Hey planners and producers—it’s Tiffany Andrews here, and this week on The Convention Center Podcast, we’re serving up hot hospitality trends with a side of sass and smarts. I’ve wrangled our fan-favorite event experts, Jules and Aubrey, back into the studio for another round of “Two Truths and a Lie: Hospitality Edition.” From robot concierges to carbon-offset room rates, you will leave this episode rethinking your next site visit (and maybe side-eyeing your Alexa). Do you think you can spot the lie in our lineup of trends? Spoiler alert: One is totally fake but frighteningly plausible. If you're curious about what's real, what's hype, and what could be your next competitive edge, this episode is your practical roadmap. So press play and prepare to laugh, learn, and maybe question reality—because in meetings and events, the future is already checking in.

Hey hey, meeting pros—it’s Tiffany Andrews, your backstage pass to all things hospitality. This week’s Convention Center Podcast is hotter than a July load-in without AC. We’re diving into summer trends that’ll have you questioning what’s real, what’s next, and what the heck holograms have to do with badge pickup. But first, meet our studio guests —the dynamic duo, Jules and Aubrey —to play a round of Two Truths and a Lie: Hospitality Edition. And let's say—these trends are wild. Jules (a.k.a. Julie) is an Events Coordinator here at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center with a background in hospitality management and a Disney-trained flair for service magic. Aubrey, our Senior Events Coordinator, is a powerhouse planner with a degree in Communications, a minor in Spanish, and a gift for keeping every event running smoothly, much like a perfectly timed AV cue.

Do you think a $70 million esports prize pool is outrageous? Spoiler: it’s real, and it might outshine your keynote budget. Beach volleyball is now co-ed, team-based, and city-themed—because apparently, even sports are getting a brand refresh. And then there’s a hologram who wants to check you in, scan your palm, and suggest a latte—mmm, futuristic much? We’ll tell you what’s true, what’s maybe too true, and how to stay ahead of the trends without losing your sanity (or your badge). Buckle up because this episode is part industry insight, part game show, and 100% worth your ears.

Hey there, meeting planners and event producers! I'm Tiffany Andrews, your host for this episode of the Convention Center Podcast, where we're diving into one of the most important topics in the meetings and events world—fire and safety guidelines. Whether you're putting together your first event or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with tips and essential guidelines to keep your events safe, smooth, and stress-free. So, grab your notepad and make safety your new best friend!

Christian Sliker is the Fire Marshal and Battalion Chief with the City of Myrtle Beach Fire Department, where he has served since 2005. A credentialed Fire Marshal and FEMA-certified Master Public Information Officer, Christian is dedicated to public education and has helped the department win the Richard S. Campbell Award for Excellence in Public Education for eight consecutive years.

Vince Bettinazzi, a Deputy Chief with the Myrtle Beach Fire Department, has been with the department since 2007. He oversees emergency services and training and is deeply involved in leadership development through the National Fire Academy's Managing Officer Program and Executive Fire Officer program, where he is currently in his third residency. Vince is married to Aubrey and has twin daughters named Annalise and Raeya.

Podcast Questions we'll cover:

- Why Safety Matters from the Start

- Common Missteps & How to Avoid Them

- Navigating Venue-Specific Rules

- Communication is Key

- Emergency Preparedness: Beyond the Basics

- Final Takeaway: Safety as a Selling Point

This episode is about a game-changing factor for event success: choosing the right destination. Because, let's face it, the perfect location isn't just a backdrop—it's a magnet that draws attendees in! And who better to join us for this conversation than Mark Kruea?

Mark recently retired after 26 years as the Public Information Director for the City of Myrtle Beach. His resume is packed with experience in media, tourism, and community engagement. He's got firsthand knowledge of how a city's infrastructure, hospitality, and marketing efforts can elevate events from ordinary to extraordinary.

So, whether you're a meeting planner, event producer, or someone who loves a well-executed gathering, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.

In this episode, we explore the top trends reshaping the hospitality industry, focusing on conventions and tradeshows in the vibrant Southeast. From digitalization and technology integration to the unique Be You Disco Experience, we cover the innovations and practices making waves in event planning and execution.

We delve into the importance of digital check-ins, app-based services, and virtual tours, highlighting how technology transforms conventions into connectivity hubs. The podcast also references the Meetings Today article on mindfulness and self-expression through the Be You Disco Experience. The power of music connectivity is also found when SongDivision illustrates the power of music in fostering “team harmony” and lasting connections among attendees in MPI’s recent blog.

Furthermore, we discuss the shift towards hosting events in 2nd Tier Cities, emphasizing these locations' charm and unique experiences. Accessibility and transportation also take center stage, underscoring the critical role of a convention center's location in the success of an event. Additionally, there is a need for space flexibility, allowing events to adapt seamlessly from corporate gatherings to intimate workshops.

We highlight the Myrtle Beach Convention Center as a destination that exemplifies these trends. It boasts cutting-edge technology, versatile spaces, and a captivating coastal charm. It is a beacon for meeting planners and event producers looking for a destination that meets and elevates their event experience.
Join us on this journey through the latest in the hospitality industry and discover why the Myrtle Beach Convention Center is the ideal choice for your next event.

In the latest episode of The Convention Center Podcast, our host delves into the pivotal role of audio-visual (AV) technology and targeted advertising in elevating event planning. The episode kicks off with a deep dive into the importance of integrating AV solutions from the onset of planning. Early prioritization of AV ensures a dynamic and engaging event and opens doors to cost-effective planning and lucrative sponsorship opportunities. A highlight from this segment is a case study from the 2019 Tech Expo, where integrating a sponsor's logo into an AR experience significantly boosted engagement and secured a long-term sponsorship deal.

The conversation then shifts to strategizing marketing efforts across different generations - Boomers, Gen Xers, and Millennials emphasizing the necessity to tailor marketing strategies to meet the unique preferences of each group. The podcast outlines practical approaches to reach diverse audiences, from leveraging direct mail campaigns for Boomers to executing personalized email marketing for Gen Xers and engaging Millennials through social media and influencer partnerships.

Andrews concludes by reiterating the significance of early AV planning and generation-specific marketing in creating memorable, efficient, and potentially profitable events. This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for event planners looking to enhance their strategies and ensure the success of their events across all fronts.

This episode of the Convention Center Podcast dives into the collaboration between an event producer, convention center team, and hotel staff that saved the Myrtle Beach World Am's 19th Hole event from the claws of Tropical Storm Idalia. Our distinguished guests, Scott Tomasello – Tournament Director for the Myrtle Beach World Amateur and Myra Starnes – owner of Leisure Time Unlimited, Inc. and an event producer, share their experience and proactive "what if" planning that unfolded as the storm moved towards Myrtle Beach.

For event planners needing a realistic blueprint of the unpredictable and urging a rethinking of crisis management in the meetings and events ecosystem, listen in. This ordeal shaped strategies and critical decisions to ensure the safety and continuation of this iconic event. The invaluable learnings and fortified collaborations set a precedent of preparedness and adaptability with future events hosted at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.

Delve into the unique challenges our guests face, from coordinating with diverse stakeholders under a ticking clock to the remarkable adaptability displayed by the Myrtle Beach Convention Center and Myrtle Beach Sheraton Hotel in meeting the event's needs, while keeping the show on the road, quite literally.

Myrtle Beach World Amateur
https://myrtlebeachworldamateur.com

Leisure Time Unlimited, Inc.
https://www.leisuretimeunlimited.com