Distributed Outside the Mail—— e.Total Nonrequested Distribution (Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3), and (4))16,46116,535 f.Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and e)41,39541,469 g.Copies not Distributed259185 h.Total (Sum of 15f and g)41,65441,654 i. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (15c divided by f times 100)60.2%60.1% 16. Electronic Copy Circulation a. Requested and Paid Electronic Copies 00 b.Total Requested & Paid Print Copies (Line 15c) + Requested/Paid Electronic Copies (Line 16a)24,93424,934 c. Total Requested Copy Distribution (Line 15f) + Requested/Paid Electronic Copies (Line 16a)41,39541,469 d.Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (Both Print & Electronic Copies) (16b divided by 16c x 100) P I certify that 50% of all my distributed copies (electronic and print) are legitimate requests or paid copies. 17. Publication of Statement of Ownership for a Requester Publication is required and will be printed in the September 2023 issue of this publication. 18.Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or owner (Signed): Harvey Grotsky, Publisher/Owner Date: 8/29/23 I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties)combines the purpose of the execu- tive retreat, like focusing on business goals while also allowing the leader- ship team to come together outside of their comfort zone. A pre-retreat sur- vey can help pinpoint what each mem- ber of the leadership team is looking for from the executive retreat, which will help the meeting planner create a solid balance of business activities and retreat experiences. “Another mistake is having to go to many different places to accomplish things,” Surmont said. “If your retreat is activity-heavy, you don’t want to waste too much time on transporta- tion. Ideally, you should be able to find a single location that offers every- thing you need.” A final mistake is not ensuring the logistics are tight. Just like any meet- ing, you want to ensure that everything runs seamlessly. You don’t want your executives wasting time and getting frustrated because a projector isn’t working, or the markers have run dry. Pay extra attention to the small details to ensure a productive experience. For many years, Jamie Hess, event planner and co-founder of NYCfitfam in New York City, planned small and large-scale experiential retreats and events for executives. Recently, she planned an executive retreat for her own company, with an exclusive group of 30 executives, influencers and prac- titioners at Lake Nona Wave Hotel in Orlando, FL. Called the “Reset Retreat,” the thoughtfully curated program featured diverse activities like invigorating workouts, soul-nurturing meditations, inspiring keynotes, hyper-personalized clinical work, life coaching, brain-map- ping and fine dining at the hotel’s two destination restaurants. “The hotel’s serene environment and modern amenities served as the perfect backdrop for major moments that fostered an atmosphere of relax- ation and rejuvenation,” Hess said. “The seamless integration of the hotel’s offerings ensured the utmost comfort and convenience, creating an unforgettable and transformative retreat experience.” As Hess explained, all execu- tive retreats should leave the partici- pants feeling like their lives have been changed forever. The retreat should be jam-packed with memorable, transfor- mative experiences. “To achieve this, it’s essential to put together engaging and diverse pro- grams that cater to personal and pro- fessional growth,” Hess said. “Think inspiring keynote speeches, interac- tive workshops, physical workouts, mindfulness moments, team-building activities and moments for networking and reflection. Choosing venues with a relaxing and conducive atmosphere, top-notch amenities and excellent service is key.” Also, keeping things well-coordi- nated, paying attention to the little details and fostering a sense of com- munity among attendees all contrib- ute to a successful and unforgettable executive retreat. “The little details, things that are unexpected and surprise-and-delight moments are what attendees will remember forever,” Hess said. “Go into the experience with a servant’s heart. This means an attitude of gratitude instead of a tornado of anxiety, which, believe me, I know can be challeng- ing! The key to being able to do this is being completely buttoned-up before the event kicks off, which means being a detail junky, and also delegat- ing when needed.” Continuous Evolution Today’s executive retreats are mere shadows of their former selves. In the past, when executives would head out of town, they would end up in hotel boardrooms, getting down to the same level and intensity of business that they left back at the corporate head- quarters. These days, wellness, nature and plenty of rejuvenation experi- ences are mandatory. As executive retreats continue to evolve, Surmont believes that there will always be a need for leaders to come together with dedicated time to plan for the future of their organizations. Going forward, she thinks that these retreats will be shorter, 1.5 to two days, instead of three. “I think that people will be cost- conscious and consider the perception of the location,” Surmont said. “I also think that organizations will do more work between retreats, with regular executive deep dives that work to move things forward, instead of saving every- thing for a once a year meeting.” C&IT DT Creative Executive Retreats are also great for networking. Pictured: (L) Jamie Hess, co-founder of NYCfitfam and (R) Nikki Sharp, transformational coach, best- selling author & wellness expert, who was a guest speaker at the event. TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | September 2023 67W hen Melissa Vilders and her staff began helping software firm SAP, headquar- tered in Walldorf, Baden-Württem- berg, Germany, to plan a recent event, they had no problem deciding on Las Vegas as the host city. “Las Vegas is a top destination for corporate events for several reasons,” Vilders, the head of global events strategy and experience for the company, based in Newton Square, PA, said. “First, it offers the convenience of having every- thing in one place, making it easy to coordinate and manage events. Additionally, the city is easily accessible from many major destinations, making it a convenient meeting point for attendees. Lastly, Las Vegas is known for its exceptional ser- vice, ensuring that corporate events are executed flawlessly.” The choice of venue was also no problem, as SAP has held several meetings and events at the Venetian Resort Las Vegas and The Palazzo at The Venetian. The meeting took place over the summer at the property’s Venetian Expo Convention Cen- ter. Vilders said that the convention center provided exactly what her group required. Venetian Meetings offers more than 2.25 million sf of meeting and event space. SAP held the meeting for its customers, and brought a small team of employees to help build relationships with them. More than 98% of the 2,300 attendees stayed on the property. The meeting included two keynote addresses and more than 140 breakout sessions. Attendees also participated in receptions, dine-arounds and a celebration night at Tao Asian Bistro & Nightclub, which features Japanese, Chinese and Thai fare as well as world-class performers and DJs. Destinations Reinvented With Renovations Attendees also enjoyed spending time at the reinvented Tao Beach Dayclub, an Asian-inspired tropical oasis that now features lush scenery, private cabanas, a state-of-the- art sound and lighting system and plunge pools. “Tao Beach at the Venetian now offers an even better experience after the recent renovation,” Vilders said. “It was a magical place to celebrate our attendees.” Vilders was also impressed with the sustainability efforts at the resorts, which included energy-efficient lighting, heat- ing and cooling systems, and water-saving fixtures and appli- ances. She also commented on their recycling of waste and donation of excess food to local charities. In addition, she said, they are committed to using eco-friendly cleaning solu- tions and reducing their carbon footprint through alternative transportation options. Lisa Ross Faust, owner and chief experience officer for Creative Experience Group — a full-service event manage- ment group in Atlanta, GA — was similarly impressed by the sustainability practices at Resorts World Las Vegas, where she planned “The Summit” for 800 Forbes Travel Guide employees on earlier this year. “We did our best to incorporate sustainability to The Summit, and it helped that Resorts World is a LEED Gold- certified property,” Ross Faust said. “This means that Resorts World already adopted eco-friendly practices, like sending food waste to local farms to be used as animal feed. Forbes Travel Guide partnered with KOPU Water to use the company’s recyclable aluminum bottles instead of plastic ones throughout the event. The company also employed the hotel’s largest LED screens to reduce the need for printed items.” The Summit was held some two weeks after Forbes Travel Las Vegas BY DAN JOHNSON Always A Winning Choice 68 September 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com DESTINATION UPDATEGuide unveiled its 2023 Star Awards, which is the company’s annual list of the world’s most spectacular hotels, restau- rants, spas and ocean cruises. Most of the attendees were general managers and C-suite executives from these and other companies and the majority stayed at Resorts World’s hotels, which included the Las Vegas Hilton, the Conrad Las Vegas and the Crockfords Las Vegas. Recent Openings Offer More Meeting Space “Resorts World provides ample meeting space and cutting- edge technology,” Ross Faust said. “Plus, it’s one of the newest properties on The Strip and a hot spot.” The Forbes group gathered in the Rose Ballroom, on the rooftop, in 15 meeting rooms and in several of the restaurants. “Foyer spaces became networking, Braindate lounges, which provided a platform for attendees to collaborate through- out the event,” Ross Faust said. An onsite concierge coordinated meetings that attendees booked online, based on topics of interest. The property boasts more than 50 food and bev- erage options, offering everything from traditional American fare to Southeast Asian street foods. “Resorts World featured all of its restaurants at the open- ing All-Star Party for a true taste of the city,” Ross Faust said. “It was exceptional: The various culinary stations served everything from caviar to steak tartare.” F&B will also be a highlight of another new property, the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, set to open at the end of the year. It will include more than 36 first-to-market food and beverage concepts spanning more than 188,000 sf throughout multiple locations at the resort. “We’re working with a number of globally renowned chef and restaurateur partners that appeal to every taste, from fine dining to casual and we’ll take full advantage of our unique design,” Kurt Wuebbenhorst, senior vice president of sales, catering and events for Fontainebleau Las Vegas, said. “That includes everything from concepts with rooftop views to the poolside café, to vibrant and intimate bars and lounges.” He said that his team will also offer menus that are custom- izable to meet the needs of attendees at meetings and events, which will be a focus at the property. It will feature 550,000 sf of customizable indoor and outdoor meeting space, divided among five levels. Spaces will include a 105,000 sf pillarless ballroom, three other ballrooms, 57 break- out rooms, a 90,000 sf mul- tifunctional theater and a 25,900 sf outdoor hospital- ity garden, ideal for team building activities. “It will also provide a seamless connection to our city’s natural beauty, and the space can be used for a number of events, both internally and for our convention attendees,” Wuebbenhorst said. The complex is adjacent to the Las Vegas Convention Center West Hall, which will be expanding by 1.4 million sf, The Forbes Travel Guide 2023 Summit was hosted by Neil Patrick Harris and held at Resorts World Las Vegas. Resorts World provides 250,000 sf of meeting and banquet space. Photos by Darren Hardy TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | September 2023 69 It was a magical place to celebrate our attendees. MELISSA VILDERS Head of Global Events Strategy, SAPNext >