Hotels NEW YORK CITY BOASTS AN ABUNDANCE ACCOMMODATIONSOF FOR EVERY TRAVELER MEETINGSMAGS.COM // SPRING 2019 Galore MEAT LOVERS » 20 4 local steakhouses for wining and dining FEELS LIKE HOME » 24 Find comfort in the details at these boutique hotels
CONVENTION CENTER | HOTEL | GREAT LOCATION MAKE YOUR NEXT EVENT SHINE A LITTLE BRIGHTER. With our 20,000 square-foot convention center, modern meeting rooms, world-class service, comfortable guest rooms and more, Mohegan Sun Pocono in Wilkes-Barre, PA has everything you need to make your next meeting or conference shine. Book your event today at mohegansunpocono.com or call 1-855-MEET-MSP. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1.800.GAMBLER.
CAMELBACKRESORT.COM • 855.515.1283 OUR KIND MEETING.BOARDOFNEWFLAVORSATCAMELBACK • 20,000 sq/ft of meeting space • USA’s Longest Twin Zip Lines • America’s #1 Adventure Resort • 2 waterparks • 7 Restaurants - NEW Kartrite Summit House & Berrelli’s Family Style Italian Restaurant • Luxury Lodge • Team Building Center • Award Winning Spa • Mountain Coaster • USA’s Largest Snow Tubing Park • 39 Trails & 16 Lifts - NEW Double Black Diamond Trail
4 NEM+E | SPRING 2019 HOTELBUNGALOWPRIME;BARCLAYCROSS;DYLANPHOTOS: Spring 2019 8 EDITOR’S LETTER 18 EVENT PROFILE An inside look at B Floral’s Circus Soirée media event. By Bronwen Smith 20 MEET & EAT Four steakhouses to impress guests. By Roger Gordon 24 VENUE REPORT Boutique hotels make guests feel at home. By Keith Loria 48 PEOPLE PROFILE Meet Dawn Repoli, WINiT’s vice president. By Josephine Werni DEPARTMENTS NORTHEAST MEETINGS + EVENTS MAGAZINE: IN THIS ISSUE 2420FEATURE 28 Hotel Boom New York City adds to its hotel inventory to meet the demand created by its continual growth in tourism. By Morgan Halaska
6 NEM+E | SPRING 2019 2019Spring MEETING NOTES 11 SUSTAINABLE SWAG Keep your next bash green with these fresh, fun and eco-friendly products. By Megan Gosch 12 GET TO KNOW ... Elizabeth, New Jersey By Brianna Smiley 13 OPEN MIC Three ways to reimagine events. By Edward Byers 14 TIPS FROM A PRO Don’t forget to debrief. By Susan Dunkelman 14 GIFT IDEA Packed with Purpose is feelgood gift-giving. By Morgan Halaska 15 SIGNATURE DRINK Snake in the Grass, courtesy of Pouring Ribbons 16 BEYOND THE BORDER Aruba is “one happy island” for many reasons. By Morgan Halaska ON THE COVER 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge boasts hammocks and views of the Manhattan skyline. Photo by James Baigrie 16 14 15 2019SPRINGEVENTSMEETINGSNORTHEASTNE.MEETINGSMAGS.COMNYCHOTELBOOM Hotels NEW YORK CITY BOASTS AN ABUNDANCE ACCOMMODATIONSOF FOR EVERY TRAVELER Galore MEAT LOVERS » 20 for wining and dining FEELS LIKE HOME 24 boutique hotels INDUSTRY UPDATE 38 INFOGRAPHIC Find out how restaurant and food service operators are integrating sustainability prac tices into their daily business operations. Research courtesy of National Restaurant Association 40 REGIONAL NEWS What’s happening in the local industry. Compiled by Morgan Halaska 46 SNAPSHOTS Photos from PCMA’s 2019 Convening Leaders Tour and meet in elizabeth, new jersey pg 12 ARUBAREGENCYHYATTWAGTOUICZ;PAULCARLSON;TATEPHOTOS:
CAESARS FORUM will have direct access to 8,500 rooms at LINQ, Harrah’s and Flamingo hotels, and the FORUM Plaza with 100,000 square feet of multi-purpose outdoor space.
CAESARSFORUM.com
CaesarsMeansBusiness.com
JOLIETHARRAH’S
SOUTHERNHORSESHOEINDIANA LOUISIANAHARRAH’S DOWNS NORTHHARRAH’SKANSAS CITY RIO HARVEYS
ONE COMPANY. ONE CONTACT. COUNTLESS OPTIONS.
HARRAH’S ATLANTIC CITY With its sophisticated marina district setting world-class amenities, Harrah’s Resort has become a premier Atlantic City destination. Harrah’s o ers an array of guest-pleasing features and one-of-a-kind venues like The Pool, a year-round tropical paradise for unforgetta ble group events. With 125,000 square feet of total meeting space, Harrah’s can easily accommodate the largest events, and the world-class Waterfront Conference Center makes this the largest meeting facility of its kind from Baltimore to Boston. Even more impressive is the way Harrah’s dedicated sta makes planning any size event easier and more rewarding.
HARRAH’S HARRAH’S SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PHOENIX AK-CHIN MID-AMERICAHORSESHOEHARRAH’S CENTER COUNCIL BLUFFS
CAESARS FORUM LAS VEGAS
In 2020, Caesars Entertainment will be debuting CAESARS FORUM, a new 550,000-square-foot conference center, located at the center of Las Vegas Strip. CAESARS FORUM will have a total of 320,000 square feet of meeting space with the two largest pillarless ballrooms in the world at 110,000 square feet each.
Morgan Halaska, editor
A Place to Stay
HOTELS TODAY ARE BECOMING MORE THAN SOMEWHERE to sleep and store belong ings. They have personalities and, sometimes, attitudes. Through their design, amenities, and food and beverage, hotels are adapting to the needs of the modern traveler and tapping into local culture to create a sense of place.
/NEMEETINGSMAGS @NEMEETINGSMAGS /MEETINGSMAGS /MEETINGSEVENTSMAGS EDITOR'S LETTER
MORGAN.HALASKA@TIGEROAK.COM
On a recent trip to NYC, I stayed at the Moxy NYC Times Square (page 37). Marriott’s lifestyle brand, Moxy is relatively new in the U.S. (with the first U.S. location opening in March 2016 in Tempe, Arizona; the Times Square location opened in September 2017). The millennial-minded hotel is, in a word, efficient. The rooms (designed by Yabu Pushelberg) have everything—but not more. What’s there, though, not only makes sense but is also upscale. A foldaway desk, bench and chair hang from one of the many wooden wall pegs, which we used when we had some friends over for a drink. The bed is made with 300 thread-count, 100 percent Egyptian cotton linens. The walk-in rain shower (with “no diving” styled into the tiling) is a subtle luxury—one that proved to be essential for humid August days. The room, really, was whatever I needed it to be. Five minutes from Penn Station and a few blocks from Times Square, Moxy NYC Times Square is a prime location to explore and subse quently escape the hustle and bustle of Midtown Manhattan. My Moxy stay was its own enjoyable experience when I needed a respite from the city, from the nontraditional check-in to Magic Hour, the rooftop “urban amusement park.”
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There are plenty of new hotels in the pipeline for all five boroughs, all with their own flair. Flip to page 28 to read more. We also look at other boutique properties outside NYC (page 24) that are worth a stay. Find, Friend, Follow Find us online at ne.meetingsmags.com, and make sure to “like” us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram to stay in the loop between issues.
NE.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 9 EDITOR Morgan Halaska SENIOR EDITOR Megan Gosch DIGITAL CONTENT EDITOR Julianna Fazio CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Edward Byers, Susan Dunkelman, Roger Gordon, Keith Loria, Bronwen Smith, Josephine Werni EDITORIAL INTERNS Taylor Hafner, Brianna Smiley, Kendall Van Horne EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Sarah Anello, Center City District Parks • Jeffrey Cesari, Bristol-Myers Squibb Kristen George, Landmark Hospitality • Matthew Holt, Arena Americas • Mark Ickes, Explore Altoona Marc Kaminetsky, Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board • Tara Marcus, Dillon Marcus Justin Panzer, Eventuosity • Michael Shannon, Destination Canada Patty Stern, PattyStern.Com Creative Marketing Solutions • Scott Sussman, The Peacock Inn DESIGN DIRECTOR Courtney Nielsen ART DIRECTORS Traci Zellmann, Taylor Kilgore PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Dianne Talmage PROJECT COORDINATORS Brittni Dye, Alex Kotlarek CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Jeremy Wieland SUBSCRIPTION MARKETING SPECIALIST Emily O’Connell DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & EVENTS Lauren Madeja MARKETING & EVENTS COORDINATOR Jen McIlvaine CREDIT MANAGER April McCauley ACCOUNTANT Katie Bodin WEB DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Sandy Powell WEB ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Angela Beissel ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER– NATIONAL SALES Laurie laurieburger@comcast.net586.416.4195Burger California Meetings + Events • 303.617.0548 Colorado Meetings + Events • 303.617.0548 Illinois Meetings + Events • 312.755.1133 Michigan Meetings + Events • 586.416.4195 Minnesota Meetings + Events • 612.787.3148 Mountain Meetings • 303.617.0548 | 425.429.8200 Northwest Meetings + Events • 425.429.8200 Texas Meetings + Events • 469.264.7657 Reprints: For high-quality reprints of 500 or more call 1-800-637-0334 or email reprints@tigeroak.com. For address changes, ordering single copies, cancellations, or general questions about your subscription please contact customer service at 1-800-637-0334 or customerservice@tigeroak.com Northeast Meetings + Events accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or artwork; they will not be returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. TIGER OAK MEDIA FOUNDER & CEO R. Craig Bednar PRESIDENT Tony Bednar CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Barb Steinhauser VICE PRESIDENT OF DEVELOPMENT Susan Isay DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & Jim Younger BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT 900 South Third St., Minneapolis, MN 55415 Phone: 612.548.3180 Fax: 612.548.3181 Published quarterly Northeast Meetings + Events, Spring 2019 © 2019 Tiger Oak Media. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. SPRING 2019 ne.meetingsmags.com I have a stuffedcollectioncuteofanimals at my desk. VIP pack at SXSW 2007: About 3 dozen CDs of music and a voodoo doll A whichtweedbeautifulpouchistheperfectsizetocarrymyKindle! Bluetoothwireless,Aspeaker What’s“ the best swag received atyou’veanevent?” Meet where world-class gardens, wineries and museums transform into magical event spaces. Where top-rated hotels and unique venues feature both indoor and outdoor flexible meeting space. And where the sales & service staff is sure to enhance your planning experience. BrandywineValley.com/meetings Let OutsidetheIn Chester BrandywineCounty’sValleyCourtneyBabcock Director of Sales 4 Courtney@BrandywineValley.com84.840.7213 Terrain Gardens at Devon Yards Longwood Gardens Franklin Commons
10 NEM+E | SPRING 2019 No matter how many times you’ve visited State College, home to Penn State University, we always have a surprise for you. See our shows. Explore our museums. Sample the local flavors. The ideal place to get started is at MeetinStateCollege.com You can also call us at 814-231-1401. Let’s Meet in State College! • 190,000 Square Feet of Meeting Space • 3600 Guest Rooms • Affordable Meeting Space • Diverse Dining & Entertainment Opportunities • Convenient Access to I-80, I-99 and 322 • Trade Show Space at the Bryce Jordan Center for 375 Exhibitors • RFP ComplimentaryDistribution,Site Visits MONTAGE MOUNTAIN RESORTS STEAMTOWN NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE SCRANTON CULTURAL CENTER PNC FIELD VISITNEPA .ORG 1.800.22.WELCOME Meet Outside the Box ! TWO HOUR DRIVE FROM NEW YORK CITY & PHILADELPHIA
Sustainable SWAG
Amborella Organics Lollipops
Megan Gosch
Dust City Designs Wood Stickers Made from FSC certified wood, Wood Stickers are etched, cut and printed by lasers and printers, then sanded and finished by hand. Unlike vinyl stickers, the wood decals are fully biodegradable, helping to eliminate micro-plastic pollution. With over 2,500 stock designs and the ability to create custom stickers, planners can join companies like Whole Foods and Instagram in creating guilt-free branded swag. woodstickers.com
CVB SPOTLIGHT 12 OPEN MIC 13 TIPS FROM A PRO
Amborella Organics lollipops are as eyecatching as they are environmentally friendly. The hand-poured organic pops are made from cane sugar and edible herbs and flowers such as lavender, hibiscus and mint for a refreshing burst of flavor and striking visual. But it’s Amborella’s patented seed-bearing technology that makes these sweet treats a gift that keeps on giving. After enjoying a lollipop, simply plant the biodegradable stem and wait for a seedling to sprout. Seeds correspond to each pop flavor and while Amborella offers unique options like Peach & Marigold or Sage & Marshmallow, Champagne & Roses has become a crowd favorite for events. Planners can even work with Amborella to craft co-branding opportunities and custom flavors. amborellaorganics.com
SCHNELLJOELPHOTOS: Three eco-friendly products offer a fresh take on common event goodies. The Amazing Pasta Straw With the global spread of plastic straw bans, plenty of plastic-free alternatives have hit the mainstream. The Amazing Pasta Straw, made simply from wheat and water, is completely biodegradable (that is, if it isn’t eaten). Unlike plastic straws, these won’t break down midsip and are clean of dyes and glues. Planners can test the straws with a sample pack or buy in bulk for large meetings and events. pastastraws.org
Meeting Notes PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION
Get Connected DMO goelizabethnj.com | 908.355.9797 SMILEY
Elizabeth, NJ GET TO KNOW... BY BRIANNA
12 NEM+E | SPRING 2019
Venues: Elizabeth’s event venues are locat ed 10-15 minutes from all hotels and offer creative alternatives to the usual options. Guests have access to unique event spac es such as Alexander Hamilton’s home— Liberty Hall—which can accommodate 150 guests, or the museum-turned-residence of William Livingston, the first Governor of New Jersey. At Liberty Hall Museum, his tory comes to life through original artifacts. Not only are these venues available for event space, but are also must-see attractions, according to the DMO.
Restaurants: Elizabeth is home to cul tural cuisine. The city offers authentic New York-style pizza at Mario’s, Spirito’s Italian cuisine transports guests to 1930’s Sicily, and on Morse Avenue, foodies will get a touch of Latin American influence at spots like Rancho Mateo, which fea tures a Columbian ambiance. “Visitors in Elizabeth can travel the globe without even having a passport” says Jennifer Costa, director of tourism for the Elizabeth Destination Marketing Organization (DMO).
Location: Recognized as “the gateway to New Jersey,” Elizabeth is an ideal destina tion for meetings and events on a budget while boasting a New York City feel. Located 30 minutes outside New York City and 10 minutes from Newark Liberty International Airport, Elizabeth is easily accessible by plane, train, boat or major highway. With just over 132,000 residents, Elizabeth is the fourth largest city in the state of New Jersey after Newark, Jersey City and Patterson.
ELIZABETH
DMOELIZABETHPHOTOS: PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION
Activities: Designer shopping is a city high light. Known for its affordable, high-end fash ion, The Mills at Jersey Gardens is the state’s largest indoor outlet mall. Recently recognized as one of the top five emerging destinations in the country, another attraction is the city’s Vegas-style nightlife. The trending bars, clubs and shows geared towards millennials and captivating celebrities from New York City are revolutionizing nightlife across the East Coast. How the DMO Helps: “We are the planner for the planner,” says Costa, “We know the best-kept secrets of Elizabeth and we want to share those with planners.” The Elizabeth DMO provides itineraries, cooperative mar keting opportunities, and group dining menus. With its partnerships and support from local venues, Elizabeth creates memora ble group experiences at cost effective prices. “Whether it’s at a restaurant, historic attrac tion, nightlife venue, or anything that sparks their interest, we can tailor and customize those experiences for planners and attendees alike,” says Costa.
Partnerships can take all shapes and forms. When designing your sponsorship or partnership pro spectus, think about all items you will need to successfully run your event. Offering potential partners the opportunity to provide their services in lieu of cash allows them to get involved where they may have otherwise passed. For example, A/V providers can offer a reduction of their costs, allow ing you to create a better experience for your attend ees by offering more. Or, perhaps, you can partner with media outlets or other conferences that will help promote your event. An additional example could be the use of any software that will enhance your meeting or event. A technology provider may want to partner to showcase their system to your attendees which may help you improve operations. It is important to think about all elements needed to successfully organize your event and then to think of a potential partner for that service. The meeting and event space is competitive and fighting for people’s attention is not easy. Allow yourself to get creative and don’t be afraid to see what others are doing. As mentioned, it is impor tant to stay competitive and to continually reimag ine all or portions of your event by offering creative content and experiences that your participants aren’t getting anywhere else.
EDWARD BYERS OPERATES THEIRFOREXAMINATIONPROGRAMS.NEWSPONSORSHIP$2HASANDOLYMPICS,OLYMPICEVENTS,CORPORATEEXPERIENCEHAS(MEETINGPROTOCOL.ORG). HEWEBSITE MEETING PROTOCOLTHEMORETHAN15YEARS’WORKINGINANDSPECIALINCLUDINGTWOGAMES,THESPECIALINCENTIVESNOT-FOR-PROFITS.HERAISEDMORETHANMILLIONTHROUGHANDCREATINGREVENUE-GENERATINGHEOFFERSPREPARATIONSTUDENTSSTUDYINGFORCMPDESIGNATION. OPEN MIC» EVENTS REIMAGINED 3 ways to revamp the same event. BY EDWARD BYERS WITH SO MANY COMPETING EVENTS and organizations, it is more important than ever to be reimagining your events to stay relevant and offer new and unique perspectives. Below are some tips to keep your attendees engaged while allowing you to work smarter.
Get Creative
NE.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 13
This is extremely important. How many times have you heard or even said, “this is the way we always do it” or “it worked well last year.” People don’t want the same thing. If you are holding your event in the same space every year, it is imperative you work with the venue to reinvent the space through A/V, furniture or even utilizing space in the venue that you may not traditionally use (hallways or foyers, rooftops or large suites for example). If you have the freedom of switching venues each event, it is important not to just switch from one banquet room to another. Really think about your event and look at nontraditional space for all or part of your conference. Maybe general sessions can be held in the host hotel, but unique space nearby could be utilized to host a reception or dinner. It could be a museum, art gallery or any kind of city building. What if they don’t rent their space? Talk them into it. Not only will you be a hero, but your attendees will also be wowed in a space they’ve never seen. Use Technology
Not only will the use of technology further engage your attendees, it will also save you time on your processes. It is imperative you explore the use of technology for all aspects of your meeting from registration to on site management. For example, are your attendees having difficulty registering for your event? Using the right system will save you time on processing, collecting fees, offering discounts, printing name badges, pulling your attendee and exhibitor lists, segmenting your marketing and, above all, create a better user experience. If you aren’t using an event app, you should start. An event app allows you to provide real-time updates to your attendees and allow your guests to connect and network with one another. The use of gamification is also a really great way to further engage people and help foster relationships, networking and drive traffic to your exhibitors. Think about how much easier it will be to sign exhibitors if you are helping drive traffic to their space.
Partnerships
GIFT IDEA»
The most overlooked part of any type of event.
THE DEBRIEF
PRODUCTS,
A thorough debrief is important on many levels. It can provide valuable lessons on what to avoid or improve upon for future events, re-enforce vendor relations by pro viding valuable and most-appreciated feed back, and, most importantly, show your cli ent that you value their business and provide a communication channel to potentially dis cuss opportunities for future work. If you ask your client to define their idea of success at the beginning of the planning, a debrief will allow you to demonstrate tangible results. There are two key components to a suc cessful debrief. The first is that it must be done in a timely manner while the event is still fresh on everyone’s mind. The second is to involve all stakeholders, as everyone will bring a different vantage point to the overall discussion.
PACKED WITH PURPOSE’S CURATED GIFT BOXES CONTAIN GOODIES FROM COMPANIES THAT DO GOOD.
BY MORGAN HALASKA Do you have high standards for gift ing? Looking to give something that’s ethical, sustainable, fair trade and ecofriendly? And maybe has a nice dose of social impact, too? We have just the thing.
FEEL-GOODGIFTING
WAGTOUICZPAUL(OPPOSITE)CARLSON;TATEPHOTOS:
It’s ideal to set up the expectation for a formal debrief when you are first hiring your vendors, instructing your staff and organiz ing the event. This way there aren’t any sur prises and everyone has up-front knowledge that they will be asked for feedback at the conclusion of the planned activities. You can even go as far as telling everyone how you will be gathering their thoughts, which could include a conference call or written comments. Once your event is complete, it is important to follow up and make the time to not only gather input on what went right, but also what could be improved upon before you speak with your client. The other step is to formally document your findings so that you have them to refer to in the future. Once you have conducted your internal debrief, you are then ready to schedule a time to speak with your client. During the official debrief, it is very important that you direct the conversation and listen closely to what your client has to say. For the best results, it should be a collaborative conversation which can start with asking for their general feedback. This also provides you with the opportunity to address any trouble areas that you know should be covered, while at the same time conveying that the matter has been addressed and would be handled dif ferently in the future. The end result is that your clients will be pleased that you have not only taken the time to speak with them, but also that you value their business enough to provide this useful information. A full debrief conveys your desire to be a trusted and dedicated strategic partner. AS MANAGING PARTNER OF THE CHARLES GROUP, INC. SUSAN DUNKELMAN CREATIVELY CONCEPTUALIZES MEETINGS AND EVENTS AND PLANS AND EXECUTES THEM TO PERFECTION; DELIVERING MEMORABLE EVENTS BOTH WITHIN THE US AND GLOBALLY. PRIOR TO FORMING THE CHARLES GROUP, INC. IN 1987, SUSAN SERVED AS DIRECTOR OF CONFERENCES FOR THE RISK AND INSURANCE MANAGEMENT SOCIETY (RIMS).
BY SUSAN DUNKELMAN FOR MOST EVENT PLANNERS, the primary focus of a successful event is the preplanning. However, what can be easily overlooked and should be done is a two-part debrief soon after your event. One should be conducted internally and the other with your client.
14 NEM+E | SPRING 2019
TIPS FROM A PRO» PLACES
& INSPIRATION
NE.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 15 SIGNATURE DRINK» Snake in the Grass COURTESY OF POURING RIBBONS Stuffed with treats from socially conscious companies, Packed with Purpose’s curated gift boxes bring joy to the giver, receiver and the world. PwP’s partners (called Purposeful Purveyors) advocate for workforce development, wellness, women’s empowerment, the environment and youthWithdevelopment.over55partners, there’s plenty of room for flexibility and personaliza tion in a gift box. At a recent confer ence in Chicago for women entrepre neurs, for example, attendees were gifted an assortment of products made by women in Chicago. Isn’t it nice to know that your gift will truly keep on giving? packedwithpurpose.gifts In this box: Atlantic Rainforest Dark Chocolate from Harper Macaw » HARPERMACAW.COM Soy Candle from Bright Endeavors » BRIGHTENDEAVORS.ORG Cinnamon Chocolate Chip from Cooper Street Cookies » COOPERSTREETCOOKIES.COM Better Chocolate Bites from Sulpice » SULPICECHOCOLAT.COM Trail Mix from Together We Bake » NEW.TOGETHERWEBAKE.ORG Planet Access Company » PLANETACCESSCOMPANY.COM Get Connected POURING RIBBONS events@pouringribbons.com917.656.6788pouringribbons.com ABOUT THE COCKTAIL: Two European beneficiaries of the spice trade are referenced in a split base of gin and rhum agricole; with Greek yogurt, coconut water and makrut lime leaf adding creamy echoes of an Indian lassi. Pouring Ribbons, a second-story bar in New York City’s East Village, can accommodate groups of 30-40 people; the entire bar can hold 100. INGREDIENTS —1.5 oz. Tanqueray gin —.5 oz. JM Rhum Agricole 100 Proof —1 oz. coconut water syrup —.5 oz. lime juice —1 tsp. Greek yogurt —1 makrut lime leaf DIRECTIONS Muddle, shake and fine strain. Glass: Snifter Ice: Crushed Garnish: Toasted coconut and makrut lime leaf, served on round cloth coaster
TIME ZONE: Atlantic Standard Time (Eastern Standard Time plus one hour) ELECTRICITY: Aruba adopted the North American voltage standard, the same as in the U.S. and Canada
16 NEM+E | SPRING 2019
Aruba embodies happiness and well-being. BY MORGAN HALASKA KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TEMPERATURE: 82 degrees year-round on average CURRENCY: Aruban florin; the U.S. dol lar is widely accepted LANGUAGE: Dutch and the native Papiamento are the official lan guage; English and Spanish are widely spoken
Aruba has many reasons for its cheery moniker. There’s no risky time to visit the desert island due to its location outside the hurricane belt. Its pristine crushed coral sand doesn’t absorb heat, keeping bare feet comfortable. The ombre shades of the Caribbean Sea and magi cal sunsets make for an inimitable backdrop.
PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION
SPA&RESORTARUBAREGENCYHYATTPHOTOS:
The tap water, distilled in a saltwater desalina tion plant, is pure. The ABC islands, in which Aruba accounts for the A, are considered the safest of Caribbean islands. The temperature, complemented by the breezy trade winds, stays at a pleasant 82 degrees on average yearround. And if the sun gets the best of you, aloe BEYOND THE BORDER»
TRAVEL VIP Traveling to the Caribbean is always worth the hassle, with vacation just on the other side. Leaving, on the other hand, is an abrupt change in scenery that takes suntanned travelers from sandy beaches to face long lines and cramped airport quarters. And with U.S. Customs & Border Protection at Queen Beatrix Airport, depart ing Aruba is just a little more tedious.
DUBBED “ONE HAPPY ISLAND,”
SUNNY DISPOSITION
First Class Aruba’s VIP Departure Service lessens that pain by fast-tracking you through all but one of the checkpoints (the U.S. Customs & Border Protection). After you’ve skipped the lines, the VIP lounge— stocked with snacks, drinks and comfort able chairs—awaits. firstclassaruba.com
VISIT ARUBA | visitaruba.com
RED SAIL SPORTS | redsailaruba.com
DE PALM TOURS ARUBA | depalmtours.com
Get Connected ARUBA ALOE | arubaaloe.com
Off-road jeep tours travel along the rugged terrain to the Natural Bridge, Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, California Lighthouse, Natural Pool, Alto Vista Chapel and, not to mention, many beaches along the way. Guests of the Hyatt Regency Aruba use De Palm Tours Aruba regularly, and the hotel also partners with ABC Tours Aruba and Around Aruba Tours. Wellness It’s fitting that aloe—known for its medici nal properties—is ubiquitous on the island. More than just a sunburn relief, aloe has played a big part of the island’s culture and economy. Aruba Aloe, the oldest aloe company in the world, offers weekly interac tive workshops at the Hyatt Regency Aruba. Guests make their own moisturizing aloe scrub while learning about the island’s abun dant natural resource and the part it plays in Aruba’s undeniable happiness.
HYATT REGENCY ARUBA RESORT SPA & CASINO | aruba.regency.hyatt.com
The desert terrain of Aruba sets it apart from other Caribbean islands; the best way to see the north side of the island is on wheels.
Island Exploration Red Sail Sports, a full-service dive and water sports facility with a desk in the Hyatt Regency Aruba’s lobby, disembarks from Piet’s Pier Bar. Its friendly crew takes guests out on one of its catamarans to explore the marine life and sunken remains of the SS Antilla that live under the calm turquoise waters. Sunset din ner sails and moonlight cruises are available as well as private group functions.
NE.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 17 BY THE NUMBERS: HYATT REGENCY ARUBA RESORT SPA & CASINO 12,500 -SQUARE-FOOT CASINO 8,000 -SQUARE-FOOT POOL 5,200 -SQUARE-FOOT SPA WITH 8 TREATMENT ROOMS 5,000 -SQUARE-FOOT FRESH WATER LAGOON STOCKED WITH TROPICAL FISH AND WILDLIFE 359 GUEST ROOMS 15 MILES OFF THE COAST OF VENEZUELA 12 -ACRE BEACHFRONT PROPERTY 4 MAIN DINING OUTLETS 4 BARS ON PROPERTY 4 MILES FROM QUEEN BEATRIX AIRPORT 2 MILES FROM ORANJESTAD (THE CAPITAL) Meeting Space: 10,847 SQUARE FEET OF OUTDOOR FUNCTION SPACE 9,245 SQUARE FEET OF MEETING SPACE 3,008 SQUARE FEET OF PREFUNCTION SPACE 9 PREFUNCTIONSPACES AREAS AND THE 5,300 -SQUAREFOOT REGENCY BALLROOM CAN ACCOMMODATE 400 PEOPLE FOR A BANQUET, 450 CLASSROOM-STYLE, 600 THEATER-STYLE AND 650 FOR A RECEPTION. A 3,900 -SQUARE-FOOT REDWOOD DECK AND TENT ACCOMMODATING UP TO 200 PEOPLE PROVIDE ALTERNATIVE MEETING SPACE. thrives in the desert conditions of the island. There’s a general sense of contentment and well-being that Aruba exudes, and that’s most apparent in its warm and welcoming people, who represent over 90 nationalities from more than 130 countries on the 70-square-mile island (a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands). Homebase Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa & Casino, located on Palm Beach among other high-rise hotels, is enjoying the completion of its first phase of the multimillion-dollar renovation. The 359 newly reconceptualized guest rooms were designed to make guests feel as though they’re staying in a private beach home. Natural light accentuates the room’s creature comforts, which include white oak furnishings, a handwoven wool rug and an oversized chaise lounge. Bathrooms were expanded and feature Kohler fixtures and a handy digital clock that’s inte grated in the backlit vanity mirror. The resort’s open-air lobby, with views of the aqua water and white sand beach in the distance, is a popular locale, with the Carnival-themed casino and ZoiA Spa, which uses hand-pressed oils and home-grown herbs in its services, nearby. The hotel’s dining outlets are diverse and plentiful. Ruinas del Mar pays homage to the island’s gold mining past; Mexicado (Aruba’s first Mexican restaurant) serves traditional and contemporary Mexican dishes; and Café Piccolo is a cozy Italian bistro with a woodfired, stone oven. Sunset specials are served Piet’s Pier Bar, and smoothies are just steps away from the white sand beach at Kadushi Juice Bar (freshly cut coconuts can be found here, too).
BRONWEN SMITH IS THE OWNER AND LEAD DESIGNER OF B FLORAL, AN EVENT DESIGN AND PRODUCTION FIRM IN NEW YORK CITY. RAISED IN MANHATTAN, SMITH GRADUATED FROM DUKE UNIVERSITY WITH A DEGREE IN ECONOMICS. IN 2010, SMITH FOUNDED B FLORAL, WHICH HAS EVOLVED INTO A TOP EVENT DESIGN AND PRODUCTION FIRM SPECIALIZING IN BRANDING AND CORPORATE EVENTS.
Throughout the space, guests were surround ed by a variety of floral arrangements filled with flowers such as dahlias, ranunculus, hydrangeas, orchids and roses in a rich red palette. In addition to these creations, cus tomized event installations drew guests to different areas of the space. We created a 3D elephant using moss and flowers as well as an assortment of floral balloons. A colorful photo booth backdrop was fabricated using patterned pinwheels in a mix of reds, blacks, golds and creams; attendees posed for photos all night long in front of the backdrop. Customized floral jewelry and accessories were on display and each guest was encour aged to wear a piece for the evening. We featured a mix of our signature pieces such as rings, cuffs, necklaces, earrings and bow ties. A combination of fresh and preserved flowers along with succulents and colorful feathers were used to create the accessories. A purple color scheme was the perfect complement to the circus Throughouttheme.the evening, guests enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres and sipped on a themed signature cocktail. As the sun set, draped string lights lit the patio, adding to the ambiance of the space. Before guests departed they received goodie bags containing a mix of items ranging from circus-themed animal crackers to mini vintage gumball machines. The B Floral team set out to highlight our production capabilities and transport guests into a sophisticated circus environ ment. Through the use of color, one-of-akind installations and an eye for detail, we threw an event worthy of a night under the big top. Get Connected B FLORAL | bfloral.com | events@bfloral.com
EVENT PROFILE B FLORAL’S CIRCUS SOIRÉE
WELCOME TO THE CIRCUS B Floral designs a whimsical event.
IMAGESSAGLIOCCO/GETTYMARK&PHOTOGRAPHYPOLIHROMLUKEBYPHOTOS
BY BRONWEN SMITH OUR CIRCUS SOIRÉE media event paid homage to the quintessential circus experience. The inspiration behind the event was our desire to put a modern spin on an old-fashioned circus. Entering the space, guests passed under a custom archway with the appearance of a red velvet curtain complete with playful lights. This installation perfectly set the tone for the theme of the evening and seamlessly transported guests into the whimsical space. To further immerse guests, cabanas found in the venue were fitted with red and white striped curtains to evoke the circus tent feel.
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WELLSTEAKHOUSESDONE
MEET & EAT
BY ROGER GORDON “WHERE’S THE BEEF?” was Wendy’s official slogan during the mid-1980s, but those who live in the Northeast certainly do not have to worry about finding that much-famed beef. Steakhouses are everywhere, and many of them offer private meeting and event space. We take a tasty look at two New York steakhouses, one in Philadelphia and another in New Jersey.
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STEAKHOUSEHOMESTEADOLD(OPPOSITE)NYC;WOLLENSKY&SMITHPHOTOS:
The names Smith and Wollensky were ran domly selected from a New York City phone book late at night. The first page turned to? Smith! Next? Wollensky! And a legendary steakhouse was born in 1977. Most groups begin their event with passed hors d’oeuvres and elaborate shellfish bou quets. For entrees, the New York cut sirloin, the filet mignon, the Scotti salmon and the lemon pepper chicken are the most popular selections for private events. There are four private event spaces that can accommodate groups ranging in size from 10-150 for a seated dinner or up to 200 for a cocktail party. The Derby Room can seat up
Smith & Wollensky is a classic New York City steakhouse.
SMITH & WOLLENSKY New York, New York “A steakhouse to end all arguments” is the motto at Smith & Wollensky, the quintessen tial American steakhouse. “Our guests enjoy visiting a true, classic New York City steak house that is regularly recognized among the city’s best,” says Denise Bryant, director of private events. “The fact that we invest in dry aging and hand-butchering our USDA Prime steaks speaks to the exemplary quality of our steakhouse dining experience. Our expansive wine list is another feature our clients truly enjoy having access to.”
Local steakhouses carve up nice cuts of meat.
NE.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 21 to 26 guests, the Club Room can seat up to 32 guests, the Brandy Room can seat up to 52 guests and the American Room can seat up to 60 guests. The American, Brandy and Club rooms can be combined for groups of up to 150 guests seated.
For an old-school steakhouse experience, look to the Old Homestead Steakhouse. Located in the heart of the Meatpacking District, which has become one of Manhattan’s trendiest neighborhoods for entertainment, culture, hospitality and nightlife, the restaurant has operated in the same place since opening its doors in 1868, making it the oldest steakhouse in New York City. “We stay true to that,” says Violeta Zuberi, director of special events. “It’s not modern by any means. We have red leather booths on the corners and a wooden bar, and the tiles are pretty old.” Popular entrees include the Japanese wagyu steak, the rib steak on the bone and the prime rib on the bone. The second-floor Library Room that can accommodate up to 25 guests seated and up to 30 standing. The Schnabel Room, also on the second floor, can host up to 15 guests seated. The entire second floor can accommodate up to 70 guests seated and up to 80 standing. The third floor can host up to 50 guests seated and up to 75 standing.
A mature, refined and fresh appearance with a level of sophisticated luxury is what greets guests at Barclay Prime. “The dining room has a modern library look with sleek bookshelves wrapped from wall-to-wall and stunning crys tal chandeliers draped elegantly throughout the room,” says Diane Farina, senior special event sales coordinator. “The bar/lounge has dark leathers, rich woods and geometric prints that create a sexy and comfortable ambience. The look is unlike any other steakhouse and The Schnabel Room at Old Homestead Steakhouse can accommodate 15 guests seated.
BARCLAY PRIME Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
New York, New York
OLD STEAKHOUSEHOMESTEAD
The Brick House has been a fine dining steak house and seafood restaurant for over 21 years, serving fine food to area patrons under the expert supervision of chef/owner Aldo Cascio.
The building dates back to 1851 and is one of Bergen County’s only examples of a Federal Greek Revival farmhouse. It offers guests his toric elegance and modern refinement. “We’re a fine-dining restaurant but casual at the same time,” says Nancy Ocampo, office manager. Favorite entrees include the Porterhouse steak, the New York strip steak and the T-bone steak. There are also a number of scrumptious seafood entrees, including the grilled whole bronzini and the Norwegian salmon fillet. “The food is great, and the ambiance is great,” Ocampo says. There are six private events spaces. The larg est can accommodate up to 180 guests both seated and standing. The smallest can host up to 20 guests seated and up to 40 standing.
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Prime has one private event space, which has its own private entrance from the street and is not accessible from the main restaurant. The private room is like having your very own restaurant held privately for an event. It can accommodate up to 40 guests seated and up to 65 standing. Guests have the option for a full restaurant buyout; it can be rented privately for a reception/seated dinner for up to 110 guests or a full reception of up to 150 guests.
Get Connected BARCLAY PRIME starr-restaurants.com | 267.238.3650
THE BRICK HOUSE thebrickhousewyckoff.com | 201.848.1211
OLD HOMESTEAD STEAKHOUSE theoldhomesteadsteakhouse.com | 212.242.9040
SMITH & WOLLENSKY smithandwollenskynyc.com | 212.753.1530
THE BRICK HOUSE Wyckoff, New Jersey
Barclay Prime’s dining room boasts a modern library aesthetic.
22 NEM+E | SPRING 2019 MEET & EAT STEAKHOUSES has an appeal that is warm and inviting. Guests feel the bar is a great, comfortable option for a casual after-work drink or even a full meal.” Popular entrees include the 8-ounce filet, the dry-aged New York strip and the dry-aged ribBarclayeye.
BY KEITH LORIA WHEN ONE THINKS OF A BOUTIQUE HOTEL, images of small, unique, tranquil properties usually come to mind. The Northeast is flush with both luxurious and quaint boutique hotels that offer not only exquisite places to stay, but also meeting and event space that can be utilized for parties, business conferences or small meetings outside of the workplace.
VENUE REPORT BOUTIQUE HOTELS
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HOTEL;BUNGALOWPHOTOS: HOTELARCHER(OPPOSITE)
These boutique hotels are contemporary, quirky and rich in local flavor.
Bungalow Hotel features photography from local artist Nicole Cohen.
SMALL BUT MIGHTY
A meeting room at the Archer Hotel Florham Park arranged classroom-style.
BUNGALOW HOTEL Long Branch, New Jersey
“Core to the Archer design philosophy is a distinct nod to the destination that each property calls home,” says John Tierney, gen eral manager. “We greet guests with a spirit of casual elegance—with lofted ceilings, exposed brick and artisanal ironwork.”
NE.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 25 ARCHER FLORHAMHOTELPARK
Archer Hotel Florham Park has over 8,600 square feet of flexible indoor event and meet ing space that integrates technology and style and over 5,200 square feet of outdoor enter taining“Thanksvenues.tothe hotel’s Complete Meeting Package at Archer Florham Park, an allinclusive package, it’s easy to plan and cus tomize any meeting experience,” Tierney says. “The Archer meeting experience also offers professional on-site A/V support from KVL and meeting notepads with quotes form notable locals.”
The only boutique hotel at The Green at Florham Park, Archer Hotel Florham Park boasts 161 guest rooms and suites featur ing artwork by local artists and a rotation of locally sourced turndown items.
Florham Park, New Jersey
The hotel can create a cocktail party for up to 85 people and 40 for a boardroom-style meeting, though it usually finds businesses with under 25 coming in and utilizing all the rooms as Groupswell.and meeting guests will also appre ciate the hotel’s location to Pier Village, which offers abundant shopping, restaurants, beach access and events year-round.
HOTEL FAUCHÈRE Milford, Pennsylvania Hotel Fauchère was founded as a summer hotel in 1852 by Louis Fauchère, who was a Francophone Swiss master chef at Delmonico’s Restaurant in New York City. The boutique hotel has maintained a reputation for superior cuisine for 166 years. “Our culinary legacy is exceptional,” says owner Sean Stub. “In 2007, the hotel was invited to become part of Relais & Chateaux, a prestigious global collection of 550 culinarydriven lodging and restaurant properties.”
The hotel offers 16 guest rooms, boast ing marble baths with heated towel racks, radiant heated floors, Molton Brown hair and skin amenities and high-quality Italian Frette bed and bath linens.
The Hotel Fauchère Meeting Center includes a large boardroom, two breakout rooms and a retreat area that is ideal for meet ings up to around 20 people. In addition, its three restaurant venues are also available on an exclusive basis for meetings or events and can accommodate up to 100 people, depend ing on the format of the meeting or event. The meeting center is about 1,600 square feet; the restaurant venues vary from 800 to 1,400 square“Ourfeet.Meeting Center’s technology is stateof-the art, with video monitors in every room, 100 wireless access points, projection, spider conference phone, whiteboards, supplies, etc.,” Stub says. “The ability to walk out of the meet ing and take a hike in the adjacent national park, or visit heritage attractions, galleries or shop in boutiques adds to the attractiveness of the venue. We also have a 600-acre private reserve, with a classic lodge, hiking, waterfalls and a mile of Class A trout stream available for our meeting clients.”
A group may have a day or two of meetings at the hotel and then want to have an outdoor dinner at the waterfall or team-building activi
Nestled in the emerging coastal town of Long Branch, Bungalow Hotel offers 24 rooms and is rich with art, featuring photography shot and curated by New Jersey photographer and artist Nicole Cohen. Julian Payne, general manager for the hotel, notes the recently opened Bungalounge—a converted ice cream shop—serves as a bar and lounge as well as private event space where meetings can also be held in any of its spa cious“Werooms.aretiny as far as room count and I think guests are surprised by that but our rooms are luxurious and large and our staff makes it really homey and people love that,” Payne says. “They built these originally as condominiums so the rooms are not what people expect.”
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26 NEM+E | SPRING 2019 VENUE REPORT BOUTIQUE HOTELS ties; and the hotel can work closely with clients to create the meeting schedule and activities that will help them achieve their objectives for the gathering.
HOTEL FAUCHÈRE hotelfauchere.com
ARCHER HOTEL
The
Get
MARCHOLEGGELSOBELLO;PAULPHOTOS:
“We also try to give our guests unique pro gramming that cater to current trends and our brand pillars,” Pino says. “Our Room 6o2—a biophilic suite—is a great example. As humans possess an innate tendency to see connec tions with nature, in this urban oasis, guests immerse themselves into a lush green space outfitted with an abundance of plants as living art installations, like a breathtaking display of hanging orchids over a soaking jetted tub.”
archerhotel.com/florham-park |
KIMPTON HOTEL PALOMAR PHILADELPHIA Carolina Pino, director of sales and marketing for the Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia, notes there are so many things that make the boutique hotel unique and special. “The journey starts right upon arrival when entering our stylish, design-centric art deco tower, which was the original Architects Building designed by Paul Philippe Cret,” she says. “We genuinely care to present overnight guests and meeting attendees with an atmo sphere brimming with timeless sophistication, an inviting spirit and a drop of wit, all while creating a sense of belonging in the vibrant city of WithPhiladelphia.”20guestroom floors and 230 artful guest rooms and suites, some with breathtak ing views of Center City, the hotel is family friendly, pet friendly and health conscious.
The Palomar features more than 6,000 square feet of newly renovated contempo rary event space, in eight distinctive meeting rooms, most of them located on its top floors with unrivaled skyline views and abundant natural light. “Our venues are suited for all types of gatherings, meetings and special events both intimate and grand,” Pino says. “On the second floor, Pei and Calder, accommo date smaller board meetings for 10-12 peo ple, while the 1,750-square-foot ‘penthouse’ Burnham Ballroom and its AIA Library, on the 25th floor, offer a stylish backdrop for up to 160 cocktail guests, an 80-attendee meeting, or 100-person Additionally,wedding.”theCretand Wright rooms, of about 700 square feet each, propose a dynamic setting for more intimate gatherings, whatever the occasion may be, for up to 50 attendees. “Our various setups allow each group with us to feel like they are the only one on prop erty. This plays really well with groups of a confidential or high-end nature or for those that need a lot of focus,” Pino says. “We also know how to throw a great celebration, too.” Connected FLORHAM PARK 862.286.7000 HOTEL bungalowhotel.net | 732.229.3700 | 570.409.1212 HOTEL PALOMAR PHILADELPHIA hotelpalomar-philadelphia.com 215.563.5006 Calder Room at Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia features a maple board table; Hotel Fauchère is ideal for corporate retreats (right).
NE.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 27 Must be 21 years of age or older to enter the Sands Casino. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER. MEETINGS | ENTERTAINMENT | DINING | OUTLETS | HOTEL THE MEETING PLACE When you choose a resort, you choose an experience beyond your meeting’s agenda. Sands Bethlehem is nestled amidst the gently rolling hills of Pennsylvania’s beautiful Lehigh Valley, we’re worlds away, yet only 90 minutes from New York City. Our dedicated Events Team is the best in the business. Let us guide you effortlessly through every phase of planning. We have what it takes to assure the most dynamic meetings – including over 12,000 sq ft of meeting space and 14,000 sq ft of tradeshow space which can be customized to your specifications. Our award-winning cuisine, lavish hotel rooms, plus high-energy nightlife and entertainment adds so much to your enjoyment. Book your meeting or conference today by contacting Alyssa Lippincott at 484.777.7497 or Alyssa.Lippincott@sands.com
28 NEM+E | SPRING 2019 AC Hotel New York Downtown MEDIAFUSIONPHOTOPHOTO:
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“New York City has the most active hotel development pipeline in the nation with an active inventory of 118,900 rooms at the end of 2018 and another 13,300 rooms expected to hit the market in 2019,” says Jerry Cito, senior vice president, convention development at NYC & CitoCompany.notesthat average occupancy rates are at 88 percent, also the highest in the country. “Demand continues to outpace supply, with occupancy remaining at a steady level and one that exceeds national averages,” he says. While occupancy is not forecasted, it is expected to grow accordingly with the record-breaking visitation that’s occurred for nearly a decade. “Developers continue to flock to the city because the demand is matching the growing inventory.”
With the increased inventory comes diversity. “New York City has something for everyone: from family-friendly accommodations, to budget and mid-tier offerings, splurge-worthy luxury stays, bou tique, design-centric hotels and big-box, brand name properties with a wealth of meetings space,” says Cito. “Business travelers and meetings delegates of every taste at every price-point will find an option perfectly suited to their needs.”
New brands like Public, MOXY and Hoxton hotels were big hits in 2018, according to Cito. “EDITION
BAIGRIEJAMES(OPPOSITE)BROOKLYN;HOTEL1PHOTOS: Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
NEWYORKCITY, fornineconsecutiveyears,hascontinuedtoseesteadygrowthintourism.In2018,65.2millionpeoplevisitedNewYorkCity,ascomparedto62.8millionvisitorsin2017.NYC&Companyispredictingmorethan67millionvisitorsin2019.AstourismcontinuestoriseinNewYorkCity,sodoesthedemandforaccommodations. 1
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge OPENED: February 2017 ROOMS/SUITES: 195 LOCATION: On the waterfront of Brooklyn Bridge Park along the East River DESIGN: Inspired by the industrial history of the neighborhood, with an interior out fitted by local artists, Brooklyn-made furnishings, native plants (including a floorto-ceiling green wall in the lobby) and reclaimed materials (including original heart pine beams from the former Domino Sugar Factory)
One of NYC & Company’s tasks is to spread the economic benefits of leisure tourism and convention travel across the five boroughs. “Our hotel zone map is a preliminary tool that planners can reference to determine how many rooms a given borough has and how much square footage for meetings, then nar row it down further to properties of interest within the existing inventory, as they begin exploring holding a convention here,” says Cito. “It’s a great online hub and I encour age planners to then take it a step further by contacting one of our unbiased, expert team members who can offer destination insights, assist with the RFP process and kick-start the planning process for a future convention.”
2018 TOURISM BY THE NUMBERS 65.2 million visitors, comprising 51.6 million domestic visitors and 13.5 million international visitors 37.7 million hotel room nights were sold citywide, generating $623 million in estimated hotel occupancy tax revenues
WEBSITE: 1hotels.com/brooklyn-bridge Get Connected NYC & COMPANY | nycgo.com/makeitnyc Times Square and TWA are highly anticipat ed for 2019 while Aman, Pestana, Sister City (part of ACE), RH New York, Virgin and the first-ever Equinox hotel (debuting at Hudson Yards) are all buzzy planned developments in the near future.”
MEETING & EVENT SPACE: 20,000 total square feet of indoor and outdoor space; the Screening Room seats 50 and features an 84-inch-by-140-inch screen with full HD digital projection; the Meadow Rue Event Space and Social Space offers almost 12,000 square feet of combined indoor and outdoor space for reception-style events up to 1,000 guests
TOP 5 INTERNATIONAL MARKETS: UK (1.24 million) China (1.1 million) Canada (1 million) Brazil (920,000) France (807,000)
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RESTAURANTS: The Osprey features market-driven American comfort food; Neighbors Café is stocked with Brooklyn products and serves coffee, tea, smoothies and grab-and-go options; Brooklyn Heights Social Club, the hotel’s 10th-floor lounge, serves signature cocktails and light bites; and the 1 Rooftop Garden & Bar, open seasonally, offers fresh cocktails and summer-inspired snacks.
RESTAURANT: Beer is at the center of TREADWELL PARK, the signature restaurant and bar. Food includes soft pretzels, burgers, pulled pork and jerk chicken.
OPENED: October 2018 ROOMS: 274 LOCATION: Financial District of New York City
NYC Hotel OPENED: September 2017 ROOMS: 105 LOCATION: A few blocks from Hudson Yards, Gotham West Market, the High Line, Javits Center and Times Square
WEBSITE: achoteltimessquare.com
AC Hotel New York Times Square
HOTEL;NYCBOUTIQUECACHETPARTNERS;IMAGECROSS/DRAGONFLYDYLANPHOTOS: SANDERSCHRISGAUT;ADRIAN(OPPOSITE)
RESTAURANTS: AC Kitchen serves a fresh European-influenced breakfast featuring sig nature baked croissants, artisan-cured meats, fresh fruit, Nespresso coffee, Spanish tapas and more; AC Lounge is an open and communal space serving handcrafted cocktails.
WEBSITE: events@cachetboutiquenyc.comcachethotels.com/boutique-newyork
MEETING & EVENT SPACE: 3,765 square feet
DESIGN: Architect Peter Poon was inspired by the movement of the East River, resulting in a geometric design in the hotel’s façade; the interior design by Kyi Gyaw, Philip Poon and Jude Smith reflects the personality of the neighborhood and includes a suspended Italian marble staircase at the entry and art installations by local artists Rachel Weiss and Thomas Hammer.
MEETING SPACE: 150-square-foot Board Room WEBSITE: hotel-new-york-downtownmarriott.com/hotels/travel/nyclf-ac-
OPENED: April 2018 ROOMS/SUITES: 290 LOCATION: Near the Garment District and a half-block from the Times Square public transportation hub
AC Hotel New York Downtown
AMENITIES: Fresh lavender sachets at turn down (freshly made each day), a 24-hour fitness center an AC Market featuring locally sourced items such as Hell’s Kitchen Hot Sauces
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RESTAURANTS: The beloved NYC restaurant Boqueria features a location-specific breakfast menu, large rotisserie, and timehonored lunch and dinner favorites from Catalan chef Marc Vidal; Castell, a yearround rooftop lounge, serves shareable plates, happy hour rituals and cocktails.
DESIGN: The hotel brings travelers the best of contemporary European architecture infused with the design-forward spirit of the NYC Fashion District, as interpreted by Helpern Architects; the purposeful design features a collection of artwork ranging from sculptures to abstract painting; the entrance lobby is 23 feet high with a large, open staircase illumi nated by a skylight shed roof.
MEETING & EVENT SPACE: Nearly 8,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meet ing and event space; Retreat (pictured) is a glass enclosed space with an atrium ceiling and outdoor terrace that can seat 60 or accommodate 80 cocktail-style (120 with terrace); Black Box is a raw, flexible space that can host 220 guests seated and 432 guests reception-style; Sky Deck is a discreet outdoor garden (75 seated, 150 cocktail-style); Bocce Club is an outdoor space with oversized games (25 seated, 50 cocktail-style)
Cachet Boutique
MEETING & EVENT SPACE: 6,900 square feet of flexible event spaces; Bowery Common is a semiprivate, multifunctional space for up to 12 guests; The Gallery is also ideal for intimate gatherings and meet ings, and the adjacent 5,000-squarefoot outdoor space Atlantic Garden, named after the historic beer hall that occupied the site in the 1850s, provides an ideal environment for monumental occasions with picturesque views of the Manhattan Bridge; The Crown, a rooftop bar nestled 21 stories above Chinatown, boasts a swanky setting for cocktail receptions.
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RESTAURANTS: The Crown on the 21st floor of the hotel serves Asian-centric cock tails and globally inspired small bites; Rice & Gold serves Asian-American fare.
WEBSITE: nyc/hotel-50-bowery-nyc/meetingsjdvhotels.com/hotels/new-york/ Freehand New York
MEETING & EVENT SPACE: There are six spaces available for private event use: Broken Shaker (225 standing and 156 seated); Simon & The Whale (65 seated or 70 cocktail-style); Studio (80 seated or 150 cocktail-style); George Washington Bar (25 seated or 50 cocktail-style); and Gallery and Game Room (30 and 25 respectively). The hotel can also host a full buyout of the entire Mezzanine level (2nd floor) for up to 300 guests which would include Studio, Gallery, Game Room and George Washington Bar.
NYC’SHOTEL BOOMHotel Bowery,50 a Joie de Vivre Hotel
OPENED: May 2017 ROOMS/SUITES: 229 LOCATION: Chinatown DESIGN: All rooms feature a contemporary aesthetic with subtle touches of Asian heritage. The hotel boasts abstract art work from local, Lower Manhattan art ists curated by Exhibition A as well as vintage black-and-white photographs of Chinatown from Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) collection.
OPENED: January 2018 ROOMS/SUITES: 395 LOCATION: Manhattan’s Flatiron District (housed in the former George Washington Hotel)
RESTAURANTS: Simon & The Whale is a lively neighborhood joint; Studio is an all-day restaurant and café; The George Washington Bar features small bites for every taste; Smile To Go, the off-shoot of the popular NoHo café, features a healthy, seasonal menu rooted in Mediterranean flavors; and Broken Shaker New York, located on the 18th-floor rooftop, features an eclectic assortment of handcrafted cocktails.
WEBSITE: alizhotel.com
AMENITIES: MOCA installed a permanent exhibit located on the hotel’s second floor in The Gallery. The 1,500-squarefoot exhibit, called the Heart of Chinatown, explores the history of Chinatown’s core streets and showcases many of the artifacts that were found at the hotel’s construction site.
DESIGN: Designers Roman and Williams bridged the gap between past and future, layer ing the work of emerging artists selected for Bard’s Freehand Art Commissions over the building’s meticulously restored interiors.
Aliz Hotel Times Square
OPENED: October 2018 ROOMS: 287 LOCATION: Midtown RESTAURANTS: Farm to Burger by Yves Jadot Restaurant Group on the main floor; Dear Irving on Hudson, a rooftop bar on the 40th and 41st floors, also by Yves Jadot Restaurant Group
WEBSITE: freehandhotels.com/new-york
AMENITIES: Cycling studio featuring Peloton, high-speed Elevators (1,000 feet per minute)
34 NEM+E | SPRING 2019 STAYPINEAPPLEPUBLIC;(OPPOSITE)JAMES;THEHENDRICKS;HOTELPHOTOS: Hotel Hendricks OPENING: Slated to open in spring 2019 ROOMS/SUITES: 176 LOCATION: Midtown, close to the Fashion District and Bryant Park DESIGN: Industrial-chic RESTAURANTS: Carbonara, the Latin-inspired restau rant; two rooftop bars MEETING & EVENT SPACE: Ideal for events of up to 120 guests; venues include rooftop bars and a charm ing garden; full on-site catering will be available. WEBSITE: hotelhendricksny.com The James New York –OPENED:NoMad June 2017 ROOMS/SUITES: 337 guest rooms, 25 suites and two Penthouses LOCATION: On the corner of 29th street and Madison Avenue RESTAURANTS: Scarpetta is LDV Hospitality’s signature restaurant concept now residing at The James New York – NoMad. The new Scarpetta features all its signature classics as well as menu enhance ments and an expansive bar and café. The Seville is a new craft cocktail lounge serving up classic cocktails with a twist, light bites, and live music performances and DJ sets nightly. MEETING & EVENT SPACE: 5,000 square feet of prime event space ideal for intimate business meetings, power lunches or large social gatherings. Four private meeting rooms as well as a Great Room that can accommodate up to 250 guests are available. WEBSITE: jameshotels.com
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MEETING & EVENT SPACE: Sophia is the 17th-floor pri vate event venue (1,650 square feet); Ava (850 square feet) is ideal for breakout meetings, inti mate dinners and cocktail receptions and is con nected to the 1,472-square-foot Sunrise Terrace; PUBLIC Kitchen is available for banquets (150) and receptions (125); Bowery Garden (2,000 square feet) is an expansive open-air terrace inspired by Tuileries Garden in Paris; Sal 1 (390 square feet) & Sal 2 (340 square feet) can be used separately or combined; and PUBLIC Arts (3,117 square feet) is an avant-garde multimedia performance space ideal for screenings, presen tations, live performances and receptions. WEBSITE: publichotels.com
Staypineapple, An Artful Hotel, Midtown New York
OPENED: January 2019 ROOMS/SUITES: 89 LOCATION: Midtown MEETING & EVENT SPACE: Two rooms with connecting terraces can be rented. WEBSITE: staypineapple.com
OPENED:PUBLICJune 2017 ROOMS/SUITES: 367 LOCATION: Lower East Side DESIGN: “It’s not shabby chic, retro, industrial, reclaimed or the ubiquitous Brooklyn look … it’s simplicity as the ultimate sophistication.” —Ian Schrager RESTAURANTS: PUBLIC Kitchen is the hotel’s main restaurant featuring a smoker, wood burning oven and wood burning grill. LOUIS, part gro cery, luncheonette, coffee shop and market, is the alternative, serving “slow food” in a casual way via counter service. The three bars, Diego, The Roof and Lobby Bar, each have its own vibe.
NYC’SHOTEL BOOM
JAGGERWARRENMITCHELL;DAVID(OPPOSITE)MARRIOTT;GILBERT;EMILYPHOTOS:
TWA Hotel
WEBSITE: twahotel.com
36 NEM+E | SPRING 2019
MidtownManhattan/NewCourtyardMarriottYorkWest
OPENING: Spring 2019 ROOMS/SUITES : 399 LOCATION: Across from Hudson Yards, New York’s up-and-coming project referred to as the “city within the city” MEETING & EVENT SPACE: 1,700 square feet of meeting space
WEBSITE: marriott.com
DESIGN: The hotel will preserve the iconic Saarinen terminal, restoring the landmark to its 1962 glory. Built by world-renowned architect Eero Saarinen, the TWA Flight Center opened in 1962 ushering in a new era of jet air travel. Unable to support the size of modern aircraft, the terminal was closed in 2001 and has remained dark for the last 16 years. The terminal was designated an NYC Landmark in 1994 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the New York State Register of Historic Places in 2005.
MEETING & EVENT SPACE: 50,000 square feet of conference, event and meeting space for up to 1,600 people; 200,000 square feet of flexible space in the for mer TWA terminal; 45 flexible event rooms
RESTAURANTS: Six restaurants and eight bars
OPENING: Spring 2019 ROOMS/SUITES: 512 LOCATION: JFK Airport; connected to JetBlue Terminal 5
MoxyChelseaNYC opened January 2019 and Moxy East Village is slated to open fall 2019.
Moxy NYC Downtown LEGASEA
MEETING & EVENT SPACE: 22,000 square feet of flexible events and meeting space; three 270-square-foot Studios framed in glass and copper can be combined for meetings, events or private parties; the custom Yabu Pushelberg–designed furniture in the Bar Moxy Lounge, also on the mezzanine, can be moved and reconfigured to adapt to a group’s size and purpose; LEGASEA features a private dining room that seats up to 20 guests; Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge includes 10,000 square feet of all-season indoor/outdoor event space.
Moxy OPENED:DowntownNYC
DESIGN: Polished concrete floors, exposed concrete columns, distressed brick walls, open ceilings, and beautiful millwork marry original historic elements with fresh and refined fin ishes. Communal public spaces are multipurpose, flexible, reconfigurable and furnished with an eclectic mix of bespoke Yabu Pushelberg–designed leather and canvas furniture. Bedrooms intermix style with functionality with multipurpose custom furniture that folds away, allowing guests to personalize their rooms for working, eating and entertaining.
RESTAURANTS: Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge is NYC’s largest indoor/outdoor hotel roof top lounge and bar features an “urban amusement park” concept; LEGASEA is a seafood dining outlet; Egghead is an egg-centric sandwich shop; Bar Moxy has an all-day menu of small bites and cocktails; and The Pickup offers on-the-go options.
November 2018 ROOMS/SUITES: 298 LOCATION: Financial District DESIGN: “At a time of exciting change and revitalization in the Financial District, we wanted to celebrate by looking back to the grunge and glamor of Downtown New York of the ‘70s and ‘80s, paying homage to the legendary downtown nightclubs and res taurants where the likes of Andy Warhol, Patti Smith and David Bowie went to hang out,” says Toni Stoeckl, global brand leader, Moxy Hotels; and vice president, distinctive select brands, Marriott International.
Moxy NYC Times Square
WEBSITE: moxytimessquare.com
NYC’SHOTEL BOOM
OPENED: September 2017 ROOMS/SUITES: 612 LOCATION: South of Times Square
NE.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 37
RESTAURANTS: Recreation from restaurateur and nightlife opera tor Jon Neidich of Golden Age Hospitality is a communal coworking space by day and a bar by night.
MEETING & EVENT SPACE: 5,000-square-foot play space and a 750-square-foot high school gym space WEBSITE: moxynycdowntown.com
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38 NEM+E | SPRIN G 2019 PEOPLE NEWS 41 HOTEL NEWS 44 SNAPSHOTS 46 PEOPLE PROFILE 48 Industry Update
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RESTAURANTSEQUIPMENTWATER-SAVINGWHATDOUSE? LOW-FLUSH TOILETS 44% FAUCET AERATORS* 27% HIGH-EFFICIENCY PRE-RINSE SPRAY VALVES 26% TANKLESS WATER HEATER 24% MOTION-ACTIVATED TOILETS OR FAUCETS 21% WATERLESS URINALS 11% Energy
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Restaurant and food service operators are integrating sustainability practices into their daily business operations. courtesy of National Restaurant Association WASTE NOT, WANT NOT T he National Restaurant Association examined what measures restaurateurs are taking to conserve resources and operate more sustainably. The association surveyed 500 restaurant owners and operators about their environmental efforts and sustainability opportunities and challenges within their operations. More than 1,000 consumers were also surveyed about the best methods for restau rants to promote sustainability practices to customers. The results show that restaurants of all types are innovating and making progress. From independent operators to large restaurant chains, the food service industry is reducing its energy and water consumption, minimizing waste creation, and connecting with envi ronmentally aware guests. Read the full study at research/research/state-of-restaurant-sustainability.restaurant.org/news& Water (including food account for nearly 15 percent of water United States, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WaterSense program. In a typical full-service restaurant, food preparation drives more than a third according to the EPA’s Energy Star Guide Cafés, Adding these cost about $3 each—can reduce hot-water a hand sink by 60 percent. The savings: Based on as little as 15 day, installing just one faucet aerator at a hand sink could save 9,000 gallons hot water year.
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NE.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 39 INFOGRAPHIC 61% of restaurant opera tors use programmable HVAC thermostats WasteManaging Consumer Insight Environment sustainability ranked as the No. 9 restaurant trend in the National Restaurant Association’s “What’s Hot” annual survey of American Culinary Federation chefs for 2018. PERCENT OF CONSUMERS WHO CONSIDER THESE IMPORTANT FACTORS WHEN THEY CHOOSE A RESTAURANT: 79% of restaurant operators use CFL or LED lighting PERCENT OPERATORSRESTAURANTOFTHAT USE ENERGYAPPLIANCES:STAR-RATED 46% REFRIGERATORS 41% FREEZERS 41% ICEMAKERS 25% DISHWASHERS 22% FRYERS Does the restaurant make efforts to reduce food waste? 55% Does the restaurant recycle things like plas tic, bottles and cans? 51% Does restaurantthedonateleftoverfoods? 50% Does the conserverestaurantenergyandwater? 45% Does the restaurant use friendlyenvironmentallypackaging? 45% PERCENT OF RESTAURANT OPERATORS THAT CITE THE FOLLOWING REASONS FOR NOT COMPOSTING FOOD WASTE: 39% LACK OF COMPOSTING FACILITY 36% INSUFFICIENT SPACE 27% TRANSPORTATION CONSTRAINTS 26% DON’T KNOW HOW TO GET STARTED 25% PEST OR ODOR CONCERNS 23% MANAGEMENT OR BUILDING CONSTRAINTS 15% LOCAL ORDINANCES AND REGULATIONS 31% OTHER/DON’T KNOW14%of restaurant operators say they compost at least some food waste 56%of restaurant operators say they buy at least some packaging or supplies that are certified as compostable 72%of restaurant operators say they buy at least some packaging or sup plies that contain recycled materials PERCENT OF RESTAURANTS THAT RECYCLE: 65% CARDBOARD AND PAPER 64% FATS, OILS AND GREASE 29% ALUMINUM OR METAL CANS 29% RIGID PLASTICS 26% GLASS
MPIMP DONATES TO RANDI’S HOUSE OF ANGELS Terry Cochran, president-elect of MPI Middle Pennsylvania Chapter (MPIMP), and Karen Rousche, mem ber of MPIMP, presented Nancy Chavez with Randi’s House of Angels a check of $1,630. MPIMP selected this organization as the recipient during a holiday luncheon in December. Donations were made by members and nonmembers dur ing the event along with a matching donation from the board.
40 NEM+E | SPRING 2019
“Understanding our patrons’ wants and needs was crucial to this upgrade which is why we have several of our clients here,” says Dean Dennis, general manager of the Atlantic City Convention Center. “The project has been planned for some time and we are pleased to be getting underway. At any given time, at least two sets (men’s and women’s) of restrooms will be under construction, and at times there may be up to four sets under construction at once. Communication to our clients and our guests while they are here is key; we intend to provide extra directional signage and limit the construction noise and traffic during the process to alleviate any inconveniences to our customers.”
BY THE NUMBERS ITEMS TO BE REMOVED: 20,000 SQUARE FEET OF ACOUSTICAL CEILINGS 260 TOILETS/CUBICLES 215 SINKS/FAUCETS 130 URINALS ITEMS TO BE INSTALLED: 40,000 SQUARE FEET OF WALL TILE 20,000 SQUARE FEET OF FLOOR TILE 1,800 MIRRORS/TOILET ACCESSORIES/LIGHTING NEWS»
CENTERCONVENTIONCITYATLANTICMPIMP;PHOTOS:
VENUE NEWS» Atlantic City Convention Center Restroom Renovation Underway Spectra, Meet AC and the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) have officially kicked off a $9.1 million restroom renovation project at the Atlantic City Convention Center. The proj ect, which will completely overhaul the venue’s 32 restrooms, is expected to be com pleted in September 2019. Spectra partnered with several organiza tions to design the new facilities, which have largely remained the same since the venue opened in 1997. The face-lift will modernize more than 20,000 square feet of space and will include the installation all new wall tile, floor ing, mirrors, toilets and lighting. The renovations support the venue’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification process, which is cur rently underway. The design includes new hands-free fixtures, auto-flush toilets, auto matic faucets and electric hand dryers. The new low-flow flush valves for toilets will be going from 1.6 gallons per flush (GPF) to 1.28 GPF, saving an estimated 100,000 gallons of water annually. In addition, each restroom will have individual climate controls to adjust the temperatures throughout the changing seasons and hot water circulators to improve hot water response efficiency.
“Randi’s House of Angels (RHOA) is pleased to receive this donation as the funding will support our new program, Randi’s Klubhouse, a 10-week evidence-based interactive therapeutic group for children ages 5-7 years who have experienced domestic violence. … It will require purchasing supplies such as books, yoga mats, blankets and other sup plies needed for this unique therapy group,” says Chavez.
ASSOCIATION
REGIONAL NEWS
1-800-33GRAND • grandhotel.com M ake Your M eeting grand For rates and other availability, contact: Director of Sales, Annie Farrell afarrell@grandhotel.com • 517-349-4600 Our Complete Meeting Package includes accommodations, a full breakfast and dinner daily, meeting rooms, AV equipment, Wi-Fi, coffee breaks and a dedicated convention manager. Plus, book 15 or more rooms and also receive: • One complimentary guest room • One welcome amenity • Half-price golf on The Jewel • A 45-minute evening reception to include beer, wine, champagne and light hors d’oeuvres
Endeavor Hospitality Group Appoints Vice President of Sales and Marketing New York-based hotel management company Endeavor Hospitality Group recently announced the appoint ment of Shannon Colbert as vice president of sales and marketing. Colbert joined the team in early 2018 and is accountable for all areas of sales, marketing, revenue generation and revenue management for the hospital ity group and its properties. She is based out of the company’s Midtown Manhattan headquarters.Colbertspent five years as the director of sales and marketing for Hazens Group, Pyramid Hotels, a hotel group with over 100 hotels and resorts under their hotel and asset management umbrella. She previous ly honed her hospitality skills in a senior management capacity with Viceroy Hotel Group’s Avalon Beverly Hills, and The Ambrose Collection in Santa Monica. She began her hospitality career as a regional group sales manager for Bacara Resort and Spa in Santa Barbara, California. “I feel so at home with Endeavor Hospitality Group and inspired by how our properties are coming to life,” says Colbert. “Our leadership team has come together better than I could have imagined, and we can’t wait to add more top talent to our roster as our properties near completion.”
NE.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 41 PEOPLE NEWS»
“We are very pleased to have Shannon on-board to help launch our company,” says Chief Operating Officer Tom Xavier. “Shannon is a savvy hotelier, with a cre ative and deliberate approach to marketing which makes her the perfect addition to our team. She is a strong sales leader with a proven track record of success.”
42 NEM+E | SPRING 2019 REGIONAL NEWS
NYC & Company Board of Directors Vice Chairman Charles Flateman and Discover Puerto Rico CEO Brad Dean signed the new agreement at an event hosted by Lin-Manuel Miranda. “As Puerto Rico continues its recovery, NYC & Company is pleased to do its part to further encour age visitation from New York City to Puerto Rico,” says Flateman. “Now, more than ever, we need to support and celebrate the island while also creat ing economic impact for the destination. We are honored to work alongside Discover Puerto Rico to communicate that it’s open for business and welcom ing travelers.”
TOURISM NEWS» NYC & Company and Discover Puerto Rico Team Up NYC & Company and Discover Puerto Rico, the island’s newly established destination marketing organization, signed a first-ever official partner ship to boost tourism between New York City and Puerto Rico. The new one-year alliance includes a collaboration agreement between Puerto Rico and New York City, the exchange of marketing assets to boost reciprocal travel, the sharing of best practices in tourism marketing, and continued sup port of Puerto Rico’s successful recovery following Hurricane Maria.
CVB MEET GROWTHRECORDSAC
IN 2018 Meet AC and the Atlantic City Sports Commission reported another record year in booking future meeting and convention business for Atlantic City. In 2018, Meet AC booked a total of 238 meetings and conventions representing 371,996 future hotel room nights for Atlantic City. The group tour market was part of the overall booking num ber, attracting 44,452 hotel room nights. The number of future convention del egates to Atlantic City will reach over 547,862 with a projected economic impact of more than $349 million. Meet AC, whose funding comes from the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA), had a 2018 operating budget of $7.2 million. Those funds come from the luxury tax revenue. Meet AC reported that for every $1 of luxury tax revenue that Meet AC invests, they are return ing $48 to Atlantic City’s economy.“MeetAC has exceeded our room night goals for the fourth consecutive year and 2019 should be no exception as we are well positioned to have another banner year in definite bookings,” says Jim Wood, president and CEO for Meet AC. “Meet AC looks forward to growing with the destination as redevel opment and investment continues to diversify our economy. We are eager to continue to grow our meet ings footprint and confirm why Atlantic City is heading towards being named a top meeting destination.”
“This partnership is deeply personal for me as it formally bridges two of the most fundamental parts of my identity,” says Miranda. “As a first generation New Yorker with parents from Puerto Rico and fam ily on the island, I’ve always felt a special connection not only to my life in upper Manhattan but with my roots and summers spent in Vega Alta, Puerto Rico. I do not exist without both or either. [This] public commitment and bond between these two places that I hold so dear could not be more meaningful.” Currently, there are approximately 26 flights between the New York City area and Puerto Rico daily.
SCHAERJULIENNEPHOTO:
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“Our partnership with NYC & Company is unprecedented and will help take our strategic tourism efforts to the next level,” says Dean. “We are working aggressively to elevate Puerto Rico’s brand and make it visible to the world as a premier travel destination. Puerto Rico is open for busi ness and eager to share its rich and diverse culture with visitors. Our entire island is brimming with festivals, events, attractions and natural beauty that are waiting to be discovered ... Puerto Rico is ready to celebrate.”
NE.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 43 Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. MOUNTAIRYCASINO.COM ∙ 1-877-MTAIRY-1 Pennsylvania’s first AAA Four-Diamond casino resort, Mount Airy now offers more fun and more luxurious hotel rooms than ever before. With a 20,000 sq. ft. expanded event center and 100 additional rooms, you can experience everything that makes Mount Airy Casino Resort Spa extraordinAIRY. AN EXTRAORDINAIRY EXPANSION NOW OPEN
New York LaGuardia Airport Marriott Completes Renovation
york-laguardia-airport-marriottmarriott.com/hotels/travel/lgaap-new-
New York LaGuardia Airport Marriott has completed a $30 million, full-scale prop erty renovation that included the 443 guest rooms and suites, MClub lounge, 15,000 square feet of meeting space, and 19,000 square feet of public spaces. The hotel’s new elevated look and feel was imagined by SoHo-based luxury hospitality design firm Krause Sawyer and celebrates Queens’ 120plus nationalities and cultures. The renovation coincides with a reinvention of the 80-year old LaGuardia airport and surrounding areas which includes a new, modern look, as well as improved access to the facility. The property also introduced its new signature Ditmar’s Bar and Grill. The three-meal restaurant features a menu of modern American fare with regional influences, as well as an extensive wine list and beer selection including eight draft beer varieties. Menu highlights include a selection of quick bites includ ing avocado toast with salsa fresca and cilantro crème, and Cuban spring rolls served with mustard dipping sauce; shareable items such as lobster grilled cheese, Buffalo shrimp flatbread pizza, and open-faced pulled pork sliders; and entrees that include pan seared salmon with quinoa barley pilaf and avocado cream sauce, and a classic filet mignon with bordelaise sauce, herb steak butter and fingerling potatoes.
44 NEM+E | SPRING 2019 REGIONAL NEWS HOTEL NEWS»
GAUDET;GUILLAUMEHAM;DANPHOTOS: HERSHEYHOTELTHE(OPPOSITE)
“The property has been completely transformed and is effectively a new hotel that should appeal to business and leisure travelers and the community seeking a stylish experience in a great location. Ditmars Bar & Grill adds a spec tacular destination dining option which aligns with our vision for this property,” says Marc Gordon, principal of Rubicon.
The Hotel Hershey Awarded 2018 “Best Historic Resort”
AWARDS SUCCESSFUL MEETINGSWHEREAND EVENTS ARE ALWAYS IN-SEASON From corporate retreats to big time concerts to antique car shows, and everything in between, its no wonder year after year meeting and event planners choose the Wildwoods Convention Center! • 75K square foot exhibit arena, a 12K square foot Ballroom and 10-Meeting Rooms • 380 – 10’ x 10’ exhibit booth space or seating for up to 7,500 • Modern amenities / State-of-the-art communication systems • Full in-house Catering/Concession services • Adjacent to the world-famous Wildwoods Boardwalk and 5 miles of FREE white sand beaches • On-site parking for over 700 vehicles • 30K square feet of pre-function space • Free Wi-Fi for attendees To schedule your next meeting or event, call us at 800-992-9732 or visit us at WildwoodsCC.com Impactful. Regional. AFFORDABLE. Get your business in front of meeting and event professionals. LAURIE BURGER 586.416.4195 | laurie.burger@tigeroak.com GSMAGS.COM 2018 HISTORY ON THE HUDSON MIX PAST AND PRESENT IN TARRYTOWN, NEW YORK ENTERTAINERS Hiring the perfect event entertainment BLOOMING BEAUTIES GARDENS ARE GORGEOUS EVENT BACKDROPS is a team effortBest of 2018BEST CONVENTION CENTER, NEW VENUE, CVB OR DMO, MEETING/EVENT PLANNING COMPANY,ENTERTAINMENT/PERFORMER, A/V PROVIDER & MORE MEETINGSMAGS.COM FALL NORTHEASTMEETINGSEVENTSWINTER2019 NE.MEETINGSMAGS.COM DESTINATIONGUIDEOFLORIDA MEETINGSMAGS COM NTER 2019 HeadFINDTHEFLORIDADESTINATION South THAT’SJUSTRIGHTFORYOURGROUP STEEL CITY Pittsburghisstrongerthanever SKI BREAK Meetslopesideatthese4skiresortsNE.MEETINGSMAGS.COM EVENT PROFILE » DESSERT GOALS TREND REPORT » BEVERAGE TRENDS DESTINATION » POCONO MOUNTAINS FEATURE » F&B TRENDS Coming Next Issue:
The Hotel Hershey boasts 276 guest rooms and 25,000 square feet of meeting and func tion space. The property is a member of Historic Hotels of America.
The Hotel Hershey has been named “Best Historic Resort” by Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide. The hotel was selected from six nominated properties for the award, which is presented annually to a historic resort that best celebrates its history in the guest experience.
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The Hotel Hershey was honored last November at a ceremony at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The award was presented before an audience of more than 200 industry leaders, owners, senior manage ment, and representatives of the finest historic hotels from across America and from around the“Everyworld. day is an honor to represent and work at this beautiful resort created by our company’s founder, Milton S. Hershey,” says Bill Hendrix, general manager of The Hotel Hershey. “Our team is proud to be named ‘Best Historic Resort’ by Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide. To be recog nized by these organizations and our industry peers is representative of the hospitality our employees provide day in and day out.”
Approximately 4,000 business event strategists and industry leaders were in Pittsburgh for sessions covering innova tion, design, leadership and technology. Approximately 1,200 tuned into the livestreamed programming. Billie Jean King, Seth Godin, Geena Davis, Steve Pemberton and Kjell Nordstrom, Ph.D., were among 138 experts, advocates, industry leaders and celebrities to address theConveninggroup. Leaders generated an esti mated $6 million in economic value for the Pittsburgh region. “We were able to demonstrate to events planners from around the world that Pittsburgh is a firstclass host destination,’’ says Craig Davis, president and CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH. The PCMA Foundation raised more than $300,000 through on-site fundrais ing projects including its annual Party With a Purpose. —Photos by Jacob Slaton Photography 1. Lyndsey Smith performs. 2. A surprise appearance from Pittsburgh native Joe Manganiello. 3. Gregory O’Dell, 2019 PCMA Chair. 4. Actor and activist Geena Davis. 5. Billie Jean King, tennis pioneer. 6. Magician Lee Terbosic. 7. A visual representation of Davis’ talk on eradicat ing gender inequality in the media. 8-9. Attendees at Party with a Purpose. 4 2
PCMA’s Convening2019Leaders
PCMA’s flagship event, Convening Leaders, brought industry professionals from 36 countries to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Jan. 6-9 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. “We built this confer ence around the theme Disrupt + Deliver because that’s what the industry needs and wants,’’ says PCMA President and CEO Sherriff Karamat. “We leave here with a greater commitment and better under standing of how business events can and must drive economic and social progress.’’
SNAPSHOTS PCMA’S 2019 CONVENING LEADERS
46 NEM+E | SPRING 2019 PHOTOGRAPHYSLATONJACOBPHOTOS:SUBMIT YOUR EVENT PHOTOS To have your meeting or event photos featured here, contact the editor at morgan.halaska@tigeroak.com. 7 8 9 6 31 5
It’s where everything comes together. Where meetings are conducted with rhythm and grace. Where even before you meet and shake hands, you all begin to realize that you’re in a pre y great place. pleasure doing business TraverseCity.com
48 NEM+E | SPRING 2019 ZELLMANNTRACIILLUSTRATION:
“I believe in looking at an opportunity holistically. To be able to move the needle for women on a personal and global level is something I find extremely rewarding.” Repoli cherishes working with her small yet highly productive team to make a posi tive impact on the lives of women working in travel-related industries. She’s happy to report that GBTA’s recent acquisition of WINiT allows her to spend even more time supporting and connecting with her team.
BY JOSEPHINE WERNI D awn Repoli joined WINiT, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting women in travel-related industries, six months after it launched and has played a central role in its establishment. Now, four and a half years later, she’s guiding WINiT through the momentous transition of being acquired by the Global Business Travel Organization (GBTA).
Although Repoli’s responsibilities may change, the foundation of her work remains the same: She evaluates where WINiT stands and identifies the steps it needs to take to reach its goals. This involves the close management of many different people, programs and initiatives. To stay focused, Repoli relies on compartmentaliz ing, steady scheduling, Google docs, Post-it notes and regular exercise.
WINiT, she explains, empowers the indi vidual in order to elevate companies and travel-related industries.
“Because WINiT is now a business unit within GBTA, I am able to give more atten tion to creating professional development resources and programs and put even more focus on the people who comprise the WINiT network,” Repoli says.
Get Connected
WINIT BY GBTA winitforwomen.org | info@winitforwomen.org
PEOPLE PROFILE DAWN REPOLI
WOMANWONDER
WINiT Vice President Dawn Repoli leads her team through exciting changes with GBTA.
“I always run through a daily list: people first. Then events, programs, operations, new ideas, funding and then back to the beginning again,” Repoli says. In addition to being the first concern on her to-do list, people fuel Repoli’s passion for her work.
Contact us to learn more about Meet AC’s attractive Convention Center and city-wide incentive plans! Call 1-844-855-6338 or visit meetac.com today! Incentives Highly-competitive Room and Meeting Cost Incentives Special Midweek Bonus Incentive Programs Meet AC Booking & Professional P lanning Support 2019-2021 New Group or Convention Bookings EXPERIENCE ATLANTIC CITY’S
thekartrite.comgroups@thekartrite.com Monticello845.397.2500NY resort & indoor waterpark THE KARTRITE RESORT CATSKILLS, OPENING MARCH 2019 A DISTINCTIVELY DIFFERENT PLACE TO MEET Meetings and conferences at a new level - absolutely! 324 suites with a flair for fun are anything but the usual conference hotel rooms. Signature restaurants showcase local farm to table. Inspired meeting spaces. And everyone’s a kid again at New York’s biggest indoor waterpark. Adult time at NY’s newest casino - Resorts World Catskills. Yep - distinctively different and well above the norm. The Kartrite is a convenient 90-minute drive from most of NYC, NJ and Connecticut with inbound flights from Newark and Newburgh from well - just about everywhere.
