Visit Newport Beach California

Delighted to share that Pendry Newport Beach has been recognized in the prestigious 2024 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards as #1 Best City Hotel in the Continental U.S. and #8 Best Hotel in the World! As one of the most esteemed recognitions in the industry, the 29th edition of this year’s awards highlights the leaders in travel, including top cities, islands, hotels, resorts, cruise lines, airlines, airports and more. To read more, visit https://lnkd.in/faKvhp7 #MontageHotels #PendryHotels #TLWorldsBest

Networking at events is not for everyone.   It’s important! Especially for solo professionals. The Intent:  - Creating Organic Connections  - Business Growth - Collaboration - Education The Feelings:  - Overwhelm - Isolation - Daunting  - Exhausting Recognizing this, organizations are increasingly prioritizing initiatives to ensure every attendee feels welcomed and empowered at these networking events. Welcome & Registration Desk:  - Provide Essential Information - Provide Support +Troubleshooting  - Staffed By A Smiling Human Engaging Welcome Reception:  - Set The Stage For Meaningful Interactions - Creating Opportunity with F&B Action Stations  - Visual Icebreakers As Conversation Starters The Result:   - Takes The Pressure Off “Networking” - Focus On Something Else   - Comfortably Show Their Authentic Self And Shine   Attending MPI’s We[Con] 2024, the planners' networking luncheon was awesome! Grouped in teams by colorful wristbands, we lunched & learned, connected, then rode Duffy Boats through Newport Harbor on a Scavenger Hunt. To The Solo Pro:  - Join The Organization - Connect On LinkedIn during your first interaction  - Embrace The Human Connection  - I’d love to connect with you and get to know the human side of you!

I attended a conference with hundreds of event professionals. Here is what is trending right now. MPI's (We)Con. Let's go: Small is the new big. Large events are sometimes necessary, but if we want to talk about real engagement, small, intimate gatherings are the way to go in 2024. I interviewed Dan Macsai, Time Magazine's Chief Events Officer. He shared how the company's strategy is invite-only, intimate events with the best of the best. Media, Tech, Pharma, and FinTech are moving towards more and smaller meetings. The event starts before the event starts. I experienced this firsthand in Newport Beach. MPI leveraged the destination throughout the event to help attendees connect. They offered: - Registration desk at the hotel entrance. This is incredibly convenient for smaller events that don't need registration at the airport. - Welcome tequila. Yes, you read that right. - Duffy boats scavenger hunt. - Welcome party. With activations such as custom coconut (see video), cream soda, AI Photo Booth, and live music. The event has yet to start, and I have already experienced a lot. Connection beyond content. Building connection in the agenda tells me you are planning a 2024 business event. - Roundtable seating. This was perfect, combined with the speakers' choices to get attendees to talk to each other. - Guacamole making competition. With team names, poster presentations, live tasting, and very competitive individuals (see video) 1 to 1 meetings. Every business event I am attending has scheduled appointments for buyers and sellers. No matter the size. Booths are for activations. Scheduled meetings with matchmaking are the future. No more shouting, no more 'Can I scan you?', no more pens and mints. Closing business has to be predictable. Tier 2 Destinations Close to Large Metro Areas Newport Beach is a perfect example of this trend. Boutique destinations near large cities (in this case, LA) have the convenience of multiple airports nearby but the intimacy you want for exclusive groups. Think C-level and invite only. Also, the CVB has to work hard with you. Even before submitting the RFP, they should be your advocate for better conditions. Think of late registrations and the attrition clause on your contract. Enough said. My objective is to bring you more videos like this from the events I attend. I need your support. What trend resonated with you most?