Sat.Nov 23, 2024 - Fri.Nov 29, 2024

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Travellers or Tourists? The True Essence of Incentive Travel

Pádraic Gilligan

by Pádraic Gilligan, Co-founder SoolNua & Chief Marketing Officer, SITE The origins of SITE – the only professional association dedicated exclusively to incentive travel – are well-documented. We even have living witnesses to its founding meeting at the Hotel Americana on December 3, 1973. That said, the roots of incentive travel itself as a corporate.

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3 Extreme Accessibility Experts Share Their Accommodation Mandates

Smart Meetings

Designing accessible events topped almost all meetings industry event agendas in 2024, but few planners understand what is required to make everyone feel welcome even as equal access moves from the desired to the required column in their job descriptions. Most meeting professionals manage the needs of a small subset of attendees who require food, wheelchair access, sound, language or sensory accommodations.

MICE professionals

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Employee Spotlight: Christy Betz

Advanced Travel and Tourism

Christy Betz is next up for our employee spotlight series. She is responsible for all things Tennessee tourism and we love having her on the team. Find out a little more about her below. How much experience do you have in the travel space? I’ve been passionate about the tourism industry for the past 5 years, beginning my journey with the Eastern Shore of VA Tourism Commission from 2019 to 2023.

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All Signs Point to Growing Incentives & Meetings Business in 2025; You Can Still Reap the Benefits at Your Company

Motivation Excellence

Recent industry forecasts and surveys indicate corporate meetings, events and incentives will grow in 2025. According to the Incentive Travel Index 37% of respondents say 2025 levels will surpass 2024; 54% expect the spend-per-person to increase too. At Motivation Excellence, we continue to see interest in planning something in 2025, even though it’s less than a month away.

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COVID-19 Travel Consumer Sentiment Study

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

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Meet in Phoenix‚ and Meet Your Sustainability Goals

Convene by PCMA

Upgraded public transit options are just one way that you can meet your sustainability goals when you meet in Phoenix. You might already know that Phoenix is a jewel of the desert—and a meeting planner’s dream in terms of premier venues, vibrant culture and dining scene, and unrivaled outdoor activities. But did you know that this city is also a fantastic choice for planners looking to meet greener goals?

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New and Renovated: Discover a Meetings Mecca

Smart Meetings

Exciting refreshes in sought-after destinations Wherever you go, there you are—especially if that place is a meetings mecca like Washington, D.C., Miami or Las Vegas. These exciting new and renovated properties are not only easily, abundantly Instagrammable; they provide the kind of sought-after experience in sought-after destinations that make for unmatched meetings.

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More Trending

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Hosted-Buyer Events for Meeting Planners Are Hot

MeetingsNet

November’s IBTM World in Barcelona hit all-time highs for attendance and one-on-one business meetings, following the trend seen at the IMEX America, IMEX Frankfurt, and Connect shows earlier in 2024. With more than 12,000 buyers and suppliers gathering at Fira Barcelona Gran Via from November 18 to 21, IBTM World saw its strongest edition yet. The 73,000 buyer-supplier meetings that took place were the most ever, thanks to 18 percent more hosted buyers at the show than in 2023.

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EIC Barometer: ‘Exceptionally Positive’ Forecast

Convene by PCMA

Source: Events Industry Council, Oxford Economics, STR, Amadeus’ Meeting Broker, Cvent The Events Industry Council (EIC) Global Business Events Barometer, reporting on key metrics from this year’s second quarter, reflects an “exceptionally positive” forecast for the industry, EIC CEO Amy Calvert said in the report. The report relies on data inputs that have been provided by STR, a division of CoStar Group, which provides market data on the hotel industry; Cvent, a meetings, events, and hos

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Case Study: The Art of Crafting Holiday Magic

Smart Meetings

Tips for crafting a multiday holiday event When I first sat down with Mariela Murphy, CMP, special events director for Amelia Island Convention and Visitors Bureau, for dinner during my recent trip to Amelia Island, Florida, I was immediately captivated by her excitement and vision for the holiday event Dickens on Centre. For those unfamiliar, Dickens on Centre is an annual event celebrating its 10th year in 2024.

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7 Unique Things to Do in Baton Rouge: Discover the Heart of Louisiana

Redfin

Baton Rouge, the vibrant capital city of Louisiana, is known for seamlessly blending rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and modern-day charm. While many visitors are drawn to the state’s more famous destinations like New Orleans, Baton Rouge offers its own set of unique things to do that should not be overlooked. Whether you’re in the market to buy a home in Baton Rogue, LA , have your eyes on an apartment in the city , or interested in a rental house in the area , here’s a

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Evolution of the DMC:Renewing Business Relationships with Deeper Trust, Transparency & Understanding

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

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Industry News for November 29, 2024

Special Events

Special Events industry news

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Global Lead Passing: Revolutionizing Lead Management for Hotel Chains

Meeting Package

Managing leads effectively is critical for optimizing revenue and ensuring seamless service delivery. MeetingPackage’s Global Lead Passing (GLP) offers a powerful solution, streamlining how leads are managed and distributed across properties. By enhancing collaboration and simplifying the booking process, GLP helps venues secure more bookings and deliver exceptional client experiences.

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NCBMP 2024 Brought History, Culture and Education to Alabama

Smart Meetings

The Coalition’s 41st convention emphasized strength and resilience National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP) held its 41st annual convention in Birmingham, Alabama, at Sheraton Birmingham Hotel and Westin Birmingham Hotel Nov. 13-16. This year’s theme, Strength and Resilience, was an acknowledgement that the 2024 elections and the resulting shifts in DEI legislation would engender tension among attendees, says Jason Dunn, executive director at NCBMP.

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10 Major North Carolina Industries to Consider if You’re Working in or Moving to the Tar Heel State

Redfin

If you’re considering moving to the Tar Heel State , you’ll find an exciting blend of career opportunities across several thriving industries. Major industries in North Carolina drive its economy and offer diverse roles for job seekers. Whether you’re browsing homes for sale in Charlotte or apartments in Raleigh , this state has something for everyone.

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Steal This.Immersive Entrance

Special Events

Captivate guests the moment they walk through the door

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East Africa Nature Wonders

Global DMC Alliance

Explore East Africa’s stunning landscapes and wildlife in Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania. Embark on unforgettable safaris.

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Universal Orlando: Bigger and Better Than Ever

Smart Meetings

By Universal Orlando Resort Universal Orlando Resort is on the cusp of a new beginning. In the early months of 2025, meeting professionals and their groups can expect an all-new Universal Orlando Resort Signature Collection property, Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel. The new property will be connected to Universal Orlando much-anticipated Universal Epic Universe opening next year.

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Raleigh vs Durham: Which City is Right for You? Comparing Real Estate, Cost of Living, Culture, and More

Redfin

The Research Triangle is home to both Raleigh and Durham, and you might be torn between buying a house in Raleigh or renting an apartment in Durham. Raleigh is celebrated for its polished appeal, thriving job market, and green spaces, while Durham has a trendier vibe with a burgeoning foodie scene and rich history. Whether you’re weighing job opportunities, real estate options, or cultural perks, these cities offer plenty to consider.

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Introducing the 2025 Leadership Award Recipients

Special Events

Congratulations to the outstanding individuals who have left their mark on the events industry!

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Middle East Luxury & Modernity

Global DMC Alliance

Explore luxury and modernity in Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia with AB Group, Al Fawaz Tours, and ET Global. Discover the Gulf's best.

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Ask the Pillow Concierge: Tips for a Good Night’s Sleep on the Road

Smart Meetings

Travel is one of the perks of a meeting prof’s life. Except when it isn’t. Unlike the harsh reality of TSA PreCheck lines that are longer than general queues, the challenges of getting a good night’s sleep are something you do have control over. For best practices to avoid a night of tossing and turning, propping and plumping, we asked Sam Gibbs, lead pillow concierge at The Beatrice Hotel, a boutique property in Providence, Rhode Island.

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But Who Can Replace a Man?

Conferences that Work

In June 1958, science fiction writer Brian W. Aldiss published “But Who Can Replace a Man?” As a teenager, I discovered this thought-provoking short story while browsing the sci-fi shelves of my local library. Cover of “Who Can Replace A Man” by Brian Aldiss, originally published by Infinity Science Fiction in 1958. Like much science fiction, Aldiss’s tale explores humanity’s fraught relationship with technology in a dystopian future.

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Meet the 2025 CS+TSE Event Chairs: Michelle Howard

Special Events

Introducing the people behind the CS+TSE Showcasing Events magic

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Culinary Delights

Global DMC Alliance

The world’s culinary with Expert Italia, Pangea Travel, Ciao Travel, and French Signature DMC. Explore Italy, China, Vietnam, and France’s culinary gems.

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Leading Business Events Management Company, PRA Acquires Island Style Innovations in Hawai‘i

PRA

CHICAGO, November 25, 2024 – PRA, a leader in the Business Events industry, announced today the company has acquired Island Style Innovations, local destination management experts in the exclusive Hawaiian market. This move marks the second acquisition in the last 18 months in this important meeting, convention, and incentive program market, delivering continued growth and execution of PRA’s overall expansion strategy.

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Dallas vs Fort Worth: Which City is Right for You? Comparing Real Estate, Cost of Living, Culture, and More

Redfin

If you’re thinking about moving to Texas, apartments in Dallas and houses in Fort Worth might both be on your list of potential new hometowns. These neighboring cities may share a metroplex, but they each have their own distinct character. Dallas is known for its bustling business hubs and cosmopolitan vibe, while Fort Worth exudes a laid-back charm with a rich Western heritage.

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Deadline Extension: Register for CS+TSE!

Special Events

One more week to register with super early bird prices

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IPW

FICP

IPW will take place June 14-18, 2025 in Chicago.

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The Importance of Quantitative Skills and Why You Should Master Them

EHL Insights

Despite plenty of evidence for the “cognitive biases” from which all decision-makers suffer, an astounding number of managerial decisions is still based on gut feelings rather than solid analysis. Among the many reasons for this may be a certain level of apprehension about the complexity of quantitative analysis and the methods it entails.

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Kansas City vs St. Louis: Which City is Right for You? Comparing Real Estate, Cost of Living, Culture, and More

Redfin

Considering a move to an apartment in Kansas City or a house in St. Louis, MO ? These two Missouri cities share a Midwestern charm and rich cultural heritage, but each offers a unique living experience. Kansas City is known for its thriving arts scene and world-class barbecue, while St. Louis offers historic neighborhoods and vibrant sports culture.

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Hospitality Pioneer and Philanthropist Harris Rosen Passes Away

Smart Meetings

The Hospitality Industry remembers Rosen for his innovative hospitality work and passionate charitable work. Harris Rosen at the dock of Rosen Shingle Creek. Orlando, Florida – 4/24/15 – ©Isaac Arjonilla. Harris Rosen , founder and president of Rosen Hotels & Resorts , passed away the morning of Nov. 25, 2024 at the age of 85. Frank Santos, vice president of Rosen Hotels & Resorts, released a statement on behalf of the family on Nov. 25.

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MPI WEC

FICP

MPI WEC will take place June 18-20, 2025 in St. Louis, MO.

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5 Tips for Turning a Thought Shower into a Brainstorm

Motivation Excellence

The benefits of a good brainstorming session are numerous! Whether you do it solo, or in a group, taking time to generate a wide range of ideas leads to diverse solutions and creative innovations. The best part about this exercise is its flexibility – you can do it at any time or in any place. There are some basic “rules” to follow though for maximum results.

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Minneapolis vs Saint Paul: Which City is Right for You? Comparing Real Estate, Cost of Living, Culture, and More

Redfin

When people think of the Twin Cities, they often wonder what makes owning a house in Minneapolis different from renting an apartment in Saint Paul. While these two cities may be close in geography, they are worlds apart in personality. Minneapolis offers a modern, energetic vibe with a thriving arts scene, while Saint Paul is steeped in history and known for its charming neighborhoods.

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Smart Start Guests Are Grateful, On Air!

Smart Meetings

Smart Start guests from 2024 share stories of gratitude This year, we have so much to be grateful for at Smart Meetings; one of those things is that it’s the year our newest podcast, Smart Start: Bright Ideas from Planner’s Toolbox , was born. Throughout the year, we’ve gone through the process of launching an idea and watching it blossom; Eming and Sara spending hours in the conference room scribbling on the whiteboard to map out a rebrand from Meeting of the Minds to the Smart Start we know an