HOT DEALS SAVE YOU $$$$
The Ansonborough Charleston has a flash sale
Flash sale! It’s only available through Sept. 16, but take advantage of this offer for the Ansonborough Charleston and you will save 25% on your stay, as well as receiving a complimentary breakfast every morning and the largest guest rooms and suites in Charleston, SC.
www.theansonborough.com; (843) 723-1655
Momentum challenges players to build a Rube Goldberg machine, collaboratively.
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. Mention code Client10. Descriptions of some of the games is enough to ignite the competitive edge lit. There’s Momentum, which challenges teams build a Rube Goldberg machine and trade mini-game points for bonus parts. In A Minute 2 Win It, ordinary office supplies stoke the competition in 60-second increments. Check them all out.
Gaylord Palms’ ice! presents Polar Express this holiday season in Kissimmee, FL
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.
Book a meeting through the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board (Montgomery County, PA) to receive a room rebate starting at $5 per night, complimentary planning support, and access to more than 80 hotels, unique venues, and world-class attractions.
(610) 834.1550; meet@valleyforge.org
Islands of Adventure Grinchmas holiday tour package on sale.
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?
Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach has an offer for groups.
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 minimum 50 rooms on peak for stays between now and Dec. 31. DBACVB Director of Sales, Brenda Redmon, bredmon@daytonabeach.com, (386) 255-0415, ext. 134.
Spa Rosa at Tommy Bahamas Miramonte Resort & Spa has a relaxing offer.
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
Southwest Louisiana is a birders’ dream. Photo by Jamie Breauxis Photography.
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.
The beach and pool area at Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa is an enticing asset.
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?
Alfond Collection of Contemporary Art is throughout the Winter Park, FL hotel.
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/
A luau dance and food party at Aulani Resort is just one of the activities.
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 celebrates its Centennial Year with a 5% rebate.
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?
Aspen, CO pledge to sustain the environment.
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
Universal Helios Grand Hotel a Loews Hotel
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
Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa has incentive offers for new group business.
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/
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
COMPETITIONS & AWARDS
Share what love and marriage mean to you and enter for your chance to celebrate your wedding in The Bahamas. One couple will have their wedding journey captured on camera and transformed over five days, from the planning and preparations to the food, music, ceremony and celebration as part of I DO: In Destination, a new destination wedding series celebrating love, culture and unforgettable wedding experiences. Follow @journynow (instagram) and @journytv (TikTok). Repost the official casting video on Instagram or TikTok. In the caption, share what love and marriage mean to you. Tag JOURNY TV, @visitthebahamas and @atlantisbahamas and use the hashtag #IDOINDESTINATION
NEW OR COMING IN THE NEAR FUTURE
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/
Bridge in the clouds, Little Rock, AR. courtesy of the Clinton Foundation.
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.
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
Signia Restore Physical Recovery Rreset Zone. Rrendering credit to Rottet Sstudio
According to Luxury Travel Advisor publication, Signia by Hilton is introducing Signia Restore, an integrated wellness concept combining high-performance fitness, advanced recovery treatments, personalized guidance, and curated retail. The new concept begins at Signia by Hilton Indianapolis in January. The story says that in addition to individual sessions, Signia Restore will encourage private buyouts designed for executive retreats, leadership summits, incentive programs, and team gatherings. The Indianapolis, IN property will feature an 800-room tower, nearly 100,000 sf of meeting space, which includes a 50,000-f ballroom with direct skywalk access to the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium. The company bets “that the convention traveler who spends three days in a ballroom is now the same person who wants a cold plunge before the evening reception,” according to the article.
https://www.luxurytraveladvisor.com/hotels/hilton-adds-wellness-and-fitness-amenities-events-minded-signia-brand?
OCVIBE Concert Hall should open early 2027 in Anaheim, CA.
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.
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.
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.
PUTTING THE FUN INTO YOUR VACATION
There are a variety of reasons people go on vacations with business groups, family or friends, but at the root of planning that getaway is the intent to have fun. Personal finance company WalletHub decided to encourage that outcome by surveying which American states offer the most fun. WalletHub compared the 50 states across 26 key metrics. The data set ranges from movie costs to the accessibility of national parks to nightlife options per capita. The question of much fun one will be able to afford was posed to WalletHub expert commentators. “Total spending is still on track to hit a record: U.S. travel spending will reach 1.37 trillion dollars in 2026 and 1.42 trillion dollars in 2027,” said Andrew Burnstine, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Lynn University. “What’s changing underneath those numbers is trip behavior. The U.S Travel Association’s own research anticipates travelers shifting toward shorter and cheaper trips this year as inflation works through household budgets… The trip survives. The upgrades don’t.” Marybeth Gasman, Distinguished Professor, Rutgers University – New Brunswick, believes people will take “shorter trips, driving instead of flying, doing ‘staycations’ closer to home, and finding ways to cut down on hotels and food.” She thinks the results will be that “cities and states that offer the most options will attract more visitors.” How did states rank with those surveyed? Here are the top 20, with California in first place. Florida, Illinois, Nevada, New York, Colorado, Washington, Texas, Minnesota, Arizona, Oregon, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Ohio, Wisconsin, Missouri, Maryland, Michigan, and Georgia.
https://wallethub.com/edu/most-fun-states/34665
FESTIVALS
Now thru Oct. 31: Heartland Country Corn Maze (Sioux Falls, ID). Every Fri-Sun. 11 acres. Maze Map & a list of questions in hand, find your way to 10 checkpoints which contain answers. Find the Hidden checkpoint and receive a FREE treat from the Concession Barn. Cash or check.
https://www.experiencesiouxfalls.com/events/heartland-country-corn-maze-3
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.
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/
Oct. 15-18: World Food Championships, at Indiana State Fairgrounds. Culinary Combine debuts at this competition.
https://worldfoodchampionships.com/
Oct. 16-17: The Paranormal Society of Savannah hosts Paranor-Macon 2026, a two-day convention exploring paranormal phenomena, cryptids, UFOs and other unexplained mysteries, at the Macon Marriott City Center. Hands-on workshops and special programs will include “Paranormal Investigating 101,” “How to Hunt for Bigfoot” and psychic gallery readings. Programs designed for experienced investigators as well as those who are simply curious
www.Paranor-Macon.com; (912) 429-3059.
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.
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.