According to a recent study recently released by Carlson Wagonlit Travel and GBTA Foundation, airfares are projected to rise 3.5% worldwide next year, with hotel rates jumping 3.7% and ground transportation, such as taxis, rising 1.6%.   That is not good news for any group holding a conference or meeting, sometimes the additional cost is enough to deter attendees from traveling or making it harder for them to justify the additional costs to travel.    You can read the study here.  

A recent report issued by the International Association of Conference Centers' Meeting Room of the Future Study conducted in partnership with MPI found that 80 percent of meeting respondents say access to interactive technology is going to become more important in the next five years.  The more surprising comment was in relation to meeting-venue elements; 30 percent cited access to authentic local area experiences and 31 percent said discovering the 'locality and regional culture' of a destination was vital.   

Meeting Professionals know and understand the value of working with a local Convention and Visitors Bureau but also with a local Destination Management Company to create the authentic experiences for attendees and visitors.    You can read the article in it's entirety here.  

Happy Fourth of July!  I had to post this great article from WalletHub's list of Best Places to celebrate the Fourth of July.  Milwaukee was #3 and Madison was #14.  We always knew these cities were great, even more reason to spend time in Wisconsin.   Read the article here

On July 15 & 16, 2017, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels return to Milwaukee in a spectacular air and water show that takes place at the Milwaukee Lakefront.   It is one hi-light of the upcoming show featuring many more world-class performers.   Here is a link to the website to provide you specifics about the event

 This article provides some good tips about dealing with top name talent or musicians when trying to book a big name act for your upcoming conference or meeting.   It's important to negotiate items listed in the entertainment rider.   I remember a story not to long ago where a specific musician would list in his rider under the food and beverage section, brown M&M's, why would he only request this specific color of M&M's in his room backstage?  The reason he gave was that way he knew they read his contract.  It's all about the details!   Check out the article here