GREAT IDEAS!
Candies, frosting and gingerbread inspire team challenges to build gingerbread houses for holiday party.
Company Holiday parties can be tricky. Likely you don’t want employees to feel pressure to attend, nor do you want to offend anyone with religious or political undertones, nor force them to buy Secret Santa presents for people they might not know well. So, what are other options to welcome the holidays as a team or company? Best Corporate Events has shared some of the options they produce. One is called Jeopardy Live!, which is modelled after the TV show with a professional interactive host. Another is Virtual Best Corporate Feud, a rousing competition that encompasses both in-person and remote attendees. Another one just sounds seasonal perfection. Ugly sweaters are encouraged and teams use candies, frosting and gingerbread to design and build gingerbread houses. What fun ideas do your companies do?
www.bestcorporateevents.com; (800) 849.8326; Sales@BestCorporateEvents.com
HOT DEALS SAVE YOU $$$$
Lansdowne Resort (Leesburg, VA) offers incentives. photo by Matthew Flwoers Photography
You have until March to book an eligible program at Lansdowne Resort(Leesburg, VA) on select and pick your perks from the many options. group of 50+ room nights, pick two; group of 100+room nights, pick three; group of 200+ room nights, pick five. Options include one complimentary deluxe guestroom for every 40 group rooms; one luxury suite upgrade at the group rate for every 40 rooms or save 20% on your choice of resort Team Building Experiences. You may also save 15% on greens fees (weekday only) on resort’s championship courses; 15% on any spa treatments (weekday only, gratuity based on retail); 15% room attrition allowance; 15% on A/V Equipment with the use of our in-house team; 10% on published banquet menus; or a preferred resort fee.
https://lansdowneresort.com/offer/
Hotel El Convento, a former Carmelite convent turned luxury hote in Puerto Rico, was built in 1651 and most recently renovated in 1997.
Book with Discover Puerto Rico to save up to $20 per room night when contracts is signed and countersigned by Dec. 18. Additional incentives are available for multi-year, convention center, and citywide bookings. The meeting planner must include Discover Puerto Rico in the RFP sourcing for eligibility. Submit your program RFP via our web form for qualifying details. Resorts, more than 130 hotels, B&Bs, pasadores and historical properties may be available.
Universal Helios Grand Hotel a Loews Hotel
Save up to 30% for a hotel stay at Universal Orlando, when you book from now through Dec. 25, or from Jan. 3 to Mar. 15 next year. How much you save depends on the hotel of choice. Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal Terra Luna Resort, Universal Aventura Hotel and Universal Stella Nova Resort are all 30% off. Save 25% at Universal Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites and Universal Endless Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites. Save 20% at Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort. Stay at Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel or Hard Rock Hotel® and save 15%. Save even more by bundling with park tickets and stays of at least five nights.
https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/places-to-stay/hotels/special-offers?
Group savings at Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa (Miramar Beach, FL) through December.
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa (Miramar Beach, FL) is still recovering from Hurricane Isasis but is open for business and able to offer incentives for booking and completing stay through Dec. 31. Receive triple HHonors points (up to 200K) on qualified bookings as well as 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. All bookings are subject to the hotel’s standard terms and conditions.
(888) 519-2089; https://www.hiltonsandestinbeach.com/florida-meetings/group-rates
Florida residents excusive offer: Pre-book an air-inclusive vacation for Nov. 9 – 16 travel for three consecutive nights or more at a participating Out Islands hotel in The Bahamas and receive a $250 Air Credit. Eligible Balearia packages also qualify. Restrictions do apply.
https://www.myoutislands.com/bahamas-vacation-packages/florida-residents-250-air-credit?
Ansonborough Charleston offers 25% off through the holidays.
Save 25% for stays at the Ansonborough Charleston (Charleston, SC) from November through January. Each room has 16 to 20’ high ceilings and a unique layout.
(843) 7231655; https://www.theansonborough.com
Book a qualifying meeting by Dec. 31 at Lanier Islands Resort (GA) and receive a free teambuilding experience, such as a resort cart scavenger hunt, cardboard regatta, or escape room in a box. The 1,200-acre resort along Lake Lanier has more than 38,000 sf of flexible meeting space.
(678) 318-2027; https://www.lanierislands.com/atlanta_meeting_hotels/meeting-packages/?
Gaylord Palms’ ice! presents Polar Express this holiday season in Kissimmee, FL
Bundle up your group, family or friends… it’s nearly that time of year when Gaylord Hotels across the country present their annual ice! movie-themed holiday displays. Each resort offers packages ranging from decorated suites, additional shows, ice! tickets and more geared to groups from corporate to teachers or military, as well as stay-and-play longer for families. Too many promotional packages to name, so do the research for your favorite destination. Here are the places, the themes, and the dates. Gaylord National (National Harbor, MD), Dr. Seuss’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”, Nov. 14-Jan. 3; Gaylord Rockies (Aurora, CO), “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas”, Nov. 20-Jan. 3; Gaylord Texan (Grapevine, TX), “Harry Potter”, Nov. 13-Jan. 3; Gaylord Opryland (Nashville, TN), “Home Alone”, Nov. 6-Jan.2; Gaylord Palms (Kissimmee, FL), “Polar Express”, Nov. 13-Jan. 3; Gaylord Pacific (Chula Vista, CA), “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, Nov. 20-Jan.3; JWMarriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa (Phoenix, AZ), “Elf”, Nov. 18-Jan. 3); and JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa (San Antonio, TX), “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer:, Nov. 23-Jan. 3.
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaiʻi has an offer for stays in early 2027.
Save Up to 25% on select stays of five or more nights at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaiʻi. This offer is valid Jan. 3 – Mar. 31 (with checkout no later than Apr. 1). Limit two (2) rooms or villas per reservation, and occupancy restrictions apply per room or villa. Not valid on suites and 3-Bedroom Grand Villas, or on previously booked rooms or villas.
https://www.disneyaulani.com/rooms-offers/special-offers/2027-winter-room-offer
Jacksonville, FL has an incentive program for planners who book a participating hotel and featured off-site venue that offers from $250 – $1,000 in rewards, depending on the number of room nights booked. Rooms must be booked by Dec. 31 through the Visit Jacksonville VIP (Venue Incentive Program)
www.visitJacksonville.com/meetings
Islands of Adventure Grinchmas holiday tour package on sale.
Here’s your chance to enjoy the limited-time-only guided daytime tours Universal Holiday Tour with a Grinch™ meet and greet, reserved show seating and more. Select dates Nov. 14 to Jan. 2, 2027. Includes reserved seating for the Grinchmas™ Who-liday Spectacular and reserved viewing area for the Universal Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s (optional).
https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/holidays/tickets?
Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach has an offer for groups.
If you are still looking to book a Florida resort for your meeting group of 10 to 50 or more to use by Dec. 31, look at some of the benefits being offered by the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach (Clearwater, FL). The number of amenities offered are based on how many attendees and using Encore as the sole provider for all the AV. Some options are double Wyndham meeting planner points, 5% off all Master account charges; a $150 complimentary gift certificate for Pallavi Spa, and a one-hour comp’d beer and wine reception.
https://www.wyndhamgrandclearwater.com/meetings
Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitor’s Bureau offers $5 incentive for new bookings of at least three nights for minimum 50 rooms on peak for stays between now and Dec. 31. DBACVB Director of Sales, Brenda Redmon, bredmon@daytonabeach.com, (386) 255-0415, ext. 134.
Southwest Louisiana is a birders’ dream. Photo by Jamie Breauxis Photography.
Book and actualize a meeting by Dec. 31, 2027 in Southwest Louisiana for a payout of up to $7,000. Requirements for Visit Lake Charles’ Meeting Incentive Program Meeting stipulate a Sunday – Thursday buy for a minimum of 40 rooms on peak. Visit Lake Charles must receive the incentive submission no less than 45 days before the meeting has occurred and before the contract is finalized with the hotel/meeting facility.
Alfond Collection of Contemporary Art is throughout the Winter Park, FL hotel.
Now’s the time to book Winter Park, FL boutique hotel, the Alfond Inn, for your November group festivities. Book 25+ rooms per night, with actualization by Nov. 30, to receive a complimentary room per every 40 rooms occupied; discounted destination amenity fee; 20% off AV; spa treatment; and a “Snack Break.” Mention this group offer.
https://thealfondinn.com/meetings-events/event-inquiry-form/
A luau dance and food party at Aulani Resort is just one of the activities.
Save up to 30% on select rooms for five nights or longer, now to Dec. 23 at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaiʻi. Or, save up to 25% for stays of four consecutive nights. Book by Dec. 2. Limit two (2) rooms or villas per reservation, and occupancy restrictions apply per room or villa.
https://www.disneyaulani.com/rooms-offers/special-offers/2026-fall-room-offer; (866) 443-4763
La Quinta Resort & Club celebrates its Centennial Year with a 5% rebate.
La Quinta Resort & Club, Curio Collection by Hilton (Greater Palm Springs, CA) has a 5% rebate offer for newly-booked group stays in December 2026
https://www.cvent.com/venues/la-quinta/resort/la-quinta-resort-club-curio-collection-by-hilton/
Aspen, CO pledge to sustain the environment.
You have until Dec. 31 to receive more than $2,000 of master account credit for booking a minimum of 0 sleeping room nights at an Aspen, CO participating property. Source a qualifying program through Aspen Chamber Resort Association. Credit will be paid directly to the property’s master account once the group departs.
sales@aspenchamber.org; https://aspenchamber.org/groups/meetings-incentives/site-visit-reimbursement
Monsters Unchained-The-Frankenstein Experiment is a state-of-the-art ride in the Universal Epic Universe (Orlando, FL),
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. Offer is Oct. 20 to Dec. 31. Or save up to $300 if you stay two or more days and bundle with park-to-park tickets.
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
Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa has incentive offers for new group business.
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/
Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort has a Pop the Question package.
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
WHET YOUR APPETITE ON BEST FOODIE CITIES
Just read results of the Best Foodie Cities survey produced by WalletHub. What I found most interesting and an analysis with which I agree wholeheartedly, are the side notes, such as the comment by Daniel E. Goldberg, Ed.D., Associate Professor, Temple University, noting that “Customer reviews are a must. Also, customer service is an important part of the dining experience. The best meal can be ruined by bad service.” The survey includes comments from experts about dining out trends. “Less alcohol, healthier food choices, smaller portions, less carbs, less sweets,” assessed Goldberg, while Marybeth Gasman, Distinguished Professor, Rutgers University (New Brunswick), said “Because prices are higher across the U.S. right now, I’d say eating earlier and midweek have become more popular, even among younger diners…People are also veering toward restaurants that reflect local culture and foods,” adding that she sees “Many people are moving away from alcohol and having ‘mocktails. WalletHub Analyst Chip Lupo, described the best foodie cities as having tons of unique culinary experiences, “including Miami, FL, Portland, OR, and San Francisco, CA.” He added, “The top cities cater not just to people who enjoy dining out, but also to foodies who enjoy putting their own skills to the test by exploring new flavors in their own kitchens.” So, how did the top 20 cities fare in the survey? Miami, FL topped the list, followed by Portland, OR; San Francisco, CA; Seattle, WA; Austin, TX; Orlando, FL; Tampa, FL; Las Vegas, NV; Sacramento, CA; Denver, CO; Atlanta, GA; Diego, CA; Houston, TX; Cincinnati, OH; St. Louis, MO; Pittsburgh, PA; Los Angeles, CA; San Antonio, TX; Grand Rapids, MI; and in 20th place, Richmond, VA. Read all the results of the survey.
NEW OR COMING IN THE NEAR FUTURE
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Noeth Scottsdale, AZ has been reimagined as part of renovations.
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa (north Scottsdale, AZ) has been redesigned with new ballroom spaces, a secret speakeasy, welcoming lobby bar, and expanded Scotch Library with floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, individual display lockers, and nearly 450 bottles. Three ballrooms and 45 meeting rooms, totaling more than 200,000 sf have been updated with state-of-the-art technology.
https://kierlandafterdark.com/the-westin-kierland-renovation-reveal/
Mexico City Grand Prix map earmarking exclusive suite with great views.
There are still a few VIP hosted Mexico City Grand Prix experiences available through Journey Mexico. The experience includes an exclusive suite at the best vantage point and an exclusive pit walk; access to the 71-lap Mexico City Grand Prix on Sunday, Nov. 1 and the practice sessions on Friday, followed by final practice and qualifying on Saturday. Daily private fast track transportation to and from the Autodrome.
The Casado is one of four new all-inclusive restaurants.
Hilton luxury resorts Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya and Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya, both on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, have moved to an all-inclusive model, according to Luxury Travel Advisor. The Waldorf Astoria becomes adults-only on Jan. 10. The Conrad remains a multigenerational resort but in January adds the Ceiba Club, an adults-only section. Both resorts’ rates cover 24-hour in-room dining and a daily restocked minibar. Stays of four nights or more may include one resort experience or off-site excursion.
Irving, TX invites visitors to the city’s history.
Visit Irving has partnered with the Irving Archives and Museum to present History on the House, a month-long promotion offering free museum admission to residents and visitors throughout October. The promotion tells Irving’s history as well showing how tourism gives back to the community. Each hotel stay’s occupancy taxes help support local amenities, such as the Irving Archives and Museum.
https://www.irvingtexas.com/blog/stories/post/history-is-on-the-house-this-october-in-irving/
Dona Marieta private yacht for an end-of-year Amazon Rainforest experience.
For the executive group or family looking to cap off the year differently than with a resort stay, consider booking the Dona Marieta Private Yacht on the Rio Negro in the Amazon Rainforest. Three-night minimum for the 10 guest cabins, available from Dec. 20. Price includes an expedition leader and naturalist guide, a private chef and bartender, meals and basic drinks.
JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa, Marriott’s first all-inclusive in Costa Rica, is a luxury 415-room Costa Elena beach resort that opened in September. There are 17 pools, 15 restaurants and bars, and a 16,000-sf. wellness destination. Need more personalized service for execs? Check out the Griffin Club, with a dedicated pool, private beach area, and 24-hour lounge.
Alaska Air Group, which owns both Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, is overhauling the front of the plane at both of its airlines in the next two years, according to Luxury Travel Advisor. Alaska’s Aurora will install 12 Aurora Suites on at least 25 of its 737-10 MAX jets in 2028, marking the first time Alaska has offered lie-flat first class on select transcontinental routes. Hawaiian Airlines‘ counterpart (Leihōkū), will receive new interiors on all 24 of Hawaiian’s Airbus A330s in 2028, including 22 lie-flat suites with privacy doors for international business class and domestic first class passengers. Both airlines will add Premium Reserve, a premium economy cabin with 38 inches of pitch, a leg and calf rest, and 16-inch 4K OLED screens. Seats go on sale in summer 2027 ahead of a 2028 debut.
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) and RX are launching HITEC Paris, on Nov. 5 in Paris, France at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. The inaugural event will be co-located with EquipHotel Paris, one of Europe’s leading hospitality trade shows, organized by RX. HITEC Paris will bring together hospitality technology professionals, innovators, executives, and solution providers for a full-day conference dedicated to the future of hospitality technology, innovation, and digital transformation. EquipHotel Paris will take place Nov. 2–5.
www.hftp.org; www.rxglobal.com; https://www.equiphotel.com/
Bridge in the clouds, Little Rock, AR. courtesy of the Clinton Foundation.
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.
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
Signia Restore Physical Recovery Rreset Zone. Rrendering credit to Rottet Sstudio
According to Luxury Travel Advisor publication, Signia by Hilton is introducing Signia Restore, an integrated wellness concept combining high-performance fitness, advanced recovery treatments, personalized guidance, and curated retail. The new concept begins at Signia by Hilton Indianapolis in January. The story says that in addition to individual sessions, Signia Restore will encourage private buyouts designed for executive retreats, leadership summits, incentive programs, and team gatherings. The Indianapolis, IN property will feature an 800-room tower, nearly 100,000 sf of meeting space, which includes a 50,000-f ballroom with direct skywalk access to the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium. The company bets “that the convention traveler who spends three days in a ballroom is now the same person who wants a cold plunge before the evening reception,” according to the article.
https://www.luxurytraveladvisor.com/hotels/hilton-adds-wellness-and-fitness-amenities-events-minded-signia-brand?
OCVIBE Concert Hall should open early 2027 in Anaheim, CA.
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.
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.
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.
FESTIVALS
Now thru Oct. 31: Heartland Country Corn Maze (Sioux Falls, ID). Every Fri-Sun. 11 acres. Maze Map & a list of questions in hand, find your way to 10 checkpoints which contain answers. Find the Hidden checkpoint and receive a FREE treat from the Concession Barn. Cash or check.
https://www.experiencesiouxfalls.com/events/heartland-country-corn-maze-3
Now thru Oct. 31 (on weekends): Fall Festival at Country Apple Orchard (Sioux Falls, SD). Pick apples in the orchard, enjoy fun and entertainment with over 20 attractions, and eat some fresh apple pie, apple crisp, apple cider, hot chocolate, etc
https://www.experiencesiouxfalls.com/articles/fall-events-guide?utm_source
Oct. 21-25: 5th Annual Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival at Baha Mar (Bahamas). World-class chef demonstrations, exclusive masterclasses, live entertainment, and the vibrant FUZE Art Expo.
Now thru Nov. 21: EPCOT Food & Wine Festival.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/epcot/epcot-international-food-and-wine-festival/
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 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.