A COASTAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION PUBLICATION SEPTEMBER 2023 VOL. 16 NO. 5 $15.00 IN THIS ISSUE NEW & RENOVATED PROPERTIES SOARING AIRFARES MEETING SAFETY TIPS EVENT DESIGN CALIFORNIA COLORADO The Power of Premium Merchandise Page 16 2023 DISTINCTIVE ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS SPECIAL SECTION Marty Bear, President, Professional Marketing Services Inc.ococean.com Where work feels like less work. Trade in the hustle and bustle of big cities and give your team a chance to kick back on the coast, get inspired and get to work. Just a short drive away for most of the Mid-Atlantic Region, over 10,000 accommodations and more than 250,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space await. Not to mention one of America’s Top 10 Beaches. Plan your next unforgettable event in Ocean City, Maryland – Somewhere to Smile About.DEPARTMENTS DESTINATIONS FEATURES 56 24 60 32 20 16 VIEWPOINT 12 Working The Favor Bank Ten Ways To Grow Your Network And Get Things Done BY ROBERT L. DILENSCHNEIDER 14 How To Be A Leader Employees Don’t Leave BY SUZANNE OGLE 16 The Power of Premium Merchandise Creating Customizable Items for Maximum Exposure BY CHRISTINE LOOMIS 20 New & Improved These State-of-the-Art Properties Are Perfect a For Planners BY MAURA KELLER 24 Soaring Airfares How Travel Costs Impact Event Planning BY CHRISTINE LOOMIS 28 Forward Thinking Securing Potential Safety Issues Before a Crisis Occurs BY MARLENE GOLDMAN 32 Creating an Experience The Changing Landscape of Event Design BY MARLENE GOLDMAN 36 2023 Distinctive Achievement Awards Celebrating the Best of the Best 4 Publisher’s Message 6 News & Notes 8 Scene at ASAE 66 Career Track 56 California A Golden Opportunity For Meeting Planners BY CHLOE LABELLE 60 Colorado Meeting Magnets in the Mile High City & Beyond BY MAURA KELLER ISSN 21628831 | USPS 003500 | A COASTAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION PUBLICATION | SEPTEMBER 2023 | VOLUME 16 | NUMBER 5 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES 3 ISSUECONTENTS SEPTEMBER 2023A COASTAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION PUBLICATION PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Harvey Grotsky harvey.grotsky @ themeetingmagazines.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kristin Bjornsen kristin.bjornsen @ themeetingmagazines.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Rachel Galvin rachel.galvin @ themeetingmagazines.com CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Cynthia Dial Marlene Goldman Dan Johnson Maura Keller Christine Loomis Kathy Monte Nancy Mueller David Swanson PRESIDENT & CEO Harvey Grotsky VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS David Middlebrook david.middlebrook @ themeetingmagazines.com ADVERTISING SALES OFFICES 2500 N. Military Trail, Suite 283 Boca Raton, FL 33431-6322 561-989-0600 Fax: 561-989-9509 advertising@themeetingmagazines.com REGIONAL MANAGER Bob Mitchell 630-541-3388 bob.mitchell@themeetingmagazines.com DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL PROJECTS Michael Caffin 914-629-5860 michael.caffin@themeetingmagazines.com Association Conventions & Facilities is published bi-monthly by Coastal Communications Corporation, 2500 North Military Trail — Suite 283, Boca Raton, FL 33431-6322; 561-989-0600. Single copies $13.00 U.S.A. only. Yearly subscription price is $65.00 in the U.S.A. Canada and foreign is $135.00. Back copies $14.00 plus shipping and handling, U.S.A. only. Distributed without charge to qualified personnel. Periodicals Postage Paid at Boca Raton, FL, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Please send Form 3579 address changes to Association Conventions & Facilities, 2500 North Military Trail — Suite 283, Boca Raton, FL 33431- 6322. Nothing contained in this publication shall constitute an endorsement by Coastal Communications Corporation (Association Conventions & Facilities), and the publication disclaims any liability with respect to the use of or reliance on any such information. The information contained in this publication is in no way to be construed as a recommendation by AC&F of any industry standard, or as a recommendation of any kind to be adopted by or to be binding upon any advertiser or subscriber. Reproduction of any portion of this publication by any means is strictly forbidden. Editorial contributions must be accompanied by return postage and will be handled with reasonable care. However, the publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited photographs or manuscripts. Subscribers: Send subscription inquiries and address changes to: Circulation Department, Association Conventions & Facilities, 2500 North Military Trail — Suite 283, Boca Raton, FL 33431-6322. Provide old and new addresses including zip code. Enclose address label from most recent issue and please allow five weeks for the change to become effective. Printed in U.S.A. ©2023 Harvey Grotsky Publisher SIMPLIFY SUCCESS caesarsmeansbusiness.com | 855-633-8238 8303931-8.125x10.875-mtg-corpincentravelresize-v1.indd 18/21/23 1:24 PM linkedin.com/company/ ACFacilities @ACFacilities @ACFacilities facebook.com/ ACFacilities linkedin.com/company/ ACFacilities @ACFacilities @ACFacilities facebook.com/ ACFacilities FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESSEPTEMBER 2023 PUBLISHER’SMESSAGE 4 A Tribute To The Best I would like to take this opportunity to extend my congratulations to this year’s Association Conventions & Facilities magazine 2023 Distinctive Achievement Awards winners. In this era of competitiveness, these out- standing facilities and CVBs have excelled in service, meeting facilities and assistance with a destination. Once again this year, the qualified meeting planner subscribers enthusi- astically cast their ballots in favor of the facilities and CVBs that best served them in planning and executing their meetings and conventions. Highly rec- ognized by the industry, and now in its 16th year, the Distinctive Achievement Award is a valuable tool that measures some of the best facilities and services available for events. Our goal is to have our subscrib- ers recognize quality and management achievements and to publicize successful event planning strategies. Finding a destination that meets your needs can no doubt be as arduous as selecting the hotel or resort. Adapting to a new venue and working with new partners sometimes requires flexibility and resilience. While there is always risk involved with change, the meetings industry will continue to move forward with new compelling destinations and venues for planners to build successful events and remarkable experiences.SIMPLIFY SUCCESS caesarsmeansbusiness.com | 855-633-8238NEWS & NOTES themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESSEPTEMBER 2023 The Omni Homestead Resort Unveils New Meeting & Event Spaces HOT SPRINGS, VA — The Omni Homestead Resort has expanded its event and meeting spaces as part of an overall $150+ million- dollar property-wide renovation. The prop- erty will unveil an all-new, indoor and out- door 4,000 sf event pavilion. In addition, the resort’s existing 72,000 sf of meeting space received a refresh focused on advanced func- tionality and revived interiors. Theater 1923, which celebrates its 100th year this year, received a classic, yet modern update. New AV technology will allow for the transforma- tion of the projection booth into an elegant, signature cocktail bar. The F&B venues have been enhanced. Additional updates included façade improvements, balcony deck work, guest room renovations, a new associate housing building and the historic reha- bilitation of the Warm Springs Pools. Scott Beck Appointed President & CEO Of San Francisco Travel Association SAN FRANCISCO – San Francisco Travel Association announced the appointment of Scott Beck as President and CEO. Beck succeeds Joe D’Alessandro, who will retire in December after nearly 18 years at the helm of San Francisco’s official destina- tion marketing organization. Currently, Beck is Presi- dent and CEO of Destination Toronto where he has worked for over four years. Before that position, Beck served as President and CEO of Visit Salt Lake for 14 years. Beck also has extensive experience in the hotel industry, including serving as General Manager of the Marriott City Center in Salt Lake City; Task Force General Manager for Ocean Properties Ltd.’s Atlific Hotels; General Manager of Sedona Resort Management’s Cedar Breaks Lodge in Brian Head, UT and Director of Sales and Marketing for Sundance Resort in Provo, UT. 6 WEST PALM BEACH, FL — Discover The Palm Beaches has appointed Milton Segarra, CDME, as its President and Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1. This appointment follows the retirement of long-time industry veteran Jorge Pesquera, who led the organization for the past 16 years. Segarra joined Discover the Palm Beaches in 2022 as its Chief Marketing Officer. Prior to that role, Segarra led the Coastal Mississippi Tourism Board. Previously, he was President & CEO at Meet Puerto Rico. Segarra’s background also includes tenure as Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company and a cabinet position as Sec- retary of Economic Development for Puerto Rico. In addition, Segarra has hed senior sales, revenue and marketing positions within major hotel brands. WASHINGTON D.C. — The Walter E. Wash- ington Convention Center announced it has been awarded LEED Gold certification. It achieved it for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions in areas including sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. The convention center uses a variety of sustainable strategies. For example, low- emission glass minimizes temperature fluctuations, as well as sensor-controlled high-efficiency lighting and a dedicated energy management system in its central plant contribute to significant energy con- servation. Highly efficient bathroom fix- tures reduce the demand for water supply and waste systems. Paint, adhesives, seal- ants and similar building materials contain low to no volatile organic compounds. The convention center also has an extensive waste diversion program with a strong focus on education, to better edu- cate the center staff, as well as its service partners. A waste audit was conducted to identify opportunities to reduce waste and increase recycling and composting by discovering exactly what the center’s staff, service partners and guests were disposing and how they were disposing the waste. Discover The Palm Beaches Appoints New President & CEO Walter E. Washington Convention Center Awarded LEED Green Building Certification COURTESY PHOTO COURTESY PHOTO Beck SegarraSEPTEMBER 2023 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES RALEIGH, NC — The Raleigh City Council voted to direct the City of Raleigh staff to enter into negotiations with Omni Hotels & Resorts, in partnership with Preston Hollow Community Capital and Provident Resources Group, to develop the highly anticipated convention hotel in the core of downtown Raleigh. The dynamic addition to the Raleigh skyline will be built on an over one-acre lot across from the Raleigh Convention Center. Expected to open in 2027, the Omni Raleigh Hotel will be a great addition to Omni’s growing portfolio of over 50 luxury hotels. This will be the third Omni prop- erty in North Caro- lina and the first for the capital city. The Omni Raleigh Hotel is anticipated to include 550 guest rooms and 55,000 sf of meeting space, which will allow for larger events to take place downtown and support the growth of the Raleigh Convention Center expansion. The hotel will also feature several food and beverage outlets, a rooftop pool, spa and fitness center. The increase in downtown room inventory will assist in recruiting larger and more frequent conventions to the area. 7 LAS VEGAS — The iconic Fontainebleau brand has arrived on the Las Vegas Strip as Fontainebleau Las Vegas. The luxury resort and casino announces its global debut set for December, pending regulatory approvals. Fontainebleau Las Vegas is a 67-story, vertically integrated luxury resort. Rooted in the 70-year history of the iconic Fon- tainebleau brand, Fontainebleau Las Vegas brings a legacy of timeless elegance and unparalleled service to the Strip. The resort’s thoughtful design allows attendees to move effortlessly among 3,644 luxury hotel rooms and suites, 550,000 sf of cus- tomizable meeting and convention space, more than 150,000 sf of gaming space, a collection of world-class restaurants and shops, pools, nightlife, and spa and wellness offerings. The property is located at 2777 S. Las Vegas Blvd., adjacent to the acclaimed Las Vegas Convention Center expansion. COURTESY PHOTO Omni to Debut in Raleigh With New Convention Center Hotel COURTESY PHOTO Fontainebleau Las Vegas Emerges as the Pinnacle of Luxury HospitalityThe Raleigh Convention Center CENTRE’D AROUND YOU. Make an impact with your next event at Boise Centre. Our versatile meeting and event spaces, modern amenities, and expert event planning team is at your service to ensure an unforgettable event experience. Located in the middle of the city’s energetic, walkable downtown Boise Centre is surrounded by local breweries, restaurants, shops, hotels and is minutes from outdoor adventures. boisecentre.com • Convenient downtown location • Numerous direct flights and seven minutes from the airport • Surrounded by restaurants, breweries, and nightlife • Over 1,300 hotel rooms within walking distance • Outdoor activities close by hiking, rafting, biking, and moreSCENE AT ASAE themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESSEPTEMBER 2023 ith over 5,100 attendees in Atlanta for ASAE’s 2023 Annual Meet- ing & Exposition, the event began with an evening celebration at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The celebration set the stage for several exciting events, including the ASAE Research Foundation’s The Classic at the Georgia Aquarium and the closing celebration at Atlanta’s Centen- nial Park District. For attendees convenience, the Hub was situated on the expo floor, available for one stop shopping for all things ASAE and other activities, including lounge space and the first-tim- ers Hive, which has received positive feedback in the past. First time attendees were encouraged to visit the Hive to meet up and network. While the annual event can be an overwhelming experi- ence for first timers and veterans alike, there was a wealth of concurrent education sessions, keynotes, exhibitors and evening events. The final day featured unforgettable events and program- ming from community tours through Atlanta, to a keynote from journalist Soledad O’Brien dedicated to telling empow- ering and authentic stories on social issues, followed by the closing night reception in the evening. | AC&F | W ASAE 2023 Highlights From The Annual Meeting & Exposition 89 SEPTEMBER 2023 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESNext >