GREAT IDEAS!

Sioux Falls, SD makes a point of introducing locals and tourists to the history and charm of the city daily throughout Dec. 31 this year with their AudaTours Sioux Falls Audio Tour: Echoes and Icons of Downtown Legends. The self-guided audio tour unlocks downtown’s doors, leading participants “to hidden marvels and overlooked tales most travelers never find.” The tour answers, what caused Sioux Falls’ grandest bank tower to double as a fortress during a crisis? Why did nightfall spark ghostly rumors in the State Theatre’s backstage corridors? Who left coded graffiti deep within the courthouse before disappearing for good? Walk at your own pace from the Sioux Falls State Theatre. Takes 45 minutes to an hour for the 15 stops. Audio is available in over 60 languages. Cost is $4.99 per person.

https://www.experiencesiouxfalls.com/events/audatours-sioux-falls-audio-tour-echoes-and-icons-of-downtown-legends

HOT DEALS SAVE YOU $$$$

West Hollywood, CA lost the Mondrian Los Angeles, but in its place is now the ultra-plush redesigned and renamed The Valorian Los Angeles, a Curio Collection by Hilton property. Operated by Pivot, a lifestyle operating group of Davidson Hospitality Group, the hotel has retained signature design elements but added features such as the White Rabbit Sky Lounge.

https://www.valorianhotel.com/meetings-events/

Book Margaritaville Resort Orlando or Margaritaville Cottages and Villas (Orlando, FL) with promo code GETAWAY through April 17 and stay by November 30, 2026 for 30% off. Other Rentyl Resorts participating properties are also 30% off.

https://reservations.margaritavilleresorts.com/; https://rentylresorts.com/offers/together-in-bloom/

Save up to 30% for five or more consecutive nights or up to 25% for four consecutive nights from now through ending by June 13 at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaiʻi.

https://www.disneyaulani.com/rooms-offers/special-offers/2026-spring-room-offer/#important-details; (866) 443-4763

Summer rapidly approaches. Vacations to choose that teenagers won’t sulk about, young ones can joyfully be active, and grandparents will be happy to spend time as a group. Here are five family-friendly resorts that understand the dynamics of multigenerational family vacations. Bonus: each has a promotional offering. Lansdowne Resort (Leesburg, VA) appeals to travelers with school-age offspring, golf and tennis fans. There’s a camp for the kids, two championship golf courses, tennis, guided nature walks, and specialty services like floating sound baths. The Discover Summer Package includes overnight accommodations, a $100 resort credit toward golf or spa treatments, a $50 breakfast credit, and convenient extras such as a beach bag and tumblers. www.lansdowneresort.com. Looking for a longer stay with a bevy of outdoor activities? Check out The Sea Pines Resort (Hilton Head Island, SC), on the southern tip of Hilton Head Island. Five miles of unspoiled beaches, three award‑winning golf courses, 20 clay tennis courts, and 14 miles of biking and walking trails, horseback riding, water sports, Eco‑Adventures, and hiking within the 605‑acre Sea Pines Forest Preserve. Packages range from the Nightly Summer Special Package with fitness center and pool access, along with discounts on golf, pickleball, and resort activities, to the Escape Vacation Package, providing up to 15 percent off weekly villa and home rentals, plus resort credits of up to $200 for golf, dining, and signature experiences. Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake (Brainerd, MN) offers Classic Midwest Lake vacations, and value‑driven stays packed with water sports, organized activities, and laid‑back traditions. There are scenic cruises aboard the North Star yacht, beach evenings of bonfires and karaoke, two championship courses and a par‑3 layout designed for all skill levels. The resort’s Summer Recreation Pass bundles popular programming—banana boat rides, yoga classes, disc golf, and bike rentals—into a single per-person fee. Stay Longer & Save packages offer discounts of 15 – 20%, and new South Beach Cabins debut this summer with introductory pricing. www.craguns.com. Seeking a more luxurious experience for the family on a picturesque lake setting? The Ritz‑Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee (Greensboro, GA) sits within a 12,000‑acre lakefront community about 85 miles east of Atlanta. Daily Ritz Kids Lake Adventures provide supervised camps for children ages 5-12 featuring nightly s’mores, complimentary train rides, a pool with splash features, and in‑room camping experiences. Packages such as Linger Longer at the Lake offer resort credits of up to $600 per stay for extended bookings, along with bonus resort credit promotions and golf packages. www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/georgia/Reynolds. And for international flair, Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Golf & Spa Resort (Cabo San Lucas, Mexico) is an all‑inclusive retreat offering ocean‑view suites within hacienda‑style villas. Six swimming pools, lush gardens, the award‑winning Armonia Spa, and The Market at Quivira, a culinary food hall with a variety of themed dining options. Kids 4-11 may enjoy the Kids Club and teens the FunLab, an urban-themed lounge. Guests have exclusive access to Quivira Golf Club, known for offering more oceanfront exposure than any course in Los Cabos. www.pueblobonito.com/resorts/sunset-beach

Walt Disney World Resort has an offer geared towards a group of 12. Triple the Marriott Bonvoy™ Points, complimentary pre-planning retreat for up to 12 guests for two nights (includes accommodations, round-trip airport transfers, and F&B), and a VIP EPCOT® Fireworks Fantasea Cruise for up to 12 guests, just for booking the group by June 30, this year and for a stay from June through August in 2026, 2027 or 2028. The three luxury hotels are the Swan, the Dolphin and the Swan Reserve.

https://swandolphin.com//wp-pdf/meetings/2026triple.pdf

Spring promotional offer at Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa (Indian Wells, CA). Get up to 25% off your stay, plus a reduced $25 resort fee. While there, enjoy $50 off a 50-minute treatment or $80 off an 80-minute treatment at Spa Rosa.

www.tommybahamamiramonte.com; (442) 305-4500

Florida residents can save up to 25%* off at participating Universal Studios Orlando (FL) hotels. Book by Dec. 22 but can use anytime this year until Dec. 23. *Savings vary by participating hotel and range from 10%-25% at time of booking. Valid Florida ID required at check-in. Separate theme park admission required for theme park entry and to enjoy park benefits.

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

Book Encore Resort at Reunion or Spectrum Resort Villas Orlando and Waterparks (both in Kissimmee, FL) for a stay by Apr. 30, 2026 and receive 30% off with code APRILBLOOM. Minimum three-night stay required.

https://rentylresorts.com/offers/together-in-bloom/

JW Marriott Las Vegas and Rampart Casino (Las Vegas, NV) has rebranded as The Resort at Summerlin. Renovations will continue through 2026. Mid-to-large-sized groups can receive benefits such as 2X Marriott Bonvoy® Points, carbon neutral meetings, basic conference Wi-Fi, and more. Planners also gain access to the Event Experience Playbook. Offer valid now through July 1, 2026. Use Booking Reference Code: GOCRN25. Terms & conditions apply.
https://theresortatsummerlin.com/; (877) 869-8777

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?

Book by Sept. 27 and save 25% on stays most nights on select rooms—including ocean and partial ocean view rooms—for stays of five or more consecutive nights, or, save up to 20% for stays of four consecutive nights. from Aug. 9 to Oct. 18 at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaiʻi. Not valid on suites and three-Bedroom Grand Villas, or on previously booked rooms or villas. See full details and restrictions on link.

https://www.disneyaulani.com/rooms-offers/special-offers/2026-aulani-summer-room-offer/#important-details; (866) 443-4763

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

WHERE DO YOU GO TO GET YOUR ARTS ON?

I’m based in the Orlando, FL area, where the Arts are honored all year, but are especially so throughout April. No surprise then with World Art Day on April 15 and approximately 5.4 million Americans employed in the arts according to non-profit SmileHub, that the organization would conduct new reports on Best Charities for the Arts and the Best States for the Arts in 2026. SmileHub compared each of the 50 states based on 16 key metrics. The data set ranges from artists per capita to the share of arts and cultural value added to a state’s economy to arts charities per capita. You can use the link below to discover where your state ranks. I was surprised Florida only rated 20^th because of the proliferation of theater, entertainment options, art shows, museums, galleries etc. SmileHub’s survey shows that New York has the most art charities per capita – 14.8 times higher than New Hampshire, which has the fewest. Nevada has the highest average salary for fine artists adjusted for the cost of living. Hawaii has the lowest. Washington has the most artists per capita, a stunning 17.5x more than Delaware, which has the fewest artists. The top 10 states are New York, California, Washington, Oregon, Vermont, Montana, Massachusetts, Colorado, New Mexico, and Minnesota. Beginning with Kansas in 41^st place, the rest of the worst states for the arts are Oklahoma, Nevada, Idaho, South Carolina, West Virginia, Kentucky, Arkansas, Alabama, and finally, Mississippi.

https://smilehub.org/blog/best-states-for-the-arts/113

COMPETITIONS & AWARDS

World Food Championships (WFC) is relaunching the Sam’s Club Chef Creations Program. They’re looking for passionate chefs to represent Food Sport across the country. Be sure to read the list of requirements before applying. The WFC will be held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds (Indianapolis, IN) this Oct. 15-18.

https://forms.monday.com/forms/faf16e8b2b68e11bd1e

Perform in front of 300+ Event Professionals during the Annual Florida Festivals & Events Association (FFEA) Convention & Tradeshow. Apply for a 10–20-minute spot in the Entertainment Showcase by April 24. The Convention and Expo will be Aug. 4-6 at the Luminary Hotel (Fort Myers, FL)

https://www.ffea.com/p/convention/entertainment-showcase

Culinary teams: get ready to compete in Famous Dave’s All-Star Bbq Series for the chance to win $$$ and be qualified for the 2026 World Food Championship World Barbecue Championship. Teams must be in good standing with WFC or other sanctioned bodies. $125. Registration fee. Grand and Reserve Champions of each contest will receive a waived entry Golden Ticket into the 2026 World Barbecue Championships in Indianapolis, IN, Oct. 15 – 18. Additionally, the Grand Champion receives $1,000 and the Reserve Grand winner gets $400. Additional money payouts per category of Chicken, Ribs or Wild Card.

https://worldfoodchampionships.com/famous-daves-all-star-bbq-series?

The Florida Festivals and Events Association’s SunSational Awards Program for Students and emerging professionals has a Scholarship given to attend the conference, participate in educational sessions, and connect with industry leaders while learning within the FFEA community. Deadline to apply is April 17. https://www.ffea.com/p/convention/scholarships. 

FFEA also recognizes members’ innovation, individuality and creative collaboration. Award applications now being accepted through Apr. 30 at $30 each entry. Price increase until final submission deadline of June 12.  Among the benefits: All award winners are announced and recognized on FFEA’s website and social media pages. Exclusive logo for Award Winners to use on email signatures, website and promotional pieces. Award winners may request an FFEA Representative to officially present the awards in their local market at an organization meeting, City Council meeting or other event. 34 categories.

The complete list of judging criteria, rules and policies and applications instructions can be found online at: www.ffea.com/sunsational-awards

NEW OR COMING IN THE NEAR FUTURE

In 2026

The transformations keep coming for Augustine Hotel, Prague, currently part of the Marriott’s The Luxury Collection and having just been acquired by Kempinski Hotels, the oldest luxury hospitality group in Europe. It’s the first property Kempinski has bought since 1970. Expectations are to fully refurbish all 101 rooms and public spaces of the hotel’s seven historic buildings on Malá Strana, beneath Prague Castle and within steps of the Charles Bridge in by late in 2026. Set within a portion of the Augustinian Monastery of St. Thomas, the property currently still features original vaulted ceiling and wooden beams from the monks’ former residences, according to a story in Luxury Travel Advisor..

https://www.luxurytraveladvisor.com/hotels/kempinski-group-acquires-augustine-hotel-prague-signaling-storied-brands-ultra-luxe-future?

Phase Two of the $200 million transformation of Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe Hotel & Casino (formerly Harveys Lake Tahoe) should be completed by summer, according to Caesars Entertainment. Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe’s premier Special Events Center features 25,000 sf of meeting space, including 17 versatile rooms. In combo with sister property, Harrah’s, planners will have up to 50,000 sf of adaptable spaces.

https://www.caesars.com/meetings/properties/caesars-republic-lake-tahoe?

High atop the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center (National Harbor, MD) is the new Lookout 18 rooftop bar. Great views overlooking the Potomac, with modern American design and handcrafted cocktails.

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/dining/restaurant-bar/wasgn-gaylord-national-resort-and-convention-center/7276495-lookout-18.mi

Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau (LRCVB) has a new tourism marketing campaign that will run through 2026, highlighting what makes Arkansas’ capital city so special. The campaign, entitled “Love You Some Little Rock,” is designed to introduce visitors to Little Rock’s restaurants, outdoor venues, historical attractions, and the arts and music scene. The campaign includes digital advertising, video storytelling and visitor materials.

https://www.littlerock.com/

Alaska Airlines has debuted its all-new International Business Class, a premium long-haul experience on brand-new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners as the airline expands to Europe and Asia. Among the amenities: Fully lie-flat suites with privacy doors and direct aisle access; Modern cabin design featuring 18” HD entertainment screens, over 1500 movies and TV shows, noise-reducing headsets, personal power outlets and wireless charging; elevated restaurant-quality dining; and premium bedding and travel amenity kits. Starlink is should be installed on Alaska’s 787-9 Dreamliners this fall. Alaska’s new service from Seattle to Rome launches Apr.  28. Service to London will be May 21 and to Reykjavík, Iceland on May 28.

https://news.alaskaair.com/guest-experience/alaska-airlines-unveils-international-business-class-suites-experience/; www.alaskaair.com

Spa Rosa at Tommy Bahamas Miramonte Resort & Spa (Indian Wells, CA) is offering $50 off a 50-minute treatment and $80 off an 80-minute treatment, Monday though Thursday. Use code UNWIND50 or UNWIND80 when booking.

https://www.tommybahamamiramonte.com/spa-rosa/?

Lisa Vanderpump’s first ever hotel, The Vanderpump Hotel, opens in Las Vegas, NV this May. The reimagined boutique property with 188 rooms and suites replaces The Cromwell. home to Soleia, formerly Drai’s Beachclub & Nightclub, will serve as both the resort pool and a dedicated event space. A new Vanderpump-designed lounge is good for group gatherings. The hotel will showcase custom furnishings and lighting fixtures created specifically for the hotel by Lisa Vanderpump and Nick Alain’s celebrated design line, Vanderpump Alain. The design embraces Vanderpump Alain’s “industrial romantic” style, blending rich textures and modern glamour that reflect Vanderpump’s refined taste. Existing venues, including GIADA and Drai’s After Hours, remain open throughout the renovation.

www.caesars.com/thevanderpumphotel

The Dossier from Luxury Travel Advisor notes Marriott International has entered a joint venture with the Leali family, founders of Italian wellness resort brand Lefay. The Dossier says  the “deal combines Lefay’s holistic wellbeing programming with Marriott’s global scale and arrives at a moment when luxury travel advisors are reporting surging client demand for exactly this kind of experience.”  The brand’s current two award-winning luxury resorts are known for space, serenity and sustainability. “Lefay represents a new expression of luxury, one that is wellness‑first, deeply experiential, and emotionally resonant,” Tina Edmundson, Marriott’s president of luxury, was quoted saying, “As guest expectations continue to evolve, our collaboration with Lefay will allow us to thoughtfully extend our luxury offerings into a space where wellbeing is not just an amenity, but the heart of the travel experience.”

https://www.luxurytraveladvisor.com/hotels/watch-out-six-senses-marriott-has-new-luxury-wellness-brand?

Book your group into any Frisco, TX hotels and resorts and earn incentives. For a limited time, receive up to $15 per consumed room night when booked thru Visit Frisco in The City That Plays. Meeting must book a minimum 300 total room nights; new RFPs only; booked within 90 days of the original RFP or hotel cut-off. Original RFP must be submitted to Visit Frisco and pre-approved before the contract is signed. Offer valid while funds last.

https://www.visitfrisco.com/incentives?utm_source

New for this year at the World Food Championships, Oct. 15-18 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center (Indianapolis, IN) are the Burger Battle on Thursday and the inaugural Dessert Smash on Friday. Squeezed Juice begins as the newest WFC partner at the Final Table in Bentonville, AR on Apr. 17–18.

www.worldfoodchamptionships.com

Tao Group Hospitality debuts OMNIA Dayclub & Skybar, a new entertainment complex built from ground up at Caesars Palace (Las Vegas, NV) this year. Spanning 46,000 sf directly on Las Vegas Boulevard, the venue will be connected to the iconic OMNIA Nightclub by a dedicated bridge creating a seamless day-to-night experience spanning a combined 121,000 sf. Rockwell Group’s design is inspired by the elegance of the beach clubs from Mykonos to St. Tropez and Ibiza. Guests will arrive directly through OMNIA Nightclub’s main entrance or via a dramatic grand staircase from The Strip. Two organically shaped central pools anchor the club on the main level, surrounded by custom daybeds, private cabanas and exclusive VIP plunge pools. The deck above features shaded seating, dedicated bar, and tiered banquettes beneath cream-and-jade umbrellas. This level transforms into OMNIA Skybar, which will operate year-round as an alfresco destination for food, drink and Las Vegas Strip views. OMNIA Dayclub features systems engineered to deliver festival-level production in a dayclub setting, including a DJ booth with a custom 8K LED main stage screen built for broad-daylight performances, live visuals and generative effects, with a multi-camera system capturing performers and crowd vibes in real time. The L-Acoustics L2 sound system provides unparalleled clarity, spatial accuracy and energy across the venue.

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/

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.

Late summer, Caesars Entertainment expects Phase Two of the $200 million transformation of Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe Hotel & Casino, formerly Harveys Lake Tahoe, to be completed. This gives Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe 25,000 sf of newly expanded, flexible indoor meeting and event space. The resort is directly connected to Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, providing seamless access to an additional 40,000+ sf of meeting and convention facilities.

www.meet@caesars.com

In 2027

Edgewood Tahoe Resort (Lake Tahoe, NV) currently has 7,000 sf. of flexible meeting spaces, 154 rooms and suites, and 14 villa suites, but by the time renovations are completed in 2027, the 1,700-sf South Room will have expanded into a lakefront venue that accommodates up to 300 guests.

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

Waldorf Astoria resort and branded residences are being built at Deer Valley Resort’s East Village. The expected 2028 opening will include 132 hotel rooms and 105 one- to six-bedroom branded residences, as well as 56 hotel residences located above the hotel and 49 private residences housed in a standalone Waldorf Astoria Residences Deer Valley tower. Major perk: ski-in/ski-out access adjacent to Deer Valley’s Green Monster run and views of Bald Mountain, Hail Peak, and Park Peak. 1,300 sf meeting and event space, including a 5,200-sf ballroom, resident lounges, and a demonstration kitchen.

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

May 1, June 5, July 3, & Aug 7th Sioux Falls, SD hosts Downtown Sioux Falls Open Streets on Phillips Avenue.  Car-free community playground with vendors, artists, musicians, outdoor seating, food trucks, interactive art etc. May 1st & August 7th include Art & Wine Walks, with local wine samples, open galleries and artist encounters.

https://www.experiencesiouxfalls.com/events/downtown-open-streets?

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; Natasha@ThePsychicLady.com. She is also active with Experience Kissimmee CVB.