Michael Cerbelli has been turning meeting planners’ heads since he first took the stage 18 years ago with his annual list of the latest trends sure to inspire, engage and mesmerize attendees during events. This year, technology played a larger role than ever in the trends revealed during Michael Cerbelli’s: The Hot List^™: 2019 presentation at the San Diego Convention Center. Cerbelli picked six event tech innovations to share.

In late January 2019, the Events Industry Council (EIC) released four new sustainability principles that incorporate all 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and define what a fully sustainable event is for the first time. The initiative, aimed at encouraging and helping planners and organizations implement sustainable practices, entailed months of collaboration among leading industry voices.

Caesars Entertainment is betting big on its first non-gaming hotel in the U.S., Caesars Republic Scottsdale. The hotel, slated to open in 2021, will be the first installment of a new lifestyle hotel brand designed to push creative boundaries and encourage collaboration with industry trendsetters.

Six hot spots of Houston’s sizzling food scene satisfy group

VisitDallas executives, including CEO Phillip Jones, addressed major concerns brought to light in a Dallas City Hall audit that claimed a lack of oversight of the bureau.

As the U.S. government shutdown continues, one of the major issues that could have an increasingly detrimental impact on travel safety and convenience is Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers calling out from work. The situation has the potential to leave passengers dealing with longer lines at TSA checkpoints and possibly less security restrictions should the problem ensue.

Puerto Rico may have had a massive setback following the disastrous Hurricane Maria in September 2017, but its comeback has been just as colossal, both from an infrastructure perspective and a cultural standpoint.

From plant-based and hyper-local to gut-friendly and booze-free, culinary wellness is here to stay, and it’s having a huge impact on attendee expectations at events. In the coming year, planners should prepare for healthy, innovative food and drink to be exceedingly popular at gatherings, according to Christine Couvelier, global culinary trendologist, chef, educator and speaker.

October 2018 marked a year since actress Alyssa Milano reignited the #MeToo movement. It has become clear that no industry is immune to sexual harassment, including meetings and conventions.

Roughly 80 to 90 people per day are moving to Nashville, according to recent statistics, and it’s no wonder. Nicknamed “Music City,” this Tennessee melody maker has long tugged at the heart strings of those into country and every other musical genre—from rockabilly and jazz to pop and hip-hop. Today, visitors, including meeting attendees, as well as new residents, are drawn to this city for the endless tunes and then some—a hotel boom, a burgeoning culinary scene that is adding hundreds of restaurants and an ever-creative vibe.