Meetings Matter Chatter

Creativity is defined as the ability to think about a task or problem in a new or different way, or the ability to use the imagination to generate new ideas. But how does that differ from being innovative? We dive into this topic with Aaron Price, Vice President of Creative at Access DMC. Listen in to learn more about this fascinating topic. 

Discover how NeKeta Argrow, Strategic Solutions Advisor on BCD M&E's Performance Optimization team, is bringing the 'S' back into SMM, and revitalizing strategic planning's crucial role in meetings and events for maximum impact.   

A chat with Anson Mulville, Senior Content Producer with BCD's Production & Content Team, talking about Films. A new offering powered by BCD M&E’s filmmaking house within the NORAM Production & Content team, Films utilizes decades of storytelling experience, along with award-winning directors, editors, and cinematographers, to help tell bold, beautiful, and anthemic customer stories. In partnership with our clients, we develop, produce, and craft brand stories with a cinematic level of production and a higher touch level of service. From concept to delivery, we help bring our client's biggest and most impactful pieces of content to life. These are the stories that get noticed.

A chat about all things M&E and Peru with Diana Bauer, owner and operator of Be Peru and Luis Chang, Chief Tourism & Investment Specialist at PromPeru (Peru Tourism Board) in Houston. They discuss why Peru is such a hot destination for MICE attendees and if you've been to Peru before, what you can expect from some new venues and sites. 

It's hard to believe we're already in 2024, but 2023 was another successful, whirlwind of a year. Hear some of the highlights of the year as I chat with two of BCD's finest from the Venue Search and Meeting Solutions team, Regan Furtado and Erin Daoust to hear their insights into 2023. 

Hilton is a great place to work…and don’t take it from me! Hilton was recently awarded the #1 World’s Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune Magazine. Join the in-depth conversation with Gerilyn Horan, Vice President – Group Sales & Strategic Accounts with Hilton as we uncover why Hilton has won this prestigious award along with our discussion of new hotel developments, what to expect from Hilton in 2024, and much more! In Gerilyn’s role, she is responsible for leading the growth of the group segment for Hilton and ensuring her team members are collaborative, trusted advisors to their customers. Gerilyn, began her career with Hilton spending ten years in property and global sales roles including the Waldorf Astoria in New York and leading the San Francisco Worldwide Sales office.  She then spent many years in the luxury sector traveling the globe with Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Langham Hospitality Group and also Meadowood Napa Valley.  Before rejoining Hilton Gerilyn was Vice President North America for HelmsBriscoe.  There she worked with multinational customers on procuring their meetings and events and gained the invaluable perspective of the customer viewpoint.  Gerilyn says returning to Hilton in 2018 shows you can go home!

For notes on all the places discussed today, check out www.orlandomeeting.com. 

Take a listen to Senior Vice President, Mark Sergot, with IHG Hotels & Resorts® chat about the growth in hotels around the world. Listen to how IHG sees a very bright future for the hospitality business and travel industry. Mark discusses how IHG is meeting the increasing guest demand for trusted brands and finding fresh opportunities to grow globally with new and existing owners looking to capitalize on all IHG has to offer.  IHG has taken big strides in recent years to create a stronger business for guests, owners and colleagues, growing our portfolio to 19 distinct brands spanning high-value markets and segments. In 2022 IHG transformed and relaunched the IHG’s One Rewards loyalty program, strengthened digital channels and widen enterprise platforms; finding new sustainable innovations to help ensure as a business look after the world around.

IHG has a recovered successfully post-pandemic, whether for business or leisure, guests around the world are choosing our brands, with record room rates and high occupancy increasing first-half Global RevPAR by almost a quarter year-on-year in 2023. And there’s more demand still to come, with rising corporate and group travel as people come back together for meetings and events. Plus, China is rebounding from their travel restrictions, and growing international travel as airlines open up hundreds of routes – another indication of the optimism felt in the industry. 

Equally exciting is the significant growth potential for IHG. Room openings in the first half of 2023 jumped by more than 40% year-on-year, alongside an 11% increase in signings for our brands. IHG is executing a global pipeline to more than 1,900 hotels – the equivalent of 31% of IHG’s estate today. 

To learn more about IHG’s corporate updates visit ihg.com/plc to book a stay visit ihg.com.

A chat with Vice President of Global Sales, Maya Latinovic, about the recent joining of two iconic Virgin hotel brands, Virgin Hotels and Virgin Limited Edition, under one parent brand to focus on growth and driving positive change and differentiation within the luxury hospitality industry. She explains how Virgin is differentiating themselves in the meetings and events space, what she loves about the hotel collection, and their undeniable passion for championing customer experience (from Richard Branson himself, down to each and every property employee).

Are your attendees sick of the same boring name badges? Do you feel you might have attendees who are more introverted and don't enjoy making small talk at networking events? The gals from JabberYak have a solution for you. I met Shideh at the Connect Marketplace event this August in Minneapolis and can't wait to share with you listeners what their company can make for you.

For more information about this women-owned, small business, take a look at their website at Event Engagement Solution | Networking Solution for Events | JabberYak.