Author Archives: Muzette Randall

About Muzette Randall

ConventionPlanit.com is a complimentary search directory and RFP portal for meeting planners. This blog will feature meetings industry tips and news geared toward meeting planners and an inside look at the trade-shows ConventionPlanit.com participates in.

Best Hotel Guest Practices

Presented by the RFP Valet® Team

With an understanding of hotel parameters, our team assembled the following best practices to make your guest experience more pleasurable! 

  1. Research online for the best pricing options. Book direct to avoid third party fees.
  2. Leave barking dogs at home.
  3. Shop around for parking.
  4. Upon arriving by car, drop your bags and go. Hand your valet a generous tip with your keys and again, when you pick up your car.
  5. Use an app to check-in or have your ID and credit card ready.
  6. If a bellman delivers your bags, they’re generally tipped $2 per bag and more if they unpack, provide more services or information. No suitcases on the bed.
  7. Be considerate of others. Keep the noise down and don’t hog the pool chairs or gym equipment.
  8. Although more expensive, there’s no such thing as bad room service, but do beware of the pricey minibar.
  9. Do not stay past your check-out time or risk a hefty penalty. If you need a late check-out, request it as late as possible when the hotel has a better idea of occupancy levels. Save time by using the in-room app to check-out.
  10. Write a review on social media

Capital Hilton Completes Multi-Million-Dollar Property Upgrade

Aiming to revitalize the property, these renovations focus on celebrating grandeur, glamour and modern elements.

Capital Hilton has completed a multi-million-dollar renovation to its 559-room property, located in the heart of Washington DC. The 13-month project aims to celebrate grandeur, glam, geometric form and repetitive patterns, that brings elements of the property’s interiors to the guestrooms and corridors. Layering art deco design with the hotel’s brutalist architecture, each new guest room weaves original design with the modern elements needed for today’s travelers.

“Capital Hilton takes pride in providing our guests with a memorable
travel experience backed by the latest innovations and amenities in
hospitality,” said Paolo Pedrazzini, general manager. “These renovations demonstrate our commitment to guest satisfaction and alignment with the standards of this category-leading brand.”

Owned by a joint venture between Braemar Hotels & Resorts and Park Hotels & Resorts and managed by Hilton, Capital Hilton boasts an unbeatable location located just two blocks from The White House and within walking distance to the National Mall as well as other top attractions. The hotel offers two on-site dining options, pet-friendly accommodations, 24-hour fitness center and a business center. Each renovated guest room is thoughtfully designed, implementing modern elements to satisfy the 21st century traveler, including flexible workspaces and aesthetically pleasing furniture and décor in luxurious and sophisticated hues. All rooms feature a 55-inch flat-screen TV and coffee machine.

Renovated Hotel Bonus Points Offer
Hilton Honors members can take advantage of an exclusive offer to be awarded free bonus points for their stay at Capital Hilton through September 8, 2024. Guests that book a minimum 3-night stay between Thursday and Sunday will be awarded 5000 bonus Hilton Honors Points on top of the points already earned for the stay.

Capital Hilton is part of Hilton Honors®, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 18 world-class brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount that can’t be found anywhere else and free standard WiFi. Members also have access to contactless technology exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app,where Hilton Honors members can check-in, choose their room and access their room using Digital Key.

Capital Hilton is located at 1001 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036. For more information or to make reservations, guests can visit capitalhilton.com or call +1 (202) 393-1000.


Capital Hilton Celebrates the Holiday Season with an Enchanting Winter Wonderland

Guests can experience the magic of the season with a limited-time themed suite, festive activities, and more!

Capital Hilton invites guests to celebrate the holiday
season in the Nation’s Capital with holiday lights, thematic menus, seasonal activations and more while also supporting the local community.
“The holiday season is about creating memorable moments for guests from near and far,” said Paolo Pedrazzini, general manager, Capital Hilton. “We want every guest to embrace the joy and comfort of the season throughout their stay. It’s our way of spreading holiday cheer and making this time of year special for everyone who visits.”


Stay in The Nutcracker Themed Suite This Winter
For the second year, Capital Hilton is offering a unique experience for fans of The Nutcracker, with a Superior Suite decorated top-to-bottom with nutcrackers, Christmas trees, and holiday cheer. The festive Nutcracker Suite is available from Sunday, December 1 through Tuesday, December 31 and includes breakfast for two. Guests can book this suite directly from the hotel’s website for $399 per night + taxes.


Holiday Family Fun Activities in the Lobby
Throughout the season, guests can choose from a selection of complimentary, family-friendly activities fit for all ages including scavenger hunts, holiday light guides and more. Families are invited to participate in their own scavenger hunt around the lobby to find 12 carefully hidden Nutcracker dolls. Those who successfully find and check off of all 12 Nutcrackers on the scavenger hunt card can show the front desk to collect a holiday prize to be redeemed at The Grind or The Statler Lounge.

Holiday Light Guides are also available at the front desk, complete with the some of the top destinations around DC, such as the US Botanic Gardens, US Capitol West Lawn, President’s Park and more to enjoy vibrant Christmas trees, holiday light displays, and local winter markets.

Younger guests can also send a letter to Santa with a special Letters to The North Pole station. Each letter is dropped into a festive mailbox that will be delivered to the North Pole.

Giving Back with Mary’s Center
Capital Hilton has partnered with Mary’s Center, a community health center serving over 65,000 people of all ages, incomes, and backgrounds in the DC metro area for 35 years to support a toy donation drive for children in the area. Guests can also participate by purchasing new and unused
toys for all ages to put under the giving tree, or virtually by purchasing gifts from Mary’s Center’s Amazon Wishlist.

CONTACT: Megan Guerra, Capital Hilton, +1 202 787 0156 or Megan.Guerra@hilton.com

Capital Hilton is located at 1001 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036. For reservations, guests can visit capitalhilton.com or call +1 (202) 393-1000.

888 DEBUTS ON THE DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE DINING AND MUSIC SCENE THIS SEPTEMBER

New Vinyl Restaurant Provides an Immersive Dining Experience Fusing Japanese Cuisine and Curated Listening Sessions

Nashville, Tennessee, August 08, 2024 – 888, an innovative Japanese restaurant and vinyl record listening lounge, announced today its highly anticipated debut in Nashville’s vibrant downtown. Set to open on September 6th, the concept provides Nashville with a refined fusion of Japanese cuisine and curated music, adding a dynamic beat and high-fidelity sensorial experience to the heart of Music City. 888 was created by Turnberry, the operators of Bourbon Steak and the JW Marriott Nashville.

Catering to sound and vinyl connoisseurs, foodies, and design enthusiasts, 888’s introduction to Nashville represents a reprieve from the crowds. It offers an intimate, communal dining experience akin to listening to a mix tape being made in real time. Nestled at the corner of 8th Avenue South, at 800 Clark Place, with a private entrance (look for the red light), 888 invites guests to an immersive experience that challenges both culinary and creative conventions. The concept takes inspiration from the traditional Jazz kissas of Japan, where consumers would convene for food and exceptional musical listening experiences. With a seating capacity of 100 — including two sushi bars, a private dining room, and central cocktail island — the venue delivers an atmosphere that is both exciting and distinctive.

Signature dishes include nigiri, maki, cured salmon onigiri, donabe fried rice, and hot karaage. The beverage service showcases an extensive selection of Japanese products including craft beers, rare whiskies, and a curated sake program, elevating the overall dining experience. Sushi Chef Deden “Benny the Blade” Bandi, who has adopted sushi as an art form for more than 20 years, will lead the sushi bar program. Benny has worked with renowned chefs worldwide including Chef Nobu Matsuhisa of Nobu, the world’s most recognized Japanese restaurant, in addition to serving as the private chef for Mick Jagger, Jennifer Lopez, and Cameron Diaz.

 “As the appetite for experiential dining grows, 888 emerges as a beacon for those seeking an unparalleled fusion of exceptional cuisine and curated music,” said Philip Stewart, the concept’s general manager. “888 is a haven where culinary mastery converges with musical artistry. We’ve created a sensational culinary and musical odyssey for our guests that will intrigue both foodies and music-lovers alike.”

The acoustics and sound system at 888 were meticulously crafted by award-winning Steven Durr Designs, Soundlux Audio, and Devon Turnbull – aka OJAS. Durr, a local Nashvillian, is known for his work with leading artists and recording studios ranging from Lenny Kravitz and Taylor Swift to Electric Lady and Fame Studios. At the heart of this setup are OJAS’ crafted horn-loaded speakers. These systems can be found in Public Records in NYC and Supreme Stores, as well as in the homes of Mark Ronson, Nigo, and many other well-known record producers. Seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology with breathtaking aesthetics, the speakers are based on vintage Altec Lansing designs, considered by expert musicians as the “most musical speakers” ever created. The space yields a high-performance, handmade sound system composed of a wall of brutalist speakers, a turntable, and a series of amplifiers –a true shrine to music. 

The interior design for 888 was done by highly recognized Los Angeles-based design studio Commune. For the project, Roman Alonso, co-founder of Commune, looked for inspiration in the kissa bars he visited while working in Japan.

To learn more, visit 888nashville.com and @888nashville on Instagram.

About 888

Created by Turnberry, 888 is an innovative Japanese restaurant and vinyl record listening lounge located in Nashville’s vibrant SOBRO district at the ground level of the JW Marriott Nashville. Offering a unique fusion of exceptional Japanese cuisine and meticulously curated music, 888 provides an immersive and unparalleled dining experience. Inspired by traditional Jazz kissas of Japan, the venue features 100 seats, two sushi bars, a private dining room, and a central cocktail bar, creating an atmosphere that is both exciting and authentically distinctive. With a focus on high-fidelity sound and cutting-edge design, 888 stands as a premier destination for food and music enthusiasts, delivering a dynamic blend of culinary mastery and musical artistry. Visit 888nashville.com.

Turnberry develops, owns and operates award-winning luxury destinations, from iconic hotels and restaurants to design-driven residential, retail and mixed-use projects. Its hospitality portfolio includes hotels like the JW Marriott Nashville, the 800-room Miami Beach Convention Center hotel in development, and The Seagate in Delray, Florida, as well as fine dining establishments like Bourbon Steak. Most recently, Turnberry announced it would develop a St. Regis hotel and residences in Nashville, Tennessee. For more information, visit: Turnberry.com

Media Contact:

J/PR

jwmarriottnashville@jpublicrelations.com

IMEX Show Floor Continues to Grow

by Todd McElwee

USAE News

IMEX America attendees wave hello on October 8, as the 13th edition of the trade show opened at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas. Photo by IMEX Group

IMEX America’s show floor is getting bigger and bigger.
 
Staged at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, from October 8–10, the show’s 13th edition enjoyed a 7% increase in space compared to 2023, with more than 400 exhibitor booths occupying the hall. Last year’s show featured 360 booths.
 
“The business events community is the shining star of IMEX America – our buyers, attendees, exhibitors, speakers and partners rightfully take the spotlight,” said Carina Bauer, CEO, IMEX.
“Over the last decade or more the industry has really taken this show to their hearts, encouraged by proof of business value but also the strong sense of community and togetherness they experience here.”
 
The number of exhibiting companies joining the show for the first time increased from 65 last year to 70 in 2024. Among the new booths were Guatemala, Exhibition World

Bahrain, Sonder Hotels, Destination Niagara USA, Yosemite Park, and Experience Grand Rapids, along with DMCs including Dragonfly Africa and Greenroute Africa.
 
Organizers noted this year’s event was home to 46 technology booths, one-third of which were new. Many other sectors of the show have also seen growth, from event production and incentive products to airlines and cruise lines—all pointing to the current strength of the wider business events community.
 
“From growing exhibitor participation and exciting, immersive activations, through to dozens of fringe events both on and off the show floor, it’s now clear the sector feels empowered to make this show their own,” Bauer said. “It’s a sign of the trust placed in the IMEX team and a living expression of two of our company values—people first and achieve together. I’m excited for the week ahead and looking forward to hearing about all the deals, the new connections and the bright ideas that will spring to life here.”
 
For more about IMEX America visit imexamerica.com.

Motivate your Team

Presented by the RFP Valet® Team

Want to get your team excited about a meeting or event you’re planning? Here are some suggestions to motivate your team.

Teamwork

The more meetings the better when collaborating for your next convention or event. A string of smaller meetings will ensure that all details are handled, or handed off to another team member who will be responsible. Plan your work and work your plan together. Preparing contingency plans should things go awry will instill confidence and good spirits. Success depends on the collective effort of the entire team. However, expressing praise for exceptional work, will encourage team members to go above and beyond to obtain positive feedback. .

Individual communication

Be available to meet with individual team members regularly and ask for updates. Everyone should know how to connect to each other throughout the event. Your team should be working off the same timelines, so they feel comfortable knowing exactly what to do during every phase of the event and every step of the way. Express your gratitude for work well done, so they know you notice their hard work.

Enthusiasm

Excitement is contagious. And so is stress. Share your vision and what drives you so your teams can be equally driven. Your team is watching your reaction to challenging issues that arise. Maintain your poise and focus to inspire your team.

IMEX America responds to what’s hot, latest must-knows and industry’s biggest stressors

The team behind IMEX America has revealed how the show, taking place October 8–10 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, is set to respond to shifts in the business events sector, in which rising costs, resource limitations and a fast-changing geopolitical landscape are all at play.

Show floor mirrors a strengthening marketplace

IMEX Frankfurt demonstrated first-hand how the sector is maturing and growing with new destinations and venues now opening. This pattern is continuing into IMEX America which is seeing particular growth across the Caribbean (12 per cent) and North America (13 per cent), compared to the same period last year.

Detroit, Dominican Republic, Philadelphia, Miami and Vancouver are among the destinations increasing their presence at the show; China, Guatemala and Saint Lucia are some of the new names to look out for.

In addition–and in line with current industry research–representation from the incentive sector has also increased significantly. Incentive suppliers at the show have increased by 30 per cent so far compared to same time last year, an uptick predicted by a recent SITE report which forecast growth through 2024 and into 2025.

Personalized tech coaching

With event apps, AV and live streaming among the most widely-used technology for event professionals (according to the Event Tech Insight Report) , it’s essential to understand the distinct uses of event technologies and, crucially, how getting the event tech stack right can save planners time and minimize risk.

A new Tech Zone, designed to respond to this need, is where suppliers will deliver a series of “show and tells”, explaining recent examples of their technology in use, alongside one-to-one tech coaching clinics from industry experts.

Technology is one of seven learning tracks at the show with sessions dedicated to AI, data and future innovations. Other tracks collectively covering 150+ learning sessions are: Business Practices, Impact, Trends/Research, Well-being, Experience Design and the increasingly popular and important Event Marketing.

With many organizations looking for unique and engaging ways to promote their brand, product or service, IMEX America features a number of immersive activations designed to inspire and spark joy. These include: a glitzy Mirror Box, sponsored by Toronto; a large-scale paint by numbers where attendees can pick up a paint brush and contribute to a giant mural; and a Resilience Room, curated by Google Xi, which offers a peaceful space to rest and recharge. Attendees should also keep a look out for a poet and a rapper roaming the show floor.

IMEX CEO, Carina Bauer, says: “We know people invest time and resources to attend our events, so each year we take a fresh look at the show experience to ensure it continues to deliver maximum value. This means looking at global market shifts and responding accordingly with offerings to meet the new needs of buyers from across business sectors and the challenges they’re encountering.

“It also means designing the show to put connections front and center–from business meetings and learning sessions to compelling activations and even serendipitous conversations over lunch. We know that face-to-face events are where some of the most significant and valuable business conversations take place, so we carefully craft IMEX America to facilitate that.”

IMEX America takes place October 8 – 10 at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas and includes Smart Monday, a preshow education day, powered by Meeting Professionals International (MPI) on October 7.

Registration is live – you can register for free here.   

IMEX CEO honored with Outstanding Contribution at AEO Awards

IMEX Group CEO Carina Bauer has been presented with the Outstanding Contribution to the Industry award at the AEO (Association of Event Organisers) Excellence Awards held on June 14.

The award, which is decided by the AEO Board, celebrates someone who’s made an outstanding contribution to the business events industry throughout their career.

Please email PR Manager emma.blake@imexevents.com for further information.

Number of hosted buyers
– 3,221 from 83 countries
Hosted buyer buying power %
– Over $10 million: 20%, Over $1 million: 63%
Hosted buyers by country (top 10%)
– Germany 16%
– US 13%
– Brazil 5%
– Italy 4%
– Mexico 3%
– France 3%
– Spain 3%
– Netherlands 3%
– India 2.5%
Hosted buyers by nature of business %
– Independent planner 4%
– Association 10%
– Government/University 1%

Click to view all stats: Show Stats

Savannah Named Top Meeting Destination in North America by Cvent

Recognition highlights business appeal and commitment to corporate event success 

[Savannah, GA] – May 20, 2024 – Savannah was announced as a Top 50 Meeting Destination in North America by Cvent, the industry leader in meetings, events, and hospitality technology. “This prestigious accolade is a testament to Savannah’s commitment to partnering with hoteliers and event planners alike to orchestrate exceptional events,” said Bharat Malhotra, Cvent Senior Vice President, Hospitality Cloud. The globally recognized Cvent Top Meeting Destinations lists evaluate and rank cities that are successfully engaging event planners and attracting group business to their locales. Rankings are determined based on sourcing activity through the Cvent Supplier Network, one of the world’s largest venue-sourcing platforms. 

 
Chairman of the Board of Directors for Visit Savannah and Hyatt Regency General Manager Todd Costin stated, “It is an honor to be recognized by Cvent for our city’s dedication to providing a unique and memorable destination for successful conventions, meetings and special events.” While Jeff Hewitt, Chief Sales Officer for Visit Savannah added, “We are thrilled to be acknowledged for our commitment to excellence in showcasing our unique brand of Southern hospitality blended with a welcoming environment for all.”  

Cvent evaluated 12,500+ cities worldwide listed on the Cvent Supplier Network. Activity was tracked between January and December of 2023. Rankings were determined by a set of qualifying criteria, including: the number of total room nights booked through the Cvent Supplier Network; the number of unique electronic request-for-proposals (RFPs) sent to venues within the city; the total value of the RFPs submitted; and the actual awarded value for meetings booked.  

 
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Media Contact: 

Supriya Christopher, Director for Public Relations 

schristopher@visitsavannah.com  

912.644.6409 

For information on Cvent, please visit www.cvent.com

About Visit Savannah 

Visit Savannah serves as the official destination marketing organization for the Savannah / Chatham County area, and is committed to driving increased visitor spending, economic vitality, and quality of life for the region, while continually building upon Savannah’s image as a world-class destination. For more information, visit www.visitsavannah.com.