trends

What's trending for the New Year? We ask area experts about what's coming in food, decor, technology and venues.

The rise of "foodism," or the enthusiasm for and interest in the preparation and consumption of good food, as chef Dave Barrett defi nes it, has transformed the food and beverage landscape for meetings.

“(Guests) want good food and knowledge,” says Barrett, executive chef at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa. “They want to know more about what they’re eating, where it came from, how it fits with local culture.”

Meetings and conferences aren't just a part of what IACC members do, it's their raison d’etre. IACC is the only global professional association with venue members who adhere to a strict set of rules and criteria with respect to conferences. There are 385 members in 22 countries in the Americas, Europe and Australia.

Kindred Resorts & Hotels has released the results of their survey to 64 of their properties.

“Across the board, 2017 booked business is up and the group trends we are seeing are centered around experiences and health,” says Bree Brostko, managing director. “Meeting planners are looking to break off from the traditional board room conferences and offerings and get outside, experience the destination and truly get a taste of the local culture and cuisine.”

AFR Event Furnishings is the second largest furniture rental company in America, with five divisions including Residential, Commercial, Special Events, Trade Show and Clearance Centers with 22 distribution centers across the United States, but this was not always the case.

Founded in 1975 in Philadelphia, American Furniture Rentals is now 90 times its original size. The 22 distribution centers around the country together create more than 1 million square feet of every color and style of furniture.

The food truck movement has branched into new territory of late, and we’re not just talking tacos. In late 2012, as part of a $70 million makeover, the Grand Hyatt San Francisco launched a new restaurant, OneUP, and outfitted a food mobile to circulate around the city for two months and help publicize its offerings. ¶ The idea caught on: Last October, luxury brand Four Seasons launched a food truck of its own and sent it on a 1,000-mile West Coast tour.

Event décor is a planner’s ally. It creates a mood, moves attendees through a space in a predetermined way and gives them something to talk about with people they may not know well. Of course, décor trends come and go. The popular trends tend to overstay their welcome; most planners would probably be happy at this point to never see another Mason jar. The best ones never go away forever, but get reinvented and imagined for each new generation.

Stay ahead of the game with the latest trends in the audio-visual world. From multi-image display presentation software to branded charging stations, incorporating technology enhancements into meetings, events and trade shows is key to staying on top as a planner.

Event planners and DMCs are constantly challenged with creating events that exceed expectations. Moreover, our industry is challenged with executing events that are stimulating, impactful, memorable, interactive and anything but stale. Clients are seeking what’s new and unique, and are turning to us to deliver the unexpected.

Drink Decisions Done Right Choosing the right libations for the season’s events. Drink Decisions Done Right- Choosing the right libations for the season’s events.