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 new event-friendly venues in Atlanta, New York, San Diego, and Seattle, along with standout boats and yachts to rent for summer gatherings. We also took a look inside two immersive hotel suite experiences: a reimagining of the infamous Room 214 at the Watergate Hotel to mark the Watergate scandal's 50th anniversary, plus a series of "First Lady Suites" at Ritz-Carlton hotels around the country to celebrate the new Showtime series.
Here are six more things you should know this month...
1. Choice Hotels has acquired Radisson Hotel Group.
In some major merger news, Choice Hotels announced this week that it has acquired Radisson Hotel Group Americas—and its nine hotel brands—for $675 million. The transaction will add over 624 hotels and 68,000 rooms to the Choice Hotels portfolio, expanding the brand’s presence in the upscale hospitality segments. The deal is expected to officially close in the second half of 2022.
2. Yes, NFTs are still a thing.
As the line between the physical and digital worlds continues to blur, NFTs (non-fungible tokens) are still making their mark on the hospitality world. Case in point: Tampa-based digital consultancy Metaverse Hospitality, which builds metaverse-based hotels and onboards hotels and restaurants to web3 technology, is launching its own propriety NFTs on June 28. The bespoke NFTs will act as a valued asset in the metaverse, and will also provide tangible awards and perks in the real world. Highlights include a virtual concierge, complimentary hosting for virtual events and conferences, and IRL options like gym memberships, spa days, and more.
New York’s 264-room NoMo SoHo hotel, meanwhile, has launched its own NFT, which the hotel says makes it the first in the U.S. to allow guests to book stays using blockchain technology. Using SolidBlock’s platform and technology, the so-called “NFTstays” are packaged with three- to six-night stays at the property; guests booking these packages will have access to exclusive preferred rates at competitive prices.
“We’re incredibly proud to be the country’s first hotel to helm this new frontier,” says Alex Sapir, chairman of hotel owners Sapir Corp Ltd. “Our NFT offerings will provide NoMo SoHo a competitive edge and, more importantly, flexibility for each of our discerning guests.” 
The NFTs each depict a recognizable part of the hotel, like the property’s popular “Tunnel of Love” entrance.Photo: Courtesy of NoMo SoHo
3. Airbnb has debuted a new safety feature for solo travelers.
As business travel returns, employees may be looking for unconventional options like Airbnb. To help create a safe and secure experience, the brand recently debuted its new Solo Traveler in-app feature. When a guest books a private or shared room reservation, Airbnb activates a specialized in-app experience, starting with supplying the traveler with expert tips to help them stay safe when traveling alone. Users can also easily share, with one touch, their reservation itinerary with family, friends, co-workers, or supervisors in case of emergency.
4. Hotels continue leaning into unconventional team-building ideas.
Hotels continue trying to bring back group business via unconventional team-building options. BizBash recently rounded up out-of-the-box ideas from hotels, ranging from a TikTok-inspired dance break at the Aruba Marriott Resort to forest forging at Georgia’s Barnsley Resort. One fun idea? “Just Sand and Water” at Florida’s Casa Marina Key West, where groups will be motivated to work together, get creative, and express ideas and opinions while constructing their best sand sculptures. Click here to see more.
Atlantis Paradise Island, meanwhile, debuted Sapphire Services, a bespoke concierge platform dedicated to building and curating unique guest experiences. Possibilities include immersions in authentic Bahamian customs such as Junkanoo and art walks with well-known Bahamian artists, private or semi-private chartered flights from South Florida with Tropic Ocean Airways, and day trips to nearby islands via boat.
5. Kimpton has launched a useful new offering for pet owners.
Hoping to bring your pet on your next business trip? Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants and pet caregiver service Wag! have teamed up for a first-of-its-kind partnership that gives guests and employees access to walks and other pet care while staying at more than 65 Kimpton properties in the U.S. To kick off the new partnership, KimptonXWag! will gift 1,000 free, 20-minute services (either walks or drop-ins) for guests staying at one of Kimpton's participating properties. In addition, Kimpton guests will have access to a complimentary month of Wag! Premium with every stay.
6. This year's HITEC conference will highlight the latest hospitality trends.
The Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC) will celebrate its 50th year June 27-30 at Orlando's Orange County Convention Center. Sessions will cover the latest new tech trends affecting the hospitality industry, information on how NFTs and crypto are affecting hotels, tips for sustainability in F&B, insights into best hotel safety practices, and more. Click here to register.
