War is not conducive to business, on-time travel, conventions, tourism, or to global well-being. Privately, I have heard hospitality, meetings & events industry professionals, entertainers, hoteliers, and local professional members of my community discuss how business is unpredictable. Clients hesitate to sign on the bottom line while the world is reeling from an unexpected escalating war. We have already learned of two luxury hotels in Dubai, UAE being bomb-damaged, and now a major conference in that city, slated for June 2-4, has been cancelled. Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), cancelled HITEC MENA, stating: “Following careful consideration of the current operating environment for large international events… The decision reflects a combination of logistical and operational factors that, at this time, would make it challenging to deliver the high-quality experience expected by exhibitors, partners, and attendees. International events of this scale rely on a stable planning environment, including consistent insurance coverage and travel accessibility. Given the present circumstances, HFTP determined that proceeding with the event this year would not be in the best interests of its global community.” HFTP®, established in 1952, is a hospitality nonprofit association headquartered in Austin, TX, with an office in the European Union.

News reports cannot replace personal anecdotes of situations you face. Please share. Your name or company business or conference need not be named… just the circumstances. Facts will enable us to make informed decisions, remind us we are not alone in the struggle, and assist one another to thrive going forward.

Meanwhile, there are still plenty of positive openings, renovations, promotional deals and events to share.

GREAT IDEAS!

Air travel delays are stressful, but Miami International Airport (Miami, FL) is offering a quiet, peaceful solution with the recent addition of 15 Wait n’ Rest sleep rooms, the first in North America and only the second location worldwide. The initial sleep rooms are located within Concourse D with a second facility opening in Concourse H sometime this summer. Each room can hold up to four guests and can be booked for an hourly rate up to eight hours. The rooms include luxury hotel-level bedding and linen, in-room touchscreen entertainment and information monitors, access to private showers and bathrooms with fresh towels, and a selection of snacks and beverages.

https://www.waitnrest.com/miami/

HOT DEALS SAVE YOU $$$$

Summer rapidly approaches. Vacations to choose that teenagers won’t sulk about, young ones can joyfully be active, and grandparents will be happy to spend time as a group. Here are five family-friendly resorts that understand the dynamics of multi-generational family vacations. Bonus: each has a promotional offering. Lansdowne Resort (Leesburg, VA) appeals to travelers with school-age offspring, golf and tennis fans. There’s a camp for the kids, two championship golf courses, tennis, guided nature walks, and specialty services like floating sound baths. The Discover Summer Package includes overnight accommodations, a $100 resort credit toward golf or spa treatments, a $50 breakfast credit, and convenient extras such as a beach bag and tumblers. www.lansdowneresort.com. Looking for a longer stay with a bevy of outdoor activities? Check out The Sea Pines Resort (Hilton Head Island, SC), on the southern tip of Hilton Head Island. Five miles of unspoiled beaches, three award‑winning golf courses, 20 clay tennis courts, and 14 miles of biking and walking trails, horseback riding, water sports, Eco‑Adventures, and hiking within the 605‑acre Sea Pines Forest Preserve. Packages range from the Nightly Summer Special Package with fitness center and pool access, along with discounts on golf, pickleball, and resort activities, to the Escape Vacation Package, providing up to 15 percent off weekly villa and home rentals, plus resort credits of up to $200 for golf, dining, and signature experiences. Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake (Brainerd, MN) offers Classic Midwest Lake vacations, and value‑driven stays packed with water sports, organized activities, and laid‑back traditions. There are scenic cruises aboard the North Star yacht, beach evenings of bonfires and karaoke, two championship courses and a par‑3 layout designed for all skill levels. The resort’s Summer Recreation Pass bundles popular programming—banana boat rides, yoga classes, disc golf, and bike rentals—into a single per-person fee. Stay Longer & Save packages offer discounts of 15 – 20%, and new South Beach Cabins debut this summer with introductory pricing. www.craguns.com. Seeking a more luxurious experience for the family on a picturesque lake setting? The Ritz‑Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee (Greensboro, GA) sits within a 12,000‑acre lakefront community about 85 miles east of Atlanta. Daily Ritz Kids Lake Adventures provide supervised camps for children ages 5-12 featuring nightly s’mores, complimentary train rides, a pool with splash features, and in‑room camping experiences. Packages such as Linger Longer at the Lake offer resort credits of up to $600 per stay for extended bookings, along with bonus resort credit promotions and golf packages. www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/georgia/Reynolds. And for international flair, Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Golf & Spa Resort (Cabo San Lucas, Mexico) is an all‑inclusive retreat offering ocean‑view suites within hacienda‑style villas. Six swimming pools, lush gardens, the award‑winning Armonia Spa, and The Market at Quivira, a culinary food hall with a variety of themed dining options. Kids 4-11 may enjoy the Kids Club and teens the FunLab, an urban-themed lounge. Guests have exclusive access to Quivira Golf Club, known for offering more oceanfront exposure than any course in Los Cabos. www.pueblobonito.com/resorts/sunset-beach

Walt Disney World Resort has an offer geared towards a group of 12. Triple the Marriott Bonvoy™ Points, complimentary pre-planning retreat for up to 12 guests for two nights (includes accommodations, round-trip airport transfers, and F&B), and a VIP EPCOT®  Fireworks Fantasea Cruise for up to 12 guests, just for booking the group by June 30, this year and for a stay from June through August in 2026, 2027 or 2028. The three luxury hotels are the Swan, the Dolphin and the Swan Reserve.

https://swandolphin.com//wp-pdf/meetings/2026triple.pdf

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 utilized 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/

Spring promotional offer at Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa (Indian Wells, CA). Get up to 25% off your stay, plus a reduced $25 resort fee.While there, enjoy $50 off a 50-minute treatment or $80 off an 80-minute treatment at Spa Rosa.

www.tommybahamamiramonte.com; (442) 305-4500

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

Florida residents can save up to 25%* off at participating Universal Studios Orlando (FL) hotels. Book by Dec. 22 but can use anytime this year until Dec. 23. *Savings vary by participating hotel and range from 10%-25% at time of booking. Valid Florida ID required at check-in. Separate theme park admission required for theme park entry and to enjoy park benefits.

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

JW Marriott Las Vegas and Rampart Casino (Las Vegas, NV) has rebranded as The Resort at Summerlin. Renovations will continue through 2026. Mid to large-sized groups can receive benefits such as 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

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?

Book by June 30, 2026 and use by December 19

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

BEST FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAMS SAVE $$

Anyone surprised that airfares are rising quickly? Financial software company WalletHub saw the direction fares were heading and soared into producing its report on 2026’s Best Frequent Flyer Programs. The survey ranks the 10 largest domestic airlines based on 21 key metrics, ranging from the value of a point/mile to blackout dates for reward flights. The report also features a custom calculator that allows travelers to personalize the results based on their own budget. According to WalletHub’s survey, the average airline rewards program saves frequent flyers roughly 7% on airfare. These programs are all free to join. Five of the 10 largest airlines are offering more rewards value in 2026 than in 2025. The top 10 airlines are offering 5% more value than last year, on average. Pay close attention to which of the 10 largest U.S airlines allow
program members to earn and redeem miles with partner carriers. Also, note that airline miles cost an average of 2.5X more than they’re worth when purchased rather than earned. Alaska Atmos Rewards is the best frequent flyer program of 2026, topping the list for the third year in a row. The JetBlue Plus Card scored as the best airline credit card.

www.wallethub.com

COMPETITIONS & AWARDS

World Food Championships (WFC) is relaunching the Sam’s Club Chef Creations Program. They’re looking for passionate chefs to represent Food Sport across the country. Be sure to read the list of requirements before applying. The WFC will be held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds (Indianapolis, IN) this Oct. 15-18.

https://forms.monday.com/forms/faf16e8b2b68e11bd1e

Culinary teams: get ready to compete in Famous Dave’s All-Star Bbq Series for the chance to win $$$ and be qualified for the 2026 World Food Championship World Barbecue Championship. Teams must be in good standing with WFC or other sanctioned bodies. $125. Registration fee. Grand and Reserve Champions of each contest will receive a waived entry Golden Ticket into the 2026 World Barbecue Championships in Indianapolis, IN, Oct. 15 – 18. Additionally, the Grand Champion receives $1,000 and the Reserve Grand winner gets $400. Additional money payouts per category of Chicken, Ribs or Wild Card.

https://worldfoodchampionships.com/famous-daves-all-star-bbq-series?

The Florida Festivals and Events Association’s SunSational Awards Program for Students and emerging professionals has a Scholarship given to attend the conference, participate in educational sessions, and connect with industry leaders while learning within the FFEA community. Deadline to apply is April 17. https://www.ffea.com/p/convention/scholarships. 

FFEA also recognizes members’ innovation, individuality and creative collaboration. Award applications now being accepted through Apr. 30 at $30 each entry. Price increase until final submission deadline of June 12.  Among the benefits: All award winners are announced and recognized on FFEA’s website and social media pages. Exclusive logo for Award Winners to use on email signatures, website and promotional pieces. Award winners may request an FFEA Representative to officially present the awards in their local market at an organization meeting, City Council meeting or other event. 34 categories.

The complete list of judging criteria, rules and policies and applications instructions can be found online at: www.ffea.com/sunsational-awards

NEW OR COMING IN THE NEAR FUTURE

In 2026

Lisa Vanderpump’s first ever hotel, The Vanderpump Hotel, opens in Las Vegas, NV this May. The reimagined boutique property with 188 rooms and suites replaces The Cromwell. home to Soleia, formerly Drai’s Beachclub & Nightclub, will serve as both the resort pool and a dedicated event space. A new Vanderpump-designed lounge is good for group gatherings. Custom-selected in-room amenities are personally curated by Lisa Vanderpump. Existing venues, including GIADA and Drai’s After Hours, remain open throughout the renovation.

caesarsmeetings.co/TVH2026Launch 

The Dossier from Luxury Travel Advisor notes that Hilton continues its global luxury push with a Waldorf Astoria expansion headed to Goa, India. According to The Dossier, the new hotel will be Hilton’s third Waldorf Astoria in India, following the signings of Waldorf Astoria Jaipur and Waldorf Astoria New Delhi. Scheduled to open in 2030, it is being developed by West Coast Hotels Pvt. Ltd., a joint venture between the V.S. Dempo Group and Triton Hotels & Resorts Private Limited.

editors@go.luxurytraveladvisor.com

Book your group into any Frisco, TX hotels and resorts and earn incentives. For a limited time, receive up to $15 per consumed room night when booked thru Visit Frisco in The City That Plays. Meeting must book a minimum 300 total room nights; new RFPs only; booked within 90 days of the original RFP or hotel cut-off. Original RFP must be submitted to Visit Frisco and pre-approved before the contract is signed. Offer valid while funds last.

https://www.visitfrisco.com/incentives?utm_source

Tao Group Hospitality debuts OMNIA Dayclub & Skybar, a new entertainment complex built from ground up at Caesars Palace (Las Vegas, NV) this year. Spanning 46,000 sf directly on Las Vegas Boulevard, the venue will be connected to the iconic OMNIA Nightclub by a dedicated bridge creating a seamless day-to-night experience spanning a combined 121,000 sf. Rockwell Group’s design is inspired by the elegance of the beach clubs from Mykonos to St. Tropez and Ibiza. Guests will arrive directly through OMNIA Nightclub’s main entrance or via a dramatic grand staircase from The Strip. Two organically shaped central pools anchor the club on the main level, surrounded by custom daybeds, private cabanas and exclusive VIP plunge pools. The deck above features shaded seating, dedicated bar, and tiered banquettes beneath cream-and-jade umbrellas. This level transforms into OMNIA Skybar, which will operate year-round as an alfresco destination for food, drink and Las Vegas Strip views. OMNIA Dayclub features systems engineered to deliver festival-level production in a dayclub setting, including a DJ booth with a custom 8K LED main stage screen built for broad-daylight performances, live visuals and generative effects, with a multi-camera system capturing performers and crowd vibes in real time. The L-Acoustics L2 sound system provides unparalleled clarity, spatial accuracy and energy across the venue.

Caesars Palace is marking its Diamond Anniversary with the debut of ultra-luxury accommodations, including two Presidential Villas in the Colosseum Tower and 29 Sky Villas in the Octavius Tower. Named for the distinguished world leaders and celebrities who have previously occupied the space, the Presidential Villas, each over 8,000 sf, are designed for privacy, exclusivity, and elevated service. For larger groups or high-profile gatherings, the villas can be combined to create nearly 19,000 square feet of indoor-outdoor space. Guests of the Presidential Villas enjoy an array of lavish amenities, including a private elevator entrance, a dramatic glass fireplace, an expansive entertainment lounge, and a formal dining room anchored by a 10-seat Calacatta Oro marble table. The 29 Sky Villas, perched on the 68th and 69th floors of the Octavius Tower, offer a secluded setting at the rear of the 85-acre Caesars Palace complex.

https://www.tsnn.com/venues-destinations/evolving-expectations-off-the-show-floor-lead-latest-wave-of-hotel-upgrades

Tierra Hotels and Baillie Lodges have united their portfolios under the Beckons umbrella, launching nine boutique adventure-focused properties across four continents.

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/

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.

Late summer, Caesars Entertainment expects Phase Two of the $200 million transformation of Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe Hotel & Casino, formerly Harveys Lake Tahoe, to be completed. This gives Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe 25,000 sf of newly expanded, flexible indoor meeting and event space. The resort is directly connected to Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, providing seamless access to an additional 40,000+ sf of meeting and convention facilities.

www.meet@caesars.com

In 2027

Edgewood Tahoe Resort (Lake Tahoe, NV) currently has 7,000 sf. of flexible meeting spaces, 154 rooms and suites, and 14 villa suites, but by the time renovations are completed in 2027, the 1,700-sf South Room will have expanded into a lakefront venue that accommodates up to 300 guests.

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

Waldorf Astoria resort and branded residences are being built at Deer Valley Resort’s East Village. The expected 2028 opening will include 132 hotel rooms and 105 one- to six-bedroom branded residences, as well as 56 hotel residences located above the hotel and 49 private residences housed in a standalone Waldorf Astoria Residences Deer Valley tower. Major perk: ski-in/ski-out access adjacent to Deer Valley’s Green Monster run and views of Bald Mountain, Hail Peak, and Park Peak. 1,300 sf meeting and event space, including a 5,200-sf ballroom, resident lounges, and a demonstration kitchen.

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

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 Apr. 4 – Universal Studios Florida Mardi Gras festival (Orlando, FL)

https://www.universalorlando.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; Natasha@ThePsychicLady.com. She is also active with Experience Kissimmee CVB.