In Case You Missed It
We recently wrapped up our coverage of this summer's most exciting new venue openings. Check out new spots to host events in Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Eastern Canada, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, New York, Orlando, Phoenix/Scottsdale, San Diego, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and Western Canada!
We also went in-depth with the team at Citi Field—home of the New York Mets—to learn how they flipped the stadium for a soccer game, a concert, and a corporate event in just a one-week span, and we caught up with Marriott to chat about its global marketing partnership with Manchester United. And don't miss BizBash founder David Adler's recent podcast about what it's like to manage an event venue today.
Here are seven more things you should know this month...
1. Marriott and MGM Resorts have announced a new loyalty partnership.
In some good news for fans of loyalty programs, Marriott International and MGM Resorts International have announced an exclusive, long-term strategic licensing agreement and the creation of the so-called "MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy." Beginning this October, 17 of MGM’s resorts—representing more than 40,000 rooms in Las Vegas and other cities across the U.S.—will be available for booking on marriott.com and the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app, with all properties expected to be available by the end of the year.
Under the agreement, members of MGM Rewards will be eligible to link accounts with Marriott Bonvoy and receive select member benefits. On the flip side, members of Marriott Bonvoy will be able to earn and redeem points for stays at all MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy properties. The agreement will also unlock benefits and experiences for members of both programs. “This historic, long-term agreement brings together two of the most trusted and iconic brands in hospitality and entertainment,” said Bill Hornbuckle, president and CEO of MGM Resorts, in a press release. “We’ve seen firsthand the strong demand from Marriott International customers through our existing relationship at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, and this new agreement will enable us to further optimize our overall profitability."
2. Kimpton guests can now accessorize in style.
Knowing accessories are typically the first items that get cut or overlooked during the packing process, Kimpton Hotels has partnered with lifestyle retailer Anthropologie to introduce Kimpton’s "Forgot It? We’ve Got It! Anthropologie Accessories Collection," available to guests at participating hotels in the U.S., with plans to roll out to additional Kimpton hotels later this year. The exclusive collaboration offers Kimpton guests a complimentary, on-property collection of seasonal, on-trend accessories they can borrow to play up their personal style or put the finishing touch on a look without the worry of mispacking or forgetting an item.
That's not the only fun Kimpton initiative we've spotted this summer: The hotel brand has also launched a limited-time in-line skate rental program, Dream Blades, inspired by not only '80s fashion but by the iconic Barbie. Beginning July 21 (the same day the movie hit theaters), guests at select locations can rent skates to explore around town. The rental also includes vibrant neon accessories like kneepads, helmets, and fanny packs to live out all your Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling dreams.
3. BÉIS is hosting a clever pop-up shop in a Vancouver hotel.
Speaking of fashion-forward hotel elements, Vancouver’s Fairmont Pacific Rim has teamed up with BÉIS, Shay Mitchell’s travel accessories and lifestyle brand, for an interactive pop-up experience running through Sept. 4. A spinoff of the larger activation that took place in Los Angeles last month, the pop-up—a collaboration with creative agency MKG—has an airline-inspired theme, with clever design elements like BÉIS luggage stored in “overhead bins,” a branded beverage cart, airplane seats, and wall graphics inspired by plane windows. In addition to the shopping experience, BÉIS is hosting weekly luggage trade-ins, a wellness class, and other events during its four-week stay at the hotel.
4. Two Florida venues are offering giveback programs for local nonprofits.
The Retreat Sarasota, an all-new space set on 84 acres of private conservation land just minutes from downtown Sarasota, Fla., refers to itself as “the venue that saves lives." The center’s rental proceeds directly benefit the nonprofit Resilient Retreat, whose mission is to provide free, confidential, and evidence-based, trauma-informed services to trauma survivors, helping professionals, and first responders. 
The Retreat Sarasota features an 18,000-square-foot Retreat Center and a 5,000-square-foot Community Center, with space for groups as large as 500. Highlights include overnight accommodations for up to 28 guests; a commercial-grade kitchen; two flexible breakout rooms; a boardroom; and multiple outdoor venues including picturesque lawns, a community garden, and a reflection pond.Photo: Courtesy of The Retreat Sarasota
Also in Florida, Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront has announced a new giving-back program for 2023 holiday events. Kicking off last month with a “Christmas in July” promotion, the hotel has pledged that for every carving station ordered for this year’s parties, the team will donate food to those in need via the Clara White Mission, a nonprofit organization based in Jacksonville.
5. Marriott’s new headquarters is full of inspiring spots for ideation and collaboration.
Curious to see inside Marriott’s own headquarters? Hospitality Design recently visited Bethesda, Md., to get a tour of the brand’s new 785,000-square-foot space. The tour gives an interesting glimpse at the brand’s ideation and collaboration process, with things like oversize video walls, a test kitchen, model hotel rooms where new products are tested out, and more. Check out the video.
6. Is bird-watching the hot new group activity?
Here’s an unexpected one: As bird-watching becomes a surprisingly popular pastime for younger generations on TikTok—and with people spending $41 billion on wildlife-watching trips and equipment-related expenses annually—IHG Hotels is taking notice. From Aug. 14 to Sept. 30, select voco hotels are offering a “Find Your Flock” package for bird-watching, which includes binoculars (for kids and adults) and birdseed available to borrow for guests to use. Participating hotels include properties in Chicago, New Orleans, and New York City.
7. NIVA has appointed a new board president.
At its second annual national conference last month, the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) announced its new slate of board officers for 2023. Andre Perry, executive director of Hancher Auditorium and the Office of Performing Arts and Engagement at The University of Iowa, was elected as NIVA’s board president. “Our NIVA family, our members, represent so many threads of the independent performance world, and it is an honor to be named NIVA’s next board president,” said Perry in a press release.
One of NIVA's main priorities for the new board's term? Working with Congress to pass Fix the Tix, aiming to fight predatory ticket resellers.
