Meetings Today Podcast

Meetings Today's Sarah Kloepple talks with Chip Rogers, president and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), about the organization's Safe Stay guidelines, supporting hotel workers as these new healthy and safety protocols are put in place, and how technology will play a critical role in future live meetings.

As we reach mid-May, Meetings Today's Sarah Kloepple checks in with Stephanie Glanzer, chief sales officer and vice president of MGM Resorts International, who delves into MGM's new Seven-Point Safety Plan for enhanced health and sanitation protocols at its properties.  Glanzer also explains how meeting and event spaces specifically will look different, from exploring pre-packaged F&B, coordinating foot traffic flow, to helping planners put on a virtual component.

Thinking about launching virtual meetings as a standalone event option or augmentation to a live event? Amanda Ma, founder and CEO of Innovate Marketing Group, dove into the virtual events pool headfirst after COVID-19 hit, and offers her expert tips on how to pull them off, from pre- and post-event preparation and follow-up to technical issues to look out for and how to put that little personal touch on them that the digital world often lacks. Meetings Today’s Tyler Davidson spoke with Ma, who wrote “Case Study: 5 Pandemic Safety Tips for High-Level Summits” story in late March, about her secrets to virtual meetings success.

Led by exhibitions and event management giant Freeman, Go LIVE Together put together and advocacy group with hundreds of member organizations at breakneck speed. Being on the ground—literally—at meetings, conventions and exhibitions also gives the Dallas-based company a unique perspective on what the “new normal” will look like when we start gathering again. What will this new world look like? Will the government step in to regulate the industry? How is the conventions and exhibitions industry especially well-suited to meeting challenges such as social distancing and sanitation policies? Meetings Today’s Tyler Davidson talked with Sue Sung, senior vice president of corporate strategy for Freeman, about the ambitious efforts of Go LIVE Together as well as what the brave new world of meetings, conventions and exhibitions will look like after the COVID-19 shutdown ends.

Alarming initial statistics reflecting the massive loss of employment and revenue in the U.S. travel industry in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic have only gotten worse. Tyler Davidson talks with Roger Dow, president and CEO of U.S. Travel Association, about how bad it is and where we go from here.

After COVID-19 is in the rear-view mirror, how will the meetings and hotel industry have changed forever? Meetings Today Contributing Editor Robert Nieminen discussed what this new world may look like with top designer Michael Suomi, founder of Suomi Design Works. From social distancing to a hyper-aware focus on cleanliness, hospitality design and the meetings and conventions experience may never be the same.

The coronavirus crisis has led to a revolution in the workplace—at least temporarily—in which the office is now in workers’ homes. Meetings Today’s Tyler Davidson spoke to Heather Mason, founder and CEO of Caspian Agency, to get her insights on the best strategies to implement if you’ve found yourself working in this “new normal” environment.

The hospitality and meetings industries are at a standstill as the COVID-19 crisis levels its crippling effect on travel and public gatherings of any size. Its top market, Las Vegas, is always a bellwether of the health of an economic segment that is one of the top drivers of the U.S. economy. Meetings Today’s Tyler Davidson talks with Stephanie Glanzer, chief sales officer and senior vice president of MGM Resorts International, about the status of meetings and events in Las Vegas and the city’s substantial inventory of MGM properties. Are meetings and events rebooking cancelled events, and in what time frame? What questions should meeting planners ask facilities to ensure their events enjoy the standard of service they are accustomed to as currently shuttered properties quickly ramp up to resume business? Glanzer answers these questions and details MGM’s laudable efforts to help its employees weather the coronavirus crisis.

How are you coping with the coronavirus pandemic? Meetings Today’s Tyler Davidson talks with Kristine Iverson, owner and founder of wellness company CROW Practice, about strategies all of us can incorporate to calm the mind and ease the body while we navigate the global pandemic and resulting economic turmoil.

Tyler Davidson checks in with meetings risk management expert Brenda Rivers to talk about the free on-demand Risk Management Primer: How to Protect Your Attendees and Organization From Disaster webinar she presented for Meetings Today. Brenda talks about the current state of coronavirus meetings and events readiness as well as lessons to apply for future events.

COVID-19 has rocked the travel and meetings industry. Meetings Today's Tyler Davidson talks to Dare to Interrupt podcast host Courtney Stanley about how she and those she's talked with in the industry are navigating these turbulent time, and resources you can tap to help you cope.

Meetings Today blogger Joan Eisenstodt has been participating in many of the thrice-weekly COVID-19 press conferences from the World Health Organization (WHO). Here's what she found out from the experts fighting the spread of the virus, how it impacts the meetings and events industry, and what the industry needs to learn from the crisis.

Danielle LeBreck and President & CEO of VISIT Milwaukee Peggy Williams-Smith talk about the event-packed year ahead for Milwaukee, new developments in the city, and all the best venues and offsites for meetings and events. Enjoyed this podcast, and seriously considering Milwaukee for your next event? Apply to attend our Meetings Today LIVE! MidAmerica event May 3-6--a fully-hosted event for meeting planners. We'll connect you 1:1 with suppliers in the Midwest, do a bunch of site visits and explore Milwaukee's best attractions. Inquire now! Enjoying this episode? View more episodes of the Meetings Today Podcast!

Top meetings industry attorneys Joshua L. Grimes and Tyra Warner discuss the legal issues involved with cancelling a meeting due to coronavirus. Learn how to protect your organization and what your op

Meetings Today's Tyler Davidson talks with Seema Jain, director, multicultural affairs for Marriott International about the hotel giant's Culture Days program. Jain travels the world training Marriott staff on how to best serve the cultural needs of its very diverse clientele, and offers critical information to meeting planners on how they can do the same for their attendees.

Danielle LeBreck stops by the “All Roads Lead to Caesars Forum” road show in Minneapolis, Minnesota to catch up with Lisa Messina—VP of Sales for Caesars Entertainment—about the highly anticipated grand opening of Caesars Forum in Las Vegas in March.

Coronavirus has hit China hard, and it's difficult to get an accurate assessment of its severity because of the secrecy in that nation, although many confirmed cases have been reported in the U.S. Check out our Corona Virus Risk Management piece by Brenda Rivers to see how you can prepare. Also, discover what you need to do if you get sick on the road; a podcast with the LVCVA's Chris Meyer on what's new in Las Vegas; the need for sabbaticals; and the new trend of Biophilic design in meetings.

Meetings Today’s Tyler Davidson chats with Chris Meyer, vice president of global sales for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, about what’s new in the center of the meetings and events universe. Topics include Elon Musk’s bold new Boring Company people mover; exciting new technology offerings; highlights of the Las Vegas Convention Center expansion; and how the Las Vegas is attracting a global sporting event audience. *Podcast was created in partnership with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority

Danielle LeBreck and Jill Vance, the director of sales for The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, take a deep dive on why this tranquil Southwest Florida destination is ideal for your next meeting. They cover its natural beauty and inspiration surroundings, unique waterfront venues, team activities, CSR programs and more. * This podcast was created in partnership with The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel

Meetings Today is proud to collaborate with Courtney Stanley, a women's empowerment leaders in the meetings and events industry. Meetings Today's Tyler Davidson asks her about the new podcast and Courtney shares some information about the first show, which is now available! Enjoying this episode? View more episodes of the Meetings Today Podcast!

Oracle just announced it is pulling up stakes and moving its 60,000-strong OpenWorld conference from San Francisco to Las Vegas for the next three years, citing exorbitant hotel prices and perceived safety issues due to the city's homeless crisis. Also, check out our podcasts from Lead Destination Strategist Danielle LeBreck, who traveled to Australia for the Dreamtime incentives event and a fam to the idyllic Whitsunday Islands.

Lead destination content strategist Danielle LeBreck tours the Whitsundays, a collection of islands near the Great Barrier Reef in northeastern Australia, during a fam trip with Business Events Australia. Listen to an overview of two resorts ideal for incentive groups—qualia and InterContinental Hayman Island Resort—along with an interview with qualia’s director of business event sales, Julie Ford. *This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Business Events Australia

Meetings Today's Tyler Davidson describes the impact Patti Shock has had on the meetings industry, through the eyes of the people she's impacted, including Joan Eisentsodt, Tyra Warner, MaryAnne Bobrow, Dan Cormany and Dan Parks. Also, our Top 10 stories of 2019 and a podcast from Australia's Dreamtime 2019.

Lead Destinations Content Strategist Danielle LeBreck sits down with Tourism Australia’s Penny Lion during Dreamtime 2019 in Perth, Australia, to chat about how Australian destinations can help you plan one-of-a-kind incentive trips. * This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Business Events Australia

Heka Health's Tony Salah, an innovator of wellness challenges that have been incorporated at large meeting industry events such as IMEX America, PCMA Convening Leaders and ASAE's Annual Meeting, explains how meeting planners can get their attendees competing in fitness challenges that will get their blood pumping and increase their overall engagement. 

Meetings and hospitality veterans Joan Eisenstodt and Roger Rickard—no strangers to entering the fray when it comes to addressing hot-button issues and promoting industry advocacy and awareness—discuss the rather unenthusiastic current state of industry advocacy and how we can all get more involved to champion issues that directly impact our profession.

Golfing is still a great way to conduct meetings and network. Learn some of the ways this outing has evolved and why scheduling your next golf event goes beyond the course from Mark Crabb with Greater Palm Springs CVB, interviewed at Meetings Today Live 2019.

Meetings Today's Tyler Davidson details some of the top stories on MeetingsToday.com, including how one group weathered the California blackout--with tips for handling power outages--VISIT Milwaukee's hiring of Peggy Williams-Smith as president and CEO, and Jeff Heilman's podcast with Middleburg, Virginia's Goodstone Inn & Restaurant.  Enjoying this episode? View more episodes of the Meetings Today Podcast!

Meetings Today Senior Contributor Jeff Heilman finds instant kinship and lasting memories at this exclusive group enclave in Virginia's horse and wine country. Check out Jeff's On the Scene story about his visit to the Goodstone Inn.

Meetings Today Vice President & Chief Content Director Tyler Davidson shares a few yuks from his Laughter Yoga story with Sarah Routman, as well as the best places in Texas for groups to get barbecue, searing your attendees' selfies on pancakes and the importance of speaking up for our industry. Enjoying this episode? View more episodes of the Meetings Today Podcast!

Laughter yoga practitioner Sarah Routman shares a few yuks with Meetings Today's Tyler Davidson after her Laughter Lab session at IMEX America. Laughing loudly out of context, it seems, is a tonic that heals and invigorates attendees while creating bonds with their colleagues. Have a laugh on us! Enjoying this episode? View more episodes of the Meetings Today Podcast!

Meetings Today's Tyler Davidson offers up his experiences at Meetings Today Live! West in Victoria, British Columbia, and how this magical little English Colonial-style city fueled his love for travel. Also, Danielle LeBreck is reporting from Music City, USA—Nashville—during her press trip with Marriott's Convention & Resort Network. Enjoying this episode? View more episodes of the Meetings Today Podcast!

After a tour of Nashville's legendary Grand Ole Opry, Danielle LeBreck sat down to talk with tour operations manager Laura Leigh Jones Robertson about the famous country music venue's recently enhanced group tour offerings, event options and celebrity encounters—including Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn and Patty Loveless. Enjoying this episode? View more episodes of the Meetings Today Podcast!

Meetings Today's Tyler Davidson talks with Trippus Event Solutions' Martin Klofver about his company's utilization of facial recognition technology for Keller Williams Realty's Mega Camp 2019, and how this brave new tech may transform the industry and society. They also discuss privacy concerns and pushback. Enjoying this episode? View more episodes of the Meetings Today Podcast!

Little Fib at Renaissance Nashville Hotel aims to "put the supper back in supper time" through its modern take on comfort food classics. Meetings Today's Danielle LeBreck sat down with Chef James Kerwin during a Marriott Convention & Resort Network press trip in Nashville, Tennessee, to discuss the restaurant's group catering options as well as the local touches it can offer attendees that are meeting or dining at the property. Enjoying this episode? View more episodes of the Meetings Today Podcast!

Well, almost. On a visit to NYC, Playa Cativo Sales and Marketing Director Cesar Vargas talks with Meetings Today Senior Contributor Jeff Heilman about all the temptations of this boutique beachfront eco-lodge accessible only by boat in Costa Rica's rainforest. Enjoying this episode? View more episodes of the Meetings Today Podcast!

Tyler Davidson sat down at IMEX America with Jerry Harper, deputy director of the Phoenix Convention Center, to find out what's new in the destination and at the facility, as well as why the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown is used as test hotel for that brand's news innovations. Enjoying this episode? View more episodes of the Meetings Today Podcast!

Tyler Davidson details Meetings Today's coverage on IMEX America, an On Location broadcast about destination boycotts, an in-house vs. outside AV primer and how to etch your attendees' faces into macarons onsite. Enjoying this episode? View more episodes of the Meetings Today Podcast!

Tyler Davidson sat down with Destination DC President & CEO Elliott L. Ferguson at IMEX America 2019 to find out what exciting new offsite venues and developments are opening up options for meeting planners in the U.S. capital. They also discussed the DMO's ambitious Connected Capital program targeting key industries such as tech, biotech/pharma, education and medical. [Related Content: Destination DC CEO Elected to Chair U.S. Travel Association] Enjoying this episode? View more episodes of the Meetings Today Podcast!

Meetings Today's Tyler Davidson spoke with Atlantis Paradise Island's Christina Fischer at IMEX America about the luxury resort's ongoing charitable efforts to help Bahamians devastated by Hurricane Dorian. Listen for more information on how you can help, too. Enjoying this episode? View more episodes of the Meetings Today Podcast!

Meetings Today’s Kate Cripe talks with Steve Hill, CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Bureau, at IMEX America about some of the largest projects happening in Las Vegas now. Hill shares information of the Las Vegas Convention Center expansion and details on the new Allegiant Stadium, future home of the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders, which will debut ahead of the 2020 NFL season. [Related Content: Las Vegas Goes Full Speed Ahead on Future-Defining Investments for Meetings and Events] Enjoying this episode? View more episodes of the Meetings Today Podcast!

Bishop-McCann's new Return on Experience With Immersion Neuroscience technology, developed by Dr. Paul Zak, could transform the relevance and impact of meetings and event content via the brain waves of attendees. Far-fetched? Welcome to the future. Enjoying this episode? View more episodes of the Meetings Today Podcast!

The results are in, and the incentive segment is trending up, but what reward program winners desire is rapidly changing. Meetings Today's Tyler Davidson talks with Pádraic Gilligan, chief marketing officer for the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE), about the results from the joint study with the Incentive Research Foundation that tapped the insights of more than 2,500 incentives professionals. Read our coverage of the Incentive Travel Industry Index results. [Related Content: 10 Tips for Planning a Corporate Incentive Travel Program] Enjoying this episode? View more episodes of the Meetings Today Podcast!

Caesars Forum, the 550,000-square-foot conference center in the center of the Las Vegas Strip, is gearing up for its March 2020 opening. Meetings Today’s content developer Kate Cripe was on location at the facility for a hard hat tour and to talk to Michael Massari, chief sales officer, Caesars Entertainment about the project. In this episode, Massari shares more details on the space and its offerings. [Related Content: Caesars Forum Conference Center Breaks Ground in Vegas] Enjoying this episode? View more episodes of the Meetings Today Podcast!

Tyler Davidson highlights the latest stories from Meetings Today, including how planners should prepare for hurricanes, our Awe-Inspiring Decor! contest (win a free trip for two to Mexico!) and ways to leverage digital signage at convention centers to save money and foster sustainability. . Enjoying this episode? View more episodes of the Meetings Today Podcast!

What should planners consider when selecting a sustainable city and convention center for their next event? What sustainability questions should they ask facilities to help their meetings go green? We explore all of this and more in an interview with Jeff Johnson, the executive director of the Minneapolis Convention Center, and its director of sales and marketing, Katie Smith. [Related Content: How 4 Cities Make It Easy to Go Green in 2019] Enjoying this episode? View more episodes of the Meetings Today Podcast!

Tyler Davidson details some of the top stories from Meetings Today, including how you can win an all-inclusive trip for two to Mexico's Riviera Maya just by submitting a photo of your recent meeting or event design triumph! Enjoying this episode? View more episodes of the Meetings Today Podcast!

Danielle LeBreck talks digital display tech with Ted Arbeiter, the tech services coordinator at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minnesota. Learn how digital display tech can bring your event into the 21st century, elevate the attendee experience and enhance your event branding in a cost-effective way. [Related Content: 4 Reasons to Leverage Digital Displays at Conventions] Enjoying this episode? View more episodes of the Meetings Today Podcast!

Meetings Today's Tyler Davidson details some of the top stories of the week from Meetings Today, including Hollywood-worthy meeting venues, how to book a celebrity speaker and a Cvent study that says meeting planners can expect to be busy, busy, busy planning more and more meetings. Enjoying this episode? View more episodes of the Meetings Today Podcast.

Mindfulness seems to be everywhere these days, grabbing our attention on magazine covers at the grocer’s checkout stand, in posts on our social media feeds, in conversations from our favorite podcasts and in chats with friends and colleagues. Ever wonder what mindfulness really is and how it can truly benefit you—and your clients? Lori Tenny checked in with Lee Papa, mindfulness speaker, trainer and author, and creator of the successful Mindfulness Lounge™ to discuss mindfulness and meditation—demystifying it and focusing on key benefits and strategies for busy meeting professionals to incorporate it into their lives and event agendas. Enjoying this episode? View more episodes of the Meetings Today Podcast!