GREAT IDEAS!

Fun, informative, and entertaining. NewTown Macon and Visit Macon have enhanced their clever way to introduce visitors to Macon, GA’s rich musical heritage history and deep cultural roots by updated the wayfinding pillars originally installed in downtown Macon in 2020. Located at four key downtown intersections, they were designed as both a navigational resource and storytelling platform. Each pillar features four panels designed to guide visitors and deepen their connection to Macon. One side features a downtown map highlighting parking locations, ATMs, and key visitor amenities, along with QR codes linking to resources and listings for dining, shopping, and attractions. Another provides business listings and directional arrows. The design also reflects Macon’s commitment to honoring the region’s Indigenous heritage. Visitors can scan a QR code to hear a recorded pronunciation of Macon’s street names in the Muscogee (Creek) language, as well as learn the story of the land on which the city was built. Two sides of each pillar are dedicated to celebrating Macon’s legendary music heritage. In the update, Otis Redding will be honored on the pillar at First Street and Poplar Street. On the same panel, there is a spotlight on Capricorn Records, the legendary Macon-based label that launched the Southern rock movement. At Second Street and Poplar Street, two panels will celebrate the original make-up of the Allman Brothers Band in partnership with The Big House Museum, honoring the group whose Southern rock sound helped define Macon’s identity as a music city. A third pillar at Second Street and Cherry Street will honor Little Richard, the Macon-born rock-and-roll pioneer whose electrifying style influenced generations of musicians and helped shape modern popular music.

Visit Macon’s Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer, Marisa Rodgers at (478) 743-1074 x106; mrodgers@visitmacon.org; www.VisitMacon.org

HOT DEALS SAVE YOU $$$$

Book a day in paradise at Discovery Cove (Orlando, FL) by Aug. 23 for use through Mar. 7, 2027 and receive a free $50 gift card* for each guest in your party.  The exclusive gift card offer can be used at Discovery Cove for merchandise, photos or upgrades like a private cabana and/or exclusive animal encounters. As a bonus, the $50 gift card can also be used at any other domestic parks in the United Parks & Resorts family, including SeaWorld, Aquatica, Busch Gardens, Sesame Place, and more.

Looking for some fun and unique teambuilding events? Best Corporate Events & Teambuilding will take off 10% of any of their in-person, virtual, or hybrid programs for the remainder of 2026 if you book their services by Sept. 15. Programs range from escape rooms to collaborative adventures.

www.bestcorporateevents.com

Bundle up your group, family or friends… it’s nearly that time of year when Gaylord Hotels across the country present their annual ice! movie-themed holiday displays. Each resort offers packages ranging from decorated suites, additional shows, ice! tickets and more geared to groups from corporate to teachers or military, as well as stay-and-play longer for families. Too many promotional packages to name, so do the research for your favorite destination. Here are the places, the themes, and the dates. Gaylord National (National Harbor, MD), Dr. Seuss’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”, Nov. 14-Jan. 3; Gaylord Rockies (Aurora, CO), “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas”, Nov. 20-Jan. 3; Gaylord Texan (Grapevine, TX), “Harry Potter”, Nov. 13-Jan. 3; Gaylord Opryland (Nashville, TN), “Home Alone”, Nov. 6-Jan.2; Gaylord Palms (Kissimmee, FL), “Polar Express”, Nov. 13-Jan. 3; Gaylord Pacific (Chula Vista, CA), “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, Nov. 20-Jan.3; JWMarriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa (Phoenix, AZ), “Elf”, Nov. 18-Jan. 3); and JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa (San Antonio, TX), “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer:, Nov. 23-Jan. 3.

www.marriott.com

Here’s your chance to enjoy the limited-time-only guided daytime tours Universal Holiday Tour with a Grinch™ meet and greet, reserved show seating and more. Select dates Nov. 14 to Jan. 2, 2027. Includes reserved seating for the Grinchmas™ Who-liday Spectacular and reserved viewing area for the Universal Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s (optional).

https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/holidays/tickets?

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Book and actualize your qualified 60+-room nights meeting or event between now 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?

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

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 now through 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

BEST PRACTICES

Caesars Entertainment has launched a CSR Guide showing planners how to incorporate sustainability, wellness, accessibility and community engagement into meetings and events. The guide addresses nonprofit partnerships, volunteer opportunities, food donation and waste-diversion programs, and energy- and water-saving practices. It showcases more than 160 wellness-focused menu options, fitness and mindfulness activities, accessibility services and post-event sustainability reporting.

www.caesarsmeansbusiness.com

The American Society of Travel Advisors has a new reporting tool giving members a formal channel to flag supplier policies and industry practices they say unfairly burden advisors, restrict competition, or undermine their ability to serve clients, according to Luxury Travel Advisors’ The Dossier. The Report a Supplier Policy or Industry Practice Concern tool, is designed to capture recurring or systemic issues involving a single supplier, multiple suppliers within a sector, or the industry at large. ASTA cited direct-to-consumer marketing, pricing discrepancies, inequitable commission or compensation policies, requirements that shift disproportionate risk or liability onto agencies, and restrictions on access to content or information as examples of concerns members can submit.

https://www.luxurytraveladvisor.com/your-business/asta-launches-tool-advisors-report-supplier-concerns

NEW OR COMING IN THE NEAR FUTURE

Luxury Travel Advisors has gone international when describing the debut of high-end properties and experiences. Minor Hotels has opened Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River, the brand’s first-ever tented safari camp. It’s located in Kafue National Park. Each lodging has  nearly 25 feet of private river frontage and dedicated hosts for dining, activities and wellness arrangements. Nobu plans a luxury development at Monte Rei resort in Portugal’s Eastern Algarve. Construction begins in 2027 and hope is that the 1,000-acre-set property centered around a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, will debut in 2029. Park Hyatt brands—Tokyo, Kyoto, and Niseko Hanazono properties have launched “Three Destinations, One Journey with Park Hyatt,” a trio of individually bookable packages linking Japan’s capital, its ancient cultural heart, and Hokkaido’s alpine landscapes into a single, flexible journey. Initial package is three-nights but can shortened or lengthened, or customized across multiple resorts.

www.luxurytraveladvisor.com

Dollywood has introduced its newest roller coaster, NightFlight Expedition. The immersive indoor adventure coaster is four rides in one. The moderate thrill ride will have guests soar over the Smoky Mountains, plunge through dramatic rapids, climb rugged ridges, and glide across shimmering bioluminescent waters.

https://www.dollywood.com/themepark/rides/nightflight-expedition/?dctx=333077

The $100 million transformation of Royal Palm South Beach in Miami Beach’s Art Deco District, has been completed. The redesign of the 404-room 1939 hotel encompasses three 17-story oceanfront towers. The property has 18,000 sf of flexible indoor and outdoor space. The 2,882-sf Flagler Ballroom accommodates up to 300 guests. The 772-sf Deco Room accommodates up to 60 theater style. Both can be further divided. The 2,800-sf Ocean Breezeway, an indoor-outdoor corridor is suitable for up to 500 reception guests; the 900-sf Palm Court terrace holds up to 150; and the 1,900-sf pool deck hosts up to 150.

https://www.marriott.com › en-us › hotels › miatx-royal-palm-south-beach-m

Twenty-three years ago, Zachary Rabinor and Rebecca Scotti Rabinor founded Journey Mexico with a simple belief: that exploration has the power to connect and enrich people, places, and the planet. What began as a boutique destination management company dedicated to revealing the Mexico they knew and loved has grown into a family of luxury travel companies spanning Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, and Brazil. In light of that growth, they have created a new unifying logo that draws on the geometry of the chakana – a sacred Indigenous symbol of connection, balance, and reciprocity. In the form of a keyhole, it reflects Journey’s role as a key to Latin America: opening doors to remarkable places, private experiences, and genuine cultural exchange through deep local knowledge and trusted relationships.

https://byjourney.com/press-releases/journey-unveils-unified-brand-marking-its-next-chapter-in-luxury-travel-across-latin-america

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 1

0, 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 Lounge, 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

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/

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

8/23/2026, 9/27/2026, 10/25/2026, 11/22/2026, 12/27/2026: Goat Yoga on The Plaza at Las Colinas Toyota Music Factory (Irving, TX). Bring your own mat. For ages 5+.

https://www.irvingtexas.com/event/goat-yoga-on-the-plaza/40755/

Sept. 17-20: The Plano (TX) Balloon Festival. Special performance by the Plano Symphony Orchestra on the FOX4 Main Stage, followed by Balloon Glow (weather permitting) on opening day. Fireworks, concerts and sky divers (weather permitting).

https://www.visitplano.com/plano-tx-balloon-fest/

Sept. 25-27: The CINCH Playoffs Rodeo Falls at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center (Sioux Falls, SD). $1.5 million on the line. Rodeo action, free pre-show and free concerts.

www.cinchplayoffs.com

Oct. 15-18: World Food Championships, at Indiana State Fairgrounds. Culinary Combine debuts at this competition.

https://worldfoodchampionships.com/

Oct. 21-25: 5th Annual Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival at Baha Mar (Bahamas). World-class chef demonstrations, exclusive masterclasses, live entertainment, and the vibrant FUZE Art Expo.

https://festival.bahamar.com/

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