MEETING PLANNER RESOURCES
First-Time U.S. Passport Applications to Move Online
U.S. passport applications will move online by 2027, potentially making international travel preparation easier for planners.
Deaf Baristas Are Changing the Language of Hospitality
Marriott’s Silent Baristas program creates hospitality careers for Deaf employees while helping hotels rethink guest communication.
A Standout Dining Experience
Donald Contorsi, President of Lip Smacking Foodie Tours, on how to bring the wow to a corporate group dining experience.
IN DEMAND
Calgary Makes Its Case: Bigger Meetings, Better Value
Calgary is making a bigger play for meetings with expanded convention space, a $2 billion urban transformation, strong U.S. air access and budget-friendly value.
American Airlines Plans Its Largest Admirals Club at Charlotte Airport
American Airlines will build its largest Admirals Club at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, adding more than 40,000 sf of premium space for travelers.
Tampa Offers a Tempting Meeting Incentive Suite
Visit Tampa Bay has a four-part suite of perks and programs to incentivize groups to bring their meetings and events to town.
SITES
Hilton Opens New Curio Collection Resort on Kauaʻi
Hale Hōkūala Kauaʻi, Curio Collection by Hilton, is located near Lihue Airport and offers 210 guest rooms and more than 14,000 sf of flexible indoor and outdoor event space.
EXPERT ADVICE
The Exchange Turns Weeks of Speaker Sourcing Into One Day
Chicago’s The Exchange brings 28 certified speakers and 100 vetted meeting planners together for a day of direct connections.
Putting AI to Work For You
Of all the changes reshaping event planning, AI may have the biggest impact on the day-to-day work of planners. But questions about where it fits into your toolbox remain: ...
Smarter Incentives, Stronger ImpactIncentive travel is becoming more focused and more thoughtful. It’s no longer just about sending top performers somewhere impressive—it’s about creating experiences that feel meaningful and worthwhile.
Florida: A Brighter Way to MeetSunshine isn’t Florida’s only attraction—the state’s meetings industry dazzles with options. From cosmopolitan convention spaces to magical event venues near world-famous theme parks and a hospitality culture that knows how to impress, Florida delivers exceptional meeting and incentive experiences.
Women in Meetings & IncentivesWhat do women want? Sigmund Freud famously asked that question nearly a hundred years ago. And though the now-debunked psychologist never found an answer for himself, we have some answers about what women in the meeting and incentive planning industries want—to be paid equally.
Sustainable Meetings Guide (2025)Anyone who’s been watching the industry for the past 10 years knows that sustainable practices at events have gone from being a secondary concern to a top priority for meetings and the venues they use.
