Destination Everywhere

Attracting more tourists than even New York City, Orlando is a top global travel destination and the fastest-growing metro area in Florida. While it’s nearly impossible to think of Orlando without thinking of its iconic theme parks, the city hosts hundreds of conferences and conventions each year - also making it a top business travel destination.

Today we will be focusing on 4 signature Orlando hotels that are great for vacationers and business travelers alike. We will also interview Orlando resident and James Beard, Nominated Chef Kevin Fonzo. We are very excited to explore this great American city on this episode of Destination Everywhere: Orlando.

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As great as London may be, it tends to be the place that most people go – and stay in – when they visit the UK. If you need event destinations outside the capital, consider these cities (which are easily accessible by air). Join Todd Bludworth in this Spotlight Episode as he explores the best place to host your next event with Pip MacFarlane.

●     Edinburgh

○     The Scottish capital is the perfect spot for history, spectacular views, and a traditional experience of Scotland

○     Choose a venue in the historic Old Town, with the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, or the bustling, neoclassical New Town

○     In the evenings, unwind with a scotch and classic Scottish dishes such as haggis, black pudding, or Scottish smoked salmon

○     Looking for a fun bonding activity? Try traditional Scottish ceilidh dancing (pronounced kay-lee)

●     Manchester

○     The UK’s “second city”, Manchester, has a large international airport, so it’s perfect for welcoming your global guests

○     Vibrant city in the north of England

○     Home to one of the world’s best-known soccer clubs, Manchester United

○     Great nightlife in Manchester, so ideal for unwinding after a busy day of meetings

○     Also close to Liverpool, the music capital of the UK

●     Brighton

○     30 mins from London Gatwick Airport, one hour from central London

○     Arty seaside town - not quite the Florida Keys, but a great example of a British seaside town

○     May is Brighton Festival season, a big arts festival showcasing music, dance, theater, performance art, and more

○     Brighton Pride takes place in August. Brighton is considered the “LGBTQ+ capital of the UK” and is known for its open-minded community and fun atmosphere

○     Opt for an event venue on the seafront for views over the English Channel

●     Birmingham

○     Birmingham is around an hour northwest of London by train (worth mentioning that all big cities are very reachable by train in the UK!)

○     Huge, very multicultural city

○     Head to Cadbury World to enjoy the most famous British chocolate

○     Opt for the city center, cultural hub Digbeth or historic Jewellery Quarter for the best event venues in the middle of the action

○     This is the place to be to sample a huge array of different cuisines

●     Belfast

○     Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and just a short hop across the sea from Great Britain (the main island of the UK)

○     It’s a lot less busy than the big English cities, so ideal for a more laid-back atmosphere

○     The Ballyhackamore district is the “brunch capital of Belfast”, earning it the nickname “Ballysnackamore.”

○     The Titanic was built in Belfast in 1912, and there is a popular Titanic Museum

○     If you want to make the most of your time in Northern Ireland, be sure to head out to Giant’s Causeway, north of Belfast, for one of the country’s most striking natural features

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On this spotlight episode of The Destination Everywhere Podcast, our hosts Andy McNeill and Todd Bludworth share their favorite meeting and event spaces after 20 years of planning corporate gatherings in New York City. From iconic and historical ballrooms in Manhattan to an industrial-chic former steel factory in Brooklyn, you will discover some of the best venues to host small and large groups and provide an unforgettable experience.

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Amsterdam, "The Venice of the North," is the capital of the Netherlands and is renowned for its historical attractions, amazing art, and its well-preserved old neighborhoods. It's one of the most culturally diverse cities on the planet - drawing more than 5 million international visitors each year.

Today, we’ll be exploring Amsterdam with the General Manager of The Hilton Amsterdam, Alessio Colavecchio. And sharing the stage is Remi Oerlemans, the creator and owner of Amsterdam’s De Deli and Borri Box, with his take on this incredible city. 

We are excited to explore this great European capital city on this episode of Destination Everywhere: Amsterdam.

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Madrid, the capital of Spain and the second largest city in the EU after Berlin, is a financial and cultural hub located in the center of the Iberian Peninsula. With its renowned museums, delicious cuisine, and year-round sun, it's no wonder why it is one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations, attracting over 6 million visitors a year.

Todd Bludworth and Andy McNeill explore Madrid with Fiorella Simoes, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Rosewood Villa Magna Hotel. Sharing the stage with her is Maria Jose Jorda, the CEO of GastroCult, a company specializing in curated gastronomy and cultural tours of Spain. We are excited to explore this great European capital city on this episode of Destination Everywhere: Madrid.

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As global warming and the climate crisis become top of mind for many travelers, finding eco-friendly hotels is becoming a more significant factor in travel decisions. You’re doing your part to help the environment by staying at one of these sustainable resorts. In this spotlight episode, Andy McNeill and Todd Bludworth present their top hotel picks that possess a Silver Lead Certification and above. They discuss how these admirable establishments are built to save money, reduce carbon emissions, and provide a healthier environment for both workers and guests. 

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Vacation homes can provide an amazing travel experience for large families and small corporate groups. But what if you want resort-like amenities right at your fingertips, including meals and concierge-like destination services? Look no further, as Kim LaLande has all the answers to making your next home-away-from-home destination a breeze.

Kim is the Founder & CEO of KEY, a company that makes it easier for travelers to book vetted vacation homes, curated experiences, and in-home services in one place. Tune in to learn more about their different services and offerings to help make your next getaway hassle-free.

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The Big Apple, The City that Never Sleeps, and Gotham are all nicknames for the most populous city in the US – New York City. It’s the largest, most diverse, wealthiest and most influential American metropolis – making it the cultural and financial hub of the country.

Andy and Todd talk to Prince A. Sanders, the managing director of the iconic Park Lane New York hotel which has recently been completely reimagined. They also get comedic insight on the nightlife of NYC with stand-up comedian, actor, and resident Adam Mamawala.

Tune in as they share their must-visit places in the city and clue you in on their favorite places to be on a night or day out. Get tips for tourists straight from the locals.

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Andy McNeill has traveled all over the world skiing, and in today’s episode, he’ll be sharing his top recommended European ski destinations that are great for corporate group travel. These locations are ideal for incentives, congratulatory events, sales meetings, and any event where you want to host many guests and provide an amazing experience. Find out which ski spots in Europe captured his heart by tuning in!

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Are you looking to take your team on a beach trip? In this special spotlight episode, Andy McNeill & Todd Bludworth list down their top ten tropical hotels fit for incentive trips and large group destinations. They share all the details you need to find the right venue for your team and make planning your program easier. 

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