The Bahamas is ideal for team-building experiences. Photo courtesy of ALHI

When the snow starts falling and the temperature begins to plunge, many people’s thoughts turn to warmer locales for corporate meetings and incentive travel. Even during the hotter months, the Caribbean has proven to be a great option for corporations looking to host a gathering in a memorable, exotic destination.

Jamaica

Jamaica is the ultimate destination for corporate events — offering the perfect blend of convenience, world-class infrastructure, and unforgettable experiences that today’s planners and corporate attendees desire.

With convenient airlift from major international gateways, Jamaica is easily accessible for global attendees. The island also boasts an impressive inventory of leading hotels and resorts tailored to the meetings and incentive market, as well as major venues such as the Montego Bay Convention Centre or Jamaica Conference Centre, capable of hosting large-scale conferences and exhibitions.

However, what truly sets Jamaica apart is its ability to transform any event into an immersive experience. With everything from amazing natural attractions, first-class golf courses and vibrant offsite venues to duty-free shopping, local craft markets and unmatched dining, there is no shortage of opportunities for planners to both impress and inspire their groups.

Ellie Soucy, CITP, president and CEO of Incentive Meeting Services, has held several incentive trips in Jamaica with groups as large as 800 people, and she has two more events taking place in the island nation next year, with repeat clients that asked to return to this stunning locale.

“Jamaica is one of our most requested destinations, as once you have been here, you want to come back for more,” Soucy says. “Our company will be returning and bringing over 1,000 people to Jamaica in 2026.”

Soucy and her team try to look for all-inclusive resorts with a AAA rating of at least four diamonds or higher. They also seek venues that offer opportunities for excursions, easy airlift and good weather.

“The destination also must have competitive rates both on property and outside,” Soucy says. “There are other great islands in the Caribbean, but it is expensive to go out to restaurants or [go] shopping. Clients nowadays want to explore and [have] adventure, and they don’t want to spend a lot of money. The next generation wants to see those Instagram-able moments and experience [them] hands-on as much as possible.”

Jamaica also offers a wide range of curated activities ideal for team-building and networking — whether it’s a private catamaran cruise, a rum tasting at a historic estate or a reggae-themed reception on the beach.

Most importantly, Jamaica’s warm, welcoming people and rich cultural heritage remain at the heart of every experience. From the beat of the music to the flavors of its world-famous cuisine, Jamaica delivers authentic connections that resonate with corporate travelers long after they leave the island paradise.

To ensure a seamless corporate event, meeting planners should leverage the Jamaica Tourist Board’s groups and conventions department, which offers planning support, site visit coordination, RFP assistance and local product sourcing. Soucy also advises corporate meeting planners to take advantage of the Jamaican culture by incorporating authentic touches — such as craft markets, natural attractions, scenic excursions and the inclusion of offsite venues. In addition, by adding elements such as reggae entertainment, rum tastings, steel bands, natural art and local cuisine, your event will celebrate the natural joys of Jamaica and help create memorable, immersive experiences.

“Plenty of meeting space both inside and outside the ballroom — with the ocean as your backdrop — makes this a natural landscape for sustainability,” Soucy says. “Take full advantage of what is already here, because it is unique to the other islands and comes with a smile and ‘yeah mon,’ as the locals want to please you and have you come back for more!”

Dominican Republic

For many corporate groups interested in an exotic Caribbean getaway, the Dominican Republic has proven to be an excellent low-cost alternative. The island offers world-class resorts, pristine beaches, off-the-beaten-path ecotourism opportunities and fantastic golfing opportunities for gatherings of all sizes.

Specifically, Casa de Campo Resort & Villas in the Dominican Republic boasts plenty of flexible meeting space, thoughtfully distributed across three distinctive conference centers — each designed to elevate business and social gatherings alike. For corporate and incentive groups seeking unique outdoor settings for private events, the resort offers an impressive portfolio of unique venues to deliver unforgettable experiences in an extraordinary Caribbean setting.

Brittany Clark, senior account manager at Além International Management, Inc., has held two high-end incentive programs for 50 to 60 couples at Casa de Campo. One group of attendees was from the automotive industry, while the other was from the marine industry.

“For our incentive programs, we seek properties that go beyond the standard resort experience,” Clark says. “We value destinations that offer exceptional service, outstanding activities, world-class spa facilities and personalized experiences designed to meet the unique preferences of each guest. The Caribbean offers an ideal setting for both planners and guests, with its vibrant culture, exceptional cuisine, warm hospitality and a wide array of exciting activities.”

Clark says the key to a successful event in the Caribbean lies in partnering with a trusted and reliable venue.

“From the moment guests arrive at the airport, to the time they set foot on the property, every aspect of their experience should exceed expectations,” Clark says. “With the right partner, an exceptional program becomes not only possible but a reality. Fortunately for our company and clients, Casa de Campo has consistently delivered on this promise.”

One of the most iconic and unparalleled elements of the resort is Altos de Chavón, an incredible replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village. Perched above the Chavón River, this architectural gem transports guests to the cobblestone streets and stone facades of old-world Europe — a setting as dramatic as it is romantic. Altos de Chavón also features a collection of versatile spaces that can accommodate groups of up to 500, making them ideal for cocktail receptions, themed dinners or cultural performances under the stars.

Among the most sought-after event spaces within Altos de Chavón is Chavón Plaza. Located in the heart of the village, this open-air venue offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding hills and village skyline. Equally captivating is the Altos de Chavón Amphitheater, a majestic 5,000-seat open-air venue that has hosted world-renowned performers. Inaugurated by Frank Sinatra in the 1980s, this historic amphitheater remains a show-stopping location for concerts, ceremonies and grand group events.

If an oceanside celebration is what you’re after, Casa de Campo’s Minitas Beach offers a pristine, private stretch of sand on which to host events for up to 600. Adjacent to the beach is the Minitas Beach Club, which features a stylish pool deck overlooking the Caribbean Sea, providing attendees with the perfect view of the destination’s breathtaking sunsets.

Atlantis Paradise Island in The Bahamas. Photo courtesy of ALHI

The Bahamas

For Kristi Allan, group vice president of partnerships and events at Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI), The Bahamas has proven to be the perfect idyllic Caribbean locale for hosting corporate and incentive events. This includes the ALHI Executive Exchange, a conference that assembles the most influential decision makers from the MICE industry, including ALHI leadership and executives, as well as representatives from ALHI member hotels. This three-day event features discussions on industry trends, keynote speakers, professional development, destination experiences and significant networking opportunities.

Recently, Allan planned the ALHI Executive Exchange for 350 attendees at the lush, oceanside Atlantis Paradise Island. The resort boasts more than 500,000 sf of indoor/outdoor flexible meeting space with state-of-the-art technology, plus an array of interactive experiences customizable for groups both large and small. The property features 61 unique meeting spaces, including ballrooms, boardrooms, hospitality suites and outdoor venues.

“What made the event truly memorable was our collaboration with the expert team at Atlantis Paradise Island and local DMC partners. We embraced the spirit of the Bahamas by incorporating local customs, cuisine and entertainment, creating an authentic and immersive experience,” Allan says. “Various resort venues were transformed into unique activation zones, each with its own distinct theme, energy and entertainment style.”

Indeed, Atlantis Paradise Island provides the perfect setting to host team-building experiences for all ages. From games and events to leadership and problem-solving exercises, the activities at Atlantis emphasize essential skills and foster effective collaboration in a fun, dynamic environment.

The grand finale for the ALHI event was the group’s “Passport to The Bahamas” evening — a captivating, experiential journey through seven islands. Each stop highlighted the unique culture and character of a different island, offering attendees an unforgettable taste of The Bahamas.

Atlantis also boasts the award-winning Mandara Spa and Fitness Center, which is currently undergoing a luxurious transformation and expected to reopen next year. Until then, attendees can visit the resort’s tranquil Mandara Boutique Spa to enjoy a range of rejuvenation and beauty treatments, as well as shopping. Plus, for those who want to get some exercise while experiencing the natural beauty of the region, the resort’s Ocean Club Golf Course features stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Nassau Harbor.

“When planning an event in The Bahamas, one of the most important pieces of advice is to partner closely with local experts, including your hotel and DMCs and additional trusted destination partners,” Allan says. “The Bahamas has a rich cultural identity, and those who live and work there know best how to bring that authenticity to life in a meaningful way. From incorporating local cuisine and music to leveraging unique venues and traditional entertainment, local partners can help you design an experience that goes far beyond a standard meeting or event.”

In addition to enhancing the cultural flavor of your program, Allan says that local teams are also invaluable when it comes to navigating logistics, customs regulations, transportation and working with local vendors. Their expertise ensures smoother execution and often presents opportunities you might not find out about otherwise.

Says Allen: “By collaborating with these partners, you not only save time and avoid common pitfalls but also elevate the overall experience for your attendees, leaving them with a stronger emotional connection to the destination.”

Aruba

As senior meeting planner at Captive Resources, Carissa Roberts has found Aruba — specifically the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino — to be one of her favorite locations to hold gatherings of the company’s board.

“Our meetings look more like an incentive with a mix of meetings, networking activities and evening dinners,” Roberts says. “The staff at Hyatt Regency Aruba is experienced, helpful and professional. [Everything from] the planning to the execution of each meeting and event is seamless. The beachfront location is perfect, and the rest of the resort is filled with lush tropical flowers and foliage! The resort is well maintained and in a great location, walkable to the many shops, restaurants and nightlife [options] in Palm Beach.”

Located on 12 acres of stunning beachfront property, Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa & Casino is a year-round resort that offers an authentic island experience with elements including an open-air lobby with koi lagoon, cascading waterfalls and stonework modeled after local historic
monuments. Recreational facilities are abundant and include a three-level pool complex complete with a two-story waterslide, an adults-only pool and 10 outdoor private cabanas. There is also a spa with fitness center, tennis courts and a casino.

A favorite of corporate meeting planners, this stunning and versatile beachfront property provides an unparalleled natural backdrop for unforgettable events. With up to 23,779 sf of combined indoor and outdoor space — including boardrooms and ballrooms for conferences — the resort is ideal for corporate and incentive gatherings. In addition, the resort recently underwent a series of renovations, including a revitalization of the grand lobby and courtyard lounge, the debut of a brand-new steakhouse and enhancements to the Governor’s Suite, a 2,745-sf oceanfront sanctuary perched on the 9th floor and designed to feel like a private residence.

Says Roberts: “With little free time between meetings and events, it’s great how much you can do on property and close by — walk the beach, relax at the adult pool or grab something light from casual beachside shops. The Caribbean in general tends to get great attendance, as people look forward to a vacation destination when they aren’t attending meetings and group events.”

The U.S. Virgin Islands

The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) has consistently earned recognition as an award-winning destination for corporate meetings and incentive travel, and for good reason. Planners seeking an exceptional Caribbean experience will find knowledgeable meeting professionals, experienced DMCs and diverse venues tailored to everything from executive retreats to incentive programs with spouses and children.

Beyond that, there are plenty of nonstop flights to the USVI from major U.S. cities, and no passport is required for U.S. citizens. The USVI also offer a diverse range of venues, from luxury resorts to intimate hideaways, ideal for incentive programs and corporate meetings alike.

The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef in St. Thomas is a newly reimagined oceanfront property that boasts more than 85,000 sf of indoor/outdoor meeting space, including a nearly 10,000-sf ballroom and 20 event rooms with stunning views. Outdoor venues such as Seacliff Terrace and Harbor View Deck are especially popular for group functions.

Another meeting and event gem is the Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas. Situated on Great Bay, this luxury resort features over 5,000 sf of indoor/outdoor meeting and event space. Its ballrooms boast stunning floor-to-ceiling views, and the hotel also provides a range of room venues — along with beachside pavilions and oceanfront terraces — that allow for highly customizable setups. In addition, the resort offers exclusive buyouts, providing groups full access to the property for private events.

Located along Great Cruz Bay, the Westin St. John Resort Villas feature 252 villa-style accommodations, as well as the 3,500-sf Great Cruz Bay Ballroom, which can host up to 300 attendees for theater-style events or receptions. The resort also blends work and leisure with onsite beach access and proximity to hiking trails, snorkeling and the Virgin Islands National Park, making it an excellent choice for incentive groups and retreats.

Puerto Rico

When it comes to selecting a convention destination that effortlessly blends accessibility, cultural richness and value for your money, Puerto Rico certainly stands out. And within this dynamic island, El Conquistador Resort offers a truly unmatched setting for unforgettable conventions, conferences and incentive programs.

With more than 120 daily nonstop flights from major U.S. cities, Puerto Rico is one of the most accessible island destinations for U.S.-based groups. No passports are needed for U.S. travelers, and the use of the U.S. dollar simplifies budgeting and transactions.

At El Conquistador Resort, attendees will enjoy the perfect blend of exotic ambiance and U.S.-based logistics. Following a transformation costing more than $200 million, the property offers around 140,000 sf of indoor/outdoor event space, including a modern Grand Ballroom, ocean-view terraces and breakout rooms infused with natural light. Planners benefit from high-speed internet connectivity, expert AV support and a team of seasoned professionals who are dedicated to the flawless execution of your event.

The resort’s elevated coastal setting offers panoramic ocean views and lush surroundings, creating a sense of international escape while maintaining the regulatory and infrastructure advantages of being on U.S. soil. Most of El Conquistador’s 750 spacious accommodations offer stunning ocean and/or rainforest views.

El Conquistador also offers something very unique — an all-in-one retreat experience that enhances attendee engagement. Whether it’s a sunset networking cocktail at the marina or a team-building activity on the island, the backdrop is stunning. In addition to its white-sandy beach, the resort’s private 100-acre Palomino Island will serve as the perfect setting for a once-in-a-lifetime private business event in the evening.

With so many incredible options, the Caribbean remains a top destination for corporate and incentive events of all types and sizes. Just ask your attendees. C&IT

San Francisco. Photo courtesy of San Francisco Travel

Maria Hernandez, head of events for Ticketmaster, admits up front she might be slightly biased. “I was born and raised a true native Californian,” Hernandez prefaces. “California is not just a state, it’s an experience.”

“From beaches and lakes that people see on postcards, to mountains that take your breath away, to deserts with surreal beauty and serenity, to world-famous amusement parks, to food and drink — California has it all,” Hernandez proclaims. “California is an ideal meeting destination because it offers amazing year-round weather, accessibility, diversity and so many cities to plan memorable events. No matter what the goal of the meeting, there’s a location in California that aligns with the tone, purpose and personality of the event.”

San Diego

No matter the politics of the moment, California remains an undeniable economic powerhouse — the state recently became the fourth-largest economy in the world, eclipsing that of Japan, which trails behind only the United States, China and Germany in global rankings. It has the busiest port in the nation (Los Angeles), the world’s entertainment hub (Hollywood), the center of the global tech industry (The Bay Area) and it shares its massive agricultural bounty with the nation. California is also home to the most Fortune 500 companies in the U.S. — 58 in all — and it’s the main gateway to Asia, for planners seeking to draw attendees from the Pacific Rim.

No wonder California is positively catnip to corporate and incentive planners looking for a dose of fresh air on the meeting circuit. For the last two years, leading cloud-based CRM software company Salesforce has chosen the San Diego Convention Center as the base for its Tableau Conference.

“We’re excited to return next year,” says Robin Smith, director, strategic events for Salesforce. “The conference is Salesforce’s annual gathering of data enthusiasts, and selecting a location that matches the energy and enthusiasm of the #DataFam can be a challenge. San Diego immediately felt like a slam dunk — it has great weather, a robust convention center with so many event and activation possibilities and a variety of nearby hotels and social spots for attendees to enjoy.”

The most recent event drew 8,500 attendees. “The venue’s updated aesthetics and flexibility in accommodating a variety of events, group sizes and setup parameters also stood out to us,” Smith says, adding that the convention center also stands out for being within walking distance of hotels and restaurants. “In particular, the culinary team is top-notch and truly sets the standard for food quality, presentation and … use of local vendors and fresh ingredients.”

Tableau also lauded the hospitality and services provided by the San Diego Tourism Authority. “We worked very closely with them for our past two events and have built a longstanding partnership together as we continue to develop our program strategy,” she adds.

Smith recommends that planners should not underestimate how busy the downtown area can be. “Not only do venues and social spots book earlier than we had anticipated, but we’ve also learned that San Diego is constantly hosting sports, concerts, festivals and other events that tend to make downtown more crowded,” she says. “My advice is to plan accordingly and think through your start and end times, crowd control and to make contingency plans as needed.”

In terms of new facilities in California, perhaps the biggest news was the recent opening of the bayside Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center, located in Chula Vista, around 12 miles from the San Diego airport and about 8 miles from the Mexico border. The $1.3 billion project features 1,600 rooms, 12 distinct culinary venues and over 477,000 sf of meeting and event space, including the largest convention center of any hotel in the state — the California Ballroom & Exhibit Hall, which measures 140,049 sf. There is also a 4.25-acre outdoor waterpark with waterslides, a lazy river, wave pool and private cabanas.

Some 30 miles north of the San Diego International Airport, in Carlsbad, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa completed an extensive renovation in 2024, in time for the property’s 60th anniversary.

BJ’s Restaurants held its General Manager Conference at La Costa last year, and Stephanie Atencio, vice president, talent acquisition and development, hails the resort’s amenities and great food, as well as the Omni team for its gracious hospitality.

“We are a restaurant company,” says Atencio, who brought in 550 attendees for the conference. “We typically meet at a four-star hotel that combines great spaces for learning and connection, along with exciting locations to explore. La Costa felt more like a top-performer incentive trip versus a national sales meeting.”

BJ’s used branded signage across the 400-acre property to guide attendees to the various events. “It was outstanding,” Atencio says of the conference facilities. “With every request, the team figured out how to get to yes. We stayed on property for meals, including our VIP dinner at Bob’s Steak & Chop House, to a private dinner in the villas, to a welcome reception with a live band, to a stunning awards banquet. The catering and service was excellent.”

Although most attendees stayed at the resort for a round of golf, a spa treatment or a private pool party, BJ’s also offered an off-property activity day — which included a hosted tour of the San Diego Zoo and a visit to the Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens for a private brewery tour and lunch. “The spa and championship golf course were first-class, and Stone Brewing was a huge hit — the food was amazing and fresh,” Atencio says.

Palm Springs

For her company’s executive conference, Ticketmaster’s Hernandez selected the legendary La Quinta Resort & Club, which continues to exude old-Hollywood charm as it nears its centennial year. Situated in the city of La Quinta, one of the communities that make up Greater Palm Springs, the property recently completed a renovation honoring the hotel’s Spanish Colonial Revival architecture while introducing modern upgrades to elevate the guest experience. Enhancements include a revitalized lobby celebrating the resort’s storied past, guestrooms brightened with contemporary furnishings and modernized bathrooms and a reimagined adults-only retreat, Plunge at the Renker Pool. In all, the almost 800-room La Quinta features 190,000 sf of indoor/outdoor meeting space, including two ballrooms that are each about 16,000 sf, as well as a smaller one.

“La Quinta Resort is an exceptional choice for a conference,” Hernandez explains. “It brings together history, luxury and functionality in one stunning desert location.” What makes the property ideal for corporate events is the versatility of its meeting spaces, from executive boardrooms to large ballrooms and beautiful outdoor courtyards, she says, adding: “There’s a venue for every type of session or experience, and the flow between indoor and outdoor makes it easy to design dynamic agendas that keep people engaged.”

“Service is another standout,” Hernandez says. “The events [staff] and their legacy team members are incredibly experienced and proactive, making planning seamless from start to finish. They anticipate needs, offer thoughtful solutions and ensure everything runs smoothly.” Hernandez notes that her group of 125 attendees benefitted from a midweek sweet spot, visiting between the two weekends when the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival and Stagecoach Country Music Festival were taking place.

“The hotel was able to find a creative way to fit my group in, and some of our attendees were able to add the festivals to their experience,” Hernandez explains. “It was a perfect fit. For those who stay away from the month of April in Greater Palm Springs because of festival season, I would say it’s one of the best times to book — and the weather in April is impeccable.”

Long Beach. Photo courtesy of Long Beach CVB

Long Beach

Dscoop (Digital Solutions Cooperative) is the name for the idea-sharing community of 20,000 Hewlett Packard (HP) industrial print and large format customers and partners. To help foster a collaborative environment for its recent training and networking event — known as Edge — HP chose Long Beach, in part due to the city’s manageable size.

“A group of 1,300 attendees has the opportunity to take over the entire city,” says Tyrell Syms, events & global trade show manager for HP. “Having the Long Beach Convention Center in proximity to multiple hotels allowed us to have it all under one roof. The weather, the walkability and, honestly, the pricing made the city very attractive for us. It’s very compact, easy to navigate and the meeting rooms are relatively nearby — it was a tight-knit package.”

Syms notes that the Long Beach Convention Center didn’t impose F&B minimums for the event. “F&B minimums can be a killer,” Syms says. “Most meeting planners can’t explore other options for entertaining, but for us, having the ability to host events offsite was key.” The restaurant 555 East Steakhouse was used for a private keynote for top customers, and some groups enjoyed a tour and reception with hosted drinks, held on the famed Queen Mary, a retired British ocean liner docked nearby. “We also used BO-beau kitchen + roof tap, which has an amazing rooftop view overlooking the water. We did heavy hors d’oeuvres and desserts, but they can customize the menu to your liking. Getting people outside and into the city is essential.”

Although most events were held at the convention center, HP used The Westin Long Beach as its host hotel, a property with 42,221 sf of event space — sufficient for smaller gatherings. Otherwise, attendees were spread across a range of nearby hotels — Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt Regency and Hyatt Centric, all within a half-mile of the convention center.

Palos Verdes

Just up the coast from Long Beach is Palos Verdes, home to Terranea, a 582-room resort situated along coastal bluffs on 102 acres. In addition to 135,000 sf of indoor/outdoor event space, the Mediterranean-inspired property features eight dining options, an award-winning golf course, four swimming pools and The Spa at Terranea, which recently underwent a $4.5 million renovation. Of particular note is the 18,000-sf Palos Verdes Grand Ballroom, which offers an unrivaled setting beneath 24-foot ceilings, flowing seamlessly to an outdoor terrace overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Salesforce selected Terranea to host its recent annual CEO summit, Elevate. “Once you visit Terranea, the beauty of the Palos Verdes coastline really stays with you,” says Trista Myers, head of events, Salesforce Ventures. “We place a lot of value on being able to host attendees outside, or indoor-outdoor, and Terranea has many meeting spaces and ballrooms with patios and lawns directly connected. That was a huge advantage, and something that is very hard to find.” Salesforce also wanted a location where outdoor networking opportunities could be incorporated for the 140 guests. “We took advantage of the golf course, an e-bike tour and a guided hike, offering the activities to guests on the first day, which allowed everyone to network and get to know each other.”

Myers says she pushed Terranea hard on dining. “We spent a lot of time talking to the culinary and banquets team to achieve the vision we had for F&B during our event,” Myers says. “The hotel graciously accommodated our tastings, feedback and collaboration to build custom menus and worked with us to place F&B stations in some new locations, based on our program flow.”

“The sales and leadership team at Terranea are really hands-on, in a way we don’t see at all properties,” she adds. “You see them out walking the property, taking shifts to welcome guests at the entrance, lending the bellman a hand and helping [to] facilitate event requests with the CSM during busy or pivotal times in the program. Having golf onsite and a dedicated excursions team was also valuable, allowing seamless transitions between the activities.” Although Elevate took place in April, usually a good month for outdoor activities, rain arrived during the event. “The hotel helped us pivot and accommodated overnight room flips, changes to our [banquet event order] and tight deadlines to maximize attendee time outside. It all worked out beautifully — maybe even better than our original plan.”

Anaheim Convention Center. Courtesy photo

Anaheim

For human resources software firm ADP, Anaheim wasn’t the original choice for its sales conference — Pasadena was the location chosen for the event, held earlier this year. However, after wildfires tore through residential neighborhoods of Altadena and Pasadena, Abbey Herman, CMM, the company’s director, special events, was forced to pivot quickly, as much of Pasadena’s hotel stock was being used to house displaced families.

“As a corporation, we felt we couldn’t have a meeting someplace where people had lost their homes and didn’t have any place to live,” Herman explains. With rooming lists completed and flights booked — and the event less than two weeks away — ADP needed to relocate, despite the challenges involved in finding rooms for a meeting of 130 on such short notice. “I thought, where could we go where it’s easy to get in with flights, or by driving. I picked up the phone and called Maribel Denner — whom I’ve known for 25 years — on her way in to work.”

Denner, the director of sales and marketing for the JW Marriott Anaheim Resort, worked quickly. “She called me back an hour later, and she had moved the entire meeting,” Herman says. While having a relationship with the hotel from two previous events no doubt helped speed the process, just 90 minutes later, she had a new contract.

“What normally takes three to six months of planning, we accomplished in two weeks. The support, the professionalism and the can-do attitude of the JW team — they have pride in their work,” Herman adds. “This was our third time working with the JW — we’ve found our group size fits really well at the hotel,” Herman says. “All the meeting space is compact, on one level, and you go right out the doors and there are so many things within walking distance. It’s accessible to places like Newport Beach, where we arranged a harbor tour for our group, and two years ago we partnered with the Disney team to do an event at California Adventure.”

Speaking of Disney, this year marks the 70th anniversary of Disneyland Resort’s opening, and the park will continue to celebrate the event all the way through next summer. Corporate groups can take advantage of the anniversary by capping off a day of meetings with a themed dinner, dessert party and viewing of “World of Color Happiness!” — a unique nighttime entertainment spectacular. Alternatively, for a private experience, planners can arrange for an after-hours buyout event at Mickey’s Toontown in Disneyland Park.

This year, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is refreshing all of its more than 940 guestrooms. The décor will complement the existing Arts and Crafts motif, adding new bold colors with accents inspired by the beautiful California wildflower blooms often found in Impressionist plein air paintings. The hotel also features 20,000 sf of meeting space, including the 11,900-sf Sequoia Ballroom, as well as 18 dynamic breakout rooms. Meanwhile, across Disneyland Drive, the Disneyland Hotel offers more than 970 rooms and an additional 137,000 sf of flexible meeting space.

Monterey

According to Sherry Huss, head of community for global events company Freeman, several factors led the company to choose Monterey for its annual leadership conference last year.

“We love having our attendees outside as much as possible,” she says. “Monterey was ideal because it’s walkable, it offers a variety of health and wellness options, world-class spas are available, there are memorable activities for attendees and there’s a focus on sustainability.”

“We wanted a coastal climate, with mild, refreshing weather,” Huss continues, adding that the two previous destinations used were quite hot for outdoor events. “We were looking for somewhere that was cool — both in temperature and aesthetic.” However, the time zone offered another advantage.

“Folks traveling from the East have time to make it to the West Coast for an evening welcome reception. It’s a great way to kick off an event and have people ready for a morning start,” she says, adding that the state’s inspirational settings and intrinsic personality were major assets for the event. “There is a deep sense of culture and community in California cities, and we always try to tap into this when we bring our group of leaders to an area.”

For the 300-attendee event, Freeman checked into the 379-room Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay, the California central coast’s largest and most diverse conference facility. However, while the property offers over 60,000 sf of flexible indoor space and almost 60,000 sf of outdoor space — including two newly renovated ballrooms — Freeman chose the adjacent Monterey Conference Center (MCC), which features 85,000 sf of total meeting space.

“The Monterey Conference Center space is beautiful and architecturally sophisticated,” Huss says. “It was recently renovated, using salvaged material as much as they could, and has a lot of glass that brings in the light and creates spaces that are welcoming and modern.” Although she notes that, like many urban venues, the MCC lacks a traditional loading dock setup.

“With careful coordination — including securing permits for our trucks, aligning with the load-out of Monterey Car Week and working closely with both the MCC and See Monterey teams — we ensured a smooth delivery process without disruption,” Huss says.

Freeman made good use of the area’s attractions with a welcome reception at Monterey Beach Station, dinner at Monterey Bay Aquarium and a picnic lunch in a state park catered by The Portola, as well as a range of activities that included whale-watching, kayaking, e-bike rides and a team-building wine experience. Huss notes that Monterey requires a bit of planning because there are multiple airport options. Five minutes from the hotel, Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) has connections to and from western U.S. cities, with a robust schedule of flights available into both San Jose and San Francisco international airports.

Huss concludes: “We partnered with CCM&E Destination Services for shuttles, and with proactive coordination and the right local support, we were able to offer flexible options while keeping the attendee experience top of mind. The folks at See Monterey are very helpful, knowledgeable and fun to work with. My tip is to include them from the beginning.”

The Hyatt Regency San Francisco overlooks the city’s port. Courtesy photo

San Francisco

San Francisco-based HR software company Lattice regularly uses the Hyatt Regency San Francisco for events and did so again earlier this year. “We [selected] it because of the consistently outstanding experience they provide,” says Jazmin Cox, formerly a senior executive assistant with Lattice. “The hotel is exceptionally clean, the staff is warm and attentive and their responsiveness to every detail sets them apart. They’ve always gone above and beyond to ensure a seamless experience.”

“For our event, Lattice Strategies, there were several last-minute needs — guest food deliveries, reissuing room key cards, assembling care packages and fulfilling accessibility requests such as accommodations for mobility concerns,” Cox says. “The Hyatt Regency San Francisco handled each of these with speed, professionalism and genuine care.”

In recent years, San Francisco has been tainted by a reputation for homelessness, drug addiction and rampant crime. Derrick Guzman, a senior director at HelmsBriscoe, acknowledges that while these issues do exist — as they do in many major cities — they are not pervasive, and the situation is often exaggerated on social media.

“While San Francisco, like any major city, faces challenges, the reality is far more nuanced than what’s often portrayed,” he says. “Many areas of the city are vibrant, clean and welcoming, with ongoing efforts by city officials and local organizations to address these concerns. Visitors are often surprised by how much the city has improved and how safe and enjoyable it is to explore.”

Historically, a bigger challenge for meeting planners considering San Francisco has been cost, but Guzman says the city’s hotel rates are highly competitive right now. “The city has yet to return to pre-COVID pricing levels, making it a cost-effective option for corporate groups,” he says, adding that two primary factors contributing to higher event costs are labor rates and local taxes. “Compared to cities in the Midwest or Southeast, your dollar simply won’t stretch as far. That said, there are practical ways to manage budgets without compromising the overall experience.”

Guzman suggests that rather than eliminating elements entirely, planners should optimize existing resources, by doing things such as:

• Shifting desserts from lunch to the afternoon break, to reduce duplicate offerings
• Offering iced tea or infused water instead of individual canned sodas
• Limiting coffee service to specific time windows — such as two hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon

Says Guzman: “San Francisco offers a rich and diverse cultural experience. Often considered a cultural melting pot of California — and even the U.S. — the city’s global cultures blend seamlessly into everyday life. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, I recommend reaching out to San Francisco Travel. They can provide honest, on-the-ground insight and help guide you to the right areas and venues for a successful event.” C&IT

Susan Quinn has worked for 30+ years with Fortune 500 to middle-market firms across the country developing strategies that spur growth. As CEO of circle S studio, she supports companies in their quest to ‘better their best’ and brings a keen understanding of how to create a winning strategy. Quinn is the author of ‘Does Your Business Show Up or Stand Out?’ — a leader’s playbook for implementing the nine traits. For more information, please visit circlesstudio.com/business-playbook.

In today’s business landscape, competition is relentless. Disruptions emerge overnight. Customer expectations evolve rapidly. Talent is harder to retain than ever. Yet, some companies consistently outperform their peers, growing faster, attracting top talent and building unshakable customer loyalty.

What sets them apart?

A recent study has revealed a critical truth: high-performing companies aren’t just lucky. They operate with core traits that drive sustained success. These organizations don’t merely aim to be “best in class” — they execute a repeatable, scalable and measurable strategy that fuels their growth.

What are these nine traits, and how can your company embed them into its DNA? Let’s explore them in detail.

1. A Foundation Built on Purpose and Values

High-performing companies operate with a clear purpose that drives their strategy, decisions and culture. Their guiding principles — vision, mission and core values — aren’t just corporate jargon. They’re actively demonstrated at every level of the organization.

What makes them different? Leaders continuously reinforce these principles, and employees understand how their roles contribute to the company’s broader mission. This alignment creates a culture of accountability, engagement and trust — three factors that significantly impact performance.

2. The Employee Experience Advantage

Talent is the fuel that drives a business forward, and high-performing companies treat their employees like their most valuable asset. They don’t just offer jobs; they create environments where employees thrive.

These companies invest in professional development, employee well-being and company culture. They prioritize engagement and take action on feedback. As a result, their employees become brand ambassadors, delivering superior service, innovating and staying loyal to the company.

3. Customer-Centricity as a Growth Engine

For high-performing companies, customer satisfaction isn’t enough — they aim to create customer advocates.

They analyze customer journeys, remove friction points and proactively seek feedback. More importantly, they take action on that feedback, refining their offerings and personalizing experiences to create deep relationships.

Data from a global management consulting company shows that fluctuations in a company’s Net Promoter Score (NPS) can explain 20-60% of its organic growth. This statistic alone highlights why top companies prioritize customer experience — it directly impacts revenue.

4. Quality as a Cultural Cornerstone

High performers don’t just meet quality standards — they set them.

They integrate quality into every process, ensuring it’s not just a final checkpoint but a guiding principle from the start. This commitment to excellence builds trust and differentiates them from competitors.

5. The Adaptability Imperative

Disruption is inevitable. The question is: Will your company adapt fast enough to stay ahead?

High-performing companies don’t resist change; they embrace it. They anticipate market shifts, monitor industry trends and pivot when necessary.

Research has shown that many companies failed during crises like the COVID pandemic — not because they lacked resources, but because they didn’t adapt. Meanwhile, organizations that were agile in their strategy and execution thrived.

6. Data-Driven Decision Making

Top companies leverage data to make strategic decisions and track real-time key performance indicators (KPIs) through dashboard systems that are visually engaging. Through the utilization of AI and other software programs, they aggregate information across the enterprise to gain a holistic view and understanding of how all elements fit together. This ensures leaders have access to clear information and actionable insights. More importantly, they align their data collection with business objectives, avoiding “data for data’s sake.”

7. Ecosystem Intelligence and Collaboration

The best companies don’t just monitor their competitors —they understand the full ecosystem in which they operate.

They recognize that value creation often requires collaboration. Whether through strategic partnerships, industry alliances or supplier relationships, they position themselves at the center of innovation and market shifts.

8. Operational Excellence Through Simplification

Complexity slows companies down. High performers know this and focus on making operations lean and efficient.

Steve Jobs famously said: “Simple can be harder than complex. You have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple.” Top companies take this to heart. The result? A more agile, cost-effective and scalable operation.

9. The Learning Organization Mindset

Perhaps the most defining trait of high-performing companies is their relentless pursuit of improvement.

They don’t assume they have all the answers — they continuously learn, evolve and refine their strategies. They invest in leadership development, create knowledge-sharing platforms and encourage experimentation.

These organizations view failure as a stepping stone to progress, not a setback. This mindset allows them to stay ahead of industry changes and maintain a competitive edge.

Becoming a High-Performing Organization

If you want to build a company that stands out, start by assessing where you stand on these nine traits. Ask yourself:

• Are our purpose and values deeply embedded in everything we do?
• Do we treat employees as our greatest asset?
• Are we truly customer-centric, or do we just say we are?
• Is quality a guiding principle in all areas of our business?
• How adaptable are we to change?
• Do we make decisions based on data or gut instinct?
• Do we understand our industry ecosystem and leverage partnerships?
• Have we eliminated unnecessary complexity in our operations?
• Do we foster a culture of learning and continuous improvement?

Achieving high performance isn’t about making one major change — it’s about consistently refining these areas over time. The question isn’t whether these traits matter. The real question is: How quickly can your organization begin embedding them into its DNA? C&IT

Troy Harrison is the Sales Navigator, a speaker and the author of ‘Sell Like You Mean It’ and ‘The Pocket Sales Manager.’ He has trained salespeople from 23 countries who live on three continents and has spoken all over North America and Europe. Troy helps companies navigate the Elements of Sales on their journey to success. He offers a free 45-minute Sales Strategy Review. To schedule, please visit TroyHarrison.com/ssr.

Have you ever run a marathon? Most people haven’t. But many salespeople run them every day – the long sales cycle. Salespeople love the quick win – that satisfying moment when a prospect becomes a customer in a matter of days or weeks. Sometimes, it’s even the fabled “one call close.” But what about those industries, or even those times, where the sales cycle stretches into months or even years? How do you keep your sales teams motivated, strategic, on-task and successful when the finish line seems so far away?

Long sales cycles present unique challenges. They test a salesperson’s patience, strategic thinking and ability to maintain momentum over extended periods. They can also tempt even the most disciplined sales professionals to neglect prospecting, as the gratification of a closed deal feels perpetually out of reach. But here’s the truth: Mastering the long sales cycle is not just a skill – it’s an art form. And like any art, it requires dedication, practice and a specific set of techniques. Let’s explore four key strategies that can help you and your team excel in the marathon of long-cycle sales.

Never Stop Prospecting

Imagine you’re a farmer (no, not the old, outdated “hunter/farmer” sales term). You know it takes months for your crops to grow, but you also know that if you don’t plant seeds regularly, you’ll eventually have nothing to harvest. The same principle applies to long-cycle sales.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking: “Why start new conversations when I won’t close them for years?” But remember this: You can’t finish a sale unless you start one. Prospecting is the lifeblood of your sales pipeline, regardless of how long it takes to close a deal. A sales funnel that doesn’t consistently fill at the top will run dry at the bottom.

Make prospecting a non-negotiable part of your weekly routine. Set aside dedicated time each day to reach out to new potential clients. Use a mix of cold calls, emails, social media outreach and networking events to keep your pipeline full. Remember, the seeds you plant today are the deals you’ll close tomorrow – or next year. The best prospecting cadence is to open with a phone call (yes, a genuine, pick-up-the-phone, voice-to-voice call) to attempt to reach your target. If you don’t get an answer (80% to 90% of the time these days), then leave a powerful voicemail message and switch to LinkedIn. Once connected, slow-play things using engagement techniques, then ask for the appointment two to three months later.

Think Strategically, Act Consistently

Once you’ve initiated a conversation with a prospect, it’s time to shift into strategic mode. This is where the real art of long-cycle selling comes into play.

Start by estimating a realistic timeline for the deal. Is it six months? A year? Two years? This timeline becomes your roadmap, guiding your interactions and helping you set milestones along the way.

With each contact, your goal should be to move the Buyer’s Journey forward, even if it’s just by inches. This is particularly crucial when you’re up against an incumbent vendor with an existing contract. You’re playing the long game, so every interaction should add value and strengthen your position. Basically, you’re positioning yourself to be the vendor of choice at contract time.

Maybe it’s sharing a relevant industry report, offering a fresh perspective on a challenge they’re facing or simply checking in to maintain the relationship – but offering some new piece of knowledge or expertise every time. The key is consistency. Regular, value-added touchpoints keep you top of mind and position you as a trusted adviser, not just another vendor.

Keep Your Contacts Current

In the span of a long sales cycle, a lot can change. Decision-makers move on, new stakeholders emerge and organizational priorities shift. Your job is to stay on top of these changes and adapt your strategy accordingly.

Make it a habit to regularly verify and update your contact information. But don’t stop there – strive to expand your network within the organization. The more contacts you have, the more resilient your opportunity becomes to personnel changes. “High, wide and deep” should be your watchwords. Get as high on the corporate food chain as you can. Get as many contacts (a wide base of influence) in the target company as you can. And make sure that they genuinely know you and the value you bring. This approach not only provides you with a more comprehensive understanding of the organization but also helps safeguard your opportunity if your main contact leaves.

Be Ready When the Stars Align

Here’s a fundamental truth about sales: A deal happens when need, solution and timing intersect, and the Buyer’s Journey completes. In a long sales cycle, your job is to be ready when that moment arrives.

Maybe the incumbent vendor slips up, budget suddenly becomes available or a new initiative aligns perfectly with your offering. Your consistent presence and value-added interactions have positioned you to capitalize on these moments.

Stay alert to industry trends, organizational changes and any shifts in your prospect’s business that might create an opening. When that window of opportunity opens, be ready to act swiftly and decisively.

Managing long sales cycles is not about passive waiting – it’s about active preparation. It’s about building relationships, demonstrating value and positioning yourself as the obvious choice when the time is right. There are no shortcuts to anyplace worth going.

Winning in long-cycle sales requires a unique blend of patience, persistence and strategic thinking. It demands that we resist getting demoralized due to the lack of quick wins and instead focus on building lasting relationships and delivering consistent value. By maintaining a steady prospecting rhythm, thinking strategically, keeping our contacts current and staying ready for opportunity, we can master the marathon of long sales cycles. C&IT

Hailed as the World’s Leading Business Strategist, award-winning strategic consultant and professional speaker Scott Steinberg is among today’s best-known trends experts and futurists. The author of ‘Steinberg’s Guide to Creating Competitive Advantage’ and ‘Think Like a Futurist,’ he’s also the creator of What’s the Future of…?, a new series of training games for play at meetings and events. His website is FuturistsSpeakers.com.

Given the increasingly fast-moving and unpredictable business world we now inhabit, it’s becoming more and more obvious that corporate meetings and events must also adapt to meet the changing expectations and needs of increasingly time-sensitive, tech-savvy and purpose-driven audiences as well. That means having to fundamentally rethink programming strategies, educational approaches and even the design of events, from top to bottom.

Creating programming that resonates with tomorrow’s participants requires taking a more a thoughtful approach that balances innovation with practical value. It also requires us to exercise a little more creativity and imagination in how learning modules and training programs are presented. As we explain in “Steinberg’s Guide to Creating Competitive Advantage,’ rethinking conference and convention setups doesn’t have to be as challenging as it might seem. Here are 10 tips for developing corporate event content that will engage, inspire and deliver more meaningful outcomes for tomorrow’s audience.

1. Design for Differing Learning Styles

Attendees now expect content that accommodates their individual ways of processing information. Structure your programming to incorporate multiple learning modalities — visual presentations, interactive discussions, hands-on workshops and reflective exercises. Consider implementing a track system where participants can choose sessions and educational programs that align with their interests and individual learning approaches. Flexibility demonstrates respect for cognitive diversity while ensuring better retention of information across different types of learners.

2. Prioritize Micro-Learning Opportunities

Attention spans are evolving, not necessarily shortening. Modern audiences appreciate focused, high-value content delivered in more digestible segments. Break your programming into 15-to-30-minute modules with clear learning objectives and takeaways. Between these concentrated learning blocks, incorporate processing time, discussion opportunities or application exercises. This approach maintains engagement while preventing the cognitive overload that accompanies traditional day-long sessions.

3. Create Authentic Dialogues Over Presentations

Tomorrow’s audiences are increasingly resistant to one-way information delivery. Replace traditional keynotes and panels with facilitated conversations that include diverse perspectives and encourage audience participation. Train your speakers to embrace vulnerability, share genuine challenges and foster discussions about complex issues. Such authentic exchanges build trust and create more memorable, impactful experiences than polished but predictable presentations.

4. Integrate Meaningful Technology

Incorporate technology that enhances rather than distracts from the human experience. Implementations might include AI-powered networking tools that connect participants with shared interests, live polling and visuals that make audience sentiment visible. The trick is ensuring that each technological element serves a clear purpose.

5. Build in Personalization Pathways

Modern event attendees expect experiences tailored to their specific interests and needs. Design your programming with multiple pathways that allow participants to customize their experience. That could involve choosing between concurrent sessions, selecting from different application exercises or participating in role-specific breakouts. Pre-event assessments can help participants create a more impactful experience.

6. Emphasize Practical Application

Corporate groups often demand programming that bridges the gap between theory and practice. For every concept introduced, be sure to also include structured opportunities for participants to apply ideas to their specific challenges. Create workbooks, digital tools or guided exercises that facilitate this. Implement clinics where experts help participants troubleshoot potential obstacles to applying new approaches in their unique contexts.

7. Incorporate Wellness and Mindfulness

As awareness of burnout and workplace wellbeing grows, future-focused event programming must acknowledge the whole person. Integrate mindfulness moments between sessions, offer optional movement activities and ensure adequate breaks that truly allow for cognitive rest. Consider how room setups, lighting and environmental factors impact attendee wellbeing.

8. Facilitate Meaningful Cross-Functional Connections

Tomorrow’s complex business challenges require more collaborative solutions that transcend traditional organizational boundaries. Design programming that intentionally connects participants across hierarchies, departments and perspectives. This might include structured networking with specific conversation prompts, collaborative exercises with diverse teams or open-space sessions where participants self-organize around shared challenges. These interactions build relationships that extend beyond the event itself.

9. Embed Purpose and Values

Increasingly purpose-driven audiences expect corporate events to reflect meaningful values. Ensure that your programming addresses questions of impact, sustainability and ethics within your industry. Make explicit connections between session content and larger purpose. Where appropriate, incorporate elements of social responsibility, such as community service or discussions about industry contributions to social challenges. These components add depth and meaning to otherwise purely technical or strategic content.

10. Create Continuous Learning Journeys

Modern attendees now understand that learning isn’t limited to what they experience at single one-off events. Design programming that explicitly positions the event within a broader learning journey. Provide pre-work that prepares participants for deeper engagement, as well as follow-up resources that support continued application. By framing your programming as part of an ongoing development process rather than one experience, you significantly increase its lasting value.

The bottom line is this: Corporate meeting and event programming that speaks to tomorrow’s audiences balances innovation with substance. A successful planner will recognize that while formats and delivery methods may evolve, the fundamental human need for connection, growth and meaning remains a constant. By implementing the strategies presented here, though, you can create more meaningful experiences that not only engage participants in the moment but continue to deliver value long after the event concludes – while driving more meaningful business outcomes. C&IT

Luckily, there’s plenty of shoreline on either side of the state, because attendees can’t seem to get enough of Florida’s pristine beaches. Photo Courtesy of Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa

From airlift to weather to integrated venues, Beau Ballin is sold on the Sunshine State as a meeting destination for biotech company Regeneron.

“Florida’s hospitality industry is exceptional, unmatched,” says Ballin, who serves as executive director, global meetings and conventions for the Tarrytown, NY-based firm. “From hotel staff to transportation providers and event partners, the level of service stands out — especially near Walt Disney World, where service standards and training are especially high.”

Renowned for its beaches and theme parks, Florida avails an impressive variety of backdrops, offering options for almost any style of gathering, every budgetary consideration and any month of the year.

Orlando

In choosing Orlando for a large commercial event, Ballin says a large portion of the attendees were based on the East Coast, and plenty of direct flights were available at relatively low cost.  “The travel is easy and affordable, and holding the meeting in April meant we could rely on warm, stable weather — ideal for both travel and the overall attendee experience,” he says. Ballin also points to a number of integrated venues in Orlando and Florida — large properties that offer ample meeting space, allowing companies to keep attendees onsite, rather than using multiple hotels or offsite convention centers.

For this year’s national meeting, Regeneron selected the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin and Swan Reserve resorts — which are side-by-side properties with a total of 2,619 rooms, all within walking distance of Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot theme parks. Ballin says one of the main advantages is the extensive onsite meeting space, which allows for all functions to be hosted without requiring an external convention center.

For this year’s national meeting, Regeneron selected the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin and Swan Reserve resorts. Photo Courtesy of Regeneron

“Our greatest need was meeting space,” Ballin says. “Specifically, the ability to support over 120 breakout sessions across different business units. This offered everything we needed — capacity for our entire group, flexible meeting and function space and a proven track record of exceptional execution.”

Following the addition of the Swan Reserve, a 349-room standalone boutique hotel, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin announced its largest-ever renovation and expansion — a $275 million investment underscored by the addition of 120,000 sf of event space to the current meeting and convention floor plan. Including modernized upgrades to existing meeting spaces and Swan guestrooms, along with technology enhancements throughout the property, the expansion project will bring the facility’s total meeting space to 469,000 sf.

The unique suite configurations at the Swan Reserve, with in-room conference tables, added over 100 potential breakout spaces.

“Access to three connected properties and the ability to convert suites into meeting rooms was a major asset,” Ballin adds. “Additionally, as a Marriott property, we could leverage existing relationships for cost savings. Most importantly, the team made us feel genuinely valued from the first conversation through contract negotiations. They think through every detail and work collaboratively to ensure both planners and attendees have a seamless and memorable experience.”

All events were hosted onsite, including dine-arounds across multiple restaurants within the Disney ecosystem, and Ballin says the F&B service was excellent.

“Menu options were plentiful, and the team remained flexible to our needs,” he says. “This is one of the first meetings in my career where the post-event surveys regarding food and beverage came back with a perfect rating — 100% of the comments were positive.” The icing on the cake was the discounted tickets for the Disney parks, which were a big hit for attendees who opted to extend their stay.

Even More Options

For a series of three conferences and a business summit last year, Dart Container of Michigan chose to go just off the Disney property, to the new 433-room Conrad Orlando.

“If you want to have your event at a property you know your attendees will rave about, the Conrad Orlando is definitely where you should go,” suggests Angela Cairo, travel and events manager for Dart. “As a planner, you’ll have an exceptional team behind you, making sure that your event is planned and executed to perfection. We are bringing two more conferences to the Conrad later … for these reasons.”

Situated within the 1,100-acre Evermore Orlando Resort, the Conrad Orlando draws inspiration from Florida’s natural springs and an adjacent 500-acre preserve, allowing the design to synchronize with the area’s natural landscape to create a seamless indoor-outdoor environment. A variety of distinct dining venues, a serene spa and Evermore Bay — which comprises an 8-acre crystalline lagoon and expansive pool complex — round out the hotel facilities.

Although the Dart meetings topped out at 104 attendees, the Conrad Orlando can host considerably more, as it boasts over 65,000 sf of technology-focused indoor/outdoor meeting and event spaces, including the 15,000-sf Acacia Ballroom. Offering a variety of possible configurations, the hotel’s group space includes a second ballroom, nine meeting rooms, three expansive terraces, the Lotus Boardroom and the multipurpose, turfed 9,000-sf Lyonia Lawn.

Cairo notes that, as a manufacturer of disposable goods, Dart is very specific about where and when the company’s products are used.

“We ship in our own products to use for water service, coffee breaks, boxed lunches and pretty much any other event that uses disposable products,” she says. “The Conrad Orlando is the first hotel I have worked with that never gets it wrong — their banquet staff is amazing.” Cairo also lauds the hotel’s conference services manager for knowing what the group would need before they did. “Once onsite, the entire Conrad team was spot-on — there’s not a single detail that was ever overlooked. They make my job easy,” she adds.

Dart arranged to provide attendees with half-day theme park tickets, an option that Cairo says worked well with the meeting schedule. One hiccup was that although guests had positive things to report about their dining experiences — mostly at Disney Springs, which Dart provided transportation to — tables couldn’t be reserved more than 30 days ahead. “Finding a reservation at preferred times was challenging,” Cairo says.

Ranked #1 … Again

In May, Orlando was named number one on Cvent’s annual list of Top Meeting Destinations in North America — for the 10th time. With its selection of theme parks and almost 500 hotels with over 130,000 guestrooms, as well as the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) — one of the largest convention centers in the country — Orlando is an ideal destination for successful and memorable events.  But perhaps what also keeps the destination at the forefront is its ability to reinvent itself and expand on past successes.

For instance, May saw the grand opening of Orlando’s first new theme park in 25 years, as the curtain rose on Universal Epic Universe. Opening with over 50 attractions, the 750-acre expansion represents a huge second campus for the company, four miles southeast of the original Universal theme park gate. The expansion also includes three new Loews Hotels: Universal Stella Nova Resort, Universal Terra Luna Resort and Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Mediterranean retreat. The Loews Orlando portfolio at Universal now includes a total of 11 hotels and 11,000 guestrooms.

Even Walt Disney World Resort President Jeff Vahle couldn’t help but pass along compliments to this longstanding competitor, saying: “It takes great passion and dedication to bring new projects to life. Best of luck to the Universal Orlando team with the opening of Epic Universe! Another big win for tourism in Florida.”

Elsewhere, the Caribe Royale Orlando Resort just announced a brand-new ballroom and breakout rooms. Opening this fall, the 13,087-sf Coral Ballroom will have 25-foot ceilings and the ability to be broken into three sections. In addition, the Martinique Breakout Rooms will be five flexible 900-sf spaces designed for smaller sessions and executive gatherings and, combined, the breakouts can accommodate up to 300 guests for banquets and 480 guests seated theatre-style. In total, the additions will bring the Caribe Royale Orlando’s meetings and convention space to just over 260,000 sf.

Orlando’s Rosen Hotels & Resorts — in business for 50 years now — offer another exceptional option for corporate event planners in search of world-class event venues, luxurious accommodations and unmatched hospitality. Providing more than 200,000 sf of combined event space, the ever-popular Rosen Plaza and Rosen Center both connect to the Orange County Convention Center and its 2.1 million sf of exhibition space. Not far away, the Rosen Shingle Creek is another excellent choice for large meetings. The 255-acre venue features 524,000 sf of total dedicated event space and is home to one of the largest column-free ballrooms (95,000 sf) in the U.S. All three properties are conveniently located near the international airport, as well as major attractions and theme parks, making Rosen a premier choice for unforgettable corporate events.

Meanwhile, last year, less than two miles north of OCCC on International Drive, the teams behind the popular Mango’s Tropical Café and Baires Grill opened Corazón by Baires, which offers an immersive dining experience, presenting classic steakhouse fare with a Latin American flair. The restaurant’s new 4,000-sf Kali Dining Room features state-of-the-art technology and a dynamic soundscape and LED installations, catering to memorable experiences for groups of more than 200, with plated dinner service options or receptions that include craft food and drinks.

New Options Emerge

Across Florida, whether planners require small venues or larger ones, new destination options continue to emerge for meetings, conventions and incentive programs. Chief among them is Miami, where Michelin has awarded a total of 16 restaurants either a one-, two- or green-star rating.

As for elite venues, the long-awaited groundbreaking of the Grand Hyatt Miami Beach took place in May, with an opening expected in late 2027. The 800-room hotel will be the first directly connected to the Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC).

In addition, last December, the legendary Fontainebleau hotel unveiled its new Coastal Convention Center, a $100 million, five-story facility that adds 45,000 sf of state-of-the-art meeting and event space to the resort. The center enhances Fontainebleau’s existing 200,000 sf of indoor/outdoor event space, positioning the property as one of South Florida’s premier destinations for large-scale conferences.

Beyond that, this year, Loews Miami Beach Hotel will remain open while it undergoes a complete guestroom transformation, introducing a refreshed interior and bathroom design, as well as other refined enhancements. The guestroom renovation is slated to be finished in November to complete the full resort renovation which started several years ago.

Elsewhere, the Confidante Miami Beach reopened in May as the 287-room Andaz Miami Beach.  The 1940s Art Deco elements of the hotel’s original tower — the first skyscraper in Miami Beach — have been retained, and event attendees will enjoy a full-service spa, beach club and 10,000 sf of meeting space. The Andaz’ destination restaurant, The Bazaar by José Andrés, is scheduled to open later this year.

Art Deco grand dame The Shelborne has received a full renovation and also recently reopened. The hotel is located within walking distance of MBCC, and guests will return to brand-new dining experiences and a fully reimagined 251-room property that pays homage to its original architecture. The hotel’s indoor/outdoor meeting space spans more than 30,000 sf and includes the almost 2,000-sf Calico Ballroom.

When hosting an 80-attendee healthcare conference, Wedbush Securities chose Miami for its world-class venues and accommodations, melting pot of cuisines and favorable weather. “We selected March, as it’s ideal for outdoor events,” explains Millie Khoe, vice president, head of event management and strategy for Wedbush. “Hosting in Miami Beach provided scenic views and beachfront access with a secure and paved walking or jogging path that is ideal for travelers to stretch and get their early-morning energy boost.”

Wedbush selected The Palms Hotel & Spa, a 251-room property that offers relaxed style and specializes in smaller events. The venue’s event space spans 8,000 sf and includes nine indoor meeting rooms, along with its South Lawn, an outdoor setting replete with tiki huts and ideal for hosting garden parties, galas and al fresco feasts.

“It’s an ideal boutique hotel for under 100 people,” Khoe says. “Having the Veranda and Gazebo Lawn located outside the meeting room was super-convenient. It’s centrally located and walkable to restaurants and shops.” While Khoe says travel options to Miami International Airport (MIA) are plentiful, she cautions that airport transfers can be lengthy, depending on time of day. “If you travel during peak commuting hours, expect heavy traffic. My recommendation is to arrive after the rush hour and depart early morning from MIA.”

Location, Location, Location

When it came time to select a centrally located destination for a meeting targeting dealers based in the southeast, Goodyear Tire & Rubber chose Jacksonville.

“Location, location, location,” says Jill Sobczak, senior program manager, BCD meetings & events/contractor for Goodyear. “Jacksonville was a good fit for us because of the cost, safety and overall location near a good number of customers.”

Goodyear contracted with the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center for meeting space and meal functions. “They had great technology and flexible breakout meeting space for our event, plus complimentary parking,” Sobczak says. “Savor provided the catering and offered a wide variety of options within Goodyear’s budget.”

As the nation’s only Southern railroad station converted into a state-of-the-art meeting facility, the Osborn Convention Center is a unique asset for Jacksonville. The Grand Lobby is an iconic space with 75-foot ceilings and marble walls alongside a majestic fountain and expansive terminal columns, all of which creates a venue suited to glamorous events. In all, the center features 78,000 sf of exhibit space divisible into two separate halls.

For lodging, Sobczak says the nearby 354-room Marriott Jacksonville Downtown is conveniently located. Although Goodyear did not use it, the hotel provides 12,972 sf of meeting and event space. “It offers great views of the riverfront and city at an affordable sleeping room rate,” Sobczak adds. “The … rooms were comfortable, newly decorated and furnished with smart TVs. They also provided complimentary Wi-Fi, onsite restaurants, room service and a fitness center.”

“The Marriott Sales Manager was my dedicated point of contact,” Sobczak adds. “She was very responsive to my needs, was flexible, professional and provided support in negotiating the terms and conditions of the event contract. While factors like the location and amenities are important, the proactive and solution-oriented approach can significantly impact [our] success, and knowing that I have a responsive and capable team on the hotel side is invaluable.”

Elsewhere, just north of Fort Myers, the 785-room Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor in Punta Gorda hosted a summit meeting of the Air National Guard Fire Chiefs last year. The resort sits at the edge of Florida’s second-largest harbor and is about six miles from Punta Gorda Airport, which is served exclusively by ultra-low-cost carrier Allegiant Air from airports in the Northeast. However, other airlines travel in and out of Southwest Florida International and Sarasota Bradenton International airports, which are both less than 60 miles away.

Cheryl Faust is senior director of global accounts for HelmsBriscoe, which oversaw the 650-attendee event. She says Sunseeker was chosen because the resort was able to house the entire program using a short-term proposal process.

“With the hotel opening just six months prior to this event, they hadn’t sold out the summer dates,” Faust explains. “On a tighter budget, the group was able to afford a five-star experience.  Being able to have the entire conference under one roof made the resort ideal.”

Sunseeker features a variety of original standalone restaurants as well as stylish bars and lounges, plus two poolside offerings and a 25,000-sf food hall experience. The property also provides 60,000 sf of indoor/outdoor meeting and event space overlooking the harbor, sufficient to host up to 1,200 attendees. Although the resort is waterfront, beaches are 30 minutes away by car. Instead, Sunseeker can arrange sunset cruises, kayak tours and standup paddleboards. Also, the Aileron Golf Club — a championship-level, 18-hole golf course — is available exclusively to guests at the resort.

For groups seeking active experiences offsite, the PicklePlex of Punta Gorda offers 24 pickleball courts, including lighting for night play — which makes it ideal for staging a pickleball competition, an afternoon of lessons or simply open play. In addition, the King Fisher Fleet has three large boats accommodating groups of up to 140 for sunset cruises, excursions to offshore islands and celebrations.

Says Faust: “This group’s focus is networking among themselves, and Sunseeker made this attainable. With two pools, the golf course, fitness center and restaurants, the Air National Guard had activity options and entertainment for the whole group.”

Fort Myers

Fort Myers is another exceptional destination for corporate events, combining business-friendly amenities with the charm of a Gulf Coast paradise. In a city known for its warm hospitality, planners will also find state-of-the-art meeting venues, upscale accommodations and seamless logistics to make their job easy. In addition, the convenient Southwest Florida International Airport ensures easy access, while year-round sunshine and stunning beaches create an inspiring atmosphere for productivity and relaxation, with unique team-building opportunities, such as sunset cruises and nature tours.

Fort Myers is home to waterfront resorts such as Margaritaville Beach Resort, which boasts more than 20,000 sf of indoor/outdoor space.

Another popular destination, the Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa, hosted a 200-attendee clinical summit for Bon Secours Mercy Health. Colleen Machcinski, executive coordinator to Bon Secours’ president and CEO, had been to the hotel in the past and says she has always loved it. “I admire the charm and overall vibe of the upscale resort — the property has an abundance of elegance, yet it is not pretentious,” she says.

The 347-room venue features about 45,000 sf of total indoor/outdoor meeting space, including the 9,684-sf Palms Ballroom and two smaller ballrooms, as well as 13 meeting rooms. Last year, following destruction brought by Hurricane Ian, Marriott Sanibel Harbour completed a $35 million renovation, which included an overhaul of guestrooms, event space and all six of the resort’s restaurants, as well as the redesign and rebuilding of an onsite spa.

“All the meeting space is on one floor,” Machcinski explains. “We do a lot of breakout sessions, and this is a major plus for us, in addition to having a large area for general session. While the property is spread out, it’s easy for a planner to keep track of all activities. Plus, we had no issues with our attendees getting lost.”

Machcinski notes that she did not receive one complaint regarding staff during the event. “We could not have been more grateful for their attention to detail and the promptness of any request,” she adds. “We had to spring a few changes at the last minute, and there were no issues.”

Says Machcinski: “We have already secured next year at the hotel. While the resort did have some hurricane damage, you need to plan a site visit and take a look. We are so excited to come back next year and see even more improvement to the area — it’s an excellent hotel with quality staff, and a beautiful destination.”

Elsewhere, the renovated Bradenton Area Convention Center is tracking for a late summer opening, after which the venue will offer expanded meeting and event space. Among the enhancements, a 14,000-sf ballroom with pre-function space is being added, along with a climate-controlled corridor to connect the convention center with the new 252-room Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa, which opened last year and features more than 10,000 sf of meeting space, including the 7,328-sf West Coast Ballroom.

South Walton: Where Life’s a Beach

Top performers deserve to enjoy the country’s top beaches, so if you’re planning an incentive trip for attendees to relax and recharge in style, South Walton offers the perfect blend of leisure, luxury and inspiration.

Nestled into northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast, this upscale oceanfront destination features 26 miles of sugar-white sands situated on the Gulf of Mexico’s emerald waters. And with its array of world-class resorts, fine dining, shopping, a lively arts scene and more, groups will also find a range of options for unique team-building experiences — everything from paddleboarding on coastal dune lakes to networking events at rooftop venues with panoramic views of the water.

With their quaint charm, unique coastal communities including Seaside, Rosemary Beach and WaterColor each boast their own distinctive vibe, giving South Walton a feel that is both relaxing and sophisticated at the same time. Plus, getting there is a breeze, with nearby airports in Destin and Panama City. So, whether you’re hosting a recognition retreat, a leadership summit or some other special event, South Walton is an equally special destination — a place where corporate incentives are transformed into unforgettable coastal experiences.

One of America’s Best Beaches

Beaches in the St. Petersburg-Clearwater area rank among America’s best, but this destination was new for Alyse Pashman, CMP at East Coast law firm McCarter & English.

“For our annual partner retreat in March, our attendees long for a warmer climate that is easy to travel to,” Pashman says. “We have held this event in Miami for many years, but Clearwater Beach came into play when I learned it’s only a 30-minute drive from Tampa, an airport with daily flights from our home airports. After a site visit, I was impressed with how walkable the beach area is and how it had a more laid-back vibe compared to Miami.”

McCarter & English selected the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach for last year’s gathering.  “We chose the resort because it has a great location, right in the middle of things, and it’s easy to walk to beach bars and watersports,” says Pashman. “We needed the hotel to be ADA-accessible and had no problems there. We needed an outdoor space for our opening reception, which was held at the pool. We also needed a reserved area by the pool for our VIP break, and we needed a space for our final dinner, other than the ballroom, so we took over their onsite restaurant, Ocean Hai.”

“They have a very nice room product — I soon learned that their food is great and their staff even greater,” Pashman adds. “I personally aspire to work with a responsive staff for large events like this. After a wonderful experience [last year], I was thrilled to work with most of the same team in March.”

To organize smaller group activities, such as deep-sea fishing and a tiki paradise boat ride, Pashman collaborated with a DMC, Florida Destinations, which also assisted with airport transfers. Last year, her group held an offsite at a Mexican restaurant on the water, but this time she needed something different.

“My only challenge [this year] was finding a new location that would fit 200 people and a band for our offsite dinner,” Pashman says. “I didn’t want to go Marina Cantina two years in a row, but there are not a lot of places that can fit groups of 20 or more for meetups. I was happy I remembered visiting the Hilton Clearwater Beach, which had great terraces with room for our firm band to play.”

Says Pashman: “The Wyndham Grand Clearwater has a great team to work with… A group of 200 felt like the big fish in the space and we were well taken care of.”

All Roads Lead to Tampa

Just over Old Tampa Bay and the Causeway, the city of Tampa will be hosting the prestigious, invitation-only PCMA Foundation Partnership Summit in September of this year. Planners who attend will find a transformed destination — one that features more than 2,500 new hotel rooms added in the past three years, a Tampa Bay Convention Center fresh from a $44.5 million expansion and renovation and five restaurants awarded Michelin stars last year. One of those stars landed on the sleek and stylish 172-room Tampa Edition, which features Chef John Fraser’s acclaimed Lilac restaurant.

The Edition is one element of Water Street Tampa, the massive $3 billion waterfront development that has revitalized the area surrounding Amalie Arena, home of the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning. Here, the 2.6-mile Riverwalk winds alongside the Hillsborough River past parks, hotels, museums, the convention center, bars and restaurants.

This January marked the first year that Lansing Building Products has changed the locations of its annual national sales meeting, and Claudia Collingwood, the company’s national events director, says that’s because Tampa checked a lot of boxes for her group.

“I was impressed,” Collingwood says. “The city is clean and well-maintained, and I have to say, unfortunately, there are not currently many destinations where I feel comfortable venturing out of my hotel for a run by myself. But the Riverwalk was amazing, and I felt completely secure. I think that speaks volumes about Tampa’s leadership and management.”

“There were so many wonderful areas and options to choose from in Tampa,” she adds. “During my first visit, Visit Tampa Bay took me on a very comprehensive tour of the city, which afforded so many possibilities for offsite events during our stay. It was informative about the city’s rich history, which I was able to incorporate into some of our events.”

For the event, Lansing chose to base the 285 attendees at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street. The 519-room property boasts 122,287 sf of meeting and event space, including a 30,000-sf ballroom, the largest event venue in the city. Collingwood calls the JW Marriott “an absolutely outstanding conference hotel — on every level.”

“I knew immediately when I met our planner that this was going to be our best annual meeting yet — and they delivered,” she adds. “From our planning site to wading through hundreds of pages of detailed BEOs, our planner was impressively competent, responsive and resourceful.  The JW’s conference concierge staff were well-versed with our program and did an amazing job of anticipating our needs.”

“There are so many different opportunities and locations to discover in Tampa to enhance your attendees’ experience,” Collingwood adds.

The group had a smaller team dinner at Donatello, which, she notes, was outstanding, as well as a dinner cruise for all 285 attendees on the largest of the Starship Yacht fleet, which was also well-received.

Says Collingwood: “For future offsite events I hope to utilize Tampa’s street cars for travel to and from. What a great resource — and best of all, it’s free! It was hands-down the best meeting experience we have had to date.”

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood: A Safe Bet for Elite Events

For planners in search of a bold, high-energy setting for elite corporate incentive events, choosing Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is like hitting the jackpot. Home to the world-famous Guitar Hotel, this iconic South Florida resort sets the standard with over 120,000 sf of flexible meeting space, as well as luxury accommodations and a vibrant mix of venues for entertainment, dining, shopping and relaxation. Groups can unwind at the 13.5-acre pool lagoon, indulge at award-winning restaurants or test their luck at the state-of-the-art casino.

A unique blend of glamor, sophistication and South Florida style, the Hard Rock delivers a VIP experience that will both reward top performers and motivate them for more. Just minutes from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, the resort is as convenient as it is unforgettable. Whatever the event format — a flashy, high-energy awards gala, an immersive executive relaxation retreat or something in between — choosing the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is never a gamble. C&IT

The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. Courtesy Photo

From stunning vistas to towering mountainsides to vibrant urban environments, the Centennial State of Colorado is teeming with truly eclectic destination options for corporate and incentive event planners to consider.

Recently, Pulte Financial Services — a division of PulteGroup, Inc. — held a leadership summit, welcoming a total of 90 attendees to Hotel Polaris in Colorado Springs, which boasts 40,000 sf of indoor and outdoor event space. While the hotel is a preeminent location for meetings of all sizes, one of its biggest draws is its onsite F-16 and 737 flight simulators, which make Hotel Polaris the only resort venue in the U.S. that can provide attendees with the once-in-a-lifetime experience of “flying.”

“We selected Hotel Polaris for several key reasons. The location is ideal for accommodating both local and traveling guests, and the property met all our conference needs,” says Amanda Haley, corporate meeting and event planner at Pulte Financial Services. “Since we are always exploring new venues across the Front Range, the hotel’s stylish design, top-tier amenities, flexible event spaces and breathtaking mountain views made it an easy choice. Throughout the planning and execution, we were truly impressed by the outstanding support and service provided.”

Haley adds that Colorado is an exceptional option for planners, thanks to its diverse range of attractions and stunning attributes, and its unique blend of urban sophistication and outdoor adventure creates unforgettable experiences that resonate with a wide range of attendees.

“From vibrant cities to charming mountain towns, the state has a variety of offerings — each infused with a laid-back Rocky Mountain vibe,” Haley says. “For planners considering events in Colorado, my best advice is to visit your destination in person, explore the surrounding areas and build a strong relationship with venue partners. Understanding the locale and developing local partnerships can significantly elevate the event experience for both planners and attendees.”

Over the years, Loni Paige Weisinger, founder and CEO of Loni Paige Events, has had the opportunity to plan a wide range of corporate events in Colorado, including executive retreats, incentive trips, multiday sales conferences, brand activations, client appreciation experiences and wellness-focused leadership summits. Many of these programs incorporated immersive local experiences — everything from sunrise hikes to après-ski networking events and culinary tastings with local chefs.

“For incentive groups, we often build itineraries around adventure, culture and wellness, all seamlessly balanced with corporate programming,” Weisinger says.

As Weisinger points out, Colorado offers a powerful blend of accessibility, natural beauty and world-class hospitality infrastructure. It’s a four-season destination, which means there’s always something compelling to plan around — from winter skiing to summer rafting, fall foliage to spring wellness.

“The altitude, scenery and sense of adventure make it feel like an escape without being too remote, especially for companies flying in from both coasts,” Weisinger says. “Attendees also love how the atmosphere naturally promotes creativity, connection and mental reset.”

When planning a corporate meeting or event in Colorado, Weisinger recommends meeting professionals plan with altitude in mind. Build in arrival buffer time for guests to acclimate and stay well-hydrated.

“Transportation also is key. Depending on the location (especially mountain towns), private group transfers and shuttles are essential — and should be booked well in advance,” Weisinger adds. “Also tap into local experiences. Whether it’s a fly-fishing outing, a snowcat dinner on the mountain or a farm-to-table cooking class, these moments bring events to life and create long-lasting impact.”

And remember that the weather in Colorado can change fast, so planners should always have a contingency plan for outdoor components.

“Seasonality also impacts pricing. Shoulder seasons (spring and fall) can offer stunning scenery with more competitive rates and better availability,” Weisinger says.

Garden of the Gods Resort in Colorado Springs. Courtesy Photo.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs features around 14,500 guestrooms across the city, and over 450,000 sf of flexible meeting space. With a mild climate and 300 days of sunshine each year, this popular destination has proven to be an excellent backdrop for small gatherings, larger events and everything in between.

Of course, outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to love, with the city’s breathtaking trails and panoramic mountain views. Maybe attendees will want to cross America’s highest suspension bridge at the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. Perhaps they will enjoy the refined elegance of either The Broadmoor, Cheyenne Mountain Resort or Garden of the Gods Resort. Some might prefer the sleekness of the recently opened Hotel Polaris. Regardless, the perfect venue for every event can be found in Colorado Springs.

Situated at the gateway to the Rocky Mountains, The Broadmoor and its Wilderness Experience properties — The Ranch at Emerald Valley, Cloud Camp and the Orvis-endorsed Fly Fishing Camp — encompass 5,000 acres.

Boasting 784 rooms, suites and cottages, the The Broadmoor also includes two championship golf courses, an award-winning spa and fitness center, a nationally recognized tennis staff and program, more than 20 retail boutiques and a diverse collection of restaurants, cafes and lounges.

The Broadmoor Wilderness Experience properties comprises three unique all-inclusive boutique facilities that deliver an authentic Colorado experience while also offering mountain rustic luxury experiences for meeting attendees.

In addition, The Broadmoor features Colorado Hall and International Center, offering almost 30,000 sf of vibrant, modern meeting spaces designed to inspire collaboration and creativity.

For those attendees who love to be active early in the day, The Broadmoor offers Morning Yoga on the Lake, providing a peaceful natural atmosphere in which to enjoy rejuvenating sessions. The resort also features a 5K walking/running route, offering attendees the chance to get their hearts pumping while they take in the spectacular valley views.

Another Colorado Springs gem is Garden of the Gods Resort. That’s where Shawna Ratner, CMP, director of event strategy and agent experience at Pinnacol Assurance, planned an incentive program for the company’s agent partners.

“Garden of the Gods Resort is one of Colorado’s best-kept secrets. It’s incredibly easy to get to — although less than 10 minutes from the interstate, you feel like you are a world away,” Ratner says. “Most of our attendees came from across Colorado and had never been there before. It’s a modern and serene property that focuses on wellness and sustainability. Colorado is gorgeous year-round, offers endless activities and spectacular dining and provides an array of luxury and unique properties to choose from.”

Indeed, Garden of the Gods Resort delivers impressive conference experiences for large groups, relaxing retreats for executive teams and memorable incentive journeys for others. Surrounded by natural beauty, the resort also offers customizable meeting experiences, giving planners many options to consider.

Ratner adds that, overall, Colorado Springs is a compelling destination for corporate meetings and events as there are a plethora of unique venues beyond the city.

“While Denver has excellent convention centers and hotels, consider the unique charm of venues across the state, such as historic hotels in mountain towns, rustic dude ranches, art centers in smaller cities or even outdoor amphitheaters with stunning natural backdrops,” Ratner says. “You’ll find a network of dedicated tourism boards, convention and visitor bureaus and event professionals across Colorado who are passionate about showcasing this region and ensuring successful events. They can provide invaluable local knowledge and support. You can’t go wrong with an event in Colorado.”

Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center. © Hyatt

Denver

Colorado’s winter activities are the perfect escape for a corporate group seeking alpine adventures, while summer conferences give attendees the chance to explore the state’s many golf courses and other sun-soaked recreational opportunities. However, for year-round corporate events, it’s Denver that truly shines.

The Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center is located one block from the 16th Street Mall and within walking distance of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. With Rocky Mountain views aplenty, the venue is a prime downtown location, offering up to 60,600 sf of event space.

Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel is another favorite among corporate meeting planners looking to provide groups of all sizes with access to city’s celebrated attractions and entertainment. After an $80 million renovation, the hotel offers more than 130,000 sf of flexible meeting space and state-of-the-art amenities.

Nearby, the Grand Hyatt Denver offers more than 52,600 sf of meeting and event space. Located in the heart of downtown Denver, it is just minutes from the Colorado Convention Center, Coors Field, Union Station, as well as some of the best restaurants and shopping in the region.

Located close to both Denver and Boulder,  Omni Interlocken Resort is the ideal getaway for corporate meeting and incentive groups. In addition to the championship golf courses dotting the property, Omni Interlocken offers 40,000 sf of meeting and event space in addition to idyllic spa experiences that will rejuvenate busy attendees. The resort — which recently renovated its 15 meeting rooms to enhance productivity and comfort — also offers a wealth of outdoor decks, terraces and pavilions from which attendees can enjoy some truly stunning vistas.

Neighboring Denver is the rapidly developing city of Aurora, which is home to the Hyatt Regency Aurora-Denver Conference Center. Located between the Denver International airport and downtown Denver, this property can accommodate up to 1,400 attendees with a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces. Of course, when it comes to great meeting venues, the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center has helpetd put Aurora on the proverbial map with its more than 500,000 sf of meeting and event space. A remodeling of the resort included a rejuvenation of the Grand Lodge and the addition of an expansive 15,000-sf lawn.

West of Denver, Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk in Black Hawk, CO, can accommodate up to 400 attendees for corporate and incentive events, tradeshows and executive gatherings. Tucked into the heart of the Colorado Rockies, this venue is less than an hour from downtown Denver but a world away in terms of the area’s natural surroundings. And when it’s time to relax, attendees can take a dip in the rooftop infinity pool or treat themselves to rejuvenating treatments at the world-class spa.

Aspen

Long considered a preeminent skiing town, Aspen’s charisma is encapsulated by its rugged red mountain tops and steaming hot springs, and corporate and incentive meeting attendees will delight in the award-winning restaurants and charming shops that dot Aspen and its surrounding area.

In the heart of Aspen, Hotel Jerome has been attracting visitors to the region since its founding in 1889, during the local silver boom. Able to host up to 500 attendees, this historic hotel has earned its reputation for providing a luxury contemporary venue experience while at the same time celebrating its heritage in a unique and memorable way.

From its rustic mountain décor to its wealth of outdoor excursions, the town offers ample opportunities to create an unforgettable experience for attendees. To further enhance this, the Aspen Chamber of Commerce has developed preplanned itineraries that will inspire and delight meeting and incentive groups year-round. Whether it’s paragliding, visiting a nearby ghost town or enjoying a guided experience at one of the regional ski and snowboard schools, there is something for everyone in Aspen all year round.

Vail

Colorado’s Vail Valley is another great choice, as it offers a wide array of meeting venue options. Considered by many to be the soul of Colorado, the town is packed with high mountains and deep, narrow valleys — the ideal environment for ski enthusiasts. For instance, Grand Hyatt Vail offers a ski in-ski out experience for attendees looking to hit the slopes. Perfect for aficionados of the sport, the resort also caters to any novices in a corporate group or, in warmer months, those who enjoy fly fishing on picturesque rivers. Of course, when it’s time to get down to business, Grand Hyatt Vail also features stunning indoor and outdoor settings that celebrate all this iconic town has to offer.

Colorado Checks All the Boxes

One of the most significant trends in event planning today is the shift from transactional to relational experiences. Corporate event planners are prioritizing environments that encourage guests to bond, collaborate and build lasting relationships through interactive activities, networking lounges or informal gathering spaces. That’s where many of Colorado’s resorts and venues come in. Luckily, the state is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of experiences that blend the rugged beauty of nature with the thrill of adventure — all while also providing a number of exceptional venues for corporate and incentive events. C&IT

DepositPhotos.com

Attendee interaction is crucial to the success of any event, whether it’s a large-scale trade show, a corporate conference or a small networking or educational event. The connections attendees make at these gatherings can shape their overall experience and determine the event’s impact.

However, fostering meaningful engagement isn’t always straightforward. Many event planners struggle to overcome social barriers, create inclusive opportunities for interaction and ensure attendees leave feeling enriched. Thankfully, there are practical strategies planners can use to turn passive attendees into active participants, including innovative icebreakers, thoughtful space design and technology-driven tools.

“Not everyone is an extrovert,” says Barbara Gould, CMP, senior marketing and events specialist for The Alliance in Madison, WI. “You have to think about the personalities of the people coming to your meeting and how they’re going to feel just walking into the room.”

Overcoming Common Barriers to Interaction

It’s up to planners to first consider the common barriers that prevent attendees from interacting — including physical challenges, language barriers or just personality differences — and then devise strategies to help overcome them. Some attendees might feel shy or unsure of how to start conversations, according to Tamara Jesswein, senior corporate event manager of marketing and communications with HID Global in Austin, TX. “Overcoming these barriers involves creating a welcoming environment and providing clear opportunities for interaction,” she says.

“If somebody is an introvert, you want to give them things that help them strike up conversations,” Gould adds. While often overlooked, name tags are an important and obvious communication starter. Although commonly used at events, they may not be effective if they are difficult for other people to read. That’s why Gould recommends that planners use large fonts (for the attendee’s first name, at least) and avoid lanyards that might flip around, making them difficult to read.

There’s another simple way to help identify people and their different roles at the event. “At large national conferences, we color code our badges so people can easily see who’s an exhibitor, who’s a medical professional and who’s a vendor,” Gould says.

Planners use a number of strategies to help attendees feel comfortable engaging. Photo by Lindsay Ann Snyder / MPI

Successful Icebreakers and Networking Activities

Interactive games, group activities and structured networking sessions are just some of the tools Jesswein uses to ensure that attendees mingle and interact with each other. At one recent tech event she organized, “Get to Know Me” buttons were handed out for people to wear as conversation starters.

“We collected their information during the registration process to create the buttons that they wore throughout the event,” Jesswein says. “(The buttons) led to a significant increase in networking. Attendees reported feeling more connected and engaged.”

Gould has used a similar “Ask Me About” icebreaker game at some of her events. “Not everyone is going to be interested in talking about the same thing,” she says. “But if I’m a healthcare provider, maybe ask me about health plans. Or if I’m a broker, ask me about benefit plan design. These different things can easily help people strike up conversations.”

Timothy Arnold is a regional vice president with Hospitality Performance Network – HPN Global, and he says his company’s annual conference usually incorporates fun activities that attendees can take part in together to build connections with each other. At this year’s event, attendees were invited to play in a friendly dodgeball tournament, while past activities have included pool parties, axe throwing and even a private concert at the famed Red Rocks Amphitheater in Denver, CO.

“Our annual meeting is, in my opinion, the best meeting of the year because everything is structured to have interaction with attendees,” Arnold says. “We’ve done so many different things over the years that have all been about engagement, just getting people comfortable and making friends.”

To break the ice, Arnold has given event attendees random playing cards and then had them find five other people to assemble the best poker hand. He has also passed out slips of paper with half of a song title on them, directing participants to go find the person with the other half.

“It’s not anything earth-shattering. It’s just meant to get people out of their shell a little bit,” Arnold says. “I never liked expecting alcohol to be the only social lubricant that people have.”

“Our corporate motto is ‘relationships matter,’ so we do a fantastic job of putting people in the position to build relationships, not just sit there and go through some dry education session,” he says.

Planning micro-events — like a breakfast or happy hour — before or after the actual gathering is also helpful in getting people to engage, according to Gould, who says she remembers a Visit California event she attended where planners used a bingo game based on state trivia to get attendees to interact. “They gave away prizes, and it was a fun way to learn about the different cities and connect with the people at my table,” she says.

When people can work together on shared activities or to solve challenges, it helps get them to interact. Gould says she’s considering setting up an area at her next event where attendees can work collectively to build United Way Impact Kits. “It’s a fun way for people to have conversations while they’re doing good and putting kits together for the community,” Gould says.

Leveraging Tech for Engagement

Technology is playing an increasingly important role in enhancing attendee networking and engagement at events. A wide range of apps and other interactive tools can provide attendee directories, live polling, Q&A platforms, discussion boards and additional features that encourage people to connect with others who share their same interests and goals. EventMobi and Eventify are two examples of such apps, designed to increase engagement among attendees at events through challenges and games.

Gould says she remembers going to an event where planners relied on an app called JabberYak to help attendees build connections with each other. Using AI, the app asked a series of questions to learn more about Gould, then it helped connect her with others who had similar interests.

“It helps you find your people,” Gould says. “You can set appointments and post event photos. It also lets you have leaderboards, so the more you post, the higher you rank …”

Planners can also suggest that vendors interact with attendees through challenges and social media. For example, Arnold recalls one sponsor encouraging eventgoers to take selfies with certain people for a chance to win a $500 gift card.

Designing Event Spaces to Foster Interaction

The layout of your event can help, or hinder, attendee interaction. Open spaces, comfortable seating areas and strategically placed networking zones can encourage interaction among guests, Jesswein says.

And according to Arnold, it’s important to have a natural flow from a general session to breakout rooms, so if attendees leave for some reason, they return and don’t disappear into their rooms. “If you can keep them in the space and keep them engaged, you’re going to have a great successful conference,” he says.

Planners can encourage attendee interaction by offering a variety of seating options, such as soft seating, highboy tables and areas for small conversations between three or four people, Gould says, adding: “Nobody wants to sit in a ballroom and be lectured at all day.”

After joining The Alliance, Gould moved the networking reception for the company’s annual event from the ballroom at the Monona Terrace in Madison to an area right outside the ballroom where there were windows looking out over Lake Monona.

“We also created some breakout rooms just to get people out of the ballroom and moving,” she says. “Just the fact that they had to leave the ballroom, go across the hall and find other places to sit and grab some coffee while they were switching rooms allowed for a lot of extra interaction that may not have occurred before.”

Gould also considers attendee interaction when planning the lunch breaks at her events. She says she has found that a “choose your own adventure” luncheon — one that involves different stations serving small plates — helps attendees mingle more than traditional sit-down meal. “They’re not stuck at a table for the whole hour,” she says.

Measuring the Success of Engagement Strategies

So, how do you measure the success of your engagement strategies? You could send out post-event questionnaires to get attendees’ opinions, but Arnold says the best metric is the repeat business you get at future events.

“You can send out all the surveys you want, but at the end of the day, who comes back next year is your best metric of success,” he says.

While Jesswein encourages the use of surveys, she believes that attendee feedback, participation rates and the overall atmosphere of the event are good indicators of whether your event’s engagement strategies were a success.

Gould admits she hasn’t had a lot of success with surveys and says she bases success on what she sees for herself during the event.

“You can just feel the energy in the room if people are enjoying themselves,” she says, adding that use of social media hashtags can also give you an idea of whether you’ve been successful in getting attendees to interact at your event.

Not every engagement strategy will work for everyone. Gould says that when she planned events for real estate agents and brokers in the past, she always made sure to have a backdrop where people could take selfies and post them to social media. However, this same approach doesn’t work as well with the insurance audience for which she now plans meetings. “There are different strategies you can use, but you really have to know your audience,” she adds.

Creating opportunities for attendees to connect at events is both an art and a science. With the right mix of thoughtful planning, fun activities and smart technology, planners can transform an event, turning a simple gathering into a unique chance for attendees to collaborate and build new relationships with their peers.

The key is understanding your audience and using approaches that make them feel comfortable, curious and ready to interact. Whether you use creative icebreakers, well-designed spaces, innovative technology or all of the above, little touches can leave a big impression on attendees and get them excited about returning to your events year after year. C&IT

Savvy planners know that a company’s top performers expect authentic curated experiences designed to both create lasting memories and demonstrate how much they are appreciated. Courtesy of Moniker

Retaining top talent is a leading priority for businesses big and small, as the average American worker will stay at their job for just under four years, according to last year’s data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Keeping your best on board is critical, as turnover creates instability and unease, ultimately costing a company more. Bonuses and performance-based rewards have long been reliable retention strategies, but today’s elite performers are looking for more. They want stability, a clear path to career advancement and next-level professional development, as well as work-life balance and a corporate culture in which their accomplishments are appreciated.

Meeting and event planners are continuously tasked with creating thoughtfully designed experiences that recognize high performers. Whether the end goal is to boost morale, prioritize unplugging or simply celebrate peak performers, these out-of-office events and extravaganzas invite employees to relax and recharge — and there are myriad ways to reimagine the way a company rewards its employees.

Ultra-curated ‘Aspirational’ Experiences

“Gone are the days where you just bring everybody out and it’s free alcohol and shrimp cocktails, lobster and things like that,” says Gary McCreary, CMP Fellow, CPCE, CSEP.

McCreary — who spent much of his career with the Las Vegas Sands Corporation before becoming a longtime international meeting planner at Young Presidents Organization (YPO) — founded GLM Luxury Events earlier this year and says curated experiences built on authenticity create lasting memories that both stay with attendees and show how much they are appreciated.

“And it’s really trying to either connect with the location … or really creating special moments that you could not get on your own. Whether you’re looking on a very small scale or even a companywide scale, you’re looking for inspiration. You’re looking for connections — something that’s really out of the ordinary,” McCreary says.

For example, on an incentive trip to the Italian island of Murano — renowned for its long tradition of glassmaking — many attendees will make it a point to visit the Museo del Vetro, which tells the story of glass through the centuries. McCreary recalls taking his group to a renowned glass school on the island to learn the centuries-old craft. It was an elevated experience he curated to create lasting memories.

“You spend the day with one of the apprentice students and you’re hearing their stories, learning why they came here and how they spend their time,” he says. “[Attendees] can ask: ‘How do you mix colors into glass, and how do you process it?’ Then you try your hand at it and come home with the glass that you’ve blown yourself, and it’s those kinds of things that really take people out of their everyday life.”

McCreary’s outlook is on par with statistical findings that incentive travelers highly value opportunities to enjoy authentic destination experiences as a local would. The 2024 Attendee Preferences for Incentive Travel report, conducted by the Incentive Research Foundation, found that more than 80% of participants considered unique experiences — the kind that they couldn’t easily plan themselves — as extremely, or very, important to their overall experience.

“That’s what I’m really after, and in a way, that’s what a lot of the market, I think, is after,” McCreary says. “Everybody lives through everyone else on Instagram and TikTok and all of this, and you have more aspirational media to look at these days than ever before, right? So, you’ve got a much higher bar to go after.”

However, while customized incentives demonstrate to VIPs and top-performers that they matter, such events don’t necessarily require a big spend to be effective, says Megan Goldberg, a senior creative marketing manager at RMC, a national destination management services company.

“We had a couple events where we found out everyone’s birthday and then had a really cool custom acrylic astrology card on everyone’s plate at dinner. We found out people’s birthstones then had their gemstone colors for their table setting,” Goldberg adds. “Things like that aren’t too expensive to do, but [they] go that extra mile — finding out that extra information so we can make it extra special and curated.”

Goldberg has planned experiences for groups at Montage Palmetto Bluff, a luxury resort in Bluffton, SC, known as the “Heart of the Lowcountry.” She says that as guests arrived by boat, they were welcomed by a Gullah choir singing traditional spirituals a cappella in an African singing style considered part of the cultural fabric of South Carolina — specifically the Lowcountry. “And the palm basket weaving, that’s really big in South Carolina and the Charleston area. We love incorporating that,” Goldberg adds. The weaving tradition dates back three centuries and gives travelers a hands-on opportunity to enjoy an authentic Lowcountry experience.

Goldberg cites another example of an incentive trip she orchestrated — this time in Aspen, CO, where guests stayed at The Dunbar, a 160-acre ranch retreat that is owned by actor Kevin Costner and located just a few minutes from downtown.

“We work closely with his people, and we’ll have all these activities set up, like fly fishing or Jeep tours or something that is a very unique, one-of-a-kind experience that you can only really [have] in these sorts of locations,” she explains. “It’s all about curated, bespoke experiences … you have to have some sort of incentive for people to have that goal … [of going] to these magical places [to] experience these magical things, and we love setting that up for companies.”

Sean Hoff, founder and managing partner of Moniker, a corporate travel and retreat planning agency, recently worked with a client in real estate development who was looking to reward their top 50 salespeople.

“The client knew that they wanted to go somewhere that, in their exact words, was exotic, glamorous and would seem like a true bucket list experience,” Hoff says. “And so we were throwing around: ‘Well, what about Iceland? What about Rio? What about Morocco?’” Ultimately, he planned an extraordinary trip to Thailand. Apart from a casual breakfast gathering that showcased some of the clients’ upcoming projects, the remainder of the trip centered around fun experiences that explored extraordinary Thai culture and cuisine.

Studies show that incentive travelers place high value on opportunities to experience destinations authentically, as a local would. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

High Performers on the High Seas

Sure, you can plan an incentive trip to a destination, but why not make it multiple destinations, all on one trip?

Neil Brodie is vice president of Experiences at Sea, Charters, Meetings and Incentives for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. He’s worked with a wide range of incentive travel groups, some needing as few as eight cabins while others required full ship charters for 4,000 attendees.

“We have a very simple three-pillar platform that we stand on, which is: ‘Ask, listen and act,’” Brodie says. “We ask: ‘Why are they hosting this incentive? Who’s coming on board, where are they coming from and what are they trying to accomplish? We listen to what they have to say, and then we act. Then we work together with that group to bring a unique, immersive experience to life, so that when someone comes on from that particular company, they’re not just coming on Norwegian Cruise Line, but they’re coming on Norwegian Cruise Line for a very specific purpose.”

Brodie says the market has been making a shift to cruising since the pandemic ended. He credits a number of factors, including the flexibility ships offer to accommodate different group sizes and dedicate multiple spaces to create an exclusivity factor. The Norwegian Viva — the second ship in the Prima Class fleet, with a capacity of 3,219 passengers — has a versatile three-story theater with retractable seating. In less than 15 minutes, it can be easily transformed from a potential classroom or award-ceremony space into a vibrant nightclub.

“That’s just an example of how we’re flexible with the space, and we use some of the lounges or even specialty restaurants as breakout rooms,” he adds. “But we bring that same mindset off the ship as well. We have a department that all they do is help book customized and privatized excursions for groups.”

Brodie says that inclusive pricing also attracts planners. Rates typically include taxes and fees, as well as things such as beverage and specialty dining packages and excursions. “So, from a planner’s perspective, budgeting is incredibly easy,” he says. “Things that typically a group gets charged for on land we do not charge for on our ships, and that would include meeting space, audiovisual and food-and-beverage minimums. None of those things exist on any of our three brands, which obviously is typical at any land-based resort [or hotel] that you go to.”

Brodie echoes the sentiments of many meeting planners right now: Their people are asking for more leisure time during trips.

“More and more research is showing that people also want free time. You can do things where the group feels inclusive, where they have their meetings, have their cocktail parties [and] the group can dine together,” he says. “But everyone wants to do something different and feels fulfilled by doing different things, [whether] that’s going to the spa for a massage or playing in the casino or just lounging on a chair. I think the cruise ship is the perfect venue to give them both that private time with the group, as well as the private time for themselves.”

Hoff agrees, adding that in Moniker’s post-event surveys, he’s seeing more people express a desire for more free time. “That’s something we try to pass on to our clients. Sometimes there’s a tendency to try to overprogram, and we’re like: ‘Not only will you save money by not trying to squeeze in something every hour of the day, but people actually prefer to have, like, one afternoon entirely to themselves,’” he says. “When you overprogram an incentive, it can feel almost like you’re always checking your agenda for where you have to be next.”

While the idea of a cruise might conjure up images of thousands of people milling about popular deck areas, Brodie is quick to point out that groups can be as exclusive, or inclusive, as they choose. For example, he points out that The Haven is Norwegian’s “ship within a ship” concept — a luxurious private section at the top of the vessel that offers complete seclusion and the most luxurious, well-appointed and spacious accommodations available. A stay in The Haven comes with personal concierge and 24-hour butler service, as well as use of an exclusive sundeck and priority status for everything from embarkation, debarkation and boarding of tenders to shore, to onboard entertainment and dining times.

“This is a really unique way for a group that might be between 14 and 123 rooms to have a completely privatized experience without being able to charter an entire ship,” he explains.

McCreary also sees increased interest in taking incentive travel experiences to the high seas.

“I like the whole idea of the yacht piece, because you can show people a lot of different areas, a lot of different experiences, and the background is always changing. The amount of money that companies like Ritz Carlton and Four Seasons are just plowing into creating these luxury yacht experiences … to me, is very interesting,” McCreary says, adding that curated experiences in smaller, more intimate ports of call instill an elite VIP feel.

Whether it’s boosting job satisfaction or reinvigorating a group’s passion for work, incentive travel can show top performers they are appreciated while celebrating their achievements. Today, by thinking outside the box, meeting planners have a new world of opportunities to create elite experiences that inspire, reward and reinvigorate attendees.

Says McCreary: “Instead of your general session in the meeting room, or your gala night, now you’ve pulled into the Port of Dubrovnik and … on the bow of the ship, you have John Legend performing, all of Dubrovnik in the background and all your attendees are sitting … having dinner.” C&IT

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“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” That’s a piece of wisdom credited to Benjamin Franklin.

Ben knew what he was talking about. Lifelong learning affords many benefits, including personal development, social enrichment, career advancement … and greater earning potential.

Many professionals — nurses, doctors, dentists, accountants, attorneys, architects, engineers and educators, to name a few — require yearly continuing education to maintain proficiency and remain certified. That list also includes elite meeting and event specialists, according to Stacey Hoyt.

“It’s a way to set yourself apart in terms of your professionalism and demonstrate that you have the necessary qualifications to do the job,” Hoyt says.

It’s not just talk on her part. Hoyt is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) — a designation awarded by the Events Industry Council (EIC) — as well as a Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP), a classification conferred by the International Live Events Association (ILEA). In addition, she serves on ILEA’s board of governors, focusing specifically on CSEP certification.

Hoyt is also director of events at KMFA Classical 89.5 in Austin, TX — where she orchestrates more than a hundred events a year — and an adjunct professor at Austin Community College, teaching event design in the department of hospitality management.

By prioritizing continuing education, top planners demonstrate their professionalism and qualifications to get the job done. Courtesy of Stacey Hoyt

Staying Ahead of the Game

Some continuing education subjects for event and meeting planners are evergreen and will always be topical, applicable and pertinent, but like life, nothing remains static, and unforeseen developments require new and revised education. The pandemic was unquestionably uncharted territory, forcing planners to pivot and seek out training on virtual events.

While technology and logistics are always relevant, Hoyt reminds planners that sustainability “is a current and evolving topic that’s important to both your clients and your job.” There are multiple paths to certification in this critical area. An umbrella organization for the global business events industry, the EIC promotes high standards and professionalism through its CMP program and activities, offering many resources for event professionals. In one month alone, there were 14 EIC events in locations as diverse as North Carolina, Illinois, Kentucky, Nevada, Texas and New York, as well as Taiwan, Ireland, Australia and Turkey.

ILEA — formally known as the International Special Events Society — was founded to foster “enlightened performance through education while promoting ethical conduct” in planning and producing events. The organization currently has over 1,500 members, including event planners and producers, caterers, decorators, AV technicians, entertainers, educators, journalists and photographers across a wide spectrum of sectors: corporate, nonprofit, sports, tech, tourism, retail, fashion, arts, entertainment, government, politics and education. It has more than 40 chapters in 35 countries, with 23 local chapters across the U.S. and four in Canada.

Hoyt is active in her local Austin chapter. There are excellent opportunities to commit to a continued learning process, she says, by getting involved locally and at conferences. “If you have particular areas of education you want to deepen, you can help drive the educational content by getting involved and volunteering in a local association,” Hoyt adds.

It’s important, she says, for people to understand the difference between getting a certification credential — such as a CMP or a CSEP — and being certified in something specific such as sustainability or virtual event security, which can enable planners to target specific gaps in their knowledge.

Determining Value

In some cases, a certification is harder to get than a certificate, but all are not created equal, Hoyt reminds. Some don’t necessarily hold the same prestige in the industry. As a result, she advises event planners to be careful when choosing certifications and find out how universally accepted they are.

“I think one of the clues is how easy a certification is to achieve,” Hoyt says. “I had one of my students come to me and say: ‘Oh my gosh, I found this online program. For $3,000 I can get these letters behind my name.’ I looked into it and saw that it had a relatively low bar, and it was very expensive for what the student would be getting. Things like accreditation are extremely important. You have to be discerning and do some research to make sure that what you’re paying for actually has value.”

As the world’s largest Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) association, Meeting Professionals International (MPI) has a global community of 140,000 professionals, 75 chapters and 13,000 members in the U.S., Canada, Europe, South America, Africa and Asia.

MPI Academy director Tim Luepke explains that his group’s mission is to be a developmental catalyst for event and meeting professionals by providing education, advocacy, networking, collaboration and innovative solutions. The goal is to advance both the industry and the careers of the people working in it. Although corporate meeting planners make up the majority of participants by far, suppliers and those in other allied professions can also join.

The organization exists to help its members grow, not just by facilitating the acquisition of new skills, but also by supporting them to “re-skill and up-skill their tools for their particular positions,” Luepke says.

To that end, MPI offers a broad selection of courses and certifications in areas such as AI, sustainability and meeting fundamentals. Its premier offering, a Certificate in Meeting Management (CMM) — advanced learning intended for senior directors and executives who lead teams with large budgets — has become “the business standard of excellence for our industry,” Luepke adds.

For those graduating from college or just entering the industry, MPI offers a second targeted designation called Emerging Meeting Professional (EMP). Luepke calls it a “mini-designation” to help prepare participants for success as they enter the workforce.

Because the meeting, events and hospitality industry leans so heavily on face-to-face business, the impact of the 2020 pandemic was overwhelming, with up to 80% of the workforce being laid off or furloughed. Coming out of those years, one in every two workers was brand-new to the industry, so MPI became a strategic resource for the professional development of this new influx of workers. College graduates, people looking for a second career and those who had retired from the industry and were now returning — they were all being hired by hotels, restaurants and agencies that didn’t necessarily provide access to education.

In response, MPI partnered with Visit Detroit, for example, to focus on hospitality workforce development, and that collaboration yielded results that MPI has been able to share with younger workers, to give them an idea of what a career in the field might look like.

In addition to online education, each year MPI hosts 20 to 25 in-person events, where “true connection and collaboration happen,” Luepke says.

Determining Value

MPI held its 2025 European Meeting and Events Conference (EMEC) in Istanbul in February. The last time this event was held in Istanbul was in 2014, and this return marked a significant moment for both the organization and its host country, says MPI president and CEO Paul Van Deventer.

“EMEC has long been a cornerstone for the global events community, fostering professional development through innovation, learning and connections,” Van Deventer says. “Returning to Istanbul after more than a decade is not only a testament to the city’s enduring appeal but also a clear indicator of the excitement and popularity surrounding this iconic destination. Istanbul offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity that resonates with our international audience, and we are thrilled to bring EMEC back to this vibrant city.”

The World Education Congress, MPI’s signature event, will be held this year in St. Louis, MO. With over 2,000 attendees, it’s the world’s largest association gathering for meeting and event professionals. The two-and-a-half-day program offers instruction on the latest innovations and trends, promotes industry growth and provides opportunities for business exchanges and networking.

MPI also collaborates with IMEX — known as America’s largest trade show for the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry — to provide the educational component for two shows a year. One is held in Frankfurt, Germany, while the other takes place in Las Vegas, NV. The Las Vegas show is free for attendees and attracts more than 15,000 visitors and 3,500 exhibitors from 150 countries.

In addition to those larger showpiece events, to bring timely content to planners in a localized way, MPI hosts four to six regional events a year in strategic locations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., San Francisco and Chicago.

MPI also offers niche programs. “We have a thought-leaders summit every year, where we bring a topic and do a deep dive with approximately 50 or so planners and a few key suppliers to talk about a specific subject matter,” Luepke says.

For example, as AI emerged, MPI brought in strategic leaders from across the industry to address the new technology. The meeting produced a research paper which ultimately led to the creation of an AI certificate program that MPI now facilitates for planners and customers worldwide.

“Or if, for example, planners in a destination or area have a strong interest in a topic such as sustainability — which by the way has become extremely relevant — MPI will bring in-person certificate courses curated for them,” Luepke adds.

In various U.S. cities, MPI also offfers a certification program called Healthcare Medical Meeting Compliance (HMMC), which supports nearly 5,000 pharmaceutical, biotech, medical, life sciences and healthcare meeting planners worldwide. It teaches them how to successfully navigate these rapidly changing fields, while also providing access to a unique peer group forum in which members can exchange viewpoints, share recommendations and enlarge their circle of trusted colleagues.

Says Luepke: “Our goal is to lead and empower an inclusive meeting and event community to change the world.”

The ‘Bar Exam’ of Event Planning

Tavar James is vice president of events and industry partnerships for BoomPop, which describes its mission as bringing people together by pairing expert services with next-generation software to help clients plan incredible experiences. Although only in existence since 2020, BoomPop now has its hand in events at all levels, using AI to plan and manage gatherings for the likes of Apple, Netflix, Nike and Google.

James agrees with Hoyt and Luepke that meeting and event planners have access to considerable resources through online schools associated with organizations including the Convention Industry Council, MPI, Professional Conference Managers Association (PCMA), Corporate Event Marketing Association and the Event Leadership Institute. They all offer a multitude of courses, both virtual and in person, with tracks available based on the type of planner, where they are in their careers and exactly what it is they want to learn.

However, among the many industry certifications available, he believes that the Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) is the most coveted.

“Many consider it to be the ‘bar exam’ of event planning,” James says. “You must be at a certain level in your career and have completed a certain number of continuing-education hours to take the course. There are online and in-person study groups, as well as facilitators whose full-time job is to coach and prepare people for the CMP exam. You have two chances to take it in one year. If you fail both times, you have to wait until the next cycle to take the exam.”

One of the biggest roadblocks for continuing education in the field is equitable access, James says. “Some of the more sought-after courses are expensive, which can be hard for younger, newer planners who don’t yet have the funds to pay for the courses, or don’t have the backing from their corporations.”

Another negative is that learning can sometimes be redundant. “The industry has changed quickly,” James adds, “but some of the coursework hasn’t changed in years, and many of the courses have overlapping content with small margins of new, applicable content specific to that track. The events industry is such a hands-on field, a learn-through-experience industry, that many planners find learning in real time to be better, versus taking courses or learning through a facilitator.”

How to Avoid Wasted Time in Meetings

Steven Rogelberg, Ph.D. literally wrote the book — two of them, actually — on continuing education for meeting planners. He is a chancellor’s professor of organizational science, management and psychology at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte for distinguished national, international and interdisciplinary contributions.

A consultant to some of the world’s most successful companies, Rogelberg has been featured in National Geographic and Forbes. He has also been profiled on CBS This Morning, BBC World, CNN, NPR and CBC, as well as in the Chicago Tribune, the Los Angeles Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian and the Washington Post, which recognized his first book, “The Surprising Science of Meetings: How You Can Lead Your Team to Peak Performance,” as the number one book on leadership for 2019.

Recent estimates suggest that employees endure a staggering 55 million meetings a day in the U.S., but Rogelberg insists that this tremendous time investment yields only modest returns.

“No organization made up of human beings is immune to the all-too-common meeting gripes: those that fail to engage … inadvertently lead participants to tune out and … blatantly disregard participants’ time,” Rogelberg says. “Most companies and leaders view poor meetings as an inevitable cost of doing business, but managers can take heart because researchers now have a clear understanding of the key drivers that make meetings successful.”

“Is it possible to achieve meeting perfection?” he asks. “Probably not, but with intentionality, you can turn your meetings into efficient, engaging and inclusive events. C&IT