Ed Gillis

Top 5 Takeaways from the Lodging Conference 2025 (and why they matter to DMOs) Check out this write-up by Hotel Dive on the The Lodging Conference that took place in Visit Phoenix earlier this month. Here are my key takeaways: 1. Budgets are tight, but expectations are high. Hotel teams are being asked to do more with less. For DMOs that means dialing in your media and marketing to prove ROI. (This is exactly where an AI Audit from Media One shows what’s working and what’s not.) 2. Meetings are back, but they’re different. Planners want speed, flexibility, and clear value. It’s no longer about “here’s our ballroom” it’s about “here’s how we make your event work.” (our MeetingAcceleratorPro helps destinations and hotels speak that language.) 3. Guest experience is the differentiator. From F&B to digital touchpoints, travelers want seamless, memorable stays. That means content that tells your story the way they experience it. (Custom Content and storytelling campaigns do the heavy lifting here.) 4. Talent + technology = survival. Labor shortages aren’t going away, and tech adoption is critical. Hotels and DMOs that integrate smarter digital strategies are the ones cutting through. (Our Programmatic Media ensures your dollars work harder, not just louder.) 5. Partnerships are the growth engine. Whether it’s brands, influencers, or cross-sector alliances, collaboration creates reach and credibility that money alone can’t buy. (Brand Partnerships amplify destinations and hotels in ways traditional ads never will.) The throughline? The industry is at an inflection point where sharper strategy, smarter data, and stronger storytelling are non-negotiables. DMOs have a real chance to lead, but only if they adapt quickly. https://lnkd.in/d57NZM6a #HotelMarketing #DMO #DestinationMarketing #WestCoastTravel #BritishColumbia #MeetingsAndEvents #GroupBusiness #HotelTrends2025 #DigitalMedia #AIinMarketing #MediaOne

15

In a rare and candid moment, MGM Resorts CEO and President Bill Hornbuckle in October acknowledged what the rest of the world already knew: sky-high prices have hurt visitor sentiment and contributed to a softening in tourism. FULL STORY: lvrj.com/post/3599230

15

1 Comment

After a “great pause,” the economy - and the meetings industry - are closing out 2025 stronger than expected. ALHI President & CEO Michael Dominguez, FASAE, CHSE connects the dots on: 📈 GDP 💼 Corporate earnings 🌍 Travel demand Watch the latest 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗼𝘁𝘀 and see why optimism for the meetings and events industry is growing for 2026. https://lnkd.in/drFJMPEu #EconomicOutlook #MeetingsIndustry #ALHI #ConnectingTheDots #IndustryUpdate #MeetingProfs #EventProfs #Meetings #Events #LuxuryHotels #Economy #Travel #Hospitality

33

Casinos have long been a go-to for events, and for good reason. Beyond the entertainment, gaming resorts offer seamless, flexible, and highly customizable event experiences that keep #EventProfs coming back. In an article from Smart Meetings, Shelby R., Director of Event Management at Opus Agency, breaks down the strategic advantages of these venues, from built-in infrastructure to inclusive event design. Key takeaways: 🎲 Customization: Scale and flexibility allow for tailored attendee experiences ✈️ Convenience: Proximity to airports, attractions, and venues simplifies logistics 🧩 Inclusivity: Thoughtful planning guarantees all attendees feel comfortable and engaged Read Shelby’s full insights here! https://lnkd.in/e5f_2iWh #WeAreOpusAgency

36

1 Comment

Ever wondered what it’s like to run one of the busiest convention centers in the country? In our latest episode of the Better Events Podcast, we sit down with Jennifer L., President & CEO of the Washington State Convention Center, to go behind the scenes of large-scale events. We talk about her leadership journey, how convention centers actually operate, and ips for planners working with big venues. If you plan events—or just want a peek into what it takes to manage a world-class facility—you don’t want to miss this one! Listen wherever you listen to podcasts: https://lnkd.in/g2QU-g5G #eventmanagement #conventioncenter #eventvenue

31

1 Comment

Tourism powers Scottsdale’s economy – and our community 🌵✨   In 2024, more than 11 million visitors fueled a $3.7 billion economic impact in Scottsdale, supporting 36,000+ local jobs in hospitality and related industries.   From world-class events like the WM Phoenix Open and Barrett-Jackson to unique experiences in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and Old Town, Scottsdale’s tourism sector continues to thrive – delivering benefits that extend far beyond visitor spending.   For every $1 spent on municipal services for visitors, Scottsdale received $1.42 in revenue – helping fund essential services and quality-of-life improvements for residents. #WorldClassCommunity   📊 Review the report: https://lnkd.in/d9z2eY3w

48

2 Comments