Day one of IMEX brought a steady stream of destination updates, with a common theme: Continued investment in the meetings experience, new venues and entertainment options, and a push to give planners more reasons to bring groups to market.
The Venetian Wraps up Major Reinvestment
The Venetian Resort Las Vegas is nearing the finish line on a $1.5 billion property-wide reinvestment, with the final work expected to wrap up by year-end, according to Tony Yousfi, Chief Sales Officer.
“We’ve had a true investment where other properties are cutting back,” Yousfi said.
The project has touched guest suites, restaurants, entertainment and meeting facilities, with new dining concepts joining refreshed and rebranded spaces. The resort has also been capitalizing on its proximity to Sphere, recently hosting planners for a Metallica concert.
At more than 7,000 suites and 2.25 million square feet of meeting and convention space, The Venetian remains one of the country’s largest convention properties.
The next addition is Lusso Lounge, a 10,000-sf executive retreat being created within existing convention center space. Designed to feel like a CEO lounge or speakeasy, the space will include a bar, fireplace and areas for executive gatherings. It is slated for completion in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Caesars puts Partnership at the Center of Innovation
For Mike Massari, Chief Sales Officer for Caesars Entertainment, innovation starts with understanding the purpose of a meeting, not simply introducing something new.
“Real innovation comes from discovery and asking questions of your customers,” he said.
Whether a group is rolling out a product, training employees or introducing new initiatives, the meeting experience should support those goals, he said, and Caesars sees itself as a partner to planners in making that happen.
Massari also emphasized the consistency planners can expect across the company’s portfolio, from Caesars Palace and Paris to its Vanderpump-branded experience. With properties at different price points, the company offers planners flexibility in matching a venue to their program and budget.
As he put it, “Nothing good ever happened until someone first had a meeting.” Even the pandemic and economic downturns haven’t diminished the need to bring people together.
In South Florida, Caesars also has plans to expand its Pompano Beach casino offering, providing another development to watch in the market.
Puerto Rico Builds on its Momentum
Puerto Rico is having a moment, according to Ana Vicens, Account Supervisor for Discover Puerto Rico, who highlighted new hospitality developments, cultural programming and a strengthening culinary scene.
Cirque du Soleil is coming to the island, adding another entertainment draw for groups. Puerto Rico is also preparing for its first Nobu Hotel, announced for San Juan with an anticipated 2028 opening.
Meanwhile, the destination recently hosted its first MICE familiarization trip, showcasing property updates that included renovations at La Concha Resort and a multimillion-dollar renovation at Wyndham Grand Rio Mar.
The Puerto Rico Convention Center District features several major anchors, including the anchor attractions, including the Coca-Cola Music Hall, which will host the Le Lo Lai folkloric celebration featuring traditional music and dance, and another way for planners to bring local heritage into group programs.
Food is another part of the pitch. Vicens pointed to the island’s growing gastronomic scene and the variety of dining experiences available, including Italian restaurants run by Italian chefs.
Beyond San Juan, eastern Puerto Rico is also seeing increased activity, giving planners more options to explore the island beyond its best-known resort areas.
Cayman Islands Adds Hotels and Airlift
Ayanna Victorin, national marketing manager for the Cayman Islands, outlined a series of hotel developments and improvements aimed at broadening the destination’s appeal to meetings and incentive groups.
Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Resort & Spa is scheduled to open December 10. With more than 40,000 square feet of meeting space, the property is expected to become a significant new option for planners seeking an upscale island setting.
Another addition is ONE | GT, an independent hotel that offers a complimentary shuttle connecting guests with Seven Mile Beach and nearby business districts. The destination has also seen a major renovation at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, and is home to the first Hotel Indigo outside the United States.
Dining remains a selling point, with a range of cuisines and restaurants that emphasize authenticity. As Victorin noted, the island’s Italian restaurants are often run by Italians, bringing a genuine culinary perspective to the experience.
Air access is improving, too. Cayman Airways introduced seasonal nonstop service between Austin and Grand Cayman in May 2026. Following strong demand, the airline announced that the route would return in December, extending service into the winter travel season and beyond.
EIC looks toward 2030
At an EIC press conference, Events Industry Council President and CEO Amy Calvert emphasized the need for greater collaboration across the business events industry.
“We can’t solve issues without each other,” she said.
The council is launching EIC Vision 2030, with advocacy and workforce development among its central priorities. The initiative reflects the industry’s need to strengthen its case for the economic and social value of business events while addressing workforce challenges.
For planners, the message is that the industry’s long-term health depends on working together to demonstrate the value of face-to-face gatherings and build a sustainable talent pipeline.
Richmond Expands its Event Offerings
Richmond, VA is adding new venues and experiences to its meetings mix, according to Jason Whitt, National Destination Sales Manager for Visit Richmond.
The Allianz Amphitheater, a 7,500-capacity outdoor concert venue overlooking the James River, opened in 2025 and adds a major live-entertainment option to the city as well as a new venue for larger groups.
Richmond has also welcomed a new AAA Minor League baseball stadium, which Whitt described as one of the nicest and most expensive in its category. The ballpark is available for private events, giving planners another option for group outings and buyouts.
In addition, Richmond is home to the largest convention center in the state and has a host hotel in the pipeline, a development that could strengthen the city’s ability to accommodate larger meetings.
Beyond the city, a surf park is planned for Chesterfield County, adding another potential group experience to the region’s growing leisure and entertainment offerings.
Whitt underscored the importance of tourism to Richmond’s economy, noting that the city’s relatively small size makes tourism revenue particularly important to its tax base.
