GREAT IDEAS!

The world moves at a fast clip. Wellness instructors encourage unplugging from social media or not gawking at phones constantly. Now comes Brandon Lake, owner of Western River Expeditions, to encourage the trending slow travel. “Slow travel isn’t about checking off boxes,” he says, “It’s about total immersion. Our guests aren’t just sightseeing. They’re stargazing, soul-searching and story-swapping under the canyon sky. They leave forever changed.” Lake says industry data reveals 94% of Americans say they want to slow down and reconnect with nature. 74% of global travelers prioritize authentic, local immersion over fast sightseeing. 39% of remote workers are extending trips into longer explorations. The slow tourism sector is projected to grow at a rate of 10% annually, making it one of the most resilient segments of the travel market. “With travelers craving time away from screens, the Grand Canyon may be the last great unplugged vacation left in North America,” Lake added.

www.westernriver.com;  (866) 904-1160

Downtown Macon, GA hosts the first-ever Marché de Noel: Macon Christmas Market, a European-inspired holiday experience designed to complement the city’s Christmas Light Extravaganza, December 5-14. The holiday market tradition traces its roots to medieval Europe and its first documented appearance in Vienna in 1296. In the 17th & 18th centuries, the markets spread through Europe as a widely adopted holiday tradition. Macon’s sister city relationship with Mâcon, France, will heavily influence Macon’s blend of French, Bavarian, and German traditions. President & CEO of Visit Macon, Gary Wheat said, “The Christmas Market not only creates magical memories for families but also supports local artisans, small businesses and Downtown commerce while showcasing Macon as a vibrant holiday destination.” Vendor sponsors and artisan applications still being accepted.

www.visitmacon.org/maconchristmasmarket; maconchristmasmarket@gmail.com; (478) 954-5540

Caesars Entertainment has long promoted wellness to employees, clients and events. They now have a (downloadable) comprehensive guide on wellness designed specifically for industry professionals. The wellness guide includes key statistics and insights on the benefits of integrating wellness into events; a helpful FAQ sheet addressing common questions; and a sample agenda of a wellness-infused event to inspire planners and showcase how seamlessly wellness can be incorporated.

https://www.caesars.com/meetings/wellness?

NEW TECHNOLOGY ENERGIZES EVENTS

Interactive Entertainment Group amps up the party with its new Mirror Box. This sleek, black-textured cube features three mirrored walls, a mirrored floor and ceiling, and a giant LED back wall—creating a fully immersive effect that surrounds guests in vibrant, customizable visuals. Once inside, attendees choose from multiple backdrops—ranging from vortex illusions to branded graphics—while a Glambot robotic arm captures a 10-second clip with sweeping, red-carpet-worthy motion. Attendees can instantly replay their clip with a branded overlay, then share via email, text, or social media.

https://interactiveparty.com/product/mirror-box/

Swish might be the sound of a basketball dropping through a basket’s netting, or in this case, it’s the company name for an immersive gaming developer. SWISH XR has launched XR Hooper, the first commercial-extended reality (XR) basketball experience. Unlike traditional VR, XR Hooper doesn’t require goggles or headsets. Players step onto the court and are instantly immersed in a full-scale digital arena powered by BenQ projectors. The system uses a projector array of four synchronized BenQ LH850ST projectors to create a 360-degree stadium atmosphere. From sinking baskets that launch virtual cannons, to battling zombies with basketballs on “Zombie Island,” to racking up points in the SWISH Stadium challenge, XR Hooper gamifies basketball the way Topgolf reimagined golf. “With the NBA season around the corner, XR Hooper signals a new way for fans and players alike to engage with the game, merging the thrill of basketball with the possibilities of XR,” says Luis Romo, president and COO, SWISH XR. “The hardware is modular, rugged, and designed to set up quickly for events, from resorts to conferences to pro sports activations. We wanted to build something sleek, durable, and fun that could be installed anywhere.” Bob Wudeck, senior director of business development, BenQ said, “It’s incredible to see the innovative ways companies like SWISH XR can bring sports to life virtually. We’re excited to see BenQ powering this next-generation basketball experience, proving how projection can transform any space into a dynamic, interactive game.”

https://www.swishxr.com/; https://www.benq.com/en-us/index.html

HOT DEALS SAVE YOU $$$$

Meet in San Francisco, CA and score free flights. The San Francisco Travel Association, in collaboration with United Airlines, is offering two complimentary flights when sourcing new group business. Offer valid until December 31. Secure room nights and be entered for a chance to win a package that includes tickets, flight and hotel accommodations to attend major sporting events in the city, like Super Bowl LX or the FIFA World Cup in 2026.

https://www.sftravel.com/article/enter-to-win-tickets-flights-hotel-accommodations-to-major-sporting-events-san-francisco

Book Punta Cana through Meliá Hotels & Resorts by December 31 using promocode DOMINICAN2025 and receive a variety of amenities. The number and get the following benefits, depending on the confirmed revenue in lodging ordered. Amenities can include welcome drink and snacks at check-in, 5% rebate to the Master Account, waived setup fee for an event, and a complimentary room for every 40 rooms contracted per night. For full range of options, book the group through meliapro.com. Don’t forget the promo code.

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 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?

Save 50% off equipment for new clients from October through February with Cybis Communications (Orlando, FL). Mention this offer when contacting.

www.thinkcybis.com

Meet in Dallas, TX and earn many incentives and save dollars for booking groups. Some of the promotions end on December 31, but individual offers vary with each property. Most amenities include 1 per 40 Comp policy; 5% off the Master Account; 10% discount on F&B; 20% discount on In-House AV; and complimentary Wi-Fi in guestrooms. There are 18 hotels participating. Too many to name all so check each deal for yourself.

https://www.visitdallas.com/meetings-events/incentives/#jlincentive-offer

Bring a group or 10 or more to any of the Gaylord Hotels’ signature holiday event, ICE! and enjoy exclusive savings on tickets. Dates vary, but all feature over two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures based on iconic movies. Gaylord National (National Harbor, MD) has The Polar Express; Gaylord Texan (Grapevine, TX) has Elf; Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer is at Gaylord Palms (Kissimmee, FL); Gaylord Opryland (Nashville, TN) takes on Charlie Brown Christmas; Gaylord Rockies (Aurora, CO) has How the Grinch Stole Christmas; and Gaylord Hill Country has Frosty the Snowman.

www. https://ice.marriott.com/

Book Nassau‘s most elegant all-inclusive resort, Sandals Royal Bahamian by December 31 and save up to $1,000 instantly for seven-paid nights’ stay or longer. Of course, you can still save $350 for three paid nights; $420 for four nights, $755 for six-paid, and $555 for five-paid nights. New bookings only.

https://www.sandals.com/royal-bahamian/?

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. Book this Canes Weekend getaway now and you could be one of 10 lucky room bookings to receive $100 off your trip or enter the sweepstakes and win a trip for two. Choose from either host hotel – Margaritaville Beach Resort or British Colonial Nassau. Special discounted rate. Bahamasair has a discounted rate. Use CANESBAH
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?

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/

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

U.S NEWS RATES TOP PLACES FOR FALL VACATIONS

Destinations are voted on equally by both travelers and the magazine’s editors. Travelers are first asked if a destination should be considered and majority wins. Editors score destinations by a multitude of categories, including Sights, Culture, People, Food, Family, Nightlife, Adventure, Romance, Value and Accessibility. Destinations’ overall scores are a weighted average of the individual editors’ averages, based on which factors travelers said were most important to them. This year’s selection of the top five places to visit in the fall are: The Berkshires, New England for their foliage; Zion National Park, UT, for hikers and adventurers; and The Cotswolds, England, a whimsical and charming town west of London that offers historic castles and beautiful villages. Also, Cape Town, South Africa and its robust wine scene as well as Victoria and Vancouver Island, Canada, for a calm and quiet retreat with various activities and smaller crowds.

https://travel.usnews.com/methodology/#vacation-rankings

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BOOKING DUDE RANCH EXPERIENCES

“Not all ranches are created equal. It requires understanding the nuances, managing expectations and matching the right guest to the right ranch,” says Gene Kilgore, aka The Ranch Guy, who has spent over 45 years putting ranch vacations on the map. He recommends planners get to know individual ranches and their ranch commission structures up front. “This may vary ranch to ranch, usually around 10% of the total package, plus or minus. Begin by clarifying what clients expect from the experience: such as riding horses, fishing, or indulging in gourmet meals and wine. Know the specialty of each ranch. Guest ranches focus on hospitality and activities. Working ranches offer real cowboy life experiences. Luxury ranches provide five-star amenities with a Western twist. Ultra ranches are acknowledged as the crème de la crème of luxury ranch travel. Resort ranches bring a full array of resort-style activities, like golf courses. Private ranches rent exclusively to one group at a time. Boutique ranches create intimacy with 20 or fewer guests. Wellness ranches combine ranch life with outstanding wellness programs. Adults-only retreats bring adults only together for a quiet, refined experience. Flyfishing includes Orvis-endorsed ranches. Kilgore also said to keep in mind seasonality of clients’ travel dates. “Always double-check what’s actually offered during your client’s travel dates. Spring and summer are prime times for horseback riding, cattle drives, fly-fishing and hiking. While some ranches in Arizona and Mexico open for winter sun, others may open in the winter for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.” He encourages planners to book early, as much as a year in advance. “Demand has skyrocketed for ranch vacations.  People want wide-open spaces, fresh air and meaningful experiences. Ranches, many of which are small and family-owned, have limited capacity and often book up fast, especially during peak summer or holiday weeks.”
https://ranchweb.com/travel-advisor-center

NEW & NONSTOP FLIGHTS TO THE BAHAMAS

Fall 2025: Nassau service on Air Canada, JetBlue, Southwest, Delta, American, United

November 2025: Porter launches Toronto–Nassau

December 2025: Frontier returns (Atlanta–Nassau), Air Canada adds Halifax & Ottawa, Tradewind begins boutique flights (Florida–Nassau & Marsh Harbour)

NEW OR COMING IN THE NEAR FUTURE

In 2025

Santa Cruz, CA has its first luxury hotel. The 155-room La Bahia Hotel & Spa opened early September. Mediterranean-inspired design by ForrestPerkins, has 29 suites, ocean-view guestrooms, and a rooftop spa with a signature ocean-view sauna and zen deck. Four dining options led by executive chef Fernando Reyes. High Tide serves Pacific Rim-inspired dishes; Low Tide Bar & Grill has cocktails and live music; champagne bar Pearl; and Plunge is a poolside lounge. The spa program’s eight treatment rooms and two steam rooms draw on the region’s history of saltwater bathhouses. There is more than 13,000 sf of event space and the Seaside Roof Deck at 5,200 sf has extensive views of Monterey Bay.

www.labahiahotel.com

Sioux Falls Source has the fourth quarter giveaway for 50 randomly selected winners. Fill out the entry until October 31. The box includes coffee, lip balm, vanilla extract, and snacks among many other items. Total value: $107.

https://www.experiencesiouxfalls.com/sioux-falls-sourced?

Luminary Hotel & Co. has rebranded its signature restaurant, formerly known as The Silver King Ocean Brasserie, to The Silver King Coastal Kitchen. Emphasis now on shareable tapas-style plates, vibrant entrées crafted with fresh, local ingredients, and a five-course chef’s tasting menu. The refreshed concept coincides with the Fort Myers’ hotel’s upcoming five-year anniversary. “Fort Myers is a city shaped by exploration and storytelling, and we wanted The Silver King Coastal Kitchen to embody that same sense of adventure and connection,” said Joe Shurmur, General Manager of Luminary Hotel & Co. Inspired by the legendary tarpon – locally called the “Silver King” – and the tradition of sharing stories over great meals, the refreshed menu introduces Mediterranean-style small plates like Spanish Octopus, Gambas al Ajillo, and Red Snapper.  Chef de Cuisine Zach Geerson curates a seasonally changing five-course tasting menu for adventurous diners. The restaurant’s signature dining series, led by Geerson, celebrates creativity and seasonal flavors. The King’s Table features monthly themed menus with pairings inspired by celebrated food regions, with upcoming events, including Sake (Sept. 25), Scotland (Oct. 23). The Workshop Dinner Series, hosted in the hotel’s Culinary Theater, offers interactive themed dinners such as Spooktacular (Oct. 8), Veteran’s Day (Nov. 11), and the Feast of Seven Fishes (Dec. 10).

www.LuminaryHotel.com;  (239) 207-4613.

VacationPort (formerly Passport Online Inc.), a leader in travel content distribution, has partnered with Poseidon Expeditions to provide travel advisors access to one of the world’s top  polar cruise operators. This new partnership marks a strategic step in Poseidon’s expansion into the North American market. “At VacationPort, we are committed to delivering the most extensive and high-quality content distribution system in the travel industry,” said Sarah Bauman, Vice President of Product Management for VacationPort. Added Kathie DeVincenzo, Head of Sales, North America for Poseidon Expeditions, “Expedition cruising is a complex, premium product. To sell it successfully, advisors need to go far beyond listing destinations. It’s about understanding the demands and rewards of remote-region travel, and VacationPort’s network gives us the right reach and visibility to find the travelers who seek that kind of adventure.”

https://vacationport.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/

John Wayne Airport (SNA), strategically located just 14 miles from the Anaheim Convention Center and Disneyland® Resort, is embarking a $743 million Capital Improvement Program spanning from 2025 to 2028. This multi-year investment is designed to enhance safety, elevate passenger comfort, and support future demand for domestic and international travel. Key upgrades include: Terminal Improvements (enhanced lighting, seating, concessions, and restrooms designed for passenger comfort); Runway Rehabilitation; Technology Enhancements  (expect faster check-ins and better connectivity with new IT systems, smart digital signage, and self-service kiosks); and New General Aviation Facility that separates private and commercial traffic more efficiently.

https://www.visitanaheim.org/blog/stories/post/john-wayne-airport-upgrades-clear-skies-ahead-for-travelers

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. Date remaining is  October 16.

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

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

 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

January is perfect for an image-refresh and Green Valley Ranch Resort (Henderson, NV) is wasting no time. Their redesign, part of a more expansive $200 million renovation project, updates all 493 guest rooms and suites as well 69,000 sf of meetings and events space. Lighter colors celebrate the property’s Mediterranean heritage. Renovations also include AV technology, flexible room designs, and event planning staff support.

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center (National Harbor, MD), expects completion of their new solar arrays on top of the resort’s convention center by early 2026. Spanning 3.5 acres, it will offset up to 20% of the property’s energy use.

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

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

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

Cary, NC is getting a new seven-story, 186-room Tribute Portfolio property in the fall. Mainsail Lodging & Development, together with Ross Hotel Partners, global real estate firm Hines, and architecture and design firm BRPH, have identified the new property as The Pagemore Hotel at Fenton. The hotel will feature have signature Eastern Mediterranean restaurant Barouk (with terrace dining), lively lobby bar, all-day coffee concept, and more than 6,000 sf of event space to accommodate 200, and the cutting-edge Culinary Theatre. Designed by BRPH with bold lines, expressive interiors, and subtle nods to Cary’s history, The Pagemore will feature 186 guest rooms and suites.

https://splashsites.my.canva.site/the-pagemore-splash-page; https://www.mainsailhotels.com/

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.

In 2028

Moffitt Cancer Center, a leading National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Tampa, FL-based Mainsail Lodging & Development are partnering to bring a new 200-room, full-service hotel to Moffitt’s McKinley Campus in the summer of 2028. The $84 million project will address a longstanding need for modern, high-quality lodging near Moffitt. Data shows that Moffitt generates more than 68,000 room nights in the Tampa Bay area annually through its operations. The new hotel is projected to support nearly half of this demand. The hotel is planning to fly the flag of a major national brand, consistent with Mainsail’s award-winning portfolio, which includes properties affiliated with Marriott International’s Autograph Collection and Tribute Portfolio. Mainsail also manages Innovation Hotel, a purpose-built property on the campus of global medical device leader Arthrex in Naples, FL.

https://www.moffitt.org/; www.MainsailHotels.com

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

Now thru Nov. 2: Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando, FL. Select nights.

https://www.universalorlando.com/hhn/en/

Oct.10-12: Panama City Beach, FL hosts the annual Pirates of the High Seas Fest and Renaissance Festival. Free.

https://www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/event/pirates-of-the-high-seas-

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.

Oct. 16-26: Pensacola Interstate Fair at the Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds (FL).

https://www.visitpensacola.com/events/pensacola-interstate-fair/; (850) 944-4500

Oct. 22-26: Baha Mar hosts the 2025 Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival. Celebrity chefs, hands-on cooking demos and master classes and return of the FUZE Art Expo.

https://festival.bahamar.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.