Industry
update
INSIDE: See why ITA Group's most seasoned experts say Kyoto, Japan, is a trending hotspot.
As we move through a summer filled with programs, site visits and ongoing supplier collaboration, I want to take a moment to thank you for your continued partnership and support.
We’re experiencing another record-breaking year at ITA Group, and our focus remains clear: strengthening alignment with our supplier community to ensure we’re delivering exceptional experiences for our clients. Whether through deeper collaboration, clearer communication or more strategic engagement, we’re committed to evolving how we work with our partners across every touchpoint.
In this update, you’ll find highlights from recent industry events, properties and destinations that should be on your radar, as well as some of our top recommendations—from travel bag must-haves to thoughtful gifting ideas and current favorite reads. I’m excited to share what we’ve been working on and even more excited about where we’re headed next.
Monica Fasse
What’s happening
The 2025 IRF Invitational
June 1–4, 2025
As part of the breakout session titled, “Engaging Multiple Generations: Interactive Design Session,” we discussed the major shifts in values, behaviors, priorities and preferences as the workforce includes four generations (Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X and Baby Boomers). Incentive travel professionals are rethinking program design to suit various attendee types.
> Adding more personalization and options in activities and agendas (destination, food and beverage, session length and more)
> Shifting from traditional award ceremonies to more flexible recognition formats
> Integrating technology to enhance communication and engagement
> Emphasizing sustainability practices
Overall, the focus is on creating inclusive and adaptable experiences that meet attendees’ evolving needs.
Ashley Bohnenkamp Senior Manager, Event Solutions
The Meeting Show - London
June 25-26, 2025
We've all experienced satisfactory events that engage us in the moment. But 48 hours later, attendees struggle to recall what they learned. What if instead of relying on swag to carry the message, event leaders could increase retention by 70% and confirm 96%+ of attendees are clear on the company's goals?
Our session "Using strategic storytelling and gamification for learning that lasts beyond the conference" explored this idea at Excel London, where the conference venue reinforced the following ideas.
> 30-minute sessions kept people focused on and engaged with content
> The casual environment (an igloo on the blank canvas stage) fostered a sense of closeness
> Attendees scanned a QR code and provided feedback on a session takeaway or action item
Erica Lalk Senior Manager, Event Strategy
Click to learn more
Around the industry
What’s happening
Meeting Professionals International
World Education Congress
June 18–25, 2025
Attending MPI’s WEC in St. Louis, Missouri, as a hosted buyer offered valuable education sessions on topics like A/V challenges, data’s role in events and creative meeting design. Here are a few of my favorite moments.
> Listening to Brittany Packnett Cunningham’s inspiring keynote on The Confidence Revolution
> Getting a “behind the stage” experience to watch the production team during the general session
> Learning new trends like competitive socialization (choosing unique venues that promote play, purpose and place) and learning journeys (offsite experiences that immerse attendees in different elements of the local community)
St. Louis was a strong host city, with convenient hotels and memorable venues including Busch Stadium: Home of the Cardinals, Union Station and Grand Center Arts District.
Kristine Forret Event Destination Strategist
DESTINATION DISCOVERY
Harmony and hospitality Kyoto, Japan
Renowned for its 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, Kyoto’s ancient palaces, shrines, temples and perfectly landscaped gardens provide stunning settings for events. The "Cultural Capital of Japan" escaped destruction during World War II and retains an abundance of traditional structures built during its millennium as the country’s imperial city. However, Kyoto is continuously modernizing. This city of 1.5 million blends centuries-old traditions with contemporary luxury, offering authentic, immersive experiences and innovative hospitality.
Why Kyoto, Japan?
> Timeless culture: Kyoto is a prime destination for meetings and events due to its rich heritage and iconic landmarks. Guests enjoy traditional tea ceremonies, sake tastings, geisha performances, Samurai experiences and the opportunity to find their Zen, meditating amidst world-class temples.
> A city of “omotenashi”: “Omotenashi” translates as “to entertain guests wholeheartedly.” A core concept involves anticipating the needs of your guests, exemplified by restaurant servers bringing hot towels as guests are seated. The Japanese interpretation of hospitality is all about offering the best service without the expectation of a reward. Understanding cultural etiquette enhances the overall experience for visitors.
Best time to travel
> Peak season: March-May for cherry blossoms; October-November for foliage
> Avoid: July-September due to high temperatures, humid weather and potential typhoons
> Travel time: 45-minute transfer from Osaka Atami International Airport; bullet trains connect Kyoto to Tokyo and other major cities within hours
Where to stay
Accommodations in Kyoto range from contemporary luxury hotels to centuries-old ryokan inns and calming onsens (hot springs). Here are a few standout properties from beloved brands.
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
Discover a contemporary oasis nestled around Shakusuien, an 800-year-old heritage pond garden. Located in the serene and well-preserved Higashiyama district, this property puts many of the city’s key attractions within easy reach.
The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto
Enjoy sweeping views of the magical Higashiyama Mountains, four restaurants and bars, authentic Japanese cuisine, and a spa for the ultimate rejuvenation. This urban resort on the banks of the Kamogawa River features 134 guest rooms and suites with distinctive Japanese motifs.
Park Hyatt Kyoto
Designed as a luxury guesthouse, Park Hyatt Kyoto features 70 guest rooms, including nine suites, in the heart of Higashiyama. Located near landmarks and temples, and in partnership with a six-generation family restaurant, this hillside retreat is an architectural gem, offering a unique blend of modern and heritage hospitality.
The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
Park Hyatt Kyoto
EXTRAORDINARY PROPERTIES
Property highlights
Number of guestrooms: 33
Airport transfer: 90 minutes from Steamboat Springs (HDN)
Predictable pricing
All-inclusive pricing helps guests stay in the moment, starting with airport transfers in Mercedes Sprinters and SUVs. Only retail store purchases and the Longevity Assessment through Mayo Clinic incur additional expenses. With no F&B minimums, no spa or activity surcharges, no meeting room rental or meal setup fees, there are no budget surprises.
The Lodge & Spa at Three Forks Ranch Savery, Wyoming
Wellness and wilderness comingle at Three Forks Ranch, an all-inclusive luxury mountain resort. Situated on 280,000 acres along the Wyoming/Colorado border, this is the destination for adventurers and nature lovers. Thanks to investments in environmental conservation and restoration, trout fishing, private skiing and other outdoor sports are even more enjoyable. Three Forks Ranch partners with Mayo Clinic to offer a premier wellness destination that features an impressive spa and health services.
> Renewal at the ranch: Book cutting-edge longevity assessments with Mayo Clinic experts and discover a comprehensive array of all-inclusive services to address your beauty, health, wellness and rejuvenation goals. Nestled within serene surroundings, the 12,000-square-foot Roaring Fork Spa caters to both sporting and luxury lifestyles. Hydrotherapy pools provide deep relaxation.
> Active experiences: Expert guides lead world class fly-fishing, private skiing and snowboarding excursions. Additional activities include three shooting ranges, archery, horseback rides, snowmobiling and snowshoeing, ice-fishing, e-biking, wildlife and ranch tours, cooking and wellness classes including yoga, reformer Pilates and barre.
> Personalized hospitality: With a maximum occupancy of 66 guests, staff look for ways to support every individual. Enjoy lodge or luxury treehouse accommodations with breathtaking views, museum quality artwork in each guest room, and customized food and beverage options.
Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection
Fort Worth, Texas
Classic cowboy Western meets modern luxury. Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection embodies the unique character of Fort Worth. Inviting communal spaces, epicurean dining and social activities make the property an exciting gathering place in a city with a buzzing equestrian scene. This urban retreat infuses long-standing traditions with a globally inspired sensibility that welcomes everyone.
> MICHELIN-recognized restaurant: city sophistication at Bricks and Horses, with a menu that honors the bounty of the land and local purveyors across the entire Lone Star State. Indulge in a perfectly cooked, dry-aged rib eye or a stiff whiskey cocktail at The Lobby Bar, which recently served as the backdrop for filming the second season of Landman.
> Texas tranquility: on the hotel's second floor. Choose from a collection of custom treatments with advanced techniques, technology and product blends, or step into the full spectrum infrared sauna, steam room and relaxation room. After-hours private experiences feature 50-minute treatments, thermal rooms, a bottle of champagne and a custom chef’s board.
> Guided gallery tour: art displayed throughout the communal spaces of Bowie House. A weekly guided tour invites guests to learn more about the stories, anecdotes and inspirations behind featured artists and their creations.
Property highlights
Number of guestrooms: 106
Airport transfer: 40 minutes from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
Insider tip
Meet Jo Ellard, the hotel’s visionary owner. Her love of horses and passion for art informs the design and experience. Jo is a 2025 inductee to the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame.
Meeting spaces: Beyond the restaurant and bar, Bowie House features several gathering spaces: a library, billet room, and poolside dining and cabanas.
Click
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Standout supplier partners
Devin Drake and team
360 Destination Group
“From the start of the sourcing process, Devin Drake and the 360DG California team demonstrated exactly what we look for in a DMC partner: professionalism, responsiveness and true collaboration. Devin stayed engaged, met every proposal deadline and remained flexible while respecting our internal processes. Even with multiple destinations and out-of-office time. Their ability to bring historical knowledge and fresh ideas forward helped us move quickly and confidently in awarding the business. It was a seamless experience from start to finish, and I truly appreciate the thoughtful, solutions-focused approach this team brings to the table.”
—HOLLY BESS, BUYER
Rhi Caloggero and Priscilla Kwong
CSI Boston
“ We worked with Rhi Caloggero and Priscilla Kwong to support our 8,000-person group. Boston is bustling in the spring, with college graduations, multiple shows in town and business. CSI ensured we had everything needed to reserve in advance. When simplifying routes for transfers between our 21 hotel routes to the Convention Center and to our 10-location evening at Fenway/Lansdowne, CSI showed up and produced just as promised. Their idea to make each ancillary event unique for the geographic regions was wonderful. Positive attitudes and a calm approach made working together delightful. We’re heading back to Boston every other year and looking forward to the partnership and teamwork that CSI and ITA Group can provide to our client!”
—LINDI NELSON, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Terramar, Puerto Vallarta
“It’s not often we can say that a supplier partner delivered a truly flawless experience, but that’s exactly what we experienced with the Terramar team during a recent program at Secrets Bahia Mita. Led by the calm, collected and solutionsfocused Armando Jaen, this team went above and beyond at every turn. Whether resolving lastminute challenges like sourcing new itinerary boards when ours were held up in customs or ensuring seamless transportation from the hospital within minutes, Armando was a steady, trusted partner I could lean on throughout. Terramar truly has some gems in this group, and we’re so grateful for the exceptional care and partnership they provided.”
—CATHY WILLIAMS, EVENT MANAGER
Armando Jaen
TRAVEL NOTES
Property Insider perspective
Q:
What makes Slovenia an appealing destination?
Ljubljana is excellent for adventurers who’ve already seen some of Europe’s major cities. It's located right in the middle of the mountains and the coast, so groups can see many highlights quickly and not sit in a transfer for hours. The tourism scene caters to sophisticated European leisure travelers, and English language skills are common. When I told friends I was traveling to Ljubljana, they had so many questions. It’s off-the-beaten-path enough to be a great conversation starter.
Q: A:
Seeking European culture and scenery without crushing crowds? Consider Slovenia. On her way to IMEX Frankfurt, ITA Group’s Event Destination Strategist Kristine Forret enjoyed a three-night familiarization trip in the country’s capital, hosted by IHG. She saw firsthand how recent infrastructure updates, including a new luxury hotel, make Ljubljana more attractive than ever.
A:
Tell us about your arrival and accommodations.
The small airport is clean, modern and super sleek. It almost felt like arriving on a private airfield. We stayed at the Intercontinental in Ljubljana, a brand new build for IHG, and the only luxury property in the city. Even standard rooms are spacious, especially by European standards. The MICHELIN-recommended rooftop restaurant and bar overlooks old town Ljubljana with the castle on one side and the Alps on the other.
Q: A:
Did you venture beyond the city?
Yes. I think what makes Ljubljana so intriguing is that you can start the day in the city center and be in the Alps within an hour. We went to Lake Bled, a beautiful turquoise lake surrounded by snowcapped mountains, with an iconic castle and church on an island. The following day, after a 45-minute drive in the opposite direction, we were at the Adriatic Sea. It feels like neighboring Croatia with fishing boats and amazing seafood.
Q: A:
Was Ljubljana walkable?
The city center is incredibly pedestrian-friendly, similar to Amsterdam. There are also canals and boats. But what struck me about Ljubljana that felt special was the youthful cafe culture. Slovenia’s biggest and oldest university is here. Everyone was out in the courtyards, cafes and patios.
Q: A:
What were some of the other culinary offerings?
We took a ride through a vineyard, and had a picnic and olive oil tasting, all in the same agricultural area. Slovenia borders Italy and produces some excellent wines that aren’t exported. The coast also features salt farms, which offer delicious experiences.
A self-proclaimed adventurer with 25 years of experience at ITA Group, Kristine enjoys immersing herself in diverse cultures and local experiences. Through her journeys, she continues to discover the interconnectedness of humanity: “The world is smaller than we think and we’re all more alike than we may perceive—this is the beauty of travel."
Property at a glance
InterContinental Ljubljana
The tallest hotel in Slovenia’s lively capital features an iconic glass exterior, and luxurious rooms and suites with elegant marble bathrooms. Amenities include fitness center, pool, spa and gourmet rooftop dining, plus a pet-friendly policy.
Click to see website
Kristine Forret Event Destination Strategist
Trending keynote
Siri Lindley: Top-ranked triathlete and cancer survivor
Midwest Speakers Bureau
ITA Group's preferred partner Midwest Speakers Bureau helps meeting planners select the best keynote speakers and entertainers.
A world champion and hall of fame triathlete, bestselling author and Acute Myeloid Leukemia survivor, Siri Lindley shares powerful, real-life lessons on resilience, peak performance and leading with heart. Ranked among the top 10 keynote speakers globally, Siri’s insights come from real-life victories. Whether she's on stage or connecting one-on-one, she equips individuals and teams with transformative strategies to unlock their full potential. This makes Siri a standout choice for events seeking inspiration, motivation and lasting impact.
Accolades
> Retired as the #1 ranked triathlete in the world
> Author of multiple books, including “Finding a Way: Taking the Impossible and Making it Possible” with a foreword by Tony Robbins
> Co-founded 2 nonprofits to save horses
> Trusted by global brands that include Google, CVS and Wells Fargo
Keynote topics
> Winning big and living fearlessly: Amidst uncertainty and disruption, Siri reassures us that fear is natural—it's our response that shapes outcomes.
> Re-writing your own narrative for a life of authenticity: Practical steps for breaking free from “impostor syndrome” and living a life of authenticity and intention.
> Beyond champions: Rising to your next level of greatness: Through powerful storytelling and practical tools, Siri challenges leaders who have already achieved excellence to rise to an even greater level of impact, resilience and service.
> ChampionMind leadership: Building resilience, authenticity and impact: Mindset strategies and proven coaching frameworks participants use to own their energy, strengthen team trust and create lasting impact.
Quick facts
> Preferred format: 60-minute keynote
> Budget range: $20,000-$25,000
Why we recommend
Siri recently spoke at a leadership meeting for one of our global clients. She truly engaged each and every person with her high energy and enthusiasm. The audience was intrigued by her presentation of ChampionMind 5. The five principles Siri provided were tailored to this specific group and helped them set a new standard. Leaders left motivated and energized to put their learnings into action.
—MEGAN HUFTALIN, ITA GROUP EVENT MANAGER
Watch a video from Siri
Trending content
Resources, tips and tricks
What’s in your travel bag?
JBL Tour Pro 3 True Wireless Earbuds
Whether you’re watching in-flight entertainment, taking a meeting or canceling out a seatmate’s snore, this set delivers a cinematic sound experience, perfect call quality and adaptive noise adjustments. Plus, a handy and feature-packed touchscreen charging case.
HydroJug Sport 32 oz
Cheers to finding the perfect go-anywhere insulated cup: stainless steel with a leak-proof flip straw and a convenient carry handle. We love the limited-edition patterns and vibrant colors.
Therabody TheraFace Depuffing Wand
Look radiant after taking a red eye. This portable beauty tool diminishes dark circles, reduces under-eye puffiness and rejuvenates with clinically proven cold and heat treatments and lymphatic massage.
Kennedy Kramer
Product Buyer
Event Gifting
Kennedy loves seeing people’s reactions when they receive a gift celebrating their work accomplishments. Watching their faces light up with excitement makes the effort to find their perfect gift worthwhile. In her free time, Kennedy is a theater buff. She’s seen 80 Broadway shows in seven cities, including internationally.
Trending content
Resources, tips and tricks (cont.)
From around the industry
Top 250 Meeting Hotels in North America
Click to read
New and Renovated Meetings Properties That Are Prioritizing Sustainability
How to maximize incentive program results with travel and points-based rewards
Why event production experts try to “break things” before a show
Listen
“Sustainable Events Dog Walk” by Alycia Drube
Positive+Impact Event Consulting founder Alycia Drube shares innovative sustainability ideas in a short podcast.
On topic
As an event planner, I want to keep pace with our industry’s commitment to improving environmental performance and making a positive social impact. Alycia’s approachable style and bite-sized insights have helped shift my mindset and take intentional steps toward goals. As the name implies, Sustainable Events Dog Walk’s short episodes are the perfect companion for a quick walk.
—THERESA LINK, LEAD BUYER
Trending content
Resources, tips and tricks (cont.)
New event gifting experience: Blue Delta Jeans
Blue Delta Jeans’ bespoke process offers clients ultra-premium, custom-made jeans and apparel. The brand provides jeans for each recipient that's not available on store shelves. There’s no inventory, just raw materials.
Hosting an on-site gifting event
> The Blue Delta team arrives with curated fabrics, thread options and samples
> Visually stunning, efficient setups ensure a smooth flow for every guest
> Expert tailors take measurements, then participants design their apparel
> Each pattern is drafted based on guests' exact specifications
> Seamstresses with decades of experiences handmake each pair in the U.S.
> Blue Delta ships the final product to arrive at participants’ homes within 3 weeks
Gifting a fitting experience recognizes individuality. Since denim evolved from Western workwear to wardrobe icon, it’s become one of the best ways to express personal style.
mfasse@itagroup.com | (515) 326 3097 itagroup.com, and head to itagroup.com/insights for the latest in thought leadership.