GREAT IDEAS!
Community Action Partnership of Orange County is one of 10 non-profits seeking CSR from visiting groups to Anaheim, CA.
Want to make a positive lasting difference when your group visits a city? Visit Anaheim (Anaheim, CA) has made finding where and how your attendees can assist easier with their list of 10 non-profits, and why each might be considered. 1. Bracken’s Kitchen needs help with meal prep and food distribution. https://www.brackenskitchen.org/. 2. Chrysalis Anaheim needs support through donation drives, skill-building workshops, or mentoring. https://www.changelives.org/. 3. Community Action Partnership of Orange County can engage groups in large-scale food bank volunteering, family resource center support, or community events. https://www.capoc.org/. 4. Friendly Center wants help with family programs, after-school tutoring, or packing care kits. https://friendlycenter.org/. 5. Giving Children Hope hopes planners will coordinate donation drives or volunteer at the warehouse to assemble relief kits. https://www.givingchildrenhope.org/. 6. GOALS (Growth Opportunities through Athletics, Learning & Service) is perfect for groups to get active with youth programs or lend a hand during service projects. https://www.goals.org/. 7. Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Anaheim-Cypress would appreciate those interested in youth engagement – volunteering with enrichment activities, tutoring, or resource drives. https://boysandgirlsclub.com/locations/cypress/. 8. Anaheim Family YMCA needs corporate groups to volunteer with youth programs, wellness events, or community outreach. https://www.anaheimymca.org/. 9. Orange County Family Justice Center Foundation would like help with donation drives, awareness campaigns, or direct support of programs helping local families. https://www.ocfjcfoundation.org/. 10. Habitat for Humanity of Orange County has hands-on projects like home builds or community clean-ups. https://habitatoc.org/
HOT DEALS SAVE YOU $$$$
Dry January does not eliminate coffee at these two events.
Dry January is for those who defer from drinking alcohol for a month. But for Epicurean Atlanta (Atlanta, GA) and Trilith Guesthouse (Fayetteville, GA), Dry January is a good excuse to celebrate their “Coffee Connoisseur” events on Saturday, Jan. 24 and Sunday, Jan. 25. These immersive, two-hour experiences will feature Ulli Winckler, master coffee roaster at Dean St. Coffee Roastery at Luminary Hotel & Co. and president of Rebel Coffee in Cape Coral, FL. Winckler will guide guests through the rich history of coffee, explore varietals and roasting techniques, and lead a curated tasting flight showcasing rare and exotic coffees. The engaging classes include a live roasting demonstration, unlimited coffee tastings, freshly baked assorted pastries, and a personalized certificate of completion. As an added perk, Epicurean Atlanta guests who dine at an on-site bar or restaurant before or after the event on Jan. 24 will receive a special dining offer, while Trilith Guesthouse, the first five guests to purchase tickets for Jan. 25 will take home a complimentary bag of premium coffee. Parking valet validation is at both properties.
https://www.epicureanhotelatlanta.com/events/2026/coffee-connoisseur/; https://www.eventbrite.com/e/coffee-connoisseur-tickets-1977636264303
Frankly, I was unfamiliar with Bardessono Hotel & Spa in Napa Valley’s Yountville, CA until I saw a blurb in ConventionSouthwest promoting the property’s Holiday Movie Magic package that combines a luxury stay with a professionally filmed short Hallmark-style movie. The package, which enables you to have a three-hour shoot to create your own movie sounded amazing enough (especially to someone like me who watches so many Hallmark movies for a feel-good fix), and even though that package is available through Jan. 31, I want to describe their Lucy Experience. Enjoy a two-night minimum stay in one of their exquisite Spa Suites and receive a $150 F&B credit at Lucy Restaurant & Bar (valid for in-room dining or any meal at Lucy). This is just one of the sense-titillating experiences they offer for groups and individuals, so check them out.
JW Marriott Las Vegas and Rampart Casino (Las Vegas, NV) rebranded as one property on Jan. 1. The newly-named 549-room The Resort at Summerlin just finished a $75 million, multi-year renovation, which will continue through 2026. There is now an offer for mid to large-sized groups with rewarding benefits like – 2X Marriott Bonvoy® Points, carbon neutral meetings, basic conference Wi-Fi, and more. Planners also gain access to the Event Experience Playbook. Offer valid now through July 1, 2026. Use Booking Reference Code: GOCRN25. Terms & conditions apply.
https://theresortatsummerlin.com/; (877) 869-8777
Grand Hyatt Bahama Mar has a 15% off discount and $100 F&B credit.
Book your next tropical getaway at Grand Hyatt Bahama Mar and enjoy 15% off your stay plus a $100 F&B credit to use. Travel window is through Oct. 31, 2026.
https://www.bahamas.com/deals-packages?
Viceroy at Ombria Algarve (Portugal) has hands-on classes and an 18-hole golf course.
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/
Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows (Hawaii) has oceanside luxury for board meetings.
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
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
Book and actualize your next meeting or event at Hilton Sandestin beach Golf Resort & Spa (Miramar Beach, FL) by March 31and 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
Save 50% off equipment for new clients from October through February with Cybis Communications (Orlando, FL). Mention this offer when contacting.
NEW OR COMING IN THE NEAR FUTURE
In 2026
Pueblo Bonito Vantage San Miguel de Allende opened Jan. 14
Pueblo Bonito Vantage San Miguel de Allende (Mexico), a new urban, European Plan (EP) hotel that opened Jan. 14 in San Miguel de Allende, a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its opulent Baroque architecture and the role it played in the struggle for independence from Spain. Built in homage to the colonial-era city’s rich architectural heritage, Pueblo Bonito Vantage San Miguel de Allende is located within the District Corazón (the Heart District) in a traffic-free zone in front of Zeferino Gutierrez Park and a quick stroll from the historic center. The boutique property’s décor is multicolored, with a Moorish influence. “The aim is for our guests to become immersed in the culture of this beautiful location, absorbing and relishing all that San Miguel de Allende has to offer,” said Enrique Gandara, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Pueblo Bonito Resorts. The hotel’s hacienda-style buildings comprise 111 well-appointed guest rooms designed in a neo-colonial style and featuring terraces with outstanding views of the city’s historic downtown area or the hotel’s lush gardens. Arquitectura de Interiores and its president, Marisabel Gómez, oversaw the project. Guests can see through and beyond the gates to the spires of the city’s magnificent neo-Gothic church: Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, with more than a dozen of the historic city’s domes grouped below it. Pet-friendly accommodations and a slate of treats for four-legged friends are also available. The on-site Aromatika Spa offers lavish holistic care, and includes a wellness center, a fully equipped gym, beauty salon, bridal suite, and a retail shop. Breakfast is in Casa Bistro. V Rooftop Terrace serves tapas and drinks in the evening. LaFrida, the hotel’s gourmet restaurant, pays homage to iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Two regional airports, approximately 1.5 hours away, serve San Miguel de Allende: Leon (BJX) and Querétaro (QRO). The hotel will provide transportation.
https://www.pueblobonito.com/resorts/san-miguel.
Las Vegas Convention Center completed its renovations.
Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) has completed its multi-year $600 million renovation of its 4.6 million square foot site. Design elements include modernizing the Central Hall Grand Lobby with a glass curtain wall, a 75-foot high digital screen, and a climate controlled interior concourse between the North and South Halls so attendees do not have to leave the building to move through.
https://press.lvcva.com/news-releases/las-vegas-convention-center-completes–600-million-renovation
Pueblo Bonito Resorts in Las Cabos and Mazatlan are taste influencers.
Pueblo Bonito Resorts in Los Cabos and Mazatlán believe travel isn’t just about where you go anymore–it’s about what you taste along the way. So, to kick off the new year, their chefs have created a collection of culinary and cultural experiences designed to celebrate flavor and fun. “The new experiences program, which mirrors evolving global lifestyle trends, reflects our commitment to creating meaningful moments and showcasing the distinctive character of each of our hotels,” said Federico Martinez, Pueblo Bonito’s F&B director. “Each concept has been developed to highlight the heritage, atmosphere, and talent that define our operations. For us, experience is everything–it represents the art of ‘living the moment’ that guests truly enjoy at our properties.” Each event is meant to capture the spirit of Mexico—bold, warm and joyfully delicious. “Over the years, we have gained deep insight into our guests’ preferences, allowing us to design experiences that meet diverse expectations—whether enjoyed as a family, as a couple or individually—depending on each hotel’s essence and environment,” Martinez added.
Bimini, The Bahamas gets easier to reach from Miami, FL
February 14, American Airlines launches non-stop service from Miami, FL to The Bahamas’ sport-fishing paradise, Bimini, in under an hour. Flights scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.
Kimpton Miralina Resort Villas opens in Paradise Valley (AZ) early in 26. photo: IHG Hotels Resorts Kimpton Hotels
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/
Ballys Las Vegas building on the former Tropicana Las Vegas site.
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.
New Walt Disney World Swan-Dolphin ballroom expansion to be completed late summer 2026.
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/
Green Valley Ranch (Henderson, NV) renovates and upgrades.
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
Solana Tower will debut in early 2026 at the Tropicana Atlantic City, NJ
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 constructing California’s first man-made surf lagoon.
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.
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
The Pagemore – Barouk Signature Restaurant
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
TOO SOON TO KEEP NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS????
Personal finance company WalletHub is eager to help you keep your financial and fitness goals for 2026. Their latest survey names the best and worst U.S cities to do just that. WalletHub Analyst Chip Lupo, said, “Seattle is the best city for keeping your New Year’s resolutions, particularly those related to your physical and financial well-being. Seattle has the lowest percentage of physically inactive adults, at less than 13%, along with the sixth-lowest obesity rate in the country. In addition, Seattle has the second-lowest percentage of people who are delinquent on their debt payments, and residents have very low levels of debt relative to their incomes. Quitting vices is another common New Year’s resolution, and Seattle has the lowest percentage of adults who smoke daily or on most days.” Not everyone wants to move to Seattle, so here are rest of the top 10 best cities to keep your resolutions. Scottsdale, AZ; Irvine, CA; Atlanta, GA; Salt Lake City, UT; Orlando, FL; Austin, TX; Fremont, CA; San Diego, CA; and Miami, FL. As for the 10 worst cities: Toledo, OH; Huntington, WV; Montgomery, AL; Augusta, GA; Newark, NJ; Memphis, TN; Dover, DE; Shreveport, LA; Gulfport, MS; and Jackson, MS.
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
Jan. 1-31: Downtown Sioux Falls, SD Burger Battle. Community food fest as local restaurants compete to win Best Burger.
https://www.experiencesiouxfalls.com/events/annual-downtown-burger-battle
Jan. 24-Feb. 17: multiple Mardi Gras events throughout Pensacola, FL.
https://www.visitpensacola.com/blog/five-fun-facts-about-mardi-gras-in-pensacola/
Mar. 14: Bahamas Hope Challenge, a community-driven fundraising event dedicated to fighting cancer across The Bahamas. Through cycling, running, and walking, The Bahamas unites people from all walks of life to raise awareness and vital funds.
https://www.bahamashopechallenge.com/
Apr. 3-4: “Stand Up, Chow Down: An Anaheim Experience” culinary and comedy festival debuts in Anaheim, CA. Comedian, actor, and podcast host Adam Ray will headline Saturday night’s performance. Pop-up comedy shows, chef-driven tastings, and exclusive entertainment moments.
https://www.donttellcomedy.com/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 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.