Sort content by location and event category
Planners are increasingly using local businesses to shape team-building and group programming that feels more purposeful, memorable, and tied to destination identity. Smart Meetings examines how this approach can deepen attendee engagement without sacrificing logistics or budget discipline.
As major sports moments approach, California destinations are shaping their visitor appeal around athletics-driven meetings and fan experiences. Santa Barbara and Anaheim are emerging as useful case studies for planners watching how sports can boost attendance, lodging demand, and citywide programming.
New hotel openings and renovations are giving meeting professionals more polished options for conferences, retreats and incentive programs. These updates can expand room blocks, refresh attendee experiences and improve the overall event environment without changing the core meeting strategy.
Companies are asking incentive trips to do more than reward performance. A recent Smart Meetings article examines how planners and suppliers are blending recognition, learning, wellness, and business goals into trips that create stronger value for attendees and organizers alike.
Event budgets can slip fast when planners overlook service fees, vendor add-ons, or contract fine print. A recent Smart Meetings article explores how event professionals can better forecast expenses, negotiate with vendors, and keep more of every meeting dollar working toward the attendee experience.
Tao Group Hospitality is extending its Crane Club members lounge beyond a single venue and into major event environments. The move offers planners a timely look at how portable hospitality concepts can add exclusivity, energy, and premium guest experience at tentpole events.
