Vince Alonzo
Hilton Revamps Its EventReady Playbook
Hilton is doubling down on its commitment to empower planners with the reintroduction of its enhanced EventReady Playbook. The hospitality giant is providing a suite of updated tools and resources to help organizers craft impactful and memorable experiences.
MGM and Marriott Offer Planners and Attendees Dual Loyalty Perks
MGM Resorts and Marriott International have added powerful new incentives for those booking meetings and events across Las Vegas and beyond. Under the MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy umbrella, the two hospitality giants are rolling out expanded loyalty benefits designed to reward both planners and attendees—a rare dual-track approach in the industry.
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.
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 […]
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"
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
