Vince Alonzo

Destinations

Orlando’s OCCC Bets Big with $560M Expansion

Orlando's Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) is gearing up for a major transformation, announcing the commencement of its $560-million Grand Concourse Expansion in 2026, with completion slated for 2029.

Event Design

Six Flags Unleashes Event-Sized DC Universe

In a move aimed at capturing the lucrative market of corporate events and large-scale gatherings, Six Flags Fiesta Texas has unveiled the largest DC Universe themed area in any U.S. amusement park.

Incentives

The Truth About Incentive Award Budgets

When it comes to employee and channel partner motivation, the Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) has unveiled a crucial finding: more isn't always better.

Industry Association News

Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) 2025

On Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) 2025, April 3rd, the industry celebrated with a global movement highlighting the impact of meetings, trade shows, conferences, and events, featuring events, open houses, and advocacy efforts across six continents.

Best Practices

Walking the Tariff Tightrope

The meetings, events, and hospitality industries are facing a shifting economic reality as tariffs on essential materials like steel, aluminum, and gasoline continue their upward trajectory. From escalating construction costs for venues to soaring expenses for transportation and logistics, event planners and developers are grappling with a new cost landscape.

Experts

Navigating the Shifting Sands

The current climate, marked by evolving policies and a dynamic communication landscape, presents a unique set of challenges for meeting and event planners. Much like brands navigating executive orders, meeting professionals must learn to maneuver through uncertainty.

Experts

What this Year’s Oscars Teach Us About Hiring Speakers

When planning an event, securing a compelling speaker is paramount. Yet, the allure of "authenticity" often leads planners astray. Picture Adrien Brody at the Oscars, his spontaneous gum toss is a stark reminder that unfiltered self-expression, while perhaps memorable, isn't always professional.

Best Practices

The Disabled Attendees Guide to Air Travel

For disabled attendees, careful planning and proactive communication can make a significant difference. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you assist them when flying to your event.

Event Design

Ditch the Daylight

A new travel trend, "noctourism," is illuminating the event planning world, offering attendees unique, immersive experiences that go beyond the typical daytime agenda. Noctourism, or nocturnal tourism, is all about embracing the magic of the night, and it's poised to revolutionize how we think about events.

Incentives

Wyndham Launches Industry-First Rewards Debit Card

Wyndham Rewards has introduced the Wyndham Rewards Debit Card, becoming the first major loyalty program to offer a debit card. For meetings and incentive planners, where every detail counts, this helps ensure every dollar spent brings added value.