In today’s experience-first business environment, theme parks offer more than a change of scenery, they offer a change in mindset. For planners looking to deliver measurable motivation with a side of magic, it might be time to swap the boardroom for the rollercoaster.

When planning corporate events, partnering with Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVBs) and Destination Management Companies (DMCs) can often save corporate meeting planners time and money, while streamlining the entire planning process by leveraging these organizations’ vendor networks, negotiating prowess and local expertise.

Today’s planners — and attendees — are not only looking at the overall design of an outdoor event, but they are also focusing on the unique elements that make al fresco experiences truly shine.

The best events are meant to both educate and inspire, and planners have found that mountain resort destinations — with their tranquil grounds, stunning views and majestic backdrops — provide inspiration all their own.

With record temps and more extreme weather events happening around the globe, what does this mean for the global meeting-and-event space?

Planners have a unique opportunity to make a positive impact by incorporating sustainable practices into their events and including sustainability mandates into their RFPs.

There is a growing trend of hosting corporate and incentive meetings in second-tier cities, which can provide a cost savings as well as a change of pace for groups that have frequented the same big cities year after year.

Renewal of body and mind can help facilitate attendee connections, cohesion and productivity, and there’s no better setting for that than America’s inspiring mountains.

Attendees don’t just want to be taken to a luxury beach spot and left alone. They want to experience local customs, local foods and feel welcome.

Thanks to a wealth of new, renovated and “coming soon” properties, meeting planners have an unparalleled canvas to offer them for their next meeting or event.