Meetings Today Podcast

Sure, some hotels just put the gym into an empty guest room. Or it's a couple of machines in another room that was never meant to be a gym. But some travelers—including event attendees—have demanded more. In this episode, I'm chatting with Steve Conklin, of the Marriott Marquis Chicago, about how hotels in the Marriott Convention and Resort Network (CRN) are stepping up their gym game. For example, the J.W. Marriott in Chicago, has kinetic treadmills and dumbbells up to 100 pounds. That will accommodate many gym rats, including NFL teams and players in town to play the Chicago Bears.  Enjoying this episode? View more episodes of the Meetings Today Podcast! 

Chief Content Officer Christoph Trappe checked in with Drew Eckman, destination sales executive at Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel, to learn more about how the property is using plants and nature-inspired design to separate itself from the competition and encourage productivity. Enjoying this episode? View more episodes of the Meetings Today Podcast!

Tyler Davidson discusses the massive Los Angeles Convention Center expansion project and what it means to the meetings industry with Discover Los Angeles' Darren Green and Paige Cram. The CVB is hitting the road with an attention-getting hologram station that shows off the project. Enjoying this episode? View more episodes of the Meetings Today Podcast!

That ever-elusive idea of work-life balance seems to be on everyone’s cluttered mind in today’s hectic world. Meetings Today’s Lori Tenny took a breather with Deb Gee, experiential design lead for Lululemon, and Nova Browning Rutherford, workplace wellness facilitator, keynote speaker and media personality, for their mindful perspectives on achieving a healthy and sustainable work-life balance. Enjoying this episode? View more episodes of the Meetings Today Podcast!

Christoph Trappe spoke with Keith Kehl, director of marketing and sales with The Westin Michigan Avenue in Chicago, about what it means to be part of Marriott's Convention & Resort Network (CRN) and the personalized meeting experiences the hotel can offer groups. Enjoying this episode? View more episodes of the Meetings Today Podcast!

   Christoph Trappe asked Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile Executive Frank Sanchez to identify the things meeting planners should ask their executive chef or catering team about when planning an event. His responses cover the areas of sustainability, food labeling, local sourcing and menu customization. Enjoying this episode? View more episodes of the Meetings Today Podcast!

Destination DC President and CEO Elliott Ferguson talks with Jeff Heilman about the sector-driven Connected Capital strategy for meetings, the real D.C. for visitors and groups, and his new role as national chair of the U.S. Travel Association. Enjoying this episode? View more episodes of the Meetings Today Podcast! 

News that PCMA CEO Sherrif Karamat, a Canadian citizen, has yet to obtain a post-hiring EB-2 Green Card, and that PCMA has posted his position on its job board, has led to a great deal of confusion at the association and in the industry. PCMA Chair of the Board of Directors Greg O'Dell fills in Meetings Today's Tyler Davidson on the situation and Karamat's status at the association. Also: Learn more about PCMA EduCon 2019 in Los Angeles and a number of research studies and initiatives PCMA is pursuing. Enjoying this episode? View more episodes of the Meetings Today Podcast!

Tyler Davidson sits down with Tonya Almond, vice president of knowledge and experience with PCMA, to find out how meeting planners can incorporate the successes of PCMA EduCon 2019 into their meetings. EduCon is like a meetings laboratory, so listen to its key facilitator to discover the new trends and formats that may supercharge your programs.  Enjoying this episode? View more episodes of the Meetings Today Podcast!

Tyler Davidson talks with Kim Condon and Lauren Bachynski, from furniture—and research!—company Steelcase about its new "5,000 People, 5,000 Personal Journeys" study with PCMA about meeting attendee psychology that will help guide planners in producing more-relevant meetings. Enjoying this episode? View more episodes of the Meetings Today Podcast!