Vince Alonzo

Destinations

Will Room Tax Increase Keep Meetings Out of Hawaii?

Hawaii is rolling out a first-of-its-kind lodging tax aimed squarely at funding climate resilience and environmental preservation—leaving the meetings and events industry to weigh the long-term benefits against rising costs.

Destinations

7 Budget-Friendly U.S. Cities for Meetings in 2025

From beach towns to inland gems, planners can find strong value without sacrificing quality With hotel rates hitting record highs in many major cities, event planners are taking a closer look at second-tier destinations that offer big savings without compromising on amenities or accessibility. As of 2025, several U.S. cities are standing out for their […]

Industry Technology

AI Arrives to Streamline Event Contracts

The often-clogged arteries of commerce – contracts – are about to get a high-tech intervention. Docusign, a leader in the digital signatures space, is stepping into the age of artificial intelligence, unveiling a suite of "AI contract agents"

Incentives

Jungle Fever

Naviva, a Four Seasons Resort, in Punta Mita, Mexico, presents a unique opportunity with its resort buyout experiences that grant top achievers exclusive access to 48 acres of pristine, oceanside jungle, a secluded coastline, and a level of personalized service that redefines luxury.

Industry Stats

Balloon Payments

The recently released Global DMC Partners (GDP) Meetings & Events Pulse Survey, finds that budgets have tightened in 2025. Downward trending budgets and rising costs is one of the key challenges facing the industry this year.

Best Practices

Join the Club

Finding truly "affordable" members-only clubs in major cities can be challenging, as many tend to cater to a more affluent demographic. However, there are some options that might be considered more accessible or offer different tiers of membership that could be relatively more affordable than the most exclusive clubs.

Destinations

Tariff Turmoil Threatens Convention Center Development

The construction and renovation of hotels and convention centers — already an expensive, complex endeavor — are now facing an even more precarious landscape thanks to the rollercoaster of U.S. tariff policy.

Experts

Stage Presence

Regional theaters around the country might be an inexpensive source of on-site entertainment for meetings and events. For example, instead of a generic awards dinner, your attendees could enjoy a bespoke performance by a local company, tailored to your event's theme.

Event Design

Event Horizon

A new report from the Events Industry Council (EIC) warns planners to brace for a complex and evolving landscape. The "Futures Landscape Report 2025," released this week, identifies 12 critical themes poised to reshape the industry, urging professionals to adopt a proactive, rather than reactive, approach.

Event Design

How to Hire Broadway-Type Talent on a Budget

Tapping into regional theater talent can transform entertainment at meetings and events Long considered the soul of local arts communities, regional theaters are a valuable resource of professional talent perfectly suited for events in need of atmosphere, energy, and a spark of the unexpected. Whether it’s a gala, a corporate retreat, or a closing night […]