In This Issue
May 2025
Recent global chaos has caused major disruption in the meetings industry, slowing down international travel due to visa uncertainty and causing the price of materials to rise. Take a look at the latest issue for a playbook for navigating the headlines and real world. We also dive into how to leverage gaming properties’ resources and a blueprint for technology events. If you’re looking for a new place to take your next meeting, we take you throughout the U.S., from Albuquerque to New Jersey, and our northern and southern neighbors.
Features
May 19, 2025
Hotels & DestinationsNaples: See You in Paradise!
Meet in Naples, Marco Island and the EvergladesWhen a destination terms itself “paradise,” you can guarantee that attendee ears perk up. Destination matters—and Florida’s Paradise Coast delivers. The dynamic Southwest…
May 20, 2025
Brilliant ExperiencesGaming Properties: Larger Than Life
The amazing news about meetings is that, in an industry so dynamic and flexible, there is an abundance of opportunity to shake up the game and do things differently. One…
In Every Issue
May 23, 2025
TrendsClose Calls: Managing Disruption from Both Sides
We talked to planners working on both sides of the U.S./Canadian border and found similar challenges met with creative workarounds. As always, the mandate was to do the job and…
May 16, 2025
TechnologySmart Tech: Breaking Barriers
The seamless integration of technology into the meeting experience can elevate an attendee’s journey by leaps and bounds. One innovation that’s reshaping how attendees connect and engage is AI-powered live…
May 12, 2025
StrategyTake 5: Jennifer LeMaster and A Self-Aware Leadership Journey
Seattle Convention Center’s first female CEO, Jennifer LeMaster. We chatted with her about her journey after a panel at Northwest Events Show.
May 7, 2025
CareerThe List: Build Vendor Relationships Like a Pro
With a few tips in your back pocket to build strong vendor relationships, you can go above and beyond to make sure that vendors appreciate you and jump at the…
May 5, 2025
StrategyAccidental Planner: AV Basics Explained
How do you know how many cameras, uplights and what internet speeds you will need for the town hall? We asked an expert so you will look like one.
May 2, 2025
Health and WellnessHealthy You: Searching for Inspiration
You have to admit that the world has been a daily downer. As an antidote to fraught times, look to find inspiration wherever you can. You may not have to…
May 1, 2025
TechnologyEvent Tech: The Future is Now
Event tech is transforming experiences as companies like wonderMakr, Databricks, Exhibit Force, Altitude Exhibits, Voxo, and VTProDesign use AI, immersive storytelling, and centralized tools to boost engagement, streamline logistics, and…
May 2, 2025
Smart Start RadioSmart Start Radio—Seen, Heard, Valued: The DEI Wake-Up Call
In this episode of Smart Start Radio, hosts Eming Piansay and Sara Robertson speak with Zoe Moore, founder of Moore Consulting Agency and a leading expert in equity, diversity and…
Notes from the Road
May 21, 2025
Hotels & DestinationsNotes from the Road: Albuquerque
Smart Meetings took a group of top planners behind the scenes to check out blockbuster experiences in Albuquerque, the hot air balloon capital.
May 14, 2025
Hotels & DestinationsNotes from the Road: Seattle
On a recent trip to Seattle, Vice President and Content Director JT Long decided to explore beyond sweeping views of Puget Sound, Seattle Center and Olympic Mountains.
May 12, 2025
Hotels & DestinationsNotes from the Road: Santa Cruz
For meeting and event planners, Santa Cruz offers not just venues, but a full-on sensory experience steeped in authenticity, positivity and that signature California cool.
May 8, 2025
Hotels & DestinationsNotes from the Road: Chicago
Angled ceilings in the soaring glass lobby of Hyatt's new headquarters in Chicago welcome visitors to the organic interpretation of hospitality upstairs.
May 5, 2025
Hotels & DestinationsNotes from the Road: Calgary
Visiting Smithbilt Hats, the official hatmaker of the Calgary Stampede, I donned the revered white hat, which has also been presented to well-known names like Oprah and the Dalai Lama.…
Past Issues
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