IN THIS ISSUE WELL-EXECUTED BUDGETS THE BENEFIT OF CHARTERS GOLF & SPA RESORTS THE IMPORTANCE OF DEI DESTINATION FLORIDA HAWAII WELCOMES PLANNERS PAGE 56 Photo by Nicholas Tomasello / Hawaii Tourism Authority A COASTAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION PUBLICATION OCTOBER 2023 VOL. 41 NO. 10 $15.00VOLUME 41 NO. 10 | OCTOBER 2023 | ISSN 0739-1587 | USPS 716-450 20 24 30 34 40 46 50 56 60 4 Publisher’s Message 6 News & Notes 10 Snapshots Scene at IMEX America 2023 12 Perspective Do Constraints Cripple Your Team … Or Ignite Their Creativity? BY GARY HARPST 16 Perspective Eight Words and Phrases Leaders Use That Turn People Off BY JO ANNE PRESTON 18 Perspective Four Ways to Know You’re Ready for a Career Pivot BY ROBERT L. DILENSCHNEIDER 66 People on the Move departments destinations features Hawaii Planners Meet in Paradise BY NANCY MUELLER Under the Florida Sun Where the Sun is Warm and the Welcomes Are Even Warmer BY CARMEN ANTHONY TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | October 2023 3 Building Connections Making Your Career Network “Work” For You BY CHLOE LABELLE Maximizing Privacy & Productivity The Benefit of Charters BY MAURA KELLER A Well-Executed Budget Event Planning Problems and How to Solve Them BY MARLENE GOLDMAN Hitting the Links Where Business & Fun Meet on the Green BY MAURA KELLER The ‘Wow Factor’ Giving Meeting Planners What They Want BY CHLOE LABELLE Building an Inclusive Workforce Leads to Conversations With a Wide Range of Voices BY MAURA KELLER Memorable Pharma The Keys to Dynamic Pharmaceutical Meetings BY MARLENE GOLDMAN IN THIS ISSUE 20 56 34Corporate & 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 The “Cautious” State of Meetings Today With 2023 nearing year end, what kind of trends appear to be emerging? Although the economy is beginning to show signs of recovery in some areas, one of the recession’s side effects has been to create what industry observers call a “cautious state” within the corporate meetings and incentive market. In some cases, there is still a wait-and-see attitude when it comes to book- ing meetings. In the past, some planners felt better deals could be had if they held out long enough. And in some circumstances, because of the economic conditions, they were rewarded. Unfortunately I’m not convinced that this may be the case today. While there currently is considerable short- term business still being booked, the past bargain hunters are finding those good deals becoming scarce since there is now much greater demand for space. The short-term booking phenomenon is influenced in part by corporate business reac- tions to changing economic conditions. In some cases, booking within three months of a meeting has become the norm. Even though most businesses recognize the need for train- ing, strategic planning sessions and educational meetings, not to mention incen- tive travel programs to boost productivity, they may be more hesitant allocating funds for these functions depending on the news of the day. This “cautiousness” will hopefully soon be something of the past, once corporate and incentive travel planners feel comfortable again. Judging from some economic indicators, an increase in retail sales and home building, this is in progress, if not imminent. While there will no doubt continue to be some planners who will book short- term, the industry is slowly going back to securing optimum dates as early as possible. Hopefully, this signals an end to recessionary times. 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 MANAGING EDITOR Maritza Cosano maritza.cosano@themeetingmagazines.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Rachel Galvin rachel.galvin @ themeetingmagazines.com CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Cynthia Dial Marlene Goldman Dan Johnson Maura Keller Christine Loomis Kathy Monte 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 October 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 ON THE COAST OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Oceanfront CELEBRATIONS From festive coastal feasts, to happening holiday parties, to memorable merriment along the Pacific – with ample event space and dining venues, discover the perfect destination to make spirits bright.NEWS + NOTES // 6 October 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com Strong Outlook For Incentive Travel, Says IBTM World SPAIN — IBTM World’s 2023 Incen- tive Travel Report indicates that the recovery of the incentive travel sec- tor is strong, with its global market value projected to reach £174 billion by 2031. The report finds that the sec- tor is growing at an annual rate of 12.1% and predicts that the number of people participating in incentive travel programs worldwide will grow by 61% in 2024, compared to 2019. These figures reflect the power of incentive travel as a valuable resource to attract, retain and motivate tal- ent and as an essential driver of cul- ture and reputation, particularly as the modern workforce focuses more on working-from-home and hybrid working. Benefits such as inclusivity, peer-to-peer relationships and being able to take a partner on a trip have become more relevant to employees, according to 66% of incentive travel agencies. Despite its revival, the sector still faces significant challenges includ- ing talent shortages, inflation, rising travel and supply chain costs, plus, tighter corporate budgets resulting in reduced frequency of business trips and fewer employees attending face- to-face events. To see full report, visit ibtmworld. com/en-gb/lp/mice-industry-in- sights.html. The City of Raleigh Selects Omni Hotels & Resorts for 550-Room Convention Hotel RALEIGH, N.C. – The Raleigh City Council voted to direct the City of Raleigh staff to enter into negotiations with Omni Hotels & Re- sorts, in partnership with Preston Hollow Community Capital and Provident Resources Group, to develop the highly anticipated convention hotel in the core of downtown Raleigh. The dynamic addition to the Raleigh skyline will be built on an over one-acre lot across from the Raleigh Convention Center and Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts at the end of Fayette- ville Street. Expected to open in 2027, the Omni Raleigh Hotel will be a great addi- tion to Omni’s grow- ing portfolio of over 50 luxury hotels. This will be the third Omni property in the state of North Carolina and the first for the capital city. The Omni Ra- leigh Hotel is anticipated to include 550 guest rooms and 55,000 sf of meeting space, which will allow for larger events to take place down- town and support the growth of the Raleigh Convention Center ex- pansion. The hotel will also feature several food and beverage outlets, a rooftop pool, a signature Mokara spa and a fitness center. DALLAS, TX — The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas announced the completion of a multi-million dollar renova- tion. The hotel’s reimagination in- cludes enhanced comforts to all 218 guest rooms and suites, refinements to the lobby, public areas and corri- dors, as well as to The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge. Recently reimagined, the 12,000 sf luxury spa was thoughtfully transformed and includes sleek up- grades to the salon. Also available are Fearing’s Restaurant, helmed by celebrity chef Dean Fearing, The Rattlesnake Bar and the Pool Bar. The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas offers attendees a special, limited time “Destination Dallas” package. For more information, visit ritzcarlton. com/en/hotels/dalrz-the-ritz-carl- ton-dallas/overview. The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas Debuts Expansive Multi-Million Dollar Renovation Courtesy Photo Omni Raleigh Hotel is expected to open in 2027.1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ SHARECARE HEALTH SECURITY VERIFIED® WITH FORBES TRAVEL GUIDE ONE OF A KIND EVENT. MOHEGAN KIND OF EXPERIENCE. With an award-winning staff and an unmatched variety of dining and entertainment options, Resorts Casino Hotel is the one of a kind choice for your next event. Let us help you plan your own unique experience in our 64,000 square feet of flexible space, with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. All in one of the most acclaimed locations anywhere, the famed Atlantic City Boardwalk, and featuring the quality, service and style of a Mohegan property. Just minutes from two international airports. CALL 609.340.7850, VISIT MEETATRESORTSAC.COM OR EMAIL SALES@RESORTSAC.COM TO BOOK YOUR COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — Gar- den of the Gods Resort and Club has completed an extensive $40M renova- tion to its 117 guest rooms, suites, cot- tages and casitas; four dining venues, including a complete revamp of their Grand View Restaurant; dynamic destination STRATA spa and STRA- TA med; and more than 22,000 sf of indoor/outdoor meeting and events space. The renovations embrace the natural surroundings. The reimagined bathrooms have nearly doubled in size to include oversized showers, full-size soaking tubs and modern vanities for a spa-like atmosphere. The location not only boasts beautiful views, and plenty of meeting and event space, but also gourmet catering services, state-of-the-art AV equipment and ample parking. Groups can take advantage of a variety of experiential and wellness packages designed to spark creativity, optimize well-being and foster team building. For more information, visit gardenofthegodsresort.com. Garden of the Gods Resort and Club Announces $40M Renovation Global DMC Partners Releases Results of Q2/Q3 2023 Survey WASHINGTON, D.C. – Glob- al DMC Partners, the largest global network of indepen- dent Destination Management Companies and specialized event service providers, has released the results of its Q2/ Q3 Meetings & Events Pulse Survey, a report on what is cur- rently driving decisions in the global meetings and events in- dustry. The report covers topics in- cluding current challenges, the importance of sustainability, in- person event attendance, hiring trends and more. The survey polled 200 meeting and event professionals, 60% of whom are U.S.-based, with 19% in the UK and Europe and 9% in Canada. Respondents were divided be- tween corporate/direct plan- ners (58%) and agency/third- party planners (42%). Key findings included that higher costs are the number one challenge for planners. Flight costs and sustainability play a large role in selecting a destination. Some planners are struggling with event at- tendance. For the full results of GDP’s Meetings & Events Pulse Survey, please visit bit. ly/3tm0bwY. TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | October 2023 7NEWS + NOTES // 8 October 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com HOT SPRINGS, VA — The Omni Homestead Resort cel- ebrates its official grand reopening upon completion of the $150+ million dollar property-wide renovation project. The property is nestled within the Allegheny Mountains of southwestern Virginia. The project began two years ago with the $4.6 million rehabilitation of the Warm Springs Pools, which reopened last year. The full renova- tion encompasses 483 guest rooms, a brand- new 4,000 sf event pavilion, 72,000 sf of meeting space, an ar- ray of dining options and more. “The completion of this extensive renovation is a monu- mental accomplishment for our resort team and a testament to our commitment to enhancing the guest experience for years to come,” said Mark Spadoni, managing director at The Omni Homestead Resort. For more information, visit httpsomnihotels.com/hotels/homestead-virginia. Hotel Del Coronado Plans $160M Restoration SAN DIEGO, CA — The Hotel del Coronado, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, has announced plans to restore the hotel’s historic Victorian building with over $160 million investment, mark- ing the next and final phase of Blackstone Real Estate’s more than $550 million de- velopment plan to preserve and enhance the National Historic Landmark prop- erty. The upgrades will en- compass all guest rooms, suites and event spaces, such as the iconic Crown Room, with a targeted com- pletion date of Spring 2025. Renovations include makovers of the Ocean Concierge Club and The Beach Village at the Del, an expanded fitness center, the new Shops at The Del, a reimagined front drive, an expanded fitness center, upgrades of multiple dining outlets, a new main pool anad many other amenities. For more information, visit hoteldel.com. Courtesy Photo The Omni Homestead Resort Celebrates $150M+ Renovation The Venetian Resort Las Vegas Unveils Plans For Full Convention Center Renovation LAS VEGAS, NV — The Venetian Resort Las Ve- gas is excited to announce the $188 million dollar renovation plans of its Convention Center, one of the largest meeting facilities in the world, set to be completed in stages between 2024-2026. The transformation of the space was reimag- ined by esteemed Las Vegas design firm Woog- master Studio and is an integral part of the resort’s extensive 1-billion-dollar capital investment proj- ect. Meetings and events have been a foundation of the resort’s business from its inception nearly 25 years ago. Inspired by the needs of the property’s longstanding group guests, key design elements will include an elegant new color palette which presents an upscale departure from the traditional convention spaces, luxury lounge spaces for meet- ings and innovative new technology that will lead sector for years to come. Additional offerings will include elevated lounge-style spaces for all executives. A new speakeasy-style lounge will provide an opportu- nity to host invitation-only events in a 10,000 sf, modern take on a 1930s design. Throughout the complex, a robust furnishing and fine art program will be complimented by im- proved lighting, audiovisual updates and thought- fully integrated state-of-the-art digital screens and technology to create an even more powerful back- drop for meeting planners and events. For more information on the resort, visit venetianlasvegas.com. Courtesy Photo Courtesy Photo The Beach Village at The Hotel del Coronadoraise the bar in bourbon city. GoToLouisville.com/MeetNext >