We're rounding up the biggest venue news of the month—in one convenient place. Got a tip? Get in touch!
In Case You Missed It
On BizBash recently, we highlighted six smart tips for hosting a hybrid corporate retreat and took a look inside some standout venues around the country ready to host safe corporate getaways. We also explored how BMW transformed a 600-year-old German palace into a futuristic concert venue, as well as some of the creative ways brands are taking remote work to the next level.
Here are five more things you should know this month...
1. Vaccine mandates continue going into effect at venues around the country.
Following the lead of San Francisco and New York, Los Angeles has become the latest big city to require proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter restaurants, movie theaters, gyms and other indoor venues. The citywide mandate, which also requires proof of vaccination or a negative test for large outdoor events, takes effect on Nov. 4. “These new rules will encourage more people to get the shot, and make businesses safer for workers and customers—so that we can save more lives, better protect the vulnerable and make our communities even safer as we fight this pandemic,” said LA mayor Eric Garcetti in a statement.
The local regulations follow ongoing trends where national event companies like Live Nation (as of Oct. 4) and AEG (as of Oct. 1) are requiring concertgoers, venue staff and performers to be fully vaccinated. On the flip side, this week, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order banning any sort of vaccine mandate throughout the state, including from private employers and venues—though the jury's still out on whether the order can override federal law.
2. Venues continue investing in sustainability.
Early on in the pandemic, there was some concern that recent strides in sustainability would be placed on hold as the event world adapted. But event venues, at least, seem to be getting back on track. One example? Innisfree Hotels—the largest beachfront hotel owner on the Gulf Coast—just hired a new director of sustainability. (Brittney Barnett, who holds the new role, comes to Innisfree with more than seven years of experience in development economics, urban and regional planning and sustainability. The brand’s new sustainability program will be piloted this fall and ramp up efforts in 2022.)
Another hotel making eco-focused strides is Marin Suites Hotel, a 101-room property near San Francisco. The venue recently completed a three-year project to install solar panels by Bay Area-based Clean Solar, making it now the first hotel in Marin County to be run entirely on clean energy. The hotel’s new solar system produces almost 250,000 kilowatt hours annually, which, owners note, is the equivalent of planting more than 80 acres of trees, taking 45 cars off the road or off-setting 15 million miles driven by an average car. All the hotel’s systems are now powered by clean energy including the electricity, air conditioning, heat, laundry and swimming pool.
3. People are getting eager to travel—but health and safety are still a concern.
Want some insight into the latest travel trends? Professional services network PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) surveyed more than 1,300 U.S consumers in April 2021 and compared the results to earlier surveys conducted in mid-2020. The results offer some key insights for the event and venue industry, including that travelers are more comfortable venturing farther away from home than they were in 2020, but that public health concerns and safety measures remain a top priority. In terms of business travel, PwC’s survey shows a likely gradual comeback in the months ahead. Click here for the full survey results.
The Walker Hotel Tribeca’s pink room is exactly that—from the paint on the walls down to the amenities and toiletries.Photo: Courtesy of Walker Hotel Tribeca
Walker Hotel Tribeca is offering an exclusive getaway package throughout the month of October, with proceeds benefiting the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Until the end of the month, guests can book an all-pink room, which uses a shade of pink paint created in partnership with interior designer Martin Kesselman. The hotel has also partnered with Aromatherapy Associates and Farmaesthetics for a selection of beauty-focused gifts, and guests will enjoy complimentary Rosè Water from Wine Water along with a selection of pink books curated by Random House. Rates start at $229 per night.
5. Porsche plans to open 15 luxury hotels around the world.
Calling all car fans—or, really, any fans of all things luxury. Porsche Design Group has teamed up with Germany-based Deutsche Hospitality to create the Steigenberger Porsche Design Hotels brand, a new luxury hotel concept inspired by the design philosophy of the Porsche Design lifestyle brand. The first planning stage involves the establishment of up to 15 hotels in global cities like London, Singapore, Dubai and Shanghai. The hotels will reportedly each have a minimum of 150 guest rooms, plus restaurants and bars, health and beauty facilities, and other amenities.
“Steigenberger Porsche Design Hotels will boast an unusual and exceptional spatial and lighting concept,” said Dr. Jan Becker, CEO of Porsche Design Group, in a press release. “Innovative rooms and suites will feature a singular design and interior which captures the spirit of the environment. Travelers in search of extraordinary experiences will be able to find Steigenberger Porsche Design Hotels at some of the world’s most breathtaking locations.”
