GREAT IDEAS!

Hand me an apron. I volunteer! When traveling for leisure or on a press fam, I have joyfully flexed my passion for cooking and baking with offered culinary classes. Caesars Entertainment is highlighting some of these specialty classes for groups, and I so wish someone would invite me to partake. Two of the classes mentioned to entice are private lessons at Restaurant Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace and a lesson in making Martha Stewarts’ family recipe for pierogies at The Bedford by Martha Stewart.

https://caesarsentertainment.tripleseat.com/dynamic_party_request/

HOT DEALS SAVE YOU $$$$

If you are still looking to book a Florida resort for your meeting group of 10 to 50 or more to use by Dec. 31, look at some of the benefits being offered by the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach (Clearwater, FL). The number of amenities offered are based on how many attendees and using Encore as the sole provider for all the AV. Some options are double Wyndham meeting planner points, 5% off all Master account charges; a $150 complimentary gift certificate for Pallavi Spa, and a one-hour comp’d beer and wine reception.

https://www.wyndhamgrandclearwater.com/meetings

Relax and restore at Tommy Bahamas Miramonte Resort & Spa’s Spa Rosa (Indian Wells, CA) while receiving reduced lodging rates for stays through Sept. 30. Discounts for the daily 25-minute express massage or facial and 20% saving at their island-inspired dining at Grapefruit Basil.

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

Summer still sizzles with deals in The Bahamas. Get $250 instant credit per room with an air-inclusive stay of four or more consecutive nights. No blackout dates. Book by Aug. 15 for travel through Nov. 15.

https://www.bahamas.com/250-instant-savings

Save 50% on venue rental costs at The Garden Villa in Winter Park, FL through the month of August. The deal includes exclusive access of the indoor and outdoor facilities, eight hours for setup, event and clean up services, 125 cross-back wood farm chairs & event tables, and in-house catering by Cocktails Catering.

Events@TheGardenVilla.com; (407) 745-5718

Last minute promotion just popped up for catering professionals. Save $200 for the Art of Catering Food conference at Allium Rooftop by Blue Plate Catering (Chicago, IL), Aug. 10 – 11. Use code* SAVE200 to claim $200 off your conference pass. Learn, reset and refresh with sessions such as Pastry with Purpose; Modern Butchery and Scalability; and Wood-Fired Pizza for Catering. Offer valid for new registrations only.

https://informaconnect.com/art-of-catering-food/

Book and actualize a meeting by Dec. 31, 2027 in Southwest Louisiana for a payout of up to $7,000. Requirements for Visit Lake Charles’ Meeting Incentive Program Meeting stipulate a Sunday – Thursday buy for a minimum of 40 rooms on peak. Visit Lake Charles must receive the incentive submission no less than 45 days before the meeting has occurred and before the contract is finalized with the hotel/meeting facility.

Book a meeting at Caribe Royale (Orlando, FL) by Sept. 1 and actualize by Dec. 21 to receive a choice of three perks. Some options include 30% off AV when using on-site provider Encore; Complimentary AM or PM break per day; 2% rebate to be applied to master account charges; and 1/30 complimentary room nights.

(407) 238-8001: sales@cariberoyale.com; https://www.cariberoyalemeetings.com/2026-group-offer

https://www.visitlakecharles.org/meetings/incentive-program; sales@VisitLakeCharles.org.

It’s an Endless Summer offer from The Cove Eleuthera in The Bahamas. Book by Aug. 15, stay a minimum of seven nights and receive up to $1,000 credit to use for personal pampering.

https://thecoveeleuthera.com/offers/bahamas-vacation-packages-endless-summer/; (866) 644-4452.

After-park Family Fun now on select nights through Aug. 21 at Universal Orlando Resorts’ Volcano Bay Nights. Exclusive access to the park and all attractions from 7–11 pm; character meet & greets; Beach Bash with DJ; specialty themed island treats; and comp’d Coca-Cola Freestyle® souvenir cup.

https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/tickets-packages/volcano-bay-nights?__source

Book and actualize your qualified 60+-room nights meeting or event between Aug. 1 and Dec. 31 at Hilton Sandestin Beach (Miramar Beach, FL), in 2026 and unlock triple HHonors points (up to 200K), 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). A maximum of 200,000 Hilton Honors Points may be earned per signed booking, in accordance with the maximum spend of the Event Planner program.

(888) 519-2089; https://www.hiltonsandestinbeach.com/florida-meetings/group-rates?

Visit Orlando hosts Orlando, FL area hotels and resorts who are offering incentive and promotional discounts and amenities not to be ignored. For a full listing and description of each:

https://www.orlandomeeting.com/resources/meeting-offers/?utm_source=meetingstoday&utm_medium=eml&utm_campaign=us-mc-coop-sess-2026&utm_content=meetplns

Turf Valley Resort (Ellicott City, MD) has summer savings for group bookings actualized between Aug. 1 – 31 for a minimum 10 rooms. Some of the incentives include a complimentary suite, upgraded WiFi, and 10% off service fee. 172 guest rooms, 24 event spaces, six ballrooms for over 40,000 sf of meeting space.

https://www.turfvalley.com; (410) 465-1200; info_sales@turfvalley.com

Cocktails Catering (Orlando, FL) is celebrating 250 Years of America with $500 off all event upgrades for events booked through August. The company primarily serves Orlando, Daytona, Tampa, and Central Florida areas.

(407) 446-2878; Info@CocktailsCatering.com; www.CocktailsCatering.com

Now’s the time to book Winter Park, FL boutique hotel, the Alfond Inn, for your November group festivities. Book 25+ rooms per night, with actualization by Nov. 30, to receive a complimentary room per every 40 rooms occupied; discounted destination amenity fee; 20% off AV; spa treatment; and a “Snack Break.” Mention this group offer.

https://thealfondinn.com/meetings-events/event-inquiry-form/

Save up to 30% on select rooms for five nights or longer, Oct. 19 to Dec. 23 at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaiʻi. Or, save up to 25% for stays of four consecutive nights. Book by Dec. 2. Limit two (2) rooms or villas per reservation, and occupancy restrictions apply per room or villa.

https://www.disneyaulani.com/rooms-offers/special-offers/2026-fall-room-offer; (866) 443-4763

Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitor’s Bureau offers $5 incentive for new bookings of at least three nights for a minimum 50 rooms on peak for stays between Sept. 1 and Dec. 31. DBACVB Director of Sales, Brenda Redmon, bredmon@daytonabeach.com, (386) 255-0415, ext. 134.

La Quinta Resort & Club, Curio Collection by Hilton (Greater Palm Springs, CA) has a 5% rebate offer for newly-booked group stays in September, and December 2026
https://www.cvent.com/venues/la-quinta/resort/la-quinta-resort-club-curio-collection-by-hilton/

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?

You have until Dec. 31 to receive more than $2,000 of master account credit for booking a minimum of 0 sleeping room nights at an Aspen, CO participating property. Source a qualifying program through Aspen Chamber Resort Association. Credit will be paid directly to the property’s master account once the group departs.

sales@aspenchamber.org; https://aspenchamber.org/groups/meetings-incentives/site-visit-reimbursement

The longer you stay (up to seven days), the more you save with Universal Orlando Resort Florida resident promo package. Save $5 for two nights, but up to $200 for seven nights at more than 10 onsite properties, when bundled with park-to-park tickets. Two plans are offered: before Oct. 19 and Oct. 20 to Dec. 31. Or, save up to $300 if you stay two or more days and bundle with park-to-park tickets.

https://www.universalorlando.com/web-packages/en/us/vacation-packages/H688/create-your-own-florida-resident-vacation-package-with-universal-epic-universe? (877) 801-9720

Book by Sept. 27 and save 25% on stays most nights on select rooms—including ocean and partial ocean view rooms—for stays of five or more consecutive nights, or, save up to 20% for stays of four consecutive nights. from Aug. 9 to Oct. 18 at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaiʻi. Not valid on suites and three-Bedroom Grand Villas, or on previously booked rooms or villas. See full details and restrictions on link.

https://www.disneyaulani.com/rooms-offers/special-offers/2026-aulani-summer-room-offer/#important-details; (866) 443-4763

Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa (Greater Palm Springs, CA) has an offer that must be actualized by Dec. 31 for at least three peak nights. How many rooms are booked opens the number of amenities offered for incentive.

https://www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/coupon/a-better-group-stay-starts-here%3a-more-rooms-more-rewards/8503/

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

 

COMPETITIONS & AWARDS

Sioux Falls (SD) Sourced Sweepstakes has returned. You don’t have to do anything more than submit an entry to be one of 200 winners throughout the quarterly competition to win a box of food, art, body and home care products. The Summer Box entry, accepted through Aug. 31, includes salsa from INCA, custom art greeting cards from MacaelaMade, honey from Double Deep Honey, and so much more. Total value: $135.

https://www.experiencesiouxfalls.com/sioux-falls-sourced?

The World Food Championships welcomes Sam’s Club and Member’s Mark™ back as presenting sponsor for the 2026 season. The competition is looking for judges for the Oct. 15-18 contest in Indianapolis at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center. For the qualifying rules and to register, go to https://forms.monday.com/forms/2e377fc33267e2f2112535c87ca8c361?r=use1&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=https%3A. As a bonus, click here for competition chef recipes using products found at Sam’s Club. https://worldfoodchampionships.com/chef-creations-recipes?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content

NEW OR COMING IN THE NEAR FUTURE

Accor‘s Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has opened a country estate, Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere, consisting of 116 guest rooms, primo dining such (including Gordon Ramsay at The Mere), an 18-hole championship-level golf course, and luxury wellness experiences at Fairmont Spa. The $168 million transformation by Bergman Design House evokes mid-century glamour. Set on 157 acres beside The Mere Lake just outside Knutsford, Fairmont Cheshire, Chef Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant offers a refined British menu, such as his signature Beef Wellington. There’s private dining, terrace seating with lake views, and a speakeasy-style bar.

https://all.accor.com/hotel/C169/index.en.shtml

The Broward County Convention Center (Fort Lauderdale, FL) has expanded to 1.2 million sf of meeting space along the Intracoastal. There is now 350,000 sf of contiguous exhibit space, an expansive waterfront ballroom and a cohesive layout designed to keep sessions, exhibitions and breakouts flowing seamlessly. The convention center is directly connected to the Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel and is surrounded by more than 2,200 walkable hotel rooms.

(954) 765-4466; www.VisitLauderdale.com

New program through TampaBayMeetings.com called Partner Match+. When you plan your meeting in Tampa Bay, FL and select a participating hotel partner promotion, Visit Tampa Bay (VTB) will provide an incentive up to $2,500 per event. VTB has three other incentive programs to be considered. Bonus for Bookings is designed to help offset event costs when booked dates align with Tampa Bay slower times. The Treasured Savings program provides upfront savings for citywide events. Book the Tampa Convention Center during eligible months and VTB will pay the initial deposit at contract signing. Lastly, the Discovered Treasures promotion provides a complimentary outing to Tampa Bay iconic locations, such as The Florida Aquarium, Busch Gardens, or a sunset sail aboard Yacht StarShip.

https://www.visittampabay.com/meeting-planners/meeting-deals/

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) and Destination AI are collaborating to help hospitality leaders stay ahead of the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence, emerging technology and innovation. Through this collaboration, HFTP will support Destination AI’s continued growth as the leading conference for hospitality leaders seeking to understand AI’s business impact, learn what hotel companies are implementing, and identify the technologies delivering measurable business value. The collaboration focuses on year-round education, industry insights and programming. It does not change the conference’s ownership, management, agenda, speakers or operation. The collaboration will also support the 3rd annual Destination AI Hospitality Summit, Sept. 29–30 in Washington, D.C. HFTP also brings to the collaboration its AI Collective, a nonprofit initiative advancing responsible AI adoption and education across hospitality. Participating organizations include AHLA (American Hotel & Lodging Association), AAHOA (Asian American Hotel Owners Association), BLLA (Boutique & Luxury Lodging Association), CHTA (Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association), CMAA (Club Management Association of America), HSMAI (Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International), HTNG (Hospitality Technology Next Generation), ICHRIE (International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education), iHITA (International Hospitality Information Technology Association), and JHTA (Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association).

www.hftp.org; www.hitec.org; https://www.destinationaiforum.com/

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) and RX are launching HITEC Paris, on Nov. 5 in Paris, France at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. The inaugural event will be co-located with EquipHotel Paris, one of Europe’s leading hospitality trade shows, organized by RX. HITEC Paris will bring together hospitality technology professionals, innovators, executives, and solution providers for a full-day conference dedicated to the future of hospitality technology, innovation, and digital transformation. EquipHotel Paris will take place Nov. 2–5.

www.hftp.org; www.rxglobal.com; https://www.equiphotel.com/

Coming this Fall, Country-music star Luke Combs’ new partnership with Opry Entertainment Group and Caesars Entertainment will be a win at the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel & Casino (Las Vegas, NV). The three-story, 34,000 sf restaurant and Bar Category 10, inspired by Combs’ multi-platinum hit song, “Hurricane” will replace Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. On the first floor, Hurricane Hall will feature three bars, central stage and dance floor. The Beautiful Crazy Women’s Loung, located directly inside of the women’s restroom on the first floor, will offer a champagne bar, soft seating, makeup counters and Hollywood vanity mirrors. Second story, The Still, elevates the experience with selected bourbons by Combs and an overlooking view of the stage. The top level dishes up The Eye Rooftop, with a DJ booth, dance floor and views of the Las Vegas Strip.

www.caesarsmeansbusiness.com

DSRT Surf, a 5.5-acre surf lagoon opens this year with a 92-room hotel, restaurants, and group-friendly gathering spaces in Palm Springs, CA. While waiting for DSRT Surf’s opening, check out the Greater Palm Springs Oasis Incentive for special deals for groups during July and August.

https://www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/meeting-articles/post/why-summer-is-the-cool-season-for-meetings-in-greater-palm-springs/

Interested in becoming a Certified Meeting Planner (CMP)? Here are dates for the next 10-week interactive virtual programs designed to help you prepare for the exam. Aug. 19-Oct. 21. Virtual class from 6-9 pm.  Link provided upon registration. Taught by Adrienne Six. For members and non-members of Meeting Professionals International.

https://web.cvent.com/event/ef1c3404-2c95-4458-bb3d-7868296eac74/homepage

Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau (LRCVB) has a new tourism marketing campaign that will run through 2026, highlighting what makes Arkansas’ capital city so special.

The campaign, entitled “Love You Some Little Rock,” is designed to introduce visitors to Little Rock’s restaurants, outdoor venues, historical attractions, and the arts and music scene. The campaign includes digital advertising, video storytelling and visitor materials.

https://www.littlerock.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/; https://swandolphinexpansion.carrd.co/

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

OCVIBE is a 100-acre mixed-use development transforming the area surrounding Honda Center in Anaheim, CA that will open early in 2027. Designed by Populous, the new stand-alone 5,000-person-capacity venue will feature a flexible layout to host live events and high-end productions with elevated guest and artist amenities. new stand-alone, 5,000-person-capacity live entertainment venue opening in early 2027. The concert hall expands OCVIBE’s growing collection of performance spaces, joining Honda Center – currently open while undergoing a $1B transformation of its guest experience – and the historic Golden Bear, opening in 2029, creating an ecosystem of venues that supports touring artists at every stage of their growth. When the first phase of OCVIBE opens in early 2027, it will introduce a dynamic mix of the concert hall, Katella Commons – the 21 chef-driven Kitchen Market Hall, The Weave office building, Urban Park, and additional amenities designed to support daily activity and year-round visitation. Artist appreciation and guest experience are keys to the design. Six dedicated dressing rooms, including two private artist suites, crew kitchen and showers, gated bus parking, and an open-air backstage courtyard. “We created OCVIBE to elevate the live performance experience for both artists and fans,” said Julie Rinaldi, Principal at Populous. “The venue features an intimate seating bowl with outstanding acoustics and clear sightlines, ensuring every guest feels immersed in the energy on the stage. At the same time, we designed an artist-focused environment anchored by an open-air courtyard and headliner suites that embrace Southern California’s climate.” A defining feature of the concert hall’s exterior is the Stretto, a 62-foot-tall steel art installation clad in louvered metal panels at the venue’s southeast corner. Designed as a visual gateway between the venue and the surrounding Urban Park, the piece expands the district’s growing collection of large-scale public artworks. Beneath it, Stretto Café will operate daily. The concert hall will have private access to The Gallagher Club, an exclusive setting to enhance special events.

https://www.visitanaheim.org/articles/post/ocvibe-unveils-design-for-southern-californias-newest-live-entertainment-venue/

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

FESTIVALS

Saturdays, now thru Aug. 29 at The Plaza at Toyota Music Factory (Irving, TX). The Free Tribute to Summer Concert Series, from classic rock legends and country favorites to arena anthems and chart-topping hits. 9 pm start. Bring lawn chairs.

https://www.irvingtexas.com/event/a-tribute-to-summer%3a-free-concert-series/40380/

Aug 7th Sioux Falls, SD hosts Downtown Sioux Falls Open Streets on Phillips Avenue.  Car-free community playground with vendors, artists, musicians, outdoor seating, food trucks, interactive art etc. August 7th includes Art & Wine Walks, with local wine samples, open galleries and artist encounters.

https://www.experiencesiouxfalls.com/events/downtown-open-streets?

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.