< PreviousEncore Boston Harbor’s appointed spaces overlook the har- bor, and a 21,000 sf waterfront event lawn offers a unique space for gath- erings of all sizes. New in 2024, they will be tent- ing the lawn, allowing guests to enjoy the outdoor space during the spring, summer and fall months, rain or shine. The space can be staged for plated dinners, buf- fet service or standing room with high tops and heating and cooling options available. Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, NY, is one of New York’s most advanced resorts. Groups can experience 2,000 slot machines, 66 Vegas-style table games, one of the top three Bingo Halls in the world, and the largest poker room in New York State. Turning Stone Resort & Casino has made significant invest- ments to elevate the guest experience across the resort, including renova- tions in nearly all of their most sought- after meeting spaces. Located in Central New York, the resort is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and manicured grounds. Along with the diverse facilities, meeting technology and customized service that modern events demand, meeting planners will find luxurious accommodations, dining and amenities that encourage relaxation and rejuvenation, including world- class spas, golf courses and more. Wendi Haught, senior event man- ager at Certified Angus Beef, recently planned a corporate event at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino. “What a powerhouse team of event professionals at Turning Stone,” Haught says. “The culinary and event services team have gone above and beyond to show us they value our business, and their creativity and attention to detail will make sure our events there continue to shine.” Turning Stone is home to 125,000 sf of confer- ence space, including 22,000 sf of modular meeting space with doz- ens of configurations. The remodeled Confer- ence Center includes updated modern décor, as well as state-of-the-art audio and technol- ogy for remote participants, virtual sessions and hybrid events. Turn- ing Stone announced the Turning Stone Evolution, the largest expan- sion of the resort in the last two decades. The renovation will double the resort’s existing event space and, when completed, will make Turning Stone the largest convention center in Upstate New York. Atlantic City, NJ, has long been synonymous with gaming resorts. As such, meeting planners have come to turn to Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa for meetings and events of all sizes. The resort includes 24 venues that accommodate up to 3,500 attendees including theatre-style gatherings, boardrooms, and venues that are ideal for large formal dinners and shows. Also in Atlantic City, the Resorts Casino Hotel offers endless enter- tainment for attendees after business events have unwound in the myriad of gathering spaces, including the newly expanded Resorts Confer- ence Center. With over 64,000 sf of meeting space and over 80,000 sf of gaming space, attendees will be able to enjoy the best of both worlds. The best thing about the Resorts Casino Hotel is that is located along the Atlantic City Boardwalk so attendees can take in the amazing view of the Atlantic Ocean. Any event held at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT, is undoubt- edly memorable, thanks to the unique environment that the resort offers. The 10,000-seat Mohegan Sun Arena is the ideal spot for large-scale pre- sentations, while the 17,500 sf outdoor sun terrace with fire pits provides an Courtesy Photo With 69 tables, Talking Stick Resort has the biggest poker room in the state. 20 March 2024 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com The space is gorgeous, very flexible with good outdoor space, and banquets always exceed my expectations. ESTHER FLEISCHHACKER, CMP CEO EFfortless-Events Inc.amazing outdoor meeting experience. Mt. Pocono, PA, is home to Mount Airy Casino Resort, an award-winning resort that is truly a retreat. With over 20,000 sf of flexible meeting space, Mount Airy Casino Resort is sure to please. From golf to gaming, from enter- tainment headliners to quiet spa treatments, attendees will have ample options for rest and relaxation as well. Southern Gems Overlooking Camelback Moun- tain and the Sonoran Desert in Scott- sdale, AZ, Talking Stick Resort is the leading hospitality destination, courtesy of its stunning design and vast array of entertainment options. The beautiful resort and casino features over 100,000 sf of meeting spaces, including both indoor and outdoor options. Following a long day of meetings, the property offers a variety of dining and entertainment options, including world-class restaurants and entertain- ment lounges, an expansive casino floor and the renowned spa located on the 14th floor. Another southwestern gaming resort gem is the Inn of the Mountain Gods in Mescalero, NM. Here attend- ees can enjoy 45,000 sf of event space, as well as golf, comedy clubs, concerts, fishing, ziplining, and, of course, gam- ing options aplenty. Pechanga Resort Casino in Temec- ula, CA, owned by the Pechanga Band of Indians, is one of the largest casino resorts in the U.S., with 200,000 sf of gaming space. In addition, the resort’s pool complex is the size of five football fields. While meeting plan- ners enjoy the vast options within the resort’s 275,000 sf of event space, attendees can turn their attention to exploring the gaming, dining, and entertainment options that surprise and delight at every turn. Hollywood, Florida has also made a name for itself among meeting planners looking for a gaming resort for their events. Specifically, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, features the iconic Guitar Hotel, which has become a rec- ognizable landmark. While attending a meeting or incentive event, attendees can also revel in the many amenities that resort has to offer including team- building experiences in the resort’s large water lagoon. Hard Rock Live’s 7,000-capac- ity provides the perfect place for attendees to experience the musi- cal offerings that have earned the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino its reputation for excep- tional entertainment. From concerts to creative perfor- mances and spectacular casinos, the gaming resorts offer the perfect venue and a win-win deal for both planners and attendees. C&IT SCOTTSDALE | 877.724.4687 TALKINGSTICKRESORT.COM Locally owned and caringly operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. YOUR BIG EVENT NEEDS A BIG TIME VENUE Turn your meeting into an unforgettable event at Talking Stick Resort 113,000 square feet of flexible meeting space State-of-the-art visual/digital capabilities Catering for up to 2,000 attendees Award-winning accommodations for your guests Luxurious open-air spa World-class golf course TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | March 2024 2122 March 2024 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com B eyond the allure of the new venues and spaces, today’s corporate meeting attendees want more than a destination; they seek new experiences unlike any other — a true paradise retreat. Thanks to a wealth of new, renovated and “coming soon” properties, meeting planners have an unparalleled canvas to offer them for their next meeting or event. From urban gems to serene retreats, there’s an array of new options already known for their gracious service and elevated experiences. Jessica Cole, CMP, vice president of event operations at Impact XM, has over 14 years of hospitality experience in event management and plays a leading role in large-scale cli- ent event programs. Impact XM is a global, full-service event and experiential marketing agency with 50 years of creating ownable experiences custom-made for company brands. Impact XM clients operate across a variety of industries, including the healthcare, technology and industrial sectors. Through her extensive experience, Cole has had the opportunity to plan events at new and renovated venues. “Our clients love to be in the newest locations to keep their events new and exciting so that attendees want to keep coming back year after year,” Cole says. When it comes to renovated spaces, there are certain highlights that attract attendees to these venues. Cole looks for new carpet, fresh spaces and clean mod- ern designs at renovated venues. Sometimes, spaces can look “tired” over time, so she tries to ensure they are still in the best shape for the events that Impact XM plans. “We are always looking for new technology built into the event space, clean modern designs and open floor plans so we can truly push the envelope and get creative with what we bring in for the event,” Cole says. Take Note Meeting planners should not book an event too close to the opening dates when evaluating new and renovated spaces. Cole advises that if you have an existing contract, look at any new clauses the venue may try to add in or review the old contract to make sure the contract and clauses still apply to the renovated space. “I highly recommend a site inspection once the space opens or re-opens to ensure it’s the quality you expect, and the venue meets all your expectations before your event day,” Cole says. New and renovated venues are just that — “new,” meaning that some challenges may arise when orchestrating an event. Cole always asks for the venue’s opening dates and tends to avoid the first few months after opening. Time and time again, she has seen too many construction delays and doesn’t want to get caught in that situation. “Once the new venue opens, staff tend not to be as familiar yet with the space and rules. It’s nice to give the venue a little time to open and work out any kinks before we are in the space,” Cole says. “In addition, we are seeing some new venues are not even offering proposals until after they open. I believe they are doing this to ensure the sales team is up to speed with the new venue and everything is in place to be successful.” Venues across the country are being newly built and/or renovated to meet the evolving needs and trends of the cor- porate meeting and event industry. Recently, Station Casinos opened the Durango Casino & Resort in Southwest Las Vegas. The state-of-the-art resort boasts an 83,000 sf casino, more than 200 guestrooms and suites, convention and meeting spaces, a luxurious pool with private cabanas, outdoor social areas and free parking. New & Renovated Spaces A Wave of Exciting New Properties for Meetings & Events Photo by Clint Jenkins SITE SELECTION BY MAURA KELLERTheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | March 2024 23 “Having placed multiple programs throughout the years at varying Station Casinos Hotels & Resorts, I have been eagerly awaiting a boutique, luxury option for my corporate clients who seek a more elevated experience during their meeting,” says Michael Uhl, regional vice president at HelmsBriscoe. “For my upcoming corporate retreat taking place in Q2 of 2024, Durango Resort & Casino was the best fit. A per- fect environment for a group of 75 executives to take own- ership of innovative function space, unparalleled food and beverage options both inside the meeting space and on the resort grounds, and a level of exclusiveness only attainable at a smaller, high-end resort. The destination has needed a property like Durango for quite some time.” Durango offers over 25,000 sf of indoor/ outdoor meet- ing and event space featuring more than 15,000 sf of ballroom space, a pre-function foyer, breakout rooms and a boardroom equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Newport Beach, CA, is now home to The Pendry New- port Beach, a stylish urban resort in Orange County. Boast- ing sweeping ocean views, Pendry Newport Beach reflects the area’s Southern California lifestyle. “Our company held our year-end PacWest Executive Leadership meeting at the Pendry Newport Beach,” says Terence Cruz, executive assistant and senior analyst at Ally. “There were 30+ executives from all over the US in attendance. The Pendry was gorgeous and breathtaking. As soon as you enter the hotel, you feel the luxurious ambi- ance. Facilities that include the bar and lobby were nicely updated with modern and contemporary touches. The menu had a great variety and the food was delicious. Sevice was superb and on point. No complaints, just praises.” For events on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the new Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor features a new 60,000 sf event space. The event space includes innovative breakout areas, various indoor and outdoor spaces and beautiful waterfront views of Charlotte Harbor. And when it’s time to relax and unwind, the Sunseeker Resort offers championship golf, private charter sailboats, a rooftop lounge and pool oasis, an ultra-lux resort style pool, a fitness center and a spa. If Texas calls for the next corporate event being planned, look no further than the brand new Omni PGA Frisco Resort in Frisco, TX. The recently completed resort features two stunning ballrooms boasting nearly 34,000 sf of event space, an indoor/outdoor pavilion, and 19 meeting rooms ideal for smaller-scale gatherings. The resort features nine outdoor venues that offer an array of scenic backdrops. All total, Omni PGA Frisco Resort offers 127,000 sf of event space, as well as 10 private ranch houses for smaller gatherings. The Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority recently decided to hold their upcoming Preview Las Vegas event at the new Fontainebleau Las Vegas. “The Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority is thrilled to join forces with Fontainebleau Las Vegas as our host for this year’s Preview Las Vegas, the region’s premier business forecasting event,” says Las Vegas Chamber Presi- dent and CEO Mary Beth Sewald. “With more than 1,500 attendees, Fontainebleau Las Vegas is the perfect venue with its all-new state-of-the-art meeting and convention space, providing our event with a diverse and flexible space for all attendees to experience.” Fontainebleau Las Vegas’s meeting space is in its campus- like area, allowing attendees to keep their business and entertainment experiences separate when staying at the resort. For meetings and events, Fontainebleau features 550,000 sf of customizable indoor and outdoor meeting and Courtesy Photo Left: Hotel Polaris, set to open late this year in Colorado Springs, CO, offers 26,000 sf of meeting space on one floor. Far left: The state-of-the-art Durango Resort & Casino recently opened in Southwest Las Vegas, NV. Below: The Pendry Newport Beach in California is a stylish urban resort that celebrated a grand opening last fall. Courtesy Photo24 March 2024 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com COLORADO SPRINGS, CO OPENING FALL 2024 THEHOTELPOLARIS.COM Set your flight path to awe-inspriring getaways and gatherings Spectacular waterfront events are on the horizon... 40,000 SF OF INDOOR AND OUTDOOR MEETING & EVENT SPACE Opening Late 2024 F O R T L A U D E R D A L E P I E R S I X T Y S I X . C O M 35,000 SF OF MEETING AND EVENT SPACE convention space throughout the resort, including ballrooms, boardrooms, theatre-style spaces and breakout rooms. For attendees looking to work some and dine, relax and play some more, they will enjoy the new 150,000 sf gam- ing venue, as well as many restaurants, shops, pools, spa and fitness center. Evermore Orlando Resort in Orlando, FL, features luxury resort accommodations from beach villas to 11-bed- room houses, as well as stunning hotel options. And when it comes to the meeting spaces themselves, Evermore offers something for every type of corporate gathering. Many of the spaces at the Evermore offer a more intimate feel for meetings and each event space exudes a different aesthetic that celebrates the beautiful environment of the resort. Renovated Venues Harrah’s Las Vegas unveiled a $200 million renovation that will bring meetings and events held at this revered venue to a new level. In addition to redesigning more than 2,500 guest rooms, Harrah’s features new dining, entertain- ment and spa experiences and direct access to CAESARS FORUM Conference Center, which features the two largest pillarless ballrooms in the world. Harrah’s Las Vegas features more than 25,000 sf of meet- ing and convention space. When it comes time for relax- ation and entertainment, meeting attendees can enjoy mul- tiple on-site restaurants and a wide variety of entertainment options, including Harrah’s outdoor bar, Carnaval Court, which brings high energy to the Las Vegas Strip with live music and some of the world’s top flair bartenders. For planners looking for a mountain escape for attend- ees, the newly renovated Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, VA, is nestled in the Allegheny Mountains. It has expanded its preeminent meeting and event spaces as part of its property-wide renovation. While staying true to the resort’s historic presence, the new renovations include a 4,000-sf indoor and outdoor event pavilion that pays tribute to the resort’s classic architecture, while offering breathtaking mountain views. Omni also updated the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia in Scottsdale, AZ, by redesigning over 100,000 sf of the resort’s indoor and outdoor event spaces, resulting in an ideal pre-function space. From new wall coverings to new carpeting, to new furniture, the newly renovated spaces usher attendees in and make them feel welcome amidst stunning views of the surrounding Arizona landscapes. Coming Soon There are several venues that are currently under con- struction or renovation that will be opening this year. The new Pier Sixty-Six Resort in Fort Lauderdale will be open- ing in late 2024. The upscale resort amenities will provide attendees with many entertainment options — from large conferences to small meetings, various ballrooms and out- door lawn space. Universal Stella Nova Resort in Orlando and the Univer- sal Terra Luna Resort will open next year. The two hotels near Universal Epic Universe will feature 750 guest rooms each, and both will be located adjacent to the future site of the new Universal Epic Universe theme park, also open- ing in late 2025. Set to open in late 2024, Hotel Polaris in Colorado Springs, CO, will offer 26,000 sf of meeting spaces, and many unique entertainment options for attendees to explore. Thanks to being on the Air Force Acad- emy campus, Hotel Polaris will include two in-house flight simulations, providing attendees with an experi- ence that they will talk about long after the corporate event has concluded. Hard Rock Hotel Long Beach, the first new build in 30 years in Southern California, will open in mid-2027. Standing 31 stories high and featuring a rooftop bar with 360-degree views of the Pacific Ocean, Hard Rock Hotel Long Beach will comprise more than 400 bedrooms and be located a block from the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center. With direct access to the Georgia World Congress Cen- ter, Signia by Hilton Atlanta will boast six food and bever- age experiences and 100,000 sf of flexible meeting space. The venue will also include the largest hotel ballroom in Georgia, as well as outdoor event deck that will allow attendees to enjoy downtown Atlanta’s skyline. As more and more events are being held outdoors when possible, Hilton Atlanta’s outdoor event lawn will also offer a unique venue for corporate gatherings. Two trends continuing to shape the hospitality indus- try are a growing focus on sustainability and concepts that blend the ultimate fusion of business and leisure — bleisure. Unique settings allow meeting and event planners to design fabulous events with indoor and outdoor spaces and allow attendees to embrace an elevated and yet relaxed experi- ence unlike any other. C&IT Courtesy Photo The recently completed Omni PGA Frisco boasts 127,000 sf of event space.COLORADO SPRINGS, CO OPENING FALL 2024 THEHOTELPOLARIS.COM Set your flight path to awe-inspriring getaways and gatherings Spectacular waterfront events are on the horizon... 40,000 SF OF INDOOR AND OUTDOOR MEETING & EVENT SPACE Opening Late 2024 F O R T L A U D E R D A L E P I E R S I X T Y S I X . C O M 35,000 SF OF MEETING AND EVENT SPACE Whether it’s top-tier talent or a local interactive artist engaging attendees, the entertainment portion of a meeting or event helps create a positive atmosphere and can even reflect on the company itself, proving its commitment to fostering an enjoyable work environment. It is also one of the most likely aspects of the meeting to be shared on social media and talked about long after the meeting is over. “Entertainment is the highlight of a meeting. It brings joy and a memorable experience,” says Jaki Baskow, owner and founder of Baskow Talent and a preferred vendor for Caesars Entertainment for more than 40 years. “Everyone loves to take away memories from a meeting and we try to provide things that are different.” Baskow cites the example of booking light artist Alex Dowis, who was featured on America’s Got Talent, to cus- tomize a show recently for a client with a message through painting with light rays. “Our clients are still talking about it,” she says. Don Ross, Vice President of Meeting Operations for Caesars Entertainment, concurs that planners can elevate a corporate event by bringing a touch of sophistication and excitement. “Entertainment elevates a conference by inject- ing vitality and fostering a more engaging atmosphere. It serves as a powerful tool to break the monotony of presen- tations and discussions, revitalizing participants’ energy, and focus,” Ross says. Engaging entertainment also boosts networking and That’s Entertainment! BY MARLENE GOLDMAN New Intent on Entertainment for Events Courtesy of Lindsay Sanna/ Spielgelworld A captive audience is a valuable opportunity. And how you maximize that opportunity can impact your next event. Keeping that in mind, professional planners book quality entertainment for events not only to draw attendees and stakeholders, but to maximize interaction and value to the overall event experience, while increasing their brand storytelling. PLANNER TIPS Bringing in performers is one way to keep attendees coming back for more year after year. At the Atomic Saloon Show in The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, Spiegelworld includes performers like jugglers. 26 March 2024 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comrelationship-building among attendees, breaking down bar- riers and facilitating communication. “Additionally, enter- tainment adds a dynamic dimension to the event, leaving a lasting impression on participants and creating a buzz that extends beyond the conference,” he says. “Overall, it trans- forms a conference from a routine gathering into a vibrant and impactful experience.” Caesars Entertainment utilizes its talent from the myr- iad shows and headliners who perform at its properties for conferences and events. “With access to a diverse range of entertainment options, Caesars Entertainment tailors its offerings, ensuring a unique experience,” Ross says. Spiegelworld, one of the entertainment companies that produces shows at a variety of Caesars properties, includ- ing adult circus comedies “Absinthe” at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas and “The Hook” at Caesars Atlantic City, works with corporate groups in a variety of ways. “Attendees want to experience the destination. They want a flavor for what you would get if you were coming into that market as a tourist,” says Lindsay Sanna, vice president, marketing and sales for Spiegelworld. “When we started focusing on groups and corporate events, it was important to make sure we were elevating and giving something really memorable throughout the conference, so you’re not leaving town feeling like you’ve missed the chance to experience Las Vegas or Atlantic City.” Options run from groups using one of the performance spaces for a morning networking session to incorporating some of the acts while they are at those spaces for an open- ing night event. “In that scenario, we work with the group on themes and how we can bring in food and beverage options for them and then highlight it with our performers,” Sanna says. “They might rent two or three acts that perform, and everybody gathers around to watch it. It might be atmospheric entertainment. Depending on the level of audaciousness the company is willing to go to, it could be a burlesque performer. But if they need to keep it PG, it might be a juggler that works the room and comes around and interacts with you and your business partners to provide that moment of wow. We really have a lot of scalability.” One planner who works with Spiegelworld, Gabrielle Mourino, director of national accounts for the Imprint Events Group, utilized “Absinthe’s” entertainers and the show’s tent and courtyard as a space to integrate perfor- mances and a culinary interactive element into a recent event for 140 entrepreneurs and executives. Prior to the event, Chef Cory Harwell of Carson Kitchen came to the hotel for a discussion with the group and gave them some history on the culinary scene in Las Vegas and also high- lighted the chefs that they would be meeting at this event. “Guests got really excited before they even got on the bus to get to this event,” Mourino says. “The event began in the courtyard area, and we had each chef with a station so it was an experience where guests could go up and interact. The chefs were each serving an hors d’oeuvres and they could tell the story of it with the guests and talk to them.” Harwell also acted as a second emcee of the night and during the event introduced each chef. With each course, Harwell posed a question that tied back to the chef’s story. “We were helping attendees create dinner conversation,” Mourino says. “I think it gave them a way to easily con- nect with each other. They assigned tables so attendees would sit with some new people and learn from each other. We also put a box on each table and encouraged people to put their phones into the box so that they could be in the moment.” Several performances by the Absinthe entertainers were interspersed throughout the event — a contortionist, an arial act and tap dancers. “They loved all the entertain- ment. It wasn’t intrusive, and I think that was also a big hot button for the client and the attendees. They wanted to connect with each other. They wanted to talk. It was really important that we selected entertainment that Photo by Garrett Lobaugh Entertainment can serve as an icebreaker. When Imprint Events Group had Absinthe’s entertainers interspersed throughout their event, it got people talking. TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | March 2024 27wouldn’t encroach on that too much. The way we spaced it out in between the courses still allowed them to sit and watch and be wowed but still have enough time to inter- act and converse.” Using entertainment that provides a common ground for attendees to connect and interact with each other is great, but it can also serve as an icebreaker and facilitate network- ing at corporate events. “Now more than ever, people want to network; people want to interact with each other. It’s important to not have a stop, listen and watch type of performance,” says Lauren Rios, vice president of sales and market- ing for event production company Platinum XP. The company part- ners with a group called Quixotic, which has become a popular option for corporate groups. “It’s that Cirque du Soleil style,” she says. “A really cool, kind of niche type of performance where people can enjoy it while also enjoy- ing each other.” She also sees interactive enter- tainment as a key to a successful meeting. “Activations are such a huge part of our industry now and people want something that not only they can take away but some- thing that they can say they participated in. While that’s not like splashy entertainment, it’s something unique to them and something that they can take with them to remember the experience.” Whitney Butler, vice president of planning and busi- ness development for Platinum XP, says that attendees are expecting experiential moments to be immersed into the programming. “It’s not even a second option anymore. It’s just something they’re expecting when they arrive, to have this incredible experience. People connecting is more important than it ever has been in the past. So, having those moments of entertainment, whether it’s the first- night opening reception, throughout the awards banquet, or immersed throughout their experience,” Butler says. “Roaming performances are popular, as are entertainment options with photo ops. Different hands-on expe- riences and on-site gift takeaways such as custom engraving are also trending. Giving people more of those per- sonal touches that make the event feel more person- alized to them.” There is still room for booking larger name acts for concerts and other entertainment. Steve Einzig, owner and president of BookingEntertainment.com, which has been in the online busi- ness of booking entertainment for more than 28 years, specializes in concert bookings. “If you’re going to have Maroon Five at your party, Maroon Five is obviously a big band and there’s a lot of added value that comes with booking a band like that. It’s the prestige of having a band like that at your event. It’s also the experience of being able to see a band like Maroon Five in an intimate setting versus an arena.” The band will do meet and greet many times, either Photo by Adri Guyer/ Courtesy of Platinum XM Attendees expect experiential moments to be immersed into programming, with entertainment happening from beginning to end. We put a box on each table and encouraged people to put their phones into the box so that they could be in the moment. GABRIELLE MOURINO Director of National Accounts, Imprint Events Group 28 March 2024 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.combefore or after the show. “It’s a good way to get 20 or 25 of your key VIPs to have an experience of meeting the band and take pictures with the artists. A lot of people will post pictures on social media. It’s a way of saying ‘Hey, look, we can afford to do this,’ which in a lot of ways is a good thing. It’s saying this is what happens if you’re associated with our company, you get to have an experience like this that other people can’t have.” Entertainment during incentive trips is important to inspire attendees. The entertainment really does play a big part in why people are incentivized to want to work hard and be a part of that event. It’s not just a procedure of going to the trip because you did such a great job. But, if it’s really fun, it’s great for the morale of the company. The musical entertainment can add a real wow factor. “I’ d say that 70% of our shows are surprises,” says Einzig, who sees a benefit in announcing a major act before the event. “If it’s announced six months before or nine months before, that gives the people even more incentive to want to work hard to qualify, so that’s another added value, to incentivize the team to want to work hard.” According to Einzig, production is important. “We’ll spend a lot of money on LED walls or lasers or confetti cannons just to give it that added production. You want to give them a wow factor not just in who the act is but in the production itself.” The choice of entertainment can reflect the brand image and values of the company hosting the event, which plan- ners consider before booking entertainment and speakers. Einzig also works to find speakers for corporate groups, and notes, that can become more involved in who the com- pany is and the reputation of the company. “You have to be careful when you have a speaker,” he says. “You want to make sure that the messaging is right for the people there. That is tricky if there is a comedian who can go off the rails really quick. When it comes to speakers, you want to make sure it’s a good fit for the demographic. You want people to be engaged the entire time and you want the client to get real value out of it. You want people to walk away and say, ‘Wow, that was amazing.’ It’s an art form to finding the right fit.” The key to working with planners, according to Baskow, is to first find out information about the theme of their meeting or product they are pitching. “We work with their budget,” she says. “We ask questions: What did you do the last two years? What seemed successful?” When booking entertainment and speakers, consider where the audience is from and the age range. “Do we want audience participation like handing out custom drumsticks and having the Golden Knights drummers or the Las Vegas Raiders house band open their meeting?” As in any part of the event’s process, budget can be a challenge. According to Rios, when Platinum XP works with smaller groups, it becomes a bit trickier and harder to work within budget constraints. “I do think that we always try to incorporate some sort of live entertainment, whether that’s a background soloist that’s playing something fun, or activations like an engraver — somebody who can custom engrave gifts for the attendees is always a big hit.” Whatever the art form, quality entertainment is key to deepening attendees’ connection to a brand. The more rea- son to add them as an interactive and engaging component to the event experience. C&IT Events can be interactive, like bringing in a celebrity chef and having groups compete for the best decorated cake, like at this Exchange event for which Imprint Events Group produced the team building. Photo by Garrett Lobaugh Courtesy of Whitney Butler / Platinum XP TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | March 2024 29Next >