Matt Swenson

Christina Lewellen, executive director of the Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (ATLIS), wanted to splurge on her attendees at the organization’s annual meeting in spring 2023. That meant serving sushi—but sushi is notoriously pricey. That was among the reasons ATLIS gathered in Grand Rapids, Mich., a year after meeting in Orlando, one of the country’s busiest destinations for meetings.
One of the many charms of Grand Rapids is that its hospitality community can keep co...

MGM Resorts International (MGM Resorts) has built a reputation for being a stellar host by understanding guests’ needs. The same holds true when it comes to relationships with meeting and event planners, who require top-of-the-line venues, incredible experiences to wow attendees, and a team in place to make the all-important face-to-face gatherings run smoothly.
The impressive portfolio of MGM Resorts properties in Las Vegas and other top destinations ensures there is something for every meet...

Atlantic City would not be what it is without the beautiful sand, relaxing sea breeze and mesmerizing Atlantic Ocean.
After all, the beach is where it all started: pristine sand with healthy salt air and visionaries who saw the promise it held. Now, Atlantic City is one of the world’s favorite destinations and the beach differentiates it from any other community, gaming locale or not.
That’s why the team at Visit Atlantic City and the local hospitality community have made a commitment. We vow...

Comparing waits in TSA lines at the airport to the gridlock experienced at DMVs, the U.S. Travel Association sounded the alarm on common air travel inefficiencies. The association says travelers have grown so honking mad that it is causing people to take fewer trips per year.
Core Findings
The U.S. Travel Association, which advocates for the broad travel industry, has been monitoring various factors impacting the travel patterns of Americans. One significant revelation from a recent study is ...

1. Embrace the Road Less Traveled
Instead of heading to the usual tourist hotspots, resolve to explore the hidden gems of the U.S. Discover the quaint small towns, underrated state parks, and secret beaches that are often overshadowed by more popular destinations. Each state has its unique charm waiting to be uncovered.
2. Commit to Sustainable Travel
We have a responsibility to protect the environments we explore. This year, make a resolution to travel sustainably. Opt for eco-friendly accom...

1. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, with its cobblestone streets, historic homes, and moss-draped oaks, exudes an old-world charm that's perfect for couples. Stroll hand in hand through the city's beautiful squares, enjoy a cozy carriage ride, or dine al fresco at a romantic restaurant. The city's rich history and warm Southern hospitality make it an ideal destination for those looking to slow down and savor their time together.
2. Napa Valley, California
Napa Valley is synonymous with romance, th...

As the ball gets rolling on a new NBA season, BizBash chats with Tessa Caffrey about a career that would make many corporate event planners green with envy.
November 6, 2023
Photo: Courtesy of Boston Celtics
Tessa Caffrey recalls standing when a professor at Ithaca College asked which young women were interested in a career in professional sports. That professor then challenged the few students standing to become women in sports whom people discuss in high regard. It’s safe to say that Caffre...

Discover the insights of 200+ industry professionals on entering a new era of event management!
The world of events is changing rapidly, and it's more important than ever to stay ahead of the curve by using tools that drive tangible results. "Harnessing the Power of Event Technology–A New Era of Event Management" is here to help by giving you an inside look at the power of technology as it shapes the future of event management. Read the white paper now to explore the survey findings and disco...

In a post-Covid world, companies are gauging new and more efficient ways of conducting business. The events industry is undergoing a reflection point as well. Slowly but surely, organizations appear to be taking a holistic view of the events they produce. Monikers such as IRL, hybrid, physical, and virtual so commonly used over the past three years are being phased out to represent this new era.
Download this FREE white paper to explore the interconnected futures of events, marketing, and tec...

The Field of Dreams game in Iowa was worthy of a Hollywood production.
In any other setting, it might have been considered too corny for its own good. But Major League Baseball’s “Field of Dreams” game was a bona fide hit complete with a walk-off home run for a true Hollywood ending. The Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds are already slated to play in the sequel next August.
It just shows that if you build it, they will come. And they’ve been coming to Dyersville, Iowa, ever since the Kevin Cos...

Bad behavior from parents disrupts the experience for all involved. Here are ways to prevent trouble.
The U.S. men’s national soccer team is in turmoil as a rift between a star player’s parents and the coach spilled into the open. While not all the details are public, the dispute centers on Gio Reyna’s limited playing time during the 2022 World Cup.
Even in a country with a reputation for overzealous sports parents, the case stands out. Reyna’s mother, Danielle Reyna, admits to reporting a pa...

Athletx forms partnership with the Savannah Bananas for an experience-filled competition this summer in Cleveland.
The Savannah Bananas, whose appeal seemingly has no bounds, are getting into the youth sports game—and they’ve enlisted Athletx Sports Group to ensure its a home run. The two likeminded organizations announced a partnership in March that will, at least for 2024, culminate in the inaugural Youth Banana Ball Tournament, occurring Aug. 7-10, at Victory Sports Park in Cleveland.
The ...

As a former NFL cheerleader, Kara Franker is accustomed to rooting for the home team. In the DMO world, few do so with more passion than the CEO of Visit Estes Park. As the base for many visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park, the destination has a home field advantage when attracting tourists. But there is a responsibility the CVB gladly accepts to protect the town and its neighboring national park. Here, we talk to Franker, co-host of the eTourism Summit April 2-4, in Las Vegas, about bal...

VisitLEX is going above and beyond in launching its latest marketing campaign targeting extraterrestrial visitors.
The CVB worked with a team of scientists and scholars from Lexington, KY., to beam a message toward potentially habitable planets in the TRAPPIST-1 solar system 40 light years away. If all goes well, first contact will be made at Kentucky Horse Park or another local attraction in about 80 years.
Sparked by an increase in UFO-related news coverage, VisitLex and its creative partne...

Ryan Costello, founder of Event Farm, has made a career off of bringing people together since graduating from Georgetown University. In more than 18 years as an event producer and experiential marketer, Costello has assisted the likes of Nike, Google, Yahoo, Microsoft, Adobe and JP Morgan Chase execute thousands of event experiences around the world. Needless to say, he is eager to get back to business as usual. But Costello is concerned about how the industry revives itself.