Latest news with #eventplanning
Travel Daily News
13 hours ago
- Business
- Travel Daily News
The next phase of SHE announced
Gevme launched SHE, an AI-powered hub helping event professionals turn sustainability goals into actionable, role-specific steps for measurable, real-world impact. FRANKFURT, GERMANY – Many event teams want to make their events more sustainable, but often face the same roadblocks: resources are scattered, advice is generic, and practical tools are hard to find. As a result, sustainability often remains an aspiration rather than becoming part of everyday event planning. Recognising these challenges, event technology company Gevme joined forces with Net Zero Carbon Events (NZCE) and the Strategic Alliance of National Convention Bureaux of Europe to create SHE, the Sustainability Hub for Events. This AI-powered platform bridges the gap between good intentions and real action, offering event professionals practical steps tailored to their specific roles, whether they're planners, suppliers, or operations leads. What sets SHE apart is its focus on delivering clear, role-based guidance on crucial topics like waste reduction, carbon footprint tracking, event legacy, and sustainability learning. Instead of overwhelming users with lengthy documents, SHE breaks down complex data into simple, actionable steps. For example, a planner looking to estimate the carbon impact of a venue can get real-time calculations and suggestions for reducing emissions, while a supplier seeking greener logistics options receives targeted recommendations based on the latest industry data. These features are grounded in real-world industry standards, thanks to close collaboration with NZCE and the Strategic Alliance. SHE's AI is designed to learn from every interaction, so the platform becomes smarter and more relevant as more teams use it. 'One of the biggest barriers to sustainability in our industry isn't intention – it's implementation. There's no shortage of frameworks or commitments, but many teams struggle to translate them into daily action. That's where SHE comes in. It bridges the gap between global goals and on-the-ground decisions, helping event professionals move from awareness to measurable impact.' says Alexander Alles, Executive Director, JMIC Joint Meetings Industry Council, the official host of Net Zero Carbon Events (NZCE) In a major step forward, SHE is now open to contributions from the global events community. Event professionals, sustainability experts, and industry leaders are invited to submit their own guidelines, templates, case studies, and resources to expand the platform's impact and relevance. All submitted content goes through a rigorous Quality Assurance Process, reviewed by SHE's independent Content Governance Body, which includes: Representatives from the Strategic Alliance of NCBs of Europe Experts from Net Zero Carbon Events Technical leads from Gevme Independent sustainability consultants Annual user representatives This governance model ensures all resources meet high standards for accuracy, clarity, and real-world relevance. Combining expert insights with practical guidance, SHE gives event professionals exactly what they've been missing – clear, credible direction they can act on. From reducing waste to rethinking logistics, SHE helps teams embed sustainability into their workflows without adding complexity. And because it's free and continuously evolving, teams can count on it as a one-stop resource for sustainable event planning 'With SHE, we've built a platform that simplifies complex frameworks into daily, practical decisions for planners, suppliers, and venues alike. It's not just another tool; it's a shared infrastructure that grows smarter with every contribution from the industry.' said Daniel Tjan, Managing Director, Gevme 'The AI-powered hub is more than a search engine – it's a solutions engine that adapts as our industry evolves. By contributing our data and insights, we're helping to build a resource that empowers planners to make sustainable choices.' says Matthias Schultze, Co-Chair, Strategic Alliance of National Convention Bureaux of Europe.
Skift
4 days ago
- Business
- Skift
Want More Engaged Attendees? Focus Less on Time, More on Energy
Event professionals are moving beyond traditional scheduling and focusing on energy management to design experiences that support how people process and retain information. Want to keep attendees awake and engaged? Focus on energy, not the clock. That was a theme of "The Wellness Intersection," a Skift Meetings Backstage Briefing held on May 29. 'Attention, information retention, energy, and connection come from events designed with the attendee in mind,' said Samantha T. Marie, chief experience officer at OmniEra Events and Travel. She was joined by Sepideh Eivazi, founder of Dawn of the Earth, a company that combines somatic breathwork with custom teas. Create Events That Support Sustained Energy To keep energy high at events, build in moments that actively engage attendees physically, mentally, and emotionally. Start with a dynamic opener to set the tone. Then vary the session formats to avoid fatigue. Mix presentations with interactive discussions, short movement breaks, or mindfulness moments. Offer energizing snacks and hydration stations. In addition, be intentional about natural light and room layout. Even small shifts like encouraging people to stand, stretch, or breathe deeply will reset attention and boost focus. The goal isn't to fill every minute. It's to create space that supports sustained energy throughout the day. 'Wellness must be woven into the entire experience. From registration to session transitions. It should be intentional, relevant, and grounded in purpose, keeping energy in mind,' said Eivazi. Keep Wellness Simple It doesn't have to be complicated. Breaks between sessions and time to rest help attendees stay focused. Eivazi, a member of the Breathe Initiative at the Global Wellness Institute, focuses on breathwork and nervous system regulation. She is also a featured practitioner in Caesars Entertainment's group wellness menu, which includes curated food, drinks, and activities like guided breathwork, sound healing, and yoga. Wellness can extend beyond the meeting room. In-room touches like downloadable wellness e-books, aromatherapy oils, soy candles, and organic teas help reinforce the experience. In addition, by leaving a thoughtful amenity in your attendees' guestrooms will let them know they work for a company that cares for their well-being. That will go a long way. These touches will also help alleviate the stress that is rampant in today's society. As wellness becomes a greater priority for attendees, planners who incorporate it across the whole event experience, keeping energy levels in mind, may deliver stronger results.
Skift
6 days ago
- Business
- Skift
How Convene's Full-Service Approach Streamlines Event Planning
With timelines shrinking and attendee expectations rising, meeting planners are seeking out venues to eliminate friction at every turn. Convene's vertically integrated model sets the benchmark for the next generation of all-in-one event spaces. As the events industry evolves, planners are under increasing pressure to deliver seamless, high-impact experiences while juggling tighter timelines and higher expectations. In this environment, the traditional model of coordinating multiple vendors — caterers, tech teams, designers, and more — can quickly become a logistical challenge. That's why there's a growing shift toward fully integrated venues that simplify planning, anticipate challenges, and keep the focus on delivering meaningful content. One company at the forefront of this shift is Convene. Since its founding in 2009, Convene has grown into a global portfolio of hospitality brands with a network of purpose-built spaces designed to remove friction from every stage of the event planning process. 'We were founded to provide a better meeting and event experience,' said James Frankis, Convene's senior vice president of product. 'Each venue within our global portfolio has been intentionally designed to serve this need.' With all services managed in-house, ranging from culinary and technology support to design and hospitality, Convene empowers planners to stay focused on their goals, not vendor logistics. This holistic approach is reflected in every aspect of the experience — from thoughtfully curated food and beverage programs to adaptable environments, embedded technology, and a hospitality-first mindset — all working together to simplify execution and elevate every event. Crafting Thoughtful Eats for Energized Meetings At Convene, food is viewed as a vital driver of human connection — not just a meal but a strategic part of the meeting experience. Menus are created biannually by a global executive chef task force, rooted in fresh, locally sourced ingredients selected to energize attendees without weighing them down. 'No hospitality experience is complete without food,' said Ryan Gallagher, senior director of food and beverage at Convene. 'It's what's at the heart of bringing people together.' Every venue has an on-site executive chef, and the company partners with local farms to deliver peak-season produce and proteins. On the East Coast, for example, Convene sources chicken from La Belle Farms, a vertically integrated farm that raises its own birds and grows its own feed. This commitment to local sourcing keeps food quality high, supports regional economies, and reduces environmental impact. Meals are thoughtfully composed around what Convene calls 'Perfect Plates:' bite-sized servings balanced with vegetables, proteins, starches, and bright herbs. 'Our 'Perfect Plates' can be easily consumed no matter where you are at an event,' Gallagher said. 'The goal is to provide nourishment that sustains energy and conversation, not slow it down.' Credit :Courtesy of Convene. photo: Julia Small Photography Delivering Nourishing Food Experiences On-Site Convene's Nourish snack and beverage bars extend this food philosophy beyond meals, following an 80/20 principle that combines standardized favorites with 20% regionally inspired specialties. Local partnerships include Afficionado Coffee on the East Coast, Dark Matter Coffee in Chicago, and Equator Coffees, a woman-owned, B Corp-certified roaster in San Francisco. The company has also reimagined the traditional buffet. Instead of static lines of warming trays, guests encounter dynamic multi-station setups that encourage movement, spontaneity, and conversation. Menus are fully customizable to suit groups of five to 1,500 guests and offer a wide range of options, including vegan, gluten-free, and other specialty diets. With so many possibilities, the team sees each menu as an opportunity to be both inclusive and inventive. 'We want to create moments of culinary delight, bringing exotic touches to familiar foods and making global flavors more approachable in unexpected new ways,' Gallagher said. Convene Nourish. Credit: Courtesy of Convene Deploying Smart Technology to Power Seamless Events Technology is critical to delivering flawless meeting or event experiences. That's why Convene integrates a sophisticated audiovisual (AV) system into every venue, providing robust support without the need for outside vendors. 'AV is critical to the success of any event,' Frankis said. 'We have built all necessary technology into each venue and manage it in-house to ensure seamless experiences.' Each location's infrastructure supports everything from simple video conferencing setups to sophisticated hybrid productions. Enhancements like wireless microphones, high-definition projectors, and LED welcome screens are available to personalize and elevate events. 'Having AV experts embedded within our teams means we can respond quickly to any client need, ensuring that technology enhances the event rather than becoming a point of stress,' Frankis said. This tightly managed approach to tech removes friction, giving planners peace of mind that every detail — whether a keynote presentation or a panel livestream — is supported by professionals who know the venue inside and out. Credit: Courtesy of Convene. photo: Studio Khonsu. Applying Client-Centric Design for Every Occasion Convene's approach to design is built around flexibility and client empowerment. Venues are intentionally created to support a wide range of event types, with modular layouts and movable walls that allow planners to expand, contract, or reconfigure spaces easily. 'Flexibility of space is incredibly important when serving the events industry,' Frankis said. 'We design our spaces to adapt quickly and seamlessly to the planner's needs.' Rather than imposing a heavy-handed visual identity, Convene's venues offer a sophisticated yet understated backdrop. This design ethos allows clients to bring their own branding, culture, and energy into the space, creating a truly customized experience. 'It's your brand, not ours,' Frankis emphasized. Local design influences add to the richness of each venue, such as nods to San Francisco's iconic 'Karl the Fog' weather at Convene 100 Stockton or references to London's Elizabethan architecture at Convene Sancroft, St. Paul's. Sustainability also plays a role, with energy-efficient LED lighting and eco-conscious operational practices embedded throughout the portfolio. Elevating Every Moment With Full-Service Hospitality Exceptional service is the thread that ties Convene's full-service model together. Most team members, from event coordinators to leadership, come from prestigious hospitality brands like Waldorf Astoria, Four Seasons, Jamie Oliver Restaurants, and Selfridges. 'Our hospitality DNA informs everything we do,' Frankis said. 'This translates into warm welcomes, anticipatory service, and polished execution that consistently exceeds planner and guest expectations. Every event, regardless of size, is an opportunity to deliver a concierge-level experience.' To further support planners, Convene developed the Convene Enhancement Program — a curated network of preferred third-party vendors. Every enhancement partner has been vetted for quality, operational efficiency, and familiarity with Convene spaces, from live musicians and DJs to florists, roaming oyster shuckers, and portrait artists. Rather than navigating multiple contracts and invoices, planners working within the Enhancement Program benefit from streamlined coordination and a single, convenient invoice, saving time and minimizing stress. 'By working with trusted partners, we offer planners more efficiency and peace of mind. They get the benefit of our relationships and pricing, plus just one invoice for the entire event,' Frankis said. Credit: Courtesy of Convene. photo: Studio Khonsu A Holistic Approach to Memorable Gatherings In an industry where complexity often hinders creativity, success is no longer just about logistics — it's about creating moments that matter. Convene's integrated model is designed to support that shift with thoughtful service and flexible tools. As Frankis puts it: 'We've seen clients putting more thought into creating an engaging experience and generating ROI — 'return on interaction.'' When connection becomes the goal, that shift in focus may be the real measure of success. To learn more about Convene and inquire about a booking program, click here. This content was created collaboratively by Convene and Skift's branded content studio, SkiftX.
Hospitality Net
26-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Noelle Wilson has been promoted Destination Sales Executive at The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village
The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village is delighted to announce the promotion of Noelle Wilson to the position of Destination Sales Executive. In this role, Noelle will be instrumental in driving group business to the resort, coordinating site visits, and ensuring seamless transitions from sales to event execution, all while embodying Marriott's commitment to excellence. Noelle's journey to this role is marked by a rich tapestry of experiences. Raised in Phoenix, Arizona, as one of seven siblings, she cultivated a deep appreciation for family, adventure, and embracing new challenges. After earning her degree in Photography and Advertising from Northern Arizona University, Noelle embarked on a career that spanned sales in the printing and trade show display industries, followed by over a decade managing operations at her family's optometry practice. In 2019, seeking a lifestyle change, Noelle and her family relocated to Cape Coral, Florida, drawn by the allure of waterfront living. She transitioned into the hospitality industry, starting at The Boat House in Cape Coral, where she managed boat storage and the Boat Club. Her passion for travel and customer service naturally led her to The Westin Cape Coral Resort, where she has been a standout performer, generating over $150,000 in hotel revenue through the property's upsell program. In her new capacity, Noelle will collaborate closely with the Sales Office to secure group events, coordinate and execute site inspections for off-property sales managers, and ensure timely and effective transitions for quality service delivery. Her responsibilities will also include achieving group revenue goals by actively up-selling each business opportunity to maximize revenue, implementing the brand's service strategy, and driving customer loyalty by delivering service excellence throughout each customer experience. Outside of her professional endeavors, Noelle is an avid traveler and adventurer. From scuba diving with sharks in Belize to navigating the bustling streets of Vietnam on motorbikes, her zest for life is evident. She cherishes time spent with her family, often fishing on their boat or enjoying the sun-soaked beaches of Southwest Florida. Please join us in congratulating Noelle Wilson on her well-deserved promotion!
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
We Hope This Entertaining Trend Never Comes Back, and Hosts Agree
Over the years, the essence of hosting and entertaining centered around having more: more frills, more elegance, more formality. Going big with every aspect of an event felt expected until the last few years. These days, people are turning less toward perfection and more toward intimate, relaxed gatherings. We spoke to experts about why over-the-top entertaining is becoming a thing of the past, and what tips to keep in mind to ensure your event is memorable without the unnecessary Ramsay is a wedding and event planner and the owner of Lee Ramsay Events. Jamila Musayeva is a certified etiquette coach and author of "The Art of Entertaining at Home."In the past, multiple factors influenced why an event was flashy and opulent, often to prove high status and wealth to others. While there is still a desire to impress, today these ideas are seen as performative, making over-the-top events feel tacky and insincere. This doesn't mean an event has to be dull: Beauty and refinement will always have a place in the entertaining world, but they take on new meaning these days. "We find ourselves moving away from the performative, overly curated dinner party in favor of gatherings that feel intentional, lived-in, and emotionally resonant," says wedding and event planner Lee Ramsay. "Guests aren't craving showpieces; they're craving connection." The more we strive to create the "perfect" moment, the less likely we will enjoy ourselves or focus on our guests. While you may end up with some share-worthy photos, the moments captured feel less authentic. Thoughtful, small details like handwritten names on placecards Intimate gatherings (quality of guests over quantity) Layered, collected tables—mixing vintage glassware, handmade ceramics, and soft, organic linens Rigid seating charts Formality for formality's sake Party favors (these often end up discarded eventually) Want more design inspiration? Sign up for our free for the latest decor ideas, designer tips, and more! Even if you love to host, the responsibilities can be overwhelming. Trying to do it all without running yourself into the ground can feel like a balancing act; both our experts agree that the key is planning ahead. "Set the table the night before, prep and plate what you can, chill the drinks, cue the playlist, and even light the candles a few minutes before guests arrive," says Ramsay. Our experts also agree that delegating and allowing guests to help can make a huge difference. While you don't want anyone to feel obligated or pressured, if someone offers to help or asks what they can bring, be willing to let them. "Inviting others to contribute can make the gathering feel more intimate. A friend can bring dessert, your partner can be in charge of drinks, and even children can help by handing out napkins or writing place cards," says Jamila Musayeva, a certified etiquette coach. While your event likely has a theme, setting the mood for the event plays a big role in your guests' experience. "Ask yourself: how do I want my guests to feel? Every detail—light, scent, music, food, timing—should serve that emotional goal," says Ramsay. Generosity can take on many different methods, but ultimately, Ramsay states that it's your time and attention that you should be most generous with. For example, greeting guests at the door with their favorite drink lets each person feel considered and cared for. While you want an event to be memorable, sometimes the simple touches make the biggest impact. Ramsay suggests ending the night with warm cookies and tea instead of a flashy dessert, or leaving cozy shawls on the backs of couches or chairs for those who may get cold easily. Small details can set the tone and be thoughtful without overdoing it. When trying to create an enjoyable night, it's easy to pack in as many "moments" as possible to ensure no one is bored. However, this can backfire quickly, especially if you're running a tight schedule. "Never underestimate the power of pacing. The best hosts allow space for spontaneity—don't over-schedule the evening," says Ramsay. Spacing things out also gives you cushion time if something goes wrong and requires immediate attention, which is bound to happen at even the most well-executed event. Your guests will appreciate the chance to take in each moment rather than rushing on to the next thing. What is the most important thing you can do when hosting, according to our experts? Be present. You may have plenty on your plate, but it's important to take moments to connect and be part of the festivities, not just host them. "A gracious host doesn't need to be in the kitchen the whole time. Your presence, your smile, your attention, that's what guests remember," says Musayeva. Regardless of what you plan, your experience matters as much as anyone else's, especially to the other guests. Give yourself the chance to sit back and savor the moment; others will prefer the chance to spend time with you. Read the original article on The Spruce
