GREAT IDEAS!

Just because I missed publishing specialty margarita drinks being served to celebrate Cinco de Mayo at three Los Cabos (Mexico) Pueblo Bonito resorts, doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy one (or two) margaritas in a personal tribute that day. Margaritas originated in Tijuana during Prohibition, when Americans drifted across the border for alcohol. Tequila was substituted for brandy in the ‘Daisy’ (margarita is Spanish for daisy) and to today, anytime is a good time for a margarita. These three properties are always ready to serve them. Pueblo Bonito Vantage San Miguel de Allende features the Lavanda Vantage Margarita, a sophisticated, aromatic version that combines floral notes with the herbal character of tequila. What sets it apart are the locally sourced flowers, herbs, and peppers: bougainvillea, morita chili, and lavender, each of which is dried and crushed, with a lavender flower used as a garnish. A few sprigs of thyme steeped in Controy (Mexican orange liqueur) adds another dimension of flavor. A few drops of lime juice lend a citrusy touch. At Quivira Steakhouse, an indoor/outdoor restaurant at the thatched-roof Quivira Golf Club clubhouse, the Quintessence Hibiscus Margarita combines hibiscus and tequila creating a hibiscus-infused blanco tequila. An ounce of St-Germain, a French elderflower liqueur nicknamed the “bartender’s ketchup” for its ability to enhance cocktails with its delicate flavor, adds notes of pear, peach, and grapefruit. Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay in Mazatlán, set above a lovely crescent beach and lush tropical gardens, serves its Cadillac Margarita as a richer, more refined version of the original. spirit ingredients are top shelf: añejo tequila (such as Tequila 1800) and Grand Marnier, a French liqueur created in 1880 made from fine Cognac, distilled essence of bitter orange, and sugar. A splash of orange juice and a slice of lime or orange for a garnish completes the cocktail.

Click the link for full recipes. https://www.pueblobonito.com/blog/salud-heres-a-trio-of-pueblo-bonitos-best-margaritas; www.pueblobonito.com

Caesars Entertainment Meetings & Events feels a responsibility as an industry to help others. May 9, on World Fair Trade Day, they spotlighted Sudara, a “purpose-driven organization that produces beautifully crafted goods through an ethical supply chain designed to provide living-wage employment for women. Through its nonprofit, the Sudara Freedom Fund, the organization also raises essential funds to provide wraparound wellness services for women and children escaping or at risk of exploitation—supporting critical needs such as safety, health, and education, and helping build a pathway to long-term independence,” according to a statement by Caesars Entertainment. The company encourages other companies to do understand who makes the products bought and under what conditions they are produced, noting that, “If every major conference committed even a small portion of its merchandise budget to ethical sourcing, the global impact would be significant—supporting living wages and more responsible production on a meaningful scale.” Caesars Entertainment Meetings & Events supports Sudara by purchasing products made with purpose and quality by them, with the intent that attendees will better value and retain them.

https://caesarsmeetings.com/WFTD2026; www.sudara.org

HOT DEALS SAVE YOU $$$$

Meeting Oasis Incentive returns to Greater Palm Springs (CA). Visit Greater Palm Springs (Visit GPS) provides clients with a rebate that can be utilized for facility rental, F&B, AV expenses or other meetings-related fees as long as it’s sourced directly through Visit GPS. Credit will be awarded based on 70% pick up of paid and consumed rooms at one of our destination hotels and resorts. The new meeting or event must be contracted by June 30 and must actualize May 25-Sept. 11, 2026; May 31-Sept. 10, 2027; or May 29-Sept. 8, 2028 to receive funding credit. The group must contract and actualize 10 rooms on peak night or more to qualify for the offer. Non-revenue generating room nights do not receive room night credit. Rebate will be paid to the client upon confirmation of full payment of group’s master account to the hotel

https://www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/meetings/choose-greater-palm-springs/special-promotions/meeting-oasis-incentive/

The more nights booked for your group, the more perks are available, at Guy Harvey Resort St. Augustine Beach (St. Augustine, FL). Book by May 30 and actualize by Dec. 31.  20-49 rooms, pick one; 50-100, pick two; and 101 to 250, pick three. Perks include one comp’d room per 30 contracted;  three VIP Upgrades; 50% off meeting rental; comp’d one-hour reception; or 5% off published catering menus.

https://guyharveyresortstaugustinebeach.com/pickyourperk2026/

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/; (866) 443-4763

Enjoy five miles of white sand beaches, crystal-blue water and innovative cuisine at Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas and save up to 40% if you bundle air and hotel together. Five properties, one island. Travel now thru July 31.

https://www.atlantisbahamas.com/bundle-and-save-offer

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 through Thursday. Use code UNWIND50 or UNWIND80 when booking.

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

Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitor’s Bureau offers $5 incentive for new bookings of at least three nights for a minimum 50 rooms on peak for stays between Sept. 1 and Dec. 31. DBACVB Director of Sales, Brenda Redmon, bredmon@daytonabeach.com, (386) 255-0415, ext. 134.

Book the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach (Clearwater, FL) by July 31 and actualize by Dec. 31 for your group and choose among many amenities. Pick one for groups of 10-30, two for 31-50, and 3 for groups of 50+. Amenity options include reduced resort fee to $20/per group room; 5% off Master account charges, and $150 complimentary gift certificate for Pallavi Spa. For full deets, click the link.

https://www.wyndhamgrandclearwater.com/meetings?utm_source=Meetings+Today&utm_medium; (727) 281-9525

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

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?

La Quinta Resort & Club, Curio Collection by Hilton (Greater Palm Springs, CA) has a 5% rebate offer for newly-booked group stays in September, and December 2026
https://www.cvent.com/venues/la-quinta/resort/la-quinta-resort-club-curio-collection-by-hilton/

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?

The longer you stay (up to seven days), the more you save with Universal Orlando Resort Florida resident promo package. Save $5 for two nights, but up to $200 for seven nights at more than 10 onsite properties, when bundled with park-to-park tickets. Two plans are offered: before Oct. 19 and Oct. 20 to Dec. 31. Call or go online for full details.

https://www.universalorlando.com/web-packages/en/us/vacation-packages/H688/create-your-own-florida-resident-vacation-package-with-universal-epic-universe? (877) 801-9720

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

Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa (Greater Palm Springs, CA) has an offer that must be actualized by Dec. 31 for at least three peak nights. How many rooms are booked opens the number of amenities offered for incentive.

https://www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/coupon/a-better-group-stay-starts-here%3a-more-rooms-more-rewards/8503/

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

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

NEW OR COMING IN THE NEAR FUTURE

In 2026

Bringing home wine from select wine regions just got easier. Southwest Airlines’ new Sip and Ship program enables you to check one case of wine for free when flying from select West Coast and Pacific Northwest airports. The latest addition to the service happened late April at Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS) in Santa Rosa, CA. Southwest Airlines’ service eliminates the need to pay for checked baggage or to ship wine separately. Participating California airports include Burbank, Fresno, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Oakland, Ontario, Orange County/Santa Ana, Palm Springs, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Barbara, and Sonoma County. The offer also includes Boise, ID; Eugene, OR; and Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, WA.

www.southwest+airlines+new+sip+and+ship+program+details

Coming this Fall, Country-music star Luke Combs’ new partnership with Opry Entertainment Group and Caesars Entertainment will be a win at the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel & Casino (Las Vegas, NV). The three-story, 34,000 sf restaurant and Bar Category 10, inspired by Combs’ multi-platinum hit song, “Hurricane” will replace Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. On the first floor, Hurricane Hall will feature three bars, central stage and dance floor. The Beautiful Crazy Women’s Loung, located directly inside of the women’s restroom on the first floor, will offer a champagne bar, soft seating, makeup counters and Hollywood vanity mirrors. Second story, The Still, elevates the experience with selected bourbons by Combs and an overlooking view of the stage. The top level dishes up The Eye Rooftop, with a DJ booth, dance floor and views of the Las Vegas Strip.

www.caesarsmeansbusiness.com

Meetings Today publication has an issue on new and renovated properties, some just opened, some coming. One that has received some national news coverage is Dolly Parton’s SongTeller Hotel and Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum (on the third floor of the hotel). Both are scheduled for a fall debut in Nashville, TN. The hotel will have 245 guestrooms, including 33 suites. The museum exhibits honors the life of Dolly, her expansive career and personal memories through her own eyes. The hotel’s 10,000 sf of flexible meeting space for 125 guests includes three breakout rooms, three restaurants and seven unique spaces. Live entertainment will play in Parton’s Live, Jolene’s and the Listening Lobby.

https://www.meetingstoday.com/articles/145854/dolly-partons-songteller-hotel-debut-nashville-plus-more-hotel-news-south?

DSRT Surf, a 5.5-acre surf lagoon opens this year with a 92-room hotel, restaurants, and group-friendly gathering spaces in Palm Springs, CA. While waiting for DSRT Surf’s opening, check out the Greater Palm Springs Oasis Incentive for special deals for groups during June, July, and August.

https://www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/meeting-articles/post/why-summer-is-the-cool-season-for-meetings-in-greater-palm-springs/

The Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center has completed its multi-year renovation of all 1,100 guestrooms and suites to celebrate its 20th anniversary. Over roughly a three-year period, the 38-story hotel with extensive convention facilities, created a more “timeless” design.

https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/en-US/dencc-hyatt-regency-denver-at-colorado-convention-center

Hospitality nonprofit association Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) and RX Japan LLC, are producing the first Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC)  in Japan as part of the Hospitality Tech EXPO, Dec. 2–4, at Ariake GYM-EX. “With a history of over 50 years, HITEC has established itself as an event that symbolizes expertise in the hospitality technology sector. The event will bring together a high-level network of industry-leading professionals who are at the forefront of technology development in the hotel and related hospitality businesses. With HITEC TOKYO, this essential source of knowledge will be extended to the Asian hospitality market,” said Bryan Wood, HFTP Chief Meetings and Events Officer.

https://www.hospitality-show.jp/tokyo/ja-jp/visit.html; www.hftp.org

Interested in becoming a Certified Meeting Planner (CMP)? Here are dates for the next two 10-week interactive virtual programs designed to help you prepare for the exam.  May 20-Jul 22 and Aug. 19-Oct. 21. Virtual class from 6-9 pm.  Link provided upon registration. Taught by Adrienne Six. For members and non-members of Meeting Professionals International.

https://web.cvent.com/event/ef1c3404-2c95-4458-bb3d-7868296eac74/homepage

Eventeny introduces Kiosk Mode, a fast, self-service experience. Attendees have full access to all tickets, including time slots & customer info. And when the purchase is complete, the buyer gets a unique QR code for fast, easy check-ins. The Peachtree, GA-based company says registration lines quicken, whether scanning single or bulk group tickets. Companies will be able to sell faster with integrated point of sale, tips, & instant inventory alerts. May 19 there is a 45-minute webinar to demonstrate. https://share.hsforms.com/

www.eventeny.com

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?

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/

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

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/; https://swandolphinexpansion.carrd.co/

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

OCVIBE is a 100-acre mixed-use development transforming the area surrounding Honda Center in Anaheim, CA that will open early in 2027. Designed by Populous, the new stand-alone 5,000-person-capacity venue will feature a flexible layout to host live events and high-end productions with elevated guest and artist amenities. new stand-alone, 5,000-person-capacity live entertainment venue opening in early 2027. The concert hall expands OCVIBE’s growing collection of performance spaces, joining Honda Center – currently open while undergoing a $1B transformation of its guest experience – and the historic Golden Bear, opening in 2029, creating an ecosystem of venues that supports touring artists at every stage of their growth. When the first phase of OCVIBE opens in early 2027, it will introduce a dynamic mix of the concert hall, Katella Commons – the 21 chef-driven Kitchen Market Hall, The Weave office building, Urban Park, and additional amenities designed to support daily activity and year-round visitation. Artist appreciation and guest experience are keys to the design. Six dedicated dressing rooms, including two private artist suites, crew kitchen and showers, gated bus parking, and an open-air backstage courtyard. “We created OCVIBE to elevate the live performance experience for both artists and fans,” said Julie Rinaldi, Principal at Populous. “The venue features an intimate seating bowl with outstanding acoustics and clear sightlines, ensuring every guest feels immersed in the energy on the stage. At the same time, we designed an artist-focused environment anchored by an open-air courtyard and headliner suites that embrace Southern California’s climate.” A defining feature of the concert hall’s exterior is the Stretto, a 62-foot-tall steel art installation clad in louvered metal panels at the venue’s southeast corner. Designed as a visual gateway between the venue and the surrounding Urban Park, the piece expands the district’s growing collection of large-scale public artworks. Beneath it, Stretto Café will operate daily. The concert hall will have private access to The Gallagher Club, an exclusive setting to enhance special events.

https://www.visitanaheim.org/articles/post/ocvibe-unveils-design-for-southern-californias-newest-live-entertainment-venue/

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

FESTIVALS

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.