This summer I spent a week in the Mediterranean with 1,700 of my “closest friends” cruising some amazing ports. At the beginning of this trip, a blank wall and 30,000 wine corks—all stained in different shades of reds and whites—became one of the most incredible custom-made step and repeats I've seen. Meet Scott James Gundersen, the mastermind behind our impressive work of art.

I can’t remember when Kristin McGrath and I first met. I do know we bonded over a passion for excellent meetings and issues outside the industry. Kristin has continued to be, for me and I’m sure many others, a trusted sounding board about work and life. We all need to remember that mentoring can also be reversed—that is, someone younger is a great mentor for those of us who are a bit older!

Joan Eisenstodt interviews a number of family members who have made careers out of the hospitality industry.

Being the female leader of a travel company featuring an all-woman team of six travel counselors, London-based Crossing Travel CEO Sangeeta Sadarangani is quite aware of the challenges women face when traveling for business.

Anchoring the theme on IMEX America’s Smart Monday will be Julius Solaris, speaker, author and editor of Event Manager Blog, delivering a keynote on “Legacy: The Power of Events.” “The theme is the impact of legacy,” Solaris said. “It’s elevating the whole event to a bigger purpose, a bigger impact. It’s about the greater good and making an impact—making change.”

Las Vegas means business—and it all depends on people. The big wheels are the visionaries past and present who built, and continue to build, Vegas.

Joan Eisenstodt interviews meetings industry advocate Roger Rickard, of Voices in Advocacy, about Global Meetings Industry Day.

In recognition of International Women's Day, here are the success stories of six female Marriott International executives.

Joan Eisenstodt interviews Bob Witeck and Charlie Rounds on LGBT issues and how recent marriage equality setbacks will hurt the tourism industry.

Joan Eisenstodt interviews meetings industry leaders on the subject of diversity and inclusion.