GREAT IDEAS!

Mission Zero Hundred Hours (MZHH) is a 501(c)(3) charity focused on Veteran suicide prevention and awareness through competitive culinary arts. The charity helps Vets channel their energies toward healthy goals while developing culinary life skills. This year, the MZHH “New Days For Veterans” program will deploy to the World Food Championships’ Kitchen Arena in Indianapolis from October 18-19 for the “Battle of the Branches: WFC Edition.” Military branch teams, consisting of Veterans or service members, are led by experienced coaches through preliminary rounds, and a final round determines the Military Branch Champion. Veterans and service members are participating in online team fundraising. The team with the highest fundraising totals receives a competitive advantage at the WFC. In 2024, Mission Zero Hundred Hours deployed 36 Veterans from 14 states to participate in the 2024 WFC Battle of the Branches, at an average cost of $600 per Veteran. This year, our goal is to bring teams representing all six United States military branches to Indianapolis and continue providing the necessary support for our Veterans.
https://raceroster.com/events/2025/104808/battle-of-the-branches-2025?

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/

HOT DEALS SAVE YOU $$$$

Discovery Cove (Orlando, FL) invites you to escape to a tropical destination without the need to leave the country. Book this Discovery Cove package through Aug. 24 and receive a $50 gift card, usable for merchandise, photos or upgrades like a private cabana and/or exclusive animal encounters. Bonus: the $50 gift card can also be used at any other domestic parks in the United Parks & Resorts family, including SeaWorld, Aquatica, Busch Gardens, Sesame Place, and more, through March 8, 2026. This limited-time gift card promotion makes it the perfect time to check out bundled offers like the Dolphin Swim Package + 2 Parks package, which includes one day of admission to Discovery Cove, and up to 14 days of unlimited admission to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Orlando. “Discovery Cove isn’t your typical theme park, it’s an all-inclusive escape where guests can truly relax without crowds, lines, or hassle,” said Brad Gilmour, Park President for Discovery Cove.

www.DiscoveryCove.com

Turtle Nesting Season has arrived on the beaches of Jupiter Beach Resort (FL), home to Florida’s highest density of nesting loggerheads. To honor the conservation efforts supported by Palm Beach County and the resort, groups are offered a Turtle Tracks promo to be booked and consumed by October 31. Groups will receive a welcome champagne “Turtle Toast”; a guided sea turtle beach walk and patrol session at sunrise, based on availability; Turtle welcome amenities in each guest room, featuring a cuddly turtle stuffy (for each turtle plushy the resort gives out, JBR donates directly to the local sea turtle non-profit organization, The Loggerhead Marinelife Center); a complimentary sea turtle adoption through The Loggerhead Marinelife Center in the group’s name; and optional turtle talks and other educational sessions for attendees. Group must use a minimum of 30 guest rooms per night. Subject to availability through Hotel Group Sales Manager. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Applies to new confirmed groups for qualified dates.

https://www.opalcollection.com/jupiter-beach/gather/meetings/#offers

What do you get when you marry Halloween weekend with the Miami Hurricanes? You get an island celebration called Canes Weekend in The Bahamas, October 31-November 2. Promotional discounts available at British Colonial Nassau as well as celebration festivities at The Point-Margaritaville Beach Resort. BTW: Costumes encouraged. Swimsuits required!

https://www.bahamas.com/canes-weekend?

Book 10 or more peak-night rooms at participating Hyatt hotels or resorts in the Americas for stays through December 31, 2025, and be eligible to receive 1 complimentary room for up to every 30 rooms booked; up to 3% credit on room revenue billed to the master account; reduce your total room block by up to 30% without penalty; and up to 30,000 additional World of Hyatt Bonus Points.

https://discover.hyatt.com/en-us/rooms-2025-offer?

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 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

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

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/

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/

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

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

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 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

Visit Macon, the Georgia city’s destination marketing organization and recent new owners of WNEX-FM, 100.9 The Creek, bring the music to Nashville, TN’s Americanafest!  The Creek operates as an Americana-themed, Macon-centric station broadcasting throughout Central Georgia and streaming to listeners worldwide. “Radio remains one of the most powerful mediums for community engagement and for conveying a strong sense of place,” says Visit Macon President & CEO Gary Wheat. “The Creek fosters deep connections with its listeners by playing great American roots music, then presenting it through the lens of Central Georgia people, businesses, culture and history. As a destination marketing organization, we recognize the tremendous benefit in having a curated listening experience available 24/7 to streaming audiences around the world. By integrating WNEX personalities and content creators with Visit Macon’s marketing and sales team, we can lean into the Creek’s music identity to promote Macon as a destination – especially as the music destination that it is – and boost that reputation as a music city and champion everything local.” WNEX, originally on the air since April 20, 1945, has had multiple owners and format changes, becoming 100.9 The Creek in July 2016. The Creek reports to the Americana Music Association radio airplay charts but plays a heavy dose of vintage Macon music legendary artists such as Otis Redding, Little Richard, Allman Brothers Band, Johnny Jenkins, Buddy Greene and more, while also showcasing independent music as well. The Creek Media team & Visit Macon will return from “Americanafest” to host its 2nd year for “Macon Roadshow” event at Nashville’s American Legion Post 82 on September 11, headlined by the Macon Music Revue, a preservation band keeping the spirit of Macon’s music legacy alive on the road and every Wednesday night at Macon’s historic Grant’s Lounge.

www.theCreekfm.com; www.visitMacon.org; ((478) 743-1074 x108

Florida Event Décor has acquired CHIC Event Furniture. CHIC’s owner, Kelly Graves has retired after creating the high-end furniture rental company in 2007.

info@floridaeventdecor.com

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 The 52 World! (Pensacola, FL) 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/

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 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/

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

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 13: Red Bull Flugtag flies into Irving, TX. This one-of-a-kind, free event challenges teams to build wild, human-powered flying machines and launch them off a 30-foot ramp into Lake Carolyn. Some soar. Most splash. All entertain.

https://www.irvingtexas.com/redbull-flugtag/

September 18-21: H-E-B | Central Market Plano Balloon Festival at Oak Point Park, Plano, TX.

https://bit.ly/4lmjv2g

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.