GREAT IDEAS!

Planning an outdoor adventure that may include the entire family across multiple generations just got easier with the Moab Adventures by Age Guide. The Utah-based company, recently named one of Newsweek’s Best Whitewater Rafting Companies in the U.S., has created this resource organized by minimum age requirement and adventure intensity. “Families want more than screen-free time. They want shared victories,” said Amanda Moore, General Manager of Moab Adventure Center. “When a child rappels for the first time or grandparents conquer Hell’s Revenge in a Hummer, you can see generations connect powerful ways.” The guide spotlights multi-adventure combinations, such as pairing a scenic Arches National Park Tour with a Sunset Hummer Safari or joining a river trip with canyoneering and rock climbing for a “Moab Sampler” experience. Creating the guide is a response to the company recognizing that since 2020, multigenerational vacations has become one of the fastest-growing segments of the global travel industry. According to the Adventure Travel Trade Association, more than 60% of travelers now prioritize shared experiences over traditional sightseeing. Moore said, “It’s one thing to offer great adventures,” but another to “make them effortless for every age, from the littlest explorers to their grandparents. That’s the true spirit of Moab.”
www.moabadventurecenter.com; (435) 259-7019 / (866) 904-1163.

The 12 Days of Holiday Giveaways continues in Irving, TX. Entries only good for one day, so still time to win. Each day’s prize is packed with food, hotel stay, and fun adventures, whether it’s going on a Gondola Adventures Pizza Cruise for two,  a professional photo

shoot along the Mandalay Canal, a bottle of champagne at your hotel suite, concert tickets, or participating in a Gingerbread Workshop. You still have time to enter!

https://www.irvingtexas.com/12-days-giveaway/

HOT DEALS SAVE YOU $$$$

The Delaney Hotel (Orlando, FL), a boutique hotel property, is perfect for gatherings from 15-65. Great promotional incentives through December 31, 2030.

https://www.orlandomeeting.com/offer/the-delaney-hotel/5192; (407) 435-4845

Book your 2026 meeting or event at Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa (Indian Wells, CA) by December 31, 2025 and enjoy a 5% rebate on consumed rooms, plus your choice of exclusive incentive perks. Your room block determines how many incentives you reap. Incentives include (but limited to) a 15% Discount on current banquet menus; one-hour complimentary beer & wine reception; one comp night per 35 rooms booked; two VIP comped amenities; and a gift certificate for a two-night stay.

https://www.tommybahamamiramonte.com/meetings-social-events/group-getaways-made-easy/

Florida residents can save 25% at participating Universal Orlando hotels. Valid Florida ID required at check-in. Book by Dec. 22, 2026 and use by Dec. 23, 2026.
https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/places-to-stay/hotels/special-offers/fl-resident-rates?_

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/?

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?

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/

Save up to 30%* off the Flexible Rate on a 5+ night stay at a Universal Orlando hotel. Rates vary by hotel. Purchase by Feb. 12, 2026 and use by Dec. 25, 2025 or by Jan. 1- Mar. 12, 2026.
https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/places-to-stay/hotels/special-offers

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.

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

(442) 305-4500

Book your next tropical getaway at Grand Hyatt Bahama Mar and enjoy 15% off your stay plus a $100 F&B credit to use. Travel window is through Oct. 31, 2026.

https://www.bahamas.com/deals-packages?

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

Wine & olive oil tastings, bread or pottery classes, or 18-hole course designed by Jorge Santana da Silva are just some of the perks for booking and utilizing in the Algarve region of Portugal for your group by March 31, 2026. Viceroy at Ombria Algarve has over 4,300 sf of indoor event space, including a natural light-filled ballroom and multi-purpose rooms. Perks include 15% commission on paid and consumed guestroom revenue (net); 5% commission on pre-contracted F&B and function space rentals; one complimentary room for every 40 rooms utilizes on a cumulative basis during the program; group rate three days pre and post program dates (based on the same room type and group rate availability) and two room nights complimentary for site visit.

https://www.alhi.com/blog/post/viceroy-at-ombria-algarve-is-portugals-hidden-gem/

Florida Residents can save up to 40% off the Flexible Rate at participating Universal Orlando hotels if you book through December 30 and use by December 31, 2025. Savings vary off the Flexible Rate at time of booking. Valid Florida ID required at check-in. Separate theme park admission required for theme park.

https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/places-to-stay/hotels/special-offers/fl-resident-rates

Book by June 30, 2026 and use by December 19, 2026 at Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows (Hawaii) to earn these exclusive perks from Associated Luxury Hotels International. Among the perks: Complimentary suite and bungalow upgrades based on group size; Group rates extended three days pre and post program dates; 20% discount at the new oceanfront Spa at Royal Lahaina; and a 5% banquet food and beverage credit rebated to master account.

https://www.alhi.com/contact/ (888)728.4105

Looking for a romantic movie version of popping the marriage question? Los Cabos, Mexico’s Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort has ordered up the idyllic setting if you take advantage of the all-inclusive beachfront resort’s “Proposal Package” by December 15, 2026. The exclusive package features three nights in a private pool suite at The Towers at Pacifica (a deluxe hotel within the hotel), including personalized butler service. There are too many amenities in this package to name all, but they include “Marry Me” turndown service on the night of the proposal, with flower petals and candles, hand-blown hearts, and a romantic dinner with wine-pairing at LaFrida.  You choose the proposal venue from many romantic possibilities.

https://www.pueblobonito.com/blog/say-yes-in-paradise-pueblo-bonito-pacificas-luxurious-new-proposal-package; (800) 990-8250

Book and actualize your next meeting or event at Hilton Sandestin beach Golf Resort & Spa (Miramar Beach, FL) by March 31and unlock triple HHonors points (up to 200K) on qualified bookings! You’ll also receive 30K bonus points as a signing bonus for Third Party bookings, 50% off current resort fee pricing, and complimentary wireless internet in general session (using current access points). Group must contract at least 60 room nights or more to be eligible for this offer.

https://meetings.hiltonsandestinbeach.com/special-offers?; (888) 519-2089

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

www.thinkcybis.com

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/

NEW OR COMING IN THE NEAR FUTURE

In 2026

Pueblo Bonito Resorts in Los Cabos and Mazatlán  believe travel isn’t just about where you go anymore–it’s about what you taste along the way. So, to kick off the new year, their chefs have created a collection of culinary and cultural experiences designed to celebrate flavor and fun. “The new experiences program, which mirrors evolving global lifestyle trends, reflects our commitment to creating meaningful moments and showcasing the distinctive character of each of our hotels,” said Federico Martinez, Pueblo Bonito’s F&B director. “Each concept has been developed to highlight the heritage, atmosphere, and talent that define our operations. For us, experience is everything–it represents the art of ‘living the moment’ that guests truly enjoy at our properties.” Each event is meant to capture the spirit of Mexico—bold, warm and joyfully delicious. “Over the years, we have gained deep insight into our guests’ preferences, allowing us to design experiences that meet diverse expectations—whether enjoyed as a family, as a couple or individually—depending on each hotel’s essence and environment,” Martinez added.

www.pueblobonito.com

February 14, American Airlines launches non-stop service from Miami, FL to The Bahamas’ sport-fishing paradise, Bimini, in under an hour. Flights scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio, will open Kimpton Miralina Resort & Villas in early 2026 in Paradise Valley, AZ. Redesigning the existing 42-acre retreat, Kimpton Miralina will have 400+ guest rooms, suites, and villas, and 50,000 sf of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space. Inspired by the surrounding desert landscape, the resort will feature six swimming pools, a day spa, and a fitness center. Four dining venues, including a contemporary restaurant will complete the design. Kimpton Miralina Resort & Villas will be jointly owned by Partners Group and Trinity Investments and managed by Highgate.

https://www.miralinaresort.com/

New entertainment resort, Bally’s Las Vegas, will be built on the former Tropicana Las Vegas site. Construction should begin early 2026. The 35-acre development on 3.46 million sf will share grounds with the upcoming Las Vegas Athletics Major League Baseball ballpark, with the hotel occupying 26 acres of the 35. Bally’s Corporation is collaborating with JLL and Marnell Architecture for the 3,000-room, 2,500-seat entertainment venue. There will also be 500,000+ sf of retail, dining and entertainment space, as well as a casino. Plans are for a parking garage to hold 5,000+ cars. Plans for completion indicate 2029 for the multi-phased project.

www.ballyslasvegas.com

Late summer, the new 100,000+ sq. ballroom and multi-function meeting space at the Walt Disney World Dolphin and Swan expansion will be completed. The new space will have a 38.000 sf ballroom and 24,000 sf pre-function and 40,000 sf multi-function space, with 14,000 sq pre-function space.

https://swandolphin.com/meetings/

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

SPEAKER PROPOSALS SOLICITED FOR FFEA 2026

Florida Festivals & Events is seeking proposals on event operations, marketing, sponsorship, safety, technology, or creative programming sessions for their annual Conference & Expo, August 4-6, 2026 at the Luminary Hotel & Co. in Fort Myers, FL. Speakers needed for 75-minute breakout (presentation, case study, panel, etc) and for 30-minute learning roundtables

https://ffea.memberclicks.net/26-speakers#/

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 Dec. 24: Winterfest is an iconicfamily-fun Pensacola, FL celebration offering up a daily supply of live performances, holiday trolley tours, cascades of “snow,” Santa and and a cast of holiday characters and more. Select nights.

https://www.visitpensacola.com/events/signature-events/winterfest/

now thru Jan. 5: Nightly til midnight. Free Winter Wonderland at Falls Park, SD.

https://www.experiencesiouxfalls.com/events/winter-wonderland-at-the-falls

Dec. 12: Holiday Art Market, Anna Lamar Switzer Center for Visual Arts,

Pensacola, FL 32504; (850) 484-2550.  Visual Arts Department has a variety of artwork available for purchase from faculty, staff, and students. Free event open to the public.

https://visualarts.pensacolastate.edu/art-exhibitions/2025-holiday-art-market/

Jan. 1-31: Downtown Sioux Falls, SD Burger Battle. Community food fest as local restaurants compete to win Best Burger.

https://www.experiencesiouxfalls.com/events/annual-downtown-burger-battle

Mar. 14: Bahamas Hope Challenge, a community-driven fundraising event dedicated to fighting cancer across The Bahamas. Through cycling, running, and walking, The Bahamas unites people from all walks of life to raise awareness and vital funds.

https://www.bahamashopechallenge.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.