Industry

Experts

The Rise of Hacking and How to Fight Back

Credit card hacking is a frustrating and scary experience for all victims, but especially for meeting and event planners who often must pay for goods and services with a credit card. It's important to understand why it's happening so frequently.

Industry Stats

Hilton Annual Trends Report Predicts 2025 to Be the “Year of the Travel Maximizer”

The 2025 Trends Report uncovers what has been simmering for years – the intersection of work and play; of relaxation and adventure; of being alone but together. Travelers don't just want to choose their own adventure – they want to maximize every moment of their time away.

Experts

Free Is a Four-Letter Word

In the heart of Rome, the Trevi Fountain, a marvel of Baroque architecture, has long been a symbol of free, accessible beauty. However, a proposal to charge a fee for visiting the iconic site signals a growing trend that's making it increasingly challenging for meeting and incentive planners to incorporate free travel experiences into their programs.

Industry Planner Resources

DOT Approves Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines Merger

The merger between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines has taken a major step forward, receiving crucial approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). As meeting and event planners gear up for upcoming events, the implications of this merger could offer both challenges and opportunities for travel logistics.

Industry Hotel & Resort Companies

Hyatt Expands Lifestyle Hotel Portfolio

In a move that will significantly expand its presence in the lifestyle hospitality sector, Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the acquisition of Standard International and most of its brands.

Experts

Devil or Angel: How Social Responsibility Impacts Meeting Destinations

While location, cost, and amenities undoubtedly remain paramount in the minds of meeting planners, the tide is slowly turning. A company or destination's commitment to social responsibility is increasingly becoming a powerful differentiator in the competitive landscape of event hosting.

Experts

Going for the Gold

While your next corporate conference might not rival the Olympics in terms of sheer magnitude, the strategies employed by the organizers offer invaluable insights for event planners of all stripes.

Industry Association News

Associations: The Unsung Heroes Powering America’s Economy

In a landmark study, the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) has unveiled the most comprehensive data to date on the economic contributions of associations across the United States.

Industry Planner Resources

Southwest Airlines Overhauls Customer Experience

In a landmark shift for the airline industry, Southwest Airlines Co. (SWA) today announced a series of transformative initiatives aimed at elevating the customer experience, boosting financial performance, and driving shareholder value. The Dallas-based carrier, known for its open-seating policy, will introduce assigned seats and premium seating options in 2025, as well as launch redeye flights starting in February 2025.

Industry Planner Resources

Delta’s Response to Global Tech Outage Under Fire

U.S. Department of Transportation opens probe into the airline’s handling of flight cancellations A software glitch earlier this month plunged the world into technological chaos, impacting flights, financial firms, news outlets, hospitals, businesses, and government agencies. In the aftermath, Delta Air Lines (DL) finds itself under scrutiny as the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) launches […]