THE RESOURCE FOR EVERYTHING GROUP TRAVEL.
GENS
CULTURAL TREASURES: THE MUSEUMS OF NEW YORK ARE YOU GAME? THESE CASINO RESORTS TAKE IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL SLOW DOWN, TAKE IT EASY: WHAT’S SLOW TRAVEL?
PROGRAMS AND UPDATES TO KNOW ABOUT IN THE NEW YEAR
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025
Volume 23, Issue 1
GROUPS TODAY IS PUBLISHED BY:
Serendipity Media, LLC 866-252-7108 www.serendipity-media.com
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Kasie Smith
ART DIRECTOR
Courtney Van Hagen
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Hannah Hohman
OFFICE COORDINATOR
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ISSUES
Slow Down, Take It Easy: What’s Slow Travel? page 4
SPECIAL REPORT
GROUPS TODAY 2025 NEXT GENS
page 6
THEME FEATURE ARE YOU GAME? These Casino Resorts Take It to the Next Level page 10
DESTINATION FEATURE
CULTURAL TREASURES: The Museums of New York page 20
EDUCATION
Programs and Updates to Know About in the New Year page 27
28
A NOTE FROM THE MANAGING EDITOR
Welcome to a new year!
As we look toward all the possibilities the future holds, we can’t help but get excited also thinking about all the emerging leaders in the industry and the amazing things they’ve already accomplished in their careers. In this issue, our Special Report (page 6) introduces you to the 2025 class of Groups Today Next Gens. These trailblazers are people of the next generation who make a difference in the industry with their progressive ideas, innovative mindsets and creative spirits. Join us in congratulating them (and reading their extended profiles on grouptoday.com)!
We also venture into the many diverse and world-class museums of New York (page 20) and feel the nostalgia of the classic casino experience paired with modern amenities (page 10).
Thinking about adopting any new programs or systems to streamline your operations in 2025? Flip to page 27 to learn about some industry leading programs and organizations offering tools and new resources for group travel professionals.
And if you’re ready to slow down for a bit, page 4 gives a glimpse into slow travel and why its appeal with groups continues to grow. It might just change how you and your groups travel forever!
We look forward to seeing you out on the road in 2025. Cheers!
SARAH SUYDAM Managing Editor sarah@serendipity-media.com
Send your stories, suggestions and thoughts to:
535 Cascade West Parkway SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546
sarah@serendipity-media.com
is MORE THAN JUST A MAGAZINE
THREE LEADING GLOBAL INDIGENOUS TOURISM ORGANIZATIONS UNITE TO FORMALIZE NEW PARTNERSHIP
NYC TOURISM + CONVENTIONS
NAMES JULIE COKER PRESIDENT AND CEO
WHAT’S MOTIVATING TRAVELERS IN 2025?
SHOWING GRATITUDE FOR YOUR TEAM
Enhance your professional development with timely group travel industry updates, business tips and more.
Slow Down, Take It Easy:
What’s Slow Travel?
YYou’ve probably heard travelers say “I need a vacation from my vacation” once they’ve returned home from being on the road. You may even be one of these travelers yourself! And while some love a jam-packed itinerary, others might feel overwhelmed by it all and instead yearn for a more relaxed pace. It makes perfect sense then why “slow travel” is a concept being wholeheartedly adopted by many travelers.
Contrary to what some may assume, slow travel isn’t a luxury afforded only to those who can manage to take more time off and spend more funds to travel. Rather, it’s a focus on the time and funds travelers do already have to enrich the experience by allowing them to truly breathe in their surroundings through a greater awareness of an experience, destination, community or culture.
QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
A tale as old as time, the quality of a trip should certainly always be prioritized over the number of activities and stops squeezed in along the way. Rather than grabbing a quick bite somewhere to keep things moving, ponder how an educational cooking class and then enjoying the meal you just cooked as a group can influence overall trip enjoyment and authenticity. You’re also more likely to be supporting the local community when choosing options like this!
CULTURE AND CONNECTION
A benefit to slowing down while on the road is that groups are able to become far more immersed in their surroundings, soaking up all a destination has to offer. So many people physically visit
destinations but leave feeling like they really didn’t get to experience it. Intentional slow travel allows the traditions and norms of a particular community to come to life through genuine conversations and interactions— an outcome that becomes much less likely when you’re zooming from place to place.
Voluntourism opportunities are also a great way to make the most of a group’s time in a certain place while engaging with those who call a destination home.
WITH WELLNESS IN MIND
With a focus on wellness in travel becoming more common than ever, it makes sense that slow travel is also appealing to those same travelers. And while everyone has different goals or desired outcomes for their trips, slow travel has also been linked to increased trip satisfaction post-trip, leading to a higher number of potential return clients.
Consider an itinerary that offers ample opportunity for decompression after a long day or less stressful
transportation options. Who wants to wake up at the crack of dawn to leave for the airport after having a full day or adventures beforehand? Opt for the afternoon flight and take a breather; it’s OK to sit still for a bit, even when on the road.
So next time, rather than rushing from place to place trying to fit in as many stops as possible, perhaps consider how a slower approach may change how you and your groups experience a destination. You might just find it changes how you travel forever.
Slow travel has also been linked to increased trip satisfaction post-trip, leading to a higher number of potential return clients.
GENS
TThrough the support of reader nominations, Groups Today is proud to present this year’s class of Next Gens—people of the next generation who make a difference in the industry with their progressive ideas, innovative mindsets and creative spirits. Congratulations!
Read more about our 2025 Next Gens via their expanded profiles at groupstoday.com.
ANDREW MORAN
Senior Director of Sales & Travel Design, Music Travel Consultants
Andrew Moran is a passionate advocate for the transformative power of student travel, inspired by his own life-changing educational trip. Beyond his role at Music Travel Consultants, he has spent over a decade teaching, serving and volunteering in music education. Committed to providing students with impactful experiences, he works to elevate student travel standards, creating lasting opportunities for the next generation that reflect those that shaped his own journey.
BRITNY AVERY, CTP
Specialty Sales Manager, Experience Grand Rapids
With a bachelor of science in hospitality and tourism management from Grand Valley State University, Britny Avery knew she wanted to work in the tourism industry. At Experience Grand Rapids, she curates experiences for the group travel market and is a Certified Tour Professional through the National Tour Association. Avery was also recently elected Vice President of the Circle Michigan Board of Directors. She’s passionate about enhancing the travel industry through partnerships and memorable experiences.
Headshot ModBettie for Experience Grand Rapids
Candid Photo © Britny Avery
CAL FAHEY
Tourism Sales Manager, Opry Entertainment
A Nashville native, Cal Fahey grew up inspired by Ryman Auditorium concerts and Nashville’s rich musical heritage. After earning degrees in music theory and arts management, he started his career at Opry Entertainment’s call center. His dedication and eagerness to learn led to being a Call Center Trainer, Group Services Specialist and now Tourism Sales Manager. Fahey has traveled the country representing the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium, encouraging groups to experience that same inspiration only found in Music City.
Headshot & Candid Photos © Cal Fahey
Headshot & Candid Photos © Josh Burnett
CASE W. COLE
Senior Sales Manager, Super Holiday Tours & Educational Experiences / Festival Director, Music USA at Universal Orlando Resort
Case Cole, a Florida State University graduate and second-generation travel professional, specializes in youth markets. Actively involved with the Student & Youth Travel Association (SYTA), Cole serves on multiple committees and plays key roles across his family’s travel brands—Super Holiday Tours, Music USA, and Educational Experiences—where he champions transformative experiences for young travelers across a variety of educational initiatives.
CHANDLER COPYAK
Account Executive, Le Bus
Chandler Copyak is a fourth-generation sales professional at Le Bus, a company founded by his great-grandfather 75 years ago. He’s played a pivotal role in the company’s growth, securing a key contract with a local ski resort to provide employee shuttles. Copyak also works with all NBA, MLS, NHL and collegiate teams visiting Utah, ensuring their experiences are safe and smooth. Chandler is committed to empowering his team, having trained coworkers in sales and the company’s internal technological systems.
By Sarah Suydam
FRANK STROUP
Account Manager, Travel with Barb
Frank Stroup is a fresh face in the travel world! Since joining the team at Travel with Barb, he has used his experience as an award-winning music teacher to create an efficacious training program to set teachers and other leaders on the path to travel success. He blends pragmatic and emphatic approaches in order to help trip leaders and travelers leap the hurdles of travel planning and ensure their travel experiences are truly memorable.
KAITLYN GALLEGOS
Director of Global Sales, Visit Lake Charles
A lifelong resident of Southwest Louisiana, Kaitlyn Gallegos began her career at Visit Lake Charles six years ago, working in the domestic tourism market. She’s since been promoted to Director of Global Sales, welcoming groups and individuals worldwide to her hometown. While often traveling, attending tradeshows and sales missions, she’s committed to staying involved locally, having served on the boards of Rotary Club of Lake Charles, Fusion Five, Chuck Fest and Big Brothers Big Sisters of SWLA. Continued...
Headshot & Candid Photos © Case W. Cole
Headshot & Candid Photos © Chandler Copyak
Headshot & Candid Photos © Frank Stroup
Headshot © Shonda Manuel – Healthy Image Marketing
Candid Photo © Kaitlyn Gallegos
KATI HAGEDORN
Director of
Events, Tourism Cares
Kati Hagedorn is the Director of Events at Tourism Cares, where she works with an amazing team to drive positive impact for communities through sustainable tourism. With more than 14 years at Tourism Cares, she specializes in collaborative event planning with destination stewardship at its foundation. Hagedorn’s approach emphasizes listening to host communities, ensuring events reflect their needs and values, and fostering experiences that leave a lasting, positive impact on participants and the places they visit.
MARK TOPLEY
Associate Director,
Strategic Ticket Sales & Tourism, New York Yankees
Mark Topley currently serves as the first ever Head of Tourism Sales for the New York Yankees. A 10-year NYC tourism industry professional, Topley has also held positions with Disney, Cirque du Soleil, EBG, SeatGeek and GetYourGuide. In his work as both a buyer and supplier, Topley has learned that developing sincere personal relationships with partners is critically important. He’s passionate about advocating for the power of sport to create unforgettable travel experiences.
MORIAH SHTULL
Director of Marketing, Intrepid Museum
Moriah Shtull is an accomplished marketing leader with extensive experience in cultural institutions, recognized for driving engagement and revenue. She directs integrated marketing for internal clients, developing strategic insights and data-driven roadmaps. Wrangling snake handlers, esteemed curators and everyone in between, she is a skilled communicator who is focused on making educational and awesome experiences more accessible to all audiences.
REED WARNER
Director of Meeting, Convention & Leisure Group Sales, Explore Branson
Reed Warner is a dynamic force in the hospitality and tourism industry, blending international experience with a passion for innovation. With a background in luxury properties in Chicago, highvolume beach resorts in Florida, and managing a boutique hotel in Montenegro, Warner brings a global perspective to his role as a leader at Explore Branson. With a passion for cutting-edge data platforms and AI, he is always looking for ways to push the envelope and move Destination Marketing into the future.
Headshot & Candid Photos © Kati Hagedorn
Headshot & Candid Photos © Mark Topley
Headshot © Reed Warner
Headshot & Candid Photos © Intrepid Museum
Are You Game?
These Casino Resorts Take It to the Next Level
TThere’s nothing better than a classic casino getaway … the bright lights, the roaring sounds, the thrill and anticipation of a big win in the air. But, when all of that excitement is surrounded by extraordinary amenities, from fine eateries to well-appointed spas to luxury accommodations to world-class entertainment and more, that’s when you know you’ve planned an unforgettable trip for your group. And, we’re here to help. Let’s look at some hotspots across the country that are elevating the experience for guests.
Photo © Pechanga Resort Casino
By Allison Kay Bannister
Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort , located in beautiful Hot Springs, Arkansas, has numerous appeals. Stay in the Forbes -recommended hotel overlooking the historic Oaklawn racetrack and the surrounding Ouachita Mountains or relax in utter indulgence at the state’s only Forbes fourstar-rated spa, The Astral Spa. Whether your group prefers high-end or casual dining, Oaklawn has you covered. The OAK room & bar or The Bugler are upscale establishments, while Big Al’s offers a diner-style vibe. Sports fans will love the stateof-the-art Mainline Sports Bar, featuring 90-plus large-screen TVs, a sportsbook area, three Topgolf Swing Suites and axe throwing.
Don’t forget one of the biggest reasons to make Oaklawn your destination of choice: live Thoroughbred racing, which runs December through May. Visit on a race day to place your bets, then find a spot in the Grandstand or on the beautiful infield to cheer on your picks. After, head to the non-smoking casino, which is abuzz 24/7. Enjoy live craps, blackjack, roulette, slot games and promotions. And, don’t miss one of their live music shows! Oaklawn is also close to downtown, Hot Springs National Park and Bathhouse Row—all worth a visit while in the area.
Situated between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo in magnificent Michigan is Gun Lake Casino. In the last phases of a $300 million expansion set to open in March 2025, this Great Lakes State gem is a mustgo for groups. What’s new? A 252-room luxury hotel, a full-service spa, meeting space and added dining options for starters. But, the big reveal, scheduled for May 2025, is the Wawyé Oasis. This 32,000-squarefoot glass atrium has a year-round tropical climate and will be home to a cutting-edge entertainment center with multiple pools, as well as a bustling nightclub, live concert venue and banquet facility.
At the casino, there are more than 50 gaming tables, 2,300 state-of-the-art slot machines, a modern sportsbook, a live poker room and keno. For dining, enjoy a contemporary take on American cuisine at Shkodé Chophouse or immerse yourselves in Michigan’s brewery culture at CBK (Craft·Bar·Kitchen). There’s also Harvest Buffet with fresh, cooked-toorder ingredients and 131 Sportsbar & Lounge.
Pechanga Resort Casino , in Temecula, California, is the only casino resort to be named in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Poll in the category of “Best Resorts.” It recently underwent a seven-month remodel of its signature Great Oak Steakhouse, featuring a feast for the palate with menu selections such as Wagyu steaks, caviar, lobster, and oysters, as well as craft cocktails, award-winning wines and delicious desserts. For a special treat, parties of six to 10 can reserve the Chef’s Table, a semi-private space offering an eight-course culinary journey and a view into the exhibition kitchen. Also new are five Native American spa menu options at Spa Pechanga made with Indigenous ingredients known for their healing properties. Of note is Journey of the Payómkawichum, a sound bath and meditation session that leads into a fullbody massage.
Let’s not leave out the casino aspect, though! On site is a 200,000-square-foot gaming area, 1,100 hotel rooms and suites, a number of restaurants in addition to Great Oak, a 4.5-acre pool oasis, a championship golf course and live entertainment galore.
Connecticut’s Mohegan Sun is more than a casino. Under its 5.5-million-square-foot roof are actually two casinos,
Photos © Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, Gun Lake Casino
Mandara Spa, the Sky Tower and Earth Tower hotels, a golf course, convention and expo centers, a sportsbook, and entertainment venues, including Mohegan Sun Arena, where the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun play. There are also the Shops at Mohegan Sun, offering top brands such as Tesla, Coach, Athleta, Tommy Bahama and Swarovski, and GAME ON, which has billiards, bowling, karaoke and 50-plus retro arcade games.
The complex houses more than 30 restaurants, bars, and lounges, including the highly anticipated and newly opened The Shed. Other new dining additions are Beauty & Essex, Sift Bake Shop and A.T.Y. Bar & Bonbons. Sun Patio, an outdoor concert and meeting venue, has also been completely revamped.
Mohegan Sun has earned Best Casino Hotel in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for seven straight years. They owe that honor to exceptional guest service—paired with beautiful accommodations—and a commitment to creating memorable experiences.
Nestled in the Laurel Highlands region of the Allegheny Mountains— about 70 miles from Pittsburgh—is The Casino at Nemacolin . Across 26 tables are classic games, such as blackjack, craps, criss cross poker, roulette, and Mississippi stud, plus there are 500 slot, video poker, and keno machines, along with two high-limit gaming areas. For high rollers, there’s an exclusive VIP lounge with premium food, beverages and amenities. The Royale sports bar and grill is also a favorite, with more casual, pub-style offerings.
Nemacolin recently underwent a three-year, $500 million refresh, which encompassed all aspects of the resort: the casino, two golf courses, and The Grand Lodge, Falling Rock and The Chateau. Within the sweeping, 2,200-acre NemaVerse is the Woodlands Spa, Holistic Healing Center, and a Fitness Center, plus exquisite dining and shopping. Fun fact: Those with a keen interest in pop culture might recognize Nemacolin as the backdrop of the 2021 season of The Bachelor !
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN VEGAS!
Feeling nostalgic? Head to Fremont Street in downtown Sin City, where it all began. This is definitely where you’ll find everything oldschool. At the top of the to-see list is El Cortez Hotel & Casino, with a history dating back nearly a century. While it’s been renovated and added to over the years, it has retained its façade and three-story neon sign, and it’s one of the few spots that offers coin slot machines. If there’s a longing for the triumphant clanging of coins when someone hits the jackpot, this is a place your group will love. Other classics on Fremont Street are Golden Nugget, The D, Four Queens and Binion’s.
SOARING EAGLE CASINO & RESORT
Immerse yourself in luxury and unwind in the comfort of AAA Four Diamond rated first-class rooms and premium suites at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. With many amazing amenities to choose from, guests could enjoy a fireplace, in-room jacuzzi and beautiful balconies before heading downstairs to the beautiful 2,400-square-foot pool to relax or be pampered by booking an amazing spa package.
Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort guests can enjoy an evening in the property’s sportsbook & lounge, ASCEND, to watch all Michigan sporting events, enjoy live entertainment or a late-night DJ spinning all of your favorite music. If you’re in the mood for dinner, indulge in Soaring Eagle’s endless dining choices, whether it’s a mouthwatering masterpiece from Siniikaung Bistro with approachable food and prices, or a delicacy from Ruth’s Chris Steak House— where the last bite is just a good as the first. Grab something quick and tasty at one of the Food District’s four different restaurant
options including Bonanno’s New York Pizza Kitchen, Bubbakoo’s Burritos, Guy Fieri’s Chicken Guy and Ike’s Love & Sandwiches (open 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, with Bonanno’s offering breakfast every day from 8 – 11 a.m.). Newly opened in November 2024 is Johnny Rockets, where guests will find iconic burgers, shakes, fries and fun inside a retro-inspired diner!
Soaring Eagle Casino has a variety of gamblers’ favorites with more than 3,200 slot machines, 70 table games, bingo, Keno and pull-tabs. If your groups love bingo, whether it’s traditional or electronic, grab your dauber and head to the Soaring Eagle’s 500-seat bingo hall with some of the highest dollar bingo prize payouts in the state!
SOARING EAGLE CASINO & RESORT CONTACT: Day Trip Bookings: Jessica Gelvin 989-775-5497 | jgelvin@sagchip.org
Photos © Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort
Overnight Bookings: Melisa Colton 989-775-5498 | mcolton@sagchip.org
SPOTLIGHT
ELEVATE YOUR VISIT TO NYC WITH THE NEW SKYLIFT
Introducing Skylift, a groundbreaking new attraction that will elevate your visit to New York City to breathtaking new heights, now open at Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center. Your group’s daring adventure begins when they step onto Skylift’s revolving glass-enclosed platform and ascend a heart-pounding three stories above the Top of the Rock’s 70th floor openair observation deck for unrivaled 360-degree views of the city and beyond. No need to fumble with your phone for the perfect Insta-shot of this one-of-a-kind feat: At its pinnacle, Skylift captures video of each guest, set against the backdrop of the city’s most famous landmarks, ensuring a spectacular memento of your group’s sky-high visit.
Skylift is part of the newly transformed Top of the Rock, the city’s premiere destination for epic, unobstructed views of New York City’s legendary skyline,
including the only clear vistas of all 843 acres of Central Park. Now there’s so much more to see and do on your next visit! From the moment groups step into 30 Rockefeller Plaza’s Welcome Gallery, they’re immersed in the sweeping history and vision of the renowned site, brought to life by dazzling murals and a gargantuan, 10-foot-high model of the Art Deco complex.
An elevator ride to the famed Observation Deck is now a portal through time, revealing the original 1930s elevator shafts, while a multisensory four-minute film chronicles its improbable history. Experience the fearless footsteps of those who built Rockefeller Center— captured in the world famous “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper” photo—on The Beam, which hoists visitors 12-feet in the air above the 69th floor Observation Deck. Cap off your day at the newly opened Weather Room Café & Bar, on the 67th floor, where a cappuccino in the sky promises a taste of the extraordinary.
Learn more at rockefellercenter.com
Photo © Rockefeller Center
FLY MY GROUP
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SARATOGA SPRINGS: WHERE NATURAL BEAUTY AND ART ARE IN PERFECT HARMONY
Discover arts and culture, culinary experiences, history, natural wonders and adventure—all in one of North America’s best small cities.
Step into Saratoga Springs where natural beauty, vibrant greenspace, amazing historical preservation, and a thriving live music and arts scene flow together.
As a travel professional, you may be familiar with New York’s beloved upstate city for its Saratoga Race Course, one of the oldest thoroughbred horse racing tracks in America. Or for the city’s namesake, the healing
mineral springs that are integral to the DNA of the “Queen of the Spas.” Yet, you may be unaware what a dazzling, year-round destination Saratoga Springs is. Located a stone’s throw from six million acres of Adirondack parkland and a three-hour train ride from New York City, Saratoga is a “must-see” for every type of traveler.
Shopaholics and foodies alike will be tantalized by the vibrant and walkable downtown filled with independent shops, boutique hotels, locally-sourced restaurants and late night bars and speakeasies. Curating a trip for culture vultures? Experience Saratoga’s flourishing arts scene, including artist retreat Yaddo , unique galleries at Skidmore College’s Tang Teaching Museum and the Beekman Street Arts District , one-of-a-kind exhibits at Saratoga Automobile Museum , concerts at iconic folk venue Caffè Lena , and live performance at the city’s anchor for arts and culture: Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC)
One of America’s premier outdoor amphitheaters with its lush lawn and enviable acoustic, SPAC draws vacation crowds and arts lovers each year for performances by resident companies: New York City Ballet (July 8-12, 2025), The Philadelphia Orchestra (August 6-23, 2025), The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (March 29 -August 17), Saratoga Jazz Festival (June 28 & 29, 2025), and pop, rock and country concerts by Live Nation . In addition, SPAC has expanded into yearround programming, offering everything from dance to jazz, pop, classical, and global music at its Spa Little Theater, and curated experiences in culinary, literary and visual arts on its bucolic campus.
Enhance your visit with thoughtful on-site dining options or bring in your own picnic to suit your group. And take in the exquisite setting of SPAC’s rolling lawn at the beating heart of the 2,400-acre Saratoga Spa State Park, featuring iconic geysers, mineral springs, and architectural treasures—in addition to recreational activities like hiking and biking trails, tennis courts, the Peerless Pool Complex for families, the Historic Victoria Pool and two beautiful golf courses.
For more information and to plan your visit to Saratoga Springs and Saratoga Performing Arts Center, visit spac.org . Groups of 10 or more save on tickets to events; visit spac.org/group-sales for more information.
Courtesy of Zack Ashcraft, Group Sales Manager, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, groups@spac.org.
Photos © Ironglass Productions (left) / Bryan Lasky (right)
Photos (L to R) © Corning Museum of Glass, The Metropolitan Museum of Art - Brett Beyer, Museum of Modern Art - Carly GaebeSteadfast Studio, American Museum of Natural History - C. Chesek, Corning Museum of Glass
By Sarah Suydam
F Cultural Treasures: The Museums of New York
From art and natural history to architecture, culture and even more niche subjects, some of the world’s most diverse and renowned museums live in New York. While it’s impossible to see all of the state’s storied institutions in one trip, there’s certainly no shortage of options, with something fascinating for every group to discover.
At the Corning Museum of Glass , groups could explore 35 centuries of glassmaking through nearly 50,000 objects. Through group experiences such as the Museum’s live Hot Glass Demos, groups are treated to the artistry that goes into the creation of glass, while group glass glassmaking experiences at the (newly expanded) “The Studio” allow groups to try out glassworking techniques themselves to create their own customized souvenirs.
From May to October, the Museum operates a free shuttle from the Welcome Center to the Museum and downtown Corning, New York, and includes a stop at the institution’s sister museum: The Rockwell Museum .
The Rockwell Museum, named for local business owners Bob and Hertha Rockwell, is a Smithsonian Affiliate museum housed in Corning’s former City Hall and features a variety of American art through the ages. Groups could venture through both permanent collections and rotating exhibitions, or take advantage of a guided group tour led by one of the museum’s friendly and experienced docents. From art of the American West to that of the American Experience as a whole, the diversity of American visual culture is on full display.
At the Intrepid Museum , groups can be surrounded by technological marvels that showcase the intersection of history and innovation. What began with the acquisition of the storied WWII aircraft carrier Intrepid today has grown to boast bold and immersive collections which include Enterprise , the world’s first space shuttle, and Growler, the only nuclear-weapons-carrying submarine open to the public. Customizable itineraries and add ons, along with performance opportunities, make a group visit to the Museum a must-do.
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in Midtown Manhattan is another can’t-miss group experience. Its six curatorial departments specialize in various media including Architecture &
Continued on page 24...
SPORTS, SHOPPING, DINING AND MORE IN ELIZABETH, NEW JERSEY
Combining a historic past with a vibrant, culturally rich present, Elizabeth has emerged as one of New Jersey’s premier tourist destinations. As the new year begins, there’s no better time to plan a trip to explore this Union County city and experience all that Elizabeth has to offer. Whether you’re seeking cozy indoor activities or looking to embrace the season, Elizabeth provides the perfect backdrop for a memorable visit.
“Elizabeth has something for everyone,” said Jennifer Costa, President/CEO of the Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce (GECC)
Courtesy of
and Executive Director of GoElizabethNJ/ Tourism. “Visit our many historic sites, take part in cultural celebrations, savor delicious international cuisine, engage in retail therapy or simply explore the great outdoors. Proximity to Newark and New York City makes Elizabeth one of the region’s most convenient travel gateways.”
Last year marked the highly anticipated debut of the Elizabeth Lifestyle Magazine and Business Resource Guide, dedicated to spotlighting all the unique features Elizabeth has to offer; it even includes the latest
GoElizabethNJ | Photos © Elizabeth Destination Marketing Organization
Elizabeth Dining Guide. Copies are available at the GoElizabethNJ Welcome Center (50 Union St.) or digitally at goelizabethnj.com.
GET YOUR KICKS: WORLD CUP SOCCER
Nearby MetLife Stadium will host several matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup— including the final match—setting the stage for an unparalleled era for soccer fans in the region. Elizabeth is already preparing to welcome travelers who will be visiting the area for this international event.
“Elizabeth is the ideal location for travelers coming from New York, Boston, Philadelphia and beyond,” Costa noted.
The city’s many name-brand hotels are centrally located within one mile or less of Newark Liberty International Airport, and have convenient parking and free airport shuttles.
SHOP-PORTUNITY KNOCKS
In addition to its numerous shopping districts, Elizabeth is home to the East Coast’s largest indoor premium outlet mall, The Mills at Jersey Gardens, where bargain hunters will find more than 200 stores, as well as a variety of dining options and a 20-screen AMC movie theater. Elizabeth is also home to the world-renowned furniture and home goods store IKEA, right off Exit 13A of the New Jersey Turnpike.
Those who prefer buying locally won’t want to miss The Market at Elizabeth Avenue— home to family-owned and operated businesses including specialty retailers, unique shops, ethnic grocers and more.
DELICIOUS DINING
There are many ways to dig into New Jersey’s “foodie city,” where you can eat your way around the world through its culturally diverse dining scene of international flavors ranging from Latin, Portuguese, Peruvian to Italian, American, Mexican and everything in between. The city’s bars and lounges also have curated food menus while its cafes and bakeries are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
EVENTS AND FAMILY FUN
From cultural parades, festivals and events to museum exhibits and athletic games, Elizabeth is always buzzing with events and experiences to kick off each season!
Enjoy the great outdoors at one of Elizabeth’s more than 45 parks. Have an afternoon picnic at Mattano Park or stroll the nature trails found at Warinanco Park. Experience “Elizabeth at the Crossroads,” a self-guided interactive walking tour through Historic Midtown Elizabeth. Annual events include the 15-mile Bike outing Tour de Elizabeth and many family-friendly events like the Portugal Day Parade, 4th of July celebration, Juneteenth festival and more!
For more information on these and other upcoming events, visit GoElizabethNJ.com.
the-scenes look at all the jobs that go into creating a Broadway production, there’s much to enjoy. And unlike many museums, photos and videos here are not only allowed at the Museum, but encouraged!
Design, Drawings & Prints, Film, Media & Performance, Painting & Sculpture and Photography. 2025 brings an array of diverse exhibitions to MoMA, including a new photography series ( Lines of Belonging ), a design exhibition ( Pirouette: Experiments and Turning Points in Design) and a look at iconic African portraiture ( Ideas of Africa: Portraiture and Political Imagination). While visiting, groups will want to stop by MoMA’s Creativity Lab, which offers hands-on art-making activations that change throughout the year.
Founded in 1870, The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) presents over 5,000 years of art from around the world to visitors looking to explore ideas, cultures and art from across time. One of the world’s largest and finest art museums, The Met offers groups endless opportunities for discovery, including through private group tours. It’s here that groups could see iconic items such as Van Gogh’s Self Portrait with a Straw Hat , Jacques Louis David’s The Death of Socrates , Edgar Degas’ Little Dancer of Fourteen Years , Monet’s Bridge Over a Pond of Water Lilies , Georges Seurat’s A Sunday on La Grande Jatte , Sphinx of Hatshepsut (1479–1458 B.C.) and plenty more.
In the heart of Times Square is The Museum of Broadway —a must-see museum for fans of live performances who are looking to discover the magic of Broadway. This interactive and experiential institution invites groups to step inside Broadway’s rich history through hundreds of rare costumes, props and artifacts. From projection mapped videos outlining the timeline of Broadway to a behind-
With a mission of preserving and presenting the history, evolution and cultural significance of human sexuality, the Museum of Sex has become known as a cultural touchstone since its 2002 inception. While visiting, groups are welcomed to reflect upon the many different perspectives on sexuality presented through fun and cultural exhibits. They could even enjoy a drink at the Museum’s Carnal Carnival Bar and shop at the institution’s award-winning retail store.
Dedicated to preserving, illuminating, and celebrating the rich history and contributions of Chinese in America, the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) is a wonderful option for groups. Book a MOCA Masterclass Museum Tour, which works to debunk stereotypes and break down unconscious bias to enable the creation of more opportunities for development and growth. Don’t miss viewing With a Single Step: Stories in the Making of America , MOCA’s permanent exhibition that presents the diverse layers of the Chinese American experience, while examining America’s journey as a nation of immigrants.
Situated on New York City’s Upper West Side, the American Museum of Natural History has been one of the world’s preeminent scientific and cultural institutions since its founding in 1869. It’s here groups are able to admire AMNH 5027, a nearly complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton in the Museum’s Hall of Saurischian Dinosaurs; more than more than 5,000 specimens from 98 countries in the Mignone Halls
MORE NEW YORK MUSEUMS FOR CONSIDERATION:
» The 9/11 Memorial & Museum
» Mercer Labs Museum of Art and Technology
» Whitney Museum of American Art
» Adirondack Experience - The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake
» The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
» The Tenement Museum
» Museum of IllusionsNew York
» The National Museum of Mathematics of Gems and Minerals; the history of Pacific Northwest Indigenous cultures in the Northwest Coast Hall; a 94-footlong model of a blue whale—the largest animal known to have ever existed; and more. With over 40 permanent halls and rotating ticketed exhibits, groups will never run out of things to admire and discover.
Photos © Corning Museum of Glass (left) / Museum of Modern Art, Brett Beyer (right)
Programs and Updates to Know About
in the New Year
By Sarah Suydam
AA new year is here and with it comes the continuation of technological advancements in the industry. Come along as we explore some industry-leading programs, platforms and the latest updates you’ll want to know about in 2025.
GroupCollect —a registration, payment and operational tool for multi-day tour operators—allows operators to launch a trip to a group, confirm registrations, request signatures and take payments, in addition to providing functionality for operators to create lists, communicate with travelers and manage other trip aspects. The company has launched additional tools that provide solutions for operators to quote trips and communicate directly with suppliers.
“Our Supplier Link is free for
suppliers and tour operators to use, and is a way for operators to search for products and pricing while building their itineraries,” said Bud Geissler, Jr., President, GroupCollect.
“Supplier Link allows suppliers to build lists and share a link for that list directly with the tour operator.
It’s like carrying around 30 different profile sheets, customized to the needs of each tour operator.
“The next step will be to build out additional operational tools that connect our current GroupCollect register platform to our new technology.
The goal is to streamline day to day operations; planning, booking, selling, operating and reporting will come together in one system.”
Travefy is a trusted platform providing travel professionals the essential tools to stay organized, look professional and run their business like a pro. Travefy supports marketing and group travel planning with customizable websites, landing pages, forms for seamless client information collection, and a powerful itinerary and proposal builder. With Travefy’s mobile app
(called Trip Plans), travelers can access their trip details on the go, making it easy to stay connected throughout the journey.
“Recent updates to Travefy include the new ‘Trips’ feature, which consolidates all itinerary elements, proposals, client forms, tasks and activity tracking into a single, organized view,” explained Stephanie Gries, Senior Education Manager, Travefy. “This update makes it even easier for group travel professionals to track and manage multiple moving parts without losing sight of individual client needs or group preferences.”
Gries added that Travefy’s Marketplace also now includes multi-page website and landing page templates, allowing advisors to create branded web pages specifically tailored for group travel marketing and booking.
Specializing in providing group travel professionals with unparalleled airfare solutions tailored for groups of 10 or more, Fly My Group offers benefits such as discounted airline pricing, flexible booking and contract terms and proprietary cost-saving tools, simplifying air booking for both domestic and international travel programs. Their dedicated team is hands-on from start to finish, offering consistent support tailored to each group’s unique needs.
“Our Better Fare Finder has recently been enhanced to deliver even greater savings for our
groups,” said Emily Donovan, VP of Business Development, Fly My Group. “We’re continually negotiating new, exclusive airline contracts designed to benefit group travel professionals. Additionally, our ongoing focus on operational efficiencies translates into even more savings for our clients.
“We always prioritize our partnerships with our customers, as well as with airlines around the globe. This approach enables us to offer competitive pricing and flexible contract terms, backed by a dedicated team ready to support every phase of your travel experience.”
Learn Tourism (formerly Tourism Academy) is dedicated to advancing the tourism industry through innovative education, training and professional development. The nonprofit’s new name signifies a hands-on, learner-centered approach where professionals can actively “Learn Tourism”—not just study it. The nonprofit also shared that the rebrand emphasizes their vision to lead the industry in educational innovation, sustainable business practices, and communitycentered training.
Learn Tourism offers a comprehensive suite of services including customized training and certification programs; on-demand courses; ambassador training for destinations; insightful analytics and real-time tracking; and more.
