News and Current Events
Smart Meetings recently posted the “Five New Meeting Trends to be Aware of” including:
I recently had the opportunity to speak with Marc Boisclar of Connect about the role of diversity in meetings. I’m sure we can all relate to being somewhere where we didn’t feel included or welcomed. Whether it was the food or atmosphere or entertainment or just everything, we’ve all had that experience where we just couldn’t wait to get out and get home.
Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHG) recently announced a new suite of apps and technologies that will provide a more personal experience for guests. While many of these new features are available at other hotels, what really stood out for us was how the positioned the announcement:
“We continuously gather insights from consumers, which enables us to research, develop, pilot and launch new ways of engaging with guests across their Guest Journey,” said Michael Menis, senior vice president of digital and voice channels for IHG.
Congratulations, Atlantic City!
Meeting Professionals International (MPI) has announced that it has selected Atlantic City, N.J., as the destination for its 2016 World Education Congress (WEC). The conference will be held June 11-14, 2016, at the Harrah’s Atlantic City Waterfront Conference Center.
Mazda Miles, CMM, President of Perfection Events participated in a panel discussion about the priorities of small business during the recent NFIB/PA Small Business Day at the Capitol in Harrisburg.
The Embassy Row Hotel in Washington, D.C. recently finished at $15 million renovation. Part of this renovation includes a new program to support local charitable organizations through donating a portion of revenue generated in certain spaces. Meetings & Conventions reports: "Through new partnerships with local organizations, the property now is donating portions of its revenue.
What better place to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day than Ireland? Even if we can't physically be in Ireland today, there is no reason we can't be there virtually. Check out these slideshows to experience the beauty of Ireland today, even if it is just via your screen.
“In the 21st Century, Wi-Fi represents an essential on-ramp to the Internet. Personal Wi-Fi networks, or “hot spots,” are an important way that consumers connect to the Internet. Willful or malicious interference with Wi-Fi hot spots is illegal. Wi-Fi blocking violates Section 333 of the Communications Act, as amended.1 The Enforcement Bureau has seen a disturbing trend in which hotels and other commercial establishments block wireless consumers from using their own personal Wi-Fi hot spots on the commercial establishment’s premises.
Last month, Hyatt Hotels launched free WiFi for all guests in hotel rooms and public spaces. According to Successful Meetings, Hyatt is "is the only major hotelier to offer free Wi-Fi to all guests, regardless of booking method or loyalty program participation.