GREAT IDEAS!

The Florida Festivals & Events Association (FFEA) Sunsational Awards seeks qualified individuals to judge this year’s award entries. Judging is done online anytime between July 1 – 11 and all that is required is a computer with internet access. Judges do not need to be FFEA members. Any judge affiliated with an event can be excluded from judging. FFEA is looking qualified people in graphic design, social media, photography, broadcast media, PR, advertising, event programming, and virtual events. Fill out the form at the following link. The theme for the 2025 Conference and Expo, to be held August 12-14 at Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld, is License to Thrill – Your Mission: Creating Unforgettable Experiences.

https://www.ffea.com/p/convention/awards

For groups in the California Bay Area, taking an incentive group to Sonoma Wine Country has never been easier, thanks to the Sonoma County Tourism office. Complimentary transportation incentive allows a team to start their day at the office and end it on a lush vineyard. The program also reduces costs and carbon emissions, making the event more budget- and eco-friendly. Possible add-ons are having a winemaker join the drive in a mini-coach or bus  for a local chef to share farm-fresh hors d’oeuvres. The group must book overnight accommodations at qualifying hotels and host a meeting or special event in Sonoma County and meet average daily rate and total occupancy minimum.

sales@sonomacounty.com

Visit Pensacola (Pensacola, FL) introduces The Way to Beach Passports. These mobile-friendly guides showcase the area’s favorite flavors, things to do, and more. Some of the passes, such as the Coffee Trail or the Bushwacker Trail, offer prizes for completing certain trails.

https://www.visitpensacola.com/passports/experiences/

Visit Anaheim (CA) has an Attendees Perks Pass that offers discounts to venues, restaurants, and attractions throughout the area. I’ve seen paid discount booklets with these offers, but here’s a practical goodie that benefits attendees and local businesses.

When visiting our daughter in the Bay Area, the three of us often find ourselves going to Sonoma Wine Valley (and sometimes Napa Valley) for wine tasting adventures. The Sonoma County Tourism Office has two new programs that should enhance our already-pleasurable experiences. The Sonoma County App allows visitors to create personalized or real-time itineraries. The pre-paid Sonoma County Tasting Pass provides exclusive access to tastings at local wineries, distilleries, and breweries. Even better, the county’s own commercial airport,

Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS), is served by Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and Avelo Airlines. Plus, wine flies free on both Alaska and Avelo Airlines, simplifying getting a taste of Sonoma home.

www.sonomacounty.com; sbruckert@sonomacounty.com

THEY SERVE UP DEALS! YOU SAVE!

Embassy Suites Orlando Sunset Walk, part of the Rentyl Resorts collection, is offering up to 30% off a suite escape. The all-suite property has made-to-order breakfast and near to Orlando theme parks. Use promo code: EL3.

www.RentylResorts.com

Earn up to 25% commission when your group books at the Atlantis Bahamas and actualizes the stay by October 31, 2026. Atlantis Bahamas has more than 500,000 sf of meeting and event space. White sand beaches for five miles. Looking for a personal stay? Book now for a stay by November 23 and save 25%.

https://www.atlantisbahamas.com

Book Punta Cana with promocode DOMINICAN2025 by December 31 and the following benefits are possible for your group from Meliá Hotels & Resorts , depending on the confirmed revenue in lodging. Up to $150,000: welcome drink and snacks at check-in, complimentary room for every 40 rooms contracted per night (Up to 4), complimentary upgrade to superior category room for every 40 rooms contracted per night (Up to 4) and waived set up fees for one private event. The amenities grow with the revenue. Divisions are up to USD $350,000 and another range of amenities for over that amount. All include 5% rebate to the Master Account. Check out full details.

https://meliapro.melia.com/en/meetings-events/offers/puntacana

Book 10+ rooms on peak at the 1927-erected Jazz-era icon boutique Fenway Hotel (Dunedin, FL) for at least two weekday nights and receive suite upgrades or complimentary A/V with qualifying F&B. Available for group stays through September 30. Once home to the first radio station in Pinellas County, Fenway Hotel exudes history and has a special offer for Florida residents. Save up to 25% for a getaway, receive a free welcoming cocktail, and complimentary bike rental for two people.

https://www.fenwayhotel.com

Downtown Macon, GA’s Hotel Forty Five, a boutique property built at the iconic 45-degree intersection of Cherry and First Street, is steeped in musical history – from Otis Redding to the Allman Brothers, offers retro charm and modern style, as well as 25% off for Georgia residents for weekend stays.

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

Boutique hotel catering to foodies, Epicurean Hotel in Tampa, FL’s vibrant SoHo district, has a sweet deal for Florida residents. Enjoy up to 30% off and two complimentary drinks with the Florida Resident Rate while checking all the changes from the recent $21 million expansion.

https://www.epicureanhotel.com/

Book Paradisus Hotels in Mexico with code MEXICO2025 by August 31, actualize by December 21, 2026 for a minimum three-night stay for your group, and get some of these possible incentives, Site inspection must conclude with booking, certificate of stay, coffee break, some complimentary events (TBD), and luxury spa experience for one person.
https://meliapro.melia.com/en/meetings-events/offers/paradisusmx

The longer you stay, the more you save this fall at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii. Book by December 3 for stays between October 20 through December 23. Save 30% on stays of five or more consecutive nights and 25% on stays of four consecutive nights.

(866) 443-4763; https://www.disneyaulani.com/rooms-offers/special-offers/2025-fall-room-offer/details/

Create Your Own Vacation Package with Universal Epic Universe (Orlando, FL). Save up to $200 when you book seven nights or more (but savings begin at a two-night hotel package with a three-park + one-day Universal Epic Universe ticket package). Book from now through December 10 and stay through December 31, 2025. Included in this package are tickets to Universal Epic Universe, Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano Bay, and early park admission.

Luminary Hotel & Co. (Fort Myers, FL) says to use promo code L9Z to get 25% off your stay. Catch summer headliners at the adjacent Caloosa Sound Amphitheater or plan around curated wine dinners the fourth Thursday of each month

https://www.luminaryhotel.com/offers/florida-resident-rate/

South of Atlanta, GA, in the creative utopia known as the Town at Trilith, boutique Trilith Guesthouse entices stays for those who enjoy walkable access to artisan shops while getting a discount of 10% off on weekdays and 25% on weekends.

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/atlfx-trilith-guesthouse-fayetteville-ga-a-tribute-portfolio-hotel

Save up to 25% on select rooms and villas at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, HI. Book by September 28 and stay between August 10 through October 19. Book five or more nights and receive 25% off. Stay up to four nights and receive 20% off.

(866) 443-4763 or contact your travel agent; https://www.disneyaulani.com/rooms-offers/special-offers/2025-aulani-summer-room-offer/details/

Ready for some serious learning while having serious fun? You can with this offer from Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe (Houston, TX). Book a qualified meeting in any of these time periods to receive a cruise to the Bahamas for two aboard the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise or a Margaritaville Bahamas Frozen Concoction Maker. Partake in the “Serious Learning. Serious Fun. Serious Choices.” Program. Benefits depend on room spend. The remaining dates for 2025 are August 3-8, 10-14, 17-22 and 24-29.

www.margaritavilleresorts.com/margaritaville-lake-resort-lake-conroe/meetings-events/meeting-special-offers

DOES YOUR HOTEL REWARDS PROGRAM SAVE YOU $$$$?

Still trying to figure out how to travel this summer without going broke?  You aren’t the only one. “Many Americans have serious concerns about their ability to afford summer travel this year, thanks to the cumulative effect of stubborn inflation and tariff-induced angst. The good news is that cash-strapped vacationers still have plenty of savings opportunities,” says financial website WalletHub Editor John Kiernan in the company’s survey, 2025 Best Hotel Rewards Programs. Kiernan adds, “You can save up to 14% by joining one of the best hotel loyalty programs for free. You can also save thousands of dollars per year with one of the best hotel credit cards. That is a powerful combination, especially when combined with comparison shopping for other aspects of your trip, from flights to clothes to food. The bottom line is that it isn’t too late to save on summer travel.” WalletHub’s study ranks the nine largest U.S. hotel chains’ rewards programs based on 21 key metrics, including the average value of a point, point expiration policies, and the volatility of award-night pricing. WalletHub’s study also includes a handy calculator that allows travelers to customize the results based on their specific spending habits. Here are some of the key results. Choice Privileges is the best hotel loyalty program overall, earning a WalletHub Rating of 64 out of 100. The five best hotel rewards programs save members an average of 11%. Six of the top nine hotel rewards programs allow members to redeem points for award nights at all brands/properties (Marriott Bonvoy, Choice Privileges and IHG One Rewards are the exceptions). Best Western is the only major hotel chain whose points do not expire due to account inactivity. Finally, Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard® is 2025’s best hotel credit card, according to WalletHub’s editors. It stands out because it can save the average person roughly $4,148 over the course of two years.

www.WalletHub.com

NEW OR COMING IN THE NEAR FUTURE

In 2025

Harveys Lake Tahoe officially morphed into Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe Hotel & Casino on July 1 but once the $160 million renovation is completed next summer, there will be state-of-the-art upgrades, luxurious accommodations and elevated dining and gaming options. Anthony Carano, President and Chief Operating Officer of Caesars Entertainment, noted that there will be a new hotel tower, hotel lobby, stellar restaurants and the start of a completely reimagined casino. The second phase begins this fall and will be finished summer 2026. Renovations extend throughout the 1.6 million sf resort, from the lobby to the 88,000-sf casino floor. All the rooms in the newly named Remus Tower are being remodeled. Butler service for select suites in both towers, including the refreshed and renamed Romulus Tower. Across the street, Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, which is connected to Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe via an underground connector, is also undergoing improvements, including renovating the resort’s iconic Summit Suites. Brew Brothers recently opened at the destination, bringing a vibrant craft beer and dining experience to the property.

www.CaesarsRepublicTahoe.com.

Luxury villa stays in Wine Country, CA during Harvest season (August-October) is available for the booking from Beautiful Places. Visitors can rent villas with vineyards or vineyard views for as few as three nights to partake of wine harvest-related festivities in Napa and Sonoma and tackle the numerical impossibility of visiting 425 wineries!

https://www.beautiful-places.com/

Gaylord National Resort (National Harbor, MD) has opened Capital Confectionery and Whiskey Revolution in the resort’s stunning 19-story atrium.

My husband and I love to visit vintage theaters erected in the early 1900s. The historic Plaza Theater in Palm Springs, CA is now on our bucket list for 2026, since the renovations of this 1936 beauty are expected to be completed by late December 2025. Plans are made to restore the variety of cultural performances, festivals and lectures that will once again enamor the community’s interest but also provide a grande dame venue for meetings and events.

https://savetheplazatheatreps.com/

Attention people who love to eat and will be in Plano, TX anytime from now through September 30. The Taste of Plano Foodie Pass is back and is celebrating five years of foodie fun! Register for a free pass at www.visitplano.com/tasteofplano. Once you check in to 20 restaurants, you are automatically entered into the “Fit for a Foodie” sweepstakes. First place winner will receive a complimentary mixology class for six at the Renaissance Dallas Plano Legacy West, plus $200 in gift cards ($600 value). Second place winner will receive a Lone Star Food Tour gift card for four to participate in a Downtown Plano food tour ($436 value). Third place winner will receive a My French Recipe gift card for two people to participate in a French cooking class ($200 value).

The Living Art Museum’s inspiring outdoor art collection at The 52 World! (Pensacola, FL) RSVP required for guided tour each third Thursday of each month. Dates remaining are July 17, August 21, September 18 and October 16.

(844) 954-3505; https://www.visitpensacola.com/events/the-52-worlds-living-art-museum-art-tour/

The Palm Springs Air Museum, a nonprofit living history museum dedicated to the role Air Power played in preserving American liberties and way of life, is expanding. The new Ronald M Auen Learning Center, a 2,500-sf multipurpose facility, should be completed by September. The renovated entryway will improve guest flow and amenities, reinforcing its mission through inspiring exhibits and modernized spaces.

Just look at all the new hotels opening in Mexico this year. April, Rosewood Mandarina, Riviera Nayarit debuts 140 rooms, three pools, signature spa and three fine-dining options. Rosewood Residences Old Lighthouse, Los Cabos debuts by midway of the year. The 140 residences include a state-of-the-art spa, gourmet dining experiences, and access to pristine beaches. Opening late 2025, the 70-room and 20 residences of Chablé Sea of Cortez in La Paz are set across 15 acres of beachfront. Private terraces, plunge pools, and a luxury spa. Milaroca, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Nayarit has 57 rooms and 27 private villas within a 105-acre beachfront estate. In December, look for Hotel Sevilla, Mérida to show off the transformation of a 16^th-century colonial villa into a boutique luxury property with 22 rooms. Aken Hotels & Resorts will launch its second Mexican property, the Aken Mind, Mérida Hotel, featuring 128 guestrooms including eight signature suites, a locally inspired restaurant, rooftop pool, and event space for up to 150 people. The Unico 21°105° Puerto Vallarta is set to open this fall.  The property will host 141 rooms overlooking Banderas Bay, complete with restaurants, pools, and wellness facilities.

info@journeymexico.com

Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center (Nashville, TN) plans to add 108,000 sf of meeting space by 2027, including a 31,000-sf ballroom, 38,000 sf breakout space, and about 39,000 sf of pre-function space. Once completed the resort will have 756,000 sf of meeting space. The meeting space expansion is part of a multi-phase plan. First finished was the $17 million renovation of the Governor’s Ballroom and by mid-year, a $36 million renovation and redesign of the Presidential Ballroom. By late 2025, the resort expects to have added a 550-seat sports bar, 3,000 sf pavilion, and 6,200 sf event lawn.

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/bnago-gaylord-opryland-resort-and-convention-center

The Pueblo Vantage San Miguel de Allende Mexico, Pueblo Bonito’s first urban European Plan hotel, officially opens October 1. One of the highlighted amenities is the Aromatika Spa & Wellness, located on the courtyard level adjoining a botanical garden. “Aromatika Spa & Wellness will give guests an experience of refined renewal, allowing them to discover a multi-sensory world designed to please the senses and restore physical, mental and spiritual balance while enjoying the exclusive ambiance of San Miguel de Allende,” said Diana F. Mestre, an award-winning spa consultant from Mexico City who designed the facility with consultant Paulina Mercader and Pueblo Bonito Vantage general manager Lucy Ruiz. The name “Aromatika” honors the scents of San Miguel, notably lavender, rosemary, mint, fennel and sage, “as well as the subtle scents of wine-based therapies and exclusive skin care products” used at the spa, explained Mestre, adding that several factors will set the Aromatika Spa & Wellness apart from all other feel-good facilities. “For starters, Pueblo Bonito Vantage is embedded in the history and culture of San Miguel de Allende,” she said. “The architecture and interior design of both the hotel and the spa are an elegant take on colonial style.” Also, the state of Guanajuato has emerged as one of Mexico’s leading wine regions, and Aromatika Spa has tapped into it. Wine therapies take advantage of the beneficial properties of wine grape derivatives in treatments and rituals to give the skin a healthier improved physical appearance. The high resveratrol content of red grapes acts as a powerful antioxidant with properties that increase collagen production, allow skin regeneration and help to reduce skin irritation and blemishes. Another key spa element is the Biohacking Center, a new-age approach to organically promote the correct function of the body’s systems.

https://www.pueblobonito.com.mx/resorts/san-miguel

Silicon Valley, CA’s Morgan Hill is the recipient for Hotel MOHI by Appellation, the culinary-first hotel brand by American chef Charlie Palmer and luxury hospitality veteran Christopher Hunsberger. The pair have joined forces with vintner Frank Léal of Léal Hospitality to develop Hotel MOHI by Appellation, expected to debut in the Fall. The five-story, 76-room urban retreat will be the first full-service luxury boutique hotel in the area. The 215-seat signature Charlie Palmer restaurant and bar plans to produce key ingredients from scratch, including roasting small-batch coffee or olive oil made from onsite trees. Additional amenities include a terrace pool and deck, marketplace, and flower shop lounge. A café and bakery will transition into a cocktail and wine bar during evenings. Also expected is a 7,730-sf ballroom with a modern organic design flex space able to become a show-kitchen for live-action culinary experiences.

https://www.appellationhotels.com/hotels-california-morgan-hill.html

Ameristar Casino Resort Spa St. Charles (St. Charles, MO) will have tripled the size of its meeting and convention center to 65,000 sf of event and meeting space by the end of the year.

https://ameristarstcharles.boydgaming.com/

In 2026

By January, Tropicana Atlantic City will debut its new Solana Tower, with redesigned rooms and suites. The 604-room and suite transformation enhances the resort’s offer to planners with 122,000 sf of immersive meeting space and 2,400 rooms.

https://www.caesars.com/meetings

Look for the opening of Canopy by Hilton hotel at Deer Valley East Village, UT this summer. The 180-room hotel, will offer ski-in access during the winter season. The property will also have meeting facilities, ski locker room, and two levels of underground parking with 176 spaces. Influenced by Park City’s mining history and its development as a ski destination in its theming décor, the property will have a restaurant, apres-ski lounge, rooftop bar, and coffee shop. Canopy by Hilton at Deer Valley will be part of the Hilton Honors loyalty program.

https://stories.hilton.com/releases/hilton-announces-plans-for-canopy-by-hiltons-first-ski-destination-hotel-at-new-deer-valley-east-village

DSRT Surf Resort is building California’s first man-made surf lagoon at Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Desert, CA. Using Wavegarden’s state-of-the-art Cove technology, which enables the creation of “perfect waves” in the 5.5-acre lagoon, about 70 surfers will be able to participate simultaneously. The surf lagoon, part of a 17-acre, full-scale resort with a 92-room hotel, 83 residential units, spa, golf courses, event spaces, and dining and bar venues, is being designed using sustainable processes favored by the Resort for its golf courses and pool area.

https://dsrtsurf.com/

Caption by Hyatt Chattanooga in Tennessee is expected to open early 2026. Located downtown in the Southside area, the 123-room hotel is being developed by 3H Group Inc. under a franchise agreement with Hyatt. It will feature the brand’s all-day food-and-beverage concept, Talk Shop, serving as a welcome area as well as a rooftop bar and meeting space.

https://www.hyatt.com/brands/caption-by-hyatt

Hyatt Place Sonoma Wine Country, located near Charles Schulz Sonoma County Airport, is slated to open in late 2026. Plans include 165 rooms, meeting spaces, pool, fitness center, and a rooftop restaurant and bar.

Expectations are high for the late summer completion of the $275 million transformation of The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin resorts (Lake Buena Vista, FL). The redo adds 120,000 sf of event space. A new, two-story annex will expand the Dolphin’s current meeting space, featuring 41,000 sf of multipurpose space and 24,000 sf of additional pre-function space on the first floor. A 41,000-sf ballroom on the second floor will also have 14,000 sf of pre-function foyer space. The expansion and upgrades to both resorts will bring total meeting space to 469,000 sf between its three buildings, the Swan, Dolphin and Swan Reserve.

In 2027

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.

2025’s Best Credit Card Rewards Programs

Financial website WalletHub has released its Best Credit card Rewards Programs survey. Key findings include that Wells Fargo has the best credit card rewards program of 2025, earning an average WalletHub score of 93%. Nearly half of Americans say tariffs have made them more interested in earning credit card rewards, while 82% of people say cash back is the best kind of credit card reward, topping airline miles. 65% of Americans think their credit card rewards are not keeping up with inflation.
For all the survey results: www.wallethub.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

July 15 – October 29: Blue Angels practice sessions from the National Naval Aviation Museum or outside of NAS Pensacola, including Fort Pickens, boat cruises, and various points throughout downtown. Gates open 9:30. Limited space so come early.

https://www.visitpensacola.com/events/blue-angels-practice-schedule1; (850) 452-3604

July 31-August 2: Original Sewing & Quilt Expo – North Texas Quilt Festival presented by Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas

https://www.sewingexpo.com/Events/Dallas-TX

August 7 & September 4: Final dates of Jazz Pensacola (FL) Sunset Cruises. Proceeds benefit Jazz Pensacola. Includes two-hour cruise, appetizers, cash bar, live music and dancing, and parking.

https://www.visitpensacola.com/events/sunset-cruise-live-music-series/; (850) 433-8382

August 8-9: Four Winds Music Festival brings over 100 artists across different genres to several stages throughout downtown Sioux Falls, SD

https://www.experiencesiouxfalls.com/events/four-winds-music-art-fest-2?

50 Free Summer Concerts in Sioux Falls (SD) for the Levitt at the Falls outdoor concert series. From rock to blues to country, concert dates vary on Thursday, Friday or Saturdays all summer long. Bring your own lawn chair or rent one on-site. Food trucks and adult beverage services. Smoke-free environment. The venue seats up to 5,000.Public restroom facility on-site.

https://www.experiencesiouxfalls.com/listing/levitt-at-the-falls?utm_source

Aug. 12: Gulf Coast Whale Festival at Gulfside Pavilion. Educational exhibits and activities tell the story of Gulf whales and local marine life, and a puppet parade led by Birds of a Feather showcases the ecology of the Gulf. Casino Beach Pavilion hosts live music by Pensacola, FL singer-songwriters, and the premier performance of Ode to the Rice’s Whale, written by Pensacola performer Bob Teague.

Booth space: https://healthygulf.org/get-involved/gulf-coast-whale-festival-2025/; (850) 687-9968

September 19-20: Sonoma County Wine Celebration- Sonoma County’s largest fundraising event, where we will be Gathering To Give Back – it has already supported more than 430 nonprofits in our California community. The money raised supports education & literacy, health & human services, the environment, and arts & culture as well as the Emergency Relief Fund.

www. https://winecelebration.sonomawine.com/

Oct. 16-19: The 13th Annual World Food Championships return to the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds (Indianapolis).

https://worldfoodchampionships.com/news; www.indianastatefair.com.

Karen Kuzsel is a writer-editor based in the Orlando area who specializes in the hospitality, entertainment, meetings & events industries.  She is an active member of International Live Events Association, Meeting Professionals International and the Society of Professional Journalists. Karen writes about food & wine, spas, destinations, venues, meetings & events. A career journalist, she has owned magazines, written for newspapers, trade publications, radio and TV. As her alter-ego, Natasha, The Psychic Lady, she is a featured entertainer for corporate and social events. Karen@KarenKuzsel.com;   www.karenkuzsel.com; www.ThePsychicLady.com; @karenkuzsel; @thepsychiclady. She is also active with Experience Kissimmee CVB.