Vince Alonzo
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Turning the Skies into a Mobile Meeting Room
For meeting and event planners, the challenge of keeping attendees connected and productive during travel has long been a hurdle. United Airlines (UA) is poised to revolutionize this aspect of event planning with its rapid rollout of Starlink WiFi, promising to transform the in-flight experience.
REAL ID Requirement: What Meeting & Event Planners Need to Know
Starting May 2025, it’s REAL ID or go home for domestic flights As a meeting or event planner, ensuring a seamless travel experience for your attendees is crucial. One major upcoming change could impact domestic travelers heading to your events: starting May 7, 2025, all U.S. airline passengers aged 18 and older will be required […]
Your AI Event Planning Launchpad: A Roadmap for Beginners
If you've yet begin the journey of integrating AI into your workflow, it's essential to have a structured approach. This guide combines key insights and practical tips to help you effectively leverage AI tools for enhancing efficiency, engagement, and personalization in your events.
Moana Surfrider Gets a $70M Makeover
For meeting and event planners seeking a blend of historic charm and modern luxury, in celebration of it 125th anniversary, the Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort & Spa, is undergoing a transformation that promises to elevate the Waikiki experience.
