GREAT IDEAS!
Rally for Good Series
Participation drives enthusiasm among Middle Georgia nonprofits to use the power of fun, teamwork, and united purpose to fundraise and ultimately to make a positive impact on their respective communities through the Rally for Good series, now in its second year. The program brings together pickleball, fundraising, partnerships and tournament events. Deadline to apply this year is Oct. 30. There are too many categories, competitions for all skill and age levels to describe them all here. The important part is that it brings companies, associations, cities, and individuals together to support their community and have a great time doing it. Check it out for yourself.
What planners should know about food safety.
‘What Meeting Planners Should Know About Food Safety Before Signing a Venue Contract’ is an excellent article written by Reina Herschdorfer, Director of Marketing, National Meetings & Events, Caesars Entertainment from an interview conducted with Chef Eric Vaughn, Executive Director of Culinary Operations, Banquets Las Vegas Region. The article asks five major food safety questions planners should ask during the RFP process. What are the professional food-safety certifications, recent health inspection results, allergen-management protocols, temperature-control standards, supplier vetting, product traceability, and recall response? How do large event venues manage food allergies and dietary restrictions? What happens if a food recall affects my event? How do large banquet operations keep food safe for thousands of attendees? How should planners communicate dietary needs and food-safety concerns before an event? The answers to those questions and the reasons why these issues are increasingly vital to the success of an event are outlined. Read the whole article for yourself.
https://www.caesars.com/meetings/meeting-insights/food-safety-for-meeting-planners?
Often the best ideas begin by flipping your perspective to be open-minded to approaches with which you are unfamiliar. Best Corporate Events & Teambuilding suggests doing exactly that: instead of picking a venue and then making an event work within that venue, define the goals of the event and then pick the program and venue most appropriate. Some of the 17 goals the Palm Harbor, FL company suggests: is this for CSR, celebrating achievements, integrating new hires, education, motivation, or any combination of goals?
(800) 849.8326; Sales@BestCorporateEvents.com
HOT DEALS SAVE YOU $$$$
Florida residents excusive offer: Pre-book an air-inclusive vacation for Nov. 9 – 16 travel for three consecutive nights or more at a participating Out Islands hotel in The Bahamas and receive a $250 Air Credit. Eligible Balearia packages also qualify. Restrictions do apply.
https://www.myoutislands.com/bahamas-vacation-packages/florida-residents-250-air-credit?
Nightime activities at Legacy Golf Course in the Lanier Islands Resort (GA)
Book a qualifying meeting by Dec. 31 at Lanier Islands Resort (GA) and receive a free teambuilding experience, such as a resort cart scavenger hunt, cardboard regatta, or escape room in a box. The 1,200-acre resort along Lake Lanier has more than 38,000 sf of flexible meeting space.
(678) 318-2027; https://www.lanierislands.com/atlanta_meeting_hotels/meeting-packages/?
Florida residents have til Oct. 3 to save 35% on select Disney Resorts Collection hotel bookings for stays of four or more nights. Save 30% for one – three night bookings.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/special-offers/florida-resident-summer-2026-room-offer/
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.
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaiʻi has an offer for stays in early 2027.
Save Up to 25% on select stays of five or more nights at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaiʻi. This offer is valid Jan. 3 – Mar. 31 (with checkout no later than Apr. 1). Limit two (2) rooms or villas per reservation, and occupancy restrictions apply per room or villa. Not valid on suites and 3-Bedroom Grand Villas, or on previously booked rooms or villas.
https://www.disneyaulani.com/rooms-offers/special-offers/2027-winter-room-offer
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
Jacksonville, FL has an incentive program for planners who book a participating hotel and featured off-site venue that offers from $250 – $1,000 in rewards, depending on the number of room nights booked. Rooms must be booked by Dec. 31 through the Visit Jacksonville VIP (Venue Incentive Program)
www.visitJacksonville.com/meetings
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
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
Win a romantic trip to The Bahamas
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
Spirits & Song at the Piedmont Grand Opera House
For the first time and one night only (Oct. 17), Visit Macon and The Piedmont Grand Opera House are offering a never-before-offered experience ‘behind the curtain’ of Macon, GA’s most elegant and storied theatrical landmarks. Macon Beyond: Spirits & Song will bring together paranormal investigation, Appalachian balladry, Southern storytelling, and a few spirits of both supernatural and drinkable varieties, beginning with a BBQ provided by Mercer University’s catering. Music will then be provided by The Creek FM / streamthecreek.com featuring Appalachian ballad singers, “The Nest of Singing Birds.” The evening continues with a paranormal investigation experience, hosted by actor/producer Carrie Genzel, known for roles in horror television and film, including The Walking Dead.
carriegenzel@gmail.com; mrodgers@visitmacon.org,; or the Executive Director, Piedmont Grand Opera House, Julia Morrison, at (478) 301-2933; morrison_j@mercer.edu.
Tampa Airport Marriott located inside the Tampa International Airport (TPA) has been fully renovated. The hotel has 25,000 sf of indoor & outdoor venues, including the Hillsborough Grand Ballroom (for up to 700) and rooftop event space with 360-degree views of the Tampa Bay (FL) skyline.
(813) 732-0735; Kacey.Foote@marriott.com
Mobile (AL) International Airport, located on the Mobile Bay within the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley, will open in the Spring. The airport terminal is off I-10.
https://www.mobileairportauthority.com/
Kimpton Tres Rios – All Inclusive
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants has opened Kimpton Tres Ríos – All Inclusive in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, the boutique hotel brand’s first all-inclusive. Set along the Cancún-Tulum corridor near Playa del Carmen, the IHG-affiliated resort is situated within a 340-acre nature preserve. Three freshwater rivers, 10 cenotes, mangroves and eco-trails offer kayaking and guided nature experiences. There are seven restaurants and five bars including Italian fare at Bacetto, Asian at Kotori, Mediterranean restaurant Elaia and an adults-only rooftop bar Nebbia which will open in 2027. The resort has a 10,000-sg Kej Spa, with rituals inspired by Mayan traditions, including temazcal and a cenote-themed signature treatment.
https://www.ihg.com/kimptonhotels/hotels/us/en/tres-rios-riviera-maya/pcmht/hoteldetail?
Eventeny (Peachtree Corners, GA) has a new management system to organize and manage a company or events’ guests, travel schedules, room bookings, guest profiles, and conflict resolution. The company also is launching a new program to build a company’s entire event using the materials already in place. The client reviews, tweaks, and hits launch.
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/
Best Corporate Events & Teambuilding have new “give back” charity programs catered to the group and need. Programs include STEM backpacks for Kids; Bike Build donation; and Fostering Hope, preparing duffel bags, comfort items, and a note for a child entering foster care tonight. There are also Cancer Comfort Care Packs; Literacy for Little Ones (providing books for children up to five years old); and Mini Golf Build & Food Donations.
(800) 849.8326; Sales@BestCorporateEvents.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.ess, 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.
HAPPIEST STATES IN AMERICA?????
When personal finance company, WalletHub, conducted their survey on the Happiest States in America, their data set ranged from the depression rate and the share of adults feeling productive to income growth and the unemployment rate. According to Abbie Lambert, Ph.D. Associate Professor, University of Central Oklahoma–one of the experts cited by WalletHub, “A happy life is built on meaningful relationships, a sense of purpose, personal growth, good health, and enough autonomy to make choices that reflect your values. Happiness is less about constant positivity and more about feeling connected, supported, and fulfilled.” Marybeth Gasman, Distinguished Professor, Rutgers University (New Brunswick), happiness doesn’t mean “feeling joy every day. However, it means that you are working toward a life that is fulfilling and will buoy you even when life throws you punches.” Wellness, mental health are topics that permeate conferences, web zines, and educational sessions, so I find it interesting to explore how others perceive what happiness is and how to achieve it. Several of the experts cited say where one lives influences happiness, although Debra Kelly, Assistant Professor, Carthage College, said “Another powerful driver of happiness is the cultivation of strong social connections. Communities can support the development of these connections by investing in spaces that bring people together” such as Community centers, libraries, sports venues, and public parks. Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst, isn’t surprised that Hawaii scored highest. “Hawaii is the happiest state, with residents reporting the highest levels of life satisfaction in the nation and the second-lowest depression rate. In addition, around 84% of Hawaiian adults report that they are in good or better health, the 12th-best percentage in the nation, and Hawaiians have the highest life expectancy in the U.S. To top things off, Hawaii has one of the lowest unemployment rates, as well as the third-highest share of households with an annual income above $75,000.” So which states filled out the rest of the top 20 states with the happiest population? New Jersey, Utah, Idaho, Maryland, Nebraska, Connecticut, Minnesota, California, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Massachusetts, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Arizona, Georgia, Washington, and Iowa.
https://wallethub.com/edu/happiest-states/6959
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
Now thru Oct. 31 (on weekends): Fall Festival at Country Apple Orchard (Sioux Falls, SD). Pick apples in the orchard, enjoy fun and entertainment with over 20 attractions, and eat some fresh apple pie, apple crisp, apple cider, hot chocolate, etc
https://www.experiencesiouxfalls.com/articles/fall-events-guide?utm_source
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.
Now thru Nov. 21: EPCOT Food & Wine Festival.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/epcot/epcot-international-food-and-wine-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 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.