Jim Smith, Manager Global Accounts, HelmsBriscoe

07/04/2020

Interesting, short read. Will businesses get right back to it, or will there be a lag? I think that there will be a bit of a lag, unfortunately, but we'll get back to it soon thereafter.

What ifs are a dangerous game in the current climate, with the constant stream of (mostly bad) news headlines rendering predictions impossible.

12/03/2020

So, we are all receiving announcements like this one daily now. The good news is that most meetings are not canceling, but simply postponing. With this, comes the inevitable availability crunch. Will the hotel have availability when your group wants to reschedule? Will you be forced to move your conference to another property? Is there a ridiculous cancellation clause that you have to deal with?
I can help with this stuff, people. If you need to find a new hotel, and could use some help working through your cancellation clause, contact me. There are no guarantees that the sting can be taken out of existing cancellation clauses, but some hotels are willing to work with groups under circumstances like our present one.


"NOTICE OF RESCHEDULING OF CONFERENCE
The State of Florida has declared a state of emergency after multiple confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the state and the World Health Organization has classified the virus as a pandemic. Due to that, the American College of CBD & Cannabis Spring Congress will not take place at this weekend due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus and the safety of the attendees and exhibitors at the event. The American College of CBD & Cannabis is committed to rescheduling the event later in 2020."

03/03/2020

Now seems like a pretty good time to post this. Do you get travel insurance? I never do, but after reading this, I think I will.

When planning your next vacation, don't forget travel insurance. Here's how to figure out if it is right for you.

26/02/2020

I missed this story when the news broke, and only just heard about it a few days ago. Although I am sure that Athens will bring a wonderful product to Naples, seeing the Beach Club as we know it leave truly breaks my heart. Best of luck to everyone who works there.

The Athens Group, a Phoenix-based real estate developer specializing in luxury hotels, is buying the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club to redevelop it with a luxury hotel and residences beginning in 2021.

12/02/2020

Here it is! Is your favorite hotel listed?

View Star Ratings from Forbes Travel Guide, the only independent, global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas.

12/02/2020

Here is today's "Guess where this is" pic. Hint: somewhere in Miami!

12/02/2020

Need some reasons to choose Tempe? These 15 should do the trick! There are some ads here, but it's easy to scroll through the content, and it's all on one continuous page. This is an awesome place to meet!

Tempe Arizona is the perfect place to take a winter break or just getaway! With so many reasons to visit Tempe, you just might feel the need to stay longer!

06/02/2020

This just blows me away. What an amazing accomplishment for all the people involved in this, and especially for Christina Koch, a physicist, electrical engineer, and NASA astronaut. Awesome!

Christina Koch did not set out to break records on her first spaceflight, but with her return to Earth after nearly a year in orbit, her mission is now one for the history books. Koch landed from the space station with Alexander Skvortsov and Luca Parmitano.

05/02/2020

So, for your next meeting, you definitely want to think about packing some wellness into it. It's what's happening now!

'Wellness tourism' is a growing industry, supported by travellers actively seeking ways to enhance their well-being on the go. Now, major lifestyle brands want a piece of the pie.

30/01/2020

I try to think of interesting and valuable information to share with my clients from time to time, and usually post an article that I’ve seen about a particular destination, or a list of top 10 beaches, or something along those lines.

Today, I am simply sharing a simple reminder that by working with me, you can benefit from programs that are exclusively offered to HelmsBriscoe by major hotel chains, as well as independent properties. Things like double rewards points, F&B discounts, lowered attrition rates, discounts to the master bill, complimentary breaks, and many other value concessions are routinely offered to groups that book through HelmsBriscoe. Did you know that?

So, not only is if FREE to work with me, but your meetings may qualify for wonderful incentives as well! So, what are you waiting for? Give me a call today to talk about your next meeting.

27/01/2020

The Hotel Henry in Buffalo. Can't wait to experience it this weekend! What was once a state run psychiatric hospital has been reimagined as a boutique hotel. This should be fun!

In the eighth episode of our new video series showing all the special places that make Buffalo unique, we explore the new boutique hotel located on the Richa...

23/01/2020

Going through these slides on a January morning in Ohio, these places don't even seem real to me - but they are. Most of these places aren't even very far away, and depending on when you go, they can be affordable as well. Let's go!

Proving once again we have the world's best traveled readers.

21/01/2020

Think All-inclusive is just in Mexico and the Caribbean? Think again! Here are 11, and there are many more too. And, they aren't just for leisure travel. Group packages are available, packed with tons of value.

Go all-in for these luxe resorts flush with amenities.

17/01/2020

I try to keep my posts on this page related to travel, so....Wow! What an accomplishment! I love her tweet.

NASA astronaut Christina Koch has smashed another gender barrier. Koch recently surpassed her 300th consecutive day in space, which is the longest for any woman.

17/01/2020

This is an awesome service. Just create an account, which is super easy - you can do it through Facebook - and you will automatically be matched with volunteer opportunities in your requested area. There are tons of them, and there is no pressure, as they are just listed for your consideration.

Make it YOUR New Year's resolution to give back to the community! Plan your very own service project for 2020 using our updated communications resources! mlkday.gov

17/01/2020

This is kind of big, but this time of year, it's always nice to look at some pictures of beautiful Miami. It is easy to get to, there is tons to do and see, and it is home to some of the country's most beautiful hotels. A great place for a dynamic meeting. I love this city!

The Greater Miami and the Beaches Meeting Planner is a comprehensive guide to Greater Miami and the Beaches formatted for meeting association and convention planners, as well as the corporate and incentive market. Designed to make the planning process easy, no matter the size of the group, the Meeti...

16/01/2020

Veteran meeting planner and educator Bonnie Wallsh shares 10 budget tips that are essential to keeping your meeting and event expenses from breaking the bank. Read more.

13/01/2020

So how do you feel about standing on your next flight?

Will we see supersonic air travel? Or standing seats on planes? And will Concorde ever return?

13/01/2020

I have a group checking into the St. Regis Bal Harbor in a few days. This place is a knockout. Yes please!!
https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/miaxr-the-st-regis-bal-harbour-resort/?scid=bb1a189a-fec3-4d19-a255-54ba596febe2

13/01/2020

Wow! Some of these places look amazing. I really love the first two!

These 20 hotels will have you planning trips around the world in 2020.

13/01/2020

No surprises here, but interesting. "Bleisure" travel isn't going anywhere, and booking your space early will be key with increased demand.

AMEX M&E’s 2020 Global Meetings and Events Forecast predicted bigger budgets in the industry and an optimistic outlook on tech.

12/01/2020

I would love to work for you! Contact me today to learn more.

12/01/2020

Is planning a corporate event on your new year "to do" list? Let me help! As the global leader in meetings procurement, HelmsBriscoe offers an easy alternative to the complexity and expense of planning your next event. Since 1992, we have helped our clients do more with less by providing expert site selection services. Regardless of how big or small your next event may be, we will help you streamline the process and deliver a successful event anywhere in the world.

12/01/2020