Industry update
INSIDE: See why ITA Group's most seasoned experts say San José, California is a trending destination.
Like our events industry, this update continues to evolve and improve. One of my favorite aspects of pulling together these pages is connecting with talented team members who share their stories and expertise.
This edition brings you even more perspectives with new sections on event gifting and “on topic” book and podcast suggestions. Appreciated an insight or recommendation? Drop these folks a note to let them know.
What’s happening
ITA Group Event Solutions 2025 Trends Outlook
Shifting expectations necessitate a fundamental rethinking of how we plan, execute and measure event success. Here are four key trends we’re watching.
> Event technology and AI evolution: AI is poised to inform new business proposals, personalize attendee journeys and automate workflows, leading to more immersive virtual events and data-driven decision-making.
> ROI: First-party data should lead to discovery and action. Third-party partners are expected to analyze data to support event objectives. However, 82% of event marketers are unable to quantify the data they receive from attendees’ interactions and 19% of companies are unaware of their event’s ROI.
> Sustainability: Increased pressure from attendees, sponsors and the public, plus international environmental regulations, make sustainability a pillar of planning. Recently, the definition of sustainability was expanded to include personal well-being. This concept recognizes that individual health and happiness are interconnected with the planet’s health.
> Learning landscape: Experiential methods, rooted in brain science, drive learning and retention. Today's attendee demands deeper engagement and transformative experiences built on meaningful personal interaction. This presents a crucial opportunity: harnessing the power of experiential design to create high-impact corporate meetings and events.
IRF 2025 forecast for non-cash rewards
Incentive Research Foundation hosted Jeremy Bielski, ITA Group Vice President of Sales, as part of a recent webinar: Industry Outlook for 2025: Merchandise, Gift Cards & Event Gifting. Here are his key takeaways.
> Positive economic outlook: Economic optimism has rebounded. 23% of North American respondents and 56% of European respondents express a positive economic outlook for 2025, up from previous years.
> Anticipated budget increases: In North America, 59% of organizations expect reward and recognition budget increases in 2025, while in Europe, 74% anticipate higher spending in this area. Event gifting is also growing, with 65% of North American and 77% of European respondents planning a budget increase in 2025.
> Growth in noncash rewards: Both merchandise and gift card rewards are projected to see increased utilization. A net increase in the use of merchandise rewards is reported in both Europe (57%) and North America (39%).
These trends suggest a renewed focus on noncash rewards and recognition programs as organizations aim to enhance employee engagement and motivation.
THE WHERE
Rising hub for innovative meetings
San José, California
Known as the capitol of Silicon Valley, San José is gaining traction as a top-tier destination for meetings and events. With a walkable convention campus, thriving culinary scene and California’s dreamy year-round weather, this home to numerous high-tech headquarters has it all.
Why San José?
> A well-connected epicenter of innovation: Access to top-tier speakers, industry pioneers and cutting-edge business trends creates an unparalleled ecosystem for knowledge-sharing and collaboration. Companies like Adobe, eBay, Cisco Systems, PayPal and Zoom call San José home, and the area caters to its highly educated, diverse population. The interactive public art installation "Idea Tree" stands at the front of a compact convention district that includes 200+ surrounding restaurants.
> Seamless accessibility: Whether flying in or getting around the city, travel is practically seamless. San José International Airport (SJC) is just 4 miles from downtown, with 150+ daily flights. Oakland International Airport (OAK) is a 45-minute transfer, providing additional options.
A light-rail system stop directly in front of the convention center simplifies navigating the city between sessions and reduces the need for transportation logistics.
Best time to host
> Peak season: Year-round destination; spring and fall are ideal
> Known for: ideal weather for outdoor networking events and off-site experiences
> Travel time: 10 minutes from SJC and 45 minutes from OAK
Jill Bartholomay
ITA Group Event Purchasing & Industry Relations Lead Buyer
In her 26 years with ITA Group, Jill’s strong relationships with clients and supplier partners stand out. Always learning about new destinations, hotels and local activities keeps her role fresh and exciting (and her travel “bucket list” growing). When she's not envisioning her next trip (to Park City, Utah, perhaps?) or keeping up with kids’ activities, Jill enjoys trying new recipes and entertaining.
Where to meet
Both the San José Marriott and Hilton San José connect directly to San José McEnery Convention Center, so brand loyalists can opt for either and enjoy easy access to meeting space. The hotels also partner under One Connection, offering a campus buyout option with a single hotel contract and point of contact.
San José McEnery Convention Center hosts hundreds of varied events each year. The district’s city-center location supports unforgettable off-site experiences.
> Idea-sparking tours: Visit leading technology company headquarters or engage with emerging start-ups through curated innovation tours.
> Culinary adventures: Take a pedicab ride to discover San Pedro Market, a lively hub of diverse food offerings, perfect for relaxed networking.
> Whiskey and fine dining: Plan a private dinner at 10th Street Distillery, home to the 2024 “Best in the World” whiskey. Enjoy a curated tasting, tour the boutique production facility and meet the makers behind this award-winning spirit.
Key venue information
> Accommodations: Combined 867 guest rooms and 556,000 sq. ft. of meeting space
> Event space: McEnery Convention Center features 360,000 sq. ft. of space, including 165,000 sq. ft. of continuous exhibit space and 80,000 sq. ft. of permanent tented space
Rosewood Mandarina
El Monteón, Nayarit (Mexico)
Opening April 1, Rosewood Mandarina promises a transformative dreamscape located on the luminous shores of Riviera Nayarit. Situated on the west coast of Mexico, the breathtaking region of Riviera Nayarit is rich with a culture that is as colorful as the flora. Renowned for its diverse landscape, this distinctive destination on the flatlands is surrounded by mountainside vistas overlooking the ocean, lush jungle and pristine beachfront.
> Rooted in tradition. The beachfront property draws inspiration from the local, pre-Hispanic Huichol and Cora cultures. Rosewood Mandarina emphasizes the interconnectedness between nature, spirit and community values. One example is the resort’s community dinners, inspired by the Huichol belief in Tatewari, “grandfather fire.” These evening experiences bring people together for conversation and friendship while paying respect to Tatewari with experiential fire elements.
> Active experiences. In addition to tennis and its signature Equestrian Center & Polo Field for horseback riding, Mandarina Golf Club will debut in early 2025. The highly anticipated course will feature 10 holes designed by Greg Norman. More rugged activities include mountain biking across the surrounding landscape, hiking, zip-lining and completing a ropes course, as well as surfing, paddle boarding, snorkeling, diving and fishing in the Pacific.
> Barefoot luxury ambiance. Rosewood Mandarina’s Beach Pavilion was inspired by private residences. Its design moves away from typical hotel banquet spaces and is conducive to entertaining in an intimate setting.
Insider tip
Meet Gustavo Mejía Ortiz, manager of Mandarina Polo Club. A Mexican-born finance professional turned polo expert, Gustavo believes Rosewood's luxury offerings create a unique destination for guests seeking a deeper connection with this land and the horses.
Property highlights
Accommodations: 134 suites and villas
Airport transfer: 40 minutes from Puerto Vallarta International Airport
Meeting spaces: The generously sized pavilions are spread over 4,750 sq. ft., with a communal beach space. All restaurants are available for private event use, as well as the Canalan 2-bedroom beachfront villa, Cora 4-bedroom mountaintop villa and many additional lawns, beachfronts and vistas.
Click to see property
Property highlights
Accommodations: 40 pavilions and villas
Airport transfer: 20 minutes from Marrakech Menara Airport
Meeting spaces: Ideal for incentive groups without meeting room requirements, Amanjena offers a spa, fitness center, expansive outdoor areas and a permanent Caidal Tent ideal for private events infused with Moroccan splendor.
Click to see property
Insider tip
Order The Marrakech Mule, Amanjena’s signature take on a classic cocktail. Served in a traditional Moroccan teapot, this blend of ginger, mint and citrus is the perfect toast to a day of discovery.
Amanjena – an Aman property Marrakech, Morocco
Inspired by the grandeur of a sultana’s palace, this serene oasis is a gateway to the wonders of Marrakech, offering an intimate connection to Moroccan heritage and hospitality. Amanjena, meaning “peaceful paradise,” encapsulates the essence of Moorish elegance. Every archway, courtyard and fountain invites guests into a realm of architectural poetry. Enclosed by palm and olive groves, its walled pavilions and maisons encircle an ancient basin, creating harmonious symmetry.
> Immersive cultural experiences. Alongside its on-site amenities, Amanjena’s falconry workshops give guests a glimpse into Morocco’s nomadic heritage as they get close-ups with the majestic birds. The resort also curates bespoke experiences that reveal the city’s layered history. Navigate the city’s labyrinthine souks and surrounding streets on a sidecar tour, watch local artisans demonstrate their craft or take a balloon ride over the desert landscape, among other opportunities.
> Rejuvenating rituals. Deeply rooted in the traditions of Moroccan warmth and generosity, Amanjena offers a sense of peace and privacy. Whether indulging in a traditional Hammam spa treatment, savoring local flavors in lantern-lit courtyards or unwinding by pools, serenity awaits.
> Atmospheric settings. As night falls, Amanjena transforms into a stage for Moroccan storytelling. The permanent Caidal Tent hosts performances from folklore troupes to Andalusian musical ensembles, immersing guests in regional artistic traditions. On-site dining is superb, but guests craving local flavors can also join a Berber family for an authentic in-home meal.
THE WHO & THE WHY
Standout supplier partners
Jameson Knop
Fontainebleau Hotel Las Vegas
“From start to finish, Jameson demonstrates he truly wants to team up to get the best outcome for our client. Because of his incredible relationships with other areas of the hotel and his ability to make things happen, he’s almost a "one-stop-shop" of helpful connections. Jameson's fantastic attitude makes solving problems fun, which is especially important after 10 high-stress days together. We wish we could work with him at all properties!”
—KESHA KOPP AND LAURIE ANDERSON-WHITE, ITA
GROUP TRAVEL DIRECTORS
Nicole Trottier Leading Hotels Worldwide
“Nicole is one of my favorite Global Sales Organizations [reps] to work with. She’s always willing to pick up the phone and brainstorm unique options at her destination to fit the client’s event goals. She always has creative ideas. Nicole does her homework on previous group history and knows what we’ve sourced and booked in the past. She provides humor, expertise and friendship, making her at the top of my calls when I consider hotels for clients.”
—CHELSEA WING, LEAD BUYER
Jennifer Landaz Access | Las Vegas
“Jenn and her team helped us successfully operate another Specialty Care POA in January. Access was a vital partner for all things décor, entertainment, transportation, and off-property events and dinners. They know our client’s style preferences and were prepared with preset tablescapes and floral, which helped us have a successful site visit to select décor for all four galas. Jenn and her team are willing to help us out no matter what the situation, even if it is a quick turn! They’re creative and experts in all things Las Vegas. We appreciate our partnership and look forward to working with Jenn and her team again soon!”
—MEGAN HUFTALIN AND BLAIR DAVIS, EVENT MANAGERS
TRAVEL NOTES
Insider perspectives. Trending keynote speakers. Must-have resources.
This
Incentive travel
Insider perspective
ITA Group Account Executive and Corporate Event Producer Rick Solomon immersed himself at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas and Sphere. His January overnight experience included an exclusive look at the first phase of renovations for this legendary venue.
In honor of its 25th anniversary last year, The Venetian Resort unveiled a $1.5 billion reinvestment plan. What did you notice?
Q: Q: A: A:
This trip offered us a firsthand look at the recent renovations at The Venetian Resort and how they’re shaping the future of events and guest experiences. The space is now lighter, brighter and equipped with advanced technology to better accommodate meetings, conferences and large-scale events. With an expansive expo hall covering over 2 million sq. ft. and direct access to the main lobby of the Sphere, Las Vegas’ newest immersive entertainment venue, it provides a truly unique opportunity to blend business with entertainment.
Did you see a show at the Sphere?
We had the chance to see The Eagles live, and while they always put on an incredible show, experiencing it at the Sphere took it to an entirely new level. The massive wraparound LED panels immersed the audience in stunning visuals, making the concert feel more like a journey than a performance. The depth and scale of the visuals made the venue feel infinite, creating an experience unlike anything else on the Las Vegas Strip. This wasn’t just a concert. It was a reimagining of how live music can be experienced.
Q:
What did you appreciate about the accommodations and dining options?
A:
The Venetian offers a truly unique lodging experience, with every room designed as a spacious suite. Beyond the accommodations, the dining options are impressive, with over 40 restaurants on property. In just 24 hours, we explored three distinct experiences: an upscale Mediterranean lunch at Estiatorio Milos, a tequila-based mixology class at Rosina and a delicious meal at Mott 32, an incredible restaurant with blends of Cantonese, Szechuan and Beijing cuisines. At each stop, the service was excellent and the food was outstanding, showcasing the possibilities when curating a memorable guest experience on property.
Q: A:
Were there any surprises?
The Venetian team made our group feel truly welcome, with thoughtful attention to detail and personalization woven throughout our stay. Beyond their exceptional hospitality, I was also impressed by their commitment to sustainability. Their ongoing construction projects incorporate eco-friendly initiatives, including a significant shift to LED technology across the property. This transition reduces energy consumption and eliminates the need for traditional hard signage, allowing for more dynamic and adaptable content, messaging and branding opportunities. It’s a forward-thinking approach that enhances both the guest experience and the property’s environmental impact.
Property at a glance
The Venetian Resort Las Vegas
This sprawling, Renaissance-inspired property embraces Italian luxury in all its forms. The largest Forbes 4-Star hotel in the world, it's a fully integrated resort featuring all suite-style rooms. Find a quarter mile of world-class fashion, art, dining, entertainment, casino, pools and lounges amongst the glamour of the Las Vegas Strip.
ITA Group Account Executive and Corporate Event Producer
With over a decade in the industry, Rick excels at curating impactful experiences and integrating brand strategy into event design. He's led countless corporate events, conference experiences and experiential activations for notable companies, such as CrowdStrike, IBM, Oracle, and the Golden State Warriors. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, he understands the importance of creating engaging and memorable events that leave a lasting impression.
Rick Solomon
Click to see website
Click for video of the new ballroom
Trending keynote
Kindra Hall: Strategic storytelling expert
Midwest Speakers Bureau
ITA Group's preferred partner Midwest Speakers Bureau helps meeting planners select the best keynote speakers and entertainers. See who they say is trending right now.
Whether in sales, marketing or leadership—those who tell the best stories win. Master storyteller Kindra Hall’s captivating style and insightful strategies help leaders activate the connective, compelling, competitive edge of storytelling. The Wall Street Journal best-selling author and former Chief Storytelling Officer at SUCCESS Magazine offers a simple, research-based, immediately actionable approach. Using Kindra’s proven methodology, attendees leave empowered and equipped to silence the inner critic and redesign their path to success and happiness from the inside out.
Accolades & takeaways
> Best-selling author of Stories That Stick: How Storytelling Can Captivate Customers, Influence Audiences, and Transform Your Business
> In understanding the power of a story, attendees gain takeaways for success in both business and life.
> Kindra has motivated audiences in venues of all sizes, including arena stages.
Keynote topics
> Stories That Stick: The Irresistible Power of Strategic Storytelling
> The Transformative Power of Self-Storytelling: Reprogramming Happiness, Success and Well-Being from the Inside Out
Quick facts
> Preferred format: 60-minute keynote
> Budget range: $30,000–$40,000
Why we recommend
Global brands trust Kindra to inspire teams and individuals to better communicate the value of their company, their products and their individuality through strategic storytelling.
Trending content
Resources, tips and tricks
What’s in your travel bag?
The Nori Press
Tuck this compact travel steamer/iron into your suitcase and arrive wrinklefree, anywhere in the world. It’s doublesided so no ironing board necessary.
Therabody SleepMask
This “beyond blackout” mask features three soothing vibration patterns scientifically proven to improve sleep. Soft, contoured padding and a non-slip strap comfortably conforms.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition
Beach reads or best-selling business books? No need to choose. This 32 GB Kindle lets you bring a library. Its autoadjusting front light, wireless charging and weeks of battery life make it a must-pack.
Bio insights showcase: Events Buyer
Angie
Fritchen Senior Product Buyer Event Gifting
Angie loves finding the “latest-andgreatest” items for clients and the rewarding feeling of seeing participants’ reactions to their gifts. She says traveling to beautiful places and experiencing different cultures while uncovering what is trending locally is an unbeatable perk of her nine-year career at ITA Group.
View website
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Trending content
Resources, tips and tricks (cont.)
From around the industry
CES 2025: 5 trends you can't afford to miss Read
Bluefishing: The Art of Making Things Happen by Steve
D. Sims
9 hotels opening in 2025 that event profs should know about
2025 incentive trip destinations for intergenerational groups
Maximize site inspections to inspire incredible event design
On topic
Founder of a world-renowned high-end concierge service, Steve D. Sims teaches readers how to achieve extraordinary goals by thinking differently, taking bold action and building genuine relationships. His no-nonsense approach to establishing the right mindset aligns with ITA Group’s mission of designing and executing custom events around the globe. Steve’s practical strategies and sense of humor make this a quick and entertaining read.
—Mandy Espey, Event Account Director
Sims also hosts a highly rated podcast
