< PreviousNEWS + NOTES // 8 April 2024 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com NYC TOURISM + CONVENTIONS ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP TRANSITION NEW YORK, NY — NYC Tourism + Conventions announced that Fred Dixon will leave his role as President and CEO in June. Dixon has been tapped to lead Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization responsible for promoting the U.S. as a premier travel destination. He will start the new role in July. Dixon, who has been in the industry for more than 30 years, joined the organization in 2005 as Vice President of Tourism and became CEO in 2014. NYC Tourism + Conventions Chief Marketing Officer Nancy Mammana has been named Interim CEO. A search committee has been formed to lead the process of identifying and selecting a new CEO. DETROIT, MI – Huntington Place has a new innovative security training program orchestrated by the Public Safety Director, Marlon Wilson. Under his guidance, a comprehensive training program has been designed to equip the venue’s staff with essential skills. Covering critical areas such as First Aid, human trafficking awareness, active shooter response and first observer training, this initiative ensures the team is well-prepared to handle diverse situations effectively. In partnership with the Detroit Police Department, Huntington Place provides Evolv Security Scanners to strengthen convention center security. ASM Global’s corporate sponsor- ship with Evolv positions Huntington Place as a leader in comprehensive se- curity measures. Wilson also extends his focus to the broader safety of the city, maintaining a strong police pres- ence in the streets, assuring police fo- cus on guest safety and directing traffic during events. This cutting-edge technology en- hances the venue’s capability to con- duct efficient security screenings, en- suring a secure environment for all attendees.This synchronized approach underscores the venue’s commitment to proactive risk management. HUNTINGTON PLACE ELEVATES SECURITY STANDARDS ISLAMORADA, FL — Three Waters Resort & Marina, a Tribute Portfolio Resort in the Florida Keys, will open its doors in Fall 2024. This new upscale resort will feature 214 chic, island-inspired guest rooms, nine distinct new dining concepts, 5,500 sf of gathering spaces under roof, and over 80,000 sf of unique al fresco event spaces with panoramic ocean views. Being located in the “Sport Fish- ing Capital of the World,” the resort offers fishing with seasoned cap- tains, as well as a water taxi or sea- plane for transportation. Guests can enjoy jet sking, SCUBA diving or other water sports. The new resort will feature The Cove, an adult-cen- tric, resort-within-a-resort, boast- ing island-inspired guest rooms and suites with only king beds, a tranquil private beach lagoon and the resort’s Wave Motion Studio. Ask about their special promo- tions for midweek meetings. They also have a special bonus for groups who book between September 2 and December 19, 2024, including a $100 resort credit for every 10 room nights booked for a Planner or Group VIP during the group stay. (Blackout days may apply and more than 10 rooms for 2 nights are also required). Guests can earn Marriott Bonvoy points during their stay. For more information, visit threewa- tersresort.com. THREE WATERS RESORT & MARINA, A TRIBUTE PORTFOLIO RESORT, TO OPEN IN FALL Courtesy Rendering Dixon Photo by Jen DavisCome for the meeting setting. Stay for the sun settings. Only one meetings destination offers the quintessential Carolina Coastal Experience. Our charming historic riverfront town and walkable Convention District offer easy access to the only convention center on NC’s coast, shops, restaurants and entertainment, with three island beaches just minutes away. Discover fresh possibilities on the best of the Carolina coast WilmingtonMeetings.com | 800.650.9064 WASHINGTON D.C. — The St. Regis Washington, D.C., which has been a downtown staple since 1926, has revealed its extensive redesign and renovation of its guest rooms, suites and select public spaces. The 182 newly renovated guest rooms and suites feature spacious layouts and modern, distinctive interiors. The crowning jewel of the hotel is the 2,510 sf Presidential Suite. The hotel is also proud to debut the restoration of the Astor Ballroom and Astor Terra. The next phase of construction will see a new outdoor terrace at Alhambra, the hotel’s on-site modern Mediterranean restaurant and updates to the famed, lobby-level St. Regis Bar. The plans to revive these venues will start in 2025. For more information, visit stregiswashingtondc.com. Courtesy Photo ST. REGIS WASHINGTON, D.C. UNVEILS EXTENSIVE RENOVATION FAA TO STEP UP OVERSIGHT ON UNITED AIRLINES CHICAGO, IL — On March 22, United Airlines made an announcement that the Federal Aviation Administration will step up their examination of multiple areas of their operation. This follows recent issues that have taken place affecting safety, including an engine fire, a plane losing a tire and the outer fuselage falling off of a jet. Sasha Johnson, United’s vice president of corporate safety, said in a note to employees, “Over the next several weeks, we will begin to see more of an FAA presence in our operation. We welcome their engagement and are very open to hear from them about what they find and their perspective on things we may need to change to make us even safer.” TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | April 2024 9O ne common trait I have as a minister, a community leader and an event orga- nizer is the ability to listen and under- stand with empathy. I believe foster- ing a sense of well-being among indi- viduals when we gather not only boosts their self-esteem and appreciation but also allows them to recognize their own strengths. The impact of our gatherings extends far beyond creat- ing a sense of happiness. It can influence motivation, confi- dence, overall well-being and produce profound ripples of positivity among us all. Dr. Maya Angelou, one of my favorite authors, once said: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” As an event organizer, it’s a quote I carry with me every day. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, when all in-person events were shut down, and the conference scene receded from calendar blocks, I took a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reimagine how I could deliver events that bring joy and inspiration. I was convening with 200 leaders from around the world to advise on the development of the WELL Equity Rating, a program that aims to advance places and organizations where everyone feels welcome, seen and heard. My listening tour with these equity experts cemented my belief that we need to cultivate experiences in places where everyone feels valued and uplifted, and that’s really the secret sauce to creating a successful and fulfilling event! Before the pandemic altered our reality, event organiz- ers often prioritized filling convention centers with large crowds of up to 20,000 attendees. However, this approach may no longer resonate with everyone, and not just because the pandemic prompted a reevaluation of comfort levels in crowded spaces. Nowadays, individuals crave engagement and interaction. They want meaningful conversations with speakers rather than just being subjected to one-sided speeches or presentations from a stage. This shift towards interactive experiences suggests that event planners need to rethink their programming strategies. Personally, I’ve begun incorporating more roundtable discussions and small forums into my organization’s events, providing everyone present an opportunity to contribute and be heard. Years ago, filling an event’s agenda as much as possible with back-to-back activities was commonplace. I was guilty of this too, because I loved packing the schedule to try to maximize value and engagement, but I began to realize that doing so can be a total experience-killer for attendees. The truth is that not everyone wants to run nonstop from ses- sion to session. Instead, I aim to help people leave an event inspired, not exhausted. What’s more, not everyone is eager to leap into the day’s agenda right at 8 a.m. To bring people back to events, we need to turn a gathering into a worthwhile experience for both the early risers and the people who excel later in the day. I think of these groups as the “Larks” and the “Owls,” and I found that most folks, the Owls, come alive after 12 p.m. If you really want to craft an experience with well-being at the core, one that engages, nurtures, energizes and makes every- one feel excited to come back again, it needs to be fulfilling for the early risers with the 2 p.m. slumps as well as the night owls blossoming during the evening networking sessions. The essence of the experience lies within the intricacies of our programming, culinary offerings, venue selection and every detail aimed at ensuring all attendees feel warmly Centering Conferences Around Well-being BY KIMBERLY LEWIS PERSPECTIVE // The truth is that not everyone wants to run nonstop from session to session. Instead, I aim to help people leave an event inspired, not exhausted. 10 April 2024 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comInternational WELL Building Institute embraced and appreciated. I spearheaded the implemen- tation of this novel experiential approach during our 2021 WELL Summit in Scottsdale, Arizona. There, I crafted adaptable schedules and curated inter- active programming that fostered inclusivity for all partici- pants. Recognizing the importance of movement, which is incidentally a concept within the WELL Standard to support the goal of people feeling better when they leave than when they arrived, I integrated physical activity like yoga sessions, morning hikes and tours of the city into the learning journey. During the WELL Summit in Scottsdale, I aimed to nor- malize delivering an equitable experience for those whose needs are traditionally marginalized by putting up a wheel- chair ramp around the stage from the beginning to the end, not just before the special need speaker’s session. As Vincenzo Piscopo, president & CEO of United Spinal Association, a keynote speaker, spoke about why we should be thinking about ADA 2.0 today, the audience totally con- nected with him when he, sitting in a wheelchair, shared how he often experiences PTSD whenever he travels because so many of the services — from airplanes to hotels, to even the staging at events — would often create barriers for him to get around. The venue I chose was not only wheelchair accessible on stage but we prioritized accessibility in his assigned room, including the bathroom details. That consideration helped deliver a total well-being experience for him, and it also enabled us to make another attendee (who had unfortunately injured her knee and unexpectedly needed crutches) feel included as well. That woman told me, “Kim, you didn’t know that I would show up like this, but your planning made it so easy for me to get around!” As event organizers, it is our job to make sure that we’re cultivating a place in a space where people feel valued. Whatever we do, we have to do it with the individual in mind. We need to get to know our community and under- stand what they value and measure, which will not only help them to learn but also to feel good in the journey. The heart of reimagining events lies in providing a space where individuals feel seen and heard, and the path to rei- magining events is a journey of growth driven by the desire to create impactful experiences and transformative ones that resonate long after the last session. This is how I’ve been engineering my organization’s annual WELL Conference in Long Beach, California, in May, when the global community championing the healthy building movement will gather. If the WELL Conference can deliver one outstanding experience, it’d be the “well-being” of attendees. C&IT KIMBERLY LEWIS INKUMSAH is a seasoned leader in the field of diversity, equity and inclusion, with a focus on their impact on health, sustainability and climate worldwide. Her extensive experience includes 20 years at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), where she led initiatives to enhance sustainability in buildings and communities. She is the executive vice president of Equity, Engagement & Events at the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), crafting the WELL 2024 Recharge, a three-day event featuring industry leaders, inspiring human health and providing enhanced opportunities to connect and learn. TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | April 2024 11 The International WELL Building Institute convened the Workplace Wellness Leadership Summit in 2019. EVERYTHING 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.V ulnerability creates a beautiful meeting ground for authentic human connection. Unfortu’nately, several factors in today’s world inhibit many people from feeling safe enough to be vulnerable and authentic. Social media exerts immense pres- sure on individuals to share only their lives’ highlight reel. Materialism has led people to believe that showcasing possessions like a new sports car, luxury handbag or shoes is necessary to be “part of the cool crew.” While there’s nothing wrong with having nice things or taking fancy vacations, society seems to have set these unrealistic expectations, suggesting that individuals can only share these highlight reel moments to be accepted, with the pressure that anything less may cause them to fall out of favor in their highly valued social circles. Needless to say, this is less than fertile soil for planting seeds of vulnerability and authenticity. Before we go any fur- ther, I think it’s important to share my humble opinion on what vulnerability is. I am also going to be vulnerable with you, the reader, about how being vulnerable and authentic completely reshaped my life. As it relates to defining vulner- ability, I think David Meltzer frames it brilliantly: “When I am vulnerable, I actually become invulnerable.” I believe that when we embrace vulnerability, we break free from the confines of the ego and limiting mental scripts. When we are vulnerable, we are more able to live from our hearts. We remove ourselves from being trapped in non- serving mental programs. Instead of fearing hurt or guard- ing against potential harm, vulnerability empowers us to be authentic, and it is through that authenticity that we create deeper levels of connection with others. If you’ve ever seen the biographical movie “8 Mile,” which features rap star Eminem, there is a part in the movie where he has a battle with another rapper. But Eminem does something unique: he raps about all of his flaws, thereby disabling the other rapper from being able to make fun of him. This is another way of describing the power of vulnerability and how it makes us invulnerable. Now it is time for me to be vulnerable with you… After my arrest in 2013, I lost my job in the fitness indus- try. I was ashamed, embarrassed and completely broken mentally, physically and spiritually. Worry and fear clouded my every waking moment. Once I was able to pull myself back together, I focused on finding a new job. This was a real challenge for me. Before every job interview, I found myself getting lost in my own mind. Should I be authentic and vulnerable about my arrest? Should I try to hide it and hope they would not find out? When people would ask me questions about my past arrest, I was left feeling like a fail- ure as I struggled to find my own peace and resolution with the issue. For the first few interviews, I was not upfront about my history. Of course, the topic of my arrest came up at some point during the interview process, and I did not get any of those jobs. I realized that I had to shift my approach. Instead of waiting for people to bring up my arrest (which made my heart sink in fear), I brought it up first. I went into the Why Vulnerability is the Key to Authenticity BY RYAN JOSEPH KOPYAR PERSPECTIVE // Authenticity from us provides permission for others to be genuine in return. This releases the fear of judgment, fostering a sense of safety for both parties. 14 April 2024 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comDepositPhotos.com interviews saying, “Let me tell you what makes me unique. I was arrested, and I hit rock bottom. Everything that I thought meant the world to me at that time was taken. Let me tell you what I learned and grew from that.” I do not know if I can fully put into words just how liberating it felt to be authentic and vulnerable. Now I think it is impor- tant to note that, just because I was vulnerable, it did not mean I had job offers flooding in! But after each one of those inter- views where I was vulnerable and authentic, I was told by the inter- viewer how much they appreci- ated my candid and vulnerable openness in the interview pro- cess. In this new approach, I told my story with vulnerability. I was humble but confident. I could sit outside the shame and present the person I truly was. The per- son that had grown immensely and had picked himself back up from rock bottom. Here is the cool part of the story that I wouldn’t know for another eight years. My arrest, my struggles with drugs and alcohol, (and my sub- sequent healing that was at the root causes of engaging in these non-serving behavior patterns) were all preparing me to serve others as a mental health counselor. All aspects of my past that I was afraid to be vulnerable about now serve as the cornerstone of both my unconditional positive regard for the individuals I work with and give me a level of empathy I would not otherwise be able to have. As a counselor, I have the privilege of working with peo- ple at the most raw and real layers. I get a glimpse behind the scenes about what people are struggling with and what is really important to them. Not just what they may pre- tend or feel pressured into thinking they need to believe is important. I learn about people’s loves, joys, goals and ambitions. I also learn about people’s fears, negative beliefs about themselves, and how they feel that if they were to be vulnerable about their past, it would disqualify them from getting the job they want or getting the romantic partner that they so badly desire. For many individuals, this leads to immense pressure surrounding the struggle to be authentic about their deep- est wants and needs, while at the same time wanting to fit in and not ask for something that might go against what they feel they should be wanting. This leads to an internal tug of war. They grapple with how they want to present themselves to the world — whether to share their own highlight reels, investing time, energy and money in materialism, or to be vul- nerable and authentic about what is truly important to them, their day-to-day struggles, or even — their deeper layers of trauma. This internal conflict often leads to anxiety and depres- sion, a battle between the need to be accepted and the poten- tial of being rejected for showing up as their authentic selves. Ultimate alignment and optimal mental and emotional health come down to being real. It’s about being vulnerable with no fear of judgment like Eminem did in “8 Mile.” You see, when we’re vulnerable with others, it opens the door for them to be vulnerable and authentic with us. Authenticity from us provides permission for others to be genuine in return. This releases the fear of judgment, foster- ing a sense of safety for both parties. This safety drives even deeper levels of authenticity, and through authentic and real communication, comes deeper levels of connection. That’s the power of vulnerability and why it is the key to authenticity. C&IT Professional Counselor Associate RYAN JOSEPH KOPYAR , LMHCA, RCC, CPT & CSN is an acclaimed emotional intelligence, mental health expert and international keynote speaker. A transformational figure in the fields of psychology and personal development, Kopyar is also the author of “Unlock The Power of Your Mind: How to Change Your Life by Changing Your Thoughts” and “Big Boys Do Cry: A Man’s Guide to Navigating Emotions and Showing Up More Vulnerable in Relationships.” Connect with Kopyar online at ryankopyarholistichealing.com. Revealing your truth to others can lead to greater connection and help to form a lasting bond. TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | April 2024 15According to Liz Lathan, CMP, co-founder of The Com- munity Factory in Hutto, TX, a sense of adventure is an underrated emotion to evoke when planning events. “We’ve all been to the same destinations over and over again, so when a planner has the opportunity to bring attendees to an unknown, unexplored or uniquely innova- tive location, it immediately sparks that hit of dopamine,” Lathan says. “A little excitement goes a long way.” Attendees are seeking connections like never before. Being able to feel connected to a destination through local experiences sparks a sense of belonging and makes them want to go back after the event is over and explore more — maybe even bringing the family, as well. Attendees don’t just want to be taken to a luxury beach spot and left alone. They want to experience local customs, local foods and feel welcome. “The desire for attendees to want to ‘be tourists’ has been replaced with the desire to ‘blend in’ and become ‘a local,’” Latham says. Rebecca Grinnals, co-founder of Engage! Summits, says that offering unique and interesting locations goes a long way toward generating excitement and buzz from your attendees. It also allows for so much creativity in planning food and beverage, and decor and entertainment that are inspired by the destination. “You have a built-in story and natural theming to weave throughout the event,” Grinnals says. “Guests also are more inclined to share their entire experience via social media when they are in a hot new place, which is a win-win all the way around.” At its core, Engage! Summits is a collection of B2B events with the mission to unite the luxury global event industry to change businesses and the market for the bet- ter. They travel the world to gather and form a community that sparks magic, ideas and innovation that shifts trends I nnovation is a key driver of economic growth. It creates new opportunities, industries and experiences. Within the meeting and events arena, cities and venues that prioritize innovation tend to be a draw for planners and attendees alike. And with competition for innovative venues increasing, choosing a trending destination with that “it” factor that can boost your attendance numbers and go the extra mile has never been more vital. Aiming for the ‘It’ Factor BY MAURA KELLER The Rise of Innovative Meeting Destinations INDUSTRY TRENDS 16 April 2024 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comin regions spanning the globe. Some of Engage! Summits’ past destinations include Adare Manor in Ireland, multiple events in the Cayman Islands, Belmond Grand Timeo in Sicily, as well as in Mexico, Europe, U.S. and Africa. “Most of these destinations offer fully immersive envi- ronments that allow attendees to experience the destination without ever leaving the property,” says Kathryn Arce, meet- ing planner and co-founder of Engage! Summits. “They offer a range of built-in experiences and activities on-site, as well as innovative five-star dining, spas, golf and so much more. Of course, they are in locations that offer plenty of opportunities to explore should attendees wish to add in pre- and post-stays, but for the duration of the event there is no need to transport attendees off site — they are loaded with everything you need (and make for some great ‘insta moments’ too!).” Innovative & Exotic Locales In the real estate arena, the manta, “location, location, location” is of supreme importance. The same can be said for venues that cater to a discriminating crowd, many of whom are attendees looking for innovative experiences at the confer- ences, meetings, exhibitions and trade shows that they travel to. Intimate and welcoming, many of today’s exotic venues reward attendees with one-of-a-kind experiences. And while Europe and other parts of the world are home to many respected venues, meeting planners are making strides to discover venues that keep visitors coming back for more. For example, Lathan likes places like Sirenian Bay in Placencia, Belize — a great all-inclusive resort with the abil- ity to do a buy-out for up to 80 guests. “Normally, all-inclusives are corporate resorts with food and beverages, but the team at Sirenian Bay brings in local chefs and local ingredients and embraces you as part of the community, telling you all about the best places to go snorkeling and which ruins to visit when you go to Belize City,” Lathan says. Another innovative option is Ras al-Khaimah in the UAE. You’ve heard of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but you’ve probably never heard of this city. This up-and-coming destination has a strong stance on sustainability, beautiful vistas and welcoming people. They are eager to showcase their city as an alternative to the flashy Vegas-like Dubai. Of course, when it comes to finding innovative event spaces abroad, you can’t go wrong with Tokyo, Japan. Not only does Japan offer attendees a chance to explore its rich past with stunning temples, historic castles and breath- taking scenery, but the backbone of Tokyo’s meeting and events industry is based on innovation; neon-lit streets, green havens, sacred spaces and vast high-rises that awe the senses. Tokyo’s vast metropolis sits on Tokyo Bay and is the biggest urban area in the world. Tokyo is home to Photo by Garrett Richardson Attendees are more likely to share your event if you provide fun activities and unique photo opps. Pictured: A captured moment from Engage!23 at The Boca Raton. Photo by Sebastien Roy / Courtesy of Korrin Bizek In Montreal, at C2, in the Sky Lab, participants brainstormed business solutions while sitting in suspended chairs. TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | April 2024 17Next >