Brightspot Incentives & Events A COASTAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION PUBLICATION MARCH 2024 VOL. 42 NO. 3 $20.00 IN THIS ISSUE GAMING RESORTS NEW & RENOVATED SPACES THE LATEST IN EVENT TECH INTENTIONAL EVENT DESIGN ORLANDO BAHAMAS & CARIBBEAN CALIFORNIA Page 42 MILLENNIALS IN MEETINGSWhen you partner with Disney for your meeting or event, you get access to best-in-class planners, industry-leading technology, world-class culinary experts and unforgettable entertainment. But, most importantly, you’ll get Disney’s legendary creativity, storytelling and attention to detail. When you use our imagination, you will transform your meeting into something incredible only found at Disney. Use Our Imagination. Visit us at disneymeetingsandevents.comVOLUME 42 NO. 3 | MARCH 2024 | ISSN 0739-1587 | USPS 716-450 16 22 26 30 34 38 42 46 52 58 4 Publisher’s Message 6 News & Notes 10 Perspective Using Live Polling to Engage an Audience BY MELISSA FORZIAT 14 Perspective Tech Trends: Smarter, Faster, More Responsible AI BY MERILEE KERN, MBA 66 People on the Move departments destinations features Orlando A Whole New World. Beyond Tomorrowland. BY DAVID SWANSON Constant Summer Bahamas/Caribbean, a Top Destination for a Relaxed Event BY RAYNA KATZ California The Lure of the Golden State BY MAURA KELLER TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | March 2024 3 That’s Entertainment! New Intent on Entertainment for Events BY MARLENE GOLDMAN New & Renovated Spaces A Wave of Exciting New Properties for Meetings & Events BY MAURA KELLER Gaming Resorts The Best Gems in Casino Action BY MAURA KELLER Advances in Event Tech Tools Leveraging, Streamlining the Event Planning Process BY MARLENE GOLDMAN Expanding Human Possibility The Shift to Sustainable Corporate Meetings & Events BY CHRISTINE LOOMIS Intentional Designs Keeping Events Relevant, Useful, Worthwhile to Everyone BY MAURA KELLER Millennials Decision-Making Influencers BY MAURA KELLER IN THIS ISSUE 22 52 26Corporate & 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 How Are We Doing? Ed Koch, the colorful mayor of New York City in the late ‘70s, became famous far beyond the city limits of his domain for his constant habit of ask- ing constituents, “How am I doing?” Needless to say, he got some pointed answers, both positive and negative. But he did ask the question. It’s hard to know where you’re going if you don’t know where you are. I bring this up for a few reasons; one is a broad observation of the function of group meeting business, especially incentive travel programs. Motivational ex- perts, how-to-succeed-in business experts, and human resources experts sometimes have differing views on strate- gies and game plans. Still, they always agree on the vital importance of communication, feedback, and letting people know exactly where they stand and what they can do about it. That’s precisely what a good incen- tive travel plan or meeting is designed to do: to set fair and clearly understood goals, not only with something of value or incentive winners but also with public acknowledg- ment of the winner’s contribution to their company’s goals.While some management may look at incentive programs unfavorably, longtime users of incentive travel know that it works. Companies that have never consid- ered — or those that have considered and rejected the concept — would do well to think again. Now closer to home, here at Corporate & Incentive Travel, we would like to ask you, “How are we doing?” With over four decades of publishing, the feedback from subscribers and advertising has been gratifying. Corporate & Incentive Travel intends to continue to cover the entire spectrum of the corporate meeting and incentive travel business for the planners and corpo- rate decision-makers who make it happen every day. We understand the importance of reader participation and feedback. When we ask, “How are we doing?” we are not afraid of the answers. 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 March 2024 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com Harvey Grotsky Publisher FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA linkedin.com/company/ CorpIncTravel @CorpIncTravel @CorpIncTravel facebook.com/ CorpIncTravelOpening 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.COMNEWS + NOTES // 6 March 2024 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com RADISSON HOTEL GROUP LAUNCHES VISIONARY AI TECHNOLOGY FOR PLANNERS BRUSSELS, BELGIUM — Radisson Hotel Group has unveiled its pioneering Radisson Meetings Unbound value proposition and AI-powered Radisson Meetings Dream Machine. Planners will be able to use technology to generate new ideas, share event inspiration and bring their imagination to life. The group’s Radisson Meetings Dream Machine is an AI tool that allows planners to create visually stunning representations of their dream event spaces, and more. The group is organizing a series of workshops and “infinity rooms” in key destinations. In-house event teams can also show differ- ent meeting room set-ups in real- time through smartphones or VR goggles. For more information, visit radissonhotels.com/en-us/ meeting-conference-hotels/meet- ings-unbound. CARLSBAD, CA — The Omni La Costa Resort & Spa will unveil renovations this summer, elevating every element, from guest rooms and villas to the spa and championship golf courses. Following a refresh of the resort’s lobby, bar, ballroom and meeting spaces in 2021, the property now enters a new phase of this three- year transformation. Over 500 guest rooms will be inspired by Spanish- style architecture. The updated spa will feature three luxurious new salt rooms, refurbished steam rooms with new aromatherapy features and new state-of-the-art equipment in the showers, locker rooms and select treatment rooms, such as the Vichy showers. The resort’s championship golf facilities will unveil a dramatic redesign. After the unveiling of the exqui- site Costa de la Luna and event lawn in 2021, the resort continues to add even more space with the expansion of the Coastal Events Center, featur- ing 100,000 sf of space. For more information, visit omnihotels.com/hotels/san-diego- la-costa. KĀ‘ANAPALI, MAUI — The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kā’anapali marks the completion of its multi-year, $160 million transformation with the complete renovation and rebranding of the Ocean Tower into Kūkahi Tower. Anchored within Kūkahi will be Hana Hou by Westin, which will feature a variety of entertainment, including Topgolf Swing Suites; duckpin bowling; virtual reality; modern and classic arcade games; a Keiki Club; and a bar & lounge. The venue will be open in mid- April. The resort also recently welcomed Ulu Kitchen by acclaimed chef Peter Merriman. For more information about Kūkahi Tower, visit westinmaui.com. Courtesy Photo THE WESTIN MAUI CONCLUDES $160 MILLION TRANSFORMATION OMNI LA COSTA RESORT & SPA TO UNVEIL RENOVATIONS Courtesy PhotoGet the lowest price when you book direct at www.hilton.com/en/hotels/hhhrshh Retreat to our isle of renewed paradise at Hilton Beachfront Resort & Spa Hilton Head. Relax in our well-appointed guest rooms and enjoy a sea of outdoor activities. Take in a round of golf at our Championship courses. Soak up exquisite beach vistas from your private balcony and enjoy an unforgettable stay by the shoreline. Come For The Meeting, Stay For Everything Else LOS ANGELES, CA – The Westin Los Angeles Airport has undergone a $45 million renovation, including a reimagined lobby, lounge areas, state-of-the-art theater space and a modernized pool. The Westin launched some unique features, such as a surf concierge to help those who want to brave the waves. Those who have electric cars will find 45 newly installed EV charging stations. Planners can utilize their more than 56,000 sf of meeting space, including 13,100 sf of ballroom space with plenty of natural light streaming through and 18 foot ceilings. For more information, visit marriott.com/en-us/hotels/laxwi- the-westin-los-angeles-airport. GBTA LAUNCHES INDUSTRY’S FIRST GLOBAL SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT STANDARDS WASHINGTON D.C. — The GBTA Foundation has launched the industry’s first Sustainable Procurement Standards, available on the GBTA Foundation website, as well as in the GBTA Hub for GBTA members. Corporate travel buyers worldwide can utilize this educational resource, which comes with a guide, to make informed procurement decisions and deliver on their organization’s sustainability objectives. They help ensure suppli- ers are better prepared to re- spond to procurement-related requests in a harmonized way by providing a standard set of questions for assessing the sustainability practices of current or potential vendors, partners and suppliers. The standards are a free resource with the first set focusing on the aviation sector with more industry sectors to be includ- ed soon. To learn more about the GBTA Foundation, visit gbta- foundation.org. THE WESTIN LOS ANGELES AIRPORT DEBUTS FOLLOWING $45M RENOVATION Courtesy Photo TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | March 2024 7NEWS + NOTES // 8 March 2024 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC — Hilton Beachfront Resort & Spa Hilton Head Island, formerly Marriott Hilton Head Resort & Spa, has become the only Hilton-branded full-service resort within 200 miles of Hilton Head Island. This brand change comes on the heels of a recent multi-million dol- lar renovation that includes a trans- formation of 513 guest rooms and suites, which follows the recent up- dating of the resort’s public spaces, dining outlets and function space. Here, attendees can stroll through three miles of pristine beach, play the three PGA golf courses or explore the 2,000 acres of natural beauty and outdoor activi- ties. Palmetto Dunes is the best place for Hilton Head bike rentals and wa- ter sports, along with a full-service marina, award-winning tennis and pickleball center, and a sweeping 11-mile lagoon system for kayaking, fishing or simply getting back to na- ture. Located across from Palmetto Dunes on 285 acres of saltwater coastline, the Shelter Cove Commu- nity has an abundance of bike paths and pedestrian walkways, and offers dining, shopping, nightlife, boating, water sports and excursions, theater, picnics and festivals. For more information, visit hil- ton.com/en/hotels/hhhrshh-hilton- beachfront-resort-and-spa-hilton- head-island. JEKYLL ISLAND, GA – The iconic Jekyll Island Club Resort and the AAA Four Diamond Jekyll Ocean Club unveiled a stunning $25 million transformation. The redevelopment includes more than 125 individual guest room configurations. The resort’s riverside and oceanfront pools, public areas, including the Palm Court lobby, outdoor verandah spaces, the Grand Dining Room and other select dining areas were all significantly transformed. The exterior and structure of the buildings, protected as part of the Jekyll Island National Historic District, remain unchanged. The Ocean Club, the resort’s AAA Four Diamond oceanfront gem, presents a tranquil Golden Isles aesthetic. Vibrant guest rooms feature artwork and enhanced amenities. A new fitness room, complete with a Peloton bike, elevates the guest experience. Future design initiatives will enhance the resort’s meeting spaces along with The Wharf and Eighty Ocean restaurants. A new oceanfront sky terrace will open at the Ocean Club this spring. Photo by Jeff Herron Courtesy Photo JEKYLL ISLAND CLUB RESORT UNVEILS A $25M TRANSFORMATION MARRIOTT HILTON HEAD RESORT & SPA REBRANDS GATHERINGS with island enchantment customize O ‘A H U HONOLULU NORTH SHORE THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS For more information, call 321-939-4031 or visit disneymeetings.com/Aulani • Incentives infused with the spirit of Hawai’i to empower, excite and energize your attendees. • A dynamic combination of Hawaiian history, Disney storytelling and an enchanting setting to both uplift and unwind. • A 21-acre oceanfront resort offering 76,685 sq ft of stunning outdoor venues. • 21,258 sq ft state-of-the-art conference center. • A team of expert planners ready to help you fully customize your event. • The opportunity to enjoy the award-winning Laniwai Spa, diverse restaurant options and shopping, world-class Disney entertainment, Ko Olina Marina and an 18-hole championship golf course. Through a celebration of culture, connection and creativity - legends can be discovered. At AULANI, A Disney Resort & Spa, you can share a story, stir souls and synergize your growth and goals with: WESTIN OPENS METRO ATLANTA’S NEWEST LUXURY HOTEL DULUTH, GA — Concord Hospitality announced the opening of The Westin Atlanta Gwinnett located in the Gas South District, a multipurpose campus known for hosting a diverse range of events. Developed in partnership with Gwinnett Convention and Visitors Bureau, the 348-room hotel is a state- of-the-art, full-service meetings and events facility that will serve to further distinguish Gas South District as a premier destination. Situated in the metro Atlanta area, with convenient access to Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Air- port, the new hotel boasts over 27,000 sf of space with 16 event facilities and spacious accommodations including a presidential suite featuring a private terrace, two hospitality suites with outdoor terraces, in addition to four executive level and six standard suites. All guest rooms offer wellness-enhanc- ing amenities. The hotel’s rooftop bar, Overstory, offers great views. “This state-of-art convention center hotel will offer an unparalleled expe- rience for event planners with its cut- ting-edge technology and reliability,” said Brian Cornell, CIO at Concord Hospitality. For more information, visit marriott.com/en-us/hotels/atlwu-the- westin-atlanta-gwinnett.GATHERINGS with island enchantment customize O ‘A H U HONOLULU NORTH SHORE THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS For more information, call 321-939-4031 or visit disneymeetings.com/Aulani • Incentives infused with the spirit of Hawai’i to empower, excite and energize your attendees. • A dynamic combination of Hawaiian history, Disney storytelling and an enchanting setting to both uplift and unwind. • A 21-acre oceanfront resort offering 76,685 sq ft of stunning outdoor venues. • 21,258 sq ft state-of-the-art conference center. • A team of expert planners ready to help you fully customize your event. • The opportunity to enjoy the award-winning Laniwai Spa, diverse restaurant options and shopping, world-class Disney entertainment, Ko Olina Marina and an 18-hole championship golf course. Through a celebration of culture, connection and creativity - legends can be discovered. At AULANI, A Disney Resort & Spa, you can share a story, stir souls and synergize your growth and goals with: Next >