GREAT IDEAS!

Orlando Magazine, Gaylord Palms, and Bright Now! Dental have partnered for a summer staycation sweepstakes to leave the winner smiling! One winner will receive a two-night staycation experience at Gaylord Palms (Kissimmee, FL) for up to four people (one room), valid through September 30, based on availability. Included in the prize package is a $100 Resort Credit toward dining, cabana rental or spa services and all applicable taxes, daily resort fee, and self-parking for one (1) vehicle.

https://www.orlandomagazine.com/enter-the-ultimate-orlando-summer-staycation-giveaway/

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.

LAST MINUTE AVAILABILITY FOR RAFTING ADVENTURES

Unexpected August and September departures through the Grand Canyon, Cataract Canyon and Desolation Canyon are available from Western River Expeditions. “These are golden tickets,” said Brandon Lake, Co-Owner of Western River Expeditions. “August and September on the river are some of the most magical times to go. The water’s warmer, the skies are stunning, temperatures begin to cool, and the crowds begin to fade.” Western River Expeditions are known for their expert guides having more than 300 hours of certified training, top-tier gear and camp setup, prepared riverside gourmet meals, and a curated, small-group atmosphere with deep connection to nature.
www.westernriver.com; (866) 904-1160

THEY SERVE UP DEALS! YOU SAVE!

ICE! Returns to Gaylord Hotels this November with Discount Packages Up to 30% Off

If you haven’t experienced ICE!, you are missing out. I’ve been several times. Each ice Winterland features over two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures based on iconic movies. Gaylord National (National Harbor, MD) has The Polar Express, November 14-January 4. Gaylord Texan (Grapevine, TX) has Elf, November 14-January 4. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer sparkles November 14-January 7 at Gaylord Palms (Kissimmee, FL). Gaylord Opryland (Nashville, TN) takes on Charlie Brown Christmas, November 7-January 4. Gaylord Rockies (Aurora, CO) has How the Grinch Stole Christmas from November 24 to January 2. Gaylord Hill Country has Frosty the Snowman from November 22 to January 4.

www. https://ice.marriott.com

Book Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach (Clearwater, FL) by September 30, 2025, actualize by December 31, and enjoy multiple benefits. For groups of 10-30. Choose 1; for 31-50, choose 2; and more than 51, choose 3. Double Wyndham Rewards go meet® points; 5% off Master Account charges; reduced resort fee of $20 per group room; complimentary basic Wi-Fi in meeting space (with ENCORE as sole AV provider); $150 gift certificate to Pallavi Luxury Spa; and one-day BOTE Lounge rental on the beach or pool deck (seats up to six-based on availability; advance reservation required).

https://www.wyndhamgrandclearwater.com/meetings?

Embassy Suites Orlando Sunset Walk, part of the Rentyl Resorts collection, is offering up to 30% off a suite escape. The all-suite property has made-to-order breakfast and near to Orlando theme parks. Use promo code: EL3.

www.RentylResorts.com

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

Complimentary Wi-Fi for groups booking and consuming by December 23 at Rosen Centre Hotel, Orlando, FL. Must book a minimum of 10 rooms on peak. Complimentary Wi-Fi will be provided solely by the hotel’s in-house technology vendor in the contracted meeting space and up to 3 Mbps per device. The number of complimentary connections will be based on the peak room nights. This promotion cannot be combined with any other promotional offers. This offer does not apply to previously booked programs.

https://www.rosencentre.com/roi/

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

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/

Book 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

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.

Book and pay seven days in advance at Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach (Clearwater, FL) and save up to 30% on the property’s best available rate! Rate is non-cancelable and non-refundable. You will be charged in full for your stay at the time of booking. Blackout dates and other restrictions may apply. Rate based on single/double occupancy. Offer not applicable to prior reservations, groups, or conventions.

https://www.wyndhamgrandclearwater.com/offers

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

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

NEW OR COMING IN THE NEAR FUTURE

In 2025

I’d never thought of skinny dipping as a lure for vacationers, but BeautifulPlaces, a premier luxury vacation rental company, has proven me wrong with its curated collection of luxury vacation residences in Napa and Sonoma that offer highly private, secluded swimming pools. This may not be a corporate incentive, but Hotel Happenings & Program Promotions’ readers who are leisure travelers may feel differently. BeautifulPlaces Co-Founder Liza Graves, said “Studies also show that nudity in nature can reduce stress, boost body confidence, and even improve sleep. No wonder skinny dipping has become so beloved it now has its own unofficial holiday – International Skinny Dip Day, celebrated each year in July.” Many of the properties available are named, such as Twilight Right, Sunset View, Chic House, Anticipation (set on 100+ private acres), and Villa Paradiso.

www.beautiful-places.com / 800-495-9961

What last year’s hurricanes did to the historic Plantation Resort on Crystal River (Crystal River, FL), Plantation Fusion LLC plans to restore. The 232-acre waterfront resort is currently closed but is expected to reopen in phases starting as early as mid-September. A limited reopening will focus on restored core amenities, with additional upgrades and franchise affiliation details to be announced soon. Initial improvements will include restoration of the 96,000-gallon outdoor pool overlooking King’s Bay, renovation of the main reception area, and reopening of the West 82° restaurant in a limited format, beginning with breakfast service. Also: phased reopening of the waterfront Tiki Bar, refreshed guest rooms in the Rose Building, which remained undamaged during the storm, and restoration and reopening of the fitness center. The resort will be operated by SR Hotel Management, a privately held third-party management company recognized for its high-touch, experience-driven approach to hospitality, which currently operates four other properties in the area. SRHM provides comprehensive hotel operations and repositioning services, helping ensure the revitalized resort exceeds expectations for both guests and ownership. More details on the resort’s future branding and full reopening timeline will be shared as available.

https://www.plantationoncrystalriver.com/

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

RSVP required for guided tour each third Thursday of each month. Dates remaining are August 21, September 18 and October 16.

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

Photo 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. 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

The Pueblo Bonito Vantage San Miguel de Allende, 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/

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 offer 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

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 is expected to open 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.

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

September 4: Final dates of Jazz Pensacola (FL) Sunset Cruises. Proceeds benefit Jazz Pensacola. Includes two-hour cruise, appetizers, cash bar, live music and dancing, and parking.

https://www.visitpensacola.com/events/sunset-cruise-live-music-series/; (850) 433-8382

September 6: 62^nd annual Sidewalk Art Festival in Sioux Falls, SD at the Washington Pavilion. Over 230 vendors. Free.

https://www.experiencesiouxfalls.com/events/sidewalk-arts-festival? (605) 367-6000

September 19-20: Sonoma County Wine Celebration- Sonoma County’s largest fundraising event, where we will be Gathering To Give Back – it has already supported more than 430 nonprofits in our California community. The money raised supports education & literacy, health & human services, the environment, and arts & culture as well as the Emergency Relief Fund.

www. https://winecelebration.sonomawine.com/

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.