EVENT INTELLIGENCE

The event had a sports theme, with images of athletes in motion used in the signage.

Padded armchairs in the ballroom provided more comfortable seating for guests.

Breakfast, lunch, and snacks were served in rooms located on each end of the ballroom. Guests entered through custom air walls that opened and closed based on the event's service needs.

The Grand Hyatt New York's James Dale, senior director of catering for the eastern division, said the Robin Hood menu was healthier than what's served at typical events, with a bigger focus on fish and other healthy options. One of the breaks had a New York apple theme with local apple dishes, cheeses, and cider.

Bold graphics and large type kept attendees' focus on the center of the stage.

Bloomberg terminals were spread throughout the meeting space so attendees could keep an eye on the markets while still in the room. Planners brought back the feature after a successful debut last year.

All countries in the European Union must notify consumers when foods contain any of the top 14 allergens that the E.U. regulates. At an MPI event in Poland, organizers wrote on the table covers to indicate which allergens were present in the buffet items. Stuckrath says she would like to see the U.S. Food and Drug Administration adopt a similar requirement. “The more transparent you are up front the less headaches you’ll have from questions,” she says.