< PreviousM ental health problems stem- ming from lifestyle concerns like stress, loneliness, isolation, anxi- ety, trauma, debt, bereavement, medical issues, social media and more at an all-time high. In fact, new Gallup findings indicate stress, sadness and worry have all inched higher worldwide — pushing Gallup’s Negative Experience Index to another new high. As the results of which wreak havoc on society, families and individual well- being, there’s an escalating movement toward preventative mental healthcare, including that being offered in a well- ness spa setting. Indeed, the good news is that there are numerous tech- nologies and methodologies determined to help us allevi- ate the angst in our lives. To discuss new biotech-driven ways to stem daily stress, I connected with biowellness pioneer Dr. Katelyn Lehman, Quantum Clinic co-founder. A model of preventative healthcare, Dr. Lehman’s work puts the emphasis on psychological, emotional, spiritual and physical wellbeing for epigenetic healing through coher- ence — the degree of correlation between the body’s elec- tromagnetic fields. Dr. Lehman underscores that interventions and modali- ties like floatation REST, frequency therapy, scalar energy and more can employed to combat stressors that can nega- tively impact our physical, mental and emotional well-being. This is how she describes a bit about each. Frequency therapy – a non-invasive treatment that uses frequencies to restore balance to the body’s energy systems. These frequencies can be applied to target specific health issues, such as pain, inflammation and anxiety. This therapy works by stimulating the body’s natural healing mecha- nisms, promoting cell regeneration and reducing oxidative stress. It has been shown to be effective in treating a range of conditions, including chronic pain, autoimmune disor- ders and depression. Scalar energy – while this is a type of energy that is not easily measurable by conventional scientific instruments, its effects on living organisms have been studied for decades. One of the areas in which scalar energy has been found to be particularly relevant is in the communication between cells, specifically within the context of water in intracellu- lar communication. One of the ways that scalar energy may influence the structure of water is through the use of scalar energy devices. 3 BioWellness Advancements Stemming Toxic Stress BY MERILEE A. KERN, MBA PERSPECTIVE // The good news is that there are numerous technologies and methodologies determined to help us alleviate the angst in our lives. 10 February 2024 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comDepositPhotos.com Scalar energy devices are designed to emit scalar energy waves, which are believed to interact with water molecules and influence their molecular structure. These devices may be used to enhance the structure of water in the body, pro- moting intracellular communication and improving overall health and wellness. While the theory of scalar energy and water in intracellular communication is still a relatively new concept, it has the potential to revolutionize our under- standing of the human body and its functions. By exploring the role of scalar energy in facilitating intracellular commu- nication, we may be able to develop new therapies and treat- ments for a wide range of health conditions, from chronic illness to acute injuries. Floatation REST (Restricted Environmental Stimula- tion Therapy) – a form of sensory deprivation therapy that involves floating in a tank filled with salt water. The water is heated to body temperature, and the tank is designed to block out external stimuli, such as light and sound. This creates a state of deep relaxation, allowing the body to enter a state of deep rest and repair. Floatation REST has been shown to reduce stress, improve sleep quality and enhance creativity. “Combining these modalities for preventative care can create a powerful tool for maintaining optimal health and preventing chronic illnesses,” noted Dr. Lehman. “Doing so can create a comprehensive approach to preventative care that addresses the root causes of chronic illnesses, rather than just treating the symptoms. By providing a non-invasive and natural approach to promoting relaxation and stress reduction, individuals can learn to manage their own health without relying on costly medical interventions. By taking a holistic approach to our health and well-being, we can live happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives.” In all, Dr. Lehman is driving a movement centered around radical reconnection — with nature, our own bod- ies, our intuition and one another. With a profound belief that all healing is a result of empowerment and aware- ness building, the clinic offers a deeply deliberated space to facilitate your deepest transformation and self-healing through coherence. C&IT Forbes Business Council, Newsweek Expert Forum and Rolling Stone Culture Council member MERILEE KERN, MBA, is founder, executive editor and producer of “The Luxe List,” as well as host of both the “Savvy Living” lifestyle and travel and “Savvy Ventures” business TV shows. Connect with her at TheLuxeList. com, SavvyLiving.tv, at LuxeListReports on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and on LinkedIn at MerileeKern. TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | February 2024 11I s it just us, or does barely a day go by without your e-mail or LinkedIn inbox receiving a deluge of unsolic- ited offers from previously unknown service providers? How about social media accounts — sometimes it feels like you can’t go 48 hours without receiving a request from a random stranger who “is impressed with your resume,” “just wants to connect” or “is looking to expand their connections.” As we note in new book “The New Rules of Business Development,” sending these types of requests is a great way to end up in someone’s spam folder — or, potentially, ensure you’ll never do business. Thankfully, as a MICE industry leader, avoiding a few simple mistakes can help you and your teams more effectively stand out to new prospects, better connect with and engage potential clients and build better business relationships. A few points to note upfront, before we dive deeper: • It’s important to know and understand your target audience’s background, operating reality, and poten- tial pain points or opportunities — a one-size-fits-all query is a great way to alienate hundreds of pros- pects in the hunt to find one. • Leading with a service request or offer is like walk- ing up to someone at a cocktail party and immedi- ately hitting them with a sales pitch — uncomfort- able at best, off-putting at worst and a surefire way to start things on a bad foot. • At a fundamental level, organizations and individuals do business with firms and partners that they trust, like and respect. Business relationships and negotia- tions go much more smoothly when you establish a trusted presence online and prompt others to come to you, not reach out to them instead. • If you do want to reach out, think first and foremost about incentivization: In other words, with count- less competitors and service providers vying for their limited time and budget, what clear and compelling reason will make others want to connect with you? • The first question you should be asking yourself before attempting business outreach is: What can I do for them? Your goal should be to save others time, effort and money and help them solve problems — not immediately think about how to get paid off a cold call or email. That being said, as a keynote speaker and futurist for over 2000 brands, I often remind audiences that it helps to think about some of the more common mistakes in business devel- opment that business people make as of late — and how you can avoid them. Below, you’ll find the 10 fastest ways to tor- pedo a working relationship, and ways to avoid falling into common traps associated with these pitfalls. 1. Ghost others and don’t return emails or calls in a timely manner. Pro tip: If you don’t have an update, or aren’t looking to proceed, at least drop a one- or two-line email so you’re not leaving contacts in limbo. 2. Don’t keep your word or follow through on promises or statements made. After all, people remember how you treat them and make them feel — and in a world of endless alternative options and providers, trust is Building More Meaningful Virtual Business Relationships BY SCOTT STEINBERG PERSPECTIVE // Leading with a service request or offer is like walking up to someone at a cocktail party and immediately hitting them with a sales pitch. 12 February 2024 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comthe most important currency. Also remember: Busi- nesspeople tend to stick around industries for a long time — and aren’t shy about sharing their thoughts with one another. 3. Randomly bail out of negotiations or collaborations without warning or explanation. If the offer doesn’t fit your needs or priorities change, let others know. Keep in mind that you may need to come back with other requests later, or find that your chosen alter- nate provider may need replacing over the long haul. 4. Only reach out or communicate when it’s clear that you want something. We all know folks that we only hear from when they have an incentive to reach out. When that happens, it’s not only obvious — it’s off-putting. You can avoid this hazard by making a point to stay in touch and offering to help others or keep up to date with them even when there’s no direct payout. 5. Say “you’ll keep someone in mind” but never pres- ent an opportunity. Among the most insidious state- ments in business today, it’s meant to assuage your worries — not theirs. Service providers know: If someone’s been keeping you in mind for months or years, but never reaching out with opportunities or to see if there’s a fit, for instance, it’s not hard to notice that they don’t think highly of your offerings. 6. Fail to make introductions or present promised net- working chances. We’re all grown-ups here: If the person you’re being asked to introduce to another party doesn’t see a fit, they can always decline the invite or let the party know. Trying to play gate- keeper is a great way to alienate others and ensure that they return the unwanted favor as well. 7. Hesitate or decline to support others when they reach out for assistance. You may not have the insights, resources or capabilities (or time on your schedule) to help, but it doesn’t take much to send a quick note to someone or somewhere that does; for example: “Sorry, Jane, I don’t have the answer — but have you tried checking in with Jim or checked the resources on this corporation’s website?” 8. Decline to do the homework and research needed to understand the other party. If you don’t know who you’re pitching, what’s important to them or where they’re currently looking to focus business efforts, you might as well be taking random swipes at the air. 9. Underprice or undervalue the worth that others bring to the table. Similarly, you need to know what budget range and financial ballpark a prospect is playing in. Noting that time is money? Wasting a prospect’s time by, say, offering a service that’s out of their budget, or requesting that work be performed for far less than their going rate actually costs both them and you in the end. 10. Ask for something without offering something of equal or more value in return. It’s like walking up to someone and saying: Hey, what can you do for me? Consider: If you don’t have something of value to offer or trade to the other party, what incentive do they have not to politely shut the door on you? Long story short: It’s not hard to enhance your chances of landing new clients or attracting fresh business prospects when you apply a little bit more research and critical think- ing. The most common mistakes business people make are to not communicate effectively, align pitch with their audi- ence or understand their target market. Happily, all are eas- ily remedied with a little up-front planning and effort — and when you strive to build more meaningful connections and win-win relationships at every turn. C&IT Hailed as the world’s leading business strategist, award-winning expert witness, strategic consultant and professional speaker SCOTT STEINBERG is among to- day’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. A successful virtual strategy can lead to meaningful relationships. DepositPhotos.com TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | February 2024 13Bleisure on the Green Golf & Spa Resorts Add Networking Ops (and Fun) to Corporate Meetings Courtesy of Kiawah Island Golf Resort BY CHRISTINE LOOMIS GOLF & SPA RESORTS The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort 14 February 2024 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comW hether golf or spa are an official part of a meeting, their presence at a resort can be a registration draw for attendees who want to take advantage of them before or after core meeting functions, as well as for spouses planning to attend. Golf may be a game, but it’s also an activity during which important business relationships have been formed and deals made in the few hours it takes to play 18 holes. No wonder these resorts are frequently the setting for corporate meetings and events. Trina Sharp, CMP, CMM, CED, former event manager with consulting firm Point B, chose Arizona’s Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia in Scottsdale for an annual fall getaway with 75 in attendance. “The Omni Scottsdale at Mon- telucia is in a prime location with beautiful views of Camelback Mountain. It’s close to the city but the resort makes you feel like you’ve been swept off of your feet into a private destination. You can’t beat the rooms, weather, landscape and activities, and so many other close- by opportunities await. The Omni puts guests close to everything and anything they want to do,” said Sharp. Sharp called the resort’s indoor and outdoor spaces “incredible,” and had high praise for the staff as well. “You don’t have to feel like you need to track someone down; they’re always right there ready to assist.” And then there’s the food. “They use top ingredients and are willing to work with you to get you the perfect meal.” The spa and golf course, she noted, “are definitely a must for our groups— the spa treatments are unbelievable.” Although there was no official golf tournament or spa visit organized this year, Sharp said, “Attendees golfed on their own and we had a lot of folks who use the spa on their own.” In terms of onsite functions, the group participated in a salsa-making competition to foster team build- ing and held a dinner party at the Chapel. “I’ve also had events at El Chorro, which is close by and features a won- derful Sunday brunch,” she added. A top highlight this year is the 5,000 sf, newly remodeled President’s Suite. “We used it for our late-night functions, and it really made our event a total success. I believe five past presidents have stayed there!” Sharp’s advice for planners considering a meeting in the area is to call Experience Scottsdale. “Let them know you’re interested in a tour and are considering the Omni Scottsdale for an event. They’ve been so helpful to me in planning in Scottsdale. You have to see it for yourself!” Debbie Pompa, executive assistant at global manufac- turer Genie/Terex, helped organize an event at Scottsdale’s’ Boulders Resort & Spa for 117 attendees from Caterpillar, Inc. “This was a golfing event and Boulders is one of the top destination resorts for golf. It also has a beautiful spa and three pools, along with a great gym, free classes and a nice gift shop and golf shop. It has something for everyone— even those who chose not to golf. The resort is easy access and just a short drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor Interna- tional Airport,” said Pompa. Pompa said the food and beverage at the resort was a hit. “We had one reception and three dinners — one a progres- sive dinner with four stations on the golf course for which we had about 50 golf carts. The attendees would hop on the carts to go from one food station to the next. It was so unique, and they loved it.” This event was set at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California in the past, but a site visit to Scottsdale led to the 2023 event at The Boulders Resort & Spa. “Boul- ders was toward the end of my visit. As soon as I entered the resort and saw the amazing grounds, huge boulders and individual casitas I was impressed. And I received a warm welcome as soon as I reached the security entrance. All of the staff were so welcoming, and it wasn’t just because they were trying to impress me to win my business. That warmth existed throughout our weeklong stay during the event.” Attendees had three days of golf, which Pompa called, “well planned and executed by the staff,” adding, “This is one of the top courses and all the attendees love it.” For meetings, the group used a ballroom with views of the massive boulders and formations from which the resort gets its name. And while there was no official function at the spa, the com- pany gave attendees’ wives gift cer- tificates for the spa, and they made their own appointments at their convenience. When global frozen-food supplier Lamb Weston, Inc. worked with TMN Events for its 2023 annual worldwide leadership meeting, the result was a gathering of 240 at spectacular Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, Ari- zona. TMN Events president and owner, Scott Winegar, It’s close to the city but the resort makes you feel like you’ve been swept off of your feet into a private destination. TRINA SHARP, CMP, CMM, CED Former Event Manager Point B Boulders Resort & Spa TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | February 2024 15listed the resort’s assets as “affordable, good weather, natural and unique beauty and the availability of a good variety of activities.” Those activity options include two pools, four tennis courts, a spa and two award- winning Tom Fazio- designed golf courses. Winegar said the group used several ven- ues among the resort’s 77,000 sf of indoor and outdoor space, and also took advantage of guiding hiking through the surrounding Sonoran Desert terrain. Win- egar himself is no stranger to the resort’s golf courses, even though this particular event didn’t include golf as an official part of the program. “A few people played on their own,” he said, adding that he has booked groups for which golf was definitely a deciding factor in the choice of Loews Ventana Canyon Resort. Additionally, he noted “I’ve played several pro-am tournaments on the resort’s two courses.” Some attendees also went on their own to the resort’s Lakeside Spa. “The feedback,” Winegar said, “was very good.” As for the function spaces the group used, Winegar said, “There are two pretty large ballrooms. One is a sepa- rate building with a great patio we used for food and beverage. There’s also a significant number of various-sized breakout rooms. In addition, the resort also has two unique venues for eve- ning functions that worked great for us — Coyote Corral, a 22,000 sf, themed western village, and Cascade Terrace, ideal for cocktail receptions with sweeping views of the Catalina Mountains.” Winegar’s advice to planners considering Loews Ven- tana Canyon Resort is to book well in advance, especially if you want to set your meeting during high season. But he also noted that groups should consider shoulder season for more “value” opportunities. While Arizona has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to fantastic golf and spa resorts in the west, Florida can boast exactly the same on the East Coast. Among the Sunshine State’s stellar options is JW Marriott Miami Turn- berry Resort & Spa in Aventura, Florida. That’s where John C. Washbish, president of Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, Inc., set the company’s annual shareholders meeting and winter banquet for approximately 500 in December. “The JW Turnberry provides us with the optimal loca- tion to host our annual shareholder and channel partner meeting,” he said. “The sleek, elegant ambiance of the hotel, comfortable accommodations, first-class food and professional meeting space offer the perfect location for our meeting. The weather in December is usually warm, allowing us to take advantage of Turn- berry’s outdoor gathering spaces and to host our meetings within the newly renovated meeting rooms.” The group uses both golf courses during the meeting. “We host a large golf outing,” Washbish continued, “and two courses guarantee we can get everyone to play. The courses at Turnberry are in won- derful condition and the pro, who is fantas- tic, makes sure all of our needs are met.” Washbish pointed to another “fantastic” feature of the JW — its workout facilities and spa — which are very popular with many in the group. “Whether our attendees are taking advantage of the three-mile loop around the property or the workout room, the spa is the perfect place to relax. This is a highlight they look forward to every year. We arranged spa treatments for several guests, and we had two massage therapists work at one of our events in the pool cabanas. We offered chair massages all afternoon to a special meeting group.” Courtesy Photo Loews Ventana Canyon Resort There are two pretty large ballrooms. One is a separate building with a great patio we used for food and beverage. SCOTT WINEGAR President and Owner TMN Events 16 February 2024 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com See why Tucson’s one-of-a-kind culture creates an experience that extends beyond the ballroom. Book now through 2027 and earn up to $15,000 OFF your Master Account. FIND OUT MORE | TucsonOnUs.com WIDE OPEN SPACES TucsonOnUs.comSee why Tucson’s one-of-a-kind culture creates an experience that extends beyond the ballroom. Book now through 2027 and earn up to $15,000 OFF your Master Account. FIND OUT MORE | TucsonOnUs.com WIDE OPEN SPACES TucsonOnUs.comThe JW Marriott Turnberry also has another venue popular with attendees that may seem surprising for a such a sophisticated resort — Tidal Cove, the property’s onsite waterpark. “It provides a place for our attendees to relax as well as to socialize,” Washbish said. In addition to onsite functions, he said attendees took advantage of local restau- rants to host offsite functions as well. Washbish called the resort’s convention center “perfect” for the group’s meeting needs, which vary greatly. “We host several smaller committee breakout meetings for 10-30 attendees, medium-sized open sessions for 30-75, larger general sessions for 150 – 350 people and our grand finale banquet for 525.” The convention center easily accommo- dates all of them. As for advice to meeting planners considering the Turn- berry, Washbish said the earlier groups commit to the busi- ness space and dates they need the better. While the Turn- berry is an excellent destination for business and profes- sional events, Washbish points out that it’s also very popu- lar for personal events (weddings for example). “Lock down your meeting space and convention needs,” he advised. As we learned in 2023, increased leisure demand fre- quently made it difficult for planners to book the destina- tions, resorts, spaces and times they wanted. Planners and site selectors having to book in shorter windows through- out 2024 may find the same challenges. C&IT Sean Olson, Class A PGA professional and direc- tor of Golf at JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, has a few suggestions to help meeting planners organize a corporate golf event for their company or clients. There are many complex elements to a tournament or outing for multiple players that meeting planners, especially those who don’t play golf themselves, might not even know they have to con- sider. We asked Olson to share his expertise on how best to organize a corporate golf event and what organiz- ers need to know. What are the three most important things for planners to consider? Venue choice. Venue choice, Olson noted, is not just about the venue itself. Planners must consider the time of year, weather and daylight hours in order to choose the right venue. Scheduling. A round of 18 holes takes approxi- mately 4.5 hours. Questions planners must ask include: Is the golf a standalone event or does it have to fit into a larger program? How will the tim- ing of the golf affect other program components? How will meals be scheduled around golf? Budget. What’s the cost per player and of the total event? Planners must calculate the cost of greens fees, prizes, promotional product, rentals if any. Is there a sponsor? Will there be a reception? “You don’t know what you don’t know” is an old saying. What is it that planners — who may not play golf themselves — often don’t know about plan- ning a golf event? Format of play is a big one, said Olson. Will it be leisure golf or a team game with scoring and prizes? Do you prefer a shotgun start (all players start at the same time and finish at the same time) or concur- rent tee times (groups tee off every 10 minutes)? The number of players impacts the preferable format and whether you need a resort with one golf course or more than one. “The maximum player count for one golf course is 144 players,” Olson noted. How will player groups be decided? Golf carts fit two players and groups of four (two carts) play together. Will the group have specific pairings (players wanting to play together) or will it be random? Will players need rental clubs or will they be bringing their own? What’s your best advice for planners orga- nizing a corporate golf event? “Get in contact with the golf representative hosting your event sooner rather than later,” Olson said. “He or she will guide you in the right direction based on your needs.” Tips From a Golf Pro on Planning a Corporate Golf Event Sean Olson Courtesy of JW Marriott Miami Turnberry 18 February 2024 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com the art of Connection A meeting at Kiawah Island Golf Resort is more than business. It’s 90,000 square feet of gathering space— from intimate to grand, indoors and in the open air. An opportunity to connect through recreational outings amid lush island surroundings. It’s the renewing energy of an ocean sunrise and collaborative conversation over a marsh sunset. It’s where a meeting inspires meaning. 844.958.0670 kiawahresort.com SOUTH CAROLINA rooted in hospital itythe art of Connection A meeting at Kiawah Island Golf Resort is more than business. It’s 90,000 square feet of gathering space— from intimate to grand, indoors and in the open air. An opportunity to connect through recreational outings amid lush island surroundings. It’s the renewing energy of an ocean sunrise and collaborative conversation over a marsh sunset. It’s where a meeting inspires meaning. 844.958.0670 kiawahresort.com SOUTH CAROLINA rooted in hospital ityNext >