Groups Today July/August 2024

Page 30


JULY/AUGUST 2024 Volume 22, Issue 4

GROUPS TODAY IS PUBLISHED BY: Serendipity Media, LLC 866-252-7108 www.serendipity-media.com

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Kasie Smith

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Emily Alspaugh

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Megan Marshall

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PLANNER PROFILE

Alex J. Urdaneta: “Travel Is My Air, It’s My World.” page 4

5 MINUTES WITH... Stacey David: MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau page 28

STUDENT TRAVEL 101: Information You Need to Know page 8

page 22

Succession Planning for Your Family Business page 6

Journey Through These Essential Civil and Human Rights Destinations page 26

Marcus

A NOTE FROM THE MANAGING EDITOR

The summer is in full swing and we here at Groups Today hope you and your groups are out there soaking it all up! This new issue, which we hope accompanies you on your travels, lends valuable insight into the latest trends, destinations, and leading voices of the industry.

Thinking of dipping your toes in the student travel realm? Flip to page 8 to learn more about what considerations await, along with key findings from the SYTA 2023 Student Travel Business Barometer, which provides valuable insight into how the market is faring post-pandemic, in addition to where it’s likely headed in the years to come. Student travel is also a passion of current SYTA Board President, Alex J. Urdaneta, CSTP. Turn to page 4 to hear about his unique journey and how it inspired his path in the industry today.

All around North America, landmarks and museums dedicated to preserving and remembering notable civil and human rights events and leaders can be found. On page 26, we explore a sampling of these powerful sites. And, if you’re still looking for more ideas, venture to page 22 to explore all that’s great in Illinois—the Prairie State! From the bustling streets of Chicago to the charm of Effingham, it’s no secret that Illinois has plenty to offer groups.

This issue is jam-packed, so be sure you also don’t miss our convo with Stacey David, Executive Director of MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau (page 28) and our dive into “Succession Planning for Your Family Business” (page 6).

Until we meet again next time, safe travels, and we’ll see you in the

is MORE THAN JUST A MAGAZINE

sarah@serendipity-media.com

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ALEX J. URDANETA, CSTP

'TRAVEL IS MY AIR, IT'S MY WORLD.'

AAlex J. Urdaneta, CSTP began his tourism journey at age 19 while working as a tour guide in Florida and New York City each summer during college. He made the move to Orlando in 2003 knowing his true passion—a career centered on travel, experiences and learning—was what he wanted to pursue.

Since then, Urdaneta has been dedicated to cultivating industry knowledge, working in roles including transport dispatcher, driver, chauffeur, travel consultant, sales supervisor, manager of operations and tourism director.

Today, Urdaneta is President and CEO of Viajes A Plus Inc. in San Juan, Puerto Rico, a company he created in 2008 focusing on educational trips for young people in Puerto Rico. The company also markets and organizes outbound trips to 18 international destinations and works with operators to receive inbound groups. In addition, Urdaneta has served on the Student & Youth Travel Association (SYTA) Board of Directors for the past four years, and is the current Board President. Urdaneta, who embraces the cultures of Puerto Rico,

“When I look back, I can say with a smile that with the help and support of many, I’ve provided great experiences for many young people.”

Urdaneta doesn’t drink coffee or beer, feels most at home at an amusement park, is a painter and is in love with all things antique and vintage—including black and white movies.

Venezuela and the U.S., has seen firsthand how travel changes lives.

“Like many in our industry, I’m a living testimony to these powerful experiences,” he said, explaining how following a family tragedy in the ‘80s, Urdaneta’s mother ensured he and his sisters were always learning and having fun. “For almost eight years as a teenager, I had the opportunity to be a trombonist in a Marching Band, a foundation that provides music education and travel for young students in Venezuela. It was a life-changing opportunity and experience. My leadership, the way I saw the environment around me, and my ability to relate and adapt, was shaped with each trip and experience outside my community.”

Industry changes abound, with Urdaneta pointing out one of the largest being climate change and weather, citing Hurricane Maria’s massive impact.

“Whether it’s concerns for safety or crisis planning, or adapting to changing environments, weather has been an emerging factor in all of our planning,” he said, adding that focusing on emerging technology is also a priority. “Social media has become an important consideration in terms of communicating, marketing, personal privacy and negative consequences.”

Urdaneta also encourages those new to the industry to work with heart, integrity, honesty and a sense of humor, along with being unafraid to try a new way of doing things.

Whether it’s the first time a young person from the Caribbean witnesses snow in the mountains of Yosemite or the first time a student from Kentucky leaves the mainland U.S. to be immersed in Puerto Rico’s rich culture, Urdaneta knows his work has a lasting impact. He’s looking forward to continuing to inspire, engage in and impact the lives of young people.

“When I look back, I can say with a smile that with the help and support of many, I’ve provided great experiences for many young people,” Urdaneta mused. “I love it and it’s so much fun. Traveling and taking people to travel is my air … it’s my world.”

Photos © Alex J. Urdaneta

Succession Planning for Your Family Business

FFamily businesses can be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling for all involved. From growing up and seeing other family members work hard each day to joining a family business through marriage, there’s a lot of pride that comes from having a stake in your family’s business and helping build that legacy.

But what happens when a family member decides it’s time to retire? Or change direction in their career? How will the reins be passed down to a new generation? That’s where a succession plan—an absolute necessity in any business—comes in handy.

Intended to outline essential factors and the appropriate individuals needed to ensure a smooth transition within the business when the time comes, succession plans are typically developed by a company’s current leadership team. Some basic tips for creating your own succession plan:

» Don’t wait—plan early. When it comes to planning, don’t procrastinate until it’s too late to come up with a tailor-made plan that works for your specific business.

» Identify necessary skill sets and team members. Determine essential traits your potential successors should have and base their role in your plan on those skills, along with their level of experience and commitment. Not sure if an employee is looking to grow with the company? Ask. Unsure if your children, for example, are ready to work at the company for the first time? Suggest they work or intern elsewhere first to gain outside industry experience.

» Be transparent, clarify roles and offer professional development, if necessary. This includes determining who has specific decision-making authority and leadership responsibilities—in addition to when this transfer of power would occur. Involve all relevant parties so nobody is left in the dark.

» Expect the unexpected. Having a contingency plan (or two) is wise, considering you never know when the unexpected can happen due to illness, death or other life-changing events.

» Bring in the professionals. Legal and financial considerations are best left to the pros, so know when to bring them in! You’ll be happy you did when the time comes. They can also assist you in getting your plan down in writing and safely storing the information, along with ensuring those who are meant to access it, can.

Marcie Ellison Outerbridge, General Manager and Owner, Ellison Travel and Tours Ltd., knows first hand the considerations that come along with succession planning for a family business. She began working for her father Doug’s company (which was founded in 1980) on and off during high school and tour-managed for the first time while in college.

“I had my own ambitions to travel and moved from the Toronto area to Vancouver for my first job and eventually found my way back to working for Ellison while based in Vancouver starting in 2004,” recalled Ellison, who jumped in and focused on growing the company’s operations in Western Canada. “In 2019, my step-sister and her husband—Michelle and Paulo Branco—decided to join the business, as well. Since COVID, we’ve taken over as owners.”

The pandemic of course put a damper on many people’s original plans.

“Originally, we had about a three-year plan for Doug to mentor Michelle, Paulo and I,” Ellison explained, noting three years ended up being closer to five. “My dad is now ‘Chairman and Founder’ and works ‘on’ the business more than ‘in’ the business.”

Ellison noted that from the beginning, specific roles and responsibilities were carved out for herself, Michelle and Paulo to take on.

“This was done in an effort to help ourselves and staff understand who was responsible for what areas of the company and what decisions,” she said. “There’s overlap and it’s evolving but this was something we felt was a priority. We also met weekly and regularly with my dad (and still do) in order to gain as much as we could from his experience and perspective.”

The team also created a set of values and an updated mission and vision statement, which was based on input from staff, some of which have been with the company for decades.

Ellison’s parting advice?

“It’s not always easy to start the conversation, but succession planning is important to talk about,” Ellison emphasized. “Talking this through with a third-party advisor is a good idea, and of course, having a legal team assisting you is important.”

FEATURED IN THIS ARTICLE:

MARCIE ELLISON OUTERBRIDGE
General Manager & Owner, Ellison Travel and Tours Ltd.
Headshot © Marcie Ellison Outerbridge

STUDENT TRAVEL 101

TTravel is undoubtedly one of the most impactful pathways to open-mindedness, empathy and adopting a broader world view. This especially extends to students and youth, as travel can introduce them to experiences, concepts and viewpoints they’ve likely never encountered prior to hitting the road or taking to the skies.

In addition to the number of educational benefits and positive social and emotional outcomes, student travel is good for business, as well. According to results from the SYTA 2023 Student Travel Business Barometer, the U.S. youth group travel sector has not only recovered but also surpassed its 2019 volumes in 2023—a strong sign for the years ahead.

HOW FAR HAS STUDENT TRAVEL COME AND WHERE IS IT HEADED NEXT?

Based on input from 40 U.S. tour operators, the SYTA 2023 Student Travel Business Barometer offers valuable insight into how the market is faring post-pandemic, in addition to where it’s likely headed in the years to come. Some key findings include the following:

» Operators reported reaching 138% of their 2019 volumes in 2023, with the majority of the trips conducted being new bookings, generating new revenue.

» The popularity of domestic travel may be waning, with operators forecasting a 45% increase in international travel compared to 2023. Expectations for domestic travel growth sit at a modest 1% increase.

» The average duration of domestic trips was 4.3 days, with the typical group size being comprised of 70 students.

» Price is still a factor for student groups, with travelers increasingly seeking accommodations in more remote and rural areas or shortening their trips by one to two days.

» A shift in booking behavior was noted, with a trend emerging of booking trips two to three months earlier than in previous years.

» Educational group trips emerged as the top choice for student groups (54% of travelers), while performing arts and music trips experienced a slower recovery (31% of travelers).

» Top U.S. destinations chosen for travel in 2023 included: Washington, DC (35%), followed by New York (19%) and Orlando (15%). Rounding out the top 10 are Nashville, Los Angeles, Chicago, Williamsburg, Boston, St. Louis and New Orleans.

» Top international destinations for 2023 included the return of well-loved favorites such as London, Paris and Rome. This trend is expected to continue into 2024, though interest in new budget-friendly destinations like Greece, Slovenia, Austria, and Iceland is emerging.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT STUDENT TRAVEL.

Knowing that the student and youth travel sector is growing, you may be contemplating dipping your toes in that realm. While the world of student travel is exciting, fulfilling and absolutely worthwhile, there are certainly some things you should know and be prepared to address.

SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT.

Ensure you’ve extensively researched the area you’re traveling to, in addition to knowing where the nearest hospital, emergency facility or first-aid station is, at all points along your route. Be sure group leaders and chaperones have contact numbers for the rest of the group, along with any emergency numbers.

INTERESTED

IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT WHAT DESTINATIONS ARE ON THE RISE FOR STUDENT TRAVEL? See which locations—both in the U.S. and abroad— made the cut by checking out SYTA’s 2024 Top Destinations: bit.ly/TeachTravelMay24

Be mindful of students with food allergies or sensitivities and dietary restrictions when planning meal options and obtain medical information and necessary medications for everyone in your group. Keep accessibility top of mind and be sure that students know how to ask for help in whatever language is most often spoken if traveling abroad.

TIMING IS EVERYTHING.

Encourage educators and group leaders to get the ball rolling as early as possible on trip planning. Work with the educator ahead of time to determine what the purpose of their trip is (educational, performance, etc.) and what they’d like the takeaways to be. Traveling in the “off season” could also mean smaller crowds, better availability at top attractions, lower ticket pricing, more customized experiences, etc. With cost being one of the most common barriers preventing students from being able to experience travel, planning early also allows more time for fundraising opportunities to take place.

PARENTS & CHAPERONES!

In addition to securing trip approval from the school board, educators are tasked with helping parents feel at ease about sending their child off in their care to a sometimes far away destination. Encourage educators to bring parents into the fold by including them in the process of planning from the very beginning—host meetings to share information and ask questions; over communicate; propose and discuss fundraising ideas; have a student or parent who has traveled on a similar trip in the past share their experience; address safety concerns and cell phone policies, etc.

Continued on page 12 ...

It’s also worth noting how challenging sourcing chaperones can be. Assist educators by working with them or the group leader to create materials outlining expectations from both parents and students. While educators who have traveled before may already know these items, remind those new-to-travel educators that an ideal chaperone:

» Should have all necessary clearances required by the school.

» Is someone who is reliable and trustworthy, in addition to having a good rapport with students.

» Might have travel experience, a medical background or be bilingual.

» Understands this trip is for the students and isn’t a personal vacation.

» Agrees to the clear expectations set before them, including respecting trip rules (ex. no alcohol, meeting at the scheduled times and locations).

DEMONSTRATE YOUR COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE.

SYTA, in partnership with Center for Student Travel Safety (CSTS), offers individuals and organizations the opportunity to voluntarily demonstrate their commitment to overall safety and risk management practices as it relates to student and youth travel, thanks to the Certified Student Travel Organization (CSTO) and Certified Student Travel Professional (CSTP) certifications.

Those individuals and/or organizations who complete these certifications have met or exceeded the minimum of 25 safety standards established by SYTA and CSTS, and thereby exhibit their credibility to travelers. If you’re looking for a way to build confidence with student groups and prove to educators that you’re the right fit for their trips, CSTO and CSTP certifications are wise.

No student trip is complete without a thrilling Broadway performance! As you’re planning your next student travel adventure, consider snagging group tickets to see beloved classic Wicked , which is celebrating 20 years of defying gravity. This story of an unlikely friendship and their remarkable odyssey is one students will remember long after the curtain falls. See wickedthemusical.com for more!

Photo © Joan Marcus

ROCKEFELLER CENTER UNVEILS EXCITING ADDITIONS AND ATTRACTIONS

Discover the latest buzz emanating from the iconic Rockefeller Center! Whether you’re a first-time or repeat visitor, there’s something new and noteworthy awaiting your groups amidst this cultural landmark.

Last December marked the opening of the Beam, a daring new addition to your list of must-dos in New York City. The Beam, a new experience at Top of the Rock, invites visitors to recreate “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper,” the iconic 1932 photo depicting 11 ironworkers lunching precariously on a steel beam, 69 stories high, during the construction of 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Follow in their fearless footsteps by buckling up for an exhilarating, 12-foot ascent that rotates a breathtaking 180-degrees. Here, groups will experience astonishing views of NYC’s famous Central Park and beyond.

Late last year also marked the opening of the Weather Room at Top of the Rock. When it comes to quintessential New York, there’s no beating Top of the Rock, with its spectacular views of the city in all her cinematic glory. Only now there’s even more to savor: The newly opened Weather Room invites visitors to rendezvous in the clouds. Named after the Doppler radar that once sat atop the roof of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, The Weather Room pairs Top of the Rock’s sweeping cityscapes with elevated, locally-sourced casual fare like artisanal sandwiches, mezze plates, and French and Italian pastries. (A full bar, replete with specialty cocktails, is coming soon.) From 9 a.m. to midnight, The Weather Room Bar & Café promises an only-in-New York respite for those who like to graze while they gaze; enjoy a cappuccino overlooking Central Park, a baguette while casting your sights on the Brooklyn Bridge, or a Negroni

Photo © Rockefeller Center

while you take in Manhattan.

Opening this summer, an entire new experience awaits groups with a completely reimagined Mezzanine Exhibit at Top of the Rock. Immerse yourself in the captivating story of Rockefeller Center through stunning murals, a mesmerizing projection-mapped model, and an unforgettable theater show.

The last piece of Rockefeller Center’s exciting

redevelopment will be arriving in October 2024. Be raised an additional 30-feet above the observation decks and experience a mesmerizing panorama from Skylift, NYC’s only completely unobstructed 360-degree viewpoint. At Rockefeller Center, the sky is not the limit, but only the beginning of an unparalleled adventure.

We look forward to welcoming your groups soon to Rockefeller Center!

See rockefellercenter.com

Jefferson Parish offers diverse attractions, ranging from humble fishing villages and swamp territories to historical districts and contemporary buildings. Neighborhoods are comprised of modern high-rises, historic homes, fishing piers, Mississippi River views, marshland, contemporary and old-world restaurants, flourishing industrial parks and family-friendly green spaces.

Jefferson Parish is home to the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, the Jefferson Louisiana Oyster Trail, two state parks, a national park and preserve, historic districts, wetland adventures and urban shopping

ENJOY A WILD TIME IN JEFFERSON PARISH!

As a New Orleans neighbor, Jefferson Parish spans more than 400 miles from Lake Pontchartrain to the fishing community of Grand Isle on the Gulf of Mexico.

and dining. Enjoy an up-close adventure aboard an adrenaline-pumping airboat, explore the wonders of nature along lush boardwalks, step back in time at the Gretna Green Blacksmith Shop, or savor the salty Louisiana delicacy along their Oyster Trail.

Groups seeking some time outdoors will enjoy Bayou Segnette State Park. Teeming with wildlife like alligators and turtles, as well as local vegetation and flora, the park is a spectacular outdoor space for exploring or just relaxing. Because of the park’s unique location, both salt and freshwater fishing are available. From the boat

Photo © Jefferson Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc

launch, you may explore many areas not readily accessible by overland routes. Catches of bass, catfish, bream, perch, redfish and trout are common in the park. On land, picnic areas are available, along with campsites and playgrounds. Group shelters are a perfect spot to gather, as are the unique floating cabins for overnight accommodations!

The Barataria Preserve at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve has more than 26,000 acres of wild Louisiana wetlands, hardwood forests, swamps, bayous, marshes and forests. Walk along boardwalks and dirt trails to spot animals, including alligators and over 200 species of birds, plus an ever-changing array of wildflowers and plants. Exhibits at the preserve visitor center highlight how the Mississippi River built Louisiana’s wetlands, the national importance of the area, and the relationship between the land and its people. An environmental education center is used for field trips and special programs.

Groups seeking a unique Louisiana adventure will delight in a stay beneath the stars camping on the beach or in rustic camps on Grand Isle. Group boating and fishing excursions can be arranged, as well as fish fries, crab or crawfish boils! Experience an excursion to Elmer’s Island Beach to see the largest single coastal ecosystem restoration, or the wildlife refuge that features saltwater marsh, coastal dunes and beaches.

Hundreds of different species of birds visit Jefferson Parish each year, making it one of the nation’s top destinations for migratory bird watching. With birding trails across the area, there are plenty of opportunities to view the wildlife throughout the region. The pristine beaches at Grand Isle are a perfect place to watch some of the many species of shorebirds. You will also be able to view gulls, terns, skimmers—and, of course—the Louisiana State Bird, the brown pelican. The marshes that line the back of the island provide a perfect habitat for wading birds, including the great blue heron, ibis, snowy egrets and occasionally the pink roseate spoonbills.

Set in the metropolitan area of the Parish, the Bucktown Marsh Boardwalk on Lake Pontchartrain is a “natural surprise!” The boardwalks and trails feature bird blinds and informational signs about plants, wildlife, fisheries and the coast. Enjoy a spectacular sunset from one of the boardwalk’s benches, then head over the levee to dine in one of several Bucktown seafood eateries!

INTRODUCING: A NEW INSURANCE PROGRAM FOR INDEPENDENT STANDARD TOUR GUIDES

Due to a high demand for individual Professional Liability coverage for Independent Standard Tour Guides (ISTG), Aon Affinity Travel Practice is excited to announce the availability of this new and unique product.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Any individual, whether or not incorporated, or the sole member of an LLC, while acting as a tour guide, tour director, or tour escort under contract with a thirdparty tour operator. Why do ISTGs need their own insurance policy? Here are some of the situations that could result in a claim or a lawsuit against an ISTG:

» The injury or death of a tour participant.

» A missed or delayed arrival at a destination, or a deviation from the planned itinerary that results in

Photo © Adobe Stock

additional costs for the tour participants or tour operator.

» Alleged failure and negligence in performing your services.

Will the insurance policy of the company that hired you, cover you? What if your interests conflict with theirs? Do they even have insurance, and if so, is it sufficient? Having your own insurance gives you the peace of mind of knowing that if a claim occurs, you have a legal defense that puts your interests first.

COVERAGE

Professional and General Liability protection: Provides the ISTG with worldwide coverage for errors or omissions and bodily injury or property damage claims that occur while providing professional services.

Defense Costs: Legal defense costs, such as attorney fees, are paid in addition to the liability limits.

COST

» $450 annually: $500,000 per occurrence/ aggregate ($500 deductible).

» $595 annually: $1,000,000 per occurrence/ aggregate ($500 deductible).

EXCLUSIONS

» Coverage is for the independent tour guide only. No coverage is provided for individuals or entities hired or retained by the insured.

» The policy is designed for standard tour guide activities and excludes adventure activities such as: bungee jumping, canoeing, hang gliding, helicopter touring, horseback riding, hot air ballooning, mountain climbing, snorkeling, water skiing, or any other similar activity.

BOGGY CREEK

AIRBOAT ADVENTURES CELEBRATES 30 YEARS: TAKING EDUCATION INTO THE METAVERSE

For more information and to apply, call 1.800.803.1213 or visit aontravpro.com

A leading Central Florida nature-based attraction, Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures is known for its unique native Florida airboat adventure tours in search of the American Alligator. Now, the company is launching a brand-new Virtual Reality (VR) Experience in the Metaverse aimed at sharing this immersive experience with students and groups—no matter where they reside. The VR Experience allows visitors to walk through the park and experience the Butterfly Enclosure, Gemstone Mining and Educational Talks, plus learn more about the attraction while seated in an airboat. A special feature

also lets guests play VR games and collect gems to win free Gemstone Mining at the park and discounts on admission tickets.

Visiting student groups will also love the many on-site educational programs made available at Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures, ranging in focus from Ecology to Nature to Geology. Add-ons are also available, including airboat rides, an alligator feeding, a geode station, feeding the butterflies, searching through a fossil and gem mine, food packages and more.

Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures is also celebrating its 30th anniversary, having provided exciting and educational airboat tours since 1994. Located within a natural 32-acre lakeside park serving as the headwaters of the Everglades, Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures also features an enclosed Butterfly Garden, on-site BBQ Restaurant, gator pond, 70-foot gemstone mining sluice and a Native American Living History Museum (for which separate admission is required).

Visit bcairboats.com or call 407.982.2237 for more

Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures information. For details on the park’s Virtual Reality Experience, contact Nick Romeo at nick@bcairboats.com or call 407.982.2237

Photos © Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures
Photo of the Virtual Reality Experience in the Metaverse

ENTERTAINING HAS LONG BEEN ON THE ITINERARY WITH A VISIT TO SOIN!

FALL SPIRITS TOUR

Include a stop at Starlight Distillery and Huber’s Orchard, Winery & Vineyards, which is fast becoming a must-stop on any bourbon aficionado’s tour plan. Bourbon not your thing? There are also other spirits group members could sip and enjoy, including Starlight Distillery’s gin and acclaimed American brandy. At this regional favorite— situated on a 600-acre, seventh generation farm—groups could enjoy distillery tours, wine tastings, a farm market and an ice cream & cheese shop.

Groups could also make and take personalized rocks glass or wine goblets at Maker13, a maker space that teaches participants how to use an etching machine to craft exquisite souvenirs.

Round out the trip with a tour of 5,000 professionalcarved pumpkins during the Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular, just across the river in Louisville.

SANTA STOPS IN SOIN TOUR

Enjoy the magic of holiday lights and stars with the Santa Stops in SoIN Tour. Begin with one of the nation’s longest operating dinner theatre shows, Derby Dinner Playhouse, which is always a favorite with holiday shows like A Wonderful Life in 2024 and other classics for group tours. From there, go underground at Louisville Mega Caverns’ Lights Under Louisville. Round it out with a tour of Charlestown, Indiana’s “Christmas City.”

OTHER CAN’T-MISS EXPERIENCES IN SOIN

» MESA, A Live Dining Show: Take a front-row seat and leave inspired. Watch and learn from the region’s top chefs as they create culinary masterpieces.

» Schimpff’s Confectionery: Tour the candy museum and watch a demonstration in the candy kitchen at this 133-year-old gem featured on the Food Network .

» Culbertson Mansion Mysteries: Dress up as your favorite Clue character and enjoy cocktails and appetizers in this whodunit group game set in a 20,000-square-foot Victorian mansion.

SoIN is easily accessible from some of the Midwest’s major cities. About 100 miles from Indianapolis, Cincinnati and just across the river from Louisville, Kentucky.

If you’re curious about southern Indiana and the place we call “SoIN,” why not find out more? Visit our website or contact Todd Read, Senior Tourism Manager, to discuss ways to put a new, personalized, affordable spin on your group tour offerings! Todd can suggest creative ideas to add more zest to your tours.

FLY MY GROUP: YOUR GROUP AIR PARTNER

Fly My Group is your trusted and reliable partner for group airfare, offering unparalleled savings and service. Our dedicated team of industry professionals is committed to securing the best deals and providing around-the-clock support tailored to your group’s needs.

» Global Access: Gain immediate access to carriers for both domestic and international travel.

» 24/7 Support: We’re here for you at every stage of the planning process, ready to provide speedy estimates and quotes. When your groups are on the road, we are available around-the-clock for your group!

» Best Prices: Whether securing deeply discounted private fares or published rates, we guarantee the best prices on the market for your groups.

» Efficient Technology: Our cutting-edge technology streamlines the booking process, saving you both time and money.

» Better Fare Finder: Meet your new BFF! Our Better Fare Finder and expert team automatically recheck group air prices, ensuring you never miss out on savings.

» Fly My Group Account: Take control with our user-friendly group airfare dashboard, empowering you to manage bookings, generate custom-branded e-ticket receipts, itineraries and more!

Experience the Fly My Group difference today! Contact us at groups@flymygroup.com , call 866.374.5043 , or visit flymygroup.com

Photo © Adobe Stock

SEE WHAT’S GREAT IN THE PRAIRIE STATE!

IIllinois is a BIG state. Or maybe “tall” is a better word. It’s easy to forget that, when many just visit the upper slice that is Chicago. In addition to the incredible amount of excitement the Windy City offers groups, there’s a whole lot to do and see throughout the rest of the state, as well. Let’s take a look at some favorite places and activities that are ideal for groups!

Photo © Macomb Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Starting out your Illinois excursion in Chicago makes sense for a number of reasons. But, figuring out how to get the most of your time can be challenging. That’s where Big Bus Tours Chicago comes in. As the largest operator of open-top, sightseeing bus tours, they hit all the highlights, including Grant Park, Millennium Park, The Magnificent Mile, the Loop, the Museum Campus, Navy Pier, the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. And, they provide a great vantage point for snapping photos of all these landmarks and more.

They offer two options for groups. The private tour accommodates up to 75 passengers and has discounted rates for off-peak dates. They can also arrange pick-ups and drop-offs downtown to align with your itinerary. For public tours, which have a discount for 20 or more, groups can start at any of the 11 stops on their tour route. At the end of the day, take in a show at Lyric Opera , which promises thrilling music, compelling stories, stunning spectacle and an unforgettable group trip.

Before leaving the city center, make Chicago Crime Tours & Experiences your next stop. On this one-and-ahalf to two-hour outing, your group will hear stories of the city’s most famous criminals, mobsters and gangsters. Their expert guides are trained actors and comedians who have all graduated from different curricula, from Second City to Comedy Sportz to iO Theater. Witty and engaging, guides keep their audience amused, while also maintaining a respectful tone and presenting a riveting, historically accurate perspective. All group sizes and welcome, though larger groups are staggered to create a more intimate experience.

Now, time to head to the burbs! Just beyond the city limits is Chicago Southland , which is overflowing with entertainment, shopping, dining, parks, immersive adventures and year-round special events. For those interested in the arts, there are two musts: Lotton Art Glass Gallery & Studios and Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park. At the gallery, guests can view and shop exquisite blown glass creations, as well as watch a demonstration. The sculpture park, which is free and open to the public 365 days a year, displays 34 sculptures over 100-acres.

Pullman National Historical Park is another “not to miss,” with several attractions within the district, all surrounding the history of the Pullman Palace Car Company, as well as the urban planning of the town, the architecture, the American labor movement and more. If shopping is more your group’s speed, you’ll find an abundance of indoor malls, antiquing communities and specialty shops throughout the region.

Photo © Big Bus Tours
Photo © Chicago Crime Tours & Experiences / Work Group Dillinger Mural

About two and a half hours west of Southland, near the Iowa border along the Mississippi, is Celebration River Cruises . Open April through November, this familyowned and -operated riverboat offers several different cruises, with dinner cruises, day cruises, and four-hour, themed lunch cruises being among the most popular with groups. Themes currently available are Classic Oldies, Hits of the Decades, Tribute to the Rat Pack, Christian Music, Oktoberfest, Tribute to Piano Men and Fall Foliage.

All-day cruises include three full meals and live entertainment, plus a Captain’s narration spotlighting the history of the river, the river towns and area wildlife. On these day trips, depending on which direction the Celebration Belle is headed, your group will also have the opportunity to pass through either two or three locks and dams.

Onward to Galesburg , which is about an hour south of the riverboat. Once again, area experts have weighed in on their favorite spots for groups, from shopping and dining to arts and museums. Historic Seminary Street is the go-to for charming restaurants and specialty shops. It’s also home to the Knox-Galesburg Symphony and the Prairie Players Civic Theatre, along with the Galesburg Railroad Museum and Galesburg Community Arts Center.

At the museum, groups can see restored locomotives, vintage railcars and immersive exhibits that explore the history of railroads in the Midwest. The art center serves as a creative and cultural hub in the region and features diverse exhibitions, workshops and events. Experts also suggest visiting The Orpheum Theatre , a historic landmark and cultural gem dating back to 1916 that hosts a range of shows, from stage to screen.

Yet another hour’s motorcoach ride south is Macomb , the seat of McDonough County and heart of Forgottonia. You’ll have to go to visitforgottonia.com to get the details on this unusual name! But, there’s more to it than just a bygone, satirical secession movement. Today’s Forgottonia is teeming with sights and activities. Most exciting right now is the launching of the world’s largest Monopoly game, Macombopoly, situated in Macomb’s Historic Courthouse Square. Also of interest is the Living Lincoln Topiary Monument, which serves as a centerpiece of the Looking for Lincoln Self-Guided Tour.

Take in more at Lakeview Nature Center, which is home to the nation’s largest seven-circuit Prairie Labyrinth, open for public touring every day of the year from dawn until dusk. Groups are also encouraged to check out the Macomb Murals Tour.

Last stop, Effingham ! This Central Illinois destination has a little bit of everything, whether it’s wine tasting at Tuscan Hills Winery, strolling Sculptures on the Avenues in downtown Effingham, or dining at Firefly Grill, where

Historic Seminary Street in Galesburg. Photo © Ellen McDowell
Photo © Visit Effingham

groups can also walk the gardens, enjoy a cooking demonstration or take a facility tour.

You’ll also want to check out the nearly 200-foot-tall Cross at the Crossroads, nestled at the junction of Interstates 57 and 70. On site there’s a welcome center and a newly expanded campus with statues of biblical scenes. Other stops to add to your itinerary are MY Garage Museum & Retail Store, which houses thousands of pieces of automotive collectibles and memorabilia, and John Boos & Co. Factory Showroom & Outlet, known for Boos Blocks cutting boards, which have been seen on major cooking shows. And, finally, step into the Effingham County Courthouse Museum, an icon of the city and a symbol of architectural and historical importance.

Journey Through These Essential Civil and Human Rights Destinations

AAll around North America, landmarks and museums dedicated to preserving and remembering notable civil and human rights events and leaders can be found. The elaborate exhibits and solemn experiences highlighted within these destinations are ripe with lessons that remain just as relevant today as they did in years past. Walking this essential journey is made simple for visiting groups, thanks to those ensuring these stories of struggle and triumph are never forgotten. Come along as we share a sampling of some of these powerful sites.

NATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM AT THE LORRAINE MOTEL

Memphis, Tennessee | civilrightsmuseum.org

Located at the former Lorraine Motel where civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968, the National Civil Rights Museum offers groups an opportunity to walk through history while learning through interactive exhibits, historic collections and more. The museum is counted among the many sites located along the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, which spotlights many locations across 15 states that played a pivotal part in advancing social justice in the ‘50s and ‘60s.

THE LEGACY SITES

Montgomery, Alabama | legacysites.eji.org

Equal Justice Initiative’s Legacy Sites are must-visits for groups looking to learn the history and truth behind racial injustice in the U.S.—in places where that history was lived. At the Legacy Museum, groups are given a front row seat to a comprehensive history of the destructive violence that shaped the U.S., while the National Memorial for Peace and Justice remembers the more than 4,400 Black people killed in racial terror lynchings between 1877 and 1950. Rounding out the sites is Freedom Monument Sculpture Park, 17-acres of sculptures and art located on the Alabama River where tens of thousands of enslaved people were trafficked. All sites are within walking distance from one another in downtown Montgomery, with shuttles running between every 15 minutes.

CANADIAN MUSEUM FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada | humanrights.ca

The first museum solely dedicated to the evolution, celebration and future of human rights, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights—located on Indigenous ancestral lands on Treaty One Territory—shines a light on every aspect of the diversity of human rights. From climate justice and Indigenous perspectives from Canada’s First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, to examining the Holocaust and the fragility of human rights, the museum’s immersive rotating exhibits and permanent galleries touch on it all. They even make available resource guides and materials on pressing human rights issues, including the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People in the U.S. and Canada.

THE STONEWALL INN

New York City, New York | thestonewallinnnyc.com

Many will recognize the Stonewall Inn as the site of the multi-night uprising of 1969, where LGBTQ people fought back against routine oppression from the NYPD. The event served as a pivotal turning point for LGBTQ rights, as it spurred new movements and strengthened existing ones all across the country in the name of equal rights. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Greenwich Village hot spot is still in operation today, welcoming visitors from all around the world. And while no reservations can be made, it’s absolutely still worth a visit, as special events and performances are held at the bar regularly.

WOMEN’S RIGHTS NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

Seneca Falls, New York | nps.gov/wori

Groups who are interested in learning about the first Women’s Rights Convention held in 1848 will certainly want to stop off in Seneca Falls at the site of that exact convention, Wesleyan Chapel, which today sits within what’s known as Women’s Rights National Historical Park. Considered by many historians to be the formal beginning of the Women’s Rights Movement in the U.S., the Convention is commemorated throughout the park’s visitor center (open daily) and historic homes (open seasonally).

ADVERTISER

AStacey David

As Executive Director of the regional visitors bureau for MetroWest Boston (MBVB), Stacey David markets tourism and hospitality assets within the 19 towns just outside of Boston proper. David and her team draw visitors into the region to experience arts & culture, historical attractions, outdoor recreation, family fun, lodging, dining, and regional events. With a background in arts and culture marketing and events, David previously sat on the MBVB Board, joined as Deputy Director in January 2023, and took over as Executive Director in September.

ON CHANGES

People are excited for experiential travel these days. I think it’s the result of COVID, and spending so much time one step removed from others, as we lived our lives through screens for several years. People want to “do” things now, not just see them. We’ve witnessed an uptick in the availability and interest in hands-on arts and crafts outings such as sip & paint, mosaics, cooking and flameworking classes, as well as immersive experiences like living history events, interesting takes on gaming and escape rooms, and museums offering multi-sensory exhibits. And many of these are turning attractions into true destinations, with indoor mini golf like Puttshack and escape rooms like Level99 offering gourmet food and craft beer and cocktails, not just snack bars. We even have a huge indoor pickleball court being built that will have four craft dining concepts. This blend of attractions with upscale dining or live entertainment at museums is making destinations more interesting for travelers.

ON CHALLENGES

The greatest challenge is cutting through the noise to

capture people’s attention. A lack of free time, combined with the “sound bite” mentality social media has created, means you’ve only a few seconds to capture interest long enough to impact travel choices. Everyone knows Boston, but fewer are familiar with the appeal of the MetroWest area. We’re a “hidden gem” of Massachusetts that’s not as well known. For groups, we have much more economical hotels and easy bus parking, and offer unique attractions, while still being close enough to the city for people to visit there, as well. It’s a challenge to convey that quickly enough to influence the decision-making process.

We’re also still feeling the effects of the pandemic in the form of closures of many attractions, restaurants, and retail establishments, and a hospitality industry labor shortage. But I’m happy to see new growth in many of these areas as people rebound.

ON OPPORTUNITIES

When people visit, they’re pleasantly surprised at what we have to offer, so we look forward to enticing more groups to come to MetroWest. We’re excited by the expected influx of visitors for MA250—all the events in Massachusetts surrounding the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Special offerings from now through 2026 include reenactments, special historical exhibits, festivals, parades and more. The American Heritage Museum in Hudson, the Framingham History Center in Framingham, the Wayside Inn in Sudbury (the oldest inn in America!), the towns of Franklin, Holliston, Natick and others are already planning special programming, as well. We’re also looking forward to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with seven games being hosted at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro!

Visit us at metrowestvisitors.org/agents for more information or email me directly at sdavid@metrowestvisitors.org

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