< PreviousHowever, these young guns also bring a lot of positive attributes to the workforce, which many of them have joined. They are much more attuned to the needs for work/life bal- ance, exercise and nutritious food. In addition, they know that mental health truly matters. As such, they’re bringing great expectations to associa- tion meetings, where they want to see the availability of men- tal health-related activities designed to keep them calm, yet energized, for the event. They also expect good food and drinks, along with physical activity like yoga, meditation, or maybe cardio fitness classes like Zumba, Stretch & Train- ing and Pilates. “What Gen Zs want is balance, so attendees in that age group are prioritizing their own self-care over everything,” declares planner David Stevens, wellness architect at Olym- pian Meeting and host of “Return on Wellness,” a YouTube webcast focused on the ROI of bringing wellness into events. themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESJULY 2024 A New Approach to Wellness How Generation Z and Millennials Are Shaking up the Space By Rayna Katz L ike the generations who came before them, members of Generation Z (born between 1997 and 2012) and the cohort just before them, Millennials (born from 1981 to 1996), are often vilified. Having grown up with the Internet, cell phones, iPads and video games, they’re chastised for having short attention spans, sporting casual attire at work, and expecting to land senior jobs immediately without paying their dues. 30 EVENT TRENDS31 JULY 2024 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES COURTESY OF JOANNA SALAZAR “Younger generations are much more in tune with their mental health, and prioritize wellness over older genera- tions,” adds Stewart Mann, founder, CEO and COO of Wild Rooster Events. “They also are more open-minded about try- ing new experiences.” Unique Wellness That may explain why Mann recently received his first ever request by an association not to just provide a wellness lounge but, instead, to set an entire ballroom as a relaxation space. The group, which is meeting this summer, has stipulated abso- lutely no talking in the 2,500-sf room and, in fact, there will be no sound room-wide. However, each guest who enters the space will receive headphones playing relaxing music. The room’s atmosphere will be “immersive” he says, just like an activity he offers groups that has increased in popular- ity: sound baths. “People come out of those feeling very relaxed. An attendee who did one told me that they take naps every day yet they never feel rested when they wake up. Yet after the sound bath, the attendee said, ‘I feel more relaxed than I’ve ever felt after any nap in my life.’ That’s powerful.” At a kick-off for an Olympian Meeting event, attendees could be part of a charity walk or participate in a body weight boot camp, or do other exercises.Along unconventional lines, and helping groups relax, Mann has recently started offering “laughter yoga,” an activ- ity that he notes is “gaining popularity.” The session starts off with regular yoga, with participants doing some poses “to get their breathing down and fully relax,” he says. Then it essentially turns into a comedy show, with a comedian telling jokes. The purpose is to get participants to a clear mindset. “It is a very crazy concept,” Mann admits, “but it’s powerful and it works because if the group becomes all about letting go then they are at peace,” instead of worrying about emails, calls and the like. For one group, his company had participants in the funny yoga session tell each other jokes. “It was cool to empower them to make each other laugh.” If Mann were to do this again, he would like to give out prizes for, say, the best five jokes of the day. Earning accolades would make attendees feel appreciated, and might entice them to register for next year’s annual conference. Mann also provides art therapy to groups, including one where attendees’ canvases are donated to hospitals and other non-profit organizations. “It facilitates healing and relax- ation,” he says. Also, it allows attendees to use their creative brain, which raises their levels of serotonin — a bodily chemi- cal that can increase happiness, provide a sense of calm and make one feel more focused. It also lowers stress and improves self-confidence.” Getting Physical Quinn Bruster, senior director, meetings and expositions, Kellen, an association management firm, provides groups with wellness activities such as runs, walks, fitness classes like Zumba, spinning and yoga. She finds that the more this is done, the more attendees look forward to it the next day, or at the next conference. “Wellness doesn’t just last for the three days of the con- ference, it goes on afterward,” she says. “We’ll hear from our stakeholders, ‘oh my goodness, I can’t wait to do xyz wellness activity at the conference next year,’ or an attendee is into yoga now and after trying it at the conference he lost 40 pounds! So, offering these activities lets attendees know that we under- stand their wellness matters.” The destination of a meeting also can help create the platform for a wellness offering, she says. “Maybe a group meeting in Florida will have a wellness activity where they’re outside, such as a walk, because of the great weather. If they’re in Colorado, that won’t work so something else needs to be planned.” Wellness events also offer associations great opportunities for sponsorship, in a very engaged fashion, Bruster adds. When an industry’s suppliers sponsor a wellness event, employees of those organizations get in on the activity, which gives them a more casual setting than a trade show floor to meet attendees. “They’re actually engaging with each other, so it makes the activity more exciting and it builds that relationship beyond the four walls of a hotel.” themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESJULY 2024 Planners can cater to Millennials and Gen-Z by adding fitness activities. Pictured: Participants in the Ho’omau Foundation Pacific Islanders Go To College Virtual 5K Walk Run. COURTESY OF JOANNA SALAZAR 32The sponsorship can also generate enthusiasm for a wellness experience. At one meeting organized by Kellen, a wellness sponsor provided T-shirts in multiple colors and “that created a moment for other individuals who weren’t part of it to say, ‘where’d you get that? Where’s that shirt from?’ So it gets more people involved.” That’s especially useful if a wellness activity is offered for more than one day at a meeting, Bruster says. “If somebody didn’t go to the wellness event on the first day of the meeting and then they see a T-shirt or branded water bottle, it gets that attendee who probably had a stressful day or night thinking ‘I need to put down the computer or the phone and do some yoga.” Physical activity is especially important at meetings as so many young adults are now attuned to their fitness, notes Stevens. “About 50% of gym goers identify going to the gym as part of their identity. As an event planner, if you don’t give attend- ees the time or the option to get a workout in, they’re gonna leave your event to go do it.” You Are What You Eat Another way in which Generation Z and Millennials are making their mark is with their food and drink preferences. Stevens, a fitness enthusiast and a Xennial, or a person born on the cusp of Generation Z and Millennial cohorts, puts verbiage in his request for proposal stating that, ‘if suf- ficient protein isn’t provided, we reserve the right to bring in our own food.’ Usually, he explains, “It’s the breaks, not the meals, where they’re almost always providing nothing but carbohydrates. There’s nothing wrong with that if, say, the group is going hik- ing, but to stay alert during ses- sions, attendees need protein for prolonged energy to stay alert. So we’ll bring in jerky, protein bars, and items of that nature.” When it comes to mak- ing meal selections, how- ever, Stevens encourages planners to not only order the “healthy” options. “You can’t force everybody to eat grilled chicken and steamed broccoli; you’re going to alienate people. So if you have a green salad, you also have a pasta salad; if you offer a grilled chicken, you also serve barbecue, etc. It’s about giving people agency to make choices.” Making Good Choices Sustainability is critically important for the younger gen- erations as they’ve been raised with a greater consciousness of the impact of global warming. There are ways to make an event’s food more sustainable, and there even are benefits to doing so, says Stevens. “Instead of just ordering the Chilean sea bass on a menu,” he says, “I’ll talk to the chef and say, ‘we want fish on this day, whatever you can get.’ That changes the whole dynamic because maybe someone in the area just caught something that day, and it’s more convenient and cheaper than importing that sea bass, so the chef can stay in line with an event’s budget.” For Generation Z, having options, not just with food but also around drinking and the event agenda, is central to their satisfaction, he notes. “Members of Generation Z don’t want endless back-to-back sessions, with no time to sleep or network, and they don’t want an excessive amount of alcohol at an evening function because they don’t want to wake up at 7 a.m for an 8 a.m. session after being at a party and drinking until midnight.” Stevens cautions meeting planners to carefully consider their choices around wellness activity options. “Think about the why behind the activations and modalities you are choosing. For example, why are you doing a sound bath instead of a boot camp? How does that benefit the attendee? How does that impact their ability to learn or stay focused at your meeting or event? Does what you are doing energize or drain them? If it doesn’t impact your attendee — or worse, if it alienates them — you’re doing more damage than good.” He adds, “Generation Zers want to go to an event that’s sustainable for them, where they can get a full night’s sleep, eat healthy food if they want to, not have to explain to somebody why they don’t drink if they choose not to, and to be able to spend time connecting with the people that they don’t usually get time to spend with in person,” he says, “That’s what well- ness looks like.” | AC&F | JULY 2024 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES Quinn Bruster Senior Director, Meetings and Expositions, Kellen They’re actually engaging with each other, so it makes the activity more exciting and it builds that relationship beyond the four walls of a hotel. COURTESY OF STEWART MANN The younger generation is more apt to try new things and be attuned to mental health needs. Pictured: The Gift of Music, by Wild Rooster Events, for a coaches’ association included a Guitar Build and Music Therapy. 33INDUSTRY INSIGHT themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESJULY 2024 Moving Up How Women Can Advance in the Association Meeting Space By Christine Loomis Quinn Bruster, senior director meetings & expositions with Kellen, an association management company, believes there has been a noticeable increase in the representation of women — in planning meetings as well as advancing in the association meeting space. “While gender parity has not been fully achieved, sig- nificant strides have been made toward greater inclusivity and opportunities for women in the industry,” Bruster says. “There’s been a growing awareness of gender diversity issues, leading to advocacy efforts aimed at promoting women’s lead- ership and advancement. Professional organizations, industry associations and advocacy groups have played a crucial role in highlighting the importance of gender equity and creating opportunities for women to excel.” Bruster says companies and associations have implemented diversity and inclusion initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality in the workplace, which has made a difference. These initiatives include mentorship pro- grams, leadership development initiatives and policies to address gender bias and discrimination. “By fostering a more inclusive environment, organizations have created pathways for women to advance in their careers,” she says. “There also has been an increased emphasis on provid- ing women with access to education and training opportunities that enable them to develop the skills and competencies needed for leadership roles. Professional development programs, con- ferences and workshops specifically tailored to women have helped to build a pipeline of talented female leaders.” Career paths in association meetings vary widely based on individual interests, skills and goals. Some women pursue entrepreneurial ventures, such as starting event planning busi- nesses or consultancy firms, while others transition to related industries including hospitality, tourism or marketing. Bruster says that many individuals in this field choose to fol- low a structured path that involves obtaining various certifica- tions and furthering their education. Some certifications, such as Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Digital Event Strategist (DES) and Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM), provide focused skill development and enhance career prospects within the industry. Additionally, she continues, “We’re observing a growing trend of individuals pursuing advanced degrees, such W hile most association planners are women, leadership can be a different story. So, what does it take for women to advance in the association space? What path did the women who have advanced take to get where they are? What, if anything, has changed in recent years? And, perhaps most important, how can the industry support young women starting their careers? 34as a Master in Tourism Administration (MTA), to deepen their expertise and open new opportunities for advancement. Over- all, the association meetings industry offers women a diverse range of career opportunities, with ample room for growth, advancement and professional fulfillment. By leveraging skills, expertise and networks, women can chart their unique career paths and make significant contributions to the industry.” Bruster believes obtaining a project management profes- sional (PMP) credential is also helpful, even though it’s not specific to the meeting industry. “Project management skills, including organization, communication, time management and problem-solving, are indispensable for effectively coordi- nating successful meetings and events,” she says. Still, Bruster notes, women encounter unique challenges in the association meeting space. First, there’s a prevalent miscon- ception about the meeting-planner role, often perceived as purely administrative. Responsibilities extend beyond administrative tasks, including contract negotiation, cost-saving strategies and orchestrating events that contribute significantly to industry success — sometimes saving industries millions of dollars. Second, women face barriers to being invited to decision- making tables. It’s crucial for meeting managers to have a seat at the table with stakeholders and board members, where their expertise and insights can be heard and valued. Building trust in the process and highlighting the value they bring is essen- tial for women to have their solutions considered and imple- mented effectively. Addressing these challenges requires con- certed efforts to promote an understanding of the complexities of the meeting planner role and to advocate for women’s inclu- sion and representation in decision-making spaces. Fortunately, it’s not all about challenges. “There are numer- ous opportunities for women to excel and make meaningful con- tributions in the association space,” Bruster says. “As the asso- ciation meeting industry continues to evolve, there’s increasing demand for skilled, visionary leaders who can navigate complex challenges and drive innovation. Women can assume leadership roles at all levels of the industry, including event management, strategic planning, marketing and executive leadership.” One path forward is forged via the wealth of opportunities for professional development and skill-building, Bruster says. Women can take advantage of workshops, seminars, conferences and certification programs to enhance their knowledge, expand their networks and stay abreast of industry trends and best prac- tices. Investing in ongoing learning and development can position women for career advancement and leadership opportunities. “Women,” Bruster continues, “bring unique perspectives, problem-solving skills and creative approaches to event plan- ning, design and execution. By harnessing their creativity and embracing emerging technologies and trends, women can pioneer innovative ideas, experiences and formats that 35 JULY 2024 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES The California Society of Association Executives held their annual Elevate Conference at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport this spring. SPN PHOTOGRAPHYenhance attendee engagement and satisfaction.” Then there’s the fact that the association meeting space is increasingly global in nature, with events and conferences attracting participants from around the world. Bruster says that provides women with an opportunity to engage in cross-cultural collaboration, expand their networks internationally and explore opportuni- ties for professional growth and development on a global scale. “Embracing diversity and cultural competency can enrich women’s experiences and open doors to exciting opportunities for collaboration and partnership,” she says. Bruster also believes that one criti- cal pathway to advancement is learn- ing from each other, and not just in traditional ways. “I love the concept of reverse men- toring, where young women mentor more experienced professionals in areas such as technology, social media and generational perspectives. Reverse men- toring promotes mutual learning and collaboration, breaks down hierarchical barriers and empowers young women to contribute their expertise and insights. I also believe in creating networking opportunities and events specifically designed to facilitate mentorship and relationship-building between young women and industry leaders. Network- ing events, conferences, workshops and virtual forums provide platforms for mentees to connect with potential mentors, seek advice and expand their professional networks,” she says. Recognizing and celebrating the achievements and contri- butions of women leaders in the association meeting space also helps to inspire and motivate young women. “Highlighting success stories, featuring women leaders in industry publications and events and displaying diverse role models reinforces the importance of representation and fos- ters aspirational leadership,” Bruster says. “Establishing safe and supportive spaces for women to engage in candid discus- sions, share experiences and seek advice on navigating chal- lenges and opportunities in the industry also helps foster a sense of belonging and empowerment.” Many of Bruster’s insights come from her own experience, having people who believed in her and supported her growth made a significant difference as she navigated her career in meetings. These individuals played various roles, from men- tors and sponsors to colleagues and peers, but they all shared a common commitment to her development and success. Her advice to young women coming up in the industry is, “Believe in yourself, seek mentorship, constantly learn, ask questions, build relationships with colleagues and industry professionals, be adaptable to change and flexible in your approach, pay close attention to detail in your planning and execution of events and advocate for yourself. Don’t be afraid to speak up for opportunities and recognition that you deserve,” she adds. “Take ownership of your career path and proactively seek out ways to advance and grow.” Amy Wilkinson, CMP, DES, director, global events and cor- porate partnerships at the Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening, says she hasn’t really noticed much of a change in terms of the number of women in the industry over the past five years, particularly at the supplier/distributor level. How- ever, she notes, “Most of the top positions appear to be held by men. Overall, I think this is a very female-forward industry/ profession but there are a limited number of executive-level positions available.” Wilkinson also sees multiple paths women can take to move ahead. “Most women I know have fallen into the asso- ciation industry from general business, event planning or other tangentially related roles or degrees. Often, internal event planning lies with the admin team, and from there admin professionals will transition to meeting planning. Typically, coordinator or spe- cialist roles are either the next level up from admin or the point of entry for new planners.” Manager roles, Wilkinson says, vary by association. “By the time someone has tran- sitioned to manager level, they’re likely ‘hooked’ and will stay in association meet- ing planning for their career. There are manager-level jobs available planning in-house association meetings, as well as at third-party meet- ing management firms/supplier partners. Manager-level planners,” she continues, “are usually in those roles for a number of years before they’re able to transition to director or VP level. Those positions are more strategic and often have responsibility directly related to the board of directors. For that reason, many association planners do ultimately transition to executive COO or CEO positions.” Wilkinson says the challenges faced by women seeking to move up in association planning are not unique to associations. They’re similar to challenges faced by women in other fields. Association planners are organizing events for association members, many of whom are from male-dominated industries. themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESJULY 2024 Some planners find joining an association, like the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), helpful. Pictured: ASAE 2023 Meeting & Exposition in Atlanta, GA. Megan Denhardt, CAE Founder & CEO, Denhardt Productions My observation is that women have been leading association meetings, events, conferences and conventions for decades. PHOTO BY CHENEY ORR / COURTESY OF ASAE 36Women working in association meeting planning have to navi- gate the same challenges related to safety, respect and commu- nication as women working outside of events, particularly when interacting with member stakeholders.” That said, Wilkinson sees association event planning as a female-dominated, female- friendly profession. “We work with a lot of women day-to-day. There’s such an opportunity to work together as women and collaborate to push change for the future using sheer volume!” She says working with other women has been a significant positive in her own career. “Until recently, all of the top execs I worked for were men, but my direct supervisors and most of my colleagues have been women. I’ve formed relation- ships with these women that extend beyond the industry.” While support for advancement often comes from colleagues and men- tors, it must also come from within, meaning women have to take action to prepare themselves for advancement. “We must teach women how to advocate for them- selves as professionals and to set and enforce policies and boundaries for their events and for their own positions,” she says. “This is a fast-paced, high-stress profession and we must teach next-gen planners how to be passionate about their jobs and avoid burnout.” Wilkinson encourages young planners to go for the CMP and PMP certifications. Both are incredibly valuable in knowledge gained and certification reach. There’s a lot to be learned from going through a certification program, especially the CMP since it’s so industry specific. “Get the certification and keep it current,” she advises. “This industry has many nuances. It can be hard to learn them and navigate them at the same time. When you don’t know something — even if it seems silly, like what an acronym means — ask a colleague.” Megan Denhardt, CAE, founder & CEO of Denhardt Produc- tions, says that women have been leading association meetings, events, conferences and conventions for decades. I do see more men than women in the AV and technical space but that’s slowly changing, too. “I’ve taken on the role of show caller, which was a completely new skillset to learn these past few years. I con- tinue to learn something new on each and every show.” Like others, she sees multiple career paths within the industry. “There are different elements to association meet- ings, from technical production and content/speaker curation and management to experience design, logistical oversight and overall event production. I recommend that anyone want- ing to advance their career get involved in a local or national organization that will support their growth through learning/ education and networking.” Denhardt says that one significant aspect to her own career growth was simply to say yes. By this she means, even if a task or role presented itself in an area in which she didn’t feel confident, perhaps in an area she hadn’t previously worked in, she would say yes — and then ask as many questions as she could so she could learn along the way. A proponent of pursuing credentials, Denhardt went for her CAE in 2008 as soon as she was eligible, and the CMP is next on her list. Her advice to young association professionals: “Ask questions, be curious. Don’t be afraid to take on new tasks and challenges.” Like Denhardt, Amanda Clark, CMP, DES, director meeting operations & engagement with ASAE, says the industry has long been comprised primarily of women but the pandemic created a shift. “If anything, I’m noticing more women either leaving their organizations and working for themselves, leaving the industry alto- gether or taking early retire- ment,” she says. Clark started in the indus- try as a meeting assistant. She learned the basics from two amazing supervisors and then worked her way up the lad- der going from association to association. “One challenge, however,” she says. “is that there can be a lack of opportu- nity to advance. Associations often have small meetings teams and advancing often means looking elsewhere. “The association meet- ing space has been a steady learning and growth experi- ence for me. Previous bosses and strong leaders made the difference. I had some amaz- ing bosses whom I respected a great deal, who embraced my desire to learn and grow and who saw the skills and abili- ties I had when even I wasn’t fully aware. They challenged me, coached me and cheered me on. A great leader is able to recognize talent and help to foster that talent. Encouragement to join industry organizations and be active within the meet- ings community has also been helpful throughout my journey.” Like others, Clark advises attending networking events and pursuing relevant credentials. “Take advantage of professional development whenever you can,” she says. “Seek out mentors and leaders from whom you can learn. A former boss encour- aged me to earn my CMP credential; it was a fulfilling experi- ence and a worthwhile journey to achieve my goal.” To young women starting out, she says, “This industry requires a lot of hard work and being behind the scenes can be a thankless job. However, meetings are the best way to showcase your association and the proudest moments can be felt at con- venings where members and partners are thriving. It’s impor- tant to have a strong work ethic and to be self-motivated.” Bruster encourages something else as well. “The demands of meeting planning can be intense with long hours and tight deadlines,” she says, “so be available for self-care, relaxation and activities outside of work. Balancing your personal and professional life is essential for long-term success and fulfillment.” | AC&F | JULY 2024 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES Many associations have implemented diversity and inclusion initatives to promote gender equality in the workplace. Pictured: International Interior Design Association (IIDA) New York event. COURTESY OF KELLEN 37DESTINATION UPDATE themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESJULY 2024 Meet in the Carolinas Where Southern Charm Meets Southern Hospitality By Christine Loomis South Carolina The South Carolina Association of Counties has set its annual conference and Institute of Government at Wild Dunes Resort near Charleston, SC, for the past few years. Tish Ander- son, director of administrative services with the Institute for Organizational Management, US Chamber of Commerce, says attendance has run from 500 to 550. She says planning and executing these meetings is overall a more positive environment than two years ago. “Most proper- ties are now fully staffed, unlike a couple of years ago. Proper- ties also seem to be putting money back into renovations and upgrades. COVID took such a huge toll on the meetings and hospitality industry; it’s taken a couple of years to recover. Now, the industry seems to have come back stronger than ever, so finding meeting space isn’t always easy. With higher demand comes higher prices for rooms, food/beverage, etc. so staying within budget can be challenging. Room rates, espe- cially, have continued to increase, making it difficult for many of our counties with limited travel budgets.” About the area, Anderson says, “Our group loves the South Carolina coast. That’s where they want to be for our annual conference since it’s in July/August. We previously held the meeting on Hilton Head Island for over 30 years, so moving to Wild Dunes Resort on the Isle of Palms was a huge leap. This is our third year at the property, and our attendees have grown to love it. Wild Dunes Resort really listens to our feedback and continues to tweak things each year.” Anderson has worked closely with Explore Charleston, especially the first year. He says, “They coordinated site visits to overflow properties and offered restaurant rec- ommendations. We provided a table to Explore Charles- ton onsite during our conference where they distributed visitors guides and answered attendee questions. This was especially helpful since many in our group had never visited Wild Dunes Resort.” In addition to its location, Anderson says Wild Dunes Resort’s updated rooms, amenities and expansive meeting space were a draw. The group used Boardwalk Inn, Sweetgrass Inn, Residences at Sweetgrass condos and villas, all within the PHOTO BY DAN ROUTH The J. Douglas Galyon Depot is a historic train station that acts as a hub for trains and buses for those who travel through Greensboro, NC. T here are many reasons why event planners look to the Carolinas to hold their meetings and events. Three are top of mind: Southern charm. Southern hospitality. Southern-style cuisine. Aside from that, North and South Carolina offer meeting planners an appealing assortment of diverse destinations, including coastal cities, golf resorts, inland regions and mountains. 38resort. The meeting space was in Sweetgrass Inn, Sweetgrass pavilion conference center and Boardwalk Inn. Additionally, Anderson notes that some of the corporate partners planned dinners for attendees in downtown Charleston, and many attendees explored the city as well. “All rooms on the property have been updated,” she adds. “There are a variety of restaurants covering various price points within walking distance. The new meeting space at Sweetgrass Inn really stood out to me, especially the Indigo Room and Terrace, which has a gorgeous view of the ocean. The resort offers an adult-only pool and three family pools all within close proximity to the inns and condos. We require a lot of space, and the space meets our needs. We’re contracted to return there through 2028.” For those considering the destination, Anderson points out that the timing of the meeting matters in terms of rates and negotiating power. “Changing the pattern of the meeting from the weekend to weekday could impact the room rate signifi- cantly. Charleston and the surrounding areas, including Isle of Palms, are in high demand. I suggest starting very early, especially if you have a large meeting, as many properties are booked out years in advance.” Myrtle Beach is another highly popular meeting South Carolina destination. James Headley, executive director of the South Carolina Recreation & Parks Association will hold its annual meeting for around 300 at the Sheraton Myrtle Beach in December. Like others, Headley says costs have increased greatly. “F&B I understand,” he says. “But AV costs are ridic- ulous. It’s to the point now where it’s going to start to limit registrations.” Myrtle Beach, he says, has a ton to offer any time of year. “The beach always has a calming effect no matter the time of year. There’s a ton of shopping, things to do for everyone, and, yes, there’s golf! No matter your price point, Myrtle Beach has something to offer you as a meeting planner and all your attendees and their families.” The resort has many positives. The fact that it’s attached to the convention center, has a large number of rooms and adequate space were all plusses, though he says he’s glad that the meeting space “is getting a facelift — as it was needing it.” That said, he adds, “We’ll meet there again. The teams at the Sheraton, convention center and CVB are all great to work with.” As for the AV, he reiterates, “the pricing is ridiculous. The AV Companies appear to want to make up all lost revenue and then some.” His advice to planners: “Work with the convention cen- ter and/or Sheraton closely on exhibit-hall space as the fire marshal is a real thing! There are inspections. You must 39 JULY 2024 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES COURTESY OF BRIDGET ROBINSON The American Legion held their 104th National Convention last summer in Charlotte, NC, bringing in 6,800 attendees. The Westin Charlotte served as their headquarters hotel.Next >