Texas Meetings + Events Summer 2019

TEXAS MEETINGS + EVENTS // SUMMER 2019

+ BEING WELL HOW TO FIND WELLNESS IN THE WORLD OF WORK

M E E T I N G S M A G S . C O M // S U M M E R 2 0 1 9

LAYOVER

WELLNESS RETREATS // AIRPORT MEETINGS

Texas airports boast convenient location for on-the-go planners

TX.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

ON-TREND DINING

Tour 3 local food halls with event space

Rockin’ “I played at The Pavilion at the Toyota Music Factory with a touring group and it’s a rockin’ venue! Staff were all very friendly. Would love to come back for sure.”

– David K. (Nashville, TN)

Fun and entertainment take center stage in Irving, Texas. And the Toyota Music Factory offers a front row seat to the very best in live music, Hollywood blockbusters and really good eats! A pulse-pounding, palate-pleasing Visitors District featuring world-class entertainment and 20+ dining options is a sound choice for off-the-clock adventures or a truly unique opening/closing session.

IRVING ROCKS Recreation and Celebrations

visitirvinglascolinas.com • lascolinasconventions.com

(972) 252 7476 • (800) 2 IRVING • #visitirving

g

the perfect galveston island retreats for business or pleasure

ASK ABOUT WYNDHAM’S GO MEET PROGRAM

Hotel Galvez & Spa and The Tremont House have long been the locations of choice for corporate retreats in Galveston. The beachfront location of Hotel Galvez & Spa offers expansive Gulf views, the island’s finest spa, the Galvez Bar & Grill and an award-winning Sunday brunch. The Tremont House, located in the historic Strand District, is within walking distance of a wide array of shops, restaurants, museums and galleries. Both hotels provide ideal venues for intimate and grand gatherings in a unique and historic setting. Call today and let us assist you in meeting your goals.

2024 SEAWALL BLVD., GALVESTON ISLAND, TX

2300 SHIP’S MECHANIC ROW, GALVESTON ISLAND, TX

409.765.7721 | www.HotelGalvez.com

409.763.0300 | www.TheTremontHouse.com

Pa 50

e c n e ri e p Ex

ation c y a B r e mm u S t s a Gulf Coa sort e R r u o rb a H e r o at South Sh LOCAT ED HALF WAY BE TWE EN HOUS TON AND G ALVE S TON, ONE MILE FRO M KEMAH BOARDWALK.

ROOM PACKAGE

$149/NIGHT* Package includes 50% off breakfast and 50% off additional night

2500 SOUTH SHORE BLVD. LEAGUE CITY, TX 77573

SSHR.COM | 281-3 3 4 - 1 0 0 0

Summer 2019 TEXAS MEETINGS + EVENTS MAGAZINE: IN THIS ISSUE FEATURE

40

28

Where Work Meets Well-Being Corporate planners are integrating wellness into off-site meetings.

By Belinda Lichty Clarke

DEPARTMENTS 24 TREND REPORT Authenticity and thought leadership are top of mind for event marketers.

By Melissa Sersland

FEATURE

47

Flyby Meetings

Airport-friendly hotels’ proximity and amenities add up for extra convenience for planners.

By Belinda Lichty Clarke

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28 VENUE REPORT The food hall craze comes to Texas. By Melissa Sersland 32 DESTINATION Take a road trip to the Texas coast. By Julie Scagell 64 PEOPLE PROFILE Jaime Hart DiNoia is a born marketer. By Teresa Kenney

P H O T O S : H O U S T O N I A N ; J E S S I C A G I E S E Y ; H I LT O N A U S T I N A I R P O R T

8 EDITOR’S LETTER

C

“TAKE OUR TECH FOR A SPIN” our tech stats

802.11

2,500+

P H O T O S : H O U S T O N I A N ; J E S S I C A G I E S E Y ; H I LT O N A U S T I N A I R P O R T

a/g/n/ac Wireless Network

CAT 6 Copper UTP Ports

1,000+

Multi-mode and single-mode Fiber Optic ports

20,000

Wireless devices can connect simultaneously

SERVICES OFFERED The Austin Convention Center has a full suite of services that are provided to you to ensure peak performance throughout your event. These services are in place to design an environment specifically scaled to your event needs. This customization includes: Wireless Internet Access

Wired Internet Access

Network Service & Support

Voice Service & Support

Network support Our team is ready to provide expert assistance to any networking needs you may have during your event. With constant network monitoring, we can quickly solve issues that come up, and proactively address areas of concern.

CHECK US AT:

w w w. a u s t i n c o n v e n t i o n c e n t e r .c o m

request a proposAL: Phone 512.404.4200

Summer

2019

20

12

11 PIN IT A sampling of Pinterest’s top 100 trends from 2019. By Megan Gosch 12 EXPANSION NEWS Holocaust Museum Houston reopens after multimillion-dollar renovation.

44

14 CVB PROFILE Get to know the Village of Salado.

16 IT’S YOUR BIZ Twenty years of keeping up with the “wow.” By Deborah Elias

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18 TEAM-BUILDING Channel your team’s inner action heroes.

54 REGIONAL NEWS What’s happening in the local community.

Compiled by Teresa Kenney

20 BEYOND THE BORDER Grab your passports and your group and head to Velas Vallarta. By Teresa Kenney

62 SNAPSHOTS Our industry turns out in force to celebrate the Texas Star Awards.

INDUSTRY UPDATE 52 INFOGRAPHIC “The Future of Meetings & Events” identifies five macro-trends that will impact the future of meetings and events.

Research courtesy of PCMA Foundation and Marriott International

ON THE COVER

JL Bar Ranch in Texas Hill Country. Photo by Jerry Hayes Photo

P H OTO S : I S TO C K .CO M / M I TC H E L L P I C T U R E S ; V I C T O R E L I A S ; V E L A S VA L L A R TA

MEETING NOTES

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P H OTO S : I S TO C K .CO M / M I TC H E L L P I C T U R E S ; V I C T O R E L I A S ; V E L A S VA L L A R TA

EDITOR'S LETTER

Travel and Meet Smart ACCORDING TO THE U.S. TRAVEL ASSOCIATION, in 2018, direct spending on business

Teresa Kenny, editor TERESA.KENNY@TIGEROAK.COM

travel by domestic and international travelers totaled $327.3 billion, and meetings, events and incentive travel accounted for $135.9 billion of that number. In fact, U.S. residents logged 463.6 million person-trips for business purposes in 2018, with 38 percent of those for meetings and events.

In this issue, Texas Meetings + Events takes a look at making the most of those trips by meeting at or near our state’s many airports. In our feature article, “Flyby Meetings” (page 47), contributing writer Belinda Lichty Clarke focuses on seven Texas airports and some of their surrounding venues so you can make the most of your group’s travel time.

For those looking for their groups to be transported on more of a mental rejuvenation plane, in our second feature, “Where Work Meets Well-Being” (page 40), we take a look at how you can incorporate wellness into your group outings or retreats. Texas is packed with fantastic retreat opportunities, whether they are among the city lights or out under the stars.

With it being summer, the natural place for us to head to is the Gulf Coast. Writer Julie Scagell takes us on a road trip, starting north of the coast in McAllen and then skirting the gulf with stops in South Padre Island and Corpus Christi. We also make some stops in one of the region’s hottest trends: food halls. Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio have all welcomed food halls to their streets, changing the way Texans gather ’round the table.

Speaking of trends, marketing events has come a long way in a relatively short period of time from traditional invites and advertising. Now, marketing is about making the right connections.

Melissa Sersland spoke with some of our state’s experts to learn more about what you should be considering when designing your event’s marketing campaign (page 24).

Thank you so much for taking some time out of your summer months to spend with us. Hopefully you’re reading us on a blanket on a beach or poolside, cool drink in hand. As always, be sure to send me any story ideas at Teresa.Kenney@tigeroak.com. I look forward to hearing from you!

Cheers,

Find, Friend, Follow

Find us online at tx.meetingsmags.com, and make sure to “like” us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram to stay in the loop between issues. / T XMEE TINGSMAGS

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@T XMEE TINGSMAGS

/MEE TINGSMAGS

/MEE TINGSE VENTSMAGS

SUMMER 2019

tx.meetingsmags.com

EDITOR

Queer Eye’s Karamo Brown at PCMA Emerging Leaders 2019

MANAGING EDITOR SENIOR EDITOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR DIGITAL CONTENT EDITOR CONTRIBUTING WRITERS EDITORIAL INTERNS

Teresa Kenney

“

Who’s your favorite keynote speaker?

Masterpiece

”

Morgan Halaska Megan Gosch Kassidy Tarala Julianna Fazio Belinda Lichty Clarke, Julie Scagell, Melissa Sersland Taylor Hafner, Kendall Van Horne

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Chris Arredondo, Eclipse Entertainment • Yvette Audrain, Simply Mox • Andy Austin, Andy Austin Entertainment Kelly Bagnall, Dykema Gossett PLLC • Deborah Elias, Elias Events • Kevin Foster, Conference & Catering Consultant Services • Christy Hill-Howard, Christy Hill Events • Rob Keating, M&M Event Rentals Steve Kemble, Steve Kemble Event Design • Cindy Lo, Red Velvet Events Inc. Terri McBride, Austin Convention Center • Jim Monroe, J. Monroe Designs • Catherine New, The Statler Diana Pfaff, Irving CVB • John Shore, Shore Public Relations • Laurie Sprouse, Ultimate Ventures Leigh Stem, AFR Event Furnishings • Dayne Sullivan, Adventures LLC • Marla Watson-Werst, PeaPod Productions DESIGN DIRECTOR ART DIRECTORS PRODUCTION DIRECTOR PROJECT COORDINATORS CIRCULATION DIRECTOR SUBSCRIPTION MARKETING SPECIALIST

Rachel Martin, former NPR national security correspondent and current host of NPR’s Morning Edition Sunday.

Courtney Nielsen Traci Zellmann, Taylor Kilgore Dianne Talmage Brittni Dye, Rebeca Solares Ho Jeremy Wieland Emily O’Connell

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & EVENTS MARKETING & EVENTS COORDINATOR

Lauren Madeja Jen McIlvaine

CREDIT MANAGER

April McCauley

WEB DEVELOPMENT MANAGER WEB ADVERTISING COORDINATOR

Sandy Powell Angela Beissel

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER– NATIONAL SALES

Bill Clinton

Ryan Miller 469.264.7657 ryan.miller@tigeroak.com

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IRVING ROCKS

Innovative Meeting and Event Space

For address changes, ordering single copies, cancellations, or general questions about your subscription please contact customer service at 1-800-637-0334 or customerservice@tigeroak.com Texas Meetings + Events accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or artwork; they will not be returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

T IGE R OA K M E D I A

FOUNDER & CEO CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER VICE PRESIDENT OF DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

R. Craig Bednar Bill Nelson Susan Isay Jim Younger

900 South Third St., Minneapolis, MN 55415 Phone: 612.548.3180 Fax: 612.548.3181 Published quarterly Texas Meetings + Events, Summer 2019 © 2019 Tiger Oak Media. All rights reserved.

Printed in the U.S.A.

irvingtxmeetings.com discoverirvingconventioncenter.com (972) 252 7476 (800) 2 IRVING

#visitirving

FOR PROOF ONLY - PROOF 3 Magazine Ad will run: TX.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 9 Texas Meetings + Events, Summer 2019 Ad Size: 1/3 vertical 2.25”x10” This proof does not reflect the image quality of the final printed piece. Photos or im-

The Good Ol’’Days Never Had It This Good T he c l a s s i c c ou r t i s a l i v e a n d w e l l – r e b or n w i t h v i n t a g e c h a r m a n d e v e r y mo d e r n c o m f or t . T h r e e g r e at c i t i e s , t h r e e t i me l e s s r o ad s i d e e s c ap e s t o e x p l or e!

IRVING

AUSTIN

COLLEGE STATION

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c a v a l r y c o u r t .c o m

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855.596.3398

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PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION

Meeting Notes VENUE SPOTLIGHT

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CBV PROFILE 14

IT’S YOUR BIZ

16

BEYOND THE BORDER

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TREND-SPOTTING

Stay ahead of the curve with these crowd-searched trends and topics. B y M e g a n G o s c h

PHOTOS: ISTOCK.COM, GORAN JAKUS, WACOMKA; SANTJE09, NICKY LLOYD FULL REPORT: BUSINESS.PINTEREST.COM/EN/BLOG/100-PINTEREST-TRENDS-FOR-2019

Armed with insights from over 250 million monthly user searches, Pinterest takes the guesswork out of upcoming trend tracking with its official 100 Pinterest trends for 2019 report.

From travel destinations on the rise to the superfoods fueling new F&B concepts, current trends with staying power and soon-to-be stars give planners a sneak peek into the event trends of the near future. Keep an eye out for a few of these eye-catching faves:

GLOW UP: From cheeky custom messaging and unexpected branding opportunities to glowing photo backdrops and colorful uplighting, neon takes center stage to create the perfect pop of color.

PHOTOBOMB: For instant intrigue, smoke bombs are on the rise. Opt for a simple white haze to create an unexpected dramatic moment or tailor the smokey effect with bursts of colorful plumes for a playful photo backdrop.

UNEXPECTED ANTIDOTE: Well-known for its medicinal qualities, the elderberry is your next new superfruit.

With plenty of vitamin C, antioxidants and antiinflammatory qualities, this berry adds a healthy boost to meeting break smoothies, colorful salads and creative cocktails.

HIGH RISE: Greenery is always a welcome addition to any event space, but living walls are having a moment.

Transform raw or blank spaces with floor-toceiling vertical gardens for a lush urban jungle aesthetic.

TX.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

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PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION

EXPANSION NEWS»

Holocaust Museum Houston Expands

Venue reopens following a multimillion-dollar renovation.

Holocaust Museum Houston will reopen this June following a multimillion-dollar expansion that more than doubled its size. At 57,000 square feet, the new three-story structure will be the fourth-largest Holocaust

museum in the country and the first to be bilingual in English and Spanish. In addition, the museum will include the nation’s largest gallery of artwork by artist Samuel Bak, a Holocaust survivor.

The building will be renamed the Holocaust Museum Houston, Lester and Sue Smith Campus, in gratitude for the Smiths’ $15 million gift, the largest in the museum’s history. hmh.org

SOCIAL OUTING Looking for a new spot for a team party? Andy B’s Bowl Social, a new entertainment facility in Denton, is now open for business. Located in Rayzor Ranch Town Center directly behind the Denton Convention Center, it offers a mix of social games and attractions, including bowling, laser tag, an arcade, virtual reality and classic table games (think Jenga). It also offers a full-service restaurant serving chef-driven American eats, craft cocktails and mocktails, and a large local draft selection. Larger groups can buy out the space, and private event space is available. If you’re interested in team-building, Andy B’s will even provide you with a team facilitator. bowlandybs.com

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P H O T O S : A N DY B ' S B O W L S O C I A L ; P I E R C E G O O D W I N A L E X A N D E R & L I N V I L L E

VENUE SPOTLIGHT»

P H O T O S : A N DY B ' S B O W L S O C I A L ; P I E R C E G O O D W I N A L E X A N D E R & L I N V I L L E

Discover Odessa All work, no play?

Celebrate your next successful meeting in Odessa, Texas.

You expect a lot from a meeting destination. That’s why Odessa is the perfect destination for your next meeting or conference.

Our great people and amazing climate make Odessa a perfect place to meet any time of year. The Odessa Convention & Visitors Bureau’s professional staff will make sure all the details are handled so there’s time for both work and play.

Odessa features:

The Odessa CVB will help you:

• Forty quality hotels, including the new Marriott Hotel and Conference Center set to open August of 2019

• Secure hotel accommodations

• More than 300,000 square feet of meeting space with all the amenities

• Assist and coordinate group activities

• World-class performances at the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center • Great restaurants and plenty of entertainment options

• Arrange venue facilities • Coordinate local details such as staffing and UIL sports preparation and submission

Call us today to get the ball rolling on your next successful meeting.

432-333-7871 | odessacvb.com | #DiscoverOdessa

PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION

CVB PROFILE»

Get to Know the Village of Salado BORN AND RAISED in Bryan, about 90 miles east of Village of Salado, Chadley Hollas, Village of Salado’s director of tourism, says he came to the town with one goal: to help Salado become Texas’ best small destination.

His favorite thing about his adopted hometown is the people. “They are quirky, creative and hospitable—a neat combination that makes for many good conversations,” says Hollas.

The community has more than 220 guest rooms, ranging from branded and boutique hotels to bed and breakfasts. “We currently have more than 17,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, most of which is either on or a short walk to Main Street. Soon, the iconic Stagecoach Inn will open an additional 3,200

square feet of newly renovated meeting space,” says Hollas.

Hollas’ top three reasons to host your next meeting or event in the Village of Salado are: “Salado is the closest destination to the population center of Texas. That means you can host an event that is close to everyone.”

“Salado allows your attendees to escape the meeting rooms and join some of our artists for unique experiences—to hand-blow your own drinking glass at Salado Glassworks, for example.”

“Imagine your ideal meeting destination: multiple venue choices, world-class dining, refined service, a beautiful, natural setting and unique opportunities for team-building, all

w it hin a short walk from each other. You just imagined the Village of Salado.”

He adds, “While there are many exciting things to do in Salado, my favorite has to be the serenity of sitting beside Salado Creek at our local brewery, Barrow Brewing Co., while sipping on a pint.

After hanging out with the folks at Salado Glassworks, of course.” salado.com

SIGNATURE DRINK»

If there is a better hair-of-the-dog drink than a bloody mary, we sure don’t know

what it is. Visit Beaumont shared its recipe for a tasty Sunday brunch cocktail, and they even made it for eight, so you can treat your friends! visitbeaumonttx.com

46 ounce can of tomato/vegetable juice such as V8 1 teaspoon of TexJoy Steak Seasoning – Original Brand 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce the juice of one lemon 1 cup vodka ice cubes celery sticks, olives and lime wedges for garnish

Directions:

Pour tomato juice into a large pitcher. Add TexJoy Steak Seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice and vodka. Stir well. Pour into individual glasses. Serve over ice with celery sticks as stirrers. Garnish with olives and wedges of limes or lemons. (Insider tip: you can also serve this drink sans vodka for a tasty nonalcoholic punch.) Serves 8.

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P H OTO : I S TO C K .CO M / M I TC H E L L P I C T U R E S

Ingredients:

P H OTO : I S TO C K .CO M / M I TC H E L L P I C T U R E S

Jenn Christoferson

Frontier Texas!

Abilene Zoo

When you visit, live like a local.

Stroll the Storybook Capital of America, and you’ll find characters of every kind.

People journey here to feed our giraffe, absorb our heritage and bask in culture.

We aren’t a big metropolitan area, but we’re big on hospitality.

You’re invited. Plot an adventure at abilenevisitors.com

PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION

IT’S YOUR BIZ»

20 YEARS OF KEEPING UP WITH THE

WOW

BY DEBOR AH ELIAS

TEN YEARS AGO, when celebrating the 10th anniversary of my company, Elias Events, I wrote an article about the 10 changes I witnessed over the years. Now at the 20-year mark, I feel the need to write another article. This time around the changes in the special events industry are astounding, and to say advances in technology are a driving force behind special events is an understatement. In the current Silicon Valley–driven environment, the top minds in the world are constantly producing apps and software that not only help with everyday work product flow but also can be used during actual events, thereby allowing you to “Keep Up With the WOW!”

L

et’s start with the obvious: Smartphones and the world of apps did not exist 10 years ago. With the advent of the iPhone and its subsequent many iterations, the world of planning events has completely changed. Well, frankly, life in general has! At no other time in history could an event be planned from a device that fits into the palm of your hand.

Ten years ago, the phrase “There’s an app for that” did not have meaning. Cut to 2019, and the number of apps and their ability to help the planning, designing and implementation of events is too many to count. The phone can be used to check people into an event, measure the length of a room, take memorable videos and photos, and remind us when to do it all over again.

Much to the chagrin of the National Transportation Safety Board, drones are here to stay, and I, for one, am excited. For outdoor events, they are a perfect way to capture all aspects. If done correctly and within safety guidelines, they can also be used to transport items, such as drinks. Unbelievable shows like the synchronized lighted drones show at the Olympics and Super Bowl are taking entertainment to a whole new level.

To say that virtual reality is a big thing at events is another understatement.

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Transporting guests to alternative realities is an exciting application to enhance events. The wave of the future is the ability to market events, venues and locations without ever having to leave the office.

The use of frozen liquid nitrogen is making a huge splash, and the reaction is spectacular.

This product must be handled with great care and by a professional, but its ability to take drinks from boring to extraordinary is always a crowd pleaser.

Another huge game-changer in the audiovisual component of events are LED walls/ screens. Using these instead of a traditional projector and screen is useful for so many reasons, including the ability to not have to rig and

DEBORAH ELIAS, CSEP, CMP, CIS OF ELIAS EVENTS, LLC IS AN AWARDWINNING EVENT PLANNER. SHE IS PASSIONATE ABOUT ALL THINGS EVENTS RELATED WITH A FOCUS ON EVENT TECHNOLOGY AND PRODUCTS TO WOW HER CLIENTS, GUESTS AND COLLEAGUES. ELIASEVENTS.COM

the versatility in their use, and frankly, they look so much better. I am obsessed with using them and always glad when a client agrees.

3D printing has become a cool addition to events. The ability to print on-site many items—from sugar desserts to giveaways—is fun, imaginative and, with the advent of more products, becoming cheaper to do.

A new cool element to add to events are artists who create paintings on-site. They typically will paint a scene such as the ceremony of a wedding or the venue for a birthday party.

Guests love to watch the piece unfold, and clients have a visual reminder of the event for years to come.

From speakers to LED lights, Bluetooth products have become a staple in the industry.

Their use has allowed for sound and lights in places where this might not have been possible before. These products are activated by remote control and many are accessible from apps on smartphones.

One of my absolute favorite new products is indoor sparklers or fireworks. The dynamic additions to the pyrotechnic arena have made a huge explosion—pardon the pun. The biggest plus is that they can be used indoors, do not require permitting and are safe (they can be touched without any fear of harm).

Where Business Meets Adventure •

Over 250,000 square feet of flexible meeting space

•

9 championship golf courses

•

Countless outdoor adventure activities

•

Minutes from the Las Vegas Strip

702.267.2171

|

VisitHenderson.com

PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION

ASK THE EXPERTS» QUESTION:

What is your one must-have for business travel?

"My Mophie power station so I don’t have to compete for outlets during a flight delay or have that awkward moment of leaning into my neighbor’s lap while trying to find an outlet on the plane."

India Rhodes, CSEP Dallas Partner | Wilkinson Rhodes wilkinsonrhodes.com

"Noise-cancelling headphones!

This has to be the number one answer!

Best. Purchase. Ever. I’m just trying to relax or sleep for a few minutes, people.

No, I don’t want to hear your baby cry.

No, I don’t want to hear your overly loud conversation."

Brian Acheson, CSEP Owner | VIP Events, Inc. vipevents.com

NOW OPEN»

NEW SPACE, MORE ROOMS

TEAM-BUILDING»

STUNT YOUR TEAM’S GROWTH

Pack some action into your next team-building outing.

Channel your team’s inner action heroes with a little team-building at Stunt Ranch, located just outside of Austin. The 22-acre ranch was founded (and is owned) by Steve Wolf, a film and television producer and president of Wolf Stuntworks, Inc. Your group can challenge each other in zorb ball races (they’re like mega-sized hamster balls for humans), zip lining, hatchet/spear tossing and more. You can even build and detonate a fireball or compete in the “Rescue the Boss” challenge.

The ranch also offers space for corporate team-building, bachelor/bachelorette and birthday parties, 5Ks, and private venue rentals. stuntranch.com

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The Westin Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas, part of Marriott International, opened its doors on March 30. Located next to the Irving Convention Center and Toyota Music Factory, the hotel features 350 guest rooms with floorto-ceiling windows and approximately 30,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor function space, including the Harmony Grand and Melody ballrooms, the Rhythm and Cadence boardrooms, and a main event lawn and an event lawn at the pool deck.

Additional amenities include a fitness studio, outdoor pool and dining options, such as Craft Coffee Shop, Vibe—a pool and deck bar—and Mesa Mezcal, a modern Mexican restaurant. westin.com

P H O T O S : S C H U LT Z P H O T O G R A P H Y ; W E S T I N I R V I N G C O N V E N T I O N C E N T E R AT L A S C O L I N A S

Irving welcomes new Westin

P H O T O S : S C H U LT Z P H O T O G R A P H Y ; W E S T I N I R V I N G C O N V E N T I O N C E N T E R AT L A S C O L I N A S

HOLD A GATOR. HOLD A MEETING.

Beaumont has a lot to offer. Creative incentives. VIP planning.

Unique venues. And after face-time with colleagues, the opportunity to get up close and personal with the locals.

Meet innovative. Meet extraordinary. MeetBeaumont.com

1-800-392-4401 | Freddie Willard, Director of Sales

PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION

DESTINATION PUERTO VALLARTA

Grab your team and your passports for a Mexican retreat.

BY TERESA KENNEY

THE SENSE OF ARRIVAL SETS THE TONE FOR ANY DESTINATION, and the all-inclusive resort Velas Vallarta in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, has got that down pat. Its expansive, airy lobby-slash-gathering space boasts soaring coved ceilings and grand arches. In lieu of doors, the outside and inside intermingle, allowing a tropical breeze to beckon you to hurry up— the beach awaits! As you take in your first impression of the resort, your host will offer you a fresh glass of refreshing hibiscus juice. ¶ You have most certainly arrived.

The Group-Stay Experience For groups, Velas Vallarta goes to even greater lengths to roll out the proverbial red carpet.

Digital signage welcomes you as soon as you step inside the lobby—and is repeated throughout the grounds—and a dedicated reception area for your guests makes for a smooth checkin. As they mingle at arrival, your business team can enjoy an interactive guacamole and salsa bar with offerings freshly made as they

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watch. Or if you prefer, choose a craft beer and cheese tasting welcome for your VIPs. The resort is particularly well suited for incentive trips and business retreats. The suites boast lanais—perfect for an intimate evening reception with the sounds of the ocean as the party’s soundtrack. All of the 345 studio to three-bedroom suites have kitchens or kitchenettes with fully stocked bars and snack trays that are replenished daily. And the

gracious living areas provide a comfortable space to relax after a day of meetings or to commiserate with colleagues before heading out for dinner.

The Resort Experience Velas Vallarta has the rest of the resort experience down to a science, as well. The lush courtyard gardens are home to resident peacocks and peahens, and meandering paths connect guests to the beach and amenities. Oh, and that hawk you see overhead? That’s just the resident Harris hawk, keeping the pigeons and blackbirds at bay.

The resort has three pools that are connected via one shared lazy “river.” One is perfect for kids, another has a swim-up bar for poolside libations. And waitstaff make the rounds during the day, refreshing drinks or bringing you a snack to nosh on while you’re engrossed in a beach read. Additional amenities include daily family activities and entertainment, tennis courts, and a spa (the spa’s menu of services includes beach massages so close to the water, you may feel a soft mist of ocean spray).

If you happen to have forgotten sunscreen— or are looking for a magazine to read under a cabana on the sand—the resort has a small market with essentials. Forgot your hat or looking to dress up a tad more for dinner? It also offers an elegant boutique. And at several spots throughout the resort and on the beach you’ll find Mexican artisan vendors.

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BEYOND THE BORDER»

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PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION

TASTE»

ACCOMMODATING MENUS

The Business Experience Velas Vallarta simplifies getting down to business (that’s why you came, remember?). The resort’s conference center has room for up to 1,250 for a reception and 600 for an awards banquet. Spaces are also available for breakout sessions of up to 30 delegates classroom-style.

Cellphone Concierge services are available for meeting and convention attendees, which allows busy executives to leave their phones with a professional concierge who filters incoming calls and messages, only alerting execs when there’s an urgent matter. Before scheduled meetings, executives can specify

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which calls must be answered and which email contacts their personal concierge should respond to promptly.

For group team-building, the meeting and event staff are at your service. Want to learn how to paint traditional Mexican pottery or create the pre-Hispanic technique of Arte en Popotillo (straw mosaics)? Looking to whip up some competitive team spirit with a beach volleyball tournament or cooking competition? Velas Vallarta’s events team can assist.

Depending on when you arrive, you can also take a behind-the-scenes ecotour of the resort, including the sea turtle nursery, where baby turtles are protected before being released back into the water. (Last year, nearly 24,000 baby turtles were raised and released.)

And when it’s time to head out, your Checkout Concierge will help your group with printing boarding passes and transportation to nearby Puerto Vallarta International Airport, where direct flights are available to and from Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth. As a final thank you, they’ll gift you with bottled water, cookies and a tote bag for your trip.

From the first welcome to final goodbye, it’s a destination meeting experience like no other.

P H O T O S : V E L A S VA L L A R TA ; FA I R M O N T D A L L A S

For dinner, Velas Vallarta has two restaurants open year-round: Andrea and La Ribera. The seasonal cantina, Foodies, offers a more intimate, fine dining option and is open November through Easter. Post-dinner, live entertainment is available in the Alhambra lobby bar. Grab a table and a cocktail and enjoy mariachi bands and other musicians.

As an added convenience, you can exchange currency right at the hotel, and two ATMs, one for U.S. dollars and the other for Mexican pesos, are available in the lobby.

Fairmont Dallas has introduced its new fully dedicated on-site kosher kitchen—the only hotel kosher kitchen in Dallas’ urban core. Under the direct supervision of Dallas Kosher, the area kosher supervising authority, the culinary team at Fairmont Dallas is committed to upholding the orthodox standards of tradition. Fairmont Dallas’ kosher kitchen meets the strict requirements of certified orthodox kitchens in terms of equipment and types of foods served, as well as handling, preparation, food sourcing and storage.

The kosher menu was developed by executive chef Jared Harms and includes dishes, such as mixed heirloom chicories salad with burnt honey and citrus dressing, herbcrusted New Zealand lamb, 24-hour braised beef short ribs, and wild mushroom and spinach free-range chicken roulade. Desserts include Challah banana bread pudding with vanilla crème Anglaise. All selections can be paired with kosher wine offerings. Fairmont Dallas offers more than 70,000 square feet of meeting space. fairmont.com/dallas

P H O T O S : V E L A S VA L L A R TA ; FA I R M O N T D A L L A S

TEXAS

PHOTO: XTREMEHEIGHTS

WE SPECIALIZE IN SMALL MARKET MEETINGS

VisitMcKinney.com/TME

888-649-8499

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TREND REPORT MARKETING EVENTS

Austin-based INNOVATX Events uses social media to promote the events it produces, such as a 2019 summit for a national insurance company.

WANTED: SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER WITH HEART

Authenticity and thought leadership are top-of-mind for event marketers.

To help a client promote a pet festival, the Austin-based events, marketing and public relations agency Bounce is tapping into the heart.

“We’re really trying to jive into what makes people love their pets, that pets make you feel you’re the most important person in the world,” says Shermayne Crawford, senior publicist at Bounce.

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Crawford, who has worked on large-scale events such as the Keith Austin Music Festival, says Bounce plans to launch the social media campaign promoting the pet festival—which is scheduled for 2020—a year in advance while

leveraging local pet Instagram influencers to encourage attendee participation.

Campaigns like Bounce’s represent a new normal for event marketing: long-term, datadriven digital marketing campaigns that strive to build authentic relationships with brands.

With marketers fully shifting their marketing campaigns to digital tools, tapping into social

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BY MELISSA SERSL AND

We should meet here every year.

WE HEAR THAT A LOT.

P H O T O : I N N O VAT X E V E N T S

When you get to break out of the office walls, why shouldn’t that include a little fun? With 160,000 square feet of event space within walking distance of lively shopping, dining and entertainment, combining business with pleasure has never felt so effortless.

Book your best event at visitthewoodlands.com/meetingmagic

TREND REPORT MARKETING EVENTS

media best practices can help planners most effectively build relationships with their audiences and encourage participation for their events. Creating an emotional connection with a brand is critical.

“You have to make sure you’re really posting something that’s going to drive engagement and an emotional connection,” Crawford says.

“When we share content that pulls on the heartstrings and that people can say, ‘My dog does that!’ we’re making that connection, so people see themselves in the post.”

Leveraging Influencers Creating an emotional connection is one key to an effective social media marketing campaign. Another is leveraging the followers of compatible social media influencers.

“People think they know the people that they are currently following [on social media],” she says. “Once influencers talk about a specific event or brand, you have that built-in trust.”

Bounce focuses on a mix of Instagram and Facebook to reach a broad demographic of consumers. Planners can find the influencers who are the best fit for their events by narrowing down individuals on these platforms

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by location, content focus and following.

Marketers can tap into an influencer’s built-in audience by inviting them to attend the event, host a giveaway or post sponsored content.

Using discount codes for registration fees and price increases also can be effective tools for encouraging registration.

Using Data Knowing the details of your demographic is a third key to crafting a social media marketing strategy.

“You need to really do a deep dive into those statistics so you can develop a great content strategy,” she says. “That way the content is geared directly toward [your consumers].

You want to constantly be relevant and drive people to follow you.”

Due to increased competition, event marketers are also completing market research before designing campaigns. “More of our clients are in tough competition with competitors for user and customer conferences,” says Emily Kratt, managing director for INNOVATX Events. “We consult our clients on what the hook is to get them to attend their event. You have to do heavy market research

on competing events, surveying prospective attendees on where they want to go and what they want to see.”

Armed with knowledge of the target audience, marketers can plan A/B testing on ads to determine the most effective design. A/B testing is a randomized comparison of two campaigns to see which one is most effective.

At an additional cost, Facebook allows users to test multiple aspects of an ad, including different images, headlines and calls to action.

While there are definite trends to what marketers are focusing on now, there is a lot of variance of what will work from brand to brand. With real-time data to track what works, marketers should be experimental in crafting their campaigns because not every solution is right for everyone.

Get Connected BOUNCE bounceaustin.com INNOVATX EVENTS innovatx.com

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When you post on social media, take care to post something that will resonate emotionally with your target audience.

HAVE STORIES TO TELL.

P H OTO : U N S P L A S H .CO M / @ F O U R CO LO U R B L AC K

Exceeding expectations by creating experiences.

Make plans for holding your event at Atlantis Casino Resort Spa Reno.

The stories you’ll tell will be endless. Top notch service complete with state-of-the-art meeting rooms, tech savvy amenities and the only resort connected to the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. Dine in top-ranked restaurants and unwind at Spa Atlantis, the only Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star spa in northern Nevada.

Book a world-class experience today.

Please call 800.994.5900 or visit atlantiscasino.com/texasmeetings to submit an RFP

VENUE REPORT FOOD HALLS

Bottling Department

THE FOOD HALL CRAZE

These on-trend spots offer new options for groups.

Food halls are becoming the darlings of the dining scenes in cities around the U.S., and Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio are no exceptions.

“The entire Dallas-Fort Worth region has seen an influx of food halls similar to the national trend,” says Zane Harrington, communications specialist at Visit Dallas. “It began with the Shed at the Dallas Farmers Market in 2012, but we’ve seen a big influx within the past two years.”

With multiple restaurant and bar concepts operating under one roof, food halls provide a diverse array of elevated, fast-casual options.

Many food halls offer new concepts from local chefs who can experiment with menus on a smaller scale before expanding them else-

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where, Harrington says.

The added options make food halls a great place to host an event, as well, Harrington says.

“Food halls are great for groups because they offer a variety of cuisines, so everyone can eat and/or drink something they enjoy and are in the mood for, regardless of dietary restrictions,” Zane says.

At least five food halls opened in DallasFort Worth in 2018, including The Commons at Cedar Springs in Dallas, LC Kitchen in Plano, Urban 8 at The Colony, Crockett Row in Fort Worth and Texas Live in Arlington.

Houston and San Antonio will be adding more food halls to their inventory, as well.

Houston’s first food hall, The Conservatory, opened in 2016, while its second, Finn Hall, opened in late 2018. At least three more food halls are set to open in the next year, including Bravery Chef Hall, offering five restaurants and three bars across from Market Square Park; Lyric Market, a 31,000-square-foot space designed to emulate Harrods’ food hall in London; and Understory, a 35,000-square-foot project connected to Houston’s underground tunnel system.

Bottling Department—located at the 22-acre retail, dining and entertainment hub Pearl—opened as San Antonio’s first food hall in July 2017. Bottling Department is currently

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BY MELISSA SERSL AND

Bottling Department

the only food hall in San Antonio, though that will soon change. Construction of a second food hall to be located in downtown San Antonio began last fall.

Read on to learn more about some of the newly opened food halls in our state.

B O T T L I N G D E PA R T M E N T

P H OTO S : J E S S I C A G I E S E Y

San Antonio

San Antonio’s Pearl, a mixed-use retail, dining and entertainment space north of downtown, is a community hub. Its food hall offers five restaurant concepts to complement other standalone dining options in the development.

Guests can enjoy ramen at Tenko, seasonal greens at The Good Kind, Cajun-style chicken at Bud’s, artisan doughnuts at Maybelle’s

and hand-spun milkshakes at Fletcher’s.

Restaurant vendors also routinely update their menus and are open to customizing items for groups. Along with the food options, Bottling Department offers curated beer and wine offerings at the bar.

Bottling Department emphasizes food and community and hosts private groups during public operating hours. Groups can reserve space and have the option to bring in outside entertainment. Planners work with Bottling Department to provide guests meal vouchers so they can sample the hall’s vendors.

With plenty of programming at Pearl happening year-round, guests at Bottling Department can enjoy community events and entertainment like a farmer’s market

and concert series just steps from the restaurant vendors.

CROCK E T T ROW

Dallas-Fort Worth

Crockett Row at West Seventh in Fort Worth offers five walkable blocks of dining, shopping, entertainment and a food hall in Fort Worth’s cultural district. Crockett Row’s food hall opened in December 2018, filling a need for fast-casual dining in the neighborhood, says Adrian Verdin, senior vice president for Hospitality Alliance, which manages the food hall at Crockett Row. The food hall features a dozen different restaurant concepts from a mix of nationally recognized and up-and-coming chefs, Verdin

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VENUE REPORT FOOD HALLS

says. This includes Bryan and Caleb Lewis, the operators of Press Waffle Co., who pitched their restaurant chain on the television show “Shark Tank” this spring. Guests can enjoy Press Waffle Co.’s sweet and savory waffles along with cheesecake, shawarma, lobster rolls, cupcakes, Mexican street food and more.

Groups can buy out the food hall, which can accommodate up to 300 guests. For smaller groups of 25-50, planners can reserve a portion of the food hall. The venue can provide gift cards or tickets for guests to use at the vendors.

Crockett Row

FINN HALL

Houston

Crockett Row

Get Connected BOTTLING DEPARTMENT bottlingdept.com CROCKETT ROW foodhallatcrockettrow.com FINN HALL finnhalltx.com

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Finn Hall

P H OTO S : C R O C K E T T R OW A N D F I N N H A L L

Since opening in December 2018, Finn Hall has hosted groups of seven to 1,000 guests.

Many of these events have been cocktail-style receptions featuring a variety of food from all 10 of its food operators. True to Houston’s diversity, Finn Hall offers Vietnamese and Korean dishes alongside falafel, tacos, pizza, burgers, and a fresh seafood and raw bar concept, among other options. There are also two full bars in the space.

Finn’s mezzanine-level bar, Swallow’s Nest, celebrates the building’s art deco history and architecture. The food hall itself is named for Alfred C. Finn, one of the leaders of art deco architecture in Texas and the architect of Houston’s JPMorgan Chase & Co. building, where the food hall is located. Swallow’s Nest offers craft cocktails, beer, wine and a secluded spot for groups. True to its name, it also provides a bird’s-eye view of Finn Hall. Swallow’s Nest can seat up to 80 and can host 100 for a cocktail reception.

P H OTO S : C R O C K E T T R OW A N D F I N N H A L L

Imagine your meeting or event with this South Padre Island gulf view as your inspiration.

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P H O T O : I S T O C K P H O T O . C O M / P O R T F O L I O /A R I N A H A B I C H

DESTINATION SOUTH TEXAS

COAST ALONG TEXAS’ COAST

Along the Gulf, from west to east, there’s a destination for your next event.

BY JULIE SCAGELL

Cultural roots run deep in South Texas, providing a dynamic backdrop for your destination meeting, event or retreat. Texas Meetings + Events took a little road trip to check out three of those vibrant communities along the

P H O T O : I S T O C K P H O T O . C O M / P O R T F O L I O /A R I N A H A B I C H

border and Gulf of Mexico.

MCALLEN Located in the Rio Grande Valley, McAllen has seen significant growth in the past decade. It’s packed with art galleries, museums, live music (including a symphony orchestra) and nightlife. The city boasts many options for hosting your next meeting or event, and thanks to McAllen International Airport, groups will find getting there a breeze. While you’re in town, check out Ms. G’s Tacos N’ More, a local Tex-Mex favorite. (Do yourself a favor and take every napkin that’s offered.)

Where to Meet Celestial Room: The Celestial Room event center’s main room has a seating capacity of 150-250 guests. The venue offers both indoor and outdoor meeting spaces and has catering and entertainment services available.

Casa De Palmas Renaissance McAllen Hotel: Boasting 6,520 square feet of space

across eight event rooms, this full-service conference center can accommodate up to 280 guests and offers restaurants, lounges, a business center and plenty of room packages, all set amid historic Spanish-style architecture.

The Old Church Winery: Located in downtown McAllen, The Old Church Winery was renovated by the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. It is South Texas’ first urban winery, and provides a unique experience for up to 152 guests. It offers a fully equipped kitchen, a wine bar, sound system and modern technology for hosting events.

S O U T H PA D R E I S L A N D If you’re looking for an awe-inspiring beach backdrop for your event, head over to South Padre Island, located about an hour’s drive east of McAllen. A favorite spring break destination for college students and families, this barrier island off the coast of Texas is an ideal

place to host a meeting or event of any size and for any reason. Whether you’re looking for a more formal meeting space or a “flip-flop-friendly” venue, the island has you covered. While you’re there, don’t miss dining at Ceviche Ceviche to build your own—what else?—ceviche.

Where to Meet South Padre Island Convention Centre: The convention center features 45,000 square feet of meeting space, including a 22,500-squarefoot exhibit hall, and has the latest technology and multiple nearby hotel options. The center’s Sunset Terrace boasts views of the Laguna Madre Bay, and its unique Whaling Wall and boardwalk make for an unforgettable setting.

Casa Mariposa Venue and Villas: Prepare to be drawn in by this unique space with Moroccan and Mexican influences located behind the Valley Land Fund’s bird sanctuary. Its colonial courtyard features a tropical garden, and four event spaces give options for groups of up to 200 guests. It also has four bedrooms and a full living area for guests staying overnight.

NAMAR Event Center: Surrounded by

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DESTINATION SOUTH TEXAS

P H O T O : S O U T H PA D R E I S L A N D C V B ; C O R P U S C H R I S T I C V B

South Padre Island Convention Centre (above right) includes its famous whaling wall (above left).

Corpus Christi’s bayfront/downtown area (below) has more than 1,200 hotel rooms.

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(817) 430-1561 | www.circlerranch.org

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DESTINATION SOUTH TEXAS

windows with pristine bay views and central to hotels and nightlife, NAMAR has 3,000 square feet of space and can seat up to 200 guests comfortably. The center works with approved vendors for rentals, technology, catering and bar service and has a beautiful, sunlit, wraparound covered patio.

Art Center of Corpus Christi (above) can accommodate groups of up to 2,000.

The USS Lexington Museum (below) hosts meetings in a rich historic backdrop.

CORPUS CHRISTI If you want a gorgeous drive up the coast, consider hosting your next event in the coastal city of Corpus Christi. The town is tucked into a magnificent bay, its beaches sheltered by Padre and Mustang islands. There is no shortage of wildlife and nature preserves to explore—take a group tour of the beach on horseback—and the harbor is the perfect place to unwind postagenda at one of its dozens of restaurants.

Don’t leave without checking out the delicious oysters and sushi room at Water Street Market.

Art Center of Corpus Christi: This unique venue can accommodate up to 2,000 people, with 1,200-, 5,000-, and 6,000-square-foot event spaces available. It has indoor and outdoor options, all set against gorgeous views of the marina or in one of its stunning galleries.

Mansion by the Sea: This is the perfect option for a memorable seaside experience.

Located on a small island between Aransas Pass and Port Aransas, the venue has 3,840 square feet of indoor and outdoor space and can accommodate up to 300 guests.

USS Lexington Museum: This aircraft carrier was built during World War II for the United States Navy and is now a museum where guests can visit the flight deck, escape rooms and 3D mega-theater. Three separate meeting spaces extend 40,000 square feet and can host smaller groups of up to 200 or large groups of up to 2,600.

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P H OTO : CO R P U S C H R I S T I C V B

Where to Meet

P H OTO : CO R P U S C H R I S T I C V B

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NAMAR EVENT CENTER namareventcenter.com 956.761.2350 OLD CHURCH WINERY oldchurchwinery.com 956.467.2679

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ART CENTER OF CORPUS CHRISTI artcentercc.org 361.884.6406, ext.204

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND sopadre.com SOUTH PADRE ISLAND CONVENTION CENTRE sopadre.com 956.761.3000 USS LEXINGTON www.usslexington.com 361.888.4873 ext. 305 VISIT MCALLEN TEXAS visitmcallen.com

MANSION BY THE SEA mansionbythesea.com 361.717.2621

FOR PROOF ONLY - PROOF 1 38 TXM+E | SUMMER 2019run: Magazine Ad will Texas Meetings + Events, Summer 2019 Ad Size: 1/3 vertical 2.25”x10” This proof does not reflect the image quality of the final printed piece. Photos or im-

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Corporate planners are integrating wellness into off-site meetings.

BY BELINDA LICHT Y CLARKE

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P H O T O S : I S T O C K . C O M / S V E T L A N A - C H E R R U T Y ; I S T O C K . C O M /J U LY N X A

WHERE WORK MEETS WELL-BEING

From stipends for gym memberships to nourishing vending machine options, companies are making employee wellness a priority. Likewise, corporate planners are incorporating new programs and activities into meetings to promote a healthier mind and body and help boost productivity.

“Corporate wellness initiatives can reduce the number of sick days, lower health care costs and create healthier, more engaged employees,” says Laura Moore, an Austin-based human resources consultant. “As a part of corporate wellness, it’s also beneficial to incorporate wellness activities into company meetings. The employees benefit from the activity, and it gives them the opportunity to connect with each other differently. It also demonstrates that their firm values them by providing them a way to focus on winding down and being present.”

For groups who want to get out of the office to relax and

P H O T O S : I S T O C K . C O M / S V E T L A N A - C H E R R U T Y ; I S T O C K . C O M /J U LY N X A

recharge together, here are some wellness retreats to consider.

THE HOUSTONIAN Just 20 minutes from the heart of downtown Houston, The Houstonian sits on 27 wooded acres and is home to the only Forbes Four-Star spa in the city. With full-service meetings and conference facilities and 289 guest rooms, this urban retreat works well for large groups. The Trellis Spa is designed in the Mediterranean style with big windows that look out onto a lush courtyard. The 17,000-square-foot spa includes 20 treatment rooms, seven hair styling stations, seven manicure and four pedicure stations, luxurious locker rooms (with Jacuzzi and steam room), an indoor float pool, comfortable upstairs lounge with a fireplace, and relaxation rooms for before and after treatments. Treatments range from traditional massages and facial services to uniquely targeted options, such as the Tension Relief Cocoon designed to treat tight muscles, joints

and tendons using intensely active marine mud to soothe sore tissue and release toxins.

“Trellis Spa is one of the most sought-after spas in the city and is a nice draw for groups that have the budget and time out of their meeting agenda to enjoy it properly,” says Dawn Turbes, director of group sales. “We can facilitate a total buyout of Trellis or activities as simple as ‘treats and treatments’ for spouses.

The spa is very aware of the time restrictions for groups and works to manage access, but primarily we see less and less groups utilizing the spa for organized events due to time limitations and budget.”

In addition to the Trellis Spa, the Houstonian Club, a full-service private health club and fitness facility, offers a wide variety of wellness classes for groups, Turbes adds.

One example is Yoga on the Meadow, an outside yoga experience that focuses on aware-

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ness, breathing deeply and practicing stillness. “This experience can be planned for different hours of the day and will be entirely facilitated with yoga mats and Houstonian Club water bottles,” says Turbes. Yoga on the Meadow ends with a healthy breakfast with fresh-squeezed juices under a huge Texas oak.

“Complimentary access to the exclusive Houstonian Club is a tremendous amenity for group sales bookings,” Turbes says. “Groups can use the facility independently during hours very conducive to pre-/post-meeting times as weekday hours are 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., and they are able to reserve studios for organized private classes.”

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THE JOULE Located in the central business district of Dallas next to the flagship Neiman Marcus, the Joule is a 1920s-era, neo-Gothic landmark building that contains a selection of dramatic mosaics that were salvaged by Tim Headington, the hotel’s founder, from a downtown construction project.

The 11,000-square-foot subterranean spa, designed by Adam D. Tihany, has a uniquely luxurious design, featuring commissioned artwork with four multifunction treatment rooms and three beauty rooms. According to The Spa at The Joule’s Spa Director Virginia Acosta, guests can enjoy the spa’s tranquil subterranean setting and European thermal

experiences, such as a crystal steam room, sauna, ice fountain and a vitality pool with built-in air massage loungers. These experiences complement the spa treatments available by warming the muscles before a massage in the sauna, mixing the heated vitality pool and cooling elements of the ice fountain for circulation benefits.

“It’s a great way for colleagues to interact and unwind after a long day of meetings,” Acosta says. “It’s also an excellent way to give the gift of well-being that in turn helps promote the importance of work-life balance.” She adds, “As the industry continues to advance, our in-house lead educator consistently meets with team members at all levels to

P H OTO S : T H E H O U S TO N I A N ; E R I C L A I G N E L ; JA M E S B A I G R I E

Above: Trellis Spa’s treatments soothe body and mind. Below: The Joule includes thermal experiences, including a sauna. Right: Relax poolside at Miraval Austin.

P H OTO S : T H E H O U S TO N I A N ; E R I C L A I G N E L ; JA M E S B A I G R I E

improve skills and knowledge. From services to products, our staff can understand their guests’ needs and advise them competently.”

MIRAVAL AUSTIN Formerly the Travaasa Resort in Austin, the Miraval Austin became a Hyatt property in 2017. At the time of the acquisition, Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian told Fortune magazine, “There is a clear focus on wellness at many corporations to really promote a holistic approach to the individuals who are working for them so they can be more productive and happier.”

Today, Miraval Austin occupies 220 acres of protected land overlooking Lake Travis

and is just 30 minutes from downtown. With 117 guest rooms and suites along with a full-service Life in Balance Spa, the resort prides itself on a personal approach to wellbeing, and the spa experiences are designed to transform guests’ minds, bodies and souls using innovative treatments inspired by the natural surroundings.

Wellness programs include fitness, yoga, meditation, culinary, nutrition and art. Many of the spa treatments are designed to balance the mind-body-spirit connection using ancient Ayurvedic therapies from India. The Body Renewal Rituals help cleanse, nourish and heal skin by soothing and protecting it with various peels, scrubs and wraps. More

traditional services, such as massage, hair and nails are also available.

“We have seen a tremendous response in corporate guests participating in our wellness offerings,” says Jorah Anderson, Miraval Group’s director of sales. “Not only are more and more corporate companies incorporating wellness practices into the office, but they are providing employees with the opportunity to de-stress outside of work.”

According to Anderson, all Miraval properties offer a selection of Miraval favorites alongside exclusive spa treatments and wellness programs that pay homage to the local community. Specifically, Miraval Austin offers a series of exclusive wellness programs that

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integrate Austin’s art and culture scene and stunning surroundings through hikes, lake activities and dance lessons.

DEER LAKE LODGE

P H OTO S : JA M E S B A I G R I E ; D E E R L A K E LO D G E ; (O P P O S I T E ) E M I L E B R OW N E

Above: Deer Lake Lodge focuses on healthy detox diets. Below: Miraval Austin offers a tranquil setting for yoga.

Described by owner Tracy Boulware as “our little gem in the woods,” Deer Lake Lodge is a 50-acre tranquil escape from urban stresses and is less than an hour’s drive from Houston in Montgomery. Unlike a standard spa resort, the programs and treatments at the lodge are designed to be a truly transformational experience that brings clarity to your mind in an atmosphere of coziness and solitude, says Boulware. “Our treatments are therapeutic

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Right: Deer Lake Lodge is a transformational experience.

and designed to make you feel better, not just relaxed,” she says. “We want results! So definitely you will loosen up, but you will also feel some health issues reduced or resolved.”

Programs for groups focus on detox/fasting (liquid diet only), yoga, positive affirmation and coaching. Spa treatments include the Harmonizing Ritual, which incorporates Reiki (an energy-healing massage). A scalp therapy massage that uses a blend of nutrients to calm and penetrate the scalp is also popular.

The lodge and spa can accommodate up to 32 guests with eight suites, three cabins and one guesthouse that sleeps eight to 10. Liquid food is included in the pricing, plus tastings from the raw food classes. For a small additional fee, planners can use outside catering for those who want more traditional meals.

“Office buildings are stuffy and can even be unhealthy with stale air or chemical fragrances and cleaning products,” Boulware explains.

“With the right atmosphere of clean air and natural seclusion, the meeting attendees can stay focused and actually problem solve with a clear head. We have had corporations book our entire resort for executive-level meetings.

The secluded, natural environment and lack of distractions are conducive to productivity.”

THE INN AT DOS BRISAS Located in Texas’ serene Hill Country, The Inn at Dos Brisas is described as a “luxury ranch retreat,” and is an hour and 15 minutes’ drive from Houston and about two hours from Austin. The Relais & Chateaux luxury inn sits on 313 acres that guests can explore on horseback or golf cart. Perfect for small group meetings, the resort has nine Spanish-style haciendas and casitas, ranging from 800 to 3,000 square feet. After alone (or group) time out in the hills, attendees can decompress further with a therapeutic massage by the private plunge pool, organic gardening lessons or a group wine tasting.

Other unique activities include stargazing and strolls through the resort rose garden,

which features 150 different varieties, cultivars and hybrids.

According to General Manager Jonathan Cartwright, natural wellness is a primary focus of the property, and while they don’t have a spa, per se, guests can enjoy treatments in the privacy of their own rooms.

“I think in the modern world we live in, we thrive for an active life with health benefits to combat the modern stress levels of our business lives,” Cartwright explains. “Groups enjoy a balance of meetings on the property and activities, such as clay shooting, horseback riding, group yoga, frisbee golf and cycling on the ranch and in the Texas foothills.” He adds that some of the main benefits for guests are a good night’s sleep in peace and quiet and the organic food grown on the property’s farm.

GET CONNECTED DEER LAKE LODGE deerlakelodge.com | 936.588.2778 THE HOUSTONIAN houstonian.com 713.680.2626 or 800.231.2759 THE INN AT DOS BRISAS dosbrisas.com | 979.277.7750 THE JOULE thejouledallas.com | 214.748.1300 MIRAVAL AUSTIN miravalaustin.com | 855.234.1672

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no matter your HOBBY

DENTON is the place to meet

Call Erin Wilson for all your meeting needs 888-381-1818 • erin@discoverdenton.com discoverdenton.com

Denton Convention & Visitors Bureau

FLYBY MEETINGS Airport-friendly hotels’ proximity and amenities add up for extra convenience for planners.

P H O T O : I S T O C K . C O M /A L E N A PA U L U S

BY BELINDA LICHTY CLARKE

THERE ARE OBVIOUS PERKS TO HOSTING YOUR NEXT MEETING NEAR A MAJOR AIRPORT. Convenience for out-of-town attendees is one advantage, but there are other reasons planners are moving their meetings to just a few miles from a large transportation hub. Texas airports— and airlines—are working harder than ever to accommodate business travelers and planners with bonuses, airport amenities and a commitment to improved customer service.

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Sheraton DFW Airport Hotel (guest room and lobby, above and right) is 2 miles from the airport.

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mation, please contact sales.mcd@aa.com,” says Yvonne Ulrich, senior specialist of group sales and luxury leisure for American Airlines.

Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport In March 2019, the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) earned the title “Best Large Airport” among North American airports serving more than 40 million passengers each year, according to Airports Council International (ACI). With 23 airlines serving 69 million passengers in 2018, DFW was the first carbon-neutral airport in North America and is the largest carbon-neutral airport in the world. Looking to unfurl your cramped legs in between flights? Head over to DFW’s yoga studio, with two locations in terminals B (D40/B1) and E (E31). There are practice mats, exercise balls and stretch bands to use, along with 20-minute-long instructional videos for beginners and advanced yogis.

Just 2 miles from DFW, the Sheraton DFW Airport Hotel is also just a five-minute drive from the Irving Convention Center. With 300 recently renovated rooms and club-level accommodations available, it’s an ideal location for larger groups. The venue offers 48,221 square feet of meeting space—the largest comes in at 1,300 square feet—and

the hotel provides 23 separate meeting spaces. For entertaining and unwinding after a busy agenda, the hotel’s signature restaurant, Whiskey Tango, is available for private dinner events.

Dallas Love Field Dallas Love Field (DAL), the recipient of the 2018 Airport Service Quality Award for North American airports that service 15-25 million passengers per year, served just over 16 million passengers in 2018. Only 6 miles from downtown Dallas, DAL is home to Virgin America Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Delta Airlines. While it’s now common for airports to showcase artwork by community artists and host rotating installations, DAL was a pioneer in this movement, first installing public art in the airport in 1961. Today, travelers can enjoy art inside and outside of the DAL terminal. The Art’s Travelers Exhibition Program promotes diversity in visual art and

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United Airlines recently launched a new meetings product called United Jetstream that’s designed for meeting planners to help streamline booking and rewards redemption.

“The new United Meetings portal makes it simple for customers to make a request and receive flexible discounts within one business day, as well as quickly turn travel funds into rewards, such as beverage coupons, travel certificates, United Club passes and memberships, and more,” says Jake Cefolia, United’s senior vice president of worldwide sales. “The site also provides travel planners with a personalized dashboard to track the number of tickets booked, flights flown, amenity funds earned and the number of tickets needed to reach the next amenity award.”

American Airlines, too, has a group sales team dedicated to supporting meeting planners. Based out of Fort Worth with hubs in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Washington, D.C., the airline offers group block fares, zone fares, and meeting and conference discounts for qualifying groups.

“We specialize in providing dynamic products that offer discounts in premium and economy cabins for meetings and conferences expecting at least 40 attendees, and our options are perfect for meetings and events with self-booking attendees. For further infor-

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The boardroom at the Embassy Suites

by Hilton Dallas Love Field

amenity that allows guests to check in before their stays, receive instant alerts when their rooms are ready and check out automatically.

The Corpus Christi International Airport

provides access to culture to the traveling public while giving educational institutions, arts organizations, museums and cultural institutions the chance to showcase their work.

Located 3.9 miles from the airport, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Dallas Love Field has meeting space for up to 300 guests and features 3,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space.

Post-meeting, visitors can relax with a drink on the quiet patio or take a run around the 4.5-mile greenbelt jogging trail leading to Bachman Creek Park.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) welcomed a record 43,807,539 passengers in 2018, a 7.6 percent increase over 2017. With 28 passenger airlines, IAH is also the hub of United Airlines, the world’s second-largest

airline. As for amenities, food ranks at the top of the list. According to Eater Houston, in the past few years, the airport’s dining scene has seen a significant boost, and it now offers cuisine from nationally renowned chefs Ryan Pera and Chris Shepherd. At gate C5, Pera’s restaurant Pala offers unique oven-fired pizzas and tasty desserts, while gate C12’s Ember is home to James Beard Award–winning Shepherd’s hand-cut steaks and seafood dishes.

With more than 31,000 square feet in event space and 34 rooms available, the Houston Airport Marriott at George Bush Intercontinental not only will make reservations for all of your guests, but the meetings team will also follow up with a report showing which of your guests have reserved rooms and when they plan to arrive. To further streamline your meeting, the hotel’s booking tool will give you a custom meetings link that can be shared via email or embedded in a website.

Mobile Check-In is another favorite Marriott

Three airlines fly in and out of Corpus Christi International Airport (airport code: CRP, also referred to as CCIA): Southwest, American and United. Because of its smaller size and convenience for both beach vacationers and meetings attendees, the airport prides itself on offering a stress-free experience for visitors. In fact, the airport website emphasizes, “When you Fly CCIA, you always go to a happy place.”

The airport has meeting rooms available for rent by the hour or by the day with maximum seating for up to 40 guests. According to Kim Bridger-Hunt, marketing manager, the CCIA conference rooms are used by airlines, state leaders who stop in the city for news conferences and organizations that need a place to gather before or on the back end of a convention being held in Corpus Christi. “Our meeting rooms at CCIA are conveniently located for use by airport customers who need to conduct business on the go,” explains BridgerHunt. “CCIA is open for business and is ready to host groups that need a quiet space that is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of our world today.”

William P. Hobby International Airport William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), also known as Houston Hobby, has four runways

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JL Bar Ranch in Texas Hill Country offers the maximum in service and convenience for destination meeting groups.

For the ultimate in fly-in, fly-out exclusive events and luxury corporate retreats, check out JL Bar Ranch, Resort and Spa in Sonora, which has its own private airport. The ranch has accommodations and meeting and event space along with amenities, such as a rejuvenating spa with massage and facial services, fully equipped fitness center, chipping and putting green, an infinity pool and hot tub, and a full recording facility.

Located on 13,000 acres in Texas Hill Country, the ranch’s main lodge has a game room, 900-plus bottle wine cellar and tasting room, and two dining rooms.

Surrounding the lodge are 16 private, exquisitely appointed cabins that can accommodate up to five guests. Post-meeting activities can include swimming, yoga, mountain biking, hiking, archery, hunting and shooting. The property can even host concerts for up to 500 guests, and on-site catering is available. The ranch’s JL Bar Airport also offers a conference room for up to 12 guests, passenger lounge and a hangar for multiple jets. jlbar.com

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Bring Your Own Plane

and four passenger airlines and served 13.8 million passengers in 2018. Houston Hobby is the largest hub airport for Southwest Airlines. HOU is located about 7 miles from Houston’s business district and was honored

by Airport Experience News in 2018, along with George Bush Intercontinental, for “Best Customer Service.”

The DoubleTree by Hilton Houston Hobby Airport is less than a half-mile from the airport and features 303 guest rooms and 18,000 square feet of total meeting space, including an 8,000-square-foot ballroom. With naturally lit, expansive prefunction space, meeting guests can network and mingle, and the huge open space in the lobby is perfect for dinners, exhibits and receptions.

Corporate planners choose the DoubleTree

by Hilton Houston Hobby Airport for two reasons, says General Manager Helen Bonsall: The hotel is a cost-effective solution for a planner’s meeting needs and has a reputation for attentive service. She adds that the hotel’s meetings team works hard to help meeting planners work within a budget.

“A meeting planner is always focused on

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costs, and the DoubleTree by Hilton Houston Hobby Airport offers many cost-saving amenities, such as a complimentary Hobby Airport shuttle for attendees from outside the area, complimentary parking for local attendees and convenience to downtown Houston without the hassles of being downtown,” Bonsall says.

While the hotel is definitely convenient for out-of-town visitors, it’s a great choice for local groups, too, Bonsall explains.

“The hotel hosts meetings and events for local corporations, area associations and neighborhood social clubs,” Bonsall says.

“Since the hotel is an established fixture in the southeast Houston area, we regularly host legacy year (40th, 50th and 60th) high school reunions. The hotel is also a housing choice for local sports tournaments.”

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport More than 15.8 million passengers flew through Austin-Bergstrom International

Airport (AUS) last year, an increase from 13.9 million passengers in 2017.

Located 5 miles outside of downtown, Austin’s airport serves 15 airlines and was named Airport of the Year for “its continued collaboration in partnering with pilots on important safety and construction issues”

by Air Line Pilots Association International (ALPA).

The airport is home to a lot of local flavor.

Austin hot spots such as the Salt Lick Barbecue and Second Bar and Kitchen have outposts at AUS. There is also a food truck court in the newer South Terminal with a rotating selection of food trucks.

Located adjacent to Austin Bergstrom International Airport and close to Circuit of the Americas racetrack, the Hilton Austin Airport is an excellent option for meetings and corporate events. Whether guests are coming in from, out of, or around town, the hotel features 48,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor event space with 18 different meeting rooms.

The large atrium is a popular space for events, too, and the round ballroom adds character to functions for up to 800 people.

Left to right: The ballroom at DoubleTree Hilton Houston; Hilton Austin Airport’s lounge

Get Connected CORPUS CHRISTI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT corpuschristiairport.com 361.289.0171, ext. 1210 DOUBLETREE BY HILTON HOTEL HOUSTON HOBBY AIRPORT doubletree3.hilton.com 713.645.3000 EMBASSY SUITES BY HILTON DALLAS LOVE FIELD dallaslovefield.embassysuites.com 214.357.4500 HILTON AUSTIN AIRPORT hilton.com | 512.385.6767 HOUSTON AIRPORT MARRIOTT AT GEORGE BUSH INTERCONTINENTAL marriott.com | 281.443.2310 SHERATON DFW AIRPORT HOTEL marriott.com | 972.929.8400

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Industry Update HOTEL NEWS 54

WHAT ATTENDEES WANT

New study identifies five macro-trends that will impact the future of meetings and events.

Research courtesy of PCMA Fo u n d a t i o n a n d Ma r r i o t t International

“THE MEETINGS AND EVENTS industry’s future is being shaped by so many factors—from people’s desire to be part of a broader community to their expectations when they travel. [‘The Future of Meetings & Events’] brings a real-world and provocative lens to where planners, attendees and suppliers will be heading in the years to come,” says Tammy Routh, senior vice president for global sales at Marriott International.

Download the full report at pd.pcma.org/FutureTrends2019.

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RECOGNITION

56

SNAPSHOTS 62

1.

EMOTIONAL Intelligence Designing with the end-user in mind

Meetings and events will need to move past reactive adjustments to adopt a proactive approach to personalized experiences, understanding the needs of participants before they arrive.

At meetings and events, participants can no longer be treated as a homogeneous crowd or a series of behavioral data points, but instead must be recognized as an individual, understood on a deeper emotional level, and treated accordingly.

SUPPORTING SUB-TRENDS ––– AI and Tech to Unlock Intelligence ––– Employee Agency to Act on Their EQ

PEOPLE PROFILE 64

2.

ORCHESTRATED Serendipity

Engineering and embracing the unexpected for more meaningful moments Experiences must embrace freedom and surprise, freeing consumers from the constant constraint of schedules or agendas. By embracing the unexpected, we can engage participants and leave a lasting impression.

“There’s that whole concept of ‘sweatworking’—like SoulCycle—let’s arrange a workout in the morning that fosters some serendipitous connection. That’s how you end up meeting people that you wouldn’t normally meet. I like those things where people who are organizing these structured events are actually thinking beyond the event itself. What will people do outside of our programming? How can we structure that? The point of this whole event is to create these human collisions.” —Amy Blackman, senior advisor, A Hundred Years

SUPPORTING SUB-TRENDS: ––– Create Human Collisions –––Leverage Context ––– Embrace Natural Serendipity ––– Deprioritize Convenience

INFOGRAPHIC

3.

MULTIMODAL Design

Designing for adaptation and iteration Every event has a unique objective and audience, and a space must reflect each event’s specific personality and needs. From technological infrastructure, to architecture, to furniture and fixtures, space is critical to any event and should be designed to adapt to the ways that participants will engage with one another, with the content of the event, and with the space itself.

Investment management company Jones Lang LaSalle predicts that by 2030, 30% of all commercial office space will be consumed as “flexible space” that can transform to fit the needs of individual employees, as well as collaborative group dynamics.

SUPPORTING SUB-TRENDS ––– Design Space that Assumes Change ––– Design for Differences –––Sensorial Tech to Enable Empathy

4.

BIGGER THAN Oneself

Acting on a meaningful message You can’t just provide content anymore. Every event must have a message. Participants want to understand what’s important to a business and experience events that deliver that message down to the smallest detail.

According to a 2018 Mintel report on responsible brands, 51% of consumers in the U.S. agree that an environmentally responsible product is worth paying more for.

5.

CLEAR SENSE OF Place

Leveraging geography for deeper enrichment The most memorable events celebrate local surrounding, enriching visitors, exposing them to the local culture, and connecting them with the community to increase engagement.

“The devil is in the details. I see these organizations that put on events about sustainability, but then they don’t give you a refillable water bottle and have disposable plastic all over the place. You’ve got to pay attention to the details. It’s credibility. Follow through.” —Amy Blackman, senior advisor, A Hundred Years

“It’s not just about utilizing the convention center anymore, and instead, it’s about utilizing all the assets within the city to create that really personalized experience based on the interest of the participants that are going to the conference.” —Sherrif Karamat, CEO, PCMA

SUPPORTING SUB-TRENDS

––– Honor the Place—Keep It Local ––– Distance Helps Disconnection ––– Don’t Forget Human Nature

–––Be Polarizing ––– Design Down to

the Details

SUPPORTING SUB-TRENDS

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REGIONAL NEWS

HOTEL NEWS»

Now Open in Houston The Residence Inn by Marriott in the Texas Medical Center in Houston has opened for business. The 16-story, 182-room hotel is located near the NRG Stadium and includes four private meeting spaces, totaling 4,028 square feet. Moody National Hospitality Management will manage the daily operations of the hotel. marriott.com

Now Open in Round Rock

Stay Hydrated & Caffeinated!

Royal Sonesta Houston has introduced a new amenity that keeps meeting clients hydrated, caffeinated and everything in between: the 20-ounce “Bottomless Cup.” The branded amenity and take-home tumbler allows clients to fill and refill their favorite hot and cold nonalcoholic beverages for free throughout their stays in any of the property’s food and beverage outlets, including Axis Lounge, ARA Restaurant or Launch grab and go.

It’s swag your delegates can use over and over again.

In addition to the Bottomless Cup, Royal Sonesta Houston has also rolled out another amenity for meeting planners to help them prepare for the unexpected: a curated “Meeting Planner’s Tool Kit,” featuring essential office supplies along with a Sonesta flash drive and a multidevice charging cable.

Royal Sonesta offers 50,000 square feet of meeting and event space. sonesta.com/us/Texas/Houston/royal-sonesta-houston-galleria

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Residence Inn by Marriott

Uptown Suites has opened in Round Rock. The new pet-friendly brand offers 129 rooms with free Wi-Fi and in-room kitchens. Community amenities include on-demand grocery delivery, a 24/7 gym, on-site guest laundry and an electric car charging station. uptownsuites.com

P H O T O S : R E S I D E N C E I N N B Y M A R R I O T T H O U S T O N ; R OYA L S O N E S TA H O U S T O N ; ( O P P O S I T E ) H YAT T R E G E N C Y S T O N E B R I A R F R I S C O

Lively and luxurious. What a combination.

Coming to Arlington August 22, 2019

COMING SOON

The Hyatt Regency Stonebriar in Frisco celebrated its topping out on April 12. The 18-story, 303-room hotel is scheduled to be complete in late spring 2020. Sam Moon Group is the hotel developer; Brasfield & Gorrie is the contractor; HKS, Inc. is the architect; and Looney & Associates is managing the interior design.

The hotel will feature a 54,585-square-foot conference center with a grand ballroom, junior ballroom and additional breakout spaces. A 3,000-square-foot Frisco Public Library will be available for use by hotel visitors and city residents and will connect directly to the mall. The hotel is attached to the Stonebriar Centre Mall on the second floor and is located between Nordstrom and Dillard’s.

1600 E. Randol Mill Road Arlington, TX 76011 682.277.4900 loewshotels.com/arlington-live

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REGIONAL NEWS

RECOGNITION»

KUDOS!

The Spa at The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston has received the prestigious Forbes Five-Star rating for its treatments and service, making it the state’s only Forbes Five-Star rated spa and one of only 31 in the nation.

The 20,000-square-foot spa, which opened in December 2018, includes a couple’s suite, tranquility pools with body-contouring hot stone daybeds, aromatherapy-infused steam rooms, a crushed ice fountain experience, multisensory thermal showers and quiet lounges with zero gravity chairs. thepostoak.com

Galveston’s Ambassador

A Big Year for Texas Hotel and Lodging The Texas Hotel and Lodging Association is celebrating its 116th anniversary this year.

Hotel associations were initially organized to provide European-style training in fivestar service for American workers who were needed to staff the new luxury hotels being built in major U.S. cities in the early part of the 20th century. Most of these iconic properties are still flourishing today, including Dallas’ Adolphus.

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P H O T O S : F E R T I T TA E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Miranda Belansky, the director of services for Sea La Vie Concierge at Galveston Island, has become the milestone 50,000th person to be certified in the international Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA) program. CTAs are volunteers, front-line workers, executives, business owners and government officials who are local experts on their destination’s attractions and other visitor amenities. They are specially trained and certified to enhance the visitor experience and work together destination-wide to drive a positive brand experience.

Belansky is one of 475 active CTAs in the Galveston Island program, which launched in May 2014.

Belansky grew up near Galveston and moved to the city seven years ago. She assists visitors in navigating the island. Galveston Island’s CTA program is run through the Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau.

We Will Meet You in the Middle Come experience why other meeting planners have seen record attendance in Temple, TX! • Within 3 hours of 88% of the population • Conveniently located on I-35 • More than 150,000 sq. ft. of meeting space • Sleeping rooms for every price point • Outstanding customer service!

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For more information call 800-479-0338 or visit DiscoverTemple.com

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REGIONAL NEWS

PEOPLE NEWS» White Lodging has named Thomas Hoffmann the dual general manager at The Otis Hotel and AC Hotel in Austin. Hoffmann brings more than 20 years of hospitality experience, and his distinguished career has encompassed roles in six countries and three continents. Most recently, he served as opening general manager of the first Autograph Collection hotel in Alabama: the Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook in Birmingham.

The Austin Convention Center Department has appointed Chris McIlvain security division manager.

Previously, McIlvain was a member of the Austin Police Department for 25 years. His last role was as assistant chief of police headquarters bureau.

The Austin Convention Center Department’s IT division manager, Debbie Gossett, was honored with an “Outstanding IT Manager” award at the Texas Public Sector CIO Academy, held at the JW Marriott hotel in Austin.

Monroe and Kevin Jost

The Woodlands-based BENCHMARK, a global hospitality company, has named Eric Gavin chief sales officer. Gavin previously held the position of senior vice president of sales and marketing.

The Woodlands-headquartered BENCHMARK has named Christina Gregg vice president of human resources. Gregg brings nearly 25 years of senior human resource leadership experience to her new role. She previously worked with the company on a contractual basis and has also held leadership positions in human resources for Marriott International, Gaylord Entertainment Company and NBCUniversal, Universal Orlando.

The Texas Renaissance Festival has named Joseph Bailey its new chief executive officer and general manager.

For the past 15 years, Bailey has led major corporate programs and promotions in enhancing the customer experience, site maintenance and improvement, and business efficiency.

In Memorium Monroe Jost, the founder of Irving-based J&S Audio Visual (JSAV), passed away April 6, 2019. Born in Kansas in 1947, Jost was a passionate entrepreneur. In 1986, he purchased Hoover Audio Visual (est. 1937), changed the name to J&S Audio Visual, and over the next 30 years, led the company’s expansion into other U.S. markets and abroad, growing JSAV from a dozen employees to 650. As JSAV continued to expand, Jost stayed true to his core tenet that his business is all about people and relationships.

Jost’s son, Kevin, became president of JSAV in 2014. Monroe Jost continued to lead the company as CEO, before formally announcing his retirement on March 21, 2019.

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Happy Retirement!

Hattie Hill is retiring as president and CEO of the Women’s Foodservice Forum (WFF), a position she has held since 2013.

Before joining WFF, Hill was founder and CEO of Hattie Hill Enterprises, a management consultancy. She’s a professional speaker and the author of a couple of corporate books, including Smart Women, Smart Choices.

Her accolades include being named one of the “40 under 40” top business and community leaders by the Dallas Business Journal and being recognized by Working Women magazine for “Entrepreneurial Excellence.”

His leadership was marked by a true opendoor policy. His passion was people, and he encouraged the widespread but close-knit JSAV family of employees and clients.

Jost also founded SGSO (Serving God, Serving Others), a disaster relief organization.

JSAV is based in Irving and has regional offices in Denver, San Antonio and Houston.

In addition to its U.S. operations, JSAV also has international operations in Mexico and the Dominican Republic. As of January 2019, JSAV has multiyear contracts in place with more than 84 hotels and convention centers in addition to regular business representing more than 2,500 annual events and productions, 500 venue locations, and 650 clients.

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VENUE NEWS»

NEW ATTRACTION

They defy imagination with their ingenuity, now your group can defy gravity at Urban Air Adventure Park in Fort Worth. The new adventure park allows guests to take flight in a vertical wind tunnel. Guests complete a 20-minute pre-flight class with certified instructors where they learn the basics of human flight before gearing up in a flight suit to experience a free fall without actually jumping out of an airplane.

Along with the Urban Air Flight Center, your team can enjoy activities like the Sky Rider Indoor Coaster, a ropes course, a harnessed free-fall tower, an American Ninja-inspired obstacle course, ultimate dodgeball and climbing walls. The park also includes a café with both wine and beer offered. You know, just in case your team needs a little liquid courage. urbanairparks.com

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the course

Trend

FORECAST See what’s new for 2018 in food, décor, technology and venues

Flip to page 30 to meet the Impossible Burger, a plant-based patty that replicates meat.

BREAK FOR MINDFULNESS

Pushing pause during meetings recharges attendees

Smart Use of Space Peerspace, a marketplace for hourly rentals of spaces for events, meetings, photo shoots and media productions, is expanding its offerings to Dallas. Peerspace enables hosts to generate income from their facilities, offices or spaces that otherwise would remain empty or underutilized seasonally or on certain days of the week. Dallas locations now available for hourly rental range include an industrial studio, a tiny house and a treehouse office. peerspace.com/venues/dallas-tx

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NEWBIES NO

MORE CATCH UP WITH FORMER UP-AND-COMIN G HALL OF FAME HONOREES (38)

BY THE WATER

ICEBREAKER

DINE LAKESIDE AT FOUR LOCAL VENUES (26)

NONTRADITIONAL ACTIVITIES BRING PEOPLE CLOSER TOGETHER (45)

MEETINGSM

MEETINGS MAGS.COM

A G S . C O M // SPRING 201 8 $6.00 USA

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FALL

2017

Off the Beaten Path

SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS SHARE THEIR SUCCESS STORIES (38)

HIP HOTELS

CREATIVE EXPRESSION Minnesota abounds with artsy venues (47)

DETROIT ROUNDS OUT ITS HOTEL BASE WITH NEW BOUTIQUE HOTELS

FEELS LIKE HOME

(32)

Find comfort in the little things at these small hotels and inns (28)

SAME BUT DIFFERENT

Travel to local cities with familiar names

MEETINGS MAGS.COM

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SPRING

2018

PLEASE

PLANNERS + VENDORS

=?

Pro tips on building and maintaining relationships with vendors

ADVENTURE ABOUNDS

Explore the vast wilderness of Ketchikan, Alaska

$6.00 USA

Veggies,

MEETINGSMAGS.COM/SUBSCRIBE

FRESH POW

Area ski slopes make winter easier to bear

VEGAN AND VEGETAR IAN RESTAUR ANTS PACK A FLAVORFUL PUNCH

MEETINGS MAGS.COM

MOUNTAIN

Majesty

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SUMMER

2017

ELEVATE EVENT EXPERIENCES AT THESE 5 MOUNTAIN RESORTS

BLANK CANVAS

Art galleries make for inspiring event spaces

PLANNERS GONNA PLAN Wear the shoes of 4 different industry professionals

STAY IN STAMFORD

This Connecticut town elicits high praise from meeting-goers

TX.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

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$6.00 USA

SNAPSHOTS TEXAS STAR AWARDS

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The Stars of Texas On Feb. 17, ILEA Austin hosted the Texas Star Awards at the Hyatt Regency in Austin. Now in its 16th year of celebrating the genius that is the Texas meetings and events industry, the annual program is presented by the Texas Chapters of the International Live Events Association.

This year’s event was produced and designed by Jordan Adams and David Reed of Big Time Creatives Event Management & Design and drew 189 guests, who gathered to honor the winners of the program’s 31 categories.

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1. Entertainment was provided by Artisan Oddities with stage production

by AV Technical Support and Quest Events. 2. Rachael Hall wins Best Event Photography. 3. Floral design was by Bella by Sara and lighting was by ILIOS Lighting + Design. 4. Mr. and Mrs. Welsh and Christy Seguin of Cakes ROCK!!!

5. Adam Kirby of ILIOS Lighting + Design. 6. Event décor was provided by Marquee Event Rentals, Whim Hospitality and Strong Events. 7. This year’s gala was held at Hyatt Regency Austin.

8. Sara Mulder of Bella by Sara, Cathy Northcutt of Epic Event Design, Elisa Pederson of Pinkberry and Sandy Segura Alcala of Epic Event Design.

–Photos by Lisa Hause Photography

SUBMIT YOUR EVENT PHOTOS To have your meeting or event photos featured here, contact the editor at teresa.kenney@tigeroak.com.

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pleasure doing business It’s where everything comes together. Where meetings are conducted with rhythm and grace. Where even before you meet and shake hands, you all begin to realize that you’re in a pre y great place.

TraverseCity.com

BORN MARKETER

As a child, Jaime Hart DiNoia planned Fisher Price dinner parties. Today, she markets some of her community’s most elaborate galas.

BY TERESA KENNEY

The first 10 years of event marketer Jaime Hart DiNoia’s life were spent overseas. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, she hit the road (with the help of her parents) when she was 3 months old, living as an expat in Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and Australia. Her dual love of art and events was evident even at that young age.

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“When I was a child, I wanted to illustrate children’s books, and I often pretended to host parties for my parents and their friends,” says DiNoia. At one of those “parties,” DiNoia was alarmed to discover she had run out of plastic food. After some quick thinking on her little feet, she served her guests Fisher Price people instead. Crisis averted. Problem solved.

Graduating from the Art Institute of Philadelphia in 2000, DiNoia taught herself how to code. Today, she owns The Woodlandsbased Woodlands Creatives and develops websites and designs illustrations for a number of publications. But it is her event marketing that truly has her heart.

“I absolutely love to design logos and event invitations. My projects often include logo design, web development, social media marketing campaigns, and overall design and branding strategies for large and small organizations,” says DiNoia. “When I chose graphic design for my education and career path, I always envisioned becoming an entrepreneur someday. It wasn’t until I had my first daughter that my dream became a reality. I love the flexibility and creativity of having my own business. And I love that I don’t have to miss special activities with my kids at their schools, while still having a career I am passionate about. My girls are both very proud of me, too—they tell everyone they meet that their mother is a graphic designer who owns her own business. I think it is important for my daughters to see my success and hard work.”

DiNoia works primarily with nonprofits.

She jokes that she’s paid to attend parties and make things pretty. “My marketing, planning and custom design work help attract attendees to fantastic fundraising events. And the payoff for me is that my nonprofit clients raise funds to help the community.

“At the end of each workday, I am inspired and feel like I helped the success of meaningful causes. I love my job,” she says.

Get Connected WOODLANDS CREATIVES woodlandscreatives.com 281.620.4884

I L L U S T R AT I O N : T R A C I Z E L L M A N N

PEOPLE PROFILE JAIME HART DINOIA

I L L U S T R AT I O N : T R A C I Z E L L M A N N

THE MOMENT YOUR AUSTIN EXPERIENCE REACHED NEW HEIGHTS

FAIRMONT AUSTIN

NAMED BY CVENT AS 2019 TOP 5 MEETINGS & EVENTS HOTEL IN THE UNITED STATES

101 Red River Street Austin, TX 78701 rfp-aus@farmont.com 512.451.4573 FairmontATX FairmontATX

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