GREAT IDEAS!

Downtown Macon, GA hosts the first-ever Marché de Noel: Macon Christmas Market, a European-inspired holiday experience designed to complement the city’s Christmas Light Extravaganza, December 5-14. The holiday market tradition traces its roots to medieval Europe and its first documented appearance in Vienna in 1296. In the 17th & 18th centuries, the markets spread through Europe as a widely adopted holiday tradition. Macon’s sister city relationship with Mâcon, France, will heavily influence Macon’s blend of French, Bavarian, and German traditions. President & CEO of Visit Macon, Gary Wheat said, “The Christmas Market not only creates magical memories for families but also supports local artisans, small businesses and Downtown commerce while showcasing Macon as a vibrant holiday destination.” Vendor sponsors and artisan applications still being accepted.

www.visitmacon.org/maconchristmasmarket; maconchristmasmarket@gmail.com; (478) 954-5540

You do not have to be a member of Eventeny to enter or win one of their annual “Best of” evAwards. Nominations end November 30. Categories are Convention, Fair, Art Show, Market, Pride and Festival. For winning, you receive one free year of Eventeny Pro ($3,000 value); one free eblast to 300K vendors ($2,500 value); inclusion in official press release, blog and social posts; digital badge and commemorative plaque.

www.eventeny.com

HOT DEALS SAVE YOU $$$$

Wine & olive oil tastings, bread or pottery classes, or 18-hole course designed by Jorge Santana da Silva are just some of the perks for booking and utilizing Viceroy at Ombria Algarve in the Algarve region of Portugal for your group by March 31, 2026. Viceroy at Ombria Algarve has over 4,300 sf of indoor event space, including a natural light-filled ballroom and multi-purpose rooms. Perks include 15% commission on paid and consumed guestroom revenue (net); 5% commission on pre-contracted F&B and function space rentals; one complimentary room for every 40 rooms utilizes on a cumulative basis during the program; group rate three days pre and post program dates (based on the same room type and group rate availability) and two room nights complimentary for site visit.

https://www.alhi.com/blog/post/viceroy-at-ombria-algarve-is-portugals-hidden-gem/

Florida Residents can save up to 40% off the Flexible Rate at participating Universal Orlando hotels if you book through December 30 and use by December 31, 2025. Savings vary off the Flexible Rate at time of booking. Valid Florida ID required at check-in. Separate theme park admission required for theme park.

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

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

Book your 2025 or 2026 meeting or event at Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa (Indian Wells, CA) by December 31, 2025 and enjoy a 5% rebate on consumed rooms, plus your choice of exclusive incentive perks. Your room block determines how many incentives you reap. Incentives include (but limited to) a 15% Discount on current banquet menus; one-hour complimentary beer & wine reception; one comp night per 35 rooms booked; two VIP comped amenities; and a gift certificate for a two-night stay.

https://www.tommybahamamiramonte.com/meetings-social-events/group-getaways-made-easy/; (442) 305-4500

Book and actualize your next meeting or event at Hilton Sandestin B

each Golf Resort & Spa (Miramar Beach, FL)  by March 31, 2026 and unlock triple HHonors points (up to 200K) on qualified bookings! You’ll also receive 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 to be eligible for this offer.

https://meetings.hiltonsandestinbeach.com/special-offers?; (888) 519-2089

Book Punta Cana through Meliá Hotels & Resorts by December 31 using promocode DOMINICAN2025 and receive a variety of amenities. The number and get the following benefits, depending on the confirmed revenue in lodging ordered. Amenities can include welcome drink and snacks at check-in, 5% rebate to the Master Account, waived setup fee for an event, and a complimentary room for every 40 rooms contracted per night. For full range of options, book the group through meliapro.com. Don’t forget the promo code.

Meet in San Francisco, CA and score free flights. The San Francisco Travel Association, in collaboration with United Airlines, is offering two complimentary flights when sourcing new group business. Offer valid until December 31. Secure room nights and be entered for a chance to win a package that includes tickets, flight and hotel accommodations to attend major sporting events in the city, like Super Bowl LX or the FIFA World Cup in 2026.

https://www.sftravel.com/article/enter-to-win-tickets-flights-hotel-accommodations-to-major-sporting-events-san-francisco

Save 50% off equipment for new clients from October through February with Cybis Communications (Orlando, FL). Mention this offer when contacting.

www.thinkcybis.com

Meet in Dallas, TX and earn many incentives and save dollars for booking groups. Some of the promotions end on December 31, but individual offers vary with each property. Most amenities include 1 per 40 Comp policy; 5% off the Master Account; 10% discount on F&B; 20% discount on In-House AV; and complimentary Wi-Fi in guestrooms. There are 18 hotels participating. Too many to name all so check each deal for yourself.

https://www.visitdallas.com/meetings-events/incentives/#jlincentive-offer

Bring a group or 10 or more to any of the Gaylord Hotels’ signature holiday event, ICE! and enjoy exclusive savings on tickets. Dates vary, but all feature over two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures based on iconic movies. Gaylord National (National Harbor, MD) has The Polar Express; Gaylord Texan (Grapevine, TX) has Elf; Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer is at Gaylord Palms (Kissimmee, FL); Gaylord Opryland (Nashville, TN) takes on Charlie Brown Christmas; Gaylord Rockies (Aurora, CO) has How the Grinch Stole Christmas; and Gaylord Hill Country has Frosty the Snowman.

www. https://ice.marriott.com/

Book Nassau‘s most elegant all-inclusive resort, Sandals Royal Bahamian by December 31 and save up to $1,000 instantly for seven-paid nights’ stay or longer. Of course, you can still save $350 for three paid nights; $420 for four nights, $755 for six-paid, and $555 for five-paid nights. New bookings only.

https://www.sandals.com/royal-bahamian/?

Book 10 or more peak-night rooms at participating Hyatt hotels or resorts in the Americas for stays through December 31, 2025, and be eligible to receive 1 complimentary room for up to every 30 rooms booked; up to 3% credit on room revenue billed to the master account; reduce your total room block by up to 30% without penalty; and up to 30,000 additional World of Hyatt Bonus Points.

https://discover.hyatt.com/en-us/rooms-2025-offer?

Complimentary Wi-Fi for groups booking and consuming by December 23 at Rosen Centre Hotel, Orlando, FL. Must book a minimum of 10 rooms on peak. Complimentary Wi-Fi will be provided solely by the hotel’s in-house technology vendor in the contracted meeting space and up to 3 Mbps per device. The number of complimentary connections will be based on the peak room nights. This promotion cannot be combined with any other promotional offers. This offer does not apply to previously booked programs.

https://www.rosencentre.com/roi/

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  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.

WHAT’S IN YOUR WALLET FOR WINTER TRAVEL?

Are we really nearing the end of 2025? By now you are already planning your winter escape or perhaps just trying to figure out how much you need to save for it. Financial software company WalletHub is here to assist. Besides releasing their Best Credit Cards for Winter Travel survey, the company points out that applying for the right card now will give people enough time to earn $750+ in free travel this winter. WalletHub Editor John Kiernan notes that “Despite inflation and a weaker dollar affecting a majority of people’s winter travel plans, only 25% of Americans say they’re going to spend more on travel this winter than they did last year. Many people, it seems, are either going to stay home or look for ways to offset price hikes. For example, 23% of people plan to apply for a new credit card to save on winter travel, which is a good strategy because it can save you $750+ quite quickly, and 55% of people say they’re going to redeem credit card rewards to help pay for their trips.” Other key findings are that 54% of people say inflation will affect their winter travel plans as well as 51% of Americans believe a weaker dollar will affect their winter travel plans. While 25% of Americans say they will spend more on winter travel this year than last year, about 1 in 4 of Americans surveyed are still carrying debt from traveling last winter. And what does WalletHub find to be 2025’s Best Travel Credit Card? Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card because it offers an initial bonus worth $750 in travel, at least double miles on every purchase, flexible redemption and no foreign transaction fees.
www.WalletHub.com

NEW & NONSTOP FLIGHTS TO THE BAHAMAS

November 2025: Porter launches Toronto–Nassau

November 23: New Bahamasair flights from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to North Eleuthera (ELH) starts every Wednesday and Sunday. This special route is available through January 4, 2026.

December 2025: Frontier returns (Atlanta–Nassau), Air Canada adds Halifax & Ottawa, Tradewind begins boutique flights (Florida–Nassau & Marsh Harbour)

NEW OR COMING IN THE NEAR FUTURE

In 2025

Sal Y Mar Events Venue, perched atop the dual-branded Aloft and Element Tampa Midtown (Tampa, FL), has launched an exclusive Sunday Microwedding Package designed to elevate the art of intimate “I do’s.” The new Sunday package invites couples to exchange vows in a space that feels both luxurious and approachable. Amenities included are four-hour use of the event venue; silk floral arrangements and centerpieces; professional officiant; and DJ for the reception, as well as a Bridal suite for day-of preparation.

www.SalYMarRooftop.com/EventsVenue; www.Marriott.com/tpaAL; www.Marriott.com/tpaEL

Paradise Valley’s Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa should finish its $7 million renovation of its meetings and events space by the end of the year. Among the highlights:  The 3,851-sf Views Ballroom, Views Terrace, Paradise Views, Lower Lawn and Cholla meeting room. Built in the 1950s, the historic resort sits on 53 acres.

www.sanctuaryaz.com

Each year, HFTP leadership assembles members to serve on the HITEC North America Advisory Council based on their expertise and contributions to the hospitality and technology industry. New 2026 HITEC Advisory Council members are Chair Lyle Worthington, CHTP│ CEO │ Worthington Tech BV; Vice Chair Cameron Hammond │ Senior Vice President – Global Field Technology Services │ Hyatt; Executive Committee Liaison Barry Thomas, CHTP │Senior Vice President – Hospitality Technology, Luxury & Lifestyle │ Accor; Board of Directors Liaison Bryan Hammer │ Vice President – IT │ Belmond Hotels; Past President Liaison Scott Campbell, CHTP │ Principal Advisor │ Integrated Resort Advisors; Christus Gill, CHTP │ IT Manager │ Zoetry Marigot Bay St. Lucia; Danny Dang │ Director of Technology │ Amacon & Wentworth Hospitality Group; David Lindahl │ Director of Business Intelligence │ Silverton Casino, LLC; Denise Walker │ CIO │ SH Hotels and Resorts; Jody Jacobson │ President │ Integrated Hospitality Consulting; Katie Lee │ CIO │ AKA Hotels + Hotel & Residences; Leroy Prout │ CIO │ HRI Hospitality; Mike Blake │ Vice President of IT │ Kemper Sports; Prakash Shukla │ Managing Partner │ Wayfare Ventures LLC; Rao Kasibhotla │ Senior Vice President and CIO │ Ryman Hospitality Properties; Ron Strecker, CHAE+, CHTP++ | Hospitality ERP and Back-Office Consultant | RW Consulting; Ryan Schlimpert | Senior Vice President and CIO   | Drury Hotels; Samuel Yalley, CHTP | Director of Resorts & Lodging Technology | Herschend Family Entertainment; Sanovnik Destang, CPA, CA, CFA | Executive Director | Bay Gardens Resorts; Ted Horner | Owner | E Horner & Associates; Stephen Walker, MBA | IT Manager| InterMountain Management; Steven Kahn, CHTP | Group General Manager – IT | Singita; Harikrishna (HK) Patel  | Past Board of Directors | AAHOA; Darrin Pinkham | CIO | Rosen Hotels & Resorts | Millenium Technology Group;  Jeff Parker CHTP | Vice President of Property Technology | Sage Hospitality Group; Tanmay (Tony) Patel | Managing Partner | SG Hotels LLC; Frank Wolfe,  CAE, FIH | CEO | HFTP; Bryan Wood | Chief Meetings & Events Officer | HFTP; Alison Lockett | Meetings & Events Manager | HFTP; Geneva Rinehart | Senior Vice President, Media Division | Hospitality Upgrade/HFTP.

www.hitec.org.

John Wayne Airport (SNA), strategically located just 14 miles from the Anaheim Convention Center and Disneyland® Resort, is embarking a $743 million Capital Improvement Program spanning from 2025 to 2028. This multi-year investment is designed to enhance safety, elevate passenger comfort, and support future demand for domestic and international travel. Key upgrades include: Terminal Improvements (enhanced lighting, seating, concessions, and restrooms designed for passenger comfort); Runway Rehabilitation; Technology Enhancements (expect faster check-ins and better connectivity with new IT systems, smart digital signage, and self-service kiosks); and New General Aviation Facility that separates private and commercial traffic more efficiently.

https://www.visitanaheim.org/blog/stories/post/john-wayne-airport-upgrades-clear-skies-ahead-for-travelers

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

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio, will open Kimpton Miralina Resort & Villas in early 2026 in Paradise Valley, AZ. Redesigning the existing 42-acre retreat, Kimpton Miralina will have 400+ guest rooms, suites, and villas, and 50,000 sf of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space. Inspired by the surrounding desert landscape, the resort will feature six swimming pools, a day spa, and a fitness center. Four dining venues, including a contemporary restaurant will complete the design. Kimpton Miralina Resort & Villas will be jointly owned by Partners Group and Trinity Investments and managed by Highgate.

https://www.miralinaresort.com/

New entertainment resort, Bally’s Las Vegas, will be built on the former Tropicana Las Vegas site. Construction should begin early 2026. The 35-acre development on 3.46 million sf will share grounds with the upcoming Las Vegas Athletics Major League Baseball ballpark, with the hotel occupying 26 acres of the 35. Bally’s Corporation is collaborating with JLL and Marnell Architecture for the 3,000-room, 2,500-seat entertainment venue. There will also be 500,000+ sf of retail, dining and entertainment space, as well as a casino. Plans are for a parking garage to hold 5,000+ cars. Plans for completion indicate 2029 for the multi-phased project.

www.ballyslasvegas.com

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/

January is perfect for an image-refresh and Green Valley Ranch Resort (Henderson, NV) is wasting no time. Their redesign, part of a more expansive $200 million renovation project, updates all 493 guest rooms and suites as well 69,000 sf of meetings and events space. Lighter colors celebrate the property’s Mediterranean heritage. Renovations also include AV technology, flexible room designs, and event planning staff support.

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center (National Harbor, MD), expects completion of their new solar arrays on top of the resort’s convention center by early 2026. Spanning 3.5 acres, it will offset up to 20% of the property’s energy use.

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

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

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.

In 2027

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

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

SPEAKER PROPOSALS SOLICITED FOR FFEA 2026

Florida Festivals & Events is seeking proposals on event operations, marketing, sponsorship, safety, technology, or creative programming sessions for their annual Conference & Expo, August 4-6, 2026 at the Luminary Hotel & Co. in Fort Myers, FL. Speakers needed for 75-minute breakout (presentation, case study, panel, etc) and for 30-minute learning roundtables

https://ffea.memberclicks.net/26-speakers#/

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

Now thru Nov. 16: 41st Annual Frank Brown Songwriters’ Festival. More than 200+ songwriters and over 600 performances, on over two dozen music stages. The largest gathering of national and local songwriters performing on the Florida coast.

https://www.frankbrownsongwriters.com/

Nov. 27: Irving (TX) Turkey Trot. The Plaza at Toyota Music Factory. Family fun. 5K race but distances available for all fitness levels.

https://www.irvingmarathon.com/irvingturkeytrot

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.