Photo by Robert Keith A COASTAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION PUBLICATION FEBRUARY 2024 VOL. 42 NO. 2 $20.00 IN THIS ISSUE GOLF & SPA RESORTS MEETINGS AT SEA EVENT BUDGETING PODCAST TIPS TEAM BUILDING & CORPORATE GROWTH COLORADO Page 42 THE RISE OF THE INDEPENDENT PLANNER Wendi Freeman, Event planner and founder of Be Bright EventsExpect More in 2024 DISCOVER IT ALL AT VISITMILWAUKEE.ORGMEET In Milwaukee, conventions are anything but conventional, and Baird Center will raise the bar even higher when it more than doubles in total space. In May 2024, more staff, more amenities, greater accessibility, unmatched functionality, and signature style will be a reality. Be among the first to host your event in the Midwest’s newest – and most flexible – convention center. VOLUME 42 NO. 2 | FEBRUARY 2024 | ISSN 0739-1587 | USPS 716-450 14 26 30 34 46 38 50 42 54 20 58 4 Publisher’s Message 6 News & Notes 10 Perspective 3 BioWellness Advancements Stemming Toxic Stress BY MERILEE A. KERN, MBA 12 Perspective Building More Meaningful Virtual Business Relationships BY SCOTT STEINBERG 66 People on the Move departments destinations features Colorado One of America’s Top Destinations BY DAVID SWANSON TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | February 2024 3 The #Hashtag Revolution Building a Strong Planner’s Social Media Presence BY ALANA CASTILLAS Meetings at Sea How Disney & Other Cruise Lines Are Leading a New Era of Incentive Travel BY MARLENE GOLDMAN Bleisure on the Green Golf & Spa Resorts Add Networking Ops (and Fun) to Corporate Meetings BY CHRISTINE LOOMIS Experiential Event Designs Giving Attendees What They Want: Immersion, Interaction BY MARLENE GOLDMAN Tech Tools Sparking Innovation in Event Planning BY MAURA KELLER Event Budgeting Planners Face Hard Challenges Head On BY RAYNA KATZ Building Their Brand Rise of the Independent Meeting & Event Planner BY MAURA KELLER Event Podcasts Top Tips for Starting Your Event Podcast BY ALANA CASTILLAS Attendees in Control? What Today’s Attendees Expect from Events BY MAURA KELLER Employee Engagement How Team Building Fosters Corporate Growth BY MARLENE GOLDMAN IN THIS ISSUE 14 46 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 Independent Helping Hands In this time of budgetary constraints and emphasis on bottom line profit- ability, an increasing number of independent meeting planners are coming to the rescue to ensure more cost-effective planning and programs. Calling in these professionals will in many cases save time and money, which corporate management will certainly appreciate. In our cover story and exclusive article in this issue, Wendi Freeman, an independent planner for over 15 years reflects upon her passion to create life- changing experiences through live and virtual events that spark engagement and inspire change. Today, Freeman’s focus primarily centers around in-person events with a diverse range of gatherings. Free- man stated, “The variety of clients I get to col- laborate with and the diversity of events keeps every day exciting and dynamic.” Another independent planner with a suc- cessful track record is Cassie LaMere. With over a decade of overseeing experiential events in-house for various corporate brands, she took the leap to start her own business specializing in producing corporate events for Fortune 500 companies and elite brands. Another corporate meeting planner, Kim- berly Stansell’s corporate background in hu- man resources and project management af- forded her the opportunity to be involved in planning employee functions and c-suite meetings. According to Stansell, she loves being able to partner with clients on projects that align with her values. Successful independent planners build their own network of event support staff, including photographers, audiovisual providers and others to assure a successful event. While independent planners may not be the answer for some management, others are counting on experienced independent planners who ventured off on their own during the tumultuous time of the pandemic. Thankfully, this appears to be a continuing trend. 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 MANAGERS Bob Mitchell 630-541-3388 bob.mitchell@themeetingmagazines.com Lisa Turner 941-400-7419 lisa.turner@themeetingmagazines.com DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL PROJECTS Michael Caffin 914-629-5860 michael.caffin@themeetingmagazines.com 4 February 2024 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com Harvey Grotsky Publisher FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA linkedin.com/company/ CorpIncTravel @CorpIncTravel @CorpIncTravel facebook.com/ CorpIncTravelNEWS + NOTES // 6 February 2024 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com ILANI UNVEILS EXPANDED MEETING SPACE RIDGEFIELD, WA – A new phase of development has opened at ilani. A 10,000 sf addition to the Meeting & Entertainment Center, which broke ground one year ago, enhances the property’s ability to attract large-scale entertainment and business events, potentially drawing more visitors and economic opportunities to the area. The latest phase in the Cowlitz Indian Tribe’s master plan, the addition to the Meeting & Entertainment Center is situated on the northeast side of the property. The expansion brings the size of the venue to 40,000 sf. For more information, visit ilani- resort.com. DENVER, CO — Destination Colorado Meetings, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing resources and fostering connections within Colorado’s vibrant meetings and events industry, announces the recipients of its 2023 Peak Performer Awards. The awards recognize both organizational and individual excellence. Peak Performer - Company of the Year: The Broadmoor The Broadmoor is a member organization that has consistently exemplified dedication and excel- lence in the Destination Colorado Meetings community, from their commitment to events and market- ing efforts to their management of the 2023 Customer Appreciation Event. The Broadmoor has dis- played unparalleled commitment and support and their continuous involvement, including joining the Destination Colorado Board of Di- rectors for 2024, underscores their invaluable contribution to their mission. Peak Performer - Individual of the Year: Dean Savoca, Savoca Performance Group Dean Savoca, of Savoca Perfor- mance Group, receives the Indi- vidual of the Year award in recog- nition of his remarkable dedication and leadership. For more information about Destination Colorado Meetings, visit destinationcolorado.com. NAPA, CA — Silverado Resort, a landmark resort in Napa Valley wine country, has put the finishing touches on the $1.5 million renovation of 17,000 sf of meeting and event space encompassing the ballroom, conference and meeting rooms and pre- function areas. According to Todd Shallan, vice president and managing director of Silverado Resort, the revamped event spaces, ideal for a range of large and intimate functions from corporate events to weddings to private parties, are an integral part of an ongoing enhancement program, which is designed to reposition the resort for a new era. For more information, visit silveradoresort.com. Courtesy Photo Courtesy Photo NEW MEETING SPACE COMPLETE AT NAPA VALLEY’S SILVERADO RESORT DESTINATION COLORADO MEETINGS NAMES 2023 PEAK PERFORMERS Peak Performer – Company of the Year: The BroadmoorMIAMI, FL — Celebrity Cruises, the first ocean cruise line to earn the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards in 2023, continues to collect accolades with six of its ships receiving an official rating in 2024. Illustrating the importance of innovation and guest centric service is the addition of Celebrity Ascent, the newest Edge Series ship, to the Four-Star list. Celebrity’s six premium ships earning Star Ratings are Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Flora, Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Millennium and Celebrity Summit. For more information, visit celebrity.com. CAESARS REPUBLIC SCOTTSDALE TO OPEN IN MARCH SCOTTSDALE, AZ – The highly anticipated luxury hotel, Caesars Republic Scottsdale, is set to open its doors on March 6. Planners can secure reservations starting April 1. Situated on the north side of Scottsdale Fashion Square, the hotel boasts five opulent top-floor penthouse entertainment suites, each exceeding 2,000 sf. The resort features 20,000 sf of event space, including a 7,000 sf ballroom. It also boasts two restaurants by famed Chef Giada De Laurentiis, Luna by Giada and Pronto by Giada. Seven (SVN), an elevated pool lounge and fine dining concept, is located on the seventh floor. For more information, vis- it caesarsrepublicscottsdale.com. Courtesy Photo CELEBRITY CRUISES’ ASCENT EARNS FORBES TRAVEL GUIDE FOUR-STAR AWARD 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 SPEAK WITH ONE OF OUR EXPERIENCED MEETING SALES PROFESSIONALS. 1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ Celebrity Ascent TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | February 2024 7NEWS + NOTES // 8 February 2024 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com NCL APPOINTS NEIL BRODIE AS HEAD OF ‘EXPERIENCES AT SEA’ MIAMI, FL – Norwegian Cruise Line has announced the appointment of Neil Brodie as vice president of ‘Experiences at Sea,’ Charters, Meetings and Incentives and Events. Brodie succeeds Anthony Diaz, who will stay on as a special advisor through June 2024. In his new role, Brodie will lead the sales, growth and business operations for the charter, meetings and incentives department by creating dynamic experiences at sea for a variety of corporate, themed and affinity-based events across the Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands. For more information, visit ncl.com. ARLINGTON, TX — Loews Hotels & Co has opened the Loews Arlington Hotel and Convention Center. This is Loews’ second and largest hotel in Arlington, TX and the first-of-its-kind in the market. Centrally located between Dallas and Fort Worth, and just 10 minutes from the DFW International Airport, the 21-story resort features 888 guest rooms and luxury suites. It is connected to the new Arlington Convention Center and the existing 300 room Live! By Loews Hotel. Collectively, the Loews complex in Arlington will have 1,188 rooms and close to 300,000 sf of meeting space. For more information, visit loewshotels.com/arlington-hotel. LOUISVILLE’S TOURISM SECTOR CELEBRATES RECORD-BREAKING 2023 LOUISVILLE, KY – Louisville kicked off last year on a high note with The New York Times naming the city as one of the ‘52 Places To Go in 2023.’ Bourbon City made news again when Travel + Leisure reported the city as the No.1 U.S. summer travel destina- tion on the Airbnb platform, followed by the Human Rights Campaign also awarding Louisville a perfect score for 2023, continuing the city’s nine-year streak. This year, it is already starting off strong with Travel + Leisure high- lighting it on their list of ‘Top Places to Travel to in 2024.’ For more infor- mation, visit gotolouisville.com. Courtesy Photo HILTON EXPANDS ON-PROPERTY MESSAGING MCLEAN, VA — To support the growing need for frictionless travel and introduce easier ways for guests to engage with hotel teams, Hilton is expanding its mobile messaging platform to its more than 7,000 Hilton properties worldwide by the end of 2024. The system, developed in partnership with Kipsu, the industry-leader in real-time engagement, will enable messaging via the Hilton Honors app, SMS, WhatsApp and other messaging channels. For more information, visit Hilton.com or Kipsu.com. LOEWS ARLINGTON HOTEL AND CONVENTION CENTER OPENS IN TEXAS THE BROADMOOR HAS BEEN AWARDED A FORBES FIVE-STAR RECOGNITION COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — The Broadmoor has been awarded Forbes Five-Star recognition for the 64th consecutive year, continuing a remarkable streak. This historic hotel has been open since 1918 and offers more than 315,000 sf of flexible, functional and sophisticated event and convention space. In addition, The Broadmoor’s Summit restaurant was awarded with Forbes Four-Star recognition for the first time. Their sister property, Sea Island, was also among this year’s Star Award winners and is showcased with other honorees on ForbesTravelGuide. com. For more information, visit broadmoor.com. Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa provides a destination that pairs modern luxury with a breathtaking waterfront location. Over 30,000 square feet of sea-inspired meeting space is available for you to customize and make your own. We also offer our own private yacht, ideal for receptions and post meeting events that are sure to wow attendees. MAKE MEETINGS A BREEZE SANIBEL HARBOUR MARRIOTT RESORT & SPA 17260 HARBOUR POINTE DRIVE, FT. MYERS, FL 33908 239.466.4000 SANIBELMARRIOTT.COM BrodieSanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa provides a destination that pairs modern luxury with a breathtaking waterfront location. Over 30,000 square feet of sea-inspired meeting space is available for you to customize and make your own. We also offer our own private yacht, ideal for receptions and post meeting events that are sure to wow attendees. MAKE MEETINGS A BREEZE SANIBEL HARBOUR MARRIOTT RESORT & SPA 17260 HARBOUR POINTE DRIVE, FT. MYERS, FL 33908 239.466.4000 SANIBELMARRIOTT.COMNext >