NO CAR, BUT HOTEL CHARGED MANDATORY VALET PARKING FEE!

Robert Kraus, travel professional, event planner, and owner of Small Conferences LLC took an “expensive van service from the airport to a Florida hotel for a three-day educational conference aimed at meeting planners,” he explains. In his LinkedIn post, Kraus said the property was “near a beach that literally brags about how most of the properties there do not charge a “resort fee” and even offer free parking. The actual town I stayed in offers a surplus of complimentary parking along the main strip with no parking restrictions – welcoming guests to drive and stay there (as they are an hour away from the closest regional airport).” Along with his key and information about the complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi, he was handed a piece of paper with lots of very small writing about all their “rules and regulations” at the hotel property, which he admits to not reading all of it. On leaving, he dropped his key at the desk and returned to the airport via the van service. At the airport he perused new emails and saw a final bill stating he had $75 dollars in mandatory valet parking fees, adding 18% to his hotel bill. Surprised and sure it was a mistake, he called the front desk and was told the fee was listed in the small print. He then talked to the manager and said the conference he was with was told parking was free, and reminded the manager he did not park a car. Longer story made shorter, there would be an “exception” to remove the $75 charge, but Kraus wants other event professionals to know what happened. At the time of him writing his LinkedIn post, the fee had not been removed. You can read the full story at https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/my-imaginary-car-got-charged-valet-parking-small-conferences-o3suc/

SERVE UP DEALS! YOU SAVE!

Book Omni PGA Frisco (Frisco, TX) by October 20 for a magical holiday stay November 15 – January 19, 2025 and get 20% off accommodations. The holiday spirit will be brighter with the addition of a $25 complimentary food and drink credit. Join Omni for free and as a Select Guest, earn 2x Omni credits per room night. The resort has more than 127,000 sf of flexible indoor and outdoor event space, 13 dining options, championship golf course, and a full-service spa. Two ballrooms, from 11,500 to 23,000 sf, 19 meeting rooms, and nine outdoor venues.

https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/pga-frisco/specials/magical-memories

Mainsail Lodging & Development entices the senses with taste and experiential activities at three of its most popular Florida boutiques hotels: the historic jazz-inspired Fenway Hotel in Dunedin, foodie-focused Epicurean Hotel in Tampa, and riverfront Luminary Hotel & Co. in downtown Fort Myers. Each property has a promotional offer designed to captivate. “We take great pride in the unique character and style of our hotels and the thoughtful planning that goes into designing experiences for each type of traveler,” said Joe Collier, President and Founder of Mainsail Lodging & Development. “From the classic ambiance and jazz culture of Dunedin to the culinary adventures in Tampa and the dynamic urban setting of Fort Myers, our hotels are crafted to provide memorable and enriching getaways that embrace each community’s local charm.” Luminary Hotel & Co. has a range of special offers, including the Chips Sports Pub & Topgolf Swing Suite Package that includes a $25 gift card, the Stay for Breakfast package featuring breakfast at Ella Mae’s Diner, and exclusive Sunshine State savings with the Florida Resident Rate. Fenway Hotel has special offers such as the STEAK-cation Dunedin Package, the Fenway Sunset Package, and the Florida Resident Rate offering exclusive discounts and perks. Special sports events for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Lightning or the inaugural season of the Tampa Bay Sun FC professional women’s soccer team may be good enticements to book a holiday or meeting. The recent $21 million expansion of the Epicurean Hotel offers the STEAK-cation package or enjoy up to 30% savings and two complimentary glasses of wine or beer with the Florida Resident rate. The same sports activities listed for the Fenway would work for a stay here as well.

https://www.fenwayhotel.com/; https://www.epicureanhotel.com/; https://www.luminaryhotel.com/

Once upon a time, a hotel in Colorado Springs, CO served as the region’s stock exchange for gold and silver. It has been renovated into a 128-room hotel, opening as the first Wyndham Registry Collection Hotel in the United States. The renovations include exposed brick and marble finishes to guest rooms. There is an art gallery called The Vault, and 15,000 sf of conference and event space. Today, Wyndham Rewards members can earn double points and a $25 nightly credit with a booking by December 31 and using by May 31, 2025.

www.miningexchangehotel.com

Save 20% for stays of four nights or 25% for five or more nights January 4, 2025 through April 10 at Aulani Disney Resort (Ko Olina, Hawaii). Book by March 5 and travel by April 11. Advance rsvp’s required and must be for consecutive night stays.

www.disneyaulani.com; (866) 443-4763.

Save 25% on your next small board meeting or annual conference. SmallConferences.com’s Exclusive Nonprofit Discount program helps companies save with cost-effective site selection & creating memorable moments. Owner Robert Kraus has been a member of the hospitality industry for 20 years, sharing his knowledge by teaching Hospitality at local Miami homeless shelters and Event Planning for Nonprofits. He’s been featured in USA Today, Hotels Magazine, Meetings Outlook, Hospitality & Tourism News, Washington City Paper & on the Today Show because of my expertise in hospitality.

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/success-secrets-for-events-7166886820624982016/

Contract your new meeting or event at the Walt Disney World Swam and/or Dolphin (Lake Buena Vista, FL) by December 31 this year and use by December 31, 2025 to receive Triple Marriott Bonvoy™ Points, complimentary Planning Meeting for up to 12 Guests for up to two nights, round trip airport transfers, F&B, and a VIP Epcot Fireworks Yacht Cruise for up to 12 guests. Cruise and Board Meeting offer eligible for groups of 500+ total room nights. Between the two adjacent properties there are 99 meeting rooms, 149 meeting suites, and 23 restaurants and lounges. Guests have full access to the Mandara Spa, six pools, and preferred tee times on Disney® championship golf courses.

https://swandolphin.com/meetings/request-for-proposal/

The Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (Los Angeles Tourism) offers incentives to book more than 40 hotels in multiple cities with its new “Now Playing” campaign. Planners are encouraged to book their groups through June 30, 2025 by first submitting new meeting or event requests to LA Tourism. They will be eligible for gift cards, rebates, and other financial rewards based on the number of booked rooms.

https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/meetla

You won’t even need a breezy day to sail away with this offer from Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe (Houston, TX). Book a qualified meeting in any of these time periods to receive a cruise to the Bahamas for two aboard the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise or a Margaritaville Bahamas Frozen Concoction Maker. The dates are November 22-29; and December 1-6, 8-11, and 15-23.

www.margaritavilleresorts.com/margaritaville-lake-resort-lake-conroe/meetings-events/meeting-special-offers

When you book your meeting at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort (Naples, FL) between now and December, you get not just one, but your choice of five “Paradise Perfected” perks for booking a minimum of 25 guest rooms per night with a two-night minimum stay and standard F&B minimum. The property has 180 guestrooms, including eight gulf front suites and 30 junior suites. There are 10 event spaces, including the Vanderbilt Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 300-people when set in rounds. There are seven outdoor venues, the largest of which can also host 300 set in rounds. Here are some of the perks: two complimentary VIP welcome amenities (chef’s choice); one complimentary upgrade to a one–bedroom beachfront suite or lanai beachfront fire pit premium room at the group rate, reduced outdoor site fee of 50% for select beachfront venues, 10% discount on group golf rounds, and one gift certificate for a complimentary two-night/three-night stay. The resort is 22 miles from Southwest Florida International Airport.

https://www.laplayaresort.com; (239) 598-5700; sales@laplayaresort.com; (800) 237-6883

Save up to 50% on bookings made now on stays through March 31, 2025 at the family-friendly, all-inclusive, and finally open Wyndham Alltra Samaná, managed by Playa Hotels & Resorts, in the charming town of Las Galeras in the Samaná province of the Dominican Republic. The 404-room resort marks Wyndham Alltra’s first resort in the Dominican Republic.  It won’t be the last. Later this year it will be joined by Wyndham Alltra Punta Cana, also to be managed by Playa. The two resorts earmark Wyndham’s rapidly growing all-inclusive portfolio, which now spans about 40 resorts worldwide. “The Dominican Republic has long been a coveted destination for travelers looking to relax amidst some of the most stunning beaches in the world,” said Fernando Mulet, Chief Investment Officer, Playa Hotels & Resorts… As we continue to add stunning resorts in the Dominican, Wyndham Alltra is the perfect brand to deliver on that promise.” The resort guest rooms and suites have private balconies and garden views.

www.alltrabyplaya.com/samana; www.wyndhamalltra.com; www.WyndhamRewards.com; www.playaresorts.com; www.wyndhamhotels.com

Scottsdale, AZ isn’t pretending that temperatures in the city don’t soar during summer months, but they want to cool down the heat by offering a Sizzling Summer Rebate Program, based on having a minimum of 125 total group rooms and actualizing during these time periods: May 26 – September 12, 2025; and May 25 – September 11, 2026. The RFP must be sourced through Experience Scottsdale. Total rebate, up to $5,000 max, is credited to the client’s master bill. Rebates only apply to new meetings and there must be written confirmation of eligibility from Experience Scottsdale.

www.experiencescottsdale.com/meetings/summer/

The beaches of St. Petersburg, FL may be a strong attraction, but in this case, perhaps the reason to book one of the TradeWinds Island Resorts could be the promotional incentive to book your group’s meeting by December 20. The meeting for a minimum of 50 rooms on peak must also be used by December 20. There are at least a dozen incentives offered, and when you book, you get to choose six of them. Incentives may include 4% rebate to the master, donation to the charity of your choice; 10% discount on published Banquet Food & Beverage spend; 10% discount on published A/V spend; Complimentary break for staff office; or a Complimentary 2-night stay certificate for meeting planner.

https://www.tradewindsresort.com/offers

Book new business in a Boston or Cambridge (MA) hotel and receive a 10% rebate off the banquet master bill and 10% off all rooms booked. Here are the eligible program dates to qualify– 2025: 11/18/2024 – 04/17/2025; and 2026: 11/17/2025 – 03/31/2026.

sales@meetboston.com; www.meetBoston.com

I have a dear friend who believes the power of the beach overcomes any of the day’s negativity. She would go crazy for the ‘Wealth of Wellness’ package offered by Pueblo Bonito Golf & Spa Resorts, located within the luxury residential development Quivira Los Cabos at the tip of the Baja Peninsula. The updated-for-2024-package integrates numerous wellness components available within the resort community. The exclusive five-day “Wealth of Wellness” package, available through December of 2024, includes all-inclusive F&B, two 50-minute organic massages or facials, mountain bike tour for two, use of beach cabanas with personal butler service, a cooking class for two, and shuttle service and access to sister properties, which also have all-inclusive F&B.

www.pueblobonito.com; (800) -990-8259

NEW AND PUTTING ON A NEW FACE

In 2024

Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center (Arora, CO) has completed its multi-million expansion of a 15,000-sf Grand Lodge Games Lawn and remodeled its Grand Lodge and Grand Lodge Lawn. The property has also built two bar and dining venues, Embers Lodge Bar and The Fortunate Prospector.

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/dengr-gaylord-rockies-resort-and-convention-center; 720-452-6900

This winter, Caesars Entertainment and Tao Group Hospitality will introduce Caramella, an Italian restaurant and swanky lounge, at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Tao Group Hospitality’s Chief Culinary Officer, Ralph Scamardella, has created the Italian-inspired menu. Located on the Mezzanine level of Planet Hollywood next to the Criss Angel Theater, the décor and design reflects influences of 1970s Italy. Caramella is an expansion of Tao Group Hospitality’s partnership with Caesars Entertainment, which includes OMNIA Nightclub, Stanton Social Prime and OMNIA Dayclub (opening 2025) at Caesars Palace.

http://www.CaesarsMeansBusiness.com.

The new Colorado Convention Center (Denver, CO) is open and now has 80,000-sf multi-function ballroom, 35,000-sf pre-function space, and 20,000-sf terrace offering 150 miles of Rocky Mountain views. The new Bluebird Ballroom is the largest in Colorado and has 19 different divisions.

What’s old becomes new again when the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch finishes its $110 million renovation and rebrand. The newly named property, to open in early October, will transform into Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort, the first Grand Hyatt in Arizona. All guestrooms, expansion of the ballroom, new pool complex, and six new restaurants and bars designed by celebrity Chef Richard Blais are part of the redo. Blais’ signature restaurant is a personal love letter to Italian American cuisine with a focus on hand-made pastas and charcoal-grilled steaks, seafood and chops. The restaurant’s indoor seating will connect to the resort’s Desert Garden outdoor entertainment space. The other five restaurants are Tiki Taka (sushi-tapas bar), Mesa Centrale (Southwestern grill), and Grand Vista Lounge (lobby bar). Two recent restaurants added to the pool complex are Sandbar and H2Oasis. The ballroom, nearly doubling in size, will reopen in January.

https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/en-US/scott-hyatt-regency-scottsdale-resort-and-spa/renovations; resscott@hyatt.com

In 2025

Silicon Valley, CA’s Morgan Hill is the recipient for Hotel MOHI by Appellation, the culinary-first hotel brand by American chef Charlie Palmer and luxury hospitality veteran Christopher Hunsberger. The pair have joined forces with vintner Frank Léal of Léal Hospitality to develop Hotel MOHI by Appellation, expected to debut in the Fall. The five-story, 76 room urban retreat will be the first full-service luxury boutique hotel in the area. The 215-seat signature Charlie Palmer restaurant and bar plans to produce key ingredients from scratch, including roasting small-batch coffee or olive oil made from onsite trees. Additional amenities include a terrace pool and deck, marketplace, and flower shop lounge. A café and bakery will transition into a cocktail and wine bar during evenings. Also expected is a 7,730-sf ballroom with a modern organic design flex space able to become a show-kitchen for live-action culinary experiences.

https://www.appellationhotels.com/hotels-california-morgan-hill.html

Kentucky Exposition Center (Louisville, KY) is expanding. Already equipped with 1.2 million sf of meeting space and 300 acres of outdoor space and considered the sixth largest expo in the U.S, the center has broken group for a $393 million expansion to be completed in 2025. Two new multi-purpose buildings planned. Located just minutes from downtown near the Muhammad Ali Louisville International Airport.

www.kyexpo.com

Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a 500-room Loews Hotel resort opens at Universal Epic Universe theme park (Orlando, FL) in 2025. The majestic Mediterranean-inspired resort is designed to blend immersion and relaxation with a rooftop bar, divine dining options, and the hotel’s very own dedicated entrance to the new theme park. There will be 4,648-sf of versatile meeting & function space. As soon as guests enter, they will be transported to a fantastical world within the palace of Helios, the Greek god of the sun, adorned with beautiful details of celestial patterns, dazzling constellations and elegant yet casual Mediterranean design elements. Through the lobby’s floor-to-ceiling windows will be a breathtaking vista of Celestial Park. Many of the rooms will offer views of Epic Universe. Unique to Universal Helios Grand Hotel will be imaginative How to Train Your Dragon Kids’ Suites. The dedicated entrance to Universal Epic Universe located off the lobby will provide direct, convenient access to and from the theme park (valid theme park admission required). Atop the roof, Bar Helios’ menu of creative tapas and familiar favorites and handcrafted specialty cocktails along with unmatched 360-degree views of Epic Universe and beyond. The resort will have a pool, fitness room and three dining options: Flora Taverna, Aurora Market, and Lotus Lagoon. Guests staying at Universal Helios Grand Hotel, or any of the other Universal Orlando hotels, receive Early Park Admission. The addition of Universal Helios Grand Hotel also brings three reimagined hotel categories to Universal Orlando. The Signature Collection – including Universal Helios Grand Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, offers full-service amenities. Prime Value Hotels – including Universal Aventura Hotel, Universal Stella Nova Resort (opening January 21, 2025) and Universal Terra Luna Resort (opening February 25, 2025), offer a mix of services and amenities made for comfort. Value Inns and Suites – including Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Universal Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites & Dockside Inn and Suites, are fun, affordable options offering standard rooms and spacious suites with kitchenettes.

www.UOMeetingsAndEvents.com.

By the end of 2024, Ameristar Casino Resort Spa St. Charles (St. Charles, MO) will have finished its refresh and upgrade of the resort’s 397 guest rooms. By fall of 2025, the property will have tripled the size of its meeting and convention center to 65,000 sf of event and meeting space.

https://ameristarstcharles.boydgaming.com/

Super Nintendo World, one of five worlds at Universal Epic Universe (Orlando, FL), will open in 2025.

https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/epic-universe/worlds/super-nintendo-world?

Coming Summer to the Dominican Republic: Fiesta Americana Funeeq Punta Cana, the newest addition to the Fiesta Americana Travelty Meetings & Events resort family. The 494-guest rooms and 45 suites all-inclusive resort will have over 20,000 sf of function space, eight onsite restaurants, water park, beach access, and is adjacent to the live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana.
 https://fiestamericanatraveltymeetings.com/contact-us/

Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center (Chula Vista, CA) opens in late spring of 2025. Seven miles from downtown San Diego, the expansive resort fronts San Diego Bay to the west and Chula Vista Marina to the south. The sixth hotel in the Gaylord Hotels brand portfolio will have 1,600 guest rooms and suites, more than 477,000 sf of function and convention space, including a 140,000-sf carpeted exhibit and meeting Flex Hall. The hotel will have 135,000 sf of outdoor event lawns and a 4.25-acre water park.

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/sange-gaylord-pacific-resort-and-convention-center/overview

The seven floors of 182 guestrooms and suites in The St. Regis Washington, D.C. (downtown D.C) have been redesigned and refreshed with a light creamy palate and pops of blues, grays and gold. The 2,508-sf Astor Ballroom and 2,500-sf Astor Terrace have both also received restoring touches. Next up: the hotel’s onsite contemporary Mediterranean restaurant, Alhambra, gets a new outdoor terrace, and there will be updates to the St. Regis Bar, as well as redesigns to the Food & Beverage venues in 2025.

www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/wassx-the-st-regis-washington-dc

 Opal Sol, an all-suite luxury resort, comes to Clearwater Beach, FL in 2025. The resort will have floor-to-ceiling Gulf views from every suite and more than 57,000 sf of event space. When combined with its sister property, Opal Sands, via the sky bridge, there will be more than 106,000 sf of event space and 478 luxury rooms and suites.

https://www.opalcollection.com/opal-sol; Danielle Silva, Associate Director Of Sales: (727) 674-4104, danielle.silva@ophotels.com

Wyndham Alltra Punta Cana Sun will open on Uvero Alto Beach, gearing towards newlyweds to families, in 2025 Spa, world-class fitness center, and nearly a dozen dining options with international cuisines, and a new water park will be the draw. Located about one hour from Punta Cana’s airport, the resort will offer 620 suites. “Guests today look for easy, stress-free vacations that don’t break the bank, and all-inclusive resorts can make that happen,” said Gustavo Viescas, President, Latin America and the Caribbean, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “From Dominican Republic to Mexico, Barbados and Jamaica, Wyndham allows guests to travel the world—and expanding brands like Wyndham Alltra makes international travel possible for guests of all kinds.”

www.wyndhamalltra.com; www.WyndhamRewards.com; www.playaresorts.com; www.wyndhamhotels.com

Hyatt Hotels is busy adding to their collections. The first Hyatt Studios hotel opens in Mobile, AL in 2025.

https://www.hyatt.com/brands/caption-by-hyatt

In 2026

DSRT Surf Resort is building California’s first man-made surf lagoon at Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Desert, CA. Using Wavegarden’s state-of-the-art Cove technology, which enables the creation of “perfect waves” in the 5.5-acre lagoon, about 70 surfers will be able to participate simultaneously. The surf lagoon, part of a 17-acre, full-scale resort with a 92-room hotel, 83 residential units, spa, golf courses, event spaces, and dining and bar venues, is being designed using sustainable processes favored by the Resort for its golf courses and pool area.

https://dsrtsurf.com/

Caption by Hyatt Chattanooga in Tennessee just broke ground and is expected to open in early 2026. Located downtown in the Southside area, the 123-room hotel is being developed by 3H Group Inc. under a franchise agreement with Hyatt. It will feature the brand’s all-day food-and-beverage concept, Talk Shop, serving as a welcome area as well as a rooftop bar and meeting space.

https://www.hyatt.com/brands/caption-by-hyatt

In 2027

After 30 years in business, The Mirage Hotel & Casino (The Mirage) in Las Vegas, NV has closed and will be transformed into Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Guitar Hotel Las Vegas. The 700-foot guitar-shaped hotel will be modeled after the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL. Opening is slated for spring, 2027.

RESET TOURISM FUND HAS ALREADY RAISED $1.5 MILLION TO SUPPORT SMALL TOURISM BUSINESSES

The UnTours Foundation wants to provide access to the kind of flexible and affordable capital that innovative entrepreneurs need to grow and expand their positive impact in communities across the world. Thus far, they’ve raised $1.5 million towards their goal with the assistance of companies like Expedia Group, MaCher, TUI Care Foundation, EXO Foundation and Skyscanner. The Reset Tourism Fund has already deployed over $700,000 in capital, making 30 investments to a diverse range of small tourism businesses that prioritize accessibility, inclusion, community impact and environmental regeneration. One of the many inspiring stories from the Reset Tourism Fund’s portfolio is that of Kapawi Ecolodge, an award-winning ecotourism lodge deep within the Ecuadorian Amazon. As a 100% Indigenous-owned enterprise, Kapawi represents how the people of the Achuar indigenous communities chose their own path for economic development through sustainable tourism rooted in their cultural heritage and harmony with the natural world. Every aspect of Kapawi reflects a commitment to preserve the Achuar’s traditional way of life, protect their ancestral lands and to celebrate their culture. The lodge operates entirely on solar power and is built using traditional materials and methods, blending seamlessly with the surrounding environment and preserving the biodiversity of the Amazon through its operations. It is a hub of cultural exchange and learning where visitors engage with the Achuar people, learn about their traditions and witness firsthand the wisdom that has been passed down through generations. Perhaps most importantly, Kapawi provides local employment and economic opportunities, ensuring that the Achuar Nation can support itself for generations to come and direct profits back into their local communities to fund education, healthcare and infrastructure projects. The Reset Tourism Fund has provided Kapawi with the funding needed to construct a new family bungalow, which will expand its capacity to welcome more visitors seeking immersive and transformative travel experiences. On the support from the Reset Tourism Fund, Juan Carlos Garcia, General Coordinator of Kapawi, said: “The help received from the UnTours Foundation has played a key role in helping Kapawi Ecolodge expand its network, adapt to new travel trends and improve our experience for families traveling with young children as well as for all future clients. We see this investment as the start of a long-term collaboration with the UnTours Foundation that will help develop an entire indigenous ecotourism region in the Amazon basin of Ecuador.” Other investments from the Reset Tourism Fund have ranged from supporting the growth of sustainability-focused study abroad programs for students and young professionals (The GREEN Program), investing in the first Black-owned hostel in the United States (Wanderstay), helping finance the rebuild of an ecolodge in Zambia that burned down in a fire (Taita Falcon Lodge), funding a community-based ecotourism enterprise in Rwanda (Red Rocks Rwanda) and creating a regenerative tourism trekking initiative in Bali (Astungkara Way). The contributing partners and UnTours Foundation hope to ultimately raise $10 million for the fund. he UnTours Foundation was born out of the slow travel company, UnTours. Amongst other claims to fame, UnTours was the world’s first-ever Certified B Corporation. Since 1993, 100% of the profits from UnTours have been donated to support the work of the foundation. In 2016, the foundation became the sole shareholder of UnTours.
For more information or to become a Reset Tourism Fund partner: Jonathan Coleman at jonathan.coleman@untours.com.

PUTTING ON A HAPPY FACE!

WalletHub took up the challenge of analyzing why only 47% of Americans responded to a Gallup poll saying they are “very satisfied” with the way their life is going. The personal-finance website compared 50 states across 30 indicators of happiness for its Happiest States in America survey. The data set ranges from the depression rate and the share of adults feeling productive to income growth and the unemployment rate. Some of the details may surprise you, such as Hawaii, first as happiest, has the lowest share of adult depression, while Tennessee is the state with the highest. New Jersey has the fewest suicides and Montana the most. Utah has the highest volunteer rate as well as the lowest separation and divorce rate. Florida has the lowest volunteer rate and New Mexico the highest state for divorce. Chipo Lupo, WalletHub Analyst, notes that “happiest states are those that provide above-average quality of life in a wide variety of areas, from strong state economies and high quality physical and mental health care to adequate amounts of leisure time and good weather.” He adds that Hawaii tops all the U.S states because “With residents reporting the highest levels of life satisfaction in the nation and the lowest depression rate. In addition, 86% of Hawaiian adults report that they are in good or better health, the third-best percentage in the nation, and Hawaiians have the highest life expectancy in the U.S. To top things off, Hawaii has one of the lowest unemployment rates, as well as the second-highest share of households with an annual income above $75,000.” There are many factors that play into happiness, and a wide spectrum of experts have described them in detail on the WalletHub site. (Link is below to read) But here are the top 20 Happiest States in America, beginning of course, with Hawaii. Then it goes: Maryland, New Jersey, Utah, Delaware, Minnesota, Connecticut, Idaho, Nebraska, Massachusetts, South Carolina, South Dakota, California, Florida, New Hampshire, Virginia, Illinois, Kansas, Iowa and Georgia.

https://wallethub.com/edu/happiest-states/6959

SIOUX FALLS SOURCED FALL CONTEST OPEN

Deadline to enter the Fall contest for Sioux Falls Sourced is October 31. Fifty randomly selected winners will be contacted by early November. All the products are locally sourced. Price of the box is $119 and contains items such as Sonja Gloria Pottery custom mug, Freedom Studios Freedom Candle Tin, Maker’s Way Fiber Mill felt coasters (set of 4), and Twisted Bee Snacks pretzels package. For a detailed list of products and the entry blank, go to https://www.experiencesiouxfalls.com/sioux-falls-sourced?utm_source=Email&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=Leisure-9-26-24.

ICE! RETURNS TO GAYLORD HOTELS

ICE! Returns to six Gaylord Hotels, beginning with Frosty the Snowman at Gaylord Opryland (Nashville, TN) on November 8 and running until January 4. Charlie Brown Christmas runs November 15-December 28 at Gaylord National (National Harbor, MD); Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer is at Gaylord Texan (Grapevine, TX), from November 15-January 5; and Elf is at Gaylord Palms (Kissimmee, FL) from November 15-January 4. The Polar Express is at Gaylord Rockies (Aurora, CO) from November 22 – January 1 and How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa (San Antonio, TX) runs from November 23 – January 5.

www.GaylordHotels.com

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD

I admit to occasionally being called a Foodie… not a food snob or someone who would nose-up at a dish prepared by a friend, but I do not consider money well spent on a restaurant meal I can make better. Those thoughts run through my mind as I peruse financial website WalletHub’s 2024’s Best Foodie Cities in America survey results and their expert commentary, some of which I will share with you. WalletHub compared more than 180 of the largest U.S. cities across 28 key metrics. The data set ranges from the cost of groceries to the affordability and accessibility of high-quality restaurants to the number of food festivals per capita. Four of the top 20 Foodie Cities in America are in Florida and four are in California. The top 20 begin with Miami, FL and then are: San Francisco, CA; Orlando, FL; Portland, OR; Tampa, FL; Sacramento, CA; Las Vegas, NV; Seattle, WA; Denver, CO; San Diego, CA; Atlanta, GA; St. Louis, MO; Los Angeles, CA; Austin, TX; Pittsburgh, PA; New York, NY; Richmond, VA; Chicago, IL; Fort Lauderdale, FL; and Washington, DC. Pearl City, HI doesn’t do well in this survey. St. Louis has 13.6x the number of gourmet specialty-food stores than Pearl City, and Miami has 20.8x the number of restaurants. Amusingly, Orlando has more than 25.9 the number of ice cream and frozen yogurt shops than Lewiston, ME. As for why the top 20 cities were named, experts have many opinions. Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst said the top three offer lots of unique culinary experiences, “from food trucks to specialty-food stores to Michelin-starred restaurants.” He noted that “Miami is the best city for foodies, leading the country when it comes to the availability of affordable restaurants rated at least 4.5 stars out of 5.” The survey experts provide commentary on what tips can you provide to foodies on a tight budget or for people who are health-conscious? Click the link to see the full commentary. There are two notable food trends for 2024. Nader Sharkes C.E.C. – Department Chair & Culinary Instructor, Contra Costa College, said “There has been a noticeable shift from formal, multi-course dining experiences toward more casual dining options. Fast-casual restaurants, offering high-quality food without the high prices of fine dining, are increasingly popular. However, another rising trend is the tasting menu, which allows diners to sample a variety of dishes in smaller portions at a more affordable price point. Tasting menus also provide an opportunity to pair meals with wine, which enhances the overall dining experience while catering to consumers’ evolving preferences.” James A Williams, Ph.D., D.M., CHE, CC – Associate Professor, University of Tennessee Knoxville, has observed more health-conscious and money-conscious diners, creating two niche markets. “For health-conscious diners, they are reading labels and counting their macros, making sure proper fats, carbohydrates, and proteins are accounted for in their meals.” Money-conscious diners may eat in, limit their restaurant order, or choose less expensive items. Both diners may be wooed by appealing to their needs, whether diet or pricing.
https://wallethub.com/edu/best-foodie-cities/7522
MEETING PLANNING GUIDES (FREE)

Cambridge, MA – https://visitcambridgeusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/New-Branding-COT-Tradeshow-Presentation-2024.pdf

Greensboro, NC – https://www.visitgreensboronc.com/meetings-conventions-sports/request-meeting-planners-guide.aspx

Scottsdale, AZ – www.experiencescottsdale.com/maps-guides/meeting-travel-planners-guide/

Sioux Falls, SD – https://www.experiencesiouxfalls.com/plan-your-trip/visitor-guide

Stafford, VA – https://form.jotform.com/240735819722057

Salt Lake City, UT – https://www.visitsaltlake.com/plan-your-visit/free-visitors-guide/

St Pete/Clearwater, FL – https://www.visitstpeteclearwater.com/sites/default/files/2023-06/MeetingPlanGuide_23-digi.pdf

Valley Forge, PA – https://www.valleyforge.org/meetings/

FESTIVALS

Now – October 25: Pensacola Beach (FL) Cinemas in the Sand. Free movies for the public on giant inflatable outdoor movie screen in front of Gulfside Pavilion stage.

(850) 932-2257; https://www.visitpensacola.com/events/cinemas-in-the-sand/

www.UniversalOrlando.com

Now – October: Sounds on Centre, free concert series presented by the Historic Fernandina Business Association, 6 p.m. on the first Friday of each month in the heart of historic downtown Fernandina Beach. Bring a lawn chair and dancing shoes.

now – October 29: Bands On The Beach summer concert series held at Pensacola Beach, FL’s Gulfside Pavilion, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Santa Rosa Island Authority presents the series, featuring regional artists performing a wide variety of music every Tues Santa Rosa Island Authority | What’s Happening Bands on Beach (visitpensacolabeach.com) day evening at 7 pm. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. No pets and no glass allowed.

Info: SRIA at (850) 932-2257.  http://www.visitpensacolabeach.com/whats-happening-bands-on-beach/

Now – November 3: Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights. Selected dates. 10 terrifying haunted houses, 5 sinister scare zones. Event may be too intense for young children and is not recommended for children under the age of 13. No costumes or costume masks allowed.

October – free showing of Night of The Living Dead at Bibb Theatre in Downtown Macon. The Bibb Theatre opened in 1938, lay dormant for four decades, and brought back to life with the support of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, Peyton Anderson Foundation, and Knight Foundation via a Downtown Challenge Grant aimed to shine a spotlight on the iconic downtown edifice and reintroduce movies to the historic theatre.

October 2 – 31: Corn Maze Play Dayz at Lane Southern Orchards. 6-acre corn maze and try your hand at the new Maize-O-Poly game.

www.lanesouthernorchards.com

October 4, 11, 18 & 25: Rock Candy Tours’ Macon Macabre Tour at the Downtown Macon Visitors Center. This 1.5-hour public walking tour features ghosts and macabre history focusing on Downtown Macon’s nightlife district.

www. visitmacon.org!

October 5: Reby Hardy (also known as Reby Sky) wife of Matt Hardy of the WWE Duo, the Hardy Boyz, and her daughter, Ever More come to Macon, GA for a book signing and meet-and-greet promoting their book Life of a Gothic Baby at FanBoy Collectives during “Macon Beyond!”. The social media pair will return as special guests at Macon’s Annual Witches Float (an event by the non-profit organization, Macon Periods Easier, on October 6, a family-friendly event held on the Ocmulgee River.

www. visitmacon.org/beyond; Marketing & Special Events Manager, Lucy Hughes, at (478) 743-1074 x101 or email lhughes@visitmacon.org

October 6: Irving, TX annual DFW Dragon Boat, Kite and Lantern Festival hosted by the Marco Polo World Foundation. Admission is free.

www.DFWDragonBoatFestival.com

October 12: 10TH Annual 2024 Pensacola Dragon Boat Festival presented by your local Northeast Pensacola Sertoma Club, Inc. 40 teams compete. Free.

https://www.visitpensacola.com/events/10th-annual-2024-pensacola-dragon-boat-festival/

October 16 – 19: 40 Wacks: A Haunting Cocktail Ax-perience at Society Garden. Storytelling experience about infamous Lizzie Borden.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/40-whacks-a-haunting-cocktail-ax-perience-tickets-991177347127?

October 18 – November 4: Live the Minecraft Experience IRL in Plano, TX. Become the hero of Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue! an in-person, immersive, interactive Minecraft adventure. Embark on a high-stakes rescue mission and interactive scavenger hunt through multiple Minecraft biomes and dimensions. Forage for ingredients and mine precious ore, encounter friendly (and less friendly) mobs, and take down skeletons and explode creepers.

https://www.visitplano.com/minecraft-experience-villager-rescue/

October 19: Epicurean Hotel’ Epicurean Theatre (Tampa, FL) host immersive, “Coffee Connoisseur” event led by Ulli Winckler, Master Coffee Roaster at Dean Street Coffee Roastery & Retail inside Luminary Hotel & Co. (Fort Myers, FL), and president of Rebel Coffee in Cape Coral. Demos and unlimited coffee. Free bag of coffee to first five purchasers.

https://www.epicureanhotel.com/events/coffee-connoisseur/

October 23: Steve Gonsalves Live: A Life with Ghosts at the Capitol Theater. The paranormal investigator, bestselling author, and filmmaker (Ghost Hunters, Ghost Nation and his film, The House Inbetween) brings his unique experiences and insights to the stage, unveiling clips of real paranormal phenomena captured during his investigations, and recounts his most comical encounters with both the living and the dead. Limited tickets.

https://wl.seetickets.us/event/steve-gonsalves-live/611103?afflky=CapitolTheatre

Spirits in October: Saints & Sinners at Riverside Cemetery 

October 24-27 & November 1-3: One-hour guided walking tour with Riverside Cemetery and Conservancy’s Spirits’ “Saints & Sinners” tour through the 126-year-old cemetery. Spirits in October is not a scary ghost tour. It’s about honoring and sharing the stories of the fascinating people who came before us to make Macon what it is today. All proceeds benefit the Conservancy.
www. riversidecemetery.com

November 1-2: Day of the Dead celebrations throughout Mexico. Events sell out. Book early.

www.jouneymexico.com

November 2: Luminary Hotel & Co. and its culinary classroom, The Workshop host immersive, “Coffee Connoisseur” event led by Ulli Winckler, Master Coffee Roaster at Dean Street Coffee Roastery & Retail inside Luminary Hotel & Co. (Fort Myers, FL), and president of Rebel Coffee in Cape Coral. Demos and unlimited coffee. Participants receive 10% off their bill at participating hotel restaurants

https://www.luminaryhotel.com/events/dean-street-presents-coffee-connoisseur/

November 8-12: World Food Championship in Indianapolis, IN at the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center. General admission begins at $15. Tasting experience and demos with Celebrity Chef Eric Greenspan begin at $125. VIP Experience begins at $175.

www.WorldFoodChampionships.com

December 18: Legendary saxophonist Kenny G performs fan favorites, holiday standards, and contemporary classics from his chart-topping, 50-year career at Caloosa Sound Amphitheater (Fort Myers, FL). Concert goers receive a 10% discount off their bill at select restaurants.

https://www.tixr.com/groups/caloosasoundamp/events/kenny-g-117248

Karen Kuzsel is a writer-editor based in the Orlando area who specializes in the hospitality, entertainment, meetings & events industries.  She is an active member of International Live Events Association, Meeting Professionals International and the Society of Professional Journalists. She is now serving on the 2023-2024 MPI Independent and Small Business Owners Advisory Board. Karen writes about food & wine, spas, destinations, venues, meetings & events. A career journalist, she has owned magazines, written for newspapers, trade publications, radio and TV. As her alter-ego, Natasha, The Psychic Lady, she is a featured entertainer for corporate and social events. Karen@KarenKuzsel.com;   www.karenkuzsel.com; www.ThePsychicLady.com; @karenkuzsel; @thepsychiclady. She is also active with Experience Kissimmee CVB.