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Tips & Trends

Nearly half of meeting planners <a target="_blank" href="https://globaldmcpartners.com/sites/default/files/media/files/GDPPulseSurvey2022Q4/2022_GDP%20Q4%20Pulse%20Survey%20Summary%20Report.pdf">surveyed by Global DMC Partners</a> say that their budgets have recently increased, but 70% list higher costs as one of their top challenges. While inflation and rising costs are on everyone's mind these days, getting imaginative to meet a tight budget is where meeting planners shine.
With a little creativity, you can deploy one of your superskills to trim the fat from your budget: scheduling. Here are three ways that smart scheduling can help you meet your budgetary goals.

<h3>Go for a Monday Start</h3>
You probably know that midweek meetings can add value to your budget compared with meetings that overlap a weekend. But there’s one exception: By starting your meeting on a Monday, necessitating Sunday travel for attendees, you can get the best rates of all. (Sundays are usually the lowest-booked day for hotels, resulting in lower rates.)
Historically, Monday meetings haven’t been popular among planners for the very reason that they’re low-cost—people don’t like to travel for business on a weekend. But that attitude might be outdated. Organizations across the board are struggling with budgets, so delegates may be more willing to travel on a weekend to meet their own event spend. Plus, with 89% of business travelers saying they want to add leisure time onto business trips <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ahla.com/sites/default/files/AHLA%20SOTI%20Report%202022%201.24.22.pdf">according to the American Hotel &amp; Lodging Association</a>, Sundays might even be desirable.
 
<h3>Rotate Locations Wisely</h3>
Going to destinations off-season can save you money, but delegates of annual conventions might wise up to this tactic. Consider booking destinations for your less significant events off-season (Colorado in summer, Boston in winter), with milestone meetings held in peak season—or, as a close alternative, shoulder season. Splashing out flagship meetings such as organizational or event anniversaries (“Tenth Annual Convention”) can be as simple as hosting it in a prime destination; it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to spend big in other areas. Simply by being at a desirable destination at the most desirable time of year, the event becomes more memorable.
 
<h3>Consider Multiyear Meeting Agreements</h3>
Why schedule four meetings four times when you can schedule all four at once? When you work with a venue on a <a target="_blank" href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/news-and-highlights/article/361/three-big-reasons-to-consider-a-multiyear-agreement">multiyear meeting agreement</a>, not only do you get the peace of mind of having secured venue space, you’re also likelier to get a better deal by having locked in a desirable rate. Plus, as your relationship with the venue matures year over year, the venue will better understand your needs, which can lead to better value overall.

Global

Cost-Cutting Isn’t Just About What You Buy. It’s About When You Buy.

Smart Scheduling Can Rescue Your Budget

Celebrate

From the dawn of time, humans have been drawn to gather together near water. Today, our instinct to meet near water isn’t about survival—but the sense of togetherness that comes from sharing companionship and connection at one of Earth’s most bountiful elements means that we still flock to lakeside retreats, ocean beaches, and poolside parties.&nbsp;
That makes water a meeting planner’s secret weapon. At a time when event attendance is still struggling to return to pre-pandemic levels, hosting a meeting at a venue known for its water features can be an added draw for delegates.&nbsp;
But it’s not just about boosting attendance. Being in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/act.2019.29228.jha">“blue space”</a> brings health and social benefits that are particularly conducive to meeting planners’ goals, including reduced stress and deeper social interactions.
Gaylord Hotels and Resorts in particular are known for their water features, but the entire Marriott Bonvoy portfolio has a wealth of aquatic delights for planners to choose from. Whether your meeting is best suited for a tranquil lakeside retreat, boisterous water park fun after-hours, or beachfront access for post-session unwinding, bringing a little H2O to your event can strengthen your meeting’s mission—and add a lot of joy.

<h2>Indoor-Outdoor Gathering Spots: Four Beachside Properties</h2>
<ul>
 <li><a target="_blank" href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/tour/HNLMC">Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort &amp; Spa</a>: A champion of indoor-outdoor meetings, this resort offers attendees a uniquely Hawaiian way to connect with water—and with each other. The resort’s ʻauʻaukai ceremony, stemming from the belief of early Hawaiians who used it for renewal and connection, incorporates practices of purification via ocean water and is performed at sea. After team members return from their meetings, held in more than 30,000 square feet of event space, they can participate in the ceremony and emerge with a clearer focus on mutual goals.</li>
 <li><a target="_blank" href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/tour/MRKFL">JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort</a>: More than 140,000 square feet of event space spread over 62 rooms. Three miles of private beach along the Gulf of Mexico. Two championship-level golf courses. How could any meeting here be less than a success?</li>
 <li><a target="_blank" href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/tour/MIASB">The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach</a>: This restored landmark hotel offers private daybeds at the pool—and access to Miami’s world-famed South Beach, complete with white sand. There’s room for business, too: Attendees can gather in more than 20,000 square feet of event space, and meetings can culminate in the 10,000-square-foot art deco ballroom.</li>
 <li><a target="_blank" href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/tour/CUNJW">JW Marriott Cancun Resort &amp; Spa</a>: Spectacular for meetings with outdoor components (but no slouch in indoor spaces, with eight event rooms), the beachside hotel grants attendees access to a resplendent Caribbean beach.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Intimate Meetings, Massive Galas, and Everything In Between: Five Pool-Forward Properties</h2>
<ul>
 <li><a target="_blank" href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/tour/HOUMQ">Marriott Marquis Houston</a>: The Lone Star State gets Texas-sized treatment here, with a Texas-shaped lazy river alongside a rooftop infinity pool and whirlpool. With more than 153,000 square feet of meeting space and 52 event rooms, the Marriott Marquis Houston would already be a draw for planners. Add in the Altitude Rooftop &amp; Pool deck with panoramic views of downtown Houston, and meetings are primed for success.</li>
 <li><a target="_blank" href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/tour/MCORZ">The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/tour/MCOJW">JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes</a>: These two neighboring properties can work as a pair. The Ritz-Carlton offers more than 147,000 square feet of meeting space, a day spa, and a lap pool. Attendees craving more water features have access to the Grande Lakes Waterpark—complete with lazy river, waterslides, and Jacuzzis—at JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes (which has more than 100,000 square feet of flexible indoor space and another 100,000-plus square feet of outdoor space as well).</li>
 <li><a target="_blank" href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/tour/PHXWS">The Westin Kierland Resort &amp; Spa</a>: Surf’s up—in Scottsdale, Arizona, thanks to a flow-board simulator that lets attendees “surf” in the desert. For those not ready to hang loose, there’s the pool, a 110-foot waterslide, and a lazy river. And with 41 event rooms encompassing more than 200,000 square feet of meeting space, it’s not all about catching waves.&nbsp;</li>
 <li><a target="_blank" href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/tour/PSPSR">Renaissance Esmeralda Resort &amp; Spa</a>: This Indian Wells space in the Greater Palm Springs area hosts midsize events, with space for up to nearly 2,000 attendees. The desert oasis has a sandy “beach” pool and spa amenities, including waterfall spas and a whirlpool.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Riverside Hustle, Lake Getaways, Boating Delights: Three Waterfront Gems</h2>
●	<a target="_blank" href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/tour/SATDT">San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk</a>: Located across from the convention center and right on San Antonio’s world-renowned River Walk, this hotel gives delegates the chance to relax on the riverside Oak Tree Terrace space before ambling to the Alamo Ballroom or any of the other 13 event rooms. (And for those who prefer their water to not be a spectator sport, the indoor pool awaits.)
●	<a target="_blank" href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/tour/AHNRZ">The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee</a>: An Eden of luxury meeting space offering bird-watching and other lake recreational activities, this Georgia property splits its 58,000 square feet of meeting space between 24,000 square feet of indoor rooms and the great outdoors. Executives, incentive awardees, board members—all will return from this tranquil lakeside retreat rejuvenated.
●	<a target="_blank" href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/tour/RSWWI">The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village</a>: Nestled amid 400 miles of navigable canals and waterways, this resort space offers opportunity for attendees to gather outdoors. Not that indoor spaces are ignored: Over 11 event spaces and nearly 30,000 square feet of meeting spaces let attendees take the inspiration that struck them on the canals and turn it into action.

North America

Need a Surefire Way to Help Attendees Connect? Just Add Water

It’s Time to Make a Splash: Water-Friendly Meetings

Educate

Meetings are about the future. That doesn’t mean planners should eschew the past. Choosing a host city that’s rich in history can set a theme—and an intriguing backdrop—for an event, and can help drive attendance. These five destinations are natural settings for rooting your meeting in heritage, while still looking toward what’s ahead.

<h2>Baltimore</h2>
If Washington, D.C., is the obvious choice for mid-Atlantic American history, Baltimore is the sleeper hit whose time has come. The city’s history is embedded in American lore—it boasts more statues and monuments per capita than anywhere else in the United States—making the city feel oddly familiar even to the first-time visitor.
Baltimore’s top attraction, Fort McHenry, is impressive both for its size and its history. When an oversized U.S. flag was hung there in 1814 to signify victory in the Battle of Baltimore, a local lawyer named Francis Scott Key was inspired to pen a poem titled “Defence of Fort M’Henry”—which, when set to music, became “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
The city’s familiarity doesn’t stop there. Remember the “B&amp;O Railroad” square on the Monopoly board? That’s the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and visitors can pop into the <a href="https://www.borail.org/">B&amp;O Railroad Museum</a>. And a stroll with the city’s free <a href="https://baltimore.org/bop-pass/">BoP Pass</a> takes visitors through a tour of Baltimore’s rich Black heritage and history, including an <a href="https://baltimore.org/listings/frederick-douglass-isaac-myers-maritime-park-museum/">interactive experience about the life of Frederick Douglass</a>, murals and monuments for Billie Holiday, and discounts on select <a href="https://baltimore.org/what-to-do/black-owned-businesses/">Black-owned businesses</a>.
The city’s 300,000-square-foot convention center is the largest of its gathering spaces, but multiple Marriott properties offer smaller spaces as well, including <a href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/tour/BWIWF">Baltimore Marriott Waterfront</a>—which happens to be in Fell’s Point, one of Baltimore’s most historic neighborhoods.

<h2>Montreal</h2>
One of the largest French-speaking cities in the world, Montreal was centuries ahead of its time in thinking globally. Its early development as a fur trading center positioned it as a major player in everything from international transportation, the westward expansion of the U.S. and Canada, and the development of global finance.
That internationalist tradition continues today. A true melting pot of European and North American cultures, Montreal is considered one of the world’s great cosmopolitan centers. (In fact, it’s the first North American city to be granted the UNESCO City of Design designation.)
Like any citizen of the world, it knows how to play a gracious host when the time comes, as it did for the Summer Olympics in 1976. Its infrastructure for meetings has kept pace since then: The Palais des Congrès de Montréal convention center can support up to 20,000 users on its Wi-Fi network and has more than 500,000 square feet of meeting space—and it’s just steps away from <a href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/tour/YULLE">Le Westin Montreal</a>, which offers an additional 48,276 square feet of meeting space.

<h2>Doha</h2>
Want to watch history being made—and even be a part of it? Host your next event in Doha. The newest city on this list, Doha’s history may be recent, but that doesn’t make it any less rich than its elders. A humble pearling village as late as the 1930s, Doha exploded in size and wealth in the 1950s with the advent of oil drilling, rocketing from 14,000 inhabitants to more than 80,000 in the span of 20 years.
When Qatar declared independence from Britain in 1971, Doha was named its capital. With its international prominence came international design, including the Museum of Islamic Art, designed by I.M. Pei, and the National Museum of Qatar, designed by Jean Nouvel. But if you and your attendees want a taste of the area’s history, head to the city’s souk, which has been restored with an eye toward preserving the original Bedouin style.
The city’s convention center boasts nearly 100,000 pillar-free square feet that can be spatially customized into five halls, in addition to its 18 meeting rooms. It’s surrounded by accommodations including <a href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/tour/DOHMQ">Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel</a>; <a href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/tour/DOHRZ">The Ritz-Carlton, Doha</a>; <a href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/tour/DOHWH">W Doha</a>; and <a href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/tour/DOHSI">Sheraton Grand Doha Resort &amp; Convention Hotel</a> (which in and of itself has 16 meeting rooms and nearly 95,000 square feet of meeting space).

<h2>Kyoto</h2>
To understand Japanese history, there may be no better destination than Kyoto. For more than a thousand years, Kyoto was the capital of the nation. Tokyo took that title in 1868, but today Kyoto’s 2.5 million residents enjoy the cultural wealth that resulted from its centuries as the heart of Japan. For international attendees, Kyoto offers a particularly rich buffet of Japanese icons such as kabuki theater, tea ceremonies, and samurai culture.
But Kyoto holds another, more subtle sense of history for meeting planners in particular. Much of the world knows of Kyoto through a meeting: the gathering that birthed the Kyoto Protocol. Hosting a meeting in Kyoto can lend an event a sense of gravitas—after all, global, even universal, history was made here. <a href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/tour/UKYAK">The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike, Autograph Collection</a>, situated a seven-minute walk from the Kyoto International Conference Center, hosts an additional 27,000 square feet of meeting space over eight meeting areas.

<h2>Bogota</h2>
The capital of Colombia, Bogota has played a key role in South American history for centuries. Pre-colonial Indigenous groups developed sophisticated metallurgy techniques, thousands of which are on display today in the city’s magnificent Museo del Oro, or gold museum. When the Spanish founded the city in 1538, it became a seat of colonial power on the continent; similarly, when colonial rulers were overthrown in the early 19th century, Bogota served as a gathering place for prominent nationalists.
In the 1980s and early 1990s, Bogota’s political turmoil may have made meeting planners question its suitability as a host city. But the city has worked hard to reclaim its spot on the world stage, investing in security, public transportation, and tourism infrastructure. Today, the city of 11 million is known as an Andean jewel filled with world-class restaurants and art. The <a href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/tour/BOGJW">JW Marriott Hotel Bogota</a> is situated in El Chapinero, the city’s hub of dining destinations, and has capacity for intimate meetings and easy public transportation access to Bogota’s convention center.

Anchor Your Events in Heritage and History.

Five Destinations That Will Make Your Meeting Historic

Stressed much? Statistically speaking, yes, you are. Meeting and event planning has been <a target="_blank" href="https://www.meetingsnet.com/global-events-planning/planners-their-breaking-point">ranked as one of the most stressful jobs</a>—and that was true even before COVID-19 threw large gatherings into near-constant flux. The remedy: self-care. Which you’ve heard before.
Foot rubs! Bubble baths! Yoga! Those are great tools, but they don’t speak to the core of the particular stress of what it’s like to be a meeting planner.
“We’re taking stock in what the industry looks like today and how that affects success,” says Marla Everett, CMP, director, consulting solutions at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.traveletm.com/">Event Travel Management</a>. “Maybe that will help us not be so hard on ourselves.” In 2020, meeting planners were hit with utter chaos; 2021 was a sustained dance of will-they-or-won’t-they. Going forward, meeting planners have the opportunity to shine—but shining is next to impossible if you’re depleted.
Here’s a mini guide, just for meeting planners, on how to make self-care an integral part of your work—not an add-on that you never make time for.
<h3>Self-Care Before Events</h3>
Good news, planners: Your superpowers of organization, planning, and anticipating roadblocks are a form of self-care. By developing a road map to a successful event, you’re giving yourself the gift of knowing that you’re on track with your resources.
At least, that’s the theory. In practice, meticulous planners can turn their superpower into their Achilles’ heel, by letting their organization become a form of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.smartmeetings.com/magazine_article/healthy-world-dont-worry-be-happy">worry</a>, and by refusing to delegate.
To avoid the first pitfall, remind yourself that your planning prowess needs to coexist alongside flexibility. “Planners sort of have to be type A personalities, because we have to have thought of every contingency plan,” Everett says. “But there’s always something that goes awry, so we also have to be the most type B of the type As—when something starts to slide sideways, you have to be able to shift your attention.”
As for delegation as a form of self-care, look at the value of each task on your plate. “There are a lot of tasks that are easy to do, and we get caught up in a mindset of, ‘Oh, that’s easy, it’ll take me five minutes so I’ll just get it done,’” Everett says. “Well, if you add up too many of those, no matter how easy the task is, your plate overflows.”
<ul>
 <li>To help you plan: If you don’t already have a planning template, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.mpi.org/docs/default-source/membership/mpi_practicalmeetingplanningguide.pdf">this MPI checklist</a> can get you started.</li>
 <li>To help you delegate: Learn <a target="_blank" href="https://www.lifehack.org/688325/how-to-delegate-work-the-definitive-guide-for-successful-leaders">when, how, and to whom</a> you can (and should!) hand off tasks.</li>
 <li>Try this: Planners sometimes have a hard time judging when they need to start delegating or saying “no.” Pick a metric or two and use them as a measuring stick. If you’re an inbox-zero champion, maybe your metric is having more than 10 emails in your inbox at any given time. People who are devoted to their to-do lists might notice when a task keeps moving from day to day. When you see those things happening, it’s time to delegate.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Self-Care During Events</h3>
You’ve prepared for this. You’ve planned for this. Now your job is to be in the moment.
Part of being in the moment is trusting that you’ve fulfilled your job, even before the event starts. You’re a meeting planner, remember?
“The biggest sign of success is that as a planner, you’ve planned it well enough to get all the way up to the day before it operates—and then you could disappear and it still runs well,” Everett says. “There’s self-care in respect to having more people know what’s going on so that if something happens, everything can still go as planned.” (Remember that bit about delegation? Yeah, it applies during the meeting too.) Building in some redundancies and leaving a paper trail can help those around you step in when your attention needs to be drawn elsewhere.
Another part of staying in the moment: mindfulness. This might bring up images of yoga and meditation, and sure, that can be part of it. But even if you’re not able to incorporate a full meditation into your big day, you can always take a deep breath with the intent of remembering where you are and why you’re there. In a culture and industry focused on the future, that can be difficult—but it’s also simple.
<ul>
 <li>To ask for help in the moment: Say <a target="_blank" href="https://www.supportiv.com/communication/phrases-to-ask-for-what-you-want">these phrases</a> out loud so that you have language at the ready when you need to ask for help.</li>
 <li>To take a deep breath: Give the one-minute breath a fair shake.</li>
 <li>Try this: A morning ritual can anchor any day, let alone a big day (or a string of them!). It doesn’t have to be something spiritual or out of the ordinary if you don’t want that. It can be sitting down with a cup of coffee, going for a morning walk, or applying makeup with care—whatever makes you feel the most like the successful planner you are.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Self-Care After Events</h3>
Here’s where you get to—and need to—step away from the event for a bit. When you’re so plugged into an event and have been planning it for months or years, it can be difficult to let it go. But it’s important that you do so, because it’s the only way you can refuel your tank for whatever comes next.
The most obvious route here is to take time off. If you’re in control of your schedule, give yourself a couple of comp days after the event’s end. If someone else controls your paid time off, check in before the event about comp days. Then—and this is trickier than it might seem—rest.
Depending on your lifestyle, resting at the event’s venue might be the way to recharge. (After all, if your event venue is associated with accommodations, you’ve probably spent a good deal of time talking it up to attendees—now it’s time to take advantage of that fitness center!) If you have <a target="_blank" href="https://www.marriott.com/loyalty.mi">reward points</a> racked up with a hospitality group, consider using them to treat yourself.
If you have responsibilities at your home that draw you back, do what you can ahead of time to give yourself a break upon return. Use your delegation skills to ask other household members to do simple meal prep or step up on chores. And consider bowing out of social obligations for a few days post-event, giving yourself space to recuperate.
One thing to watch out for: the “letdown effect,” or a funk that arises after a big event, no matter how successful. Remember that it’s normal to feel a little blue after the rush of an event is over—but if it lasts for more than a couple of weeks, you could be looking at something like depression, and it’s best to seek help. Being gentle with yourself during the days and weeks following a major meeting can help you transition back into what you do best: planning for the next big event.
<ul>
 <li>To give yourself true rest: Read up on <a target="_blank" href="https://ideas.ted.com/the-7-types-of-rest-that-every-person-needs/">the seven types of rest</a>—physical, mental, sens ory, creative, emotional, social, and spiritual rest—to make sure you’re giving yourself a well-rounded break. (All the sleep in the world won’t matter if you return to work emotionally depleted.)</li>
 <li>To treat “the letdown effect”: Learn about a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.uwhealth.org/news/crash-landing-coping-with-post-event-blues">full-spectrum protection plan</a>. If you have a history of getting sick after a big meeting, read up on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.anitawangmd.com/post-stress-let-down-effect/">health resilience in the face of the letdown effect</a>.</li>
 <li>Try this: For 24 hours post-event, do not check your lines of communication. No email, no texts, no exceptions. It might seem difficult, but the more you flex the muscle of letting go, the stronger it becomes.</li>
</ul>

You Have One of the Most Stressful Jobs Out There. Here’s How to Make Sure You’ll Continue to Love It.

Tired of the Same-Old Self-Care Tips? Read This.

Hitting up a new destination and seeing the area’s highlights is part of the fun of meetings for attendees. But increasingly, that alone isn’t enough. Today’s attendees want cultural immersion, with multiple travel trend experts citing travelers’ <a target="_blank" href="https://www.finnpartners.com/news-insights/2024-travel-trends-embracing-culture-culinary-adventures-and-more/">heightened desire</a> to make authentic connections with the communities they visit <a target="_blank" href="https://www.travoh.com/articles/cultural-immersion-future-travel-trends-shaping-authentic-experiences/">rather than treating destinations as places to be checked off a bucket list</a>.
Incorporating local connections into your meeting can help make your event more memorable. It can also help ensure that the meeting is having the right kind of impact on a host community—contributing to it rather than draining or exploiting it.
But to make that happen, cultural immersion can’t be an afterthought. Like inclusion and diversity, cultural authenticity <a target="_blank" href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/news-and-highlights/article/410/is-inclusion-part-of-your-organizing-principle">needs to be a part of your organizing principle</a> if it’s going to truly add value to your meeting for all stakeholders. Here are three guidelines to keep in mind as you strive to make your events more culturally immersive.

<h2>Incorporate Local Makers</h2>
Local caterers who can offer attendees a sampling of tastes from the area are just the beginning. Look at every vendor you bring in and ask yourself whether there’s an opportunity to have them contribute to an authentic, local vibe.
Swag is a clear place to start: Partnering with local makers to include their wares in your swag bags or welcome gifts infuses the event with a take-home memory. If your budget allows for generous freebies and you want to include more general items that are branded with the event or client, inquire about local manufacturers that can supply the goods—and then include a note in your swag bag about how all items are local, reinforcing the message you’re after.
But look beyond the showstoppers like swag. At the 2023 iteration of Marriott’s THE EXCHANGE, Travel Partners Conference in Waikiki, Hawai‘i, meeting planners used badge lanyards made of seashells, which were <a target="_blank" href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/news-and-highlights/article/463/marriott-s-most-sustainable-meeting-yet">crafted by local artisans</a>.

<h2>Build on Your Existing Inclusion Principles</h2>
While cultural immersion isn’t the same thing as inclusion, the principles are often related. Examine your current diversity, equity, and inclusion principles and action plan and look for places where you can leverage what you’ve already done to go deeper culturally.
Take <a target="_blank" href="https://www.smartmeetings.com/guides/resource-guide-indigenous-land-acknowledgement">land acknowledgements</a>, an increasingly popular activity at the beginning of meetings that’s meant to honor the original, Native caretakers of the land where the event is taking place. While it’s everyone’s responsibility to honor the land, not just the responsibility of people who identify as Native, bringing in local Native leaders to conduct a short ceremony at the start of the event can help immerse attendees in an area’s culture from the beginning. Take it beyond the first day by working with local Indigenous leaders or reaching out to the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.aianta.org/">American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association</a> for ways to deepen attendees’ appreciation of an area’s original inhabitants and how those communities continue to be a part of local culture.
Talk with all types of culturally representative stakeholders to gather their ideas. Think outside the box about what “culturally representative” means—can you source ideas from people who have generational roots in the area, along with newcomers? A born-and-raised resident may know twists on classic local draws that go beyond the expected, while people who chose to move to the destination may add their own cultural flair to the mix.

<h2>Feature the Destination at Every Touchpoint</h2>
Luring attendees with city tours and excursions once the meeting is announced might work, sure. But some attendees might prefer a DIY approach that lets them feel like a local from the get-go. Try rooting attendees in the destination with a mini orientation guide at sign-up that includes pronunciations of local attractions (such as New York City’s “HOW-ston” street or Portland, Oregon’s “will-AM-it river”), tips for fitting in like a local (do people tend to dress up, or is the vibe more relaxed?), ideas for day trips or bleisure opportunities before or after the meeting, and the best selfie spots for showing off on social media.
Integrating the destination into your programming beyond entertainment can pay off too. Bringing in local speakers and panelists won’t add accommodation costs to your budget and can anchor attendees. Again, think beyond the expected: A panel on artificial intelligence would naturally feature experts from the host industry, but if there are local voices who could speak to the issue, all the better—even if that voice is simply a local business owner who has incorporated a chatbot into their website. It may be more legwork up front to spell out the connection for stakeholders and attendees, but going beyond the usual suspects within your programming will help make your meeting unforgettable.

Want to Root Attendees in a Sense of Place? Go Beyond the Expected.

Authentic Local Experiences Are Authentic From the Start

Plenty of events just need a flexible, attractive, accommodating space to thrive. Then there are those other events—the ones that get your heart racing as a planner.
The events that require a special space. The events that go from good to unforgettable thanks to the surroundings. The events that call for a one-of-a-kind property that suits your meeting’s mission so perfectly that you couldn’t imagine holding it anywhere else.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cvent.com/en/resource/hospitality/annual-cvent-2023-planner-sourcing-report-north-america-edition">Research from CVent</a> indicates that 35% of meeting planners seek out a unique aesthetic when considering venues. Here are five properties to help that search go a little more smoothly.

<h2>Understated SoCal Chic: JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. Live</h2>
The glamour of downtown Los Angeles coupled with efficient premium meeting spaces results in this ideally located hotel. Just steps from the Crypto.com Arena (home to the Lakers, the Kings, and the Sparks, not to mention its capacity as an entertainment venue), the Peacock Theater, and the Los Angeles Convention Center, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/laxjw-jw-marriott-los-angeles-la-live/overview/">L.A. Live</a> offers classic Los Angeles cool to match its convenience.
With 44 rooms totaling more than 130,000 square feet of event space, L.A. Live also features one of the most spacious ballrooms in Los Angeles. Attendees staying at the hotel can pop up to the rooftop hotel deck with immersive views of the cityscape, then relax at one of the eight dining venues, including the airy atrium space of Savoca, a trattoria showcasing locally sourced ingredients in its Italian fare. And if your special event calls for after-hours treats? Not a problem—attendees can have late-night delights delivered 24/7, courtesy of the on-site <a target="_blank" href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/dining/restaurant-bar/laxri-residence-inn-los-angeles-l-a-live/6971284-the-market.mi">market</a>.

<h2>Finding the Roots: Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, Phoenix</h2>
If the valley setting of Phoenix’s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/phxwp-sheraton-grand-at-wild-horse-pass/overview/">Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass</a> doesn’t make for an unforgettable meeting, nothing will. With its classic red stucco set against a scenic river, in-room art, and stunning yet pacifying desert views, Wild Horse Pass opens up possibilities for your attendees to hone their best meditative, out-of-the-box thinking.
Twenty-nine rooms spanning more than 100,000 square feet of event space offer all the amenities one would expect, with local touches such as architectural flourishes that echo the design and legends of the area’s Indigenous communities, including the Pima and Maricopa tribes.
On-site dining makes the experience more visceral. Kai restaurant features ingredients from the Native Seed/SEARCH Foundation, which aims to preserve ancient native seeds. Think tepary beans, sunchoke cream, and saguaro blossom syrup—or southwestern spa cuisine served poolside at Hanyo Pool Bar.

<h2>The Birth of Cool: Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel</h2>
Situated in the heart of Harlem—and thus at the heart of its historic namesake, the creative epoch of Black American art known as the Harlem Renaissance—the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/nychl-renaissance-new-york-harlem-hotel/overview/">Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel</a> offers everything a New York City luxury space can give, with the unique vibe that a stay in uptown Manhattan gives attendees.
Soul food? Check, courtesy of the site’s Victoria Lounge. Easy access to world-class entertainment? It’s on the same block as the legendary Apollo Theater. Nods to icons such as Billie Holiday and Louis Armstrong peppered throughout attendee spaces? Yes, thanks to art installations and hints of art deco flash.
Boutique meetings will find a home here, with customizable breakout rooms perfect for intimate meetings and hands-on workshops, and a signature catering menu. The 4,000 square feet of event space is focused on personalized, flexible spaces that will allow you to build the kind of memorable experiences your small-group meeting requires.

<h2>Clear-Minded Thinking: The Farnam, Autograph Collection Hotels, Omaha</h2>
Home to the farm-to-fork movement, one of the world’s most renowned zoos, and Warren Buffett, Omaha has an understated sophistication that offers an unexpected level of luxury. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/omaak-the-farnam-autograph-collection/overview/">The Farnam, Autograph Collection Hotels</a>, harnesses the best of Omaha, with its downtown location and proximity to the iconic Missouri River.
The eight event rooms are best suited to intimate meetings and events heavy on breakout sessions, and the level of attention your attendees will receive matches this inner-circle feel. Menus with locally sourced ingredients (Omaha’s steaks are world-famous for a reason), invigorating dining spaces such as the Dynamite Woodfire Grill and Catalyst, which features the city’s largest terrace, and floor-to-ceiling windows revealing the inspiring beauty of the Plains all conspire to give your attendees a level of clarity that’s easier to miss in flashier destinations.

<h2>The Grand Vision: Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Francisco</h2>
The name says what you need to know: Palace. Luxury. San Francisco. The Gilded Age refinement that <a target="_blank" href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/sfolc-palace-hotel-a-luxury-collection-hotel-san-francisco/overview/">this venue</a> seeks to evoke—successfully so, with its vaulted ceilings, plush rugs, and golden touches throughout—sets the stage for the kind of elevated, expansive thinking that made The City by the Bay famous.
The 24 event rooms cover 44,000 square feet of meeting space. Four executive boardrooms and a self-contained conference center for smaller conferences are heightened by the resplendent Sunset Court, a 5,000-square-foot space housed under a glass dome, and The Ralston Ballroom, with its graceful French sconces and original chandeliers. All of this is just steps from the scenic Union Square, Frisco’s signature cable cars, and Chinatown, still considered one of the world’s most vibrant.

Your Events Are Special—and These Venues Are Special Enough to Handle Them.

Five Properties With One-of-a-Kind Vibes

The pandemic may be in the rearview mirror, but attendees are still looking to squeeze in their “revenge travel” and turning to business trips to make it happen. At the same time, event budgets have only risen slightly, and in many cases, not enough to keep pace with inflation. Buzzy host destinations solve the first issue but may be more challenging for those on a budget. So what’s a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.marriottbonvoyevents.com/news-and-highlights/article/356/add-family-time-to-the-agenda">bleisure</a> (business plus leisure) traveler to do?
Exploring less expected destinations not only stretches your budget but also uncovers hidden gems, which can offer inspiring experiences and world-class amenities with a more budget-conscious price tag. Many of these less predictable destinations have become increasingly sophisticated, providing the best of both worlds—amenities and affordability. Here are some standout locations that will wow your attendees while keeping your budget in check.

<h2>St. Louis, Missouri</h2>
Stay at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/stlmg-marriott-st-louis-grand/overview/">Marriott St. Louis Grand</a>
St. Louis combines the charm of the Midwest with a lively cultural scene. The iconic <a target="_blank" href="https://www.gatewayarch.com/">Gateway Arch</a>, the tallest monument in the United States, is required viewing, offering stunning vistas of the city and the Mississippi River. The city is also home to Forest Park, which houses the <a target="_blank" href="https://stlzoo.org/">St. Louis Zoo</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.slam.org/">Art Museum</a>, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.slsc.org/">Science Center</a>—all of which are free to the public.
For food enthusiasts, St. Louis offers a range of culinary options, from St. Louis-style barbecue to fine dining. The city’s craft beer scene is also worth exploring, with many local breweries offering tours and tastings. The Marriott St. Louis Grand provides the perfect blend of refinement and convenience, with its location near major attractions.

<h2>Omaha, Nebraska</h2>
Stay at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/omaak-the-farnam-autograph-collection/overview/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw6auyBhDzARIsALIo6v-Hl-msoiDnrz1gUsPoC5dsVrGmnmtW964rgdX1YxU0sD1q4itQ1GwaAi47EALw_wcB&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;cid=PAI_GLB0004YXD_GLE000BIM5_GLF000OETA">The Farnam, Autograph Collection</a>
Omaha might not be the first city that comes to mind for a destination event, but it has plenty to offer. The <a target="_blank" href="https://oldmarket.com/">Old Market</a> district is a bustling area filled with shops, restaurants, and art galleries. The<a target="_blank" href="https://www.omahazoo.com/"> Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium</a> is one of the best spots in the country to observe land and sea animals, featuring sea lions, elephants, a butterfly pavilion, and an expansive aquarium.
The city’s burgeoning food scene is another highlight, with farm-to-table restaurants and local breweries providing a taste of the Midwest. The Farnam, Autograph Collection offers a boutique hotel experience with unique amenities and stylish meeting spaces, making it a great choice for events.

<h2>New Orleans, Louisiana</h2>
Stay at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/msyis-sheraton-new-orleans-hotel/overview/">Sheraton New Orleans Hotel</a> &nbsp;or <a target="_blank" href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/msyla-new-orleans-marriott/overview/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw6auyBhDzARIsALIo6v9PE9KYIwtKbBJMuY6ctLHQYEQCb8krogFmg14gDkNaWphXBFgPVjUaAnVqEALw_wcB&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;cid=PAI_GLB0004YXD_GLE000BIM5_GLF000OETA">New Orleans Marriott</a>
New Orleans is a city rich in culture, history, and excellent eats. Known for its vibrant music scene and eclectic mix of French, Spanish, and Creole architecture, New Orleans offers a unique backdrop to any event. The famed <a target="_blank" href="https://www.neworleans.com/plan/neighborhoods/french-quarter/">French Quarter</a> is an absolute must, with its distinctive blend of French and Spanish colonial styles, characterized by colorful facades, wrought-iron balconies, and lush courtyard gardens. Take a steamboat cruise on the Mississippi River, visit the historic <a target="_blank" href="https://www.stlouiscathedral.org/">St. Louis Cathedral</a> (the oldest Catholic cathedral in continual use in the United States), or explore the city’s many museums, including <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nationalww2museum.org/visit/plan-your-visit?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw6auyBhDzARIsALIo6v_tbb6wg0gLfP3aJjOuSxX__i7jRwyQrh1NL1rdXTU9dJBZJhZxHAMaAoksEALw_wcB">The National WWII Museum</a>.
Attendees can also indulge in the city’s culinary scene, particularly its Creole cuisine (think: gumbo, jambalaya, and étouffée). From beignets at <a target="_blank" href="https://shop.cafedumonde.com/">Café Du Monde</a> to gourmet dining at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.commanderspalace.com/index.htm">Commander’s Palace</a>, in the middle of the tree-lined Garden District, there’s something for every palate. Staying at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel or New Orleans Marriott puts attendees in the heart of the city, providing easy access to all these attractions while offering ideal accommodations and event spaces. Big events can benefit from <a target="_blank" href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/msyla-new-orleans-marriott/events/meetings-weddings-special-events/french-quarter-connection/">The French Quarter Connection</a> – an unparalleled venue partnership between New Orleans Marriott and Sheraton New Orleans Hotel that creates an all-encompassing event destination in the Big Easy. These iconic hotels come together to offer the services and space necessary for groups ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 attendees.

<h2>Fort Lauderdale/Pompano Beach, Florida</h2>
Stay at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/fllsb-fort-lauderdale-marriott-harbor-beach-resort-and-spa/overview/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw6auyBhDzARIsALIo6v-o9mLCaZXVht93sCIJgz1Ym5J36XQ3XnFEO21ewpn1aiHm_k0r5lsaAp-JEALw_wcB&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;cid=PAI_GLB0004YXD_GLE000BIM5_GLF000OETA">Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort &amp; Spa&nbsp;</a>
For those seeking a beachside destination, Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach present the perfect mix of sun, sand, and sophistication. Known for its boating canals and stunning beaches, Fort Lauderdale is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts—think jet skiing, parasailing, and paddleboarding. <a target="_blank" href="https://lasolasboulevard.com/">Las Olas Boulevard</a> is a hot spot for shopping, dining, and nightlife.
Pompano Beach, just a short drive away, offers a more laid-back vibe with pristine beaches and excellent fishing opportunities. The Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort &amp; Spa is set on a gorgeous beachfront with exceptional amenities, making it a top choice for bleisure travelers.

<h2>Hilton Head, South Carolina</h2>
Stay at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/hhhwi-the-westin-hilton-head-island-resort-and-spa/overview/">The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort &amp; Spa</a>
Hilton Head Island is renowned for its beautiful beaches, world-class golf courses, and lush natural landscapes. It’s also a desirable destination for attendees looking to relax and unwind. The island offers numerous outdoor activities, including biking, kayaking, dolphin watching, and, of course, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hiltonheadisland.org/golf/golf-getaway?adara_campaignid=2048181325&amp;adara_pixelid=71354&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw6auyBhDzARIsALIo6v-TMw7gSWTOWi_CFCZGE8bzdBPxDbQoXXH-uzM9A4QW47MFPoK0sSMaAoCDEALw_wcB">golf</a>.
For those interested in history, the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.coastaldiscovery.org/about-us/#history">Coastal Discovery Museum </a>provides deep insight into the island’s heritage. The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort &amp; Spa offers a serene and luxurious retreat with excellent facilities for meetings and events.

<h2>Montreal, Québec</h2>
Stay at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/yulcc-montreal-marriott-chateau-champlain/overview/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw6auyBhDzARIsALIo6v_6yDZVQyogIqNyZ1JSUW12dLtu2M6DOVxAPZaNI1-MirIWjPtkAxMaAv-pEALw_wcB&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;cid=PAI_GLB0004YXD_GLE000BIM5_GLF000OETA">Montreal Marriott Chateau Champlain</a>
Montreal is a city that effortlessly blends old-world appeal with modern sophistication. The historic <a target="_blank" href="https://www.vieux.montreal.qc.ca/eng/localia.htm">Old Montreal</a> district features cobblestone streets and historic buildings with French and British colonial influences, grand stone facades, and beautiful ironwork. The city is also known for its dynamic arts scene, with numerous festivals, galleries, and theaters.
Foodies will delight in Montreal’s culinary offerings, from its famous slightly sweet bagels and “poutine” (French fries and gravy) to high-end dining experiences. The Montreal Marriott Chateau Champlain gives bleisure travelers a luxurious base in the heart of the city, offering easy access to all major attractions as well as excellent event facilities.

<h2>Whistler, British Columbia</h2>
Stay at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ysewi-the-westin-resort-and-spa-whistler/overview/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw6auyBhDzARIsALIo6v8oF8K5K9MAO7MJxUXXaHrpS3meL4WitSBwagE__68Ey44rp9C_9WMaAhXnEALw_wcB&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;cid=PAI_GLB0004YXD_GLE000BIM5_GLF000OETA">The Westin Resort &amp; Spa, Whistler</a>
Whistler is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts, offering year-round activities, from hitting the slopes at Whistler Blackcomb, one of the largest ski resorts in North America, in the winter, to hiking, mountain biking, and fly fishing in the summer. The village itself is pedestrian-friendly and filled with shops and restaurants, as well as happening nightlife.
For a truly unique experience, attendees can take the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/explore-the-resort/activities-and-events/summer-activities/summer-alpine-experience/peak-2-peak-gondola.aspx">Peak 2 Peak Gondola</a>, which offers jaw-dropping views of the surrounding mountains. The Westin Resort &amp; Spa, Whistler gives guests a relaxing stay with exceptional amenities, making it ideal for events and retreats.

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