Celebrate

Tips & Trends

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.

North America

Consider Venturing Off the Beaten Path. You Just Might Find the Perfect Spot.

How to Spot a “Hidden Gem” Destination (and Save Money)

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.

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

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

Educate

Attendee experience continues to be a driving force in location selection for planners, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.northstarmeetingsgroup.com/Planner-Guides/First-Look-Site-Selection-Priorities-2024-and-Beyond">industry research</a>. People consider the destination when deciding whether to take time away from their <a target="_blank" href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/news-and-highlights/article/356/add-family-time-to-the-agenda">family</a> and busy workload to come to your event, which can factor into your success.
To make it worth their while, <a target="_blank" href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/news-and-highlights/article/661/authentic-local-experiences-are-authentic-from-the-start">your destination needs to be memorable</a>, though it’s hard to do that when attendees are confined to the hotel or conference center.
Orchestrating <a target="_blank" href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/news-and-highlights/article/420/let-the-city-set-the-scene">off-site activities</a>—whether it’s a group hike through a conservatory or a mixer at a museum—is one way to immerse people in the local elements. But you could also bring the outside elements into your event.
Setting up a mini market featuring local goods, inviting an area artist to paint or a musician to play, or serving dishes that the destination is famous for—these experiences can give attendees an unforgettable feel for the local culture without leaving the hotel, ultimately amplifying your event.
Here are five properties around the country that have been successful in creating local experiences for attendees.

<h2>Sheraton Grand Seattle</h2>
Situated in the heart of downtown, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/seasi-sheraton-grand-seattle/events/">Sheraton Grand Seattle</a> &nbsp;taps into the city’s cultural and natural wonders. The hotel hosts local experiences for event attendees through <a target="_blank" href="https://sheraton.marriott.com/experience/gatherings-by-sheraton/">Gatherings by Sheraton</a> activations.
For example, artisans from the nearby Pike Place Market come to the property to create a mini version of the famous marketplace, and local vendors set up a honey, cheese, and wine station for groups.
The hotel also features an extensive private art collection of works by Northwest artists, bringing the vibrant local art scene to its hallways. Renowned Seattle-based glass artist Dale Chihuly has had his sculptures showcased at curated events on the property.
Leaning on a strong relationship with local producers, Executive Chef John Armstrong includes local foods in his <a target="_blank" href="https://mi.bookmarriott.com/e-menus/50258/view?_gl=1*9mw4q7*_gcl_au*NDUxMTg2OTA4LjE3MjI2MzY1NjE">menus</a>, from Dungeness crab to baked breads. Even the <a target="_blank" href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/news-and-highlights/article/494/four-ways-to-perk-up-your-coffee-service">coffee</a> served during events is from a local business, Starbucks, which got its start down the street.

<h2>Renaissance Nashville Hotel</h2>
It’s fitting that <a target="_blank" href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/bnash-renaissance-nashville-hotel/events/">Renaissance Nashville Hotel</a> hits a musical note with events at its property in the center of Music City. The event team works with local musicians and artists to host live music performances in the hotel’s event spaces, such as the Bridge Bar, turning networking sessions or evening receptions into an immersive Nashville experience for attendees.
Planners can extend the city’s musical heritage to the event programming by offering interactive music-related activities, such as songwriting workshops with local musicians, all held on-site.
Nashville is also known for its food scene, and Executive Chef Michael Folz brings the best from local farms to his <a target="_blank" href="https://www.marriott.com/content/dam/marriott-digital/br/us-canada/hws/b/bnash/en_us/document/assets/br-bnash-banquet-menu-16623.pdf">menus</a>, such as Nashville hot chicken and local honey.

<h2>JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE</h2>
Los Angeles boasts rich cultural diversity, and events at the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/laxjw-jw-marriott-los-angeles-la-live/events/">JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE</a> place attendees right at the heart of it. The property sits on the thriving, vibrant L.A. LIVE campus a six-block hub for sports, entertainment, and dining.
While off-site excursions can provide a taste of Southern California, you can also bring unique local experiences directly to your event.
For example, consider hiring a lineup of food trucks featuring L.A.’s diverse local flavors, giving attendees the chance to enjoy freshly prepared, uniquely Southern California dishes—all for about the same cost as a buffet-style meal in a meeting room.
Or, celebrate the city’s street art by inviting a graffiti artist to create an urban canvas painting during a mixer, with the piece raffled off to a lucky attendee to take home as a memento of their stay in L.A.

<h2>Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel</h2>
The Mile High City is known for its urban and outdoor adventures. The event team at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/dends-sheraton-denver-downtown-hotel/events/">Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel</a> helps planners create local experiences for attendees. <a target="_blank" href="https://sheraton.marriott.com/experience/gatherings-by-sheraton/">Gatherings by Sheraton</a>, for example, includes weekly activations of local vendors on-site; you could enhance your event with a pop-up farmers market showcasing produce and goods for attendees to explore between sessions.
Harness Colorado’s <a target="_blank" href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/news-and-highlights/article/417/innovative-wellness-strategies-spark-today-s-most-successful-events">wellness</a>-focused culture by hosting a yoga or mindfulness session led by local instructors, complete with city skyline views from the hotel’s rooftop pool deck.
For meals, having bison sliders available from the hotel’s Bezel cocktail lounge provides a uniquely local eating experience.
Close out one of your evenings with an on-site beer tasting featuring some of the many local craft breweries, allowing attendees to experience Denver’s famed beer culture without leaving the property.

<h2>Renaissance New Orleans Arts Warehouse District Hotel</h2>
Events in the Big Easy can have big energy when you incorporate local experiences at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/msydt-renaissance-new-orleans-arts-warehouse-district-hotel/events/">Renaissance New Orleans Arts Warehouse District Hotel</a>.
Seeing as how the hotel is central to the famous arts district, you could kick off your event with an opening <a target="_blank" href="https://www.marriottbonvoyevents.com/news-and-highlights/article/412/time-to-imbibe:-reduced-alcohol-cocktails">cocktail</a> party in the hotel’s art gallery or indoor sculpture garden, surrounding attendees with works by local artists.
Or, treat them to a performance by New Orleans jazz musicians during lunch, dinner, or drinks.
To give attendees a taste of the local food scene, include beignets and New Orleans chicken and waffles in your menu. What’s more, arrange a Creole or Cajun cooking demo so attendees can experience the traditional cuisine as part of dinner or an immersive breakout session.

Immerse Attendees in the Destination Without Leaving the Property.

How to Bring Local Experiences to Your Event

For sheer beauty, few regions in North America gather as many gasps as the Pacific Northwest. Whether it’s the lush city parks of Portland, the vibrant sea life of Seattle’s Puget Sound, or the North Shore Mountains cradling Vancouver’s skyline, the Pacific Northwest’s scenic bounty has the power to transform even the most run-of-the-mill gathering into a memorable experience. Here’s what to know about the PacNW’s three major cities: Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver, British Columbia.

<h3>The City of Roses: Portland</h3>
With a compact, walkable city center and nationally renowned public transit, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.travelportland.com/meetings/why-planners-love-portland/">Portland is a haven for meeting planners</a>. The Oregon Convention Center—the largest gathering space in the region—is centrally located, as are other convention hubs such as Moda Center, Portland Expo Center, and Providence Park.
As with other cities in the Pacific Northwest, Portland is neatly situated between the coastline and the mountains, making it a solid base for group excursions. Not that you have to leave the city to experience the natural splendor of the area: Portland boasts more than 12,000 acres of public parklands and open space, including Forest Park’s 80-plus miles of trails.
All this comes with a hidden bonus: no food and beverage tax. This allows your attendees to experience Portland’s dining and breweries at a lower cost—and lets you get a built-in discount on your catering bill. That can begin at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/pdxor-portland-marriott-downtown-waterfront/events/">Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront</a>, with its views of Mount Hood, proximity to the Willamette River waterfront, and 44,000-plus square feet of event space.

<h3>The Emerald City: Seattle</h3>
Think of Seattle as a tech hub, thanks to birthing Amazon and Microsoft? Correct. Think of it as a paradise of the outdoors, thanks to its proximity to Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, and other stunning features of the Pacific Northwest? Correct again. It’s also a hub of diversity (1 out of 5 residents is foreign-born), sports fandom (it holds the Guinness World Records title for highest decibels at a sports game), and world-renowned seafood (group oyster-shucking event? Why not?).
All of that makes out-of-session experiences memorable, but in-session time can be relaxed as well, thanks to the 434,080 square feet of event space at Washington State Convention Center. One thing you won’t find there? Plastic utensils, which the city banned in 2018. In fact, anywhere you go in Seattle, you’ll be contributing to one of the most environmentally friendly cities in America.
The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/seasi-sheraton-grand-seattle/overview/">Sheraton Grand Seattle</a> hews to this guideline. Its event staff has an average tenure of more than 15 years of service, smoothing the path for you to pull off a seamless event in its 77,000-plus square feet of event space.

<h3>Hollywood North: Vancouver</h3>
With a population of less than a million, Vancouver might not seem like the <a target="_blank" href="https://marriottbonvoyevents.com/news-and-highlights/article/357/why-you-should-host-your-next-meeting-in-the-big-apple">Big Apple</a>, Boston, Chicago, or Shanghai—but try telling that to moviegoers who have seen Vancouver transformed into all of these cities on film. Movie producers choose <a target="_blank" href="https://www.vanityfair.com/sponsored/story/welcome-to-hollywood-north">“Hollywood North”</a> not just for its urban sensibility that can pass for cities 10 times its size, but also for its temperate climate and stunning setting. Hey, if it’s good enough for A-listers, your attendees might appreciate it too.
As will you: With more than 80 venues and a robust event development staff at the Vancouver visitors bureau, the city offers sustainable meetings in the world’s first double LEED Platinum-certified convention center (the Vancouver Convention Centre).
Not that you necessarily need to go off-site to stay green—the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/yvrjw-jw-marriott-parq-vancouver/events/">JW Marriott Parq Vancouver</a> features LEED Gold standard rooms and more than 60,000 square feet of event space. Need a shade more room? <a target="_blank" href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/yvrwi-the-westin-bayshore-vancouver/overview/">The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver</a> offers 71,000 square feet of event space.

Can’t Choose Between Mountains and Ocean? In the Pacific Northwest, You Can Have Both.

Destination Spotlight: Pacific Northwest

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.

Global

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

Promote

Roughly half of business travelers say they want local cultural experiences to be a part of their meeting experience, according to research from Mintel. To meet this demand, it’s easy enough for planners to throw some information about the destination into orientation materials—museum this, Restaurant Row that.
But to make these cultural experiences more meaningful, planners can look for ways to incorporate local experiences into their overall agenda. We’ve rounded up ideas from the experts, including North American destination marketing organizations and convention and visitors bureaus, along with Marriott Bonvoy properties.
<ul>
 <li>Start the relationship from Day 1. “During familiarization trips, we’ve coordinated event safety and security training with Tampa Police Department representatives hosted in their downtown command center,” says Adam DePiro, vice president of convention sales at Visit Tampa Bay. Planting seeds for programming ideas on familiarization trips can help you get ahead of the game.</li>
 <li>Let the destination lead your team-building activities. “We partner with Mardi Gras World, the local company that designs and produces all the big Mardi Gras floats, to incorporate Mardi Gras experiences for groups,” says Emily Liuzza, complex director of marketing at New Orleans Marriott, Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, and New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District. “This can include hosting events in their den around all the big floats to groups renting floats and having their own Mardi Gras parade downtown. We can also close off streets, and groups can ‘second-line’ [parade] with a live jazz band leading the way to an off-site venue in the French Quarter or someplace within walking distance downtown.” Making a destination-specific activity part of your kickoff can root the entire event in both time and place.</li>
 <li>Contribute to the community. “Many native plants that have been added are varieties that once thrived in our region but have declined due to development and the introduction of foreign plants,” says Jaydene Kanekoa, senior marketing manager at Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort &amp; Spa. “In 2022, our Activities and Culture team activated the Ho’okupu Initiative. In Hawaiian, Ho’okupu translates to an offering, a tribute, or to cause growth. This program is aimed toward planting endangered, endemic Hawaiian plants across our beachfront location while removing invasive species.” Getting attendees to jump into the community with a joint activity—in this example, weeding and planting to preserve natural habitats—builds team bonds and adds meaning to multiday events.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li>Location-hop, topic-hop. “New Orleans is known for its cuisine,” Liuzza says. “Groups will frequently do dine-arounds one night at the various restaurants around the two hotels. Sometimes they will do a second line out of the hotel to start the dine-arounds.” Add variety to round-robin discussions by adding a change of location to each new topic of discussion: At the first location, attendees focus on breaking the ice. At the second, they focus on dissecting a shared problem that unites the attendees. At the third, they focus on finding solutions.</li>
 <li>Let the location anchor group goals. “We offer groups the opportunity to ‘adopt a native plant or tree,’” Kanekoa says. “Working with our experts, groups can purchase a native plant or tree from our local nursery, and we curate a special planting ceremony where attendees may witness or assist with planting the seedling on property. This is typically accompanied by an ‘oli [Hawaiian chant].” Planting native flora during a goal-setting session can add a sense of responsibility to goals. When attendees waver in their action plans toward goal achievement, they’ll have a place on terra firma to think about, anchoring goals that might otherwise seem abstract.</li>
 <li>Bring in local experts. Take a cue from your peers: When JW Marriott Tampa Water Street hosted the 2021 Meeting Professionals International Thought Leaders Summit, Tampa Bay itself played a critical role. “Aligned with MPI’s five critical conversation topics, Visit Tampa Bay identified and secured local subject matter experts,” DePiro says. In 2022, the Homegrown: Marriott Hawai’i &amp; French Polynesia’s Operations Conference brought in knowledgeable experts to participate in panel discussions, including farmers, distributors, and cultural practitioners.</li>
 <li>Follow the locals’ lead in collaboration. “Chef Jayson has been with the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort &amp; Spa for 37 years,” Kanekoa says. “His decades-long tenure at the resort reflects his commitment to his craft and strong bond with local growers.” Meetings are all about collaboration—asking a venue coordinator to share how collaboration played a critical behind-the-scenes role in the evolution of the event (say, by talking with the chef about their relationships with local growers) can drive that point home.</li>
 <li>Get local personalities involved. Aligning your meeting’s values with the values of local stars adds a punch to your event. For example, Tampa Bay is known for its inclusive mindset, as evidenced by the election of Mayor Jane Castor, the first openly gay mayor of Tampa—and a mayor who greets various conventioneers in person. Turning to local makers can serve a similar purpose: Portland, Oregon’s My People’s Market hosts the sale of goods of more than 100 diverse local entrepreneurs. “One service our organization can offer to planners meeting in Portland is the opportunity to create a mini My People’s Market as a part of the meetings and convention experience, offering the chance to engage directly with our creative community right on the conference room floor,” says Angela Nelson, vice president of equity, diversity, and inclusion at Travel Portland.</li>
</ul>

Destination

Destination

Articles