MEETINGSMAGS.COM // SPRING 2020 THERE’S A LOT TO LOVE IN PHILADELPHIA BETTER SAFE PRO TIPS ON PLANNING FOR THE WORST {28} Friendly City ORIN-HOUSEOUT? On yourchoosingA/Vprovider
WE MEETINGSDO differently. thekartrite.comgroups@thekartrite.com Monticello845.397.2500NY resort & indoor waterpark
THE KARTRITE RESORT CATSKILLS A DISTINCTIVELY DIFFERENT PLACE TO MEET Break the norm. And head past the typical. You won’t be one of the masses hearded into a mega resort. Instead, you are smart and stylish. You want a think tank, boutique resort with a fully dedicated team building program - a place to work, laugh and bond together like nowhere else. Suites with a flair for fun. Signature eateries showcasing local cuisine. Flexible meeting spaces that inspire creativity. A brand new, exciting indoor waterpark and Hi Tech adventure zone. And it’s all just down the road from New York’s newest and hottest casino - Resorts World Catskills. Yep - this is different and way above the norm. The Kartrite is a convenient 90-minute drive from most of NYC, NJ and Connecticut.
2 NEM+E | SPRING 2020 MACLEODPATRICKFERRANTRAITE;ISTOCK.COM/@PHOTOS: Spring 2020 NORTHEAST MEETINGS + EVENTS MAGAZINE: IN THIS ISSUE 6 EDITOR’S LETTER 22 EVENT PROFILE Haute Dokimazo’s Secret Family Reunion whisked away attendees from the TWA Hotel to Tuscany. By Morgan Halaska 24 DESTINATION Philadelphia is on the rise as a meetings and events destina tion. By Irene Levy Baker 48 PEOPLE PROFILE Emily Schmalholz took her production chops from TV to events at The Capitol Theatre. By Mike Munzenrider DEPARTMENTS 22 FEATURE 28 What Could Go Wrong? Emergency management experts and professionalseventtalktips, tools and top-of-mind concepts to keep events safe and running smoothly. By Megan Gosch 24
4 NEM+E | SPRING 2020 44 2020Spring MEETING NOTES 9 ON-THE-SPOT SWAG Glowforge creates meaningful moments at events with 3D laser printers. By Kassidy Tarala 10 BEYOND THE BORDERS Discover The Palm Beaches. By Morgan Halaska 12 EXPERT ADVICE How to plan a successful off-site or cor porate retreat. By Mary Passalacqua 14 F&B The Kitchen by Entourage Events Group travels to you. By Hannah Cullen 18 TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITY Thrillz boasts adrenaline-boosting fun. By Dinneen Graff 20 TIPS FROM A PRO Selecting the right audio-visual provider is critical. By Susan Dunkelman INDUSTRY UPDATE 34 INFOGRAPHIC Kimpton’s 2020 Culinary & Cocktails Trend Forecast identifies the F&B trends to watch this year. Research courtesy of Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants 36 REGIONAL NEWS What’s happening in the local industry. Compiled by Morgan Halaska 46 SNAPSHOTS Photos from ILEA New York Metro Chapter’s EVENTellect ON THE COVER Philadelphia’s a rising star of a city with plenty of meeting and event offerings. Photo by PIXELLAB 3610 LANCASTERATPLOUGHMORENO;MORISPHOTOS: PIXELLABSQUARE;PENNATMARRIOTTTHERE’S A LOT TO LOVE BETTER SAFE PRO TIPS ON PLANNING FOR THE WORST {28} Friendly City On choosing Any Port in a Storm, courtesy of Plough at Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square pg 16
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/NEMEETINGSMAGS @NEMEETINGSMAGS /MEETINGSMAGS /MEETINGSEVENTSMAGS EDITOR'S LETTER
6 NEM+E | SPRING 2020 NADEAURACHELPHOTO:
Morgan Halaska, editor Ready for Anything
I’M A BIG BELIEVER IN MURPHY’S LAW: Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. The adage might sound pessimistic, but it’s a useful reminder of the importance of being proactive. You know that, as planners, you must plan for the worst-case scenario. If you don’t, then not only will it happen, but you’ll also be completely unprepared. In our planning for contingencies feature on page 28, we talk to experts who live by Murphy’s law every day.
Speaking of expert planning: What would you say to signing up for an event without knowing where you were going until you boarded your flight? Haute Dokimazo’s Secret Family Reunion did just that, whisking away 80 professionals to Tuscany, all while keeping the details under wraps. It was an event like no other—read more about how Nicole Osibodu and Liz Lathan pulled it off on page 22. This issue’s Destination takes us to Philadelphia. Irene Levy Baker, author of “100 Things to Do in Philadelphia Before You Die” and “Unique Eats & Eateries of Philadelphia,” fills us in on all the city’s happenings, from the new Four Seasons Hotel to the Museum of the American Revolution, its newest museum. Turn to page 24 for the full story.
Lastly, this is my final issue as editor of Northeast Meetings + Events magazine. It has been a pleasure to cover the region’s amazing meetings and events industry, and the dedicated people and innovative companies that make it run. Thank you for reading, subscribing and providing insight into this wildly creative field. 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 7 EDITOR Morgan Halaska SE NIOR EDITOR Megan Gosch ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lauren Pahmeier C ONTRIBUTING WRITERS Susan Dunkelman, Mike Munzenrider, Mary Passalacqua, Kassidy Tarala, Irene Levy Baker EDITORIAL INTERNS Hannah Cullen, Dinneen Graff 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, Olivia Curti PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Dianne Talmage PROJECT COORDINATORS Brittni Dye, Kristina Vis C IRCULATION DIRECTOR Jeremy Wieland SUBSC RIPTION MARKETING SPECIALIST Josh Jaskulka ACCOUNTS PAYABLE Chris Adamietz C REDIT MANAGER April McCauley ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE SPECIALIST Jared Lawson DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER Kristin Mastantuono W EB ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Angela Beissel ASSOC IATE 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 • 612.548.3148 Mountain Meetings • 303.617.0548 Northwest Meetings + Events • 253.732.7133 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 C HIEF OPERATING OFFICER 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 2020 © 2020 Tiger Oak Media. All rights reserved Printed in the U.S.A. SPRING 2020 ne.meetingsmags.com AT your FINGERTIPS. INDUSTRY------------CALENDAREVENTSLATESTNEWS------------PEOPLENEWS---------BI-MONTHLYUPDATESSUBSCRIBEforFREEat MEETINGSMAGS.COM OUR E-NEWSLETTER
State Theatre New Jersey
Glowforge creates meaningful moments with 3D laser printers.
NE.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 9
LIKE MAGIC, Glowforge can bring your attendees’ digital design dreams to life with its 3D laser printers. From phone stands and luggage tags to key chains and coffee sleeves, Glowforge can print customized souvenirs for each of your attendees to take home after what will be one of the most memorable events they’ve ever experienced.
Attendees can create their own designs by doodling with a pen, and Glowforge can then engrave their designs on anything from a notebook to a luggage tag. “Meeting planners can also leverage Glowforge to make a ton of swag, corporate giveaways and event marketing items right from the office or home ahead of the conference to shave costs and time associated with outsourcing event preparation,” Shapiro adds. With materials costing about 25 cents per person, Glowforge uses leather, wood, acrylic and even chocolate to create customized souvenirs in less than five “Glowforgeminutes.can print any souvenir you can think up within minutes. This means you can print trophies for the team members who drove the most leads right in front of them. Or you can challenge the team to a team-building activity to see who can come up with the most creative design to print on a Glowforge,” Shapiro says. “You can also quickly commemorate the event on the spot by adding the date and a theme of the meeting onto a keepsake for folks to take home. The possibilities are truly endless.”
MEETING MAGIC
Meeting Notes
“There are a ton of ways meetings planners can use Glowforge printers at meetings and events,” says Dan Shapiro, CEO and founder. “Glowforge printers on an expo floor are sure to wow attendees and get them engaged at any event. We’ve seen Glowforge printers drive booth traffic, drawing constant streams of people coming to a booth to watch.”
PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION F&B 14 SIGNATURE DRINK 16 TEAM-BUILDING 18 TIPS FROM A PRO 20 GLOWFORGEPHOTO:
—Kassidy Tarala
MarinelifeLoggerheadCenter
The Downtown Convention District features 1,200 guest rooms within 1.2 miles, with Palm Beach International just 3 miles away.
Rosemary Square, across the street from the center, is an indoor/outdoor mixed-used space packed with local businesses and dining. Sustainability initiatives are prevalent— solar trees from FPL SolarNow line the path way to the Palm Beach County Convention Center, providing shade while harnessing the sun’s power and generating emissions-free energy. Groups can work environmental edu cation into agendas, as Gumbo Limbo Nature Center protects and rehabilitates sea turtles and clothing maker 4ocean cleans the sea and coastline. Both culture and luxury are abun dant here, making it a destination like no other.
On Water Waterstone Resort & Marina—the only FourDiamond boutique hotel in Boca Raton—over looks both the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway. Its location is reflected in its dining experiences (headed by chef Kelley Randall) and meeting spaces. The 4,650-square-foot Atlantic BEYOND THE BORDERS» FANCY & FRUITFUL
Connectedness remains a theme in The Palm Beaches. The Brightline, a high-speed train soon to be called Virgin Trains USA, links West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami, with connections to Orlando planned for 2022.
BY MORGAN HALASKA
PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION
COMMUNITYBEACHPALMWESTBEACHES;PALMTHEDISCOVERPHOTOS: PHOTOGRAPHYBRANTLEYBAIGRIE;JAMESAGENCY;REDEVELOPMENT
The Palm Beaches offer an abundance of sunshine, sand and meeting space in southeast Florida.
THE REPUTATION OF “AMERICA’S FIRST RESORT DESTINATION” often precedes itself, with images of the wealthy vacationing in The Palm Beaches, which consists of 39 cities in southeast Florida. But dig deeper and you’ll discover humble roots. Considered the vegetable heartland of the country, agriculture is the area’s No. 1 economic driver and responsi ble for connecting the southeast of the state to the west. Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa Northwood Village
10 NEM+E | SPRING 2020
Opened Feb. 13, The Ben is West Palm Beach’s only waterfront hotel, overlooking Palm Harbor Marina; its rooftop ballroom is the only of its kind in the city. True of all Marriott Autograph Collection hotels, the 208-room boutique pulls inspiration from the area’s histo ry. Its namesake, the Ben Trovato Estate, got its moniker from the Italian phrase “se non è vero, è ben trovato,” which means, “even if it isn’t true, it’s a good story.” Owner, socialite and author Byrd Spillman Dewey’s knack for hospitality and storytelling permeates The Ben, making for a comfortable and inspiring stay.
thepalmbeaches.com/meetings
Ballroom features floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook both bodies of water. Watersport rent als and chartered excursions are available from the marina, including Palm Breeze Charters, which picks up at the hotel and cruises the manicured Intracoastal Waterway.
There are more than 3,200 restaurants in The Palm Beaches; here’s a small but tasty sampling.
STEEL TIE SPIRITS: The largest craft distillery in the Southeast United States serves high-quality spirits and offers a Cocktail Academy, teaching guests when to shake and when to stir. Co-owner Ben Etheridge has built a community here through his tireless work to change the state’s distill ery laws. GRANDVIEW PUBLIC MARKET: There’s some thing for everyone in this 13,000-squarefoot space that supports chefs, artists and entrepreneurs in their epicurean experimentation.
LOUIE BOSSI’S: Whether it’s the Neapolitan pizza or homemade pasta, there’s no going wrong any way you order from this authen tic Italian restaurant from chef Louie Bossi.
While the 47 miles of beach are a major draw, there are plenty of land-based activities for groups. Lion Country Safari is Palm Beach County’s largest tourist attraction. The 1,000plus animals, while controlled and monitored, roam naturally through the preserve. VIP driving tours take guests behind the scenes, allowing them to pet a rhino’s surprisingly soft underbelly, observe chimps’ quirky behavior and more. Drive Shack is a three-level sports and social entertainment complex full of gam ing and golf for social events and team-build ing activities in West Palm Beach. With 96 climate-controlled driving bays, a rooftop and full-service restaurant and bar, Drive Shack is a popular option that caters to groups of any size. One of the best ways to experience Palm Beach is with the charismatic Leslie Diver, who guides driving, biking and walking Island Living Tours. Covering topics that range from architecture to the lowdown on residents both famous and infamous, Diver goes deep with facts and stories. Get Connected DISCOVER THE PALM BEACHES
Featuring the “happy chic” design of Jonathan Adler, Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa is a bright and luxe stay located on 7 acres of oceanfront. One of eight Forbes Five-Star resorts in Florida, guests are offered a glass of bubbly upon arrival and have access to the 42,000-square-foot Eau Spa, which is all about self-care and playful relaxation.
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On Land
ResortWaterstone&Marina Food & Drink
RH ROOFTOP RESTAURANT: Restoration Hardware’s four-level retail concept fea tures a rooftop culinary experience that is as delicious as it is impeccably designed.
THE REGIONAL KITCHEN & PUBLIC HOUSE: Chef Lindsay Autry delights with her southern fare; don’t pass on the pimento cheese that’s prepared tableside.
FARMER’S TABLE: True to its name, sustainabil ity-focused food is served from an environ mentally friendly kitchen.
» Is an all-inclusive package to remain on-site preferable or do you want one that allows flex ibility to see the town, enjoy local restaurants or go sight-seeing?
» Consider the size, setup and floor plan and whether you’ll need to change the layout to support different sessions if your meeting will be on multiple days.
» Plan if key members get pulled away or unexpected matters arise at the office.
PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION
» Arrange a car service to circumvent potential driving concerns in unfamiliar locations.
Define your team-building goals—are they purely recreational or is the objective to build trust, take on new challenges or forge new relationships? Make sure the designated activities appeal to everyone or offer differ ent choices to prevent disappointments. For example, an afternoon round of golf may interest some, but others may prefer to go on a group hike or bike ride. Have a backup plan such as a team cooking class in case a sched uled outdoor activity must be cancelled due to inclement weather.
Vet the Venue and Location
Should Meet Your Requirements
MARY PASSALACQUA is the owner of Woolverton Inn, a historic country estate property in Stockton, New Jersey. Prior to becoming an inn owner, she was a finance executive for Fortune 100 companies, where she organized and attended numerous off-site corporate business meetings across the U.S. and in Europe. A Select Registry member, Woolverton Inn hosts year-round retreats, B&B guests, weddings and other special events.
Orchestrate Effective TeamBuilding Activities
How to plan a successful off-site or corporate retreat. BY MARY PASSALACQUA
» Confirm the necessary technical equipment and supplies—decide what you’ll need and what you will bring such as HDMI, MAC connectors, a speakerphone, easels, flip charts or projectors. Develop a Rapport with your Meeting Contact Once your meeting is booked, the facility should assign a main contact person who is responsible for pertinent aspects so it goes smoothly. Communicate with this person on an ongoing basis to develop a mutual understanding of expectations concerning your agenda and requirements. Ideally, your attendees will focus on the meeting topics and let your on-site contact be your coordinator once the group arrives. Provide participants’ contact information (e.g. emails, office and cellphone numbers) for questions, changes, issues or in case of an emergency. Inform your contact of any changes to the agenda, additional attendees or late arrivals.
» Sort out the logistics for going out to dinner or any other off-property group excursions.
» Will traditional hotel conference rooms for formal presentations be necessary? Or will a historic building nestled amidst natural surroundings, a vineyard or a horse farm, be a better choice?
12 NEM+E | SPRING 2020 EXPERT ADVICE»
Pick a place where attendees are eager to stay, especially if the agenda allows for some free time or team-building activities. A short drive, train ride or flight to the destination is ideal so attendees arrive alert and ready to have a successful retreat. If possible, schedule the meeting at a time of year when weather isn’t a concern to decrease the likelihood of stressful travel disruptions or treacherous driving con ditions on unfamiliar roads.
» Include sufficient breaks and downtime before, during or after the sessions.
Meeting Space and Environment
» Make sure people with food allergies or food sensitivities can be accommodated.
» Designate a note-taker and “timekeeper” to help remain on schedule.
RETREATS AND OFF-SITE MEETINGS present wonderful opportunities for groups to collaborate, strategize and build relationships away from their normal office environments. With proper planning, these sessions can be highly effective and even pivotal in setting a new direction. However, off-sites may present some unforeseen challenges that can quickly deflate the energy in the room if not anticipated and addressed in advance. Since time out of the office with colleagues is precious, here are five best practices to ensure your next off-site meet ing is productive, enjoyable and drives business success. Plan the Agenda in Advance
EFFECTIVE GETAWAYS
It’s important to set your meeting goals, define key topics of discussion and share the agenda with the participants for their input. Here are other details to determine in advance:
Select a place that supports your intentions for the meeting and consider these essentials:
» Allow time for discussion, decision-making and setting action plans.
MEET SOMEWHERE EXTRAORDINAIRY Mount Airy Casino Resort offers a AAA Four-Diamond experience in the pristine scenery of the Pocono Mountains. With 20,000 square feet of meeting space, over 1,000 acres of resort amenities, and the most exciting dining and entertainment in Northeast Pennsylvania, we’ve got everything you need to make your next meeting extraordinAIRY. For more information, visit mountairycasino.com/meetings-weddingsorcall570-243-5173. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. MOUNTAIRYCASINO.COM ∙ 1-877-MTAIRY-1
E ntourage Events Group is determined to produce events that elevate brands, cultivate community and leave lasting impressions through the creation of unique and memorable event experiences. With a corporate office located in Minneapolis, Entourage Events Group can host more farflung events in unique and historic venues.
ENTOURAGE
info@entourageeventsgroup.comentourageeventsgroup.com/thekitchen F&B» THE KITCHEN THAT COMES TO YOU Celebrate anywhere with a mobile culinary facility on wheels.
Get
14 NEM+E | SPRING 2020 PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION
Entourage has found a way to add even more flair to events with the debut of The Kitchen this past fall. “The Kitchen is a larg er-than-life, 53-foot mobile culinary con cept that has capabilities unlike anything the event world has seen before,” says Nancy Jacobs, national sales and market ing director at the events group. “Available for private events, this new design by Entourage Events Group brings a full-scale catering kitchen directly to the location of yourWithchoice.”5,300 square feet of space, The Kitchen is well equipped with features and amenities similar to a full-scale cater ing kitchen, including a walk-in freezer, refrigerator and large pop-open doors that connect guests and the chefs at work. “Customized with state-of-the-art equip ment and a professional team of chefs, The Kitchen offers a truly interactive experi ence, showcasing the same beautiful, chefinspired cuisine and high-level service you would experience at a venue,” says Jacobs. The Kitchen is not bound to Minnesota. Being a mobile culinary facility gives it the ability to travel across the country and cre ate a pop-up venue just about anywhere. It can accommodate events small and large, but is most ideal for guests ranging between 300 and 3,000. Available to those guests is a full culinary menu that embraces farm-to-table fresh ness and seasonal menu rotations, with the ability for large-scale production and flexibility to support lifestyle, dietary and allergen requests. There is no set rate to rent The Kitchen. Instead, pricing is customized based on event style and location. Acknowledging that all events vary, Entourage Events Group will quote a rental fee and create a menu and design to fit each clients’ vision. “We are driven by our relentless passion for innovation and dedication to personal care and professional service. Your priority becomes our priority—no matter what the event, our goal is to make your experience with us an unforgettable one,” says Jacobs. Connected EVENTS GROUP BY HANNAH CULLEN
With indoor and outdoor dining areas, Plough offers seating for up to 190 guests, including a private dining room with an alfresco patio for private events. Plush booth seating and long farm tables create a welcoming atmosphere, where the his toric setting meets modern, urban style. The open kitchen places the culinary staff center stage as guests watch their dishes being prepared, alongside a large rotisserie oven showcasing the roasting process and the team’s commitment to modern American cuisine. The long oval bar in the center of the room creates a community for guests to dine and socialize.
“Plough is going to make a state ment in Lancaster,” says Michael McCoy, general manager. “Our talented team’s experience ranges from local to regional, and I’m confident that our restaurant will become a sought-after dining des tination for both locals and travelers.” ploughrestaurant.com oz. Bulleit Bourbon —.5 oz. Sandeman 10-year tawny port —1 bar spoon smoked maple syrup —3 Angostura bitters
Headed by executive chef Ryan McQuillan, Plough utilizes ingredients sourced from the region’s farmlands. “With an abundance of seasonal ingre dients, we have the ability to surprise guests with daily printed menus,” says McQuillan. “Incorporating a Frenchtechnique will also add a level of sophis tication that transforms a staple dish into a signature item.”
PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION SQUAREPENNATMARRIOTTLANCASTERATPLOUGHPHOTO:
dashes
INGREDIENTS —2
Courtesy of Plough at Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square Stir and serve over a large ice cube in a small rocks glass. Garnish with three smokey scotch-misted Luxardo cherries.
16 NEM+E | SPRING 2020 B ased on the classic Old-Fashioned cocktail, Plough’s Any Port in a Storm has a bit of smoke and little sweetness. Starting with a couple ounces of Bulleit Bourbon, add half an ounce of tawny port and a bar spoon of cold smoked maple syrup. Stir gently and pour over a large ice cube in a short rocks glass. Garnish with three Luxardo cherries that have been misted with a very smoky scotch. Plough, which opened in August 2019, is located in Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square, which completed its vast $39.4 million renovation and expansion proj ect that same summer. The hotel now boasts 416 spacious guest rooms and is connected to the Lancaster County Convention Center.
SIGNATURE DRINK» DIRECTIONS
Any Port in a Storm
CaesarsMeansBusiness.com |EXPERIENCE855-633-8238OURICONICEMPIRE
CALLING ALL THRILLSEEKERS
DANBURY WELCOMES THE WORLD’S FIRST INDOOR HIGH-FLYING ADVENTURE PARK. BY DINNEEN GRAFF You’ve seen free-fall stunts pulled off in the movies, and now Thrillz entertain ment center is inviting you to experience the same exhilarating action firsthand. From 3D climbing walls, 70 feet of zip lines and a giant rotating sweeper, to a 360-degree virtual reality roller coaster and an Indiana Jones-style rolling log, the park offers something for both the young and the young at heart. For an event like no other, the 70,000-square-foot facility houses a variety of activities that invite guests to experience the sense of free-falling from two-story obstacles onto giant stuntman airbags. Test your mettle on a swinging circus trapeze, or jump and dodge a giant sweeper, all while completely unharnessed and guided by Thrillz team leaders the entire time. “We knew we had developed a game changing experience,” says co-founder Lisa Cannon. The lack of a harness really captures the feeling of free fall ing. “A lot of team activities are boring, this really gives you an opportunity to laugh at, or with, each other in a unique bonding experience.” Lower impact activities include axthrowing, giant dodgeball and wireless laser tag—a favorite among groups. Thrillz offers groups a truly unique and rewarding experience. “An engaged workforce is a productive workforce; corporate events enhance synergy in the workplace by placing employees in an environment where they must rely on one another,” says Cannon. Every group event is customizable, providing the option to choose from two or three activities, as well as catering for any of Thrillz’ large meeting and event rooms.
Pricing varies on your choice of “fly time,” while other attractions start at a set rate as low as $5 per person.
Get Connected THRILLZ | thrillzdanbury.com | 203.942.2585
PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION
THRILLZPHOTOS:
18 NEM+E | SPRING 2020 TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITY»
MONTAGE MOUNTAIN RESORTSSTEAMTOWN NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE SCRANTON CULTURAL CENTER AT THE MASONIC TEMPLE PNC FIELD VISITNEPA .ORG 1.800.22.WELCOME Meet Outside the Box ! TWO HOUR DRIVE FROM NEW YORK CITY & PHILADELPHIA Host your next meeting or event at one of our unique venues for an unforgettable experience.
THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGING, and that has never been truer than when it comes to selecting an A/V partner and deciding whether the inhouse A/V vendor or an outside third-party provider is the right partner for you. Due to advancements in technology, lighting and other A/V equipment that has come down in price, planners are now finding op portunities to use previously out of budget technology with a much more palatable price tag. When choosing a partner, there are many pros and cons to be factored in, and your budget should not be the only driver in your decisionmaking. Whether you or your trusted event planner are making the final call, it’s crucial to first keep in mind your desired outcome as well as the expectations of your attendees. One of the most important things people tend to overlook is the creative aspect of the event planning process. Often, securing A/V is done with a reverse approach, which means considering the logistical and budget aspects first, rather than taking the time to really look and see what impact the projected role of the A/V and lighting will have on the event. Today, with our culture of social sharing, you can’t afford to just consider the technical knowledge of your proposed vendor; it’s also crucial to examine what they can contribute in terms of how savvy they are and what cuttingedge offerings they have. With any venue, but especially large ones, lighting is an easy and cost-effective way to fill the space and have a dramatic impact. In other instances, your needs may be minimal and the lighting is just providing accents, so an external A/V vendor may not be worth the cost. Some A/V and production partners can build large custom audio-visual props for you, while others can simply provide equipment from a picklist. For conferences with numerous breakout sessions, it’s often worth the additional cost of bringing an external, trusted vendor in to work with the in-house team to bring added expertise and creativity in the general session room. After you have decided the scope of your A/V/production work, then it’s time to take the following into consideration:
The critical role of A/V and event planning. BY SUSAN DUNKELMAN 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, she served as director of conferences for the Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS).
4. Do they work within your available budget? Although we recommend not concentrating solely on budget when making decisions, it’s of course a fact that costs do have to be considered as budget compliance is critical for events of any size. It’s not just the straight cost to consider, but all the extras such as the inclusion of staff, overtime, usage fees and more. Some hotels add a penalty fee within their contract for bringing in an external A/V vendor, and others offer entic ing concessions and discounts for using their in-house team. Sometimes you can still ben efit from these concessions if your external vendor subcontracts with the in-house team for equipment.
PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION TIPS FROM
2. Who is the in-house vendor? Consider meeting the in-house team to learn more about their offerings and expertise. Some hotels have internationally known in-house A/V brands that bring a large inventory and a lot of experience to in-house events. Others may utilize boutique creative events firms that bring an extra level of customer service and focus on creativity, instead of the standard approach of some other in-house teams. Never be afraid to request references to help you with your decision.
5. Are they equipped to handle an equip ment malfunction? It’s always important to consider not only the size of the team, but also the back-up, replacement gear they have readily available. No matter what your ultimate decision is, your A/V contract should be read thoroughly before being signed, and ongoing open commu nication is key. It’s a known fact in the industry that there can often be hidden fees associated with A/V orders. The right vendor will be trans parent with you, but not all are. Don’t be afraid to negotiate and ask questions. A PRO»
1. Are you creating multiple events in differ ent cities and venues? This is where hav ing a relationship with one production team can provide consistency, peace of mind and a broader vision of your goals and objectives.
3. What is the make-up of your venue? Is it an older or unusual building, where it would be a plus to use the in-house team that knows all the ins and outs of the space? Ask any external vendors you are considering if they have experience in your venue(s). Often, they will have worked there before and will help you navigate all the must-know rules and quirks of your venue.
SELECTING THE RIGHT PARTNER
20 NEM+E | SPRING 2020
Nestled in the picturesque mountains of northwestern New Jersey, Crystal Springs Resort seamlessly unites its world-class amenities with environmental responsibility to deliver an extraordinary experience for your group — just one hour from the GW Bridge. The Resort prides itself on: • 100,000 sq. ft. of unique indoor/outdoor meeting and catering space • Two stylish hotels, six championship golf courses and two pampering spas • The Northeast’s largest resort based solar field • Sustainably themed teambuilding and educational group activities • 130 locally sourced menu ingredients and programs to support local farms #ExploreCrystal | 866.988.1442 | TheCrystalSpringsResort.com | Sussex County, NJ LUXURY MEETS SUSTAINABILITY AT NYC’S CLOSEST CONFERENCE RESORT 25 ACRE SOLAR FARM
22 NEM+E | SPRING 2020 MACLEODPATRICKPHOTOS: EVENT PROFILE HAUTE DOKIMAZO’S SECRET FAMILY REUNION
TOP SECRET
Haute Dokimazo’s Secret Family Reunion reimagined how attendees convene. BY MORGAN HALASKA IMAGINE A PLAYGROUND FOR EVENT PROFESSIONALS —where there’s no pressure to be somewhere or to stick to an agenda—and you’ve got Haute Dokimazo, HD for short. “There’s a time and place where education needs to happen, but we also, as senior event managers, sometimes need to talk to each other,” says Liz Lathan, chief experience officer at Haute Dokimazo.
“Haute Dokimazo is a way of meeting, shar ing and learning,” says Nicole Osibodu, CEO of HD. “Our business is a spontaneous think tank business. There’s no ‘way’ to do it. It com pletely flexes. We can do it on the fly.” And “on the fly” they did for Haute Dokimazo’s Secret Family Reunion, which whisked 80 experiential marketing profes sionals away to a location that wasn’t disclosed until just before boarding the flight. The idea came after an HD event during the peer ret rospective portion. “Everybody kept telling us after these events that they felt like family. They’ve been together for a mere day and a half and they really felt like they have known these people for years,” says Lathan. “And so, we jokingly said, ‘We should do a family reunion.’ And Nicole said, ‘You know what, Snapshots from Haute Dokimazo’s Secret Family Reunion, which kept attendees guessing until they were told they were headed to Tuscany.
The five-day event was an HD; no content was created in advance, instead it was crowd sourced based on the topics and problems the group wanted to tackle. The event was much more than a cool meeting place to talk busi ness. Connections made between the profes sionals in Tuscany were akin to those made at summer camp and they’ve been playing out in the real “Peopleworld.are flying to meet each other,” says Osibodu. “And that’s really what we want as events people—for this conversation to keep going on after. We didn’t force it, they created it organically on their own.”
The Event “When we got there, we said, ‘OK, if you’ve
been to Tuscany, we promise you’ve never been to this place,’” says Osibodu. The venue was an agrifarm called Diacceroni, which had never hosted a corporate event before. “We went there on purpose to give them feedback on how they should bring groups in. So, we told everyone, ‘Listen, this is not the Ritz-Carlton.’ They’ll figure it out, but they absolutely nailed Family [Reunion], and that’s what was impor tant to us.”
What’s Next So: What (and where) next? “We didn’t do this to create another event that people have to go to,” says Lathan. “There will never be another Secret Family Reunion, where we charter a plane and go to a secret location.” Haute Dokimazo will, in true form, reimag ine something else for its 2021 event. “There will be some secrets about it. We are looking for secret locations, but how we get there may be different. What we do will be different,” says Lathan. “It will never be the same thing. It will never be formulaic. Our intent is to get people thinking about other ways to do things, so this is a trial, this is the playground for the event people.” it’s been on my bucket list to do a secret trip somewhere.’”Attendees were told to meet at TWA Hotel at JFK Airport in New York on Nov. 2 with their passports ready and bags packed, according to instructions for the reveal party, hosted by NYC & Company. The reveal was livestreamed and the countdown announce ment was met with excitement and surprise. “Nobody thought that we were going to Tuscany,” says Osibodu. Getting There “We wanted to reimagine the art of getting there, even. People say, ‘It’s not about the des tination, it’s about the journey;’ then who are we as event people who create experiences, to not focus on the journey itself?” asks Osibodu. A private 737 was chartered and passen gers made themselves comfortable during the flight. Secret Family Reunion had its own in-flight magazine and games, alongside a boombox and a glow-in-the-dark dance party. Haute Dokimazo events break down the bar riers of connecting people, and Secret Family Reunion was no exception. Job status doesn’t matter, attendees are on a first-name basis and there’s a no-sales policy. “Imagine the conversa tion that people can then have when you don’t know or don’t care who people are, it’s more about what’s in your head,” says Osibodu.
Get Connected HAUTE DOKIMAZO | hautedokimazo.com
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FEELIN’ PHILLY Get to know the meeting and event offerings in this rising star of a city.
24 NEM+E | SPRING 2020 ISTOCK.COM/@PGIAM;PHOTOS: MUSEUMPENN(OPPOSITE)
DESTINATION PHILADELPHIA
The City of Brotherly Love
BY IRENE LEVY BAKER PHILADELPHIA WAS ONE OF JUST TWO U.S. LOCATIONS on National Geographic’s list of best trips for 2020. The magazine describes the city as “a scrappy underdog with a heart of gold” and uses words like “vibrant” and “creative” to describe this formerly industrial city. That’s good news for meeting planners and should certainly boost attendance at meetings. And adding to the excitement are shopping, entertainment and restaurants crop ping up around the Pennsylvania Convention Center (PCC), glitzy new hotels and renovated attractions with event space. Mix in the city’s wealth of historic attractions, culture, award-winning restaurants, large number of hotel rooms and walkability, and it’s clear why Philadelphia is attracting so much attention.
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New Event Venues
The Museum of the American Revolution, the newest museum in Philadelphia’s historic district, focuses on the colonists’ fight to form the United States of America. The museum has gracious architecture, including the ground floor rotunda with a sweeping spiral staircase and vaulted ceiling and an outdoor space with amazing terrace views. It has six event spaces with a capacity of up to 1,000 people. Penn Museum, an iconic archaeology and anthropology museum on the University BY THE NUMBERS 45 MILLION PEOPLE LIVE WITHIN 200 MILES OF PHILADELPHIA—PUTTING THE CITY AT THE CORE OF THE COUNTRY’S WEALTHIEST ANDPOPULATEDMOST-DENSELYAREA. 1 MILLION-PLUS SQUARE FEET OF SALABLE EXHIBIT SPACE IN THE PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION CENTER 30,000-PLUS HOTEL ROOMS IN THE REGION, INCLUDING HOTELS AT EVERY PRICE POINT 39 HOTEL BRANDS IN CENTER CITY 3 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIVISIONS AT THE PHILADELPHIA CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU: PHL LIFE SCIENCES, PHL SPORTS AND PHL DIVERSITY 1 st WORLD HERITAGE CITY IN THE U.S. Penn Museum and its 3,200-year-old sphinx.
“We’re thrilled to be included on National Geographic’s list. We’ve been working hard over the last couple of years to raise our profile internationally and motivate visi tors to spend more time in our city when traveling for conventions. It’s not about the accolades, but it is still nice that the world now knows what we’re capable of,” says Anthony Stipa, communications manager for the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB). “We expect it to really drive interest in Philadelphia and the meet ings and conventions held here.” All this excitement comes on the heels of Philadelphia successfully hosting a series of high-profile events over the last few years, including Pope Francis and the World Meeting of Families Congress, the Democratic National Convention and the NFL Draft. PHLCVB, which was Northeast Meetings + Events’ 2019 runner-up for Best CVB/DMO (1 million+ in population), shined throughout. The PHLCVB’s sales and service teams—including three business develop ment divisions—clearly have the chops to craft world-class events and exceed atten dance goals.
Convention Center District
The neighborhoods north and east of the PCC have long trailed behind the revitalization seen in other parts of Center City (down town)—until now. And they’re the perfect complement to classic assets in the neighbor hood like Reading Terminal Market (RTM) and Chinatown. East Market, the 4.3-acre area a block from the Center that used to be home to Ben Franklin and iconic department stores, is undergoing a transformation that has brought new stores and restaurants to the area and a pedestrian-friendly streetscape with green ery and twinkling lights, entertainment and food trucks. Attendees can enjoy the massive Iron Hill Brewery with outside dining, Wawa, an iconic Philadelphia convenience store that serves millions of hoagies and cups of coffee a year and more. The Fashion District recently opened along Market Street, between the Convention Center and the historic district, and is linked to a major transportation hub, an area well-trav eled by meeting attendees. The three-block stretch is dedicated to mixed use with shop ping and entertainment, including an interac tive art gallery; AMC Theaters, a dining movie theater; and Round 1, an entertainment com plex with bowling and arcade games; and City Winery, with not only dining and concerts but also two rentable performance spaces. There’s new energy on North Broad Street, too, with the opening of a major entertain ment and events space and two new restau rants. The Met, a majestic performance venue with the city’s largest performance stage, was built in 1908 and recently underwent a $56 million renovation to become a stun ning entertainment complex and sought-after event venue that seats 3,400 people. Two new restaurants recently opened on North Broad Street between The Met and the Convention Center—Gabi, a relaxed French all-day cafe, and Cicala, a southern Italian restaurant in a historic building that was formerly a hotel and is now apartments.
DESTINATION PHILADELPHIA
Other newly opened hotels include the Lyric at 1213 Walnut St. with 42 furnished apartment-suites; The Notary, an Autograph Collection property; the Philadelphia Marriott Old City, formerly the Sheraton Society Hill; Pod Philly, the city’s first microhotel; Fairfield Inn and Suites Philadelphia Downtown/Center City, a Marriott boutique hotel; and the Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown Center City on the Avenue of the Arts; all are within walking distance of the Convention Center, and the Lokal Fishtown, a hip six-unit hotel, is nearby. Irene Levy Baker is the author of “100 Things to Do in Philadelphia Before You Die” and “Unique Eats & Eateries of Philadelphia.”
26 NEM+E | SPRING 2020 of Pennsylvania campus, has renovated its Africa, Mexico and Central America galleries and auditorium, and moved its 3,200-yearold sphinx to a prominent spot near the entrance—in its own gallery. “With this por tion of the building transformation com pleted, it truly allows the Penn Museum to shine as Philadelphia’s premier location for corporate parties, cocktail receptions, con ferences, philanthropic events and intimate gatherings,” says Atiya German, director of facility rentals at the museum. It offers both indoor and outdoor event spaces (including the Warden Garden, featuring a koi pond, and the Stoner Courtyard, which has a historic marble fountain), that can accommodate 10 to 1,000 guests. At Yards Brewing Company, fun is always on tap. The taproom and brewery in Northern Liberties has two private rooms that can accommodate 25 to 200 guests. The brewery is known for its ales, especially those in the British tradition, and offers tastings as well as tours of the brewing facility during events. “Our experienced event staff is with the host every step of the way, ensuring that their vision becomes a reality. Our incredible customer service is parallel with our outstanding menu and beverage offerings,” says Megan Gray, the brewing company’s director of sales.
Philadelphia has more than 12,500 hotel rooms within walking distance of its conven tion center, including seven new hotels that opened in 2019, from luxury properties to economy-minded options. And that doesn’t include six more currently under construction and scheduled to open by the end of this year. The new Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center raises the city’s hotel package to new heights. The luxury hotel is located on the top floors of Comcast’s gleam ing new 60-story tower, which is the highest skyscraper between New York and Chicago. The hotel has 219 guest rooms, 39 of which are suites, and 15,000 square feet of meeting space, as well as a restaurant and bar by JeanGeorges Vongerichten with 360-degree views of the city from the 59th and 60th floors, and two restaurants by James Beard Awardwinner Greg Vernick.
Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center
VISIT PHILADELPHIA | visitphilly.com
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CHECK OUTCHECK IN AMWAY GRAND PLAZA, CURIO COLLECTION BY HILTON MEETING DESTINATION — CHECK. Check in to one of our uniquely spirited hotels — with each one offering a different vibe, style, flavor, focus, and capability to fit your meeting needs, wants, and gotta-have-its. Check out the surrounding area and you’ll be amazed by the sheer number of opportunities to get your groove on, whatever it is; museums, music, art, theater, the symphony, a proper cocktail, fine-dining, or fun dining. Your meeting destination mystery, solved. Call us, let’s plan. hoteldistrictgr.com | @hoteldistrictgr | 616.776.6400 RESERVE WINE AND FOOD
CouldWhat Wrong?Go
HIT REFRESH Just as custom reigns king in today’s event design, food and beverage and décor, cookie-cutter plans won’t do in case of an emergency—a concept plan ners likely already know but need to dedicate more time and effort to. “To effectively manage an issue as it arises, con tingency plans should be unique to that event,” says Crisis and Public Relations Consultant Rick J. Kaufman, APR. With over 30 years of emer gency management experience, Kaufman works as a consultant for schools and organizations across the country, finding that although most clients come to him with a plan in place, many are already years old or are too incomplete, requiring an audit for vulner abilities or any possible gaps in operational response. “A solid plan should consist of elements of pre vention and intervention, response and recovery and a crisis plan. The contingency plan should also account for the needs of the client, and attendees, event activities and location specifics,” he says. “In most cases, starting with a general framework is OK, but you need to get more specific and drill down from there. You need answers to big ques tions and that effort takes a significant amount of time.”Forsome, finding enough time to contingency plan may be the biggest challenge. “I was pretty lucky to start in the industry with a company that was big on security and contingency planning, so it’s a passion of mine, but it should always be a top priority for all planners, right from the get-go,” says Sarah Bondar, chief operating officer for The Charles Group, Inc. “For us, the emergency planning starts the very first day we begin sourcing. Right from the start, as we’re looking into venues, we’re asking whether or not they have automatic fire prevention sprinkler systems,” says Bondar. “As we plan, we’re collecting security documents from our vendors and venues, and by a few months out we’ve got to have everything in place. You’ve got to bake those questions into each step of the planning process and stick to it.”
MeganByGosch
Bythe time the now-iconic photo of one Fyre Festivalgoer’s pitiful cheese sand wich had gone viral, social media plat forms and news outlets were abuzz with shock and bewilderment—questioning how the seemingly star-studded island excursion could have resulted in half-built FEMA-issued tents, cancelled musical acts and stranded attendees. But for seasoned planners, the legendary disaster was just another in a slew of daily reminders on the importance of contingency planning and the true value of the many hours spent crafting alternate options for the emergencies they hope will never come to Whilepass.most planners are well-versed in the basic elements of contingency planning, we’ve checked in with crowd and emergency manage ment experts, local planners and law enforcement professionals to talk tips, tools and concepts for planners to keep top-of-mind when planning their next event.
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EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT EXPERTS AND EVENT PROFESSIONALS TALK TIPS, TOOLS AND TOP OF MIND CONCEPTS TO KEEP EVENTS SAFE AND RUNNING SMOOTHLY.
Just as planners maintain clear and consis tent channels of communication with event partners, from clients and internal staff to A/V providers and custodial staff, to ensure day-of production goes off without a hitch, planners must consider how contingencies can impact all involved with their events, and communi cate“Youaccordingly.don’twant to get caught flat-footed. Issues that pop up are only exacerbated when the left hand doesn’t know what the right is doing,” says Kaufman. “Everyone needs to know where direction is coming from, what their roles are and who is responsible for what, and they need to be adequately trained to take on those roles. Any confusion on those expec tations can slow down response time and cause more distress or panic.”
TEAM EFFORT “At their events, planners are in a unique role in that they are the most knowledgeable person in the room. They are the experts in their circumstances,” says Steven A. Adelman, an expert in safety and security at live events, head of the Adelman Law Group, PLLC, and vice president of the Event Safety Alliance. “As attendees, we tend to be anti-authori tarian when we go out to play. We don’t listen to directions or pay attention very well. We’re more concerned with who’s going to win or who’s coming out on stage or what’s the next cool display. We’re looking for our friends. We’re not looking at signage, we don’t notice exits and we probably can’t hear your PA announcements, so we’re really relying on event organizers to have the answers if any thing bad happens.”
Bondar and her team put these tenets into action with each event. “Most people say that they have an emergency plan, but if your plan isn’t thorough, organized and well commu nicated, it’s not going to work,” says Bondar. “When it comes to event safety, security proto cols and open communication are crucial. You need to talk with each and every vendor, every client. You have to be collaborative in it.”
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And while that may be intimidating to some, experts like Adelman and event professionals like Bondar agree it’s important for planners to utilize the full strength and support of their team. Successful contingency planning relies heavily on a team approach, delegation and strong, clear communication. “It’s a team effort. No one can know everything and if you try to go it alone you’re going to miss at least a few things—that’s a chance you don’t want to risk,” says Bondar. “No one knows a venue better than that venue’s team. No one knows how to handle a large event in a given city better than the local police departments who work each of those events. Everyone has a different point of view to offer and all of them can strengthen those contingency efforts.”
From planning calls to on-site meetings, Bondar and her team are always working to perfect their communication plan. “Did you know that in a large-scale emergency situa tion, local police can often end up jamming cell signals? If something should happen, who RICK J. KAUFMAN, APR Crisis and Public Relations Consultant “You don’t want to get caught flat-footed. Issues that pop up are only exacerbated when the left hand doesn’t know what the right is doing, Everyone needs to know where direction is coming from, what their roles are, who is responsible for what and they need to be ade quately trained to take on those roles. Any confusion on those expectations can slow down response time and cause more distress or panic.”
NE.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 31 on your team is going to communicate with who? How are you going to commu nicate?” Before each event, Bondar’s team gathers all staff, vendors and any ancillary crew involved for a meeting. “We’re keep ing everyone in the loop throughout the planning process, but at that final meeting we’re welcoming everyone, talking through major details and then we hand it over to the security team to share any key info we should all know. At the end of that meeting, everyone’s on the same page, crucial info is top of mind and you’re good to go.”
BIG PICTURE
“No matter how much time I might spend with a client, I’m never going to be as knowledgeable about their event as they are. I do know where things tend to go wrong and I know what the existing guid ance is to help mitigate some of those risks. Experts may know enough about human psychology or a specific security issue, but planners need to take what they’ve learned from those conversations and adapt it to their events. The better and more specific the questions, the better prepared they’ll be,” Adelman says. Kaufman concurs, noting “your plan can only be strengthened by the answers you’ve gathered along the way. What are the hazards to your event? Are they geo graphical? Are they intentional? Will dig nitaries attend? Will alcohol be served? Who will provide the security and what are they responsible for? What time will doors open? What time does the event end? Which exits and entrances will be used? Your questions will range from broad and high-level to the minute detail, but this is a time you don’t want to hold back. It can sound elementary, but understanding that questions like these are your tools can be powerful and keep you prepared.”
Unfortunately, while man-made hazards and acts of violence continue to dominate news cycles and loom as a potential threat throughout the event planning process, experts worry planners may begin to miss the forest for the trees with less attention paid to other likely risks. “The inclination is to react to what we see in the headlines. We have far too many instances of active shooters, so we pay a disproportionate amount of our attention to guns relative to the likelihood that we will have a gun-related incident at our event,” says Adelman. From the place ment of directional signage and seating or stage setup to the event of a flood or an attendee medical emergency, “we need to be able to deal with crowd management apart from active shooters, because crowd management must be done regardless of the reason the crowd needs to be managed. “No matter how much time I might spend with a client, I’m never going to be as knowledgeable about their event as they are. I do know where things tend to go wrong and I know what the existing guidance is to help mitigate some of those risks. Experts may know enough about human psychology or a specific security issue, but planners need to take what they’ve learned from those conversations and adapt it to their events. The better and more specific the questions, the better prepared they’ll be”
STEVEN A. ADELMAN Head of the Adelman Law Group, PLLC and Vice President of the Event Safety Alliance
QUESTIONS ARE KEY “Really, when it comes down to it, contin gency planning is all about asking good questions,” says Adelman. When crafting a thorough contingency plan, planners may turn to local law enforcement and emer gency responder professionals for help, “and that’s a great place to start but there needs to be more of a dialogue.”
“It’s the questions you’re asking yourself that will fill out that contingency plan,” says Bondar. “Who’s in charge when someone is inebriated? Will you make them leave the event? How will you make sure they get home safe? If an emergency should arise, who will report it first and what number are they going to call? Who will talk to the media if needed? What number should you call if something’s stolen? What number will you call if someone needs to be seen but it’s not exactly a medical emergency? Asking those key questions can help you discov er the details you may not have already thought of.”
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This can get us out of the trap of thinking only of Kaufmanguns.”also advises planners to focus on the task at hand when planning for the worst-case scenario—the response. “We often focus too much on the threat and less on the response specific to that emergency. ‘Active shooter’ may be the buzzword these days, but any number of threats could emerge that require a similar response protocol,” he says.
“The reality is it’s about responding to situa tions we don’t have all of the info for. I counsel clients to concentrate on and practice drills using consistent protocols to create cultural conditions so that they know what to do in a real-world situation.”
Most importantly, although the complex process of contingency planning may be nerve-wracking at times, Adelman encour ages planners to embrace the power that the practice can bring “Understandingplanners.crowd management and contingency planning gives people— regardless of age, skill set, education level or expertise—helpful things they can do in an emergency that are within their power,” says Adelman. “Being told to stand in a corner and wait for further instruction—that’s dis empowering. But when you break things like an evacuation plan for severe weather or find ing back-up entertainment for an artist that can’t perform down into fairly simple, easily achievable elements, there’s something every one can do to help solve a problem and to help keep people safe—that’s empowering.”
“The fear of acts of violence is far more widespread than the acts of violence them selves, but addressing perception can enhance attendee confidence. Obviously, you want to have the basics—security perimeters like a physical fence or use of bollards and a check of guests and their bags at the point of ingress, wayfinding signage and clear directions to exits—because visual deterrents not only help prevent bad behavior, they provide a sense of confidence to guests. In the past, uniformed security guards might have caused alarm, but these days when they see security, guests are more likely to think ‘great, they’re considering our safety,’” says Adelman. ON THE RADAR While active shooters may be one of the most concerning threats facing today’s live events, experts advise planners also keep issues like cyber security and climate change top of mind. “Climate change should be on everyone’s radar and may actually impact the live event industry disproportionately due to the num ber of events that take place outside of brickand-mortar venues. As our climate becomes less stable, we have an increased potential for severe weather evacuations, underscoring the importance of having a severe weather action plan. Planners will need to stress site planning as well as access to accurate weather informa tion. Hint: Your cell phone app is not a reliable source of GPS-located weather information,” says“IssuesAdelman.like climate change are going to have a greater impact on events and lead to further disruptions in the industry, but today’s political climate also poses a threat. As we begin to see more cases of protest and civil unrest—planners need to begin to plan for politically-motivated issues as well,” says Kaufman. POWER IN PLANNING
In consideration of the potential for vio lence at live events, Adelman also notes plan ning for substance as well as perception.
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While the ideal combination of guides, web sites and services will vary by event, local planners and industry experts have recom mended a few of their go-to tools: American National Standards Institute (ANSI): A private not-for-profit organization fostering national safeguarding standards for a range of industries, including the field of safety and security. ANSI will publish a new crowd management standard in early 2020 to provide planners with key ques tions and authoritative crowd management guidance for planning safe and secure events. ansi.org
#BecauseItaly
National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4): As one of the world’s leading academic research institu tions in addressing sports safety, security risks and threats, and offers planners a vari ety of online resources, best practice guides and more. ncs4.usm.edu
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service: The national organization provides weather, water and climate information for the general public, but can also help planners prepare for hazardous conditions that may put attendees in harm’s way. Planners can register their event with the organization’s local branch for assistance with accurate day-of forecasting. noaa.gov, weather.gov
By Morgan Halaska Haute Dokimazo’s Secret Family Reunion flew 80 experiential marketing professionals to Tuscany, a plan that wasn’t disclosed until just before boarding the flight (read more about it on page 22). To pull it off, Nicole Osibodu and Liz Lathan planned for contingencies and prob lem-solved on the spot, while also taking it all in stride. “We talked about all the normal worst things that people know: weath er, flight delays, people not being able to make the flight … all those nor mal things we had planned for,” says Lathan. “The things that we didn’t have plans for we figured out.” Lathan and Osibodu openly com municated with attendees, who were ready to go with the flow. “We didn’t hide our stress or anything,” says Osibodu, who says they were trans parent about when they didn’t know what to “Whendo.we got there, we had chal lenges,” says Lathan. “It started this whole hashtag, #BecauseItaly. There are things that we didn’t know about and everyone embraced the #BecauseItaly hashtag.”
Event Safety Alliance: Dedicated to help ing event professionals mitigate foreseeable live event risks through education, skills training and advocacy, this nonprofit cre ates resources for planners like its Event Safety Podcast (an ongoing discussion for ideas and news from the world of live event safety), Event Safety Access Training (an online program for professionals in all aspects of event production), and The Event Safety Guide, the country’s first published safety guidance manual created specifically for the live event industry. The guide com piles relevant safety standards, insight from industry experts and reasonable operational practices regarding emergency planning, weather preparedness and more. eventsafe tyalliance.org
The goal wasn’t for everything to go perfectly, though. “We want [the attendees] to learn from this,” says Lathan. “There are going to be things that don’t go right at all, but our whole vibe is ‘steal this idea from us.’ Fix it. Make it right, make it work, and steal it. None of this is proprietary to us. We want to be the playground where you can see how things could work so you can go do it at your event.”
Lathan wrote an article reflecting on the lessons learned through plan ning an event of this scale. “A core part of our Haute Dokimazo ethos is trying new things, and knowing that they may not work as planned,” writes Lathan. “My favorite phrase that I learned from improv is that there is no such thing as failure, just unin tended consequences!” The article, entitled “Lessons learned from Haute Dokimazo Secret Family Reunion: The event that changed events for ever,” can be read in its entirety on LinkedIn.“Inbusiness, you hold your cards close to your heart, and for us, it’s like we want more people to call us and ask us how to do it. And we’ll teach them how to do it,” says Osibodu. “This is so much bigger than us. This is something to be shared. We’re more than happy to share it. Our hearts are in the right place. And along the line our business grows, but that’s really not our focus.”
LIZ LATHAN Chief Experience Officer of Haute Dokimazo NICOLE OSIBODU CEO of Haute Dokimazo
Tools of the Trade
ZELLMANNTRACIILLUSTRATIONS:
34 NEM+E | SPRIN G 2020 CULINARY HOTEL NEWS 36 PEOPLE NEWS 42 SNAPSHOTS 46 PEOPLE PROFILE 48 Industry Update KIMPTON’S 2020 CULINARY & COCKTAILS TREND FORECAST IDENTIFIES THE F&B TRENDS TO WATCH THIS YEAR. Research courtesy of Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants
bartenders
ger enough to have just one or two gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan and keto options on the menu. Levantine cuisine, including Israeli, Turkish and Lebanese, is pre dicted as the most influential style for menus in 2020, according to nearly 40% of chefs surveyed. S’chug, a Mediterranean hot sauce, and muhammara, a red pepper and walnut spread found in Turkish and Levantine dishes, topped the list for spreads and sauces in this year’s Ingredientsforecast.with sour flavor profiles like rhubarb, tamarind and vinegar will grow in popularity, with nearly 23% of chefs selecting sour as their favorite experimental flavor. Chefs also noted that funky flavors will make their way into breakfast staples, including licorice and salty syrups and savory oatmeal made with bone broth. Unusual seeds like lotus, basil and water lily are predicted as one of the trendiest ingredients according to 31% of chefs surveyed. TAMARIND RHUBARB LOTUS SEEDS
S’CHUG
FOODIE
31%
30% of chefs predicted vegetable tartare will be infiltrating res taurant menus in the New Year.
51%predict plant-based meat alternatives will solidify their mainstream status in 2020 (no longer just a cult following) and we’ll see more plant-based takes on traditional meat dishes. Schmaltz, or rendered chicken or goose fat, will also be trend ing in 2020, according to a quarter of Kimpton chefs. Keep an eye out for schmaltz crou tons accompanying roasted chicken dishes, and schmaltz as the new olive oil for dipping baked bread.
restaurants
reveal the dishes, flavors,
One-hundred-thirty chefs, general managers and from 75-plus Kimpton and bars ingredients be explored a handful at kimptonhotels.com/culinary-trends. TIME
and philosophies that will
of the findings; read the full report
in 2020. Below are
sommeliers,
Veganism will influ ence dessert menus as well, as 47% of respondents high lighted vegan des serts as the strongest sweet-tooth trend for 2020. Try it in lemon tarts made with cashews, coconut and lemon zest or vegan chocolate pea nut butter cheese cake.
Savory items will be featured more promi nently in desserts— expect to see uniquesavory macarons.icepepperpairingsmeets-sweetlikeblackorsesamecreamandtruffle
lower sugar, crisper cocktails are the next evolu tion of the Spanish gin & tonic.
WHISKY HIGHBALL COFFEE SPRITZ
Many experts are predicting coffee spritzes as the hot (cold) drink of 2020. The other top coffee trends for 2020 include nitro coffee on tap, cold brew alternatives and CBD coffee.
More than a quar ter of bartenders are most excited about sour beers in the year ahead, followed by hazy or juicy IPAs and high alcohol kom buchas as a beer Nextalternative.year’s biggest wine trend will be the emergence of more natural wines, or wines farmed organically without adding or removing any thing in the cellar. Orange wines and pét-nat sparkling wines are aficionados.popularbecomingalsomorewithwine Liquor Expect to see the rise of alternativegrain spirits like baiju, shōchū and soju, spirits that originated in China, Japan and respectively.Korea, Whisky highballs a trend largely driv en by the popularity of lighter paloma.thespikedfollowedfollowingdictedwhiskies—areJapanesepretogainacultnextyear,closelybyseltzersandreturnofthe Mezcal will con tinue to dominate in 2020, with more than a third of cocktails.magineandthehavingBartenderschoicepredictedchoosingrespondentsitasthespiritofnextyear.arefunwithsmokyspiritusingittoreitraditional Aromatic (inedi ble) garnishes were cited as one of
BEVERAGESALCOHOLICNON-
SPICE HAZY IPA
sparklingBotanical-infuseddrinks are cited as thebarpartalcoholembracearetendersSomeandlikeexoticleveledspiritsupmentmostbartendersnonalcoholicthetrendwilllikelyexperiwith,followedbyalcohol-freeandup-teaswithfruitflavorsguanabana,lulopassionfruit.42%ofbarsurveyedexcitedtotheno-cultureasoftheiroverallexperienceinyearahead.
SACHETS IN COCKTAILS
Thesebarholing,seerespondents—we’llingbarregionsMediterraneanInfluencesglassware.paperscentedoringandsachetsincludeintoaretrendsup-and-comingthebartendersmostexcitedexperimentwith2020.Examplesspicewithclovesallspice,burnsticksofwoodevenabsorbent,squaresofclippedtofromwillshapemenusaccordto46%oflight,refreshoftenlow-alcospritzesallovermenusin2020.
SUNDAE,GROWN-UPSAVORYDESSERTITEMS
NE.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 35 using locally sourced, often ingsertoneingredientsunexpectedwillbeofthetopdestrends,accordto1in5chefs.
New Destination Hotel in Upstate New York New York-based design firm Studio Tack and family-owned design house The Brooklyn Home Company are collaborating on a new hotel: The Lake House on Canandaigua in the Finger Lakes region. Formerly a beloved motor lodge owned by the Sands family, The Lake House is slated to open in July 2020. “Having grown up on Canandaigua Lake, it was the best backyard I could have ever asked for. With our complete rebuild of this property, we have expanded and updated the vision of The Lake House for our times,” says Bill Caleo of The Brooklyn Home Company, co-manag ing director for the redevelopment project. The Lake House is designed to feel like a private residence with a campus of build ings: the main hotel; creekside hotel; a new signature restaurant in collaboration with a well-known restaurateur acting as consultant; the integration of a local agriculture nonprofit, New York Kitchen; the return of a reimagined Sand Bar (a town staple for decades); and the event barn. The first building to open will be the Sand Bar for Memorial Day 2020. The Lake House will be a first-of-itskind events destination for the area. The 109,745-square-foot events campus can serve small happenings for 50 people, wed dings for 250 guests, or 500-person con ferences. Suitable for all four seasons, the venue allows for indoor/outdoor festivities.
36 NEM+E | SPRING 2020
Pod Hotels Opens Location in Philadelphia
The property has three food and bever age spaces, each imagined and operated by Defined Hospitality: Condesa, a con temporary 140-seat eatery named after the vibrant neighborhood in Mexico City; El Café, an all-day offering serving coffee from Stumptown Roasters, breakfast tacos and made-daily pastries; and El Techo, an 11thfloor taqueria offering a casual Mexican menu, communal tables and expansive views of the Philadelphia skyline. Pod Philly’s on-site fitness center features Matrix equipment, Peloton Bikes and free weights, with free fitness classes facilitated by the hotel’s neighborhood partnerships. thepodhotel.com/pod-philly
REGIONAL NEWS
The Lake House on Canandaigua Pod Philly
HOTEL NEWS»
lakehousecanandaigua.com
PIXELLAB;CANANDAIGUA;ONHOUSELAKETHEPHOTOS:
The Pod Hotels recently opened its sixth loca tion, in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood of Philadelphia. Following the model of the successful Pod Hotels in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Washington D.C., Pod Philly features well-designed guest rooms and vibrant food and beverage spaces. Pod Philly’s 234 guest rooms (180 square feet on average) and 18 larger studio rooms boast expansive floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping views of Philadelphia. The interi ors are designed by New York firm Stonehill Taylor (TWA Hotel, Nomad Las Vegas and Refinery Hotel) with nods to the city’s indus trial“Moduspast. Hotels is looking to energize the Philadelphia hospitality scene with the addi tion of Pod Philly,” says Aaron Katz, president and CEO of Modus Hotels. “We believe there is a place in the Philadelphia hotel market for a fun, value-driven hotel—one that places travelers in the center of the city’s happenings.”
HILTON(OPPOSITE)
Starts Renovations
The highly anticipated 118-room Somerset Hills Hotel in historic Warren, New Jersey, will open in March 2020. A Tapestry Collection by Hilton property, this new boutique hotel will double as a wedding and corporate events venue, offering more than 5,100 square feet of flexible indoor meeting space in addition to an expansive outdoor venue. Originally built in 1987, Somerset Hills was reimagined following a major $22 million ren ovation. The hotel captures both the beauty and rich history of the town, which is home to many historic sites and monuments that played a major role in the American Revolution. “Somerset Hills Hotel has been a staple in the Warren community for many years and we look forward to continuing to honor the property’s legacy,” says Michelle Satanik, area manager of Valor Hospitality Partners. “This has been a transformational project and we are thrilled to share Somerset’s iconic story with guests and locals alike.” Somerset Hills will cater to corporate groups and weddings, with options includ ing the Lafayette Ballroom, Crossroads event room and Lighthorse boardroom, offering a nod to the town’s colonial history. A pictur esque, expansive outdoor garden and patio encompassing nearly 2,000 square feet com pletes the event space, perfect for corporate functions, weddings and other social events. Other amenities include a seasonal outdoor pool and sundeck as well as a 24-hour fitness center featuring Peloton bikes.
Philadelphia Marriott Old City
“While we have totally reimagined this hotel and are now part of the iconic Marriott brand, guests will still experience what they have come to love about this historic 33-year-old hotel,” says Joseph Bojanowski, president and CEO of PM Hotel Group. “We look forward to continuing to be the backdrop for special life occasions and events, as well as the preferred home away from home for those staying in Philadelphia.”
NE.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 37
The DoubleTree by Hilton PhiladelphiaValley Forge will also offer 25,000-square-feet of improved event space to host unique and advanced options. Three new conference rooms and an executive boardroom will be added. The lobby and public space will be transformed with rich, bold colors, dramatic patterns and textures throughout the lobby lounge, outdoor patio and bar, mother’s nursing room, and expanded fitness center, as well as the self-service guest laundry“Withfacility.innovative offerings and style, the DoubleTree by Hilton Philadelphia-Valley Forge will be a leading hotel that sets the bar in the King of Prussia and Philadelphia area,” says Jenn Shipman, director of sales and marketing.
Somerset Hills will also be home to TAP Gastropub, a chef-driven, European-style res taurant. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, guests and locals can enjoy delicious cuisine, locally curated cocktails and 20 per fectly chilled craft beers on tap.
DoubleTree by Philadelphia-ValleyHiltonForge
DoubleTree by Hilton Philadelphia-Valley Forge, managed by Concord Hospitality Enterprises, started extensive renovations mid-January. The $18.5 million improvement is scheduled to be completed in June 2020. Once finished, guests will enjoy contempo rary décor, new bedding, carpet, wall vinyl, modern artwork, 55-inch SMART televisions, more outlets and USB ports, renovated bath rooms, and refrigerators in its 327 guest rooms.
Opens PM Hotel Group officially opened the fully renovated Philadelphia Marriott Old City in January 2020 after a multimillion-dollar reno vation. The 364-room hotel was formerly the Sheraton Philadelphia Society Hill and is located in the heart of Philadelphia’s historic district.
The property, which is owned and being redeveloped by Buccini Pollin Group, blends colonial with contemporary to offer an enhanced hotel experience and elevated aes thetic. Guests who are Marriott Titanium and Elite members can experience Philadelphia’s first M Club, a new club lounge including upscale food, tech-enabled connectivity and working space. The Philadelphia Marriott Old City boasts over 20,000 square feet of fully renovated meeting spaces, including the ballroom, which can accommodate 550 guests. The Marriott Philadelphia Old City event services team is available for assistance for any event, provid ing recommendations for local vendors, as well as day-of coordination and support.
Somerset Hills, a Tapestry Collection by Hilton Opens
Somerset Hills Hotel DoubleTree by Hilton Philadelphia-Valley Forge
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eastmainmedia.com FOUNDATIONPARKSCITYPHOTO:
EAST MAIN MEDIA—a provider of audio/video production, captioning and tran scription, post-production and content distribution services for organizations in the New York metropolitan area—has opened East Main Studios (EMS) in Little Falls, New Jersey. EMS is a newly renovated 5,500-square-foot facility that is the first and only full-service space in the region for hosting business events, broad casting, delivering livestreaming content and providing professional media pro duction services for companies and organizations of any size and in any industry.
» A 2,000-square-foot main event room with additional support suites Art deco lobby Event staging, programmable LED lighting and video displays An adjacent control room with a Blackmagic ATEM 4K live production system Green screen capture, custom set-building, and extensive professional prop collection Availability of HD/UHD Sony, Canon, and Panasonic multi-camera packages Professional audio support for live events, podcasting and in-studio interviews
38 NEM+E | SPRING 2020 REGIONAL NEWS VENUE NEWS»
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SummerStage in Central Park Open for Events
SummerStage in Central Park under went an extensive $6 million upgrade in 2019. The a 5,500-capacity entertain ment venue, located in the heart of New York’s Central Park, is now a state-ofthe-art concert facility with new VIP viewing areas, private rental spaces, raised bleacher seating, a top-of-the-line sound system and enhanced lighting design. The venue is available for hosting events during a SummerStage concert or available for full-day or multiday pri vate rentals and custom events. Events may bring in a caterer or work with the venue’s concessionaire. The Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage Festival is New York’s larg est, free outdoor performing arts festival running annually from May to October. events@cityparksfoundation.orgcityparksfoundation.org/venue-rentals;
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NEW MEDIA EVENT, STREAMING, & BROADCAST PRODUCTION FACILITY IN NORTHERN NEW JERSEY
“Whether it’s a product launch or demonstration, board meeting, professional networking event, book signing, podcast with a live audience or TEDx-type presentation, EMS offers a customizable space with best-in-class audio/video production capabilities—providing a superb experience for our clients and their guests,” says Brian Brodeur, founder and president of East Main Studios. “The interiors are fully adaptable to our clients’ unique needs, and all of our tech talent and A/V equipment is in-house and on-premises. These comprehensive capabili ties allow us to deliver seamless experiences in a bright, beautiful, and very cool 1930s art deco room with lots of personality.”
EMS’s features and services include:
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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. doing business
TraverseCity.com
pleasure
» 113,000 square feet of prefunction space
VENUE NEWS» Javits Center Update
The $1.5 billion expansion of the Javits Center will be substantially complete by March 2021. The project, which will add 1.2 million square feet of total event-related space on Manhattan’s West Side, is moving toward an on-time, on-budget completion, with the expansion’s steel and con crete superstructure finished and installation of the final phase of nonstructural steel underway.
40 NEM+E | SPRING 2020 REGIONAL NEWS CONFERENCE NEWS»
The Philadelphia Diversity & Inclusion Conference 2020 will be held March 30-31 at the Hilton Penn’s Landing, marking a new call for thought lead ers and influencers, execu tives, activists and academics to share best practices and redefine what it means to be diverse and inclusive in the 21st century. Keynote speakers will include giants in their respec tive fields, as well as rising national and local voices with fresh insights on how to make diversity, equity and inclusion an integral part of any sector andTheinstitution.conference will once again feature a lengthy list of national policymakers and glob al leaders. Confirmed speakers include Nolan Atkinson, who heads the city of Philadelphia’s newly renamed Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Additionally, the conference will feature an Academic Think Tank, specifically designed for deans, directors, research faculty, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) practitioners to discuss ideas and recom mendations regarding the latest corporate strategies and best practices, and more. The topic of diversity, equity and inclusion in all sectors is more widely discussed now than ever before. Addressing diversity, equity and inclusion across the gamut of fields, including public policy, higher education, nonprofit and cor porate sectors, is critical to understanding both the chal lenges and the opportunities in creating a pathway for social mobility. diphilly.com
The project will create up to 6,000 new jobs, generate nearly $400 million in additional annual economic activity and attract more blockbuster events from around the world. The project is part of Cuomo’s statewide plan to upgrade critical infrastructure and transportation facilities to spur job creation and economic activity. A key to the success is ensuring the Javits Center remains open for business during con struction. Enabling event-related operations to continue uninterrupted is a testament to the close collaboration among state officials, architects, contractors, convention center employees and eventExpansionproducers.project highlights include:
» Creation of 500,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space on one level with the addition of 90,000 square feet of prime exhibit space
» New glass-enclosed entrance on 11th Avenue at 38th Street
The first event hosted at the expanded con vention center will be the joint International Contemporary Furniture Fair and LightFair in May 2021. The combined design-industry events are expected to attract more than 40,000 design professionals to New York City. “New Yorkers expect action, and the expan sion of the Javits Center through the design-build process is delivering results in a safe, streamlined fashion that will generate a new wave of economic activity for the Empire State,” says Gov. Andrew Cuomo. “With so many jobs dependent on largescale events hosted here, the Javits Center has become one of New York’s most important eco nomic assets, and this expansion will ensure it remains the nation’s busiest convention center for generations to come.”
» 107,000 square feet of new meeting room space, including a 54,000-square-foot special event space, the largest such space in the Northeast
» Rooftop pavilion and terrace accommodat ing 1,500 individuals » 480,000-square-foot, four-level truck mar shaling facility
CONFERENCEDIVERSITYPHILADELPHIA&INCLUSIONRETURNS
» 27 new loading docks javitscenter.com
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MANCHESTERMARKETINGCOMPANY;&NYCPHOTOS:
NEW YORK CITY & MANCHESTER PARTNER UP
Spearheading Somerset Hill’s culinary team, Donohue will oversee all aspects of the hotel’s dining experiences, from menu concept cre ation to group catering services and daily programming.Anaccomplished industry leader, he brings 18 years of culinary experience to his position,
TOURISM»
42 NEM+E | SPRING 2020 REGIONAL NEWS
PEOPLE NEWS» Arthouse Hotel names GM Barbara Christoph has been named the general manager at Arthouse Hotel New York City. Having start ed her tenure with Highgate Hotels in 2007 at what was formerly On The Ave Hotel, Christoph will be returning to what is now known as Arthouse after its renaming in spring 2019. “It is only the beginning of this exciting new chapter, and I’m delighted to be a part of it,” says Christoph. “Arthouse is a special place not only because of its amazing team which has cultivated strong bonds with guests over the years, but because of the meaningful ties they’ve forged with their neighbors through unique and memorable events.” For over a decade, Christoph worked across Manhattan, spending several years at boutique lifestyle properties including The Roger, SoHo Grand and Highgate’s own Paramount Hotel. She then went on to join the opening team at the Quin, advancing to general manager. Her operational expertise and creativity helped support a successful transition as she oversaw its recent conversion to Hilton.
Sheona Southern, managing director at Marketing Manchester, adds “I’m incredibly proud that Marketing Manchester has been able to secure what is undoubtably a very powerful partnership with NYC & Company. New York City is one of the top tourism destinations in the world and to be able to align ourselves with a city that we have so much in common with— especially in respect to being open, diverse and welcome destinations—is a huge coup and speaks volumes about Manchester’s increasing global profile.”
Barbara’s arrival marks an important mile stone for Arthouse, as the hotel is in talks to unveil a full property multimillion-dollar ren ovation tentatively slated for 2020/21, includ ing guest rooms, public areas and event spaces.
New Appointments at Somerset Hills Hotel
The new tourism partnership between New York City and Manchester comes as Virgin Atlantic increases services between the two cities. Now flying its largest aircraft on the Manchester to JFK route, the Boeing 747, Virgin Atlantic is increasing capacity out of Manchester to New York by 65 percent this winter.
Jerry Donohue has been appointed as executive chef and introduced the culinary vision and dining concept behind the hotel’s TAP Gastropub, a beer-centric restaurant centered around elevated comfort food, set to open doors in March 2020.
NYC & Company and Marketing Manchester signed a first-ever official city-tocity tourism collaboration agreement in January. The new two-year alliance includes a collaboration agreement between the two cities, the sharing of best practices in tourism marketing and a partnership with Virgin Atlantic to stimu late reciprocal travel. “It’s a pleasure to announce our newest tourism marketing partnership with one of the United Kingdom’s most important Northern England cities,” says NYC & Company President and CEO Fred Dixon. “Both destinations are capitals of diversity and iconic hubs of arts and culture, sports and media. We believe there is outstanding potential to further develop joint tourism opportunities between Manchester and New York City. We look forward to collaborating with Marketing Manchester, Manchester Airport and Virgin Atlantic to further solidify this new alliance and in so doing, welcome more visitors to our welcoming urban destinations.”
Paul Marsico has been appointed director of sales and marketing. In his new role, Marsico will spearhead the sales organization, creat ing and implementing inno vative sales and marketing initiatives for the 118-room boutique hotel and events venue, set to reopen in 2020. A seasoned hospitality professional with 17 years of experience working for the Hilton brand, Marsico most recently served as direc tor of sales and marketing for Hilton Short Hills where he led in the development and execution of strategic initiatives to boost room nights for the hotel. Marsico is also a proven leader in the hospitality community. During his time as director of sales and market ing for Embassy Suites Piscataway/Somerset, Marsico’s leadership resulted in his team receiving the prestigious Circle of Excellence, Sales Team of the Year, Embassy Suites award.
“Serving as the president and CEO of the PHLCVB has been a highlight of my career,” says Coker. “This was an incredibly tough decision but the opportunity to round out my skill set by leading a premier West Coast destination was something I had to explore. I am deeply grateful
to our board of directors, MEETINGS AT HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO ATLANTIC CITY IT’S TIME TO 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 Must book before 6/20/20. Based on availability. Excludes taxes, fees, holidays & blackout dates. Certain rules & restrictions apply. Management reserves all rights. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Rockin’ rates starting at $69 PER NIGHT. Visit hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com/meetings or call 609-449-6060 today and receive additional booking incentives. With 150,000 square feet of spectacular meeting space plus 2,000 luxury hotel rooms, we have the perfect place to make your moment shine. Discover how our team of professionals can help inspire yours. Join us on the Boardwalk and feel the new vibe in Atlantic City.
Julie Coker announced her departure from the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) and will be resigning in March 2020 as president and CEO. She has accepted the position of presi dent and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority. Coker has served as the President and CEO of the PHLCVB since January 2016. “We thank Julie for the significant contribu tions that she’s made during her tenure,” says PHLCVB chairman Nick DeBenedictis. “Julie has built a strong team, and the PHLCVB is well positioned for future success. The staff will continue to win business on behalf of Philadelphia, and throughout this transition will remain focused on achieving their stra tegic goals. The board and I are committed to finding an outstanding candidate that can successfully lead the talented and dedicated team at the PHLCVB.”
NE.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 43 along with a passion for culinary heritage. Prior to joining Somerset Hills, Donohue served as executive chef at the prestigious High Line Hotel, where he created specialty menus and events for New York City’s socialites and busi ness elite, while utilizing the finest offerings from Hudson Valley and The Garden State. Throughout his career, Donohue has worked in notable kitchens across the Northeast, earn ing numerous industry accolades including Philadelphia Metro’s “Hot New Chef.” “Jerry is dedicated to presenting new and vibrant flavors, while staying true to New Jersey’s roots. We are confident the culinary team will deliver an unmatched dining expe rience under his leadership and are eager to see what initiatives they develop as we pre pare to open doors,” says Michelle Satanik, general manager.
Julie Coker Leaves PHLCVB
Burt brings his global experience working in major destinations on large scale meeting and convention events, as well as working with premier sports organizations including the NCAA, NFL and Olympic qualifying events.
Maria Grasso has been pro moted to vice president of citywide sales and convention services, a new customerfocused role that will better serve the organization for growth in key industry verticals. For 20 years, Grasso’s work at the PHLCVB has resulted in award-winning meetings, conventions and events hosted at the Pennsylvania Convention Center and throughout the city of Philadelphia. Previously, Grasso served as the organization’s senior director of national accounts, where she worked with major corporate groups and national associations in a variety of disciplines. “Maria’s tenaciousness and creativity—on behalf of the PHLCVB and her customers— has elevated expectations for destination mar keting organizations across the country and what they can do for planners and groups,” says Coker.
Spectra, the providers of venue manage ment and food services and hospitality to Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall and the Atlantic City Convention Center, recently named 20-year industry veteran and New Jersey native Ronnie Burt as vice president of sales and marketing of the Atlantic City Convention Center.
44 NEM+E | SPRING 2020 REGIONAL NEWS the city of Philadelphia and the talented team at the ThePHLCVB.”processto find a new leader is now underway. John McNichol, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority and PHLCVB board member, will serve as the search committee chair.
The industry leader has built a reputation for herself—and the city—since joining the PHLCVB in 1983. Petro recognized early in her career the value of dedicated convention services roles within destination marketing organizations. She identified this need and helped the PHLCVB reconfigure its operating structure in the 1990s, building up support staff in critical areas. Her stature in the indus try is also evidenced by leadership positions she held, including serving as president of the Event Services Professionals Association. “My time at the PHLCVB has been filled with countless memories that I’ll cherish for ever,” says Petro. “For me, one of the most inspiring parts of my career has been witness ing the success and growth of my PHLCVB colleagues—some who I have worked along side for more than 30 years.”
Burt started his career in Atlantic City, working in casino promotions, VIP services at Caesars Hotel and Casino before becoming a national sales manager with the Atlantic City Convention and Visitors Authority. He has since worked in numerous cities, most recently he served as the president and CEO of Visit AtlanticKC.City and for Spectra. His top-tier sales experience will help change how the industry experiences the city and the region, both now and into the future. We look forward to welcoming him as a leader.”
Appointments & Promotions at Aventri Aventri, a meeting and event technology software provider, recently announced the appointment of Jim Sharpe to chief executive officer. Sharpe brings extensive exec
Philomena Petro, CMP, Reflects on 36 Years at PHLCVB After nearly four decades sell ing Philadelphia as a destina tion for meetings, conven tions and events, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau Vice President, Convention Services Philomena Petro, CMP has decided to transition her role and become a consultant for the PHLCVB services team. “This is a bittersweet moment for our orga nization, as Philomena is a titan in the indus try with an incredible amount of experience and historical perspective,” says PHLCVB President and CEO Julie Coker. “She’s been generous enough to impart this wisdom on younger professionals at the PHLCVB, estab lishing industry-wide best practices and devel oping key relationships to further our mission.”
Appointments & Promotions at PHLCVB
After a nationwide search, the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) has appointed Joe Heller as the new vice president of mar keting and communications. In this role, Heller will oversee the team responsible for supporting the positioning and marketing of Philadelphia as a top U.S. desti nation for meetings, conventions, sporting events and overseas leisure travel. “Joe brings an incredible amount of experi ence in developing innovative marketing and communications strategies that garner inter national media attention and provide oppor tunities for rich and creative storytelling that position and promote Philadelphia globally,” says PHLCVB President and CEO Julie Coker. “I’m excited for the opportunity to join the talented team at the PHLCVB,” says Heller. “I’ve seen firsthand how impactful their work is for the city of Philadelphia. I look forward to contributing to the organization’s mission and its future strategic goals of advancing the city’s strong position as a top destination.”
New Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Atlantic City Convention Center
Burt will be responsible for spearheading the efforts of a newly created sales department that will be accountable for short term sales and event revenue while assisting in servicing, negotiating and contracting clients. He will also be responsible for building a new market ing and positioning strategy of the Center and will work in conjunction with the Meet AC Sales Team to build more demand and events that will utilize the facility.
SearchWide Global, a national executive recruitment firm specializing in the hospital ity industry with an emphasis on executive level positions, has been contracted to conduct the national search.
“Under Oni’s leadership, Aventri has grown into a formidable organization, providing market-leading solutions to its nearly 2000 customers worldwide,” says Rich Lawson, chairman of the board of directors. “We’re delighted to have him remain on the board to continue helping to chart the future of the company. We’re also very excited to wel come Jim Sharpe to lead Aventri’s best-inclass executive team and continue to grow Aventri’s footprint in the global meeting and event technology space.”
Oni Chukwu has been elevated to execu tive chairman for Aventri after leading the company as CEO for the past six years, during which he oversaw accelerated rev enue growth, product maturation and global expansion.“It’sbeen one of the great honors of my career to have had the opportunity to lead this company and this wonderful team at such a pivotal time,” says Chukwu. “I am proud of what we’ve accomplished and humbled by the dedication and passion that Aventrians bring to it every day.”
NE.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 45 utive experience in high-growth technologyenabled businesses.
Prior to joining Aventri, Sharpe spent six years as general manager and manag ing director at Gerson Lehrman Group (GLG), the leading platform for connect ing top professionals for sharing expertise. He managed the firm’s largest and most profitable business unit, Financial Services, greatly expanding the user base toward rev enue north of $200 million. Prior to GLG, Sharpe was CEO of Standard Purification, a PE-backed manufacturing business where he led the growth, expansion and successful exit to a strategic buyer.
“I am thrilled to be joining Aventri at such an exciting time in the company’s history,” says Sharpe. “We are now well positioned to take advantage of our market leadership to significantly scale the business. I look forward to working with the Aventri team, and espe cially our customers, to continue to innovate and deliver the best solution and experience in the industry.”
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
24 SNAPSHOTS ILEA
46 NEM+E | SPRING 2020 SUBMIT YOUR EVENT PHOTOS To have your meeting or event photos featured here, contact the editor at mike.munzenrider@tigeroak.com. 7 8 9 6 31 5 EVENTellect ILEA New York Metro Chapter and YEP! (Young Event Professionals) joined forces to co-host an event on Jan. 22 at Housing Works Bookstore Cafe & Bar in New York. The event, which drew 150 attendees from across the events indus try, featured an industry panel discussion between several of the top event asso ciations in NYC, including EventFluence, HSMAI, ILEA, MPI, NACE, NYC & Company, WIPA and YEP!. Panelists discussed the benefits of joining an association, industry-wide trends and how associations can partner together to overcome challenges and move the event industry forward.
1. Alexander Bliziotis, East Coast Entertainment. 2. Matias Letelier, Fun Corporate Magic and Carline Beaubrun, Events by Carline. 3. Zachary Tranter and Elena Clowes, Unicorn Events Ltd.
4. Dan Kfoury, Instawork and Reed Bocchino, Aquarian Production & Entertainment Services. 5. Patrick Colomer, President, MPIGNY; Kelly Otto, HSMAI Board Member; Jaclyn Zendrian, EventFluence Board Member and Matt Schechter, NYC & Co. 6. Elaina Luparello, Cirque Central and Sabrina Shore, Digital Influence Solutions. 7. Fernando Coelho, LA Photo Party; Jason Velez, Priava; Jenna Riley, Instawork and Gregory Boroff, City Harvest. 8. Reese Toshach, Powered by Professionals and Matt Bonavita, Rhythm in Motion. 9. Jaclyn Bernstein, Access Metro NY. –Photos by Ivan Piedra Photography & YEP!’S
EVENTELLECT
Ann Arbor has always attracted big thinkers and inspired big ideas. With extraordinary meeting spaces, an exciting culinary scene, a walkable downtown and a knowledgeable staff to guide you every step of the way, Ann Arbor is an ideal destination for meetings. Learn more at AnnArbor.org/meetings
48 NEM+E | SPRING 2020 ZELLMANNTRACIILLUSTRATION:
Do you ever find yourself starstruck by the talent that comes through? I am consistently amazed by the legends and tal ent that come through The Capitol Theatre and play our stage. After 25-plus years working in the music industry, producing both music television and events, I have found a way to balance my profes sionalism and fandom. That being said, I was abso lutely in awe recently when living legend Bob Dylan arrived at our stage door to perform on The Capitol Theatre’s stage! What does being an “event therapist” mean to you? Planning an event in a unique location can be chal lenging. It requires creative vision and the ability to think completely out of the box. My experience has allowed me to guide hundreds of clients successfully through the process. I am grateful for the opportu nity to plan events every day in such an incredible venue, so my “event therapy” comes at no addi tional cost to clients to ensure that all events at The Capitol Theatre exceed expectations. thecapitoltheatre.com
IN From television to special events at The Capitol Theatre, Emily Schmalholz rocks.
There are no re-takes, rewrites or edits. Your talent is typically not professionally trained actors and they tend to have a much deeper emotional connection to every element. Television shows are tightly script ed; with events we develop and provide the tools to create, surprise and delight that are organically cre ated and fueled by the energy in the room. The Capitol Theatre is beautiful—what sets it apart as a venue? [It’s] a legendary music venue and event space located just 22 miles outside of New York City. Built in 1926 by noted architect Thomas Lamb, this rock palace has hosted concerts by pretty much every rock ‘n’ roll act imaginable. In 2012, the venue under went a multimillion-dollar renovation, creating an unparalleled concert and event experience using digital projection mapping, state-of-the-art sound, lighting and video equipment. With a 2,000-person capacity, the room boasts a 65-foot domed ceiling, 44-foot-wide proscenium stage, a flexible general admission or seated floor plan and three elegant lobbies. The energy in the room is undeniable and is felt throughout every event, whether it’s a corporate event, benefit concert or private celebration.
BY MIKE MUNZENRIDER
Alifelong New Yorker, Emily Schmalholz was a TV producer at VH1 before moving into the events industry and landing at Westchester’s The Capitol Theatre. As director of special events at the historic space and its bar, Garcia’s, she says creating events and working in television have lots in common. “The ultimate goal for both is to tell a great story and create memo rable moments.” Schmalholz, a self-described “event therapist,” had more to say about her work.
THERAPIST’THESCHMALHOLZ‘EVENTIS
PEOPLE PROFILE EMILY
With events, you only get one chance to get it right!
What’s the biggest difference between producing for television and producing events?
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