Vince Alonzo

Technology

AI Takes Center Stage at WTM London

Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to reshape the meetings and events landscape, offering exciting opportunities to enhance efficiency, personalize experiences, and drive sustainability. This was the key takeaway from the recent World Travel Market (WTM) Ministers’ Summit at World Travel Market London, where industry leaders and government officials convened to discuss the future of AI in tourism.

Incentives

SITE Crystal Award Case Study: Hotel Buyout Builds Community

Synergy Effect, an Oceania-based incentive travel firm, demonstrated the power of a full hotel takeover with a recent program for a building industry client, generating impressive sales figures and fostering a stronger sense of community. By transforming their Queenstown hotel into the exclusive "Pinnacle Lodge," Synergy created an immersive environment for 150 top-performing qualifiers.

Industry Planner Resources

Spirit Airlines: Turbulence Ahead

Spirit Airlines, the budget carrier known for its no-frills travel, filed for bankruptcy on November 18. This development has sent ripples through the travel sector, raising concerns about its implications for the meetings and events industry, which heavily relies on affordable air travel for attendees.

Experts

Strange Bedfellows

When their room inventory ran out, the organizers and attendees of the 2024 UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16) in Cali, Columbia had a romantic rendezvous with resourcefulness. Many of the overflow the only accommodations left in the city: "love motels."

Event Design

Delegates Gone Wild

When the world's environmental leaders descended on Cali, Colombia for the 2024 UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16), the city faced an unexpected challenge: where to house them all. With traditional hotels overflowing, event organizers turned to a novel solution – Cali's famed "love motels."

Destinations

Virginia’s Meetings and Conventions Industry Roars Back to Life

Virginia's meetings and conventions industry has made a triumphant return, exceeding pre-pandemic levels of spending and solidifying its position as a vital contributor to the state's economy. According to a new report released by the Virginia Tourism Corporation, meetings and conventions generated a staggering $5.8 billion in direct spending in 2023, with visitors alone contributing $2.1 billion.

Destinations

Reviving a Legend: The Return of the Astrodome

In a bold move to revive Houston’s iconic Astrodome, a new redevelopment plan has been unveiled, promising to transform the long-abandoned structure into a vibrant hub for events and entertainment.

Best Practices

NYC Hotels Get a Safety Makeover

New York City is stepping up its efforts to protect hotel workers and guests with the recently enacted Safe Hotels Act. Signed into law by Mayor Eric Adams, the legislation introduces a range of new requirements for hotel operators, from mandatory panic buttons for staff to increased security measures and even a guarantee of daily housekeeping.

Experts

Unseen Heroes: Share Your Inspiring Event Stories

Meeting and event planners are the unseen heroes behind every successful gathering, transforming visions into reality with their creativity, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Now, it's your time to shine. We're calling on event professionals everywhere to share their most inspiring stories.

Destinations

Miami Beach Moves Forward with Convention Center Hotel

n a strategic move that promises to reshape the landscape for meetings and conventions in South Florida, Miami Beach has approved a significant investment in a new Convention Center Hotel.