In This Issue
January/February 2025
It’s time to rethink everything. This issue is packed with the insights you need to make everything from contracts to cocktails more meaningful. This publication also marks the launch of our suite of Accidental Planner Resources. We talked to the people actually doing the work in ballrooms and guest rooms and asked what they wish the marketing teams, administrative assistants and trainers newly tasked with booking space and ordering meals knew. Their responses may even surprise veteran meeting planners. This is the start of an ongoing series that like everything you hold in your hands is archived on smartmeetings.com. Bookmark this essential resource and you will never again have to wonder what that AV tech really wants to know before the lights go out.
Features
February 24, 2025
Contracts & NegotiationsEvent Contracts: What to Watch in 2025
As we head deeper into 2025, attorney Joshua L. Grimes shares advice around event contracts that may be helpful for planners.
February 19, 2025
Brilliant ExperiencesGo Big to Meet Small
Small meetings focus our gaze and build teams. Going small pays big, here are several examples of how.
February 13, 2025
CareerEssential Accidental Planner Resources
Insider tips for questions to ask event partners for beginning plannersWe see you, accidental planners. You applied for a job as an executive assistant, workforce development trainer or office manager.…
January 31, 2025
Food and BeverageMichelin Star Meetings
Smart Meetings chatted with Michelin-starred and recommended restaurants in San Francisco and Oakland to capture a portrait of a planner’s partnership with them and how they create outstanding attendee experiences.
February 10, 2025
Food and BeverageReimagining the Reception: Trends in Alcohol Consumption
An increasing numbers of people across the board are less interested in drinking alcohol and more interested in wellness, particularly younger people. We take a deep dive into this evolving…
In Every Issue
February 27, 2025
StrategyClose Calls: Where Is Everybody?
Off-season, blues to bonanzaOff-season events can be awesome—reduced lodging costs, no crowds or even the whole destination practically to yourself—but there are risks. How many attendees, for instance, will show…
February 20, 2025
ObsessionsObsessions: When You Need the Kitchen Sink
In time for your 2025 events career glow-up, we have some of our favorite travel, organizing and gifting go-tos for your best year yet.
February 18, 2025
TechnologySmart Tech: Podcasting Events
For a lot of people, podcasts are the way they get their entertainment and news. With that in mind, podcasts can be the channel to build hype around your next…
February 6, 2025
CareerHow to Nurture Future Leaders
The younger generation are entering leadership roles while the older generation are leaving their positions, leaving a mentorship gap. These three steps can help with that lack of mentorship among…
February 5, 2025
Smart Start RadioBeyond the Plate: The Art of Culinary Event Planning
In this deliciously insightful episode of Smart Start Radio, we dive into the evolving world of fine dining and its role in creating unforgettable event experiences. Join hosts Eming Piansay and…
February 4, 2025
StrategySmart Tech: The Race to Data Security
How can you ensure your attendees' information is safe? We asked experts, including information security veterans at Maritz, about what meeting profs need to protect attendee data.
Notes from the Road
February 26, 2025
Hotels & DestinationsNotes from the Road: Atlanta
No matter whether you’re bringing together a small group and looking forward to enjoying five-star dining, or putting together a massive citywide, the options available in Atlanta are endless.
February 21, 2025
Hotels & DestinationsDreaming About California Meetings
Smart Meetings rounded up some venues, locations and activities that will turn any planner into a California Dreamer.
February 18, 2025
Hotels & DestinationsNotes from the Road: Seattle
Seattle Convention Center has been all the rage since it opened the new Summit building in January of 2024. I was able to see firsthand all the incredible options available…
February 13, 2025
Hotels & DestinationsNotes from the Road: New Orleans
Hospitality isn’t a skill in New Orleans—it’s a lifestyle; one that meeting profs can experience for themselves in one of the best places to gather in North America (and beyond).
February 10, 2025
Hotels & DestinationsNotes from the Road: Portland
Portland, Oregon, is home to a new terminal in its airport and plenty of culinary and meeting opportunities for groups.
February 5, 2025
Hotels & DestinationsNotes from the Road: Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is an exotic tropical resort escape and a U.S. territory with a bustling urban center. Check out the properties and experiences that await.
Past Issues
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