From wine country retreats to beachfront incentives and campus-based conference centers, a new wave of meeting products is redefining how planners approach group programs.
Across the U.S., these properties are stepping up with flexible venues, buyout options and value-added incentives designed to support everything from executive retreats to large-scale conferences.
Virginia Guesthouse Hotel & Conference Center
The Virginia Guesthouse Hotel & Conference Center opened on the University of Virginia campus, bringing over 25,000 sf of flexible meeting space to Charlottesville. Designed for corporate, association and academic groups, the property offers planners a university-based setting with integrated event capabilities.
The venue accommodates up to 1,000 attendees, with configurable spaces for conferences, general sessions and smaller meetings. Highlights include a 9,800-sf Grand Ballroom, divisible into three sections, and a 3,000-sf Main Hall with an adjacent foyer ideal for registration and networking.
Additional options include breakout rooms, studios, private dining areas and outdoor terraces, giving planners flexibility for receptions, executive meetings and team-building sessions. The property’s campus location adds access to a range of off-site experiences that planners can weave into programs.
Groups can explore the University’s historic grounds, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, participate in guided tours, or engage in cultural programming. Nearby historic landmarks tied to Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe, wine tastings along the Monticello Wine Trail and outdoor activities such as hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains offer added incentive and team-building opportunities.
The Manor 1858 Targets Executive Retreats in Virginia Wine Country
The Manor 1858, a 22-acre private estate in Loudoun County, expands options for executive retreats and off-site meetings.
Designed for exclusive group use, the property serves leadership retreats, corporate off-sites and small-scale incentive programs, offering planners an alternative to traditional hotel venues. Anchored by a restored 19th-century stone barn, the property features a 4,900-sf restored barn that accommodates up to 250 attendees.
Additional spaces—including a reception hall and lower-level lounge—support breakout sessions, evening activations or full-property buyouts. Outdoor areas expand programming options, with a sprawling meadow ideal for tented events or large-scale gatherings of up to 250 guests.
The on-site Manor House features eight bedrooms accommodating up to 16 guests, providing an ideal setting for executive teams or VIP attendees seeking privacy and exclusivity.
Courtyard by Marriott Across Universal Orlando Debuts Following Conversion
Performance Hospitality has completed a multi-million-dollar conversion of the former Holiday Inn & Suites Across from Universal Orlando, relaunching the property as Courtyard by Marriott Across Universal Orlando.
The renovation introduces fully updated guest rooms, redesigned public spaces and new food and beverage concepts, including The Bistro & Bar—serving Starbucks beverages, breakfast and evening cocktails—and The Crate Grab-N-Go market.
With more than 11,000 sf of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting space, the hotel positions itself as a convenient option for small- to mid-sized meetings, corporate groups and pre- and post-conference stays tied to the nearby Orange County Convention Center.
The property features 390 guest rooms, including 134 one- and two-bedroom suites suited for extended stays or group blocks. Located directly across from Universal Orlando Resort, the hotel offers planners built-in access to one of the destination’s top entertainment hubs as well as Walt Disney World and other nearby attractions.
The Ellie Beach Resort Myrtle Beach Expands ‘Pick Your Perks’ Program
The Ellie Beach Resort Myrtle Beach, part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, is expanding its “Pick Your Perks” incentive program for meetings and group business through the end of 2026.
The beachfront resort has introduced new benefits to elevate value and the attendee experience, including up to 50 percent off resort fees, a complimentary one-hour reception and VIP welcome amenities for select attendees.
The program lets planners tailor benefits based on group size. Groups booking 50–100 room nights can select one perk, while those booking 100 or more room nights can choose two. Additional incentives include suite upgrades at the group rate and triple Hilton Honors planner points.
For teams seeking wellness and engagement, the resort offers a beach games package featuring volleyball, cornhole and organized activities, along with a complimentary beach yoga session for up to 25 attendees.
The Ellie recently unveiled more than 38,000 sf of meeting and event space on Springmaid Beach, including three 8,500-sf oceanfront ballrooms, flexible breakout rooms and an exhibit hall. Outdoor venues include more than 100,000 sf of lawn space overlooking the Atlantic.
Located less than 10 minutes from Myrtle Beach International Airport, the resort also delivers custom coastal catering, full-service planning through Hilton Meetings & Events and access to the adjacent DoubleTree Resort for overflow on larger programs.
