GREAT IDEAS!

For groups in the California Bay Area, taking an incentive group to Sonoma Wine Country has never been easier, thanks to the Sonoma County Tourism office. Complimentary transportation incentive allows a team to start their day at the office and end it on a lush vineyard. The program also reduces costs and carbon emissions, making the event more budget- and eco-friendly. Possible add-ons are having a winemaker join the drive in a mini-coach or bus  for a local chef to share farm-fresh hors d’oeuvres. The group must book overnight accommodations at qualifying hotels and host a meeting or special event in Sonoma County and meet average daily rate and total occupancy minimum.

sales@sonomacounty.com

Visit Pensacola (Pensacola, FL) introduces The Way to Beach Passports. These mobile-friendly guides showcase the area’s favorite flavors, things to do, and more. Some of the passes, such as the Coffee Trail or the Bushwacker Trail, offer prizes for completing certain trails.

https://www.visitpensacola.com/passports/experiences/

Visit Anaheim (CA) has an Attendees Perks Pass that offers discounts to venues, restaurants, and attractions throughout the area. I’ve seen paid discount booklets with these offers, but here’s a practical goodie that benefits attendees and local businesses.

Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) has increased summer seasonal flights from Reno to Las Vegas (LAS) and Carlsbad (CLD) starting Jun. 19, on JSX, hop-on jet service. The new routes add to nonstop flights to Burbank (BUR) and Orange County (SNA).

https://www.renoairport.com

The Florida Festivals & Events Association (FFEA) Sunsational Awards seeks qualified individuals to judge this year’s award entries. Judging is done online anytime between July 1 – 11 and all that is required is a computer with internet access. Judges do not need to be FFEA members. Any judge affiliated with an event can be excluded from judging. FFEA is looking qualified people in graphic design, social media, photography, broadcast media, PR, advertising, event programming, and virtual events. Fill out the form at the following link. The theme for the 2025 Conference and Expo, to be held August 12-14 at Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld, is License to Thrill – Your Mission: Creating Unforgettable Experiences.

https://www.ffea.com/p/convention/awards

When visiting our daughter in the Bay Area, the three of us often find ourselves going to Sonoma Wine Valley (and sometimes Napa Valley) for wine tasting adventures. The Sonoma County Tourism Office has two new programs that should enhance our already-pleasurable experiences. The Sonoma County App allows visitors to create personalized or real-time itineraries. The pre-paid Sonoma County Tasting Pass provides exclusive access to tastings at local wineries, distilleries, and breweries. Even better, the county’s own commercial airport,

Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS), is served by Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and Avelo Airlines. Plus, wine flies free on both Alaska and Avelo Airlines, simplifying getting a taste of Sonoma home.

www.sonomacounty.com; sbruckert@sonomacounty.com

June 7 is the deadline to apply for this year’s Esprit Awards. ILEA Boston is hosting the awards celebration August 11-13 at ILEA Build in Boston, MA. Submission needed for Technical Production, Marketing Campaigns, Virtual Events, and Catered Experiences. Categories include: Best Overall Corporate Event, Best Overall Nonprofit/Association Event, Best Overall Private Event, Best Overall Public Event, Best Overall Wedding. Other categories are Catered, Event Capture, Marketing Campaign, Scenic Design, Installation Or
Exhibit Design, Design/Décor, Innovation, Marketing Collateral, Technical Production, Diversity, Equity + Inclusion Initiative, Logistics, Multi-Day, Virtual, Entertainer/Entertainment, Makes An Impact/Gives Back, and Planning.

https://www.ileahub.com/esprit-awards

THEY SERVE UP DEALS! YOU SAVE!

Earn up to 25% commission when your group books at the Atlantis Bahamas and actualizes the stay by October 31, 2026. Atlantis Bahamas has more than 500,000 sf of meeting and event space. White sand beaches for five miles. Looking for a personal stay? Book now for a stay by November 23 and save 25%.

https://www.atlantisbahamas.com

Book Punta Cana with promocode DOMINICAN2025 by December 31 and the following benefits are possible for your group from Meliá Hotels & Resorts , depending on the confirmed revenue in lodging. Up to $150,000: welcome drink and snacks at check-in, complimentary room for every 40 rooms contracted per night (Up to 4), complimentary upgrade to superior category room for every 40 rooms contracted per night (Up to 4) and waived set up fees for one private event. The amenities grow with the revenue. Divisions are up to USD $350,000 and another range of amenities for over that amount. All include 5% rebate to the Master Account. Check out full details.

https://meliapro.melia.com/en/meetings-events/offers/puntacana

Book 10+ rooms on peak at the 1927-erected Jazz-era icon boutique Fenway Hotel (Dunedin, FL) for at least two weekday nights and receive suite upgrades or complimentary A/V with qualifying F&B. Available for group stays through September 30. Once home to the first radio station in Pinellas County, Fenway Hotel exudes history and has a special offer for Florida residents. Save up to 25% for a getaway, receive a free welcoming cocktail, and complimentary bike rental for two people.

https://www.fenwayhotel.com

Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach (Clearwater, FL) has a hot summer offer for new group bookings of 10 or more. Book by June 30 and actualize by December 31. From 10-30, choose one; 31-50, choose two; and 51 or more choose three.  Perks include (but not limited to), 5% off all master account charges; $150 complimentary gift certificate for Pallavi Spa; or a one-day rental of the BOTE Lounge (seating for up to six) on the beach or pool deck.

https://www.wyndhamgrandclearwater.com

Downtown Macon, GA’s Hotel Forty Five, a boutique property built at the iconic 45-degree intersection of Cherry and First Street, is steeped in musical history – from Otis Redding to the Allman Brothers, offers retro charm and modern style, as well as 25% off for Georgia residents for weekend stays.

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mcntx-hotel-forty-five-macon-a-tribute-portfolio-hotel

Boutique hotel catering to foodies, Epicurean Hotel in Tampa, FL’s vibrant SoHo district, has a sweet deal for Florida residents. Enjoy up to 30% off and two complimentary drinks with the Florida Resident Rate while checking all the changes from the recent $21 million expansion.

https://www.epicureanhotel.com/

Paradisus Hotels in Mexico with code MEXICO2025 by August 31, actualize by December 21, 2026 for a minimum three-night stay for your group, and get some of these possible incentives, Site inspection must conclude with booking, certificate of stay, coffee break, some complimentary events (TBD), and luxury spa experience for one person.
https://meliapro.melia.com/en/meetings-events/offers/paradisusmx

Georgia residents get 25% off for a stay at Epicurean Hotel (Atlanta, GA). experience a theatre event such as a Blind Wine Tasting (June 13) or Wine & Charcuterie Workshop (July 11); celebrate Father’s Day on the Sky Terrace with an over-the-top BBQ (June 15); and visit the esteemed High Museum nearby.

https://www.epicureanhotelatlanta.com/

The longer you stay, the more you save this fall at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii. Book by December 3 for stays between October 20 through December 23. Save 30% on stays of five or more consecutive nights and 25% on stays of four consecutive nights.

(866) 443-4763; https://www.disneyaulani.com/rooms-offers/special-offers/2025-fall-room-offer/details/

Create Your Own Vacation Package with Universal Epic Universe (Orlando, FL). Save up to $200 when you book seven nights or more (but savings begin at a two-night hotel package with a three-park + one-day Universal Epic Universe ticket package). Book from now through December 10 and stay through December 31, 2025. Included in this package are tickets to Universal Epic Universe, Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano Bay, and early park admission.

Luminary Hotel & Co. (Fort Myers, FL) says to use promo code L9Z to get 25% off your stay. Catch summer headliners at the adjacent Caloosa Sound Amphitheater or plan around curated wine dinners the fourth Thursday of each month

https://www.luminaryhotel.com/offers/florida-resident-rate/

South of Atlanta, GA, in the creative utopia known as the Town at Trilith, boutique Trilith Guesthouse entices stays for those who enjoy walkable access to artisan shops while getting a discount of 10% off on weekdays and 25% on weekends.

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/atlfx-trilith-guesthouse-fayetteville-ga-a-tribute-portfolio-hotel

Photo All-Inclusive ocean view room at the Lighthouse Pointe at Grand Lucayan in The Bahamas, that includes room, taxes, fees, and gratuities3 meals per day, snacks, unlimited beverages, and standard brand liquors if you book by June 30 and use by September 30. The complimentary welcome amenities include fruit and cheese tray and a bottle of sparkling wine.

Teena McDonald, mcdonald.teena@grandlucayan.com; reservations@grandlucayan.com.

Save up to 25% on select rooms and villas at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, HI. Book by September 28 and stay between August 10 through October 19. Book five or more nights and receive 25% off. Stay up to four nights and receive 20% off.

(866) 443-4763 or contact your travel agent; https://www.disneyaulani.com/rooms-offers/special-offers/2025-aulani-summer-room-offer/details/

Ready for some serious learning while having serious fun? You can 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. Partake in the “Serious Learning. Serious Fun. Serious Choices.” Program. Benefits depend on room spend. The remaining dates for 2025 are August 3-8, 10-14, 17-22 and 24-29.

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

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

MAKE YOUR CREDIT CARDS WORK WHEN TRAVELING

Are you one of the four in five Americans who realize receiving a receipt in local currency for credit card payments made in international travel will cost you less than having it in USD? If this is a surprise, you should read the International Credit Card Survey results from software finance website, WalletHub. The survey revealed some interesting details about American travelers. Nearly one in three aren’t aware of their credit card has a foreign transaction fee, and only 12% understand when foreign transaction fees apply. Most surprising (to me) is that 81% don’t know that using a credit card gets them the best exchange rate when traveling abroad. WalletHub’s recommendation for the best international credit card based on a comparison of 1,500+ credit cards is Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. It has great travel rewards and no foreign fees.

www.WalletHub.com

NEW OR COMING IN THE NEAR FUTURE

In 2025

Bye-bye to Harvey’s Lake Tahoe and a big hello to Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe Hotel & Casino’s official debut on July 1 when Caesars Entertainment finishes the $160 million transformation. “Lake Tahoe is a stunning destination, and we’re elated to bring a new world-class resort worthy of its allure to the lakefront,” said Anthony Carano, President and Chief Operating Officer of Caesars Entertainment. “The property transformation has begun and will continue throughout 2026 with the all-new hotel tower, hotel lobby, stellar restaurants and the start of a completely reimagined casino coming online this summer for our guests to enjoy right away. Our second phase will begin in the fall, with the entire project completing next summer. With its bold new look and modern energy, Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe will set the stage for a new era of luxury in the region, and we know our guests will be blown away by this tremendous transformation.” The 1.6 million-sf resort, designed by Marnell Companies, will be completely transformed, beginning at the hotel lobby and carrying throughout the hotel. The 88,000-sf casino floor will be reimagined with new carpeting, lighting, tables, chairs and cutting-edge digital displays. All the rooms in the Remus Tower, formerly the Mountain Tower, will be updated. Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe’s other hotel tower, the Romulus Tower, previously the Tahoe Tower, is also being refreshed. Newly designed lobby bar, Cleo’s Coffee and Cocktails, will transform from a café by day into an upscale lounge by night. Across the street, Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, which is connected to Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe via an underground connector, is also undergoing improvements, including renovating the resort’s iconic Summit Suites. Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe is the second Caesars Republic to open in two years, following the successful opening of Caesars Republic Scottsdale, a Hilton Hotel. The renovations at Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe will continue throughout 2025, pausing during the summer season, with the entire project slated to be complete in mid-2026.

www.CaesarsRepublicTahoe.com.

Questex Travel Group has rebranded, anticipating that the luxury travel market will grow to more than $200 billion within the next five years. Questex’s Travel Group portfolio includes Luxury Travel Advisor, Travel Agent Central, Luxury Travel Advisor’s ULTRA Summit, Meeting Spotlight, Global Meeting & Incentive Travel Exchange (GMITE), Caribbean Meeting & Incentive Travel Exchange (CMITE), Navigating Your Travel Business, and Selling Luxury. The next one is on June 17.

https://www.luxurytraveladvisor.com/

Signia by Hilton Orlando, an official Walt Disney World® Hotel, has a new Waterside expansion that provides up to 90,000 sf of space. The property has 231,000 sf of flexible space.

https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/orlhhsa-signia-by-hilton-orlando-bonnet-creek/events

My husband and I love to visit vintage theaters erected in the early 1900s. The historic Plaza Theater in Palm Springs, CA is now on our bucket list for 2026, since the renovations of this 1936 beauty are expected to be completed by late December 2025. Plans are made to restore the variety of cultural performances, festivals and lectures that will once again enamor the community’s interest but also provide a grande dame venue for meetings and events.

https://savetheplazatheatreps.com/

According to MeetingSpotlight.com, here are some new properties. Gaylord Hotels and Marriott International have opened Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center, the first-ever Gaylord Hotels property in California and the sixth in the brand’s portfolio. The Chula Vista, CA $1.3 billion project has 1,600 guestrooms, 477,000 sf of indoor/outdoor space, including 135,000 sf of event lawns and terrace, 67 breakout rooms, and four ballrooms. www.Marriott.com. Grand Hyatt DFW, located inside Terminal D at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), begins a property-wide renovation this July, with completion expected in late 2025. The number of guestrooms increases from 298 to 315. Already having 20,000+ sf of meeting and event space, including a 6,600-sf ballroom, the final phase will contain a new top-floor executive boardroom and an indoor-outdoor rooftop event space overlooking the airport runways. www.hyatt.com. Ottawa Tourism has launched “Responsible Events Guide,” a comprehensive and practical resource to help event planners make more sustainable, inclusive and community-minded choices when hosting meetings and events in Canada’s capital. www.ottawatourism.ca.

Flamingo Las Vegas finished a $20 million transformation and part of it was for the new Go Pool. The multi-pool complex, for guests 21 and older, spans nearly 1.5 acres and features five distinct pools and experiences.

www caesars.com/flamingo-las-vegas/things-to-do/pools.

The Confidante is gone, and in its place is the newly redesigned Andaz Miami Beach, part of the Hyatt Lifestyle Group. The hotel has 287 rooms, the Ondara Spa, and three restaurants by the (Chef) Jose Andres Group. Aguasal and Bar Centro are open now. The Bazaar opens in 2026.

https://www.hyatt.com/andaz/miaob-andaz-miami-beach?

Attention people who love to eat and will be in Plano, TX anytime from now through September 30. The Taste of Plano Foodie Pass is back and is celebrating five years of foodie fun! Register for a free pass at www.visitplano.com/tasteofplano. Once you check in to 20 restaurants, you are automatically entered into the “Fit for a Foodie” sweepstakes. First place winner will receive a complimentary mixology class for six at the Renaissance Dallas Plano Legacy West, plus $200 in gift cards ($600 value). Second place winner will receive a Lone Star Food Tour gift card for four to participate in a Downtown Plano food tour ($436 value). Third place winner will receive a My French Recipe gift card for two people to participate in a French cooking class ($200 value).

The Living Art Museum’s inspiring outdoor art collection at The 52 World! (Pensacola, FL) RSVP required for guided tour each third Thursday of each month. Dates remaining are: June 19, July 17, August 21, September 18 and October 16.

(844) 954-3505; https://www.visitpensacola.com/events/the-52-worlds-living-art-museum-art-tour/

The Palm Springs Air Museum, a nonprofit living history museum dedicated to the role Air Power played in preserving American liberties and way of life, is expanding. The new Ronald M Auen Learning Center, a 2,500-sf multipurpose facility, should be completed by September. The renovated entryway will improve guest flow and amenities, reinforcing its mission through inspiring exhibits and modernized spaces.

Just look at all the new hotels opening in Mexico this year. early in the year, Waldorf Astoria, San Miguel Allende opens with 120 rooms and 24 private residences in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. April, Rosewood Mandarina, Riviera Nayarit debuts 140 rooms, three pools, signature spa and three fine-dining options. Rosewood Residences Old Lighthouse, Los Cabos debuts by midway of the year. The 140 residences include a state-of-the-art spa, gourmet dining experiences, and access to pristine beaches. Opening late 2025, the 70-room and 20 residences of Chablé Sea of Cortez in La Paz are set across 15 acres of beachfront. Private terraces, plunge pools, and a luxury spa. Milaroca, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Nayarit has 57 rooms and 27 private villas within a 105-acre beachfront estate. In December, look for Hotel Sevilla, Mérida to show off the transformation of a 16^th-century colonial villa into a boutique luxury property with 22 rooms. Aken Hotels & Resorts will launch its second Mexican property, the Aken Mind, Mérida Hotel, featuring 128 guestrooms including eight signature suites, a locally inspired restaurant, rooftop pool, and event space for up to 150 people. The Unico 21°105° Puerto Vallarta is set to open this fall.  The property will host 141 rooms overlooking Banderas Bay, complete with restaurants, pools, and wellness facilities.

info@journeymexico.com

Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center (Nashville, TN) plans to add 108,000 sf of meeting space by 2027, including a 31,000-sf ballroom, 38,000 sf breakout space, and about 39,000 sf of pre-function space. Once completed the resort will have 756,000 sf of meeting space. The meeting space expansion is part of a multi-phase plan. First finished was the $17 million renovation of the Governor’s Ballroom and by mid-year, a $36 million renovation and redesign of the Presidential Ballroom. By late 2025, the resort expects to have added a 550-seat sports bar, 3,000 sf pavilion, and 6,200 sf event lawn.

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/bnago-gaylord-opryland-resort-and-convention-center

June 2025, our first Appellation Hotel opens in Healdsburg, CA, deep in Sonoma County in the heart of wine country.

https://www.appellationhotels.com/hotels/california-healdsburg.html

The Pueblo Vantage San Miguel de Allende Mexico, Pueblo Bonito’s first urban European Plan hotel, officially opens October 1. One of the highlighted amenities is the Aromatika Spa & Wellness, located on the courtyard level adjoining a botanical garden. “Aromatika Spa & Wellness will give guests an experience of refined renewal, allowing them to discover a multi-sensory world designed to please the senses and restore physical, mental and spiritual balance while enjoying the exclusive ambiance of San Miguel de Allende,” said Diana F. Mestre, an award-winning spa consultant from Mexico City who designed the facility with consultant Paulina Mercader and Pueblo Bonito Vantage general manager Lucy Ruiz. The name “Aromatika” honors the scents of San Miguel, notably lavender, rosemary, mint, fennel and sage, “as well as the subtle scents of wine-based therapies and exclusive skin care products” used at the spa, explained Mestre, adding that several factors will set the Aromatika Spa & Wellness apart from all other feel-good facilities. “For starters, Pueblo Bonito Vantage is embedded in the history and culture of San Miguel de Allende,” she said. “The architecture and interior design of both the hotel and the spa are an elegant take on colonial style.” Also, the state of Guanajuato has emerged as one of Mexico’s leading wine regions, and Aromatika Spa has tapped into it. Wine therapies take advantage of the beneficial properties of wine grape derivatives in treatments and rituals to give the skin a healthier improved physical appearance. The high resveratrol content of red grapes acts as a powerful antioxidant with properties that increase collagen production, allow skin regeneration and help to reduce skin irritation and blemishes. Another key spa element is the Biohacking Center, a new-age approach to organically promote the correct function of the body’s systems.

https://www.pueblobonito.com.mx/resorts/san-miguel

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

Ameristar Casino Resort Spa St. Charles (St. Charles, MO) will have tripled the size of its meeting and convention center to 65,000 sf of event and meeting space by the end of the year.

https://ameristarstcharles.boydgaming.com/

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/

In 2026

By January, Tropicana Atlantic City will debut its new Solana Tower, with redesigned rooms and suites. The 604-room and suite transformation enhances the resort’s offering to planners with  122,000 sf of immersive meeting space and 2,400 rooms.

https://www.caesars.com/meetings

Look for the opening of Canopy by Hilton hotel at Deer Valley East Village, UT this summer. The 180-room hotel, will offer ski-in access during the winter season. The property will also have meeting facilities, ski locker room, and two levels of underground parking with 176 spaces. Influenced by Park City’s mining history and its development as a ski destination in its theming décor, the property will have a restaurant, apres-ski lounge, rooftop bar, and coffee shop. Canopy by Hilton at Deer Valley will be part of the Hilton Honors loyalty program.

https://stories.hilton.com/releases/hilton-announces-plans-for-canopy-by-hiltons-first-ski-destination-hotel-at-new-deer-valley-east-village

Space enthusiasts, astrophysicists, astrologers and those who just want a new perspective on a cruise need to take heed of this special offering by Poseidon Expeditions. The specialty polar expeditions company has a solar eclipse expedition August 2 – 15 for the solar eclipse that will occur August 12. The cruise is hosted by astrophysicist Paul Sutter, known for making complex astronomic concepts accessible and engaging. The company is committed to safe and environmentally responsible polar travel. Member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO).

https://poseidonexpeditions.com/.

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

Hyatt Place Sonoma Wine Country, located near Charles Schulz Sonoma County Airport, is slated to open in late 2026. Plans include 165 rooms, meeting spaces, pool, fitness center, and a rooftop restaurant and bar.

Expectations are high for the late summer completion of the $275 million transformation of The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin resorts (Lake Buena Vista, FL). The redo adds 120,000 sf of event space. A new, two-story annex will expand the Dolphin’s current meeting space, featuring 41,000 sf of multipurpose space and 24,000 sf of additional pre-function space on the first floor. A 41,000-sf ballroom on the second floor will also have 14,000 sf of pre-function foyer space. The expansion and upgrades to both resorts will bring total meeting space to 469,000 sf between its three buildings, the Swan, Dolphin and Swan Reserve.

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.

MEETING PLANNING GUIDES (FREE)

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

Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center – https://simplebooklet.com/gaylordpacificmeetingeventplanningguide#page=1

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

Pensacola Bay, FL – Insider’s Guide. Can be delivered digitally, by mail or in person. https://www.visitpensacola.com/plan-your-trip/visitors-guide-request/

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

August 8-9: Four Winds Music Festival brings over 100 artists across different genres to several stages throughout downtown Sioux Falls, SD

https://www.experiencesiouxfalls.com/events/four-winds-music-art-fest-2?

50 Free Summer Concerts in Sioux Falls (SD) for the Levitt at the Falls outdoor concert series. From rock to blues to country, concert dates vary on Thursday, Friday or Saturdays all summer long. Bring your own lawn chair or rent one on-site. Food trucks and adult beverage services. Smoke-free environment. The venue seats up to 5,000.Public restroom facility on-site.

https://www.experiencesiouxfalls.com/listing/levitt-at-the-falls?utm_source

Aug. 12: Gulf Coast Whale Festival at Gulfside Pavilion. Educational exhibits and activities tell the story of Gulf whales and local marine life, and a puppet parade led by Birds of a Feather showcases the ecology of the Gulf. Casino Beach Pavilion hosts live music by Pensacola, FL singer-songwriters, and the premier performance of Ode to the Rice’s Whale, written by Pensacola performer Bob Teague.

Booth space: https://healthygulf.org/get-involved/gulf-coast-whale-festival-2025/; (850) 687-9968

Oct. 16-19: The 13th Annual World Food Championships return to the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds (Indianapolis).

https://worldfoodchampionships.com/news; www.indianastatefair.com.

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. 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.