< Previousenvironment. Luxurious guest rooms feature such sophisticated comforts as oak flooring, plush beds outfitted with Frette linens, bathrooms with marbled double vanities and Byredo bath products, and Nespresso machines. Conrad Orlando is home to 65,000 sf of indoor and outdoor technology-focused meeting and event spaces. Offering a wide variety of possible configurations, the hotel’s group space consists of two dedicated ballrooms, seven divis- ible meeting rooms with natural light, two expansive terraces, the Lotus Boardroom and the multipurpose, turfed 9,000 sf Lyonia Lawn. Five distinct dining venues, a serene spa, and Evermore Bay, an 8-acre crystalline lagoon and expansive pool complex round out the Conrad Orlando facilities. Opened in January, Aloft Orlando Lake Nona has 205 loft-style guest rooms, 15 suites, wellness facilities, a sports- themed restaurant and a 10,000 sf event center. The vibrant hotel welcomes visitors with eclectic décor and design nods to its music and technology roots that give each guest room its own character. Located immediately southeast of the Orlando Interna- tional Airport, Lake Nona is a planned neo-urban commu- nity and “Living Lab” with businesses such as SIMCOM, Johnson & Johnson, KPMG and Verizon. Last November, and after 11 years of calling Silicon Valley home, the annual three-day Techonomy conference moved across country to this new tech hotspot. The multi-day retreat, dedicated to exploring the inter- section of technology, business and social progress, was based at the 234-room Lake Nona Wave Hotel. Self-titled the “world’s most technologically advanced hotel” follow- ing its 2021 opening, the hotel features 12,000 sf of meeting space in a variety of settings, offering the latest in ultra- modern technology. Throughout Orlando, expansions and property upgrades have continued apace. The JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes completed several multimillion-dollar renova- tions in 2023, including a new and expansive waterpark, refreshed guest rooms and suites, the introduction of inspired executive family suites, and a redesigned and upgraded lobby lounge. The JW Marriott offers more than 144,000 sf of functional space for planners to incorporate into their events. The Caribe Royale Orlando debuted Stadium Club in January, a 500-seat, immersive experiential sports and din- ing destination. The all-ages venue blends the exhilaration of sports with the allure of high-energy entertainment, alongside an elevated, chef-driven menu of upscale takes on classic dishes and cocktails. Offering the most sports simulators in the Southeast, there are 13 distinct play types to choose from, accommodating up to six players for lifelike simulations of football, soccer, golf and even zombie dodge- ball. The high-energy, two-floor venue spans over 9,000 sf. The Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando, in downtown Orlando, completed a comprehensive renovation with new additions. This includes the upscale Altira Rooftop Pool Lounge, where attendees can savor seasonally influenced dishes and specialty cocktails; the reimagined spaces like the property’s signature restaurant, The Boheme as well as the Bösendorfer Lounge and guest rooms. The hotel includes over 10,000 sf of meeting space. Orlando has become Florida’s Tomorrowland, and planners’ favorite global resort destination. It continues to change and expand — marveling and drawing attendees looking to explore new worlds and ways of mixing business with pleasure. In Walt Disney’s words: “Tomorrow can be a wonderful age.” C&IT 50 March 2024 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com Caribe Royale debuted Stadium Club, a sports and dining destination, earlier this year. T here seems to be an unwritten rule that meetings should have a certain structure. At Rosen Shingle Creek, the only rule is to deliver beyond all expectations. Because while the Orlando icon oers 524,000 sq. ft. of inspiring meeting spaces and unmatched services, the hotel’s greatest strength is a team dedicated to bringing fresh ideas to life. To write your own rules, visit RosenShingleCreek.com/Meetings or call 407.996.4890.T here seems to be an unwritten rule that meetings should have a certain structure. At Rosen Shingle Creek, the only rule is to deliver beyond all expectations. Because while the Orlando icon oers 524,000 sq. ft. of inspiring meeting spaces and unmatched services, the hotel’s greatest strength is a team dedicated to bringing fresh ideas to life. To write your own rules, visit RosenShingleCreek.com/Meetings or call 407.996.4890.Constant Summer US Virgin Islands Made up of St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix, this clus- ter of destinations provides an assortment of attractions, including white sand beaches, snorkeling in clear waters that enable the visibility of many tropical fish, tons of high- end, duty-free shopping in St. Thomas and even a Pirate’s Treasure museum in St. John. The Frenchman’s Reef complex in Saint Thomas under- went a $425 million renovation, after a double wallop from Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, and triumphantly re- opened last year. Revamped properties at the site included Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef and Morn- ingstar Buoy Haus Beach Resort at Frenchman’s Reef, Auto- graph Collection — formerly the Morningstar Beach Resort. A total of 486 guest rooms were added to the complex, as were two pickleball courts and hurricane proofing. At the Westin, the spa was expanded while, across both hotels, guest rooms, lobbies, bars and restaurants and public spaces were redone. Morningstar has 94 guest rooms, including two suites; almost 13,000 sf of meeting space; four restaurants and an infinity-edge oceanfront pool. The Westin now pro- vides 392 rooms, including 28 suites; 72,000 sf of meeting space; a private beach, five restaurants/lounges and three ocean-view pools. Also coming off of a recent $100 million renovation is The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas. A breathtaking 30 acre, oceanfront luxury hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas is a Caribbean marvel styled after traditional island architec- ture, but richly updated with all of the contemporary com- forts for which the resorts of The Ritz-Carlton are known. New public and event spaces have been added to the prop- erty, which has 180 guest rooms and suites, and over 10,000 sf of indoor and outdoor meeting space. An incentive group of 30 couples, made up of top sales people and executives plus their guests, wanted to stay in the United States and the Virgin Islands were easier to get to. The hotel went over well, says planner Helene Falgia, founder and president of Fancy Meeting You Here. “It was not a bad ride from the airport, to get down- town or to the ferry to St. John,” she says. “Plus, it’s on the beach, you can’t go wrong. We went snorkeling, did a cata- maran sunset cruise one day and had lunch on the beach. It was beautiful.” The group patronized restaurants in St. John, Falgia says, including Morgan’s Mango “where the food was deli- cious,” and in St. Thomas, Oceana Restaurant & Bistro, which had an “amazing view of a mountain top” and oth- Bahamas/Caribbean, a Top Destination for a Relaxed Event BY RAYNA KATZ T he Caribbean showcases great destinations even at first glance, and surprising delights sit below the surface. Groups seeking sunshine, beaches and spas are sure to eye the Caribbean but the region’s diverse destinations serve up a vast array of experiences. Luxury resorts, fine dining and high-end shopping are available while dashes of history and meals aboard ships are on offer too. 52 March 2024 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com DESTINATIONers. “Everywhere we went, the people were extremely nice. In St. Thomas and St. John, there was a great atmosphere everywhere and I never had a bad meal.” The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism distributed her RFP to numerous properties and introduced other suppliers. The Ritz-Carlton arranged a fire show on the beach for the group on the final night, with music. “The performers got the attendees up and dancing. It was fun and a nice way to end the trip,” says Falgia. Aruba Home to Eagle Beach — which last year won first place in TripAdvisor’s Best of Best beaches in the world, and second best in the Caribbean — the island of Aruba is home to unique geo- logical formations made of coral lime- stone, which can be found perched 25 feet above the sea in Arikok National Park. The destination is debuting two luxury hotels. Iberostar Grand Aruba, an adults- only property, will open this year. Perched on Eagle Beach, the hotel will have 240 guest suites and a more than 10,000-sf convention center divis- ible into five rooms. The venue will have its own entrance and lobby, and it can seat 360 people for a banquet. The resort will offer three restaurants: a buffet for breakfast, one spotlighting Caribbean cuisine and another for grilled local fish and meat. It also will have five bars and sustainability will be a focus in the hotel’s design. Iberostar Grand Aruba is just six minutes from Palm Beach, a two-mile stretch of hotels and water sports. Joining that stretch in 2025 will be the St. Regis Aruba Palm Beach Resort. Strategically located in the Caribbean — one of the most coveted leisure destinations in the world, including locales most desired by the next generation of buisness travelers, this resort will offer a leisure experience inspired by the glamorous private retreats of St. Regis’ founding family, the Astors. Bermuda Known for its pink sand beaches, an atmosphere of luxury and, of course, its near-to-the-knee shorts, the island of Bermuda also includes mystique and history as it boasts shipwrecks and the intrigue of the Bermuda Tri- angle. The island will soon get a new major branded resort. Bermudiana Beach Resort, Tapestry Collection by Hilton is expected in late 2024. Overlooking Marley Beach, this cliff- top resort is five minutes from the famous Horseshoe Bay Beach. The capital city of Hamilton is just 15 minutes away, and Southlands Park is right outside their doors. Close to the island’s pristine pink sand beaches, the 110-room resort will have 387 sf of event space but will boast an ocean view pool bar and grill, as well as a cliff top bar and res- taurant overlooking turquoise reefs. Next, after a decades-long closure, Ariel Sands will reopen in 2025 following a $155 million renovation. The revamped property of Kempinski Hotels will feature a 33-room hotel and 21 villas. Once co- owned by actor Michael Douglas, Ariel Sands arrived in the early 1950s but closed in 2008 and was demolished in 2015. Meeting and incentive attendees looking to explore the island have new options. Tour company Blue Sky Bermuda, which was closed for sev- eral years, is back. Portions of guests’ itineraries can be cus- tomized and visitors can try operating a small plane. Bermuda’s stately appearance and hospitality impressed a high-end group enough for its event organizer to re-book the island this year after a 2023 event there. Last month, the Ultimate Whisky [sic] Experience was Bahamas Visual Services QuikTrip went to Atlantis Paradise Island for its incentive program for the first time last year and liked it so much they booked it again for next year. Everywhere we went, the people were extremely nice. In other places, people are working hard and don’t always have a smile. HELENE FALGIA Founder and President, Fancy Meeting You Here TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | March 2024 53EVERYTHING YOU EXPECT. MORE THAN YOU IMAGINE.1-800-722-2449 A TRANSFORMING EXPERIENCE AWAITS AT THE ROYAL Step inside this legendary property and be captivated by the all-new design. Whether you want to relax in one of our newly renovated rooms, play in our reimagined casino, or enjoy a meal prepared by one of our three Michelin-starred chefs, there’s nothing better than bonding and team building in Paradise.held at The Loren at Pink Beach, a luxury resort. Between 100 and 150 spirits collectors, connoisseurs, master blend- ers and others were there. Most came just for the main tasting, The Nth Bermuda Experience, where rare and premium whiskies and spirits were served alongside select culinary offerings, says Erika Welling, owner and chief experience officer at Blendz Events. “We were impressed with the quality, taste and detail in each superb culinary creation of Executive Chef Lou- rence Godinho. He turns the ordinary into delectable, un-ordinary dishes, making everything unique and delightful,” she says. The meeting owner is “great at ‘experiences’ so the Nth is all about pairing the whisky with food, just like wine,” says Welling. The group dined on “heavy hors d’oeuvres” and at carving stations offering everything from a baked camembert tart, lobster salad, stations with gourmet sau- sages and skewers to live fish carving and poke stations and a panoply of desserts. A contingent of 20 to 25 attendees arrived early, or stayed after the Nth, for several other activities, includ- ing a sit-down dinner at The Loren’s Marée Lounge and a welcome reception at the hotel’s Oceanfront Disk and Pink Beach Club. The closing night event was aboard The Spirit of Bermuda, a modern- built sloop that’s a replica of a famous Royal Navy sloop-of-war. Bermuda has both the vibe and the customer service needed to pull off the event, Welling says. “It’s pris- tine, with the pink beaches, and I’ve never seen trash or graffiti there. Plus, the people we worked with at the CVB are by far better than anything I’ve experienced.” Testing Bermuda’s waters last year, Welling brought a small group to the island and took part in equally unique activities, including dinner at the Gov- ernor’s home, a pairing of whiskies and perfumes that focused on their common scents and more. “There’s the fun mystery around the Bermuda triangle and a lot of shipwrecks. People were so accommodating. If I had wanted to put a vent in the Crystal Caves they’d have made it happen.” Atlantis While its legendary pink exterior is one of the Caribbe- an’s most iconic images, like the region itself, Atlantis Para- dise Island Bahamas offers much more than what appears on the surface. The 3,805-room resort features 300,000 sf of outdoor event space and another 200,000 sf for indoor functions. Atlantic Paradise Island offers a sprawling 141-acre water- scape comprised of river rides, 11 pools and five miles of white sand beaches. It’s also home to the largest open-air marine habitat in the world, where over 50,000 marine ani- mals from more than 250 species reside, and the property offers many marine experiences. Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas recently underwent both renova- tions and expansions. All 1,200 guest rooms in two of the Royal Towers were renovated last year to be more relaxing while the casino was updated with a grander look and expan- sion of two on-site lounges, a high-limit slots lounge and the gaming salon. Additionally, two celebrity-chef helmed res- taurants came onboard last year, giving attendees some delicious fine dining places to choose from onsite during those nights when dinner is on their own. Michelin-starred and James Beard Award nominated chef Michael White opened Paranza, a fine-dining venue for regional Italian cuisine. The eat- ery’s launch makes Atlantis the only area resort with three Michelin-starred chef restaurants. The other two are Nobu and Fish by Jose Andres. Last month, Atlantis Paradise Island opened FIELDTRIP Restaurant from another James Beard Award nominated chef and television celebrity JJ Johnson, who joins the resort’s rapidly growing portfolio of internation- ally recognized chefs. He is recognized for his innovative approach to African Caribbean cuisine. 56 March 2024 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com At Atlantis Paradise Island, planners can have the Junkanoo perform for attendees. Courtesy Photo They gave us a large space, it was very generous. We were able to set the room how we wanted to. KELLY WHITNEY Account Executive, MaritzQuikTrip, a convenience store chain, went to Atlantis Paradise Island for its incentive program for the first time last year and liked the resort so much that the organization booked it again for 2025. Comprised of 450 qualifiers and their plus ones, the group had been meeting in Hawaii for a decade when a new decision-maker came in and noticed that many attendees had been on the trip before, so a new location was needed. For planner Kelly Whitney, account executive of Maritz, Atlantis Paradise Island came to mind in particular because most of the attendees were young, with the average age being 23 years old. “I thought Atlantis would be appealing for all of the things it offers: the restaurants, the water parks, the beach, the nightlife, plus really everything is contained,” she says. “Not to say that you can’t leave Atlantis but there is a sig- nificant amount of things to do right at the property.” Travel for the large group went smoothly because man- agement had all attendees go through gateway cities to avoid hiccups — or have options when problems arose — and there were ample flights into Nassau International Airport, which sits 30 minutes away from the resort. The group had a welcome reception on Atlantis’ royal deck which, Whitney notes, “looks out to the ocean but also looks back up to the bridge suite, which is what is known best. It gave the group iconic views.” Participants enjoyed Atlan- tis’ many pools and water slides and even had a full pool day where managers made them- selves available by sharing their locations in the SpotME meeting app on attendees’ phones. Then attendees could go to whichever property restaurant they chose with a room credit. But a particular highlight of the event for the group was a dramatic and surprise ending to the award ceremony. A Junkanoo crew — a Bahamian parade tradition that occurs on Boxing Day — entered the room and led attendees out, past restaurants and stores, which the group enjoyed, and down to an event center, called “the Cave,” where a disco had been set-up. That moment was managed by Atlantis’ in-house AV team, Whitney says, “which speaks highly to their technical and production capabilities.” She also praised the property for allowing the group to use the sprawling Imperial Ball- room, a 50,000-sf space, for the ceremony. “They gave us a large space, it was very generous. We were able to set the room how we wanted to.” For Whitney, a particularly notable moment in the planning experience happened when there was a staffing change at the hotel. “The conference services manager left and the salesperson did a good job of making sure the transition [to a new one] was handled smoothly and that the details that we had been working on for the nine months leading up to the meeting weren’t lost in the handover.” Whitney continues, “He led some transitional meetings and he was always on the phone internally to make sure information was being trickled down. If he hadn’t stepped in we could have had a very different outcome.” The outcome was a success, and when it came time to con- sider locations for 2025, Whitney brought QuikTrip’s manage- ment several new destinations but they said, “You know what? We’ve realized that Atlantis did such a great job, and our attendees loved it so much, we just want to do it again.” Baha Mar Baha Mar offers three iconic oceanfront hotels: Grand Hyatt, SLS and Rosewood. This $5.2-billion complex, which won Corporate & Incentive Travel’s 2021 Award of Excellence, also operates the Baha Mar Convention, Arts & Entertainment Center, which features 82,000 sf of indoor and outdoor meeting space. The Grand Hyatt offers a 200,000 sf convention facil- ity plus 1800 guest rooms. The SLS Baha Mar offers 299 rooms plus 107 suites and 12,000 sf of meeting space, while Rosewood Baha Mar provides 230 rooms, suites and villas with 14,200 sf of meeting space. The complex also features a casino, water park, two spas and more. Last year, Baha Mar added the Aldabra tortoise encoun- ter where, for 20 minutes, guests can touch, feed and snap numerous photos with small, baby tortoises who can grow to 700 pounds! Restaurant wise, the complex has added operating hours and more offerings at both Café Madeleine, the indoor- outdoor French café and bakery and the Regatta Buffet, also known as the international buffet with a Bahamian twist. Located in the lively Nassau section of The Bahamas, which is home to over 45 restaurants, lounges and bars, Baha Mar offers guests the “Caribbean’s largest and most luxurious casino,” a wildlife sanctuary, a water park and unlimited access to Baha Bay. The Bahamas and Caribbean islands offer great scope for those planning group events and those who wish to attend them. From the natural attributes of crystal blue waters, warm climate, pristine beaches and endless sun- shine to the tropical vibe found across the islands, the lure is inescapable. C&IT Grand Hyatt Baha Mar is a perfect destination for incentive and corporate groups, and trade shows. Courtesy Photo TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | March 2024 57For Debra Rosencrance, vice president of meetings and exhibits, American Academy of Ophthalmology, the California weather is one of the biggest draws, as the state offers some of the best weather in the country. Diversity is another attraction — namely, the diversity of people, hotels, food and things to do. “You name it, California has it,” Rosencrance says. “And most importantly, everyone is always welcomed in California.” Rosencrance recently orchestrated the American Acad- emy of Ophthalmology’s annual meeting at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square, which has some of the most significant meeting space in the city. “We placed some of our largest affiliates and their events at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square because we were confident in their staff,” Rosencrance says. Chelsea Gillen, director of event operations at Cure- Duchenne, has held two national multi-day conferences and multiple smaller events for individuals living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and their families in vari- ous cities in California, including San Diego, Anaheim, Palo Alto, Long Beach and Sacramento. “Our biggest event of the year is our national confer- ence for families, which is a three-day event that draws 600 to 800 people and connects families that are living with Duchenne with resources, education and information on the best care and latest treatments for themselves or their loved ones,” Gillen says. “It’s a fun event for them and also an important source of information and support.” CureDuchenne serves families around the world and has determined that just about everyone wants to visit California. “There’s great weather and it’s easy to get to, whether you’re flying in or driving from somewhere on the west coast,” Gillen says. “Our primary large event is a fam- ily-focused conference, so having easily accessible family- friendly activities is important. With multiple theme parks and attractions and beautiful outdoor spaces, California is an appealing destination for families.” Many individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy have limited mobility and use mobility aids, such as wheel- chairs or scooters, so accessibility is a primary concern for CureDuchenne. “We must ensure that meeting spaces, hotel rooms and dining venues are easily accessible for individuals in wheelchairs. We also look for cities that are easy to navigate in a wheelchair,” Gillen says. “For exam- ple, San Diego is a highly accessible city, with a wheelchair accessible trolley and even sand access mats and free beach wheelchair rentals to provide easier access to the beach.” Long Beach offers beautiful beaches and opportunities for outdoor recreation in between meetings. 58 March 2024 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com California C alifornia combines a world- renowned destination with stunning landscapes, amazing cities, a gorgeous climate and a vibrant, creative culture. But its diverse geography, warm and welcoming nature, and a wide variety of outdoor venues, are perhaps what makes America’s Golden State a dream destination. California cre- ates an environment that inspires planners to prioritize attractions and activities and engage attendees to come and experience mem- orable moments. The Lure of the Golden State BY MAURA KELLER DESTINATIONSan Francisco San Francisco offers such diversity in an incredibly compact footprint. Only in San Francisco will meeting planners and attendees find unique meeting spaces — from Oracle Park and the Chase Center to The Conservatory at One Sansome and the historic Fort Mason Center — located alongside iconic landmarks and nestled within vibrant neighborhoods, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Embar- cadero, Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz, Chinatown, Union Square, North Beach and the Castro District. Scott Young, owner of The Meeting Company, has planned several events in San Francisco, ranging from cor- porate incentives to pharma gatherings to partner meetings. “San Francisco provides us with so many great choices for hotels, dining, activities and special event venues, it is impossible to ignore the positive impact this has on our cli- ents and their attendees,” Young says. With close access to Union Square, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and Moscone Convention Cen- ter, Hilton San Francisco Union Square offers more than 150,000 sf of meeting space, the highest skybar in the city with panoramic eye-level views of the San Francisco skyline, outdoor pool and whirlpool, two dining concepts and sophis- ticated lobby bar. According to the San Francisco Travel Association, in the fall of 2023, the Asian Art Museum debuted its 7,500-sf East West Bank Art Terrance, an outdoor platform that is ideal for evening events and presentations. In addition, the new Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco, located in the city’s Dogpatch neighborhood offers flexible facility rental options for up to 300 attendees. The 76,000-sf space includes three galleries and a patio area. Located in the iconic 100 Stockton building in San Fran- cisco’s Union Square, Convene, a hospitality company that designs, builds, and manages premium meeting, event, and flexible office spaces, recently opened a 65,000-sf space, which includes six unique meeting rooms that can be con- figured to accommodate various event types, from town halls to classroom-style learning to corporate social events. San Jose For Dirk Van Slyke, vice president and chief marketing officer at Open Compute Project Foundation (OCP), San Jose is the ideal locale to host his organization’s annual OCO Global Summit, a premier event uniting the most for- ward-thinking minds in open IT ecosystem development. As Van Slyke explains, the OCP Global Summit presents a unique platform for industry leaders, researchers and pioneers from the open community to engage in dynamic Courtesy Photo Courtesy Photo The San Jose McEnery Convention Center’s exhibit halls can open up to 165,000 sf of contiguous space. 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