Category Archives: Uncategorized

Last chance to participate in Bloomington Minnesota Travel & Tourism’s e-bike promotion!

If you’re planning a group event in the Midwest, source us on your lead! From now through May 31, submit an RFP on our website or cc us on your lead in Cvent and you’ll be automatically entered to win a Salsa Confluence Flat Bar Altus E-Bike, a YETI Tundra cooler, or a VISA gift card! RFPs must be for a 2025 or 2026 event and have a group block of 10 or more rooms.

Bloomington is the home of Mall of America and has over 45 unique hotels with space for event attendees. Our destination is centrally located next to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) and downtown Minneapolis and Saint Paul.

Our expert team provides insider destination knowledge, exclusive offers, and seamless support for transportation and off-site team building activities. We know Bloomington best – let us help you create an unforgettable experience.

Visit our website to learn more about meeting in Bloomington and to enter to win an e-bike!

SUBMIT AN RFP

Audience-Focused Tips

Presented by the RFP® Valet Team

This sequel to last month’s Audience-Focused Fundamentals, presents seating ideas that will center attention on your audience. Most organization members say they attend conferences to learn something new and network with peers.

Here are some room set-up tips to advance audience participation and satisfaction.

  • Because no one wants to sit in the first row, position the podium against the long wall to shorten the distance between the attendees in the back row and presenter.
  • Curve your seating half-moon style so attendees can see each other. Make sure all chairs are facing the presenter.
  • Aisles should be set at 10:30 and 1:30, with a narrow aisle cut into the middle from the back to roughly the third row for welcoming and unobtrusive seating access.
  • Instead of an aisle behind the last row, place the last row of chairs against the back wall with ample leg room for attendees to walk through and take a seat. 
  •  Go Modular: Use Movable FurnitureOpt for chairs that are easy to rearrange. Sessions can shift from lecture to workshop style, so seating should flex with the format. Bonus: rearranging a room energizes attendees and keeps them alert.
  • Ditch the “Chair Parade”Avoid long, uninterrupted rows of chairs—it discourages interaction. Break rows into sections of 6–8 chairs with mini-aisles in between. People are more likely to chat with their “pod,” and it makes late arrivals less disruptive.
  • Standing Zones & Lean BarsFor quick sessions or networking-heavy events, integrate standing zones or high-top tables. This adds energy and encourages more fluid conversation (also a win for folks with back issues!).
  • Use Lighting to Set the ToneSoft spotlighting on the presenter is great, but don’t leave the audience in the shadows—literally. A warmly lit room makes people feel more comfortable and alert. Avoid full blackouts unless you’re screening videos (not horror movies).
  • Sound Check Their ExperienceMake sure the presenter’s mic is audible from every corner. Bad sound is the fastest way to lose your audience (second only to bad coffee). Consider adding ceiling or side speakers in wider rooms.
  • Facilitate Flow: Mind the Exit RoutesMake sure your setup allows attendees to easily slip out for calls or breaks without creating a scene. Bonus: If people don’t feel trapped, they’re actually more likely to stay engaged.

TRAVELLING TO THE U.K.? You will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

Effective January 8, 2025, an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for American visitors is now required to enter the UK. It also applies to passengers transiting through the UK.

The ETA will be linked to the traveller’s passport and will last for two years or until the traveller’s passport expires – whichever comes first.  

By April 2025, all visitors who don’t need a visa will require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travel to the UK.  Note: eligible Europeans can apply from March 5, 2025 and will need an ETA to travel from April 2, 2025.

COSTS:

An ETA costs £10 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires.

RESOURCES:

To help you communicate this information, the UK Home Office has supplied a ‘Partner Pack‘ for download including fact sheets and assets. 

IMPORTANTTo avoid the potential of fraudulent websites, only use the official Gov.UK Website.  If someone believes they have been victim to an immigration internet scam, they should report it: Avoid and report internet scams and phishing: Report visa and immigration scams – GOV.UK.

Delta Air Lines’ heartwarming reaction to passenger dilemma!

A woman has shared the heartwarming story of Delta Air Lines giving her an extra 24-hours with her mother before she passed away. In a now-viral TikTok, Hannah White explained she was rushing to get home to North Dakota to see her mom, who had gone into septic shock post-surgery.

Hannah immediately booked the first flight out of Dallas with a connection in Minneapolis, which wasn’t an issue until her flight was delayed by an hour due to mechanical issues. ‘I knew that if I didn’t make my flight, I wouldn’t see my mom until the following day and we weren’t sure she’d be alive,’ she explained in the video.

Hannah explained her situation to the flight attendant, desperately asking if there was something they could do to make sure she makes the connecting flight. An hour later the flight attendant came back and said the pilot had called the pilot on her second flight, who had agreed to hold the plane so she could make it.’They then bumped me up to first class, so I could get off the plane faster,’ she shared.

‘When I got to my first-class seat, the pilot made an announcement to the whole plane to let me off first so I could say goodbye to my mom. ‘When she got to her connecting flight, the plane was waiting for her – and Hannah said she was able to relax.

‘As I got off, all the flight attendants gave me encouraging words and wished me luck,’ she shared, adding the pilot also came out to say he was praying for her. The pilot told the outlet that the ‘stars don’t always align where I have the immediate ability to affect the outcome, but this was one of those cases where I felt it was possible.’

Hannah added she was, ‘was overwhelmed with joy because I had accepted that I wasn’t going to see my mom until the following day.’ ‘I don’t think any of them really know the gratitude that I have for them for giving me some extra time with my mom or just being nice to me on one of the worst days of my life,’ she added.

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

Kudos to the Staff at the Frankfurt Marriott Hotel

Letter to Peter Reischl, General Manager, Frankfurt Marriott Hotel

“While attending IMEX Frankfurt, I was in great need of assistance after waking up with the severe pain of an eye infection.  Here is what happened:

  1. Lucy Guillaume – I walked up to the front desk and explained my problem to Lucy.  Shortly later she returned with an appointment to see a Doctor that afternoon with directions, suggestions and the invitation to contact her if I needed any more assistance.  Very well done, Lucy!
  2. Gediminas Bartulis – When I needed to print a list of my medications to take to my doctor’s appointment, he took care of it.  When I needed to find a pharmacy to fill my prescription, he directed me to the nearest. When I requested a late check-out to have more time to recover in my room, he made sure it was done.  Thank you again, Eddy. 

It is obvious you hire the right people and train them well.  Many thanks to both of them for making a very difficult situation a manageable one.  I am mending and feeling better thanks to their outstanding service.  Please share my great appreciation with them.  With best regards, Liz Jackson”

Liz Jackson, FASAE, President

Jackson Consulting, Inc.

Washington, DC

IMEX America 2024 Hosted Buyer Invitation

Booking events outside North America or have U.S. meetings of 1,000+ attendees annually?

Susan Sarfati and Liz Jackson invite you or a staff member to join our hosted buyer group October 8-10, 2024

Come to IMEX America in Las Vegas:

The IMEX America is complimentary, the massive floor show is filled with learning and so much more: 

  • Complimentary single accommodations for you with our group
  • Once confirmed, book your preferred air travel, and claim a refund
  • Add to your CMP and CAE credits with the many free education programs including Monday, October 7 
  • Meet global exhibitors for 2 or 3 days of the exhibition, Tuesday -Thursday, October 8-10
  • Enjoy our group’s breakfast and dinner presentations by our sponsors including Cape Town, VisitBritain, Vienna CVB and Copenhagen CVB
  • Join a community of professional planners to engage during the show and make connections that last after the event
  • Receive ongoing updates and news about IMEX happenings so you don’t miss a thing
  • Get guidance from experienced group leaders so your experience will be productive and enjoyable

Come to IMEX America. Connect with the world. Continue your industry growth!  Can’t attend?  Send a colleague who books international events. 

RSVP today to ljackson262@msn.com

The most punctual airlines in North America REVEALED – with Delta Air Lines winning top spot for third year in a row

Constant delays can make scheduled flight arrival times feel like random guesses rather than accurate predictions. 

But new data has revealed that some airlines are consistently better than others when it comes to getting you to your destination on time. 

The most punctual airline in North America is Delta, according to research by  flight analytics company Cirium. 

Of more than 1.6 million flights last year, the airline landed 84.72 percent on time. 

Mike Malik, Cirium’s chief marketing officer, said it was an ‘outstanding’ effort from the airline which had faced ‘vast operational diversity and the challenges of minimizing flight disruptions’ last year. 

Cirium – and the Department of Transportation – count a flight as being ‘on-time’ if it lands within 15 minutes of its scheduled arrival.  

Due to their high performance, Delta was the only North American airline to make the top five globally, according to the Cirium data. 

Fantasy Flights to the “North Pole”

As part of their Fantasy Flight series, United Airlines team members at O’Hare International Airport (ORD) took pediatric cancer patients and families on a flight to the ‘North Pole.’ The Fantasy Flight series is a United Airlines tradition that gifts children with serious medical conditions and their loved ones with a special day of entertainment, food, and fun. The program stops at 12 of United’s domestic hubs and select international airports, spreading holiday cheer across the globe.

For this flight, United partnered with Cal’s Angels (an Illinois-based nonprofit supporting families through pediatric cancer diagnoses) to host 33 pediatric cancer patients and families. The day kicked off with Christmas carols sung by an elf choir of ORD flight attendants and volunteers. After breakfast and photos, guests boarded an ORD Boeing 767 aircraft. With the help of onboard crew, passengers spotted a possible sleigh sighting, and even heard jingle bells in the sky.

The Fantasy Flight program will continue throughout December, with upcoming North Pole trips in the states and abroad.

Learn more about Untied Airlines

VisitBritain joins The Business of Events as key partner

The Business of Events has confirmed VisitBritain as its latest official partner for its 2023 programme. It marks a fifth year of consecutive support to the Policy Unit and Think Tank.

VisitBritain is Britain’s national tourism agency, and its Business Events team has developed and maintained a strong international reputation in the global events sector. The team places a great deal of emphasis on the fact that business events are more than just tools for economic growth, they are vital drivers for culture, education, and opportunity.

VisitBritain is also home to The Business Events Growth Programme, a dedicated funding stream which to date has supported over 150 events in 19 cities across Britain, supporting key business sectors such as technology, creative services and medical and life sciences. Another key focus for the team has been to work closely with our nations to further support CVB’s as they continue to attract international business. This has been achieved through areas such as enhancing government advocacy for the Industry, investing in critical research, focusing on the legacy and impact of the sector and offering educational workshops and toolkits to boost knowledge on transformative trends.

Paul Black, Head of Business Events at VisitBritain, said: “VisitBritain’s partnership with The Business of Events Is a vital opportunity to further shine a spotlight on the dynamic and evolving business events sector, raising awareness of its enormous economic and societal contribution as well as its desire to drive change. The Business of Events has provided invaluable research which has had huge significance on our sector, working alongside key senior leaders and our nations to impact the future of the Business Events industry.”

Martin Fullard, Director, News & Content, said: “To have the support of VisitBritain Business Events is vitally important to the work carried out by The Business of Events. While Great Britain is a global powerhouse when it comes to tourism, we should never short-change the value of business events. Not only are they a vital inbound revenue stream, but we export billions of pounds of event services annually also.

“Paul Black and his team have done incredible work in educating and supporting their partner network across the country, and the toolkits and guidance they offer reaffirm how passionately they feel about having a strong events sector.

“It is these qualities which makes this a very strong partnership, and we look forward to supporting them on their projects.”

Download the 2023 Prospectus here.