DINING TAILORED TO - The Meeting Magazines
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
A COASTAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION PUBLICATION JANUARY 2020 VOL. 38 NO. 1 $12.00
DINING
TAILORED TO
GROUPS ALSO
IN THIS
ISSUE
Meeting Planners Are Going PLANNER
All-in on Dining Concepts TECH TRENDS
BAHAMAS
& CARIBBEAN
PREPARE FOR 2020
WITH THESE GUIDES:
CLICK HERE TO
VIEW / DOWNLOAD Matthew Von Ertfelda,
LAS VEGAS
TABLET VERSION
Senior Vice President
Food and Beverage, TEXAS
Global Operations
Marriott International FLORIDA
VOLUME 38 NO. 1 // JANUARY 2020 ISSN 0739-1587 // USPS 716-450
IN THIS ISSUE //
Features
10
10 Dining Tailored to Groups
Planners Are Going All-in
on Dining Concepts
BY SOPHIA BENNETT
16
Tech Trends
Embrace the Future With These
Latest Meeting Planner Trends
BY PATRICK SIMMS
16
Destinations
22
22 Bahamas & The Caribbean
The Islands of the Bahamas
and the Caribbean Offer Plenty of
Sun-Splashed Destinations and Venues
BY SOPHIA BENNETT
2020 Destination
Meeting Planner Guide
28 Las Vegas & Reno
Elevated Excellence With Major Expansions and Upgrades
Underway, Las Vegas and Reno Are Ready to
It’s in Our Nature
Dazzle Planners in 2020 and Beyond
BY DAVID SWANSON
Our reputation was built on delivering incomparable experiences. Creativity and unlimited
resources are two of the many reasons why industry leaders and legendary companies trust
their important events to us.
42 Texas
The ‘Lone Star State’ Offers Everything
BY MAURA KELLER
We’ve expanded the possibilities with our newest property, Encore Boston Harbor and its
50,000 square feet of beautiful space overlooking the Mystic River and Boston skyline.
New to Wynn Las Vegas is a seamless integration of 300,000 square feet featuring
expansive terraces and an open-air pavilion with sweeping views of the Wynn Golf Club for
52 Florida
The ‘Sunshine State’ Has Something
to Satisfy Planners
a total of 560,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor space.
From boardroom to ballroom to bringing natural elements of the outdoors in, experience
BY SARA CHURCHVILLE
28 42
excellence, elevated.
Departments
04 Publisher’s Message
06 News & Notes
08 Top-10 Dining Trends for 2020
BY PATRICK BERWALD
WYNN LAS VEGAS I ENCORE LAS VEGAS I ENCORE BOSTON HARBOR 66 People on the Move 52
(888) 320-7117 I WYNNLASVEGAS.COM
TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | January 2020 3
PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE //
MEETINGS & INCENTIVES
Ringing in an Optimistic New Year A COASTAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION PUBLICATION
Are Better in
PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
With the new year upon us, it seems only fitting to think about what 2020 Harvey Grotsky
harvey.grotsky@themeetingmagazines.com
will bring. While the economy is booming and other indicators paint a positive
The Bahamas
picture, I find it amusing that some comments from those who are never satis- CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Kristin Bjornsen
fied still reflect a negative picture. It’s time for professional meeting planners kristin.bjornsen @themeetingmagazines.com
and others responsible for planning meetings and other events to stand up, MANAGING EDITOR
take a positive approach, and make 2020 the Henry Fitzgerald
henry.fitzgerald@themeetingmagazines.com
best year ever. With annual revenues growing,
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
our industry is expected to continue to thrive. Heather Ballis
By it’s very nature, the meeting and incen- heather.ballis@themeetingmagazines.com
tive travel industry supports other allied busi- DIGITAL CONTENT COORDINATOR NON-STOP FLIGHTS TO NASSAU PARADISE ISLAND – JUST A FEW HOURS FROM MOST MAJOR U.S. CITIES
Christine Smith
ness opportunities such as airlines, destination christine.smith@themeetingmagazines.com
management companies, hotels, resorts and For a corporate meeting, trade show or incentive
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
conference and convention centers. By sus- Sophia Bennett trip, what could be a better reward than the
taining these other lines of business we will Sara Churchville
Cynthia Dial crystal-clear turquoise waters and white sand
also help our economy to prosper. Maura Keller beaches of Nassau Paradise Island. From executive
Christine Loomis
We must continue to prove that meetings Derek Reveron boardrooms to 50,000 square foot ballrooms, for
Patrick Simms
mean business and are essential to inform, David Swanson any size group and function, you’ll find the ideal
train and educate. Let’s not overlook the prov- facilities for a successful meeting at one of these
PRESIDENT & CEO
en value of incentive travel programs. This Harvey Grotsky unique member properties:
serves to motivate employees, to increase pro-
VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS
ductivity and overall perform better. Meetings David Middlebrook
david.middlebrook@themeetingmagazines.com
and incentive travel programs are an investment, the results of which show • Atlantis, Paradise Island
up on the bottom line. ADVERTISING SALES OFFICES • British Colonial Hilton, Nassau
2700 N. Military Trail, Suite 120
In this issue we focus on some popular destinations that merit consider- Boca Raton, FL 33431-6394 • Comfort Suites Paradise Island
561-989-0600 Fax: 561-989-9509 • Grand Hyatt Baha Mar
ation for your next event. Check out the latest happenings in the Caribbean, advertising@themeetingmagazines.com
Bahamas, Texas, Florida and Las Vegas. • Meliá Nassau Beach - All Inclusive
REGIONAL MANAGER, TEXAS/ • The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons
We know the meeting and incentive travel industry is thriving and is ex- OKLAHOMA/ARKANSAS/LOUISIANA
Tim Kedzuch Resort, Bahamas
pected to go forward. The facts speak for themselves, so let the doomsayers 630-728-9204
tim.kedzuch@ themeetingmagazines.com • Rosewood Baha Mar
say what they will and to you, our subscribers, I wish you all a very happy,
• Sandals Royal Bahamian
healthy and prosperous New Year!
• SLS Baha Mar
Corporate & Incentive Travel (USPS 716-450) is published monthly
by Coastal Communications Corporation, 2700 North Military
Trail — Suite 120, Boca Raton, FL 33431-6394; 561-989-0600. Single
copies $12.00 U.S.A. only. Yearly subscription price is $125.00 in
the U.S.A.; Canada and foreign is $165.00. Back copies $14.00 For additional information contact:
U.S.A. only. Distributed without charge to qualified personnel. George Brice
Periodicals Postage Paid at Boca Raton, FL, and additional mailing
offices. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Corporate Vice President Group Sales
& Incentive Travel, 2700 North Military Trail — Suite 120, Boca
Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board
Harvey Grotsky Raton, FL 33431-6394. Nothing contained in this publication
shall constitute an endorsement by Coastal Communications
Publisher George@npipb.com
Corporation (Corporate & Incentive Travel), and the publication
disclaims any liability with respect to the use of or reliance on any
such information. The information contained in this publication Or visit us online at
is in no way to be construed as a recommendation by C&IT of
any industry standard, or as a recommendation of any kind to be NassauParadiseIsland.com
adopted, by or to be binding upon, any corporate/incentive travel
planner or agent. Reproduction of any portion of this publication
by any means is strictly forbidden. Editorial contributions must
be accompanied by return postage and will be handled with
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA reasonable care. However, the publisher assumes no responsibility
for return of unsolicited photographs or manuscripts. Subscribers:
Send subscription inquiries and address changes to: Circulation
Department, Corporate & Incentive Travel, 2700 North Military
Trail — Suite 120, Boca Raton, FL 33431-6394. Provide old and new
addresses including zip codes. Enclose address label from most
recent issue and please allow five weeks for the change to become
effective. Printed in U.S.A. © 2019
@corpincentvtrvl linkedin.com/company/ facebook.com/ @corpincentvtrvl
corporateincentivetravel corpinctravel NassauParadiseIsland.com
4 January 2020 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com
NEWS + NOTES //
NEW CONSTRUCTION RENOVATION
Construction for Las Sheraton in San Juan
Vegas’ Circa Resort Plans Multi-Million
Hits Halfway Mark Dollar Renovation
LAS VEGAS, NV — Developer Der- SAN JUAN, PR — The Sheraton Puer-
ek Stevens recently announced that to Rico Hotel & Casino is celebrating
his highly anticipated, integrated its 10th anniversary with a $10 million Hyatt Regency Aruba
Resort Spa and Casino
gaming resort has reached the half- renovation project that includes its has wrapped up a $21
way mark in its 22-month construc- 503 guest rooms, the lobby and bar ar- million renovation.
tion process. On track for a Decem- eas as well as an upgrade to the 35,000
Tadeu Brunelli / Hyatt
ber 2020 opening, the project will be sf of meeting space. Included in the
RENOVATION
the first ground-up gaming resort in phased redo are enhancements to the 43,000-sf area of the resort’s beach-
historic downtown Las Vegas since hotel’s food and beverage offerings Hyatt Regency Aruba front outdoor space. The oasis will
1980. Located on the iconic Fremont as well as to the penthouse Sheraton include 10 private pool cabanas
Street Experience, the spectacular Club, which features a lounge and an Resort Spa and each with a private entrance and
1.25 million-sf, 777-room property al fresco dining terrace. The property Casino Completes stairway into a sleek, tension edge,
Renovation
SNEAK PEEK
will stand as the tallest structure is adjacent to the Puerto Rico Conven- adults-only pool designed to make
north of the Las Vegas Strip. Circa’s Harrah’s Las Vegas puts attendees in the heart of everything, with its tion Center. It opened in November attendees feel as though they are
offerings will include new food and prime location at the center of the Las Vegas Strip and connected to 2009. The improvements are sched- ARUBA — Hyatt Regency Aruba floating on the water. Additional
beverage concepts to be announced CAESARS FORUM, opening March 2020. With all redesigned stylish, uled to be completed in Q4 2020. has completed a multiyear, mul- features will include outdoor show-
throughout the year. contemporary guest rooms and a stunning designer lobby. timillion-dollar renovation. The ers, a beach hut that will house
SPECIAL OFFER
project started with a $21 million, towels for guests, use of the resort’s
DESTINATION NEWS Hyatt Regency Hill top-to-bottom renovation of their hallmark natural stone walls, and
Convention Center, Team San Jose also and craft-able catering. Avaya Stadium, 359 rooms and suites. During Q1, an outdoor space for weddings and
Country Resort and
San Jose Offers manages several cultural facilities, in- home of Major League Soccer’s San the resort is going to elevate their events, fully equipped with the lat-
cluding four historic theaters: San Jose Jose Earthquakes, is located adjacent Spa Offers Program guest experience by remodeling a est in audio-visual capabilities.
Planners Options for Civic, Center for the Performing Arts, to the San Jose International Airport. It for Planners
Meetings of All Types California Theatre and Montgomery boasts North America’s largest outdoor
SAN JOSE, CA — With more than Theater. Each can host indoor and out- bar, which can host up to 500 people. SAN ANTONIO, TX — Hyatt Re-
DESTINATION NEWS
4,000 hotel rooms throughout the city, door events, receptions and meetings The stadium can hold 18,000 attendees gency Hill Country Resort and Spa, experience as never seen in the Ca-
a world-class, 520,000-sf high-tech as well as offer top-quality entertain- while offering a wide variety of flexible the premier Texas Hill Country resort San Juan’s New ribbean opens in the spring. From a
convention center, and a variety of ment from major performers. A local meeting and event venues amongst its is offering a 2020 “Texas Two Step” 177 room ALOFT hotel, an exhila-
neighborhoods and experiences to en- favorite, The Hayes Mansion, provides many luxury suites and club seats. The program for meetings. The program Entertainment rating urban zip line, a variety of
gage any meeting, San Jose, California 33,000 sf of versatile function space, 7UP Epicenter at the stadium offers includes customized experiences as Complex, El Distrito restaurants, bars, lounges, the first
offers a variety of old and new unique including 24 meeting rooms, a 6,600-sf views of the stadium and the Mt. Ham- well as cost-saving meeting options SAN JUAN, PR — Puerto Rico is day/night disco, and eight premi-
meeting spaces. In addition to manag- ballroom, large outdoor spaces and ex- ilton landscape, and can host events and so groups can enjoy an authentic Hill a prime destination for meetings, um movie theaters, the 360,000-sf,
ing and operating the San Jose McEnery pansive lawns perfect for team building activities for as many as 4,000 people. Country visit. “With the new year ap- incentives, conferences and events state-of-the-art entertainment, re-
proaching, we are launching a new — especially when El Distrito, an tail and dining project combines the
meeting offer focusing on teambuild- immersive, multisensorial, audio- best in art, music, technology and
NEW CONSTRUCTION
outdoor pools. The resort also will ing experiences that groups can only visual and technologically advanced hospitality.
Margaritaville feature 72,000 sf of indoor/outdoor find here in the heart of Texas Hill
meeting space. The Margaritaville Country,” said John Hernstat, direc-
Lake Resort, Lake Lake Resort, Lake Conroe, will tor of sales and marketing at Hyatt El Distrito
Conroe Houston, be part of Benchmark’s signature Regency Hill Country Resort and
Opening Summer brand, Benchmark Resorts & Spa. Depending on group size, plan-
2020 Hotels. “Benchmark is very excited
to be part of this groundbreaking
ners can choose one or two perks.
The resort features the 20,200-sf In-
THE WOODLANDS, TX — project that will bring the iconic dependence Ballroom which is com-
BENCHMARK will operate Margaritaville brand to the Houston plemented by adjacent pre-function
the first Margaritaville Resort market, and to our neighbors space and a 13,000-sf event lawn, as
in Texas. The resort will offer throughout the Lone Star State, well as the 13,590-sf Hill Country
an 18-hole golf course, a 3-acre and beyond,” says Alex Cabañas, Ballroom which houses receptions
waterpark with a lazy river and Benchmark CEO. for up to 1,800 guests. Courtesy El Distrito San Juan
6 January 2020 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | January 2020 7
2020 Dining Trend #3 | Puffed the Magic Snack
PERSPECTIVE // We have always been told chips are an unhealthy snack
option and to stay away from them. There are new products
on the market, however, that are providing healthier versions
of chips. With ingredients such as chickpeas, beets, quinoa
“ Consumers are now
demanding sustainability
and kale, these snacks are going to make ‘snacking’ OK.
Top-10 Dining Trends for 2020 2020 Dining Trend #4 | Jackfruit — Now & Beyond
in packaging. Whether it’s
BY PATRICK BERWALD
The newest go-to meat substitute is jackfruit. Already
being used as an alternative for barbecue pulled pork, SWAPPING OUT
jackfruit, from Southeast Asia, is a great source of iron,
calcium and B vitamins. The texture mimics pulled pork Styrofoam and plastic for
and will soon become a force in the food industry as a
meat alternative. paper or bamboo, or buying
Bold colors and
plant-based dining
will dominate
2020 Dining Trend #5 | Fruit Forward
Unique fruit flavors, such as cactus, are taking mixology
ingredients from sustainable
menus in 2020. ideation by storm. Spiny cactus fruits such as prickly pear
and dragon fruit are piquing consumer interest. Prickly
sources, sustainability will
pear yields a flavorful, ruby-colored juice, while dragon
fruit gets attention because of its sweet/sour flavor. Con- sweep THE ENTIRE
”
sumers are also exploring bergamot orange, yuzu, cala-
mansi, citron, makrut lime, pomelo, Meyer lemon, blood
orange and ugli fruit. INDUSTRY.
2020 Dining Trend #6 | Dairy Remix
Oat milk is now the golden child of alternative milks. It’s
terrific in coffees, and baristas can barely keep it in stock. pea flower tea, which changes color from blue to purple
So, it makes sense that companies are launching other oat when acidity is added to it.
milk products to help minimize the environmental impacts
associated with animal husbandry. 2020 Dining Trend #9 | More Traceability
Consumers are now demanding sustainability in pack-
2020 Dining Trend #7 | Sparkling Results aging. Whether it’s swapping out Styrofoam and plastic for
Sparkling water demand is exploding. Operators look- paper or bamboo, or buying ingredients from sustainable
ing to harness these trends and turn them into more sources, sustainability will sweep the entire industry. The
traffic or higher check averages should offer these bev- heightened focus on single-use plastics is not just a fad, but
erages and make sure to promote them on social media. a reality that goes beyond the purge of the plastic straw.
By ensuring diners — particularly younger influencers —
DepositPhotos.com
know what new and exciting drinks are available, opera- 2020 Dining Trend #10 | Ugly Produce
B
tors can count on attracting these new and affluent repeat Food is a terrible thing to waste, and yet 40% of all the
ENCHMARK is looking to the future with aimed at attracting customers interested in trying beverage consumers. food produced in the U.S. goes uneaten because it is imper-
its Top-10 Dining Trends for 2020. The new, eco-friendly, plant-based ingredients. Restau- fect. Now, consumers are finally accepting misshapen and
trends were observed by Benchmark’s rants have also begun to incorporate the oil into their 2020 Dining Trend #8 | Bright & Bold bruised foods as edible. Start-up food companies that send
executive chefs and culinary experts at menus, both for drinks and food. CBD-infused drinks Color generates emotional appeal with food — it may be boxes of said fruit and vegetables directly to the customer’s
the company’s 80 luxury hotels, resorts are also quickly gaining momentum as serious con- as important as taste. Color and functionality collide with home will encourage consumers to buy nutritious produce
and restaurants coast to coast, offshore tenders in the popular beverage market, including: ingredients such as blue algae, beet, matcha and butterfly that tastes fine, but is physically flawed. C&IT
and internationally. sparkling waters, coffees, teas, energy drinks, beer,
In addition to offering engaging experiences to wine and mixed alcoholic beverages.
each and every guest, Benchmark’s position on food
and beverage is to offer the opportunity to learn, focus 2020 Dining Trend #2 | PATRICK BERWALD
on wellness and be part of something greater. The Plant Ecosystem Berwald, vice president, Food & Beverage with Benchmark, came to the company
More people are choosing to move away from beef, with a distinguished, two-decade career of food and beverage leadership. He
2020 Dining Trend #1 | Notorious CBD pork and poultry as plant-based food alternatives are received his formal culinary training at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, France. He earned
The CBD food trend has exploded in the last 12 being provided for meat and dairy. Chefs are re-cre- his B.S. in Hospitality Administration at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and
months. Coffee shops and cafes are now boasting a ating meat and dairy flavors from non-meat and non- attended Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, focusing on Hospitality
startling array of offerings infused with CBD oil, dairy products such as soy, peas, cashews and almonds. Finance and Marketing. Berwald is active within the American Hotel & Restaurant
Association and the National Restaurant Association.
8 January 2020 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | January 2020 9
F&B TRENDS //
DINING TAILORED TO
GROUPS
Planners Are Going
All-in on Dining Concepts
BY SOPHIA BENNETT
C
reating exciting dining con- ings absolutely unforgettable — where
cepts for groups of all sizes attendees walk away with not just the
continues to grow in impor- key messages of the meeting, but those
tance as the event industry experiences that drive connections to
evolves. “With groups, I the company or the venue — are the ones
think there’s more oppor- who are going to be successful. Success
tunity to deliver experiences that can will be about who can unlock a culture
not just promote the goals of a particular of creativity and artisanship routinely
meeting, but which can be exception- across their brand and hotels.”
ally experiential,” says Matthew Von Content is still key to creating out-
Ertfelda, senior vice president, food and standing meetings, but meals can be a
beverage, global operations for Marriott surprisingly important part of reinforc-
International. “Meetings today have to be ing an event’s theme and creating a last-
so much more than they’ve ever been in ing and positive impression of a brand
Attendees at a Marriott event
watched Marriott chefs cook the past, and the levels of creativity are or gatherings. Von Ertfelda and other
rib-eye, lamb, Dungeness just going to continue to grow,” he said. event industry professionals share a
crab, and paella over open “The meeting planners who understand wealth of creative ideas for dining con-
flame for a themed meal. that and also understand that they have cepts that provide much more than a
to deliver experiences that make meet- chance to refuel.
10 January 2020 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | January 2020 11
Big vs. Small vide them with multiple dining experi- and amazing desserts all go a long way use of outdoor space. For Planners and chefs
To some extent, size matters when it ences rather than sticking to the same to ensuring a best-in-class, intimate dinner one night, the local should team up to
comes to creating great dining experi- food service concept for everyone. It feeling dining experience.” events team organized ensure meals are as
ences for groups. “What’s great about elevates the experience, she says, as “The one constant between large and live fire cooking along the
delicious for 1,000
attendees as they are
the larger groups as opposed to the well as creating diversity in food offer- small groups is that you have to think of banks of the Port Orchard for 20 attendees.
smaller ones is you’re able to offer ings, increases intimacy, and helps han- all the options you need no matter the River, which ran next to the
much more selection,” says Donald dle issues such as crowd control and size of the group, such as any allergies picturesque event venue.
Ross, vice president of Meeting Opera- risk management. “When you break and how to have options to fit the whole Attendees watched Mar- tion to something, you
tions, Las Vegas for Caesars Entertain- formidable challenges into manageable crowd,” says Kelly Biggs, director of riott chefs cook rib-eye, need a headline,” Von Ert-
ment. “If you have 100 people, typically sizes, it opens up space for innovation sales at Jackson & Company, a full-ser- locally raised whole lamb, felda says. “You have to
you wouldn’t offer several food stations and creativity.” vice event planning and catering com- Dungeness crab, and paella shock them. I think it was
“
because it’s just too many. pany in Houston, Texas. over the flames. “A local pretty shocking for attend-
It gets too costly. When “Smaller groups focus on farmer even brought in a ees to walk in and see a
you have the larger groups,
Meetings today have to be so details other than food mobile garden that allowed bowhunter with a bow. But
you have to have so many much more than they’ve ever offerings as well, and attendees to snip greens then to have this delicious
points of service that been in the past, and the levels thus you have to think for their own customized meal and this interesting
you can almost do a food of creativity are just going to of the whole experience salad,” Von Ertfelda says. conversation — it really
hall.” The ability to offer continue to grow. for them.” That includes “It was an unforgettable made an impact.”
a wide variety of beer, MATTHEW VON ERTFELDA seating arrangements, experience from an F&B For a recent corporate
wine, cocktails and other Senior Vice President napkin and tablecloth perspective. It took advan- Photo by Joy Asico / Courtesy Omni Hotels & Resorts event, Richardson staged
Food and Beverage, Global Operations
beverage options is also Marriott International colors, room décor and tage of the natural beauty a celebrity-chef-versus-
expanded, he points out. people’s comfort level. of the surroundings. It eliminated the participants a totally unexpected sight resort-chef competition. The chefs did
But bigger isn’t nec- “A key question to ask boundary between the chefs and the when they entered the dining room a key ingredient challenge similar to
essarily better. “Large groups present Devin Burns, vice president of yourself is what type of arrangements artisans and the attendees. Attendees for dinner — a bowhunter displaying the ones done on a popular Food Net-
logistical challenges that require pains- Food & Beverage for Omni Hotels and — menu, service style, room setup — are could talk to the chefs and feel the live- a snakehead, an invasive, eel-like fish work show. It was a huge hit.
taking precision, mathematics and the Resorts, follows a similar philosophy. going to provide your group with the fire experience in a way that would be now commonly found in the Potomac “In another experience, we cre-
operational excellence of a military “The goal for large events is to make best overall experience,” Burns says. impossible in a traditional meeting set- River. Once attendees got over their ated a dessert reveal in which drapes
maneuver,” says Tiffany Richardson, them feel smaller and more intimate,” “Some of the fundamentals are the same ting.” When the event concluded, the shock, they could talk to the hunter parted to present an aerialist perfor-
president of Current Affairs, an event he says. “This is accomplished by pro- regardless of the size of the group. For reusable dishes were washed and the about his sport and the fish’s impact on mance,” she says. “Behind her, a giant
production and planning company viding enough servers, food and bar sta- example, the service should always embers were tossed into Puget Sound, the local ecosystem. When dinner was round table that was about 20 feet in
in Hawaii. “When quantity of people tions. This is also done by making sure be thoughtful and friendly. Hot food making it a ‘leave no trace’ opportunity served, everyone sat down to a portion diameter was lowered from the ceiling
increases, the quality of food and ser- that the food is as delicious for a group should always be served hot, on time that spoke directly to the event’s theme. of snakehead on their plate, so they brimming with desserts. A pastry chef
vice can decrease. of 1,000 as it is for a group of 20. High- and delicious. However, other elements At a sustainability-focused event Von could try eating the fish and learn about was on hand to serve.” Don’t forget, she
When Richardson has large groups, quality meats, local vegetables, creative should be varied based on the size of Ertfelda attended, the Marriott opera- how consuming invasive species has adds, “Clients and attendees want ele-
she tends to think about ways to pro- salads, well-orchestrated wine service the group, including number of service tor put a sign with a QR code next to become an important part of their man- vated experiences where food is art and
staff, and the number of stations and each food station. “Attendees would agement in venues around the world. entertainment. Today’s attendee eats
Courtesy Matthew Von Ertfelda
bars should be adjusted to the size of click on it and they would get a video “If you want attendees to pay atten- with their eyes. We all crave food that’s
the group. There is nothing worse for with a story behind the worthy of Instagram.”
the attendee or the venue than to have dish and how it spoke to Memorable experi-
an amazing food or mixology station sustainability,” he says. ences don’t have to be so
not being enjoyed because of long lines “We’re always thinking over-the-top. Richardson
or inadequate staffing.” about, ‘How do you unlock has also had good luck
a narrative behind the food with putting a fresh twist
Dining That Reflects a Theme and behind the event that on more traditional din-
Group meals present a great oppor- jives with the broader pur- ing options. “For groups
tunity to illustrate the themes and con- pose of a meeting?’” that have already enjoyed
tent being abstractly discussed during a a typical luau, we have
meeting. At a recent event for Marriott Dining as an Experience reimagined the experi-
general managers in Seattle, attendees ‘Experiential’ is the hot- ence with a new expres-
were sharing ideas for low-impact meet- test word in events right sion,” she says. “It could
ings and gatherings that make smart now, and mealtime can be a luau that returns to
definitely be a moment to authenticity and heralds
give people an experience
Large groups give planners an they’ll never forget. When
opportunity to get creative not Mealtime can be
Marriott hosted a meeting
only with preparing food, but a moment to give
for managers in Washing- attendees an experience
serving it as well. ton, D.C., the team gave Courtesy Omni Hotels & Resorts
they won’t soon forget.
12 January 2020 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | January 2020 13
Dining experiences that reflect The Lodge at Sea Island
local cuisines and cultures are
increasingly popular with today’s
event attendees.
The best keeps getting better.
and receptions because they want to
move around the dining room. They
want to network and talk. That’s why
food stations are becoming so popular.”
Von Ertfelda is also a fan of food
stations because they help the dining
portion of events be more interactive,
social and conducive to collaboration.
“They give you more control of food
Photo Courtesy Current Affairs waste and the ability to bring local arti-
back to a more ancestral experience “They built a Lucha Libre wrestling sans and authentic culinary and mixol-
with floor seating and ancient Hawai- venue in the middle of this outdoor ogy techniques forward in a more fun,
ian lawn games. It could also be a more venue and orchestrated Mexican street animating way for attendees,” he adds.
artistic interpretation of an all-white food around it,” Von Ertfelda says. The Another alternative to plated din-
luau or black-light experiences.” exposure to local food and local culture ners is serving food family style. There
served as an excellent example of how are some fun twists that can be used as
Other Trends in Group Dining hotel managers could bring the flavor an alternative to passing heaping plat-
Food can be a powerful way to of their area to guests at their property. ters from person to person. “Having
tell a story. Richardson uses that to With larger groups come more unique food displays that are slightly
her advantage when putting together diverse dietary limitations and pref- raised above the centerpieces on each
memorable meal concepts. “In an erences. It’s important to offer foods table encourages more conversation
experience where attendees have that will appeal to all eaters. “Back
traveled to multiple islands in Hawaii, in the day, if we were having a meal
and culinary exploration,” Richardson
says. “It encourages guests to make With more meeting space, more rooms,
and amenities for your clients.
we’ve planned a finale evening where and somebody wanted a vegetarian connections across the dinner table.”
each course stars a food or ingredient meal, you’d just give them a bunch of Says Burns, “I’m a big fan of vary-
“
that’s significant or sacred to a ing the styles of service within
specific island of their visit.” a meal. For example, start the
Dining experiences that We always have to meal with a feasting board
reflect local cuisines and cul- be ahead of the of bread, meats, cheeses and
tures are still very popular trend in curating spreads pre-set on each table.
with today’s event attendees. the next adventure. Then moving to a table-side
“As people’s tastes become tossed salad, followed by a tradi-
increasingly sophisticated and TIFFANY RICHARDSON tional plated and served entrée
President
cosmopolitan, there’s an ongo- Current Affairs which is accompanied by fam-
ing movement to bring forward ily style sides. Then to finish it
what’s locally loved,” Richard- all off, why not add a dessert
son says. “We always have to action station presented as a Beautiful Waterfront Meeting 18-hole Putting Course New Pool and Pool House
be ahead of the trend in curating the vegetables,” Ross says. “That doesn’t grand unveiling to ‘wow’ and nightcap and Event space
next adventure.” For events in Hawaii, fly anymore. Put as much effort into the perfect event.”
T
she’s arranged for spam musubi to be vegetarian meals as non-vegetarian Biggs says strolling dinners are he Lodge at Sea Island, surrounded by two championship golf courses and twice named
served alongside a short rib musubi, or meals. Everyone eating in the dining popular in Houston right now. Guests the #1 Hotel in the U.S. by U.S. News and World Report, has introduced new meeting and
tofu poké to be served in addition to room should have an equal experience. are guided through various stations
event space, six cottages with sleeping rooms, a pool, pool house, and 18-hole putting
the traditional fish dish. “Those small When we do tastings now, we focus serving appetizers, first courses, sal-
elements of surprise delight attendees.” as much on the vegetarian and vegan ads, soups, entrees and desserts. What
course. Now with 57 sleeping rooms and more than 11,500 square feet of meeting and event
Von Ertfelda describes an F&B entrées. We’re also labeling food to let makes this concept different from the space, The Lodge is the perfect location for your next incentive trip, board of directors, or intimate
event that stood out during a meet- people know what they’re eating.” typical buffet is that she focuses on cre- corporate meeting. An all-new state-of-the-art Golf Performance Center debuted in early 2019,
ing of Marriott managers in Cancún. Trends in how food is served are ating interactive ‘chef stations’ where adding even more opportunities for an exceptional experience.
One focus of that meeting was driving important to pay attention to as well. the guests can watch the professional
local relevance with groups that came The days of having big, plated dinners at work. Being able to ask questions
to the property. To illustrate that, the are over, Ross says. “Unless you’re and garner information from these
staff put together a Mexican carni- doing an awards dinner, people are experts beats standing over a standard
val to coincide with dinner one night. going to be more interested in buffets chafing dish any day. C&IT
888-906-8048 • www.seaisland.com
14 January 2020 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com
A
sign of the widespread
INDUSTRY TIPS // integration of technol-
ogy into the meeting
experience comes from
TECH
a respondent quoted in
the American Express
Meetings & Events’ 2020 Global Meet-
ings and Events Forecast. Mobile apps,
says the meeting professional, have
become “the new lanyards.” Like lan-
yards, apps are ubiquitous at conven-
tions, trade shows and many corporate
meetings. But of course, their function-
TRENDS
ality is far greater, facilitating attendee
communication and networking,
document delivery, engagement, sur-
veys and much more.
In the report, Linda McNairy, global
vice president at American Express DepositPhotos.com
Global Business Travel – Meetings offers a word of caution to the consumer Mobile apps have become an
& Events, in Jersey City, New Jersey, in this area. “I will say in the last couple integral and indispensable part of
gives an example of app usage from her of years I feel like off-the-shelf app pro- the meetings and events industry.
own experience: “We recently used viders have maybe over-promised and
a ‘getting to know you’ Q&A in our under-delivered on what is included this,’ and so then the client is delighted
mobile app for our customer council and what can be done. When we get into because they got the people into the
meeting. One key question was ‘How the nitty-gritty of the app, they say ‘We room,” explains Samuel J. Smith,
many of our council meetings have didn’t know you meant this’ function.” managing director of Minneapolis,
you attended? We seeded this ques- For example, she has found limitations Minnesota-based Interactive Meeting
tion knowing that our new global M&E in the wayfinding ability of certain apps, Technology. “Here’s the session title,
leader would answer ‘First time.’ We allowing users to wayfind in the exhibit or here’s what it’s about, wasn’t enough
then segmented the group, based on portion, but not within the ‘maps’ por- of a draw, but that game added an extra
answers, and created team gamification tion of the tool. incentive to get people in.”
challenges. This exercise worked well As in many engagement-oriented
to foster a fun and competitive spirit APP-ASSISTED ENGAGEMENT games, the points lead to prizes, but
between leadership and clients, driv- Attendee engagement is one of the an innovation within SocialPoint is the
ing deeper engagement with this very most dynamic functions of meeting concept of intermediate prizes, which
important group.” Given the versatil- technology today, and meeting apps are attendees can win even if they are not
ity of apps as a meeting tool, it is not supporting that objective, often via gam- point leaders. “We put a big prize wheel
surprising that their use “to support ification. “The creative tools we are see- in the lounge, for example, and then
meetings and events continues to rise ing are games inside of an app, includ- attendees can spin the wheel if they earn
around the world,” McNairy says. ing trivia challenges, scavenger hunts enough points. So the game will actually
Shana Hoy, CMP, CMM, event man- and others that encourage competition tell them, you’ve earned X number of
ager at Husch Blackwell LLP in Kansas amongst attendees,” McNairy says. spins,” Smith says. “Here’s why that’s
City, Missouri, and her team deploy the Among the most robust gamifica- powerful: From an engagement point of
Embrace the Future With These e2m Enterprise Event App to support
one of the company’s annual meetings.
The product offers a full suite of tools,
tion tools is the SocialPoint Audience
Engagement Platform, created by Inter-
active Meeting Technology LLC. The
view, if you have a three-day game you
need to keep everybody engaged, not
just the people who are the top winners.
Latest Meeting Planner Trends including: polling, a social media wall,
personalized agendas, gamification, a
chatbot and a videobot and more. “We
platform can be integrated into popu-
lar event apps such as CrowdCompass.
SocialPoint includes a variety of games
Someone on Day 1 might earn enough
points to boost ahead of everybody, but
someone who’s just discovered the game
utilize a lot of the different functional- that drive different goals. For example, on Day 2 can still win a good prize.”
ities of the app, but not necessarily all of attendees can gain points by attending Apart from gamification, apps can
them at this point,” says Hoy, whose team sessions or demos where they learn support engagement by integrating
BY PATRICK SIMMS “looked at eight to 10 different products about certain products or services. audience polling or Q&A functions.
that had our list of must-haves and like- Many attendees will participate just “The majority of our clients who deploy
to-haves, and did demos of a couple of in order to earn points, but in doing so, a mobile app use polling. Polling can be
DepositPhotos.com others before we settled” on e2m. She they often realize “‘Oh, we actually need included in an event mobile app or as a
16 January 2020 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | January 2020 17
standalone product, and we are seeing and professional look of the product McCann in Kansas City, Missouri. “Deci- Planners may be concerned that
more and more innovation around these increase in recent years. One of the polls sions are largely made in unconscious, attendees will become self-conscious
standalone mobile tools,” McNairy says. you can do is a word cloud, asking what emotional brain regions.” It is thus wearing such a device, which in turn
“We had one client who used polling in is the biggest challenge you’re facing in a highly valuable to be able to “distinguish may inhibit the measurement of their
advance of a meeting to create breakout particular area, and they put up different what people say they ‘like’ from what natural responses. But Carver points
groups moving through the activities of words. This assists the speaker to guide their brains ‘love,’” Carver adds. out that it’s easy to forget one is wear-
the meeting. The overall meeting was the narrative live.” One example of a leader in the ing the band. In addition, “We most often
bringing together two companies fol- biometric technology area is Zenus, a review the data in aggregate because
lowing a merger, so the polling provided MEASURING ENGAGEMENT Houston, Texas-based company that we’re looking for overall event trends.
a mechanism to bring people together in BIOLOGICALLY offers a mountable camera that ana- Thus, attendees have no need to worry
a networking environment and enable The level of participation attendees lyzes facial cues relevant to engage- about being singled out based on their
them to emerge from the meeting with demonstrate in games and polls is cer- ment without actually ‘recognizing’ or specific reactions. Moreover, the solu-
a heightened level of engagement.” tainly one important metric of engage- identifying attendees. Identification is tion only requires 30-35 attendees wear-
There are numerous providers and ment. But technology is also facilitating needed for registration, of course, and ing the device to get robust and reliable
products to choose from in this area, a more direct measurement of engage- facial recognition technology is also results, so if you’re at a conference with DepositPhotos.com
including more than a hundred live poll- ment via biometric data, e.g., facial cues. applicable for that purpose. “The facial thousands, more than likely you can find North America has seen an
“
ing vendors, Smith notes. recognition processing time is plenty of advocates to wear the band.” audience through live text Q&A. Sim- uptick in virtual meetings, while
“But it’s also about how to get still being fine-tuned, and there 2-Live allows interaction through both the number of virtual meetings has
the tools to be utilized at the It’s also about how to get are still a few challenges with the VIRTUAL MEETINGS live text Q&A and via ON24-provided fallen in the Asia-Pacific region.
conference — that’s the chal- the tools to be utilized technology, but ultimately, reg- Hybrid and virtual meetings are phone bridges. “We had a case not too
lenge.” In some cases, the at the conference — istration is more efficient with on the rise in North America and long ago where we set a date for a live
old pen-and-paper approach that’s the challenge. facial recognition,” Carver main- Europe, according to the 2020 Global program and something came up and MEETING MANAGEMENT
to live surveys works better. tains. “Check-in is much quicker Meetings and Event Forecast. “When the speaker could not participate live. Among the latest tech tools that
“We do use SurveyMonkey,” because there is no fumbling comparing the 2019 survey results to We were able to work with the prod- support the logistical side of plan-
Hoy says, “but in all honesty, SHANA HOY, CMP, CMM with tickets or identification, the 2020 results of the percentage of uct to switch it to Simulive, record the ning is EventTraX, offered by One10
Event Manager, Husch Blackwell LLP
in a live program I feel like and it’s more secure. Besides planners who use hybrid/virtual meet- speaker a couple of days ahead of time Marketing, a Minneapolis, Minnesota-
attendees are more apt to streamlining the registration ings in more than 10% of meetings, and still have it be played during the based meetings and incentive company.
answer the six to nine ques- process, facial recognition also North America has seen an uptick in live program time,” Hoy says. According to Patty Ely, One10 senior
tions about your program quickly before It has been argued that these kinds of provides better overall event security. that number, going from 43% to 58%,” A new product on the market this business analyst: “One of our high-tech
they head out of the room. So we’ve metrics, since they are based in uncon- This technology makes it possible for McNairy reports. “Europe has seen an year that supports small hybrid meet- clients expressed a need for a compre-
found that having that sheet of paper scious responses, are better indicators event planners and program managers even larger increase, jumping from 49% ings is Microsoft Surface Hub 2S. The hensive way for conference organiz-
and having them checkmark the boxes of attendees’ actual engagement as well to strengthen security if needed, map to 66%. Central and South America, on successor to Surface Hub has a much ers to manage suppliers and track all
actually gives us a higher percentage of as learning. “While surveys have a role, user behavior and monitor attendee the other hand, had a slight decrease sleeker, 50-inch rotating touchscreen equipment items needed at a confer-
return than trying to send something research shows that self-reports are only engagement levels without inconve- from 76% to 71%, and Asia Pacific that enables video chatting with ence event venue by individual room.
“
out to them after the program.” Hoy also 17% accurate at predicting outcomes like niencing attendees.” also had a slight decrease, One10 developed an
cites “an uptick in usage of Poll Every- information recall and sales growth after A new, wearable form of biomet- from 70% to 66%.” online tool, EventTraX,
where by our speakers in the last couple training,” says Devin Carver, CMP, direc- ric technology comes from a partner- Husch Blackwell’s
Research shows that self- to ensure the proper
of years. We’ve seen both the flexibility tor of sales and marketing with Bishop- ship between Bishop-McCann and meetings operations reflect reports are only 17% accurate equipment is available
Immersion Neuroscience. The prod- the North American trend. at predicting outcomes like from the right supplier,
DepositPhotos.com
uct, known as Immersion Events, con- Hoy notes that “about a information recall and sales in the right place, at the
sists of an app paired with a wristband third” of the company’s growth after training. right time, from event
neurosensor that consistently captures meetings are currently vir- set up to event tear
DEVIN CARVER, CMP
subtle changes in cardiac rhythm that tual, “which is definitely Director, Sales and Marketing
down.” The tool enables
indicate changes in attention, and both up from recent years.” Bishop-McCann the user to assign each
conscious and unconscious emotional The company has been equipment item a tim-
responses. The data is sent to the cloud, using ON24 as its Webi- ing code that determines
allowing meeting hosts and speakers to nar platform for about four years. “It’s team members who appear life sized. when the item must be available for
evaluate, in real time, what aspects of definitely a very professional-based Mounted on a custom-built Steelcase use in the room, and when it must be
the event are creating the most engage- product. I think the user experience is rolling stand, the Surface Hub 2S fea- removed from the room. “EventTraX
ment among participants, whether a very clean, easy to use, and we’re able to tures Windows 10, Microsoft Teams, proved to be so beneficial to the client
certain presentation, message, net- brand it,” she says. Office 365, Microsoft Whiteboard and that One10 is now enhancing the prod-
working location and so on. One of the features of ON24 she finds the intelligent cloud. For companies uct to include food and beverage track-
most convenient is Simulive, where that regularly stage team meetings ing as well,” Ely adds.
Planners can gather biometric data presenters pre-record all presentation with virtual participants and high-tech Hoy’s team recently appropriated
via wearable devices, but attendees materials and deliver them to an audi- needs, investing in this state-of-the-art a project management tool, Wrike, to
may become self-conscious about ence at a designated date and time. The collaborative tool, which is priced at support companywide meetings over-
them and affect the results. presenter can then interact with the about $9,000, may be justified. sight. The tool replaced the Word and
18 January 2020 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | January 2020 19don’t just meet.
At a recent Cisco Live event,
attendees participated in an
electronic trivia game to win prizes.
Connect.
company has recently implemented
the help desk software Zendesk to
provide AI-mediated replies to FAQs
addressed to various service groups,
including Meetings & Events.
Johnson notes that she looks for-
ward to a revamp of the Cvent platform
expected this year. Currently, the intake
form “resides on a portal with a hyper-
link that says ‘click here for the meeting
request form.’ It can’t be a designed icon,
for example. People don’t have time to
read; but they do go right to an icon and
Photo Courtesy Samuel J. Smith
there’s not iconic graphics right now, so
Excel docs that were being used to track to such a program. Cvent, the major that’s a limitation. Cvent says they’re
‘to-do’ items and the event pipeline, player in this space, offers a scalable, going to make the ‘look’ and ‘feel’ better,
which includes more than 250 events automated platform that supports the and the intake form itself will be more
per year. “I’m really excited about SMMP at Northbrook, Illinois-based robust and have conditional logic for a
Wrike because we’ll be able to set up UL LLC, a global safety, sustainability better user experience.”
templates, so when a new event comes and security certification company. “A Last month, Cvent enhanced its
in you can pop that template in and group outside of our team built their platform through a partnership with
assign it to one of the event planners on own in-house, central calendar for miMeetings, a leading provider of
the team. I, as a manager, can go in and just their events, but their system is managed ground transportation solu-
see where they’re at in the process and not enterprise-wide and there were tions for meetings and events. Accord-
see if they’re falling behind or if some- no triggers, automation and workflows ing to Cvent, planners can now source,
one has additional availability,” Hoy underneath it all, and that’s something select and compare multiple ground
explains. “And each team member can that’s really needed,” explains Victo- transportation vendor bids and nego-
customize those checklists and then ria Johnson, CMP, CMM, global man- tiate pricing directly within the Cvent
“
have a daily summary platform; eliminate
across all their events.” transportation errors
American Express
When somebody registers an with patented flight vali-
Meetings & Events event in the Cvent platform, dation through real-time
offers meeting man- an internal company can FAA connectivity; and
agement tools such as customize all of the workflows so leverage comprehensive
Attendify and Meetings they can be triggered. post-event account-
Express. Planners using ing and reporting by
VICTORIA JOHNSON, CMP, CMM
these tools benefit from Global Manager, Strategic Meetings Management,
incorporating ground
“a complete view of all Global Meetings & Events Services at UL LLC transportation spend
attendee records, event directly into Cvent’s
data, and custom fields budgeting tools.
from integrations all in one place,” ager, Strategic Meetings Management, The best tech tools on the market,
McNairy says. “All of our solutions Global Meetings & Events Services at like the Cvent platform, are regularly
drive key data into Meetings Insights, UL. “When somebody registers an evolving in response to planner needs.
our data and reporting platform, so that event in the Cvent platform, an inter- Hoy has provided feedback to tech pro-
we can enable valuable insights for our nal company can customize all of the viders she works with, and says that in
customers into both their individual workflows so they can be triggered. many cases her suggested changes have
meetings or events as well as across For example, if sourcing is needed, been incorporated. “I don’t know that
their entire meetings program.” it’s triggered to the sourcing group. any product is perfect, but a lot of them Get together in Silicon Valley.
The most comprehensive approach So it’s an intake form that’s scalable, are really close,” she says. Sometimes,
A walkable downtown just 3.9 miles from our international airport.
to companywide meeting manage- automated and customizable.” UL’s instead of shopping for a new event app
An innovative convention center with 520,000 square feet of event space.
ment is of course the strategic meet- Meetings & Events Services group or meeting management software tool, it
ings management program (SMMP), also fields various requests and FAQs pays to stick with a familiar product and And more than 4,000 committable hotel rooms citywide.
and a tech platform is indispensable not handled through Cvent, and the push for a little improvement. C&IT Find everything you need for your next meeting in San Jose.
sanjose.org/meetings
20 January 2020 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comBY SOPHIA BENNET T access and relaxed visa requirements for balconies for enjoying the nice weather.
DESTINATION //
T
visitors from Asian countries. Corporate “The convention center’s meeting
he promise of hot sun, sandy and incentive travelers seeking an inter- space is incredible, as there is a lot to work
beaches and beautiful scen- national destination with its own distinct with,” Baumann says. “The sales office
ery is enough to lure many culture and vibe who also value modern provided excellent support throughout
planners to the islands of amenities necessary for business travel the planning process. We understand
the Bahamas, Caribbean — high-speed Wi-Fi, bilingual hotel staff, that the process takes a village, and their
and Puerto Rico. But there infrastructure to host large-scale events willingness to listen helped quell our
are plenty of other reasons to plan a — appreciate the ‘best of both worlds’ worries for the event. While on prop-
meeting or incentive trip in this area. atmosphere the Caribbean offers.” erty, we always had one direct on-site
“Who doesn’t get excited about a visit The Grand Hyatt Baha Mar is an contact, who proved to be absolutely
to the Caribbean?” asks Carolina Voul- 1,800-room hotel that features the great. He was incredibly responsive and
lieme León, director of Sales and Market- Caribbean’s largest casino, the Carib- truly understood our program and what
ing at the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stel- bean’s first and only flagship ESPA spa, we were trying to achieve. We were also
laris Casino. “A trip to a tropical island the 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Royal Blue pleased with the resort’s catering capa-
is a big motivator for incentive trips, and Golf Course and Racquet Club, six mul- bilities — the presentation, timing and
further excites corporate groups for their tilevel pools and more than 40 food taste were fantastic.”
event. We tend to see attendees in high
spirits and really enjoying themselves,
which ultimately enhances the overall
ambiance of their corporate event.”
Given that tourism is a major focus in
the region, there are plenty of properties
for planners to consider. The hospitality
provided by locals is unmatched. Food-
ies will revel in the local cuisine, and
attendees excited to learn about differ-
ent cultures can do it without traveling
too far from home.
Bahamas
Mabelle Catania, director of Sales
and Marketing for the SLS Baha Mar
in Nassau, provides a summary of the
Bahamas’ geography and attractiveness
to planners. “The Bahamas is an archi- and beverage outlets. The adjacent Grand Hyatt Baha Mar features
pelago with more than 700 islands and Performing Arts and Convention Cen-
the Caribbean’s largest casino and
more than 40 F&B outlets.
cays starting just 50 miles southeast of ter offers 200,000 sf of flexible indoor
the coast of Florida. It is a safe and wel- and outdoor spaces.
coming destination. Easily accessible Norma Baumann, a senior account SLS Baha Mar features 299 guest
from many cities in the United States, manager at BI Worldwide, worked rooms, 109 of which are suites, and
the Bahamas are just a 35-minute flight with a large company to host its Presi- several dining and drinking options,
from Miami and less than three hours dent’s Club at the Grand Hyatt Baha including Skybar, the only rooftop
from New York City. With hundreds of Mar last summer. The nearly 1,800 lounge in the Caribbean. It shares
direct flights from major cities includ- guests who attended had an out- many of the amenities located on the
ing Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and Den- standing experience. Baha Mar properties, including the spa,
ver, as well as Canada and the U.K., the “As we were planning a President’s casino, golf course, championship rac-
Bahamas is an unbeatable location to Club event, the quality of lodging had quet club and luxury stores. The hotel
host meetings and incentive groups.” to be suitable for our attendees,” she itself has 12,000 sf of event space.
The Islands of the Bahamas “Nassau is an ideal meeting and
incentive destination in the Caribbean
says. “With 1,800 luxury rooms, Grand
Hyatt Baha Mar had the inventory to
The Society for Incentive Travel
Excellence (SITE) recently took 280
and the Caribbean Offer Plenty of that feels remote while also being easily
accessible,” says Braedan Quigley, direc-
keep our entire group together, and the
high-end resort feel was aligned with
incentive travel professionals to Baha
Mar for its annual SITE Classic, a fun-
Sun-Splashed Destinations and Venues tor of Sales and Marketing at Grand
Hyatt Baha Mar. “International compa-
what we were looking for.” Guests
appreciated the Bahamian-inspired
draiser to support research and edu-
cation in the industry. “Baha Mar is
nies with a global presence also appre- artwork and colors in the airy rooms, simply breathtaking — from the art-
ciate its excellent international flight many of which had ocean views and filled spaces to the views of fountains,
DepositPhotos.com
22 January 2020 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | January 2020 23You can also read
