Tuesday, March 24, 2026

What's Happening With Middle East Incentives

 
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Skift Meetings The Stand-Up
Tuesday March 24, 2026

Greetings!

Here's a quick overview of the main stories in this newsletter:

• Caesars to Debut Vanderpump Hotel, Targeting Small Groups
• How U.S. Companies Are Handling Middle East Incentives
• 6 Things You Won't Find on a Site Inspection Checklist 
• Chicago Increases Hotel Tax to Win More Conventions

News
Andrea Doyle
Andrea Doyle
Executive Editor

In a market defined by mega-resorts, Caesars is betting on a boutique property for executive-level meetings.

LinkedIn Live | March 31 @ 11 AM (ET)

How the Iran War Is Impacting Global Events

Learn how the Iran war is forcing planners to make impossible decisions about Middle East events, while impacting the business of events globally. Joining us are Nicola Kastner, CEO of Event Leaders Exchange (ELX), and Mohamed Mezghani, Secretary General of UITP.

Don't Miss It!
Incentive Travel
Barbara
Barbara Scofidio
Editor
Some companies with incentive programs scheduled in the Middle East region are staying put — at least, for now. 
  SKIFT IDEA AWARDS  
   

Recognizing the most impactful and inspiring projects

Skift IDEA Awards 2026

You can win Skift IDEA Awards in five meetings and events categories: hotels, venues & convention centers, destination marketing organizations, event technology, and cruise lines.

Lock in the lowest price today and submit your entry by July 1.

Event Logistics & Operations
Barbara
Barbara Scofidio
Editor
Some of the most important considerations when you visit a property are more subtle than specs.
Destinations
Andrea Doyle
Andrea Doyle
Executive Editor
Chicago is joining other convention cities using higher hotel taxes to better fund destination marketing and offer cash incentives, but it may be pushing costs toward a tipping point.
Further Reading
News

Informa Postpones Mega Saudi Tech Show as Iran War Intensifies

Informa had a soft hold on hundreds of thousands of square feet of exhibition space as tensions escalated in the Middle East. Now that it has postponed one of the world's largest tech gatherings and is using that space in August, it has to deal with the logistical fallout.

- Andrea Doyle
Destinations

10 New U.S. Hotels for Corporate Retreats in 2026

An Antler Room. A private observatory. Personal golf carts. Alpine-inspired dining. These hotels cater to the tastes of an exclusive clientele seeking privacy and comfort without forfeiting luxury.

- Barbara Scofidio
News

FCM Meetings & Events Acquires Fresh Group to Expand UK Footprint

FCM Meetings & Events is adding creative and production capabilities in hopes of becoming a one-stop shop for all its clients' needs.

- Andrea Doyle
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Defining the future of events.
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Monday, March 23, 2026

Recognizing Innovation in the Meetings & Events Industry

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Skift IDEA Awards 2026

The Ideas Shaping Travel Deserve to Be Recognized

Hi there,

The Meetings & Events sector continues to innovate across formats, technology, and attendee experience.

The Skift IDEA Awards feature dedicated recognition for this space.

Here are some categories you might be interested in:

🏨 HOTELS: Hotels that offer comprehensive and industry leading services to facilitate meetings and events.

🎤 CONVENTION CENTERS & OTHER VENUES: Spaces that consistently demonstrate excellence in providing facilities and services for business events.

🗺️ DESTINATION MARKETING ORGANIZATIONS: Organizations providing services to encourage and facilitate meetings and events at their destinations.

💻 EVENT TECHNOLOGY: Innovative technological solutions that are guiding the meetings and events industry forward.

👥 PEOPLE & COMMUNITY: Projects that lead to social change or benefit communities.

🛳️ CRUISE LINES: Companies redefining the concept of corporate gatherings at sea.

If your meetings or events are redefining what's possible, we encourage you to enter.

How to Enter Guide

Not sure where to start? Download the How to Enter Guide for a clear walkthrough of the IDEA Awards process, including eligibility, categories, timelines, and tips for submitting a strong entry.

LEARN MORE
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Defining the future of travel.
Skift. 35 W 31st St., New York, NY, 10001, USA

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