Smart Meetings

JANUARY 2, 2025

In the wake of a man plowing a truck into New Year’s Eve revelers on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing dozens, New Orleans & Company President and CEO Walt Leger III vowed that the community’s spirit “will not be deterred by this horrific act.” The fatal incident in the early morning hours of Jan. 1, 2025 is being called a terrorist attack and prompted the delay of the Sugar Bowl College Football Playoff between Georgia and Notre Dame at Caesars Superdome by a da

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Gavel International

DECEMBER 30, 2024

Reading Time: 5 minutes Imagine a scene from Mission: Impossible : Ethan Hunt dons an incredibly lifelike mask, perfectly mimicking a high-ranking official. He strolls into a secure facility bypassing every security measure with ease. Within minutes, he’s accessed classified information and set into motion a chain of events that will throw the organization into chaos.

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The MICE Blog

DECEMBER 20, 2024

Rotterdam has established itself as a premier destination for sustainable events, earning international recognition from Arcadis. The city’s innovative approaches to climate resilience and practical, forward-thinking solutions make it a top choice for events that aim to create lasting impact. Practical approach to sustainability and resilience I was in Rotterdam to attend Urban Future 2024 and spoke to Chantal Zeegers, Vice Mayor responsible for climate, construction, and housing.

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Smart Meetings

DECEMBER 17, 2024

Why free time, authenticity and immersion are redefining program inclusions What are the latest trends emerging for incentive travel 2025 and beyond? Smart Meetings sat down with Annette Gregg, CEO of SITE and SITE Foundation, to explore the trends among budget, program inclusion, coming challenges and destination selection for the coming year, courtesy of the Incentive Travel Index Survey Results from SITE Foundation.

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Incentives Trends Travel Travel 245

TravelBoom and sister agency, The Brandon Agency, release new consumer sentiment study on travel amidst the COVID-19 second wave

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ADMEI

DECEMBER 23, 2024

The Event Architect: Designing Experiences, Not Just Events 23 December 2024 When you think of an architect, what comes to mind? Perhaps someone meticulously drafting blueprints, overseeing construction, and ensuring every beam and pillar is perfectly placed. But what if I told you that this concept of an architect extends beyond buildings and into the world of events?

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Events Destination Management Logistics Certification 162

Pádraic Gilligan

DECEMBER 18, 2024

by Pdraic Gilligan, Chief Marketing Officer, SITE & Founder, SoolNua Movies and Tourism When I worked as an Italian-speaking tour guide in Ireland in the late ’80s and early ’90s, one of my set-piece commentaries was on movies shot in Ireland. I would mention The Quiet Man (1952, starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara), Un. Read more » The post A story for (Last) Christmas from Switzerland appeared first on padraicino.

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Skift Meetings

DECEMBER 13, 2024

Skift Take: Montral pushes the boundaries to inspire innovation through its vibrant culture and unique venues, attracting industry leaders.

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Smart Meetings

DECEMBER 26, 2024

The most anticipated openings of 2025, alongside big plans for brands, show how hospitality continues to evolve. New and Renovated Hotels Reflect Top Trends 2025 is a year to get excited for. With a host of exciting new hotels slated to open throughout the next 12 months, plus some major strategic visions in the works at major brands, the opportunities for every style meeting are boundless.

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Panorama Travel

DECEMBER 29, 2024

DISCOVER THE PRISTINE NIGHT SKIES OF THE SULTANATE We are pleased to announce the launching of the unforgettable stargazing experience under the pristine night skies of the Sultanate. This celestial adventure is now available in all our +10 days tours. You’ll get to learn about the astral guides, use a telescope to find constellations, and solar system planets monitoring.

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Redfin

DECEMBER 12, 2024

Imagine stepping into a Parisian apartment: Soft light filters through flowing curtains, casting a gentle glow on herringbone floors. Ornate crown moldings frame the ceiling, while a vintage mirror, casually leaning against the wall, reflects a delicate arrangement of peonies. Parisian decor is more than just a design choiceits a lifestyle that effortlessly blends timeless elegance with relaxed sophistication.

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Panel Booking Publishing Retreat 59

The evolution of the DMC industry requires that it embark upon a renewed relationship with clients that is built upon transparency, trust, and understanding.

Convene by PCMA

DECEMBER 19, 2024

Host your next meeting in Brazil, and experience wonders your attendees will never forget. If you imagine Brazil to be a wonderland of stunning landscapes and Carnival , youre not wrongbut youve only scratched the surface of this vibrant, diverse country. From booming economic and industrial sectors to state-of-the-art connectivity, its a versatile, full-service meetings destination.

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Skift Meetings

DECEMBER 26, 2024

Skift Take: Skift Meetings evaluated 3 leaders in meeting industry recruitment and found that each has its own unique niche.

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Smart Meetings

DECEMBER 26, 2024

For many meeting professionals, taking a well-deserved breath after a year of planning large conventions, attending the International Association of Exhibitions & Events (IAEE) Expo! Expo! is an annual tradition. This year was no exception. An estimated 1,700 attendees passed through the West Hall doors at Los Angeles Convention Center the second week of December.

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EHL Insights

DECEMBER 19, 2024

Destinations in the North such as Iceland, Finland, Norway have become more popular in the recent years. Instead of picking tropical each getaways, some tourists prefer to travel to cold places in the winter months. What is there to it to the cold is the new hot travel tendency of some tourists? Digital communication and Marketing expert Dr. Alessandro Inversini and Lionel Saul , research assistant at EHL, and Urs Binggeli , Senior travel expert at McKinsey, weigh in on the motivations and reaso

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Redfin

DECEMBER 23, 2024

You might be considering a house in Minneapolis, MN , or an apartment in Milwaukee, WI , as these two Midwest cities share a rich cultural history and a love for the arts. Minneapolis boasts a thriving job market and vibrant lakeside neighborhoods, while Milwaukee offers a lower cost of living and a reputation for its brewing heritage. Whether youre drawn to the bustling streets of Minneapolis or Milwaukees riverside charm, choosing the right city to call home is a big decision.

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Skift Meetings

DECEMBER 19, 2024

Skift Take: The events industry has some seriously outdated ideas that just wont die. Weve all heard the same old event planner clichs big venues, fancy galas, and planners living the glamorous life.

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Smart Meetings

DECEMBER 12, 2024

Smart Meetings made history by convening top meeting professionals in an iconic location fresh off an almost $200 million renovation to experience the best motivational practices employed today. Smart Meetings Incentive Experience at Phoenixs Arizona Biltmore , a Platinum Choice Award-winning property, was a festive way to end the year with the gift of new and renewed connections and a trove of insights that will make 2025 the best event season yet.

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EHL Insights

DECEMBER 19, 2024

You need certain skills to successfully lead a team and become a respected manager in any field. Being inspirational, having excellent technical knowledge, and being someone who could get things done used to be prerequisites, but now what it means to be a good manager is changing.

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Redfin

DECEMBER 13, 2024

The holiday season is filled with magic, and theres no better way to celebrate than by getting creative with your little ones, starting with some Christmas crafts for kids and families alike. Holiday crafts are the perfect way to keep kids entertained, inspired, and connected to the joy of the season. As Andrea Silvers of Specially Gifted says, Christmastime brings out the most merry and cheerful traits within us; it truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

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Convene by PCMA

DECEMBER 17, 2024

This year, the event engagement experts at Swapcard conducted an anonymized study across 2,000 events with 2.5 million attendees in order to learn how attendees engage at trade shows, exhibitions, and conferences and to identify overlooked gaps and underutilized strategies for event organizers and exhibitors. Leveraging even one of the seven insights gleaned from the report can significantly boost event engagement and drive exceptional results. 1.

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Skift Meetings

DECEMBER 19, 2024

Skift Take: The killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson took place outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel where he was attending the companys annual investor conference. Should meeting planners be on high alert?

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Smart Meetings

DECEMBER 13, 2024

Got a few minutes to boost your career? Smart Meetings podcasts deliver powerful insights and an abundance of smiles of recognition when you need it most. In addition to some blockbuster guests on our original podcast What One Thing? , we launched our newest podcast (formerly Meetings of the Mind), Smart Start Radio. This intergenerational confluence of working meeting planners features authentic, unfiltered opinions designed to help new and evolving hospitality pros in their event journey.

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MPI

DECEMBER 16, 2024

We asked sustainability experts in the meeting and event industry to tell us about recent trends in event sustainability. Their thoughts demonstrate the depth and breadth of industry progress, from better collaboration to effective carbon tracking to reusable trade show stands. _ As a sustainability consultant, I’m happy to say there is more budget allocated for training and initiatives.

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Redfin

DECEMBER 13, 2024

Nestled along the Arkansas River, Little Rock stands out as a dynamic city with an impressive array of attractions. Known for its historical significance and Southern charm, the capital city of Arkansas offers an eclectic mix of activities that appeal to travelers seeking variety and novelty. If youre looking for unique things to do in Little Rock, youre in for a treat.

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EHL Insights

DECEMBER 18, 2024

In today's evolving business landscape, social sustainability has emerged as a crucial pillar of responsible governance, emphasising the importance of creating supportive, inclusive environments that benefit individuals and communities. For the hospitality industry, social sustainability involves fostering an atmosphere where all guests feel valued and understood, including those with invisible disabilities like autism.

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Skift Meetings

DECEMBER 16, 2024

Skift Take: Planners feel taken advantage of by DMC markups, while DMCs say planners dont understand the cost of running a business.

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Smart Meetings

DECEMBER 13, 2024

Want to stay ahead of the curve when selecting a destination for your next meeting? Consider a fabulous new option nestled in the capital of Armenia. Looking for an out-of-the-ordinary, nature-heavy venue option? Marriott has just teamed up with Postcard Cabins to change the game when it comes to meetings in the great outdoors. Wish your attendees could just levitate from the airport to the meeting?

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Convene by PCMA

DECEMBER 17, 2024

More than 20 restaurants dot the Avenida Houston entertainment district around the George R. Brown Convention Center, while the city boasts more than 12,000 restaurants offering diverse flavors. Some of the biggest perks of meeting in Houston, the nations fourth-most populous city, are the robust experiences on offer for those in-between moments lunches with colleagues or a free hour or two in the afternoon.

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Redfin

DECEMBER 20, 2024

Considering moving to South Carolina ? The state offers a dynamic economy with opportunities across various thriving industries. Whether you’re looking at homes for sale in Charleston or apartments in Greenville , South Carolina provides plenty of choices. With its beautiful coastal cities, rich culture, and expanding job market, its an attractive destination.

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MICE Benelux

DECEMBER 21, 2024

As the event industry grapples with transformation, one undeniable force is emerging: Generation Z. Born between 1997 and 2012, this cohort is not just participating; theyre demanding change. The question is: are we ready to meet their expectations, or are we stuck in outdated paradigms? First, lets confront the digital dilemma. Gen Z has grown […] The post Column MPI: The Future of Events: Are We Ready for Gen Z?

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Stova

DECEMBER 19, 2024

Rising costs and smaller planning teams ranked among event professionals’ top pain points in 2024. Despite these challenges, attendees expectations keep rising. They want more personalized experie nces, compelling content, robust networking opportunities and more.So, how do you save time and money while delivering more in 2025 and beyond? The good news is you can still provide extraordinary attendee experiences.

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Smart Meetings

DECEMBER 19, 2024

The ways in which health and wellness fit into the events industry continue to evolve. In the past few years, there has been a major shift from wellness being simply about a good spa day (though, who could say no to that?) to prioritizing the day-to-day well-being of people. The past years health and wellness stories have focused on matters of growing concern, from neurodiversity and accessibility to how people can build their sense of happiness in work as well as in life.

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Convene by PCMA

DECEMBER 18, 2024

Scott Galloway, shown speaking at Convening Leaders 2022, returns to the CL Main Stage on Jan. 12 in Houston. (Whatever Media Group) Last week, when I listened in on NYU Stern professor Scott Galloways annual trend forecast webinar, one prediction caught my ear: Consumers growing reliance on AI may mean that travelers increasingly look there, too, for advice on what to do and see and where to stay.

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Meeting Package

DECEMBER 20, 2024

As 2024 draws to a close, MeetingPackage stands at the forefront of the meetings and events industry, reflecting on a year marked by significant growth, strategic expansion, and groundbreaking technological advancements.

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Brightspot Incentive Events

DECEMBER 13, 2024

I dont know about you, but there are few better ways to incentivize me to perform than with the promise of a trip to an exotic Caribbean island. From the year-round sunshine and crystal blue waters to the lively calypso music and tropical cuisine, the Caribbean is quite literally paradise on earth. But which destination is the best fit for your team?

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