Vince Alonzo
The Big Beautiful Bill: Not Too Pretty for Meetings
Brand USA’s budget slashed—visa costs skyrocketing—CVB support drying up—planners now face a new era of doing more with less—and doing it without much global goodwill A sweeping new law—the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law on July 4, 2025—is poised to reshape how meetings and events are funded and supported at the […]
Lost in Abbreviation: Surviving Acronym Overload in Meetings and Events
From RFPs to ROI, planners are drowning in industry lingo. Hotels, vendors, clients, DMOs, AV teams—they all have their own shorthand. Time to resurface with a little clarity.
The Waldorf Astoria Returns
When the Waldorf Astoria New York reopens in the coming months after an eight-year, top-to-bottom renovation, it won’t just mark the return of a legendary hotel. It will set a new standard for incentive and corporate meetings in New York City.
Hilton Adding 2,000 Rooms in Hawaii
Hilton’s aggressive expansion in the islands is giving planners even more options to design programs that fit diverse budgets and participant preferences while capitalizing on the enduring allure of the Aloha State.
Stuck at the Airport? Here’s How Planners and Attendees Can Manage Flight Delays
Flight delays and cancellations are a reality of travel—and for meeting planners and attendees, they can quickly derail carefully crafted schedules, cause missed connections, and add stress to what should be productive trips. But with preparation, patience, and a few smart strategies, you can protect your plans—and your peace of mind—when disruptions strike.
Navigating Geopolitical Risks: A Guide for Association Meeting Planners
A new white paper from The Hague & Partners Convention Bureau and the European Society of Association Executives (ESAE) outlines how geopolitical instability is no longer a temporary disruption — it’s the new operating environment for associations and the meetings they convene.
PCMA Launches AI Tool for Faster Destination Research for Planners
For planners tired of wading through outdated brochures, conflicting Google searches, and endless “dates, rates, and space” spreadsheets — help has arrived. Destinaitor, launched by the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) in partnership with dFakto, promises to streamline destination and venue research for business event strategists.
Stop Slipping Off Shoes, Start Slipping Up On Security?
Flights are delayed more often than ever, weather disruptions are worsening, and the system is creaking under the strain of pilot shortages and overburdened air traffic controllers. Yet even as the journey itself becomes harder, the push to make airport security more convenient is accelerating.
Why Planners Are Prioritizing Experience, Flexibility, and Authentic Venues
The latest Meeting Room of The Future report from International Association of Conference Centers (IACC), marking its 10th anniversary, reveals that planners are leaning into experience-centric design, flexible spaces, and the emotional connection of live gatherings.
Why Pizza Deserves a Spot on Your Event Agenda
Pizza can be a powerful tool for planners looking to add authenticity to events. Here’s how to turn a slice into an unforgettable experience Every year, the 50 Top Pizza USA rankings spark debate about where to find the best pizza in America. In the 2025 edition of this respected international ranking, Una Pizza Napoletana […]
