Who let the dogs out on Amelia Island, FL? It must have been the celebration of Global Meetings Industry Day on April 11 by U.S. Travel Association, the Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Nassau County Animal Services for their Paws-itive Impact Unleashed. Tourism and hospitality workers were treated to ice cream and greeted by wagging tails and dogs up for adoption – all to showcase the many ways meeting planners can collaborate with local non-profit organizations and build a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) component to their meeting or event.

https://www.ameliaisland.com/meetings/

HOT DEALS!

Save up to 50% on bookings made by April 30 on stays through March 31, 2025 at the family-friendly, all-inclusive, and finally open Wyndham Alltra Samaná, managed by Playa Hotels & Resorts, in the charming town of Las Galeras in the Samaná province of the Dominican Republic. The 404-room resort marks Wyndham Alltra’s first resort in the Dominican Republic.  It won’t be the last. Later this year it will be joined by Wyndham Alltra Punta Cana, also to be managed by Playa. The two resorts earmarks Wyndham’s rapidly growing all-inclusive portfolio, which now spans about 40 resorts worldwide. “The Dominican Republic has long been a coveted destination for travelers looking to relax amidst some of the most stunning beaches in the world,” said Fernando Mulet, Chief Investment Officer, Playa Hotels & Resorts… As we continue to add stunning resorts in the Dominican, Wyndham Alltra is the perfect brand to deliver on that promise.” The resort guest rooms and suites have private balconies and garden views.

www.alltrabyplaya.com/samana; www.wyndhamalltra.com; www.WyndhamRewards.com; www.playaresorts.com; www.wyndhamhotels.com

Stay seven nights or more at the five-story, 193-room boutique hotel, Trilith Guesthouse in the Town at Trilith (Fayetteville, GA) and receive 15% savings or add the Breakfast for One package at Prologue Dining & Drinks. Tampa, FL-based Mainsail Lodging & Development just completed its trio of luxury boutique hotels in Georgia (Trilith Guesthouse, Hotel Forty- Five and Epicurean Atlanta) and guests receive the gift. Located adjacent to the largest purpose-built studio in North America, the hotel immerses storytellers, makers, and entrepreneurs in a world of possibility.

https://trilithguesthouse.com; www.MainsailHotels.com

Tin or aluminum are traditional 10^th anniversary gifts for married couples, but to celebrate Opal Collection’s 10th Anniversary the luxury hotel and resort company is offering group guests exclusive incentives, including complimentary guest rooms, upgrades, and turn-down gifts. Plus, a complimentary champagne toast and a $1,000 Opal Collection gift card for the meeting planner. Minimum guest room spend of $20,000 for 2024 for one group arrival. One Opal Collection gift card per booking. Subject to availability. Black-out dates apply. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Not applicable to already confirmed groups. Meetings must be booked by August 31 and consumed by December 31, 2024 (with the exception of Opal Sol, which may be consumed until Dec. 31, 2025).

Matt.Pave@ophotels.com; (855) 314-2829.

Celebrate the soundtrack of spring with a timeless, music-centric experience at Hotel Forty Five in the heart of downtown Macon, GA. Humming with historical significance, the hotel’s numerical name comes from the iconic 45-degree wedge where it sits and Macon’s musical past, recorded in countless 45 rpm records. Get into the groove with the hotel’s Soulful Packages: stay five nights or more and take up to 20% off your stay when you book ahead, or reward yourself with 2,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points per night. Tampa, FL-based Mainsail Lodging & Development just completed its trio of luxury boutique hotels in Georgia (Trilith Guesthouse, Hotel Forty Five and Epicurean Atlanta) and guests receive the gift.

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mcntx-hotel-forty-five-macon-a-tribute-portfolio-hotel/overview/; www.MainsailHotels.com

Epicurean Atlanta (Midtown) has 178-guest rooms including 22-spacious suites and three on-site restaurants: Reverence, Aerial Kitchen & Bar and The Office Bar. Upgrade to a luxurious suite for stays of two or more nights with the Suite Life package or cash in on 10% savings with the Book Early & Save package. Tampa, FL-based Mainsail Lodging & Development just completed its trio of luxury boutique hotels in Georgia (Trilith Guesthouse, Hotel Forty Five and Epicurean Atlanta) and guests receive the gift.

https://www.epicureanhotelatlanta.com/gather/epicurean-theatre; www.MainsailHotels.com

Book a new meeting at the Palm Beach County Convention Center (West Palm Beach, FL) by June 30 and receive up to $20 per room night. This promotional offer valid for any new qualified event in The Palm Beaches and must utilize the Convention Center with minimum contracted room nights of 300 rooms on peak with a minimum of two or more nights. Event must actualize with the 2024, 2025 or 2026 calendar year. Cannot be combined with other promotions.

Scottsdale, AZ isn’t pretending that temperatures in the city don’t soar during summer months, but they want to cool down the heat by offering a Sizzling Summer Rebate Program, based on having a minimum of 125 total group rooms and actualizing during these time periods: May 27 – September 13, 2024; May 26 – September 12, 2025; and May 25 – September 11, 2026. The RFP must be sourced through Experience Scottsdale. Total rebate, up to $5,000 max, is credited to the client’s master bill. Rebates only apply to new meetings and there must be written confirmation of eligibility from Experience Scottsdale.

www.experiencescottsdale.com/meetings/summer/

Book your next meeting or event at Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa (Indian Wells, CA) for April 15 – September 30, with low rates and no resort fee. 35,000 sf of versatile indoor and outdoor spaces.

www.tommybahamamiramonte.com/meetings-social-events/; (442) 305-4533; sales@tbmiramonte.com

Eventeny’s prices are rising by 20%, but if you enroll in the Pro annual plan by April 30, you can save up to $500 for the first year. Eventeny offers features like interactive mapping and volunteer shift management. The latter enables you to create unlimited shifts and schedules, track volunteer statuses, check-in and out during events, and send group messages. The platform also allows you to assign volunteers to departments!

www.eventeny.com

Book any group meeting or event at the Walt Disney World Swam and/or Dolphin (Lake Buena Vista, FL) by December 24 this year and use by December 31, 2025 to receive Triple Marriott Bonvoy™ Points, complimentary Planning Meeting for up to 12 Guests for up to two nights, round trip airport transfers, F&B, and a VIP Epcot Fireworks Yacht Cruise for up to 12 guests.

https://swandolphin.com/meetings/request-for-proposal/

The beaches of St. Petersburg, FL may be a strong attraction, but in this case, perhaps the reason to book one of the TradeWinds Island Resorts could be the promotional incentive to book your group’s meeting by December 20. The meeting for a minimum of 50 rooms on peak must also be used by December 20. There are at least a dozen incentives offered, and when you book, you get to choose six of them. Incentives may include 4% rebate to the master, donation to the charity of your choice; 10% discount on published Banquet Food & Beverage spend; 10% discount on published A/V spend; Complimentary break for staff office; or a Complimentary 2-night stay certificate for meeting planner.

https://www.tradewindsresort.com/offers

Visit Plano (Plano, TX) has an offer designed for foodies. Receive a Free and limited time foodie pass when you accumulate points by checking into participating restaurants and redeeming coupons. Then you cash in your points for prizes provided by Visit Plano. Check in to 20 restaurants and be automatically entered into the “Fit for a Foodie” sweepstakes. First place: certificate for a Charcuterie Board Making Class led by the Executive Chef for six people at the Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West and $500 in restaurant gift cards. Second place winner gets a one-night weekend stay at the Hilton/Dallas Plano Granite Park and $250 in restaurant gift cards. Third place winner will receive a one-night weekend stay at the Dallas/Plano Marriott at Legacy Town Center and $100 in restaurant gift cards. Go to visitplano.com/tasteofplano and register for free. Open the pass from the received text or email and follow the directions to add the button icon to your home screen. Do NOT forget this step. Then go eat and accumulate points!

www.visitplano.com

Book any new convention or meeting through Visit Winston-Salem (NC) by June 30 for a stay in any year and receive up to $3,000 in Travel Back Rewards towards a future meeting. Book through 299 room nights and receive $500 credit, but if you book at least 499 room nights and get $1,500 in credits. Book more than 500 room nights and receive $3,000 in credits.

https://www.visitwinstonsalem.com/why-winston-salem/travel-rewards#/

Save 20%* on four-nights at a Universal Orlando Hotel by booking by December 15. Travel dates April 7-May 23, May 27-November 26, and December 1-19.

https://www.universalorlando.com/

Florida and Georgia residents only: Buy a 2-Park 1-Day Park-to-Park and get two days free at Universal Studios Orlando and Universal Islands of Adventure. (Hint: if you are a Harry Potter Wizarding World fan as I am, you must have tickets to both parks to receive the full experience). Must be used by June 26, 2024. Blackout dates March 25through April 6. Unused days will be forfeited. Guest must present valid proof of Florida or Georgia residency at time of purchase, ticket pick-up and redemption. This promo is only online.

www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/tickets-packages/offers/ticketoffer

The all-inclusive market in Mexico and the Caribbean just received a boost from Playa Hotels & Resorts with the completion of extensive renovations at the newly renamed Wyndham Alltra Vallarta in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. To celebrate the grand unveiling, Wyndham Alltra Vallarta if offering a 40% discount on bookings, valid for stays through December 20, 2024. Owner and operator of all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean, Playa Hotels & Resorts has drawn inspiration for the property (formerly known as Wyndham Alltra Riviera Nayarit) from ancient Huichol culture. The renovation includes 159 rooms, including all Junior Suites. The Alltra VIP Club for club level guests has speeded up its semi-private check-in (and out) service, enhanced its concierge assistance and personalized cocktail service. Club guestrooms receive upgraded minibars, in-suite Nespresso coffee makers and a complimentary hydrotherapy spa experience. Five dining venues have been revamped. The brand introduces its new Agave Bar and the first Mezcaleria in the chain’s portfolio.

www.AlltraByPlaya.com; www.WyndhamAlltra.com

Book new business in a Boston or Cambridge (MA) hotel and receive a 10% rebate off the banquet master bill and 10% off all rooms booked. Here are the eligible program dates to qualify: 2024: now through 03/31/2024; 2025: 11/18/2024 – 04/17/2025; and 2026: 11/17/2025 – 03/31/2026.

sales@meetboston.com; www.meetBoston.com

I have a dear friend who believes the power of the beach overcomes any of the day’s negativity. She would go crazy for the ‘Wealth of Wellness’ package offered by Pueblo Bonito Golf & Spa Resorts, located within the luxury residential development Quivira Los Cabos at the tip of the Baja Peninsula. The updated-for-2024-package integrates numerous wellness components available within the resort community. The exclusive five-day “Wealth of Wellness” package, available through December of 2024, includes all-inclusive F&B, two 50-minute organic massages or facials, mountain bike tour for two, use of beach cabanas with personal butler service, a cooking class for two, and shuttle service and access to sister properties, which also have all-inclusive F&B,

www.pueblobonito.com; (800) -990-8259

NEW AND PUTTING ON A NEW FACE

Caesars Entertainment and long-time hospitality partner Nobu Hospitality (a global luxury lifestyle brand founded by Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro, and Meir Teper), are erecting a Nobu restaurant inside the soon-to-be Caesars New Orleans. The Nobu Hotel Caesars New Orleans, located within the Caesars tower, will mix Matsuhisa’s signature style infused with New Orleans flair. It will be the third hotel and fourth restaurant within the Caesars Entertainment Empire. Spanning two floors, Nobu Hotel Caesars New Orleans will feature a dedicated reception desk and offer 54 exclusive guest rooms designed by Rockwell Group and is expected to open in the Fall. The restaurant is slated for a late summer opening. The Nobu restaurant, with seating for 175, will feature fresh fish and seafood in the form of nigiri and sashimi. Signature dishes include Yellowtail Jalapeño, featuring delicately sliced yellowtail sashimi with touches of garlic puree, adorned with jalapeño slices, crowned with cilantro and served with Japanese citrus soy sauce. Another highlight is the Black Cod Miso, prepared by marinating the fish in den miso sauce for two to three days to produce the iconic, sweet-savory flavor.

www.CaesarsMeansBusiness.com; harrahsneworleans.com.

The seven floors of 182 guestrooms and suites in The St. Regis Washington, D.C. (downtown D.C) have been redesigned and refreshed with a light creamy palate and pops of blues, grays and gold. The 2,508-sf Astor Ballroom and 2,500-sf Astor Terrace have both also received restoring touches. Next up: the hotel’s onsite contemporary Mediterranean restaurant, Alhambra, gets a new outdoor terrace, and there will be updates to the St. Regis Bar, as well as redesigns to the Food & Beverage venues in 2025.

www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/wassx-the-st-regis-washington-dc

Opal Sol, an all-suite luxury resort, comes to Clearwater Beach, FL in 2025. The resort will have floor-to-ceiling Gulf views from every suite and more than 57,000 sf of event space. When combined with its sister property, Opal Sands, via the sky bridge, there will be more than 106,000 sf of event space.

https://www.opalcollection.com/opal-sol

InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk (San Antonio, TX) opens this summer with 390 rooms, 20 suites, and 18,000 sf of meeting space in the 21-story property. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts said the hotel will directly have access the landmark Riverwalk promenade. Onsite valet parking services, self-parking garage, same-day dry cleaning services, and the Club InterContintental lounge will all be available. Owned by Trailbreak Partners and Scarlett Hotel Group. Designed by Leo A Daly and the internal IHG design team.

www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/us/en/san-antonio

Wyndham Alltra Punta Cana Sun will open on Uvero Alto Beach, gearing towards newlyweds to families, in 2025 Spa, world-class fitness center, and nearly a dozen dining options with international cuisines, and a new water park will be the draw. Located about one hour from Punta Cana’s airport, the resort will offer 620 suites. “Guests today look for easy, stress-free vacations that don’t break the bank, and all-inclusive resorts can make that happen,” said Gustavo Viescas, President, Latin America and the Caribbean, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “From Dominican Republic to Mexico, Barbados and Jamaica, Wyndham allows guests to travel the world—and expanding brands like Wyndham Alltra makes international travel possible for guests of all kinds.”

www.wyndhamalltra.com; www.WyndhamRewards.com; www.playaresorts.com; www.wyndhamhotels.com

Hyatt Hotels is busy adding to their collections. The first Hyatt Studios hotel opens in Mobile, AL in 2025. Caption by Hyatt Chattanooga in Tennessee just broke ground and is expected to open in 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

TOP STARTUP AT HFTP’S HITEC WILL WIN $5,000.

Eight startups are competing, but only one $5,000 prize will be awarded. Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®), producers of Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®), will award the grand prize June 26 at the Entrepreneur 20X (E20X) Charlotte. The HITEC Charlotte will be June 24-27 at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, NC. Technologies being showcased in the HITEC 2024 cohort run the gamut of streamlining both back- and front-of-house operations, building guest profiles for enhanced stay experiences, and strengthening property-vendor relationships. Entrepreneur 20X is a unique opportunity for startups to gain visibility and credibility in the industry and network with fellow solution providers and influential industry professionals. Participants will have four minutes each to present their innovative products or services to a panel of judges with backgrounds in entrepreneurship and a live audience of HITEC attendees. Each pitch will be followed by another four minutes for Q&A between the judges and presenters. The winning startup will receive a grand prize of $5,000 as the Judges’ Choice Award selection while the People’s Choice Award winner will also be recognized as voted on by their peers in real time during the presentation and deliberation periods. The participating 2024 E20X Charlotte startups are: Affixify, Away Together, BonApp, Crqlar, Directful, Folio, H2O Connected and Yipy.

www.hftp.org; email e20x@hftp.org.

ESPRIT AWARDS COMPETITION OPEN & NEW CATEGORY ADDED

Each year, the International Live Events Association (ILEA) recognizes and awards live events across 15 categories for planning to production, design to event. This year, a 16^th category, Best Overall, has been added, so there will be Best Overall for Corporate Events, Nonprofit/Association Events, Private Events, Public Events, and Weddings. The other categories are: Catered; Design/Décor; Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Initiative; Entertainer/Entertainment; Event Capture; Innovation; Logistics; Makes an Impact/Gives Back; Marketing Campaign; Marketing Collateral; Multi-Day; Planning; Scenic Design/Installation or Exhibit Design; Technical Production; and Virtual. Any individual and/or company representative in the events industry is eligible to enter the Esprit Awards competition for events that occurred between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023.
www.ileahub.com/esprit-awards

NEW OPAL EXPERIENCES CONNECT GROUPS TO LOCAL COMMUNITIES

Opal Collection (Delray Beach, Fl) has begun new online “Experiences” content for meeting planners to connect their groups and attendees with the local community through enhanced programming and engagement opportunities. On each meeting page of of the collection’s 20 hotels and resorts with meeting facilities, the curated programming is organized into four categories – Community, Energize, Sustainability and Wellness. The content includes several resort-centric teambuilding events and wellness classes as well. “The Opal Collection’s new ‘Experiences’ will be a game-changer for planners looking for exciting new ways to add meaning to their meetings or conferences through local engagement,” said Executive Director of Sales for Opal Collection David Keamy. “Our team worked with planners to identify the best ways for attendees to connect with each other, create memorable events, and serve the communities they’re visiting. By providing a list of verified suggestions, we’ve streamlined the process for meeting planners, saving them a lot of time and effort with an easy one-stop, online resource.” There is a wide variety of suggested experiences in each category. “Community” options include bike-building for the Boys & Girls Club, prepping hygiene kits for Clean the World, volunteering at a wildlife sanctuary, or participating in a coral reef restoration project. Options in the “Energize” section include scavenger hunts, be-your-own-bartender classes, kayak excursions and sandcastle building competitions. Groups interested in “Sustainability” will find opportunities for tree planting, beach cleanup, building a living Green Wall, maintaining trails with the Adirondack Mountain Club, and sea turtle support along Florida’s Atlantic shores. “Wellness” experiences include yoga and water aerobics classes, sound baths, salt therapy, and more.

www.opalcollection.com

SIOUX FALLS SOURCED SWEEPSTAKES IS BACK!

Sioux Falls Sourced is back for a third year and you have the chance to win a box stuffed full of products that are sourced from the Sioux Falls, SD area. Each quarter Experience Sioux Falls gives away a box to 50 randomly selected winners. The featured products change each quarter.  No purchase necessary. The sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the 50 United States who are at least 21 years of age and have a physical address in the United States. Entries for the Spring box are open until May 31. Prizes total $113, and include items such as a Freedom Studios Freedom Candle, Baseball Seams Co. keychain, and food items such as The Jam Man Chokecherry Jam and Twisted Bee Snacks garlic parmesan pretzels. Here are the next Entry Dates: Quarter 2 Summer Box: June 1 – August 31; Quarter 3 Fall Box: September 1– October 31; and Quarter 4 Winter Box: November 1 – December 31.

Register at https://www.experiencesiouxfalls.com/sioux-falls-sourced?; info@experiencesiouxfalls.com

CALL FOR SPEAKERS

You have until June 10 to apply to be a Speaker for Catersource + The Special Event, to be held February 24-27 in the Broward County Convention Center, Fort Lauderdale, FL.

https://cs2025.c4p.catersource.com/?utm_mc=em_CSE25_CallForSpeakers_YE_022124_No&_mc=em_CSE25

Speakers: be part of the Ldinnovation™ Conference, December 7 – 9 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, West Hall, Las Vegas, NV. Sessions are generally 30 to 90 minutes and can range from a solo talk to a panel discussion on entertainment design and technology subjects. If you suggest a panel, please confirm that all speakers are available to attend LDI2023 before submitting your session. We are especially open to sessions led by an ETCP recognized trainer or with ETCP credits, so certified riggers and electricians can attend LDI to obtain renewal credits. LDI will be co-located with our sister show, DSE (Digital Signage Experience), so please consider sessions that would appeal to both audiences (projection on large LED screens; content creation; pixel mapping, etc.). Submission deadline: April 19. All speakers receive an LDI2024 conference badge as compensation ($745 value) and a speaker gift. LDI is not responsible for any travel or hotel costs associated with your attendance. All speakers in each session must be fully confirmed before you submit the session idea. Please make sure the written information correctly describes the session content in depth. Please indicate if the session is on a beginner, intermediate, or expert level. First-time speakers at LDI may be asked to provide two professional references that attest to their teaching ability and depth of knowledge.

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/81fb1debadc6435bbd38df7d6dd91282?utm_medium=email&utm_source=nl&utm_campaign=LDI-Show-LDI+Show

MUSIC CITY CENTER SETS MUSIC SOARING ON SCREENS

Music City Center (Nashville, TN) has added three new 250-inch screens on the elevator landings along the east side of the building near the entryway designated as the Omni Entrance. Each screen measures 20’x5’7” high, including 4.1 million pixels, and supporting still images, video, and audio. “The impact of these screens can’t be overstated,” said Music City Center President and Chief Executive Officer Charles Starks. “This is a high-traffic area, and the size and quality of these digital signs create a powerful, visually engaging experience that is unmatched by traditional event marketing.” Music City Center is a 2.1 million square foot convention center with more than 353,000 sf of exhibit hall space, two ballrooms, 55 meeting rooms, and a covered parking garage with 1,800 spaces. The extensive digital signage system includes more than 140 screens, varying in size and function. The signs are fully customizable to reach target audiences with general information, greetings, promotions, and directions.

https://youtu.be/Xb8xCEBKTO8; facility digital marketing kit is at https://www.nashvillemcc.com/planners/services/digital-signage.

FFEA COMPETITION IS OPEN AND CALL FOR JUDGES

Florida Festivals and Events Association (FFEA) is now accepting entry applications for the 2024 SUNsational Awards. Deadline to enter is June 15. There are about 35 categories to be judged. For full info and to apply online: https://www.ffea.com/sunsational-awards. There is also a need for judges for the following categories: The following are the areas of expertise that we are looking for: Graphic Design, Social Media, Photography, Broadcast Media, Public Relations, Advertising, Event Programming and Virtual Events. Apply online at  https://www.ffea.com/sunsational-awards.

BEST FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAMS

Personal finance website, WalletHub, has ranked the 10 largest domestic airlines based on 21 key metrics, ranging from the value of a point/mile to blackout dates for reward flights in their 2024 Best Frequent Flyer Programs. The latest survey also features a custom calculator that allows travelers to personalize the results based on their own budget. Overall, the Best Frequent Flyer Program is Alaska Mileage Plan, beating last year’s winner, United MileagePlus. Who has the best savings? The average airline rewards program saves frequent flyers nearly 9% on airfare, and these programs are all free to join. Have rewards increased? Seven of the 10 largest airlines are offering more rewards value in 2024 than in 2023. On average, the top 10 airlines are offering 18% more value than they did last year. Six of the 10 largest U.S. airlines allow program members to earn and redeem miles with partner carriers. And a frequent question: Which airline has the best Credit Card?  The JetBlue Plus Card wins, according to WalletHub’s editors. The top five best frequent flyer programs begins with Alaska Airlines- Mileage Plan, followed by United Airlines – MileagePlus, Delta Air Lines – SkyMiles, Hawaiian Airlines – HawaiianMiles, and American Airlines – Aadvantage.

www.WalletHub.com to see the full report.

MEETING PLANNING GUIDES (FREE)

Greensboro, NC –  https://www.visitgreensboronc.com/meetings-conventions-sports/request-meeting-planners-guide.aspx

Scottsdale, AZ – www.experiencescottsdale.com/maps-guides/meeting-travel-planners-guide/

Stafford, VA – https://form.jotform.com/240735819722057

Sioux Falls, SD – https://www.experiencesiouxfalls.com/plan-your-trip/visitor-guide

FESTIVALS

now – October 29: Bands On The Beach summer concert series held at Pensacola Beach, FL’s Gulfside Pavilion, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Santa Rosa Island Authority presents the series, featuring regional artists performing a wide variety of music every Tues Santa Rosa Island Authority | What’s Happening Bands on Beach (visitpensacolabeach.com) day evening at 7 pm. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. No pets and no glass allowed.

Info: SRIA at (850) 932-2257.  http://www.visitpensacolabeach.com/whats-happening-bands-on-beach/

April 26: The Interstate Mullet Toss & Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party. Those who participate in the Mullet Toss will throw a dead mullet over the state line of Florida and Alabama to see who gets the farthest. Location: Flora-Bama Lounge, Package and Oyster Bar, Pensacola, FL

https://www.visitpensacola.com/events/interstate-mullet-toss-gulf-coasts-greatest-beach-party/; (850) 492-0611

April 27: North Texas Teen Book Festival, presented by Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas. 10^th annual year. Adults, 18 and older, can sign up to volunteer for this year’s event. Positions available include greeters, room monitors, signing line attendants, book sale assistants and more!

https://www.northtexasteenbookfestival.com/volunteer. #nttbf24; (972) 721-3502

May 4-5: The Islands of The Bahamas hosts the World Athletics Relays in Nassau. The world’s best sprinters from more than 50 countries will compete for a chance to qualify for the Paris Olympics. Space is limited.
https://worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-relays/bahamas24/online-ticketing?

May 23-27: Abbey Road on the River (AROTR) celebrates over 60 years since The Beatles revolutionized music on The Ed Sullivan Show stage in front of 74 million television viewers. AROTR has honored Beatlemania for the past 20 years. This year at Big Four Station Park in Jeffersonville, IN, 50 bands from all around the world will perform on six stages. The festival will feature Beatles tribute band, The Fab Four, as well as other tribute bands like Jan & Dean’s Beach Party, Tony Kishman’s Live and Let Die: the music of Paul McCartney, and tributes to Queen, Joe Cocker, Bruce Springsteen, The Monkees, Chicago, CSNY, Buddy Holly, and Elvis Presley. Local acts will include harpist Erin Hill, Louisville School Of Rock, The Rigbys, CMN Trio, Louisville Brass and Electric, The Get Down, Doorway, Nick Peay, The Kukes, Paulie Felice, and Laren Rapp.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased with a $20 discount through February 29 by using code LOVE at www.arotr.com.

August 30 – November 3: Universal Studios Orlando presents Horror Nights.

www.universalorlando.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. She is now serving on the 2023-2024 MPI Independent and Small Business Owners Advisory Board. 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 and Wedding Venue Map..