One obvious benefit of working in the meetings and events industry is that travel comes with the job, and 2024 certainly kept us all busy in that regard.
From alluring international destinations to tours of some up-and-coming U.S. locales, Meetings Today editors were lucky enough to experience what the industry has to offer through their travels around the world this year.
Here’s a roundup of our editors’ and contributing writers’ On-the-Scene coverage of the myriad places Meetings Today got to experience, since our roundup from last year. Check back for more on-the-scene coverage from Meetings Today in 2025.
Tyler Davidson, Chief Content Director
Dana Point and Palm Springs Offer Up Luxe and New Meetings Experiences
Tyler Davidson got the chance to check out some ultra-luxe oceanside resorts in Dana Point and Palm Springs, California, including a ton of new SoCal meeting and event venues that are sure to impress attendees.
Why Arlington’s Sports and Entertainment Scene Sparkles for Meetings and Events
Arlington has developed a giant conventions, sports and entertainment district that spills over with major attractions that will electrify groups of any stripe. Tyler got to visit this overachieving destination and found that not only is Arlington a world-class center of professional sports, it also has a few surprises up its sleeve.
Taylor Smith, Content Developer, Destinations and Features
Exploring Cairns, Australia, the Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef
Following Business Events Australia’s Dreamtime 2023 incentive showcase, Taylor Smith traveled to tropical Far North Queensland to experience the city of Cairns, the only city in the world “where the rainforest meets the reef.”
My Transformational Experience With Body & Brain Wellness in Sedona, Arizona
Taylor traveled to Sedona, Arizona, for a taste of Caesars Entertainment’s new wellness menu, featuring group offerings from Body & Brain Wellness. Here’s what she learned on her trip about the importance of prioritizing your well-being.
Touring the Latest and Greatest Meetings Offerings in Madison, Wisconsin Dells and Milwaukee
On a fam trip with Travel Wisconsin, Taylor visited three cities in three days—Madison, Wisconsin Dells and Milwaukee—to see what is new, get a taste of some Top Chef: Wisconsin eats and experience some of the state’s top meetings and events offerings.
History and Hospitality Make Vienna, Austria, an Ageless Meetings Destination
Taylor spent a week in the world’s most livable city on a “Past Meets Present” fam trip with the Vienna Convention Bureau exploring all Vienna has to offer for meetings and events, from hotels and palaces turned into event venues to unique group activities and delicious Viennese food.
New Orleans Is an Authentic Destination Guaranteed to Make Meetings Memorable
For the past 15 years, New Orleans was high on the list of U.S. cities Taylor hoped to visit one day, and thanks to a weekend in NOLA hosted by the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel and sister property New Orleans Marriott, her list is one city shorter. See some of the reasons why New Orleans placed in Cvent’s (and Taylor’s) top 20 destinations in North America.
Experiencing 24 Hours of ‘Bleisure’ in Seattle as a Meeting Attendee
Taylor only had 24 hours to spend in Seattle as a speaker at this year’s CEMA Summit. Here’s how she experienced all the destination has to offer despite her extremely busy conference schedule.
Behind the Scenes at Marriott’s Convention & Resort Network’s Summer in the City Chicago Event
Taylor had the opportunity to experience Marriott’s Convention & Resort Network’s Summer in the City event in Chicago and got to see howit managed to turn what used to be connecting at a Cubs game into a nationwide meetings industry networking tour.
Danielle LeBreck, Senior Content Director
Outdoor Adventure and Inspiration Await Meeting and Incentive Groups in Western Montana
During a fam tour with Western Montana’s Glacier Country in mid-June, Danielle LeBreck experienced everything Western Montana has to offer, leaving with a newfound appreciation for the captivating wonders of this great pocket of the U.S., a refreshed idea of wellness and digital disconnection and inspiration for new approaches to both the professional and personal parts of life.
Contributing Writers (Gary Singh, Jennifer Juergens and Jeff Heilman)
NAMM Blasts a Rocking Return to the Anaheim Convention Center
Contributing writer Gary Singh got the opportunity to explore The National Association of Music Merchants’ (NAMM) 2024 event that returned to Anaheim after a multi-year hiatus, where he got to witness the madness firsthand in a destination that is well accustomed to dealing with large crowds.
All Aboard the Brightline to South Florida
Florida contributing writer Jennifer Juergens got the opportunity to check out the new Brightline high-speed rail line to travel to meetings properties across South Florida. Read about her experience and get updates about some key South Florida hotels.
Discover Orlando's Newest and Timeless Group Experiences
Jennifer was also on the scene in Orlando this year to explore the new, the timeless and the surprising experiences for groups in one of the country’s top meetings destinations.
Answering the Call of Ancient Andalucía with Meliá Hotels International
Few destinations have shaped the course of history more than Spain’s eight-province Andalucía region. As contributing writer Jeff Heilman’s recent press trip to Sevilla and Granada with Meliá Hotels International revealed, the present is one of lightness, ease and indelible impressions, including a singular history of meetings and events.
