New air service, hotel savings, experiential dining and a faster way to source speakers are giving planners plenty to keep an eye on. Plus, Philadelphia’s blockbuster summer of sports is setting the stage for a busy meetings calendar ahead.
Philadelphia scored big this summer as major sporting events helped drive record hotel performance in Center City. Hotel revenue jumped, while the city also hosted hundreds of meetings and conventions, which is carrying into an already busy 2027 calendar. READ MORE
A new airport option is taking shape north of Dallas as McKinney National Airport prepares for commercial service. Avelo Airlines will launch four nonstop routes from the new airport. READ MORE
Group dining is moving beyond the traditional banquet and dine-around. Lip Smacking Foodie Tours is creating multi-restaurant experiences for corporate groups that combine standout dishes, VIP service and built-in opportunities for networking and exploring the destination. READ MORE
Speaker sourcing can be a time-consuming process, but this Chicago event is designed to streamline it. The Exchange will put 28 certified speakers in front of 100 meeting planners for live seven-minute showcases, direct conversations and curated meetings—all in one day. READ MORE
San Francisco hotels are rolling out new incentives for meeting planners, offering everything from waived meeting-room fees and rebates to complimentary rooms, upgrades and discounts on AV and F&B. READ MORE
