Looking back on an eventful 2024, I'm grateful to have shared so many meaningful moments with a team that makes travel everything it should be. Immersive. Inspiring. Purposeful.
2025 promises even more opportunities to redefine extraordinary. Some of our largest and most exciting events take place this month, in destinations all around the globe. This reinforces ITA Group's continued global growth and industry excellence.
Monica Fasse
Trends, tools and transformation were all topics at the first annual SITE Midwest Education Summit, held at The Elms outside of Kansas City. Industry speakers like keynote Micheal Dominguez, CEO of ALHI, spoke about shifting narratives in events and hospitality. Dominguez’s blend of data-driven insights and actionable takeaways equipped the audience to anticipate changes and adapt.
> Luxury markets are thriving with increased demand and prices, while budget options decline.
> Generational workforce dynamics impact workforce expectations, preferences and participation. Embracing nostalgia can engage diverse audiences.
> Economic growth concentrated in the Southeastern U.S., especially in Dallas, Texas, impacts markets.
> Event and meeting industry trends include growth in team-building and training events due to remote work's impact. Compression in midweek business travel creates rising costs due to high demand.
> Healthier food and beverage options, including nonalcoholic alternatives, are gaining popularity.
Held at the reimagined Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas in Palm Springs, this premier advisory event highlighted market insights and strategic focus areas for Hyatt’s global operations.
> Luxury and lifestyle: Hyatt currently operates over 1,350 hotels across 29 brands worldwide. Since 2017, Hyatt has doubled its luxury room offerings, tripled resort room capacity and quintupled lifestyle rooms. Hyatt is refining its brand architecture and investing in upskilling sales talent to streamline business processes and enhance customer experience.
> Increased demand: Hyatt is ahead of booking pace through 2030, reflecting strong demand across segments. Association market demand has doubled, leading to reduced availability in larger properties. While Average Daily Rate (ADR) growth is stabilizing, rates are not expected to decline in the foreseeable future.
> Optimize events: The revamped World of Hyatt loyalty program now offers greater value for meeting planners. Tools like Together by Hyatt and Event Experience Guides provide planners with innovative resources.
More than a beachfront hot spot, Fort Lauderdale is rapidly becoming a premier meetings and conventions destination. State-of-the-art venues, such as the expanded Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, a wealth of hotels, dining options and off-the-beaten-path activities, attract planners looking for more ways to wow clients who think they’ve seen it all.
> A new convention center district exudes fresh energy: Phase one of the highly anticipated $1.3 billion Broward County Convention Center expansion project is now complete. It adds 800,000 square feet of new space to the main exhibit halls and loading docks.
> More growth is on the horizon: In 2025, the sunny venue is set to scale further. An additional 1.2 million square feet will include an expansive new waterfront plaza, a massive ballroom facing the Intracoastal Waterway, an open-air amphitheater and the connecting 801-room upscale Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel.
> Peak season: Winter and early spring months, December through April
> Known for: Warm, sunny weather for waterfront fun
> Travel time: 5 miles from Fort Lauderdale Airport and 30 miles from Miami
Opening in late fall 2025, the highly anticipated Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel is inspired by Florida’s diverse landscapes and offers direct access into a six-acre event plaza. This 29-story landmark translates the colors and textures of the Atlantic Ocean into a luxurious experience.
> Conveniently connected: Hosting clients and colleagues here is a breeze. The hotel is located next to Broward County Convention Center, and features configurable meeting spaces and seamless technology
> Harbor views: Guest rooms are spacious and inviting with signature furnishings. A fully equipped, state-of-the-art fitness center features a large open-air yoga deck.
> Space to unwind: Take a dip in the pool, browse retail outlets or venture to Mokara Spa for an indulgent massage. Multiple dining options feature FloridianCaribbean comfort food, all-day dining and rooftop lounge space.
> Accommodations: 801 rooms
> Event space: 120,000 square feet of flexible, indoor and outdoor event and conference space, including a 30,816 square foot Grand Ballroom
Promising chic waterfront stays, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina Hotel is just a four-minute walk from Broward County Convention Center. Renovated in 2022, the property is recognized for its sustainability features.
> Vibrant waterfront: Swim the palm-lined pool, experience elevated dining at the rooftop restaurant and take a water taxi from the marina to explore Las Olas Boulevard’s shopping and dining.
> Beach shuttle: Take the Intercoastal Waterway to Fort Lauderdale’s white sands in less than 10 minutes. The sunny climate and vibrant waterfront setting provide the perfect backdrop for blending business with leisure.
> Room to go big: Fort Lauderdale’s wide range of accessible and cost-effective venues make it a strong destination for corporate events serving 600+ attendees. Offer memorable experiences like team building on the beach or yacht charters.
> Accommodations: 595 guestrooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows for a sun-drenched stay
> Event space: Over 30,000 square feet of flexible event space, including three ballrooms, diverse breakout rooms and tropical outdoor venues
Boeira Garden Hotel Porto Gaia, Curio Collection by Hilton Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
Surrounded by lush, tranquil gardens, this urban oasis is a short stroll from the historic heart of Porto. Home to the iconic Port wine cellars, this city gives wine lovers ample opportunities to sip and savor local flavor. Then, unwind in the hotel’s outdoor areas, recharge at the rejuvenating spa or relax in spacious rooms with private balconies.
> Panoramic views of Porto. Wow guests with a chic rooftop event at sunset. From intimate meetings in well-appointed conference rooms to outdoor gatherings in beautiful gardens, flexible spaces serve up to 180.
> Immersive wine experience. On-site Quinta da Boeira wine cellars give guests an unforgettable journey into the heart of Porto’s legendary wine culture. Taste the region’s finest selections as expert guides uncover the rare opportunity to explore the world of Porto wine up close.
> Relaxation spaces. With 5 treatment rooms, a thermal bath, sauna, steam room, fitness center, and outdoor and indoor pools, the spa delivers serenity. Experience inner balance after a visit to the Vichy shower or a meditation session.
> Authentic dining. Raizes serves “forgotten” Portuguese dishes with contemporary flair and an extensive wine list. The 1850 is a place to pop in for coffee and tea, light lunches, and port wines and fine liquors.
Property highlights
Accommodations: 124 rooms, inclusive of 5 suites
Airport transfer: 20 minutes from Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport (Porto Airport)
Meeting spaces: 7 total meeting rooms with the largest seating 180 people max in banquet rounds. Click to see property
Insider tip
Find Europe’s largest wine bottle on site. This one-of-a-kind feature blends the rich heritage of the region with a touch of modern marvel.
Property highlights
Accommodations: 800 total rooms with 47 suites
Airport transfer: 21 minutes from the newly expanded and renovated Kansas City Airport
Meeting spaces: 60,000 square feet of meeting and event space, plus a direct connection to the Kansas City Convention Center
Known for its vibrant arts scene, famous barbecue and iconic fountains, Kansas City provides a memorable backdrop for large events. Connected to the Kansas City Convention Center, Loews Kansas City Hotel offers easy access to a unique mix of world-class venues and charming cultural spaces, all at a competitive cost. Its central location also makes Kansas City a convenient destination for attendees from across the U.S.
> Heritage dining. The Stilwell restaurant at the hotel reinvents great American classics, with BBQ, Bourbon and other storied dishes in an environment that pays homage to Kansas City’s railroad history. (The Stilwell name is a nod to the iconic Pullman “Stilwell Oyster Car” that delivered oysters here in the late 1800s.)
Insider tip
Request the hotel’s corner rooms on higher floors. These offer stunning, panoramic views of downtown Kansas City.
> Pedestrian-friendly. Key attractions and destination landmarks like the Kansas City Power & Light District, T-Mobile Center, Union Station and the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts are steps away. Plus, the newly extended KC Streetcar now serves even more pedestrian-friendly destinations.
> One of KC's largest hotel ballrooms. The 27,000-square-foot City Beautiful Grand Ballroom includes 11,000 square feet of pre-function space. The hotel also boasts an additional 13,000-square-foot Junior Ballroom with pre-function space.
> A local's guide: Head to Horsefeather Social on the 7th-floor terrace. The hotel experience bar offers modern, outdoor space with comfortable seating and an open event lawn both guests and locals love.
These
"Ainsley was integral to the success of the client’s Senior Leaders Culture Summit during the hotel strike. He was our go-to for anything we needed throughout the entire week and made us feel like we were the only group in the house. His hustle, determination and overall results-driven attitude showed for the entire visit."
—MAGGIE FLAHERTY, EVENT MANAGER
"On a recent site in Dubrovnik and Hvar, Ante went above and beyond, crafting a full-day agenda for our clients. There were surprises around every corner, and it was tailored specifically for our clients’ interests. Ante’s enthusiasm for welcoming guests to Croatia and sharing his love of the culture, food and lifestyle is second to none. I wouldn’t hesitate to present these two Croatian gems to any client in search of a unique European destination that will delight in every capacity."
—MANDY ESPEY, EVENT ACCOUNT DIRECTOR
"Ramon is one of the most responsive partners in our industry. He is quick to pick up the phone and talk through challenges and opportunities. Ramon’s knowledge of the cruise industry is impressive and his exceptional work ethic and unwavering commitment to advocating for his clients are commendable. He is personable, professional and values the importance of relationships."
—MANDY ESPEY, EVENT ACCOUNT DIRECTOR
Insider perspectives. Trending keynote speakers. Must-have resources.
This
Incentive travel
ITA Group Enterprise Account Executive Cari Thompson spent seven unforgettable nights on board the AmaSiena for AmaWaterways’ Enchanting Rhine River Cruise. The mid-November voyage included Christmas markets and incredible destinations across four countries.
Where did your trip begin and end?
My cruise started in Basel, Switzerland, and ended in Amsterdam, Netherlands. We floated down the Rhine River Gorge in Germany, which is famed for its vineyards and breathtaking landscapes dotted with medieval castles.
What were your favorite stops?
I especially loved Riquewihr, France. Strolling the cobbled streets, it was easy to see how it inspired the fairytale village in Walt Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. This picturesque stop along the Alsace Wine Route still has 16th-century buildings. After our guided tour and Riesling wine tasting, we shopped the charming storefronts. The food, sights and sounds of Strasbourg, France, are also not to be missed! Visit the Cathedrale Nortre Dame de Strasbourg at 12:30 p.m. to witness animated figures in the Astronomical Clock, which dates to the 1350s.
Did you participate in any excursions?
We could choose from up to three daily options, depending on personal interests and your desired level of activity. For example, travelers can take gentle or medium-paced guided walks or choose a more active option. A bike ride through the nearby countryside and vineyards was led by a local guide. Often, tours concluded with a special wine, beer or coffee tasting, and free time to explore the city or town square.
Tell us about the Christmas markets!
Germany has many famous Christmas markets, which run from mid-November to the end of December. Cologne is known for having one of the best, in front of the Cologne Cathedral. We wandered around the decorated booths with mulled wine or hot chocolate in hand, while sampling regional delicacies.
What was your lasting impression of the hospitality?
This cruise is best described as a boutique hotel experience on water. Attentive staff ensured we were loving every moment. And the food! The menu of fine dining options changed daily to reflect local cuisine. Each evening before dinner, the boat hosts a “Sip and Sail” cocktail hour before dinner to help guests catch up with new friends.
AmaWaterways launched AmaSiena in 2021. The four-deck vessel accommodates 156 passengers and a crew of 51. AmaSiena features 78 cabins, including twin balcony staterooms and four suites, plus a sun deck with a pool and swim-up bar. Guests also access onboard spa services, a fitness room and track. Multiple dining venues include the specialty Chef’s Table restaurant. Complimentary internet access keeps everyone connected.
Cari brings fresh energy to the ITA Group team. She’s passionate about helping clients enhance their engagement and go-to-market strategies. When it comes to achieving big goals, the sky is the limit. Literally. Cari took the leap and tried skydiving but says she got all the adrenaline she needed from one jump.
Shelley Brown: Cultural cohesion champion
As an award-winning speaker, author, artist and mindfulness educator, Shelley Brown positions belonging as the secret ingredient for building connected cultures. Wearing her trademark gown, she embodies authenticity and resilience through bold storytelling told with a dash of quirky charm.
Shelley seeks to ignite conversations that celebrate differences and cultivate engagement. Her blend of wit and wisdom helps leaders cultivate vibrant workplaces where people thrive and profits grow.
Accolades and audiences
> 2025 Top Trending Human Connection Speaker
> Shelley is a mindfulness expert who helps organizations bridge the gap between personal, professional and leadership development through her W.E.I.R.D. at Work program.
> Shelley has shared her message with organizations like the Dallas Mavericks, Edward Jones and MGM Resorts.
> Enhance your culture and outcomes with the W.E.I.R.D. process: Welcoming, Engaging, Integration, Risk-Taking and Delivering.
> The art of exceptional leadership: Discover a powerful framework for understanding the interconnectedness of energy, emotional exposure and environment in leadership.
> Preferred format: In-person, main stage speaker 50–60 minutes
> Budget range: $15,000–$20,000
This high-energy “belongingologist” blends wit and wisdom to help you exceed employee engagement goals.
Bombas
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