IN THIS ISSUE VENDOR OVERSIGHT CRISIS MANAGEMENT GLOBAL TRAVEL SAFETY 2024: A PLANNER’S PERSPECTIVE THE AV DILEMMA Page 22 THE ART OF F&B Vibrant, Lighter, Healthier: Now the Norm Photo via Adobe Stock A COASTAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION PUBLICATION JANUARY 2024 VOL. 42 NO. 1 $20.00Opening Late 2024 28,670 SF Indoor Space 11,177 SF Outdoor Space 5,600 SF Pre-function Space 6,000 SF Pool Deck Space Fifteen Meeting Rooms Three Ballrooms Meetings & Events FORT LAUDERDALE Spectacular waterfront events are on the horizon... PIERSIXTYSIX.COMVOLUME 42 NO. 1 | JANUARY 2024 | ISSN 0739-1587 | USPS 716-450 14 18 22 26 30 34 38 42 46 58 4 Publisher’s Message 6 News & Notes 8 Perspective How to Adapt to New Trends in Business, Technology BY SCOTT STEINBERG 10 Perspective Artificial Intelligence Elevating eLearning BY MERILEE KERN, MBA 12 Perspective Three Human Desires That Can Make or Break Us BY GARY HARPST 66 People on the Move departments destinations features Arizona Perfect Backdrop with Wide Open Spaces BY DAVID SWANSON Florida New Hotels, Venues, Attractions Increasing the Sunshine State’s Appeal BY RAYNA KATZ Las Vegas The City of Lights Races Ahead BY MARLENE GOLDMAN TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | January 2024 3 The Art of F&B Vibrant, Lighter, Healthier: Now the Norm BY CHRISTINE LOOMIS Vendor Oversight How to Manage Your Event Vendors More Effectively BY MAURA KELLER Ripe for Innovation The Meeting Industry’s Unprecedented Growth BY KEITH LORIA Crisis Management How to Prepare a Strategic Plan BY CHRISTINE LOOMIS Corporate Travel Global Travel Safety Tips for Corporations BY MAURA KELLER 2024: A Planner’s Perspective Better Options, More Efficiency, Accuracy in the Industry BY CHRISTINE LOOMIS The AV Dilemma In-House vs. Outside Production Companies BY MARLENE GOLDMAN IN THIS ISSUE 22 38Corporate & 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 $20.00 U.S.A. only. Yearly subscription price is $140.00 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. © 2024 All Eyes Are on the Airline Industry There’s no doubt that the meeting industry is growing exponentially, but as we entered 2024, our eyes have been on the aviation industry and how it is affecting meeting planner’s travel plans. It used to be that corporate travel was the travel industry’s golden goose. But for some time, between the rise of remote work and virtual meetings, which has reduced the need for extensive business travel — rising fuel prices, global and civil unrest, political conflicts and higher air fares — meet- ing attendees, incentive travel groups and the general public have been faced with even more travel challenges. Our concerns are with congested airport terminals, flight delays and cancelations to even more seri- ous near collisions of aircraft. Although the situ- ation is worsening, most passengers believe that little can be done as a result of weather conditions or the shortage of skilled personnel. Mechanical problems do occur when least expected, which is also contributing to unforeseen delays. And let’s get to the core of the mysterious wind sheer factor that has been suggested as contribut- ing to other flight problems. Wind sheer, as you may know, is a result of atmospheric conditions producing sudden changes in wind direction. An unhappy combination of shifting winds will si- multaneously diminish a plane’s airspeed and lift- ing capacity, causing sudden loss of altitude and potential disaster. Travelers are seeing the near misses of planes that are becoming a more frequent problem in the aviation industry. And while some destinations across the nation are trying to expand their terminals with new construction to alleviate the horrendous congestion and frequent delays, is that enough? Since the COVID-19 pandemic and the commitment to help respond to the re- sulting downturn in air traffic activity that followed, FAA’s funding has increased. For example, the trust fund taxes and fees provided FAA with 86.9% of its funding in FY 2018 and 93.8% of the agency’s funding in FY 2019. In FY 2021, trust fund contributions were 61.1% of the FAA budget and 54.8% in FY 2022. Where did all of this money go? Too much is at stake. There should be rapid implementation of safeguards to prevent further potential disasters. As the airline industry addresses these challenges, we will be watching. 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 Alana Castillas 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 January 2024 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com Harvey Grotsky Publisher FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA linkedin.com/company/ CorpIncTravel @CorpIncTravel @CorpIncTravel facebook.com/ CorpIncTravelImmerse yourself in a completely turnkey meeting experience. Hot, sunny days. Bright, electric nights. LBC is the perfect destination to turn corporate-style events into the extraordinary. A brilliantly designed campus of unique modern spaces sets the stage for magical experiences – indoors, outdoors, online. Spark conversation and connection in a glittering atmosphere filled with our ready-to-go meeting solutions – decorative chandeliers and built-in, programmable lights, a cool collection of stylish furniture and décor – all saving you up to $500,000 . Easy and a ordable , this unconventional city saves you thousands and makes for a refreshingly di erent meeting experience unlike anywhere else. All the bells and whistles. Make your next meeting an eye-popping experience and save up to $500,000. visitlongbeach.com @VisitLBNEWS + NOTES // 6 January 2024 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com CHOOSE CHICAGO ANNOUNCES LYNN OSMOND TO STEP DOWN AS PRESIDENT & CEO CHICAGO, IL — Choose Chicago announced that President & CEO Lynn Osmond has decided to leave the organization effective January 31, to focus her time and energies on a family health matter. “It has been gratifying to serve as CEO of Choose Chicago for nearly two years, but, right now, I have to put my family first,” Osmond said. Rich Gamble, who currently serves on the Choose Chicago Board of Di- rectors as chair of the Nominating Committee and as a member of the Executive Committee, will act as in- terim CEO following Osmond’s de- parture. COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — Hotel Polaris at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs prepares to open in late 2024. The new 375-room hotel combines luxurious accommodations, state- of-the-art meeting facilities and mountain views. Purpose-built for meetings, Hotel Polaris will offer 26,000 sf of expansive indoor meeting space on one dedicated floor with floor-to-ceiling windows, including a 12,000 sf ballroom, a 6,000 sf junior ballroom, seven meeting rooms and two dedicated board rooms, as well as more than 11,000 sf of pre- function space. The hotel also has designed a series of unique team building experiences. For more information, visit the- HotelPolaris.com. ALEXANDRIA, VA – Located just minutes from Washington, D.C., Alexandria, VA is set to unveil a new meetings program, “Unlock ALX Perks.” This new initiative promises to redefine event experiences, delivering advantages to both meeting planners and attendees who also want a convenient location serviced by three major airports, Amtrak, Metrorail and more. “Unlock ALX Perks” introduces an array of exclusive benefits, dis- counts and experiences in a three- tier system. The program further solidifying Alexandria’s status as an alluring destination for small and midsize gatherings. To learn more about the program, visit VisitAlexandria.com/ALXPerks. RFPs must be submitted by March 31, 2024. TALLAHASSEE, FL – Drury Hotels Company, LLC is now welcoming groups to their newest hotel. The Drury Plaza Hotel Tallahassee – the first Drury Hotel in Tallahassee and the fifth Drury Hotel in the state of Florida – features 180 guest rooms and suites and 2,800 sf of meeting space. The Drury Plaza Hotel Tallahassee can accommodate a variety of groups of up to 280 attendees. Featuring two meeting rooms with pre-function space, the hotel promises a smooth, impactful event with flexible audio- visual options and affordable fees. For more information, vis- it druryhotels.com. Courtesy Photo Courtesy Photo ALEXANDRIA’S NEW MEETINGS PROGRAM SET TO TRANSFORM EVENTS DRURY HOTELS OPENS NEW HOTEL IN TALLAHASSEE, FL HOTEL POLARIS PROMISES AWE- INSPIRING MEETINGS HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. – The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa has announced that the completion of its $13.8 million renovation of its 416 guest rooms is set to be completed in early February. The team has transformed the rooms into extensions of the island’s natural landscape to create a luxurious coastal escape. Ellis Adams Design drew inspiration from the wispy sea oats and sweetgrass of of Hilton Head while encouraging rejuvenation and relaxation by balancing wellness and casual adventure. The resort welcomes planners, offering nearly 39,000 sf of flexible meeting space. For more information, visit mar- riott.com/en-us/hotels/hhhwi-the- westin-hilton-head-island-resort- and-spa. THE WESTIN HILTON HEAD ISLAND RESORT & SPA RENOVATION TO BE COMPLETE SOON LAS VEGAS, NV – Fontainebleau Las Vegas opened on December 13 with great fanfare. Its star-studded opening signals a new era of luxury hospitality on the Strip, and is a testament to the iconic, nearly 70-year Fontainebleau legacy of sophisticated glamour, unparalleled service and innovative design. Meeting planners will find plenty of options for events within their 550,000 sf of meeting space. They also offer a 150,000 sf casino, world class dining venues, 13 bars and lounges and more. Fontainebleau Las Vegas resides adjacent to the Las Vegas Convention Center District West Hall. For more information, visit fon- tainebleaulasvegas.com. ATLANTA, GA – Hilton has announced the highly anticipated opening of the 975-room Signia by Hilton Atlanta, marking the first new build and Georgia hotel for the Signia by Hilton brand, and Atlanta’s largest ground-up hotel development project in 40 years. The hotel offers eight food and beverage experiences; a spa, beauty bar, rooftop pool and fitness cen- ter; Peloton bikes in some rooms and more than 100,000 sf of flexible meeting space, including the largest hotel ballroom in Georgia, as well as a grand outdoor event deck and lawn. Read more about Signia by Hilton at Stories.Hilton.com. ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown is now open. The 188- room hotel is conveniently situated in the heart of the city and offers sweeping views of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. The only full-service, all-suites property in Asheville also offers more than 7,000 sf of customizable meeting and event space. A donation of $500 will be made to one of the hotel’s local partner organizations for every $10,000 spent by any group in 2024. This promotion is available to all groups contracted by March 31, 2024. For more information,visit hil- ton.com/en/hotels/avleses-embas- sy-suites-asheville-downtown. Courtesy Photo Courtesy Photo Courtesy Photo FONTAINEBLEAU LAS VEGAS MAKES HISTORIC GLOBAL DEBUT SIGNIA BY HILTON DEBUTS FLAGSHIP HOTEL IN DOWNTOWN ATLANTA EMBASSY SUITES BY HILTON ASHEVILLE DOWNTOWN OPENS CONRAD ORLANDO AT EVERMORE OPENS ORLANDO, FL — Hilton announces the opening of the highly anticipated Conrad Orlando, marking the Conrad Hotels & Resorts brand’s debut in Orlando and second property in the Sunshine State. Nestled within Evermore Orlando Resort’s sprawling 1,100-acre property less than three miles from one of Orlando’s most famed theme park resorts, the 433-room Conrad Orlando features five distinct dining venues; the serene Conrad Spa Orlando and Water Garden; Evermore Bay, an 8-acre crystalline lagoon and expansive pool complex; and more than 65,000 sf of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space. For more information, visit stories.hilton.com Courtesy Photo TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | January 2024 7I t’s no secret that in a fast-changing business world, as both MICE industry leaders and meeting and event planners, we’ve got to stay on top of changes that are happening in the industry. At the same time, when it comes to future-proofing our organizations, it’s also important to strive to better understand and stay on top of what challenges and opportunities our staffers are facing on an ongoing basis. Then, steadily work to equip them with more insight, information and chances to come together to address them at every turn. As challenging as adapting to a multitude of new shifts that we’re facing on all fronts may seem at first blush though, as a futurist and management consultant, I often remind audiences that adapting to an uncertain future doesn’t have to be as time-consuming, difficult or costly as you may think. Rather, it simply requires us to ask smarter questions — and apply a little bit more critical thinking. For example, we often hear about topics like artificial intelligence (AI), automation and machine learning. But in addition to understanding what this technology does and who can provide it, it’s even more important as an execu- tive leader to understand how we can effectively implement these tools in our organization, where they’re best applied, and why we’d want to make these investments. Thankfully, as we note in recent board game The Future is Yours (which teaches players how to scenario plan and more effectively strategize for the future), as fast as the future is now coming on, the road ahead in business is not all that hard to predict when you simply take a few moments to project your thoughts forward and think a few steps ahead. Noting this, it helps to ask some pointed questions that can shape your future thinking. As we look to the next few years of business, a few points that you might consider here, for example, could include as follows: • Artificial intelligence and automation are real, they’re here, and they’ll only play a growing role in the future. In fact, like water and gas, you may soon be able to turn them on and off as needed like any other utility. Noting this: How might these developments impact the shape of strategic planning, research, services, back-office management, workflows and more going forward? • In a world of growing remote work and distance collaboration, where schedules, working setups and work hours will differ by individual, it will only become more challenging to secure time on others’ schedules and build meaningful relationships with them. What will this mean for the way that you man- age relationships with key customers, vendors and partners going forward — and how might it impact the practice of event management? • Working professionals are increasingly distracted, and it’s becoming harder to capture and hold their attention, creating heightened demand for all things new and novel — thus rendering anything nondescript or undifferentiated easily overlooked or skippable. What will this mean for the shape of your training, professional development and continuing education efforts in coming months and years? • Employees are increasingly putting a dual-pronged, heightened emphasis on (1) work-life balance and (2) How to Adapt to New Trends in Business, Technology BY SCOTT STEINBERG PERSPECTIVE // It’s even more important as an executive leader to understand how we can effectively implement these tools in our organization. 8 January 2024 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comDepositPhotos.com learning, growth, mentorship and career advance- ment. In which ways are you redesigning your work- ing models, working setups and HR policies and pro- grams to accommodate these changing priorities? • We’re drowning in data: Over 2.5 quintillion bytes of which is produced every day, even as we’re all being pulled in more directions, the pace of change is accel- erating, and the next 10 years may bring more change than the prior 10,000 — not to mention being asked to make more decisions faster than ever. How are you working to get your employees more actionable information and in a faster and more user-friendly format at every turn? Likewise, some types of additional questions that these trends will raise for meeting and event pros in coming years that are worth considering as you shape your future thinking can be found below as well: • Which workday tasks will be performed by humans, machines or both in coming years? • How will automation, artificial intelligence and digi- tal transformation technologies change the funda- mental nature of the work that you do? • What skills, resources and capabilities will you need to cultivate internally (and help partners cultivate externally) in the future to drive continuing organiza- tional growth — and how well do your current work- force capabilities map to them? • What more flexible and elastic plans can you put in place for managing remote, hybrid and on-site work- forces, especially as you view these topics through various lenses ranging from productivity to health/ safety and employee engagement? • Do you have the technology and operating infrastruc- ture in place that’s needed to effectively help your staff and partners collaborate, work and remain pro- ductive under any circumstances — and rapidly adapt to sudden or pronounced shifts in your environment? • How are you helping employees cultivate new learn- ing, connections and insights at every turn — and how can you help continuously create tangible and visible pathways to future opportunities for them going forward? As you can see, just by taking a few moments out of your busy day to consider helpful queries such as these, not only can you more actively and productively plan for the future. You can also often discover tangible action steps that you can be taking to better prepare to greet tomorrow’s challenges today. Put simply: You don’t need a crystal ball or superhuman powers to predict what’s coming next. Rather, you just need to purposefully ask yourself more pointed questions, and devote more time on your schedule to strategizing a few steps ahead. The future becomes far easier to adapt to when you simply take a few moments out in advance to plan for tomorrow today. C&IT Hailed as the world’s leading business strategist, award-winning expert witness, strategic consultant and professional speaker SCOTT STEINBERG is among today’s best-known trends experts and futurists, and the bestselling author of “Think Like a Futurist;” “Make Change Work for You: 10 Ways to Future-Proof Yourself, Fearlessly Innovate, and Succeed Despite Uncertainty” and “Fast >> Forward: How to Turbo-Charge Business, Sales, and Career Growth.” The president and CEO of BIZDEV: The International Association for Business Development and Strategic Partnerships, his website is FuturistsSpeakers.com. TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | January 2024 9Next >