2018: hot summer, just no time for cucumbers.
When I was in Stellenbosch recently for its Business Tourism Indaba, the Western Cape weather was pleasantly mild. South Africa’s winter, locals told me, was something “that usually happens on a Tuesday”. I replied that in my native UK, summer usually happens on Tuesday.
In truth the Northern hemisphere has roasted through summer 2018, and whatever warning that should be giving us about global warming, the great outdoors has been very pleasant indeed over recent weeks.
But like last year, there seemed to be no real downtime – no silly season or “cucumber time” – in business events news. The cycle just kept rolling on.
In this issue of Business Events World and on The Iceberg, Features (click the right arrow or swipe to spin the carousel) finds Scotland securing its fintech future with a fortnight of conferences and meetings. Women Deliver is heading to Vancouver because the event’s organisers wanted a host city that matched their own dedication to gender equality.
In News (click the right arrow), the EPCA Annual Meeting for the petrochemical business community is about to gather in Vienna, and the World Library and Information Congress 2020 will be held at the New Zealand International Convention Centre. The recent International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis meeting in Dublin smashed its previous attendance record, and Iceberg partner the American Society of Association Executives’ Annual Meeting drew 6,068 to Chicago.
In Australia, the Melbourne Convention Bureau has announced a 25 percent growth in economic impact from secured business events. The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, and the Adelaide Convention Centre, are the world’s first venues to achieve EarthCheck Platinum Certification. In other venue news, the $63 million Expo Center has opened at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, the San Diego CC expansion project is being kept alive despite its funding failing to qualify for the November ballot, and the Hamilton Island Conference Centre in the Whitsundays off Queensland has reopened following refurbishment.
Back in South Africa (where winter happens on a Tuesday), the 2019 YPO EDGE and Global Leadership Conference are both coming to Cape Town, and Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, South African Tourism’s Chief Convention Officer, has received a prestigious lifetime achievement award. Amanda is already a friend of the Iceberg team, and thinks about the sector in the same way we do. Finally, Iceberg partner Gregg Talley has launched the African Association Management Company with Jeffers Miruka of the African Society of Association Executives.
There’s still more on The Iceberg itself (click View all News)… the Sports Betting Forum addressing sector integrity in Louisville, Adelaide welcoming its largest incentive group from China, the South East Asia Survey Congress heading to Darwin, C2 International cancelling C2 Melbourne, and Trina Camacho-London replacing Paul Van Deventer as Co-chair of the Meetings Mean Business Coalition.
In Opinions (again clicking the right arrow)… the ambassador bringing hydrogen meetings to the Czech Republic, a new border security association and its inaugural meeting in Croatia, and how the Falling Walls conference is building on the legacy of the barrier that for too long divided Berlin. You’ll also find Malaysia’s incentive travel experiences, Peru’s future in the exhibitions sector, a roundup of sixteen US convention centre upgrade projects, and yet more social legacies from the incredible ICC Sydney. Plus… the novelty of getting out of the office to attend an event, the architecture of a productive meeting, why trade associations have a positive effect on your career, how the industry is addressing the scourge of single-use plastic, and Iceberg partner ASAE’s groundbreaking, or foolhardy, early-bird pricing experiment.
There’s no new Research this issue, but a great PCMA Convene article has been added to last issue’s Attendee ROI Playbook Series. In JMIC Case Studies there’s also an amazing AMI piece just added to International Research Conferences: The Academic Impact.
Finally, Iceberg partner Positive Impact is marking World Peace Day on September 21st with a campaign. Details here.
Until autumn…
Robert Coren, Curator of The Iceberg
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Scotland’s financial services sector is now growing as fast as London’s. So the country is focusing on its fintech future with a major series of business events. Fintech Scotland Fortnight 2018 comprises eighteen conferences and meetings across Glasgow, Edinburgh and Stirling. It aims to reinforce Scotland’s position in the sector. Photo: Carlos Delgado. From AMI Intellectual Capitals…
Last year Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that the Vancouver Convention Centre will be hosting the next Women Deliver Conference in June 2019. Held every three years, the last event was in Copenhagen in 2016, attracting 6,000 delegates. This time Women Deliver also wanted a host city matching its dedication to gender equality. From PCMA Convene…
South Korea’s strength in the field means Daegu is now hosting 2,000 experts from 100 countries for the 14th International Congress of Parasitology. The World Federation for Parasitologists chose Korea as host due to sector engagement in prior meetings. There’s an active organising committee for the event made up of local researchers. From AMI Intellectual Capitals…
Healthcare is changing rapidly, but its conferences have mostly stayed the same. The former General Mills Chief Marketing Officer, now 2023 Partners Chief Executive, Mark Addicks is working to change that. He’s about to stage MANOVA, a four-day health and technology summit in Minneapolis, part of Minnesota’s “Medical Alley”. From PCMA…
Edinburgh’s position as a leading hub for medical and healthcare expertise has been reinforced by the city winning hosting rights for the 6th World One Health Congress in 2020. More than 2,000 global medical or veterinary professionals, opinion leaders and policy makers will attend the four-day event at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre. From Intellectual Capitals…
Stellenbosch 360 has just hosted its second Business Tourism Indaba, at which The Iceberg was invited to attend and speak. As well as gathering meetings industry players from across South Africa and wider, the Indaba shone a spotlight on both the university town’s own sector offering as host, and the approach it takes to fostering…
The Greater Cape Town area has been named the most productive technology sector in Africa by a new report from Endeavor Insight. So its challenge as Africa’s tech capital is attracting and investing in talent. Cape Town International Convention Centre also hosts the world’s largest Africa-focused technology, media and telecoms event, AfricaCom. From Intellectual Capitals…
In the last of three insights on the value of business and professional events, GainingEdge CEO Gary Grimmer and Gregg Talley, President and CEO of the Talley Management Group, delve deeper into the role associations play as gateways to professional and sector development. They specifically tackle the opportunities that exist for associations within Africa’s transition…
Adelaide’s decision to build one of the largest life science hubs in the Southern Hemisphere has begun to pay dividends, with the city now winning a major international biomedical event. The South Australian capital will host the triennial World Congress on Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering in 2024, bringing in over 2,500 delegates. From Intellectual Capitals…
The rich natural environment of Sapporo has much to offer when it comes to hosting meetings, as it did for the 5th International Wildlife Management Congress of July 2015. Japan’s fifth-largest city boasts academic institutions that lead in the fields of geosciences, organic chemistry, agriculture, forestry, energy, medicine, pharma, animal behavior and veterinary sciences. From Boardroom…
Frankfurt has just enhanced its reputation as a healthcare hub with wins of two big medical events. The European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation and the European League Against Rheumatism are both to hold congresses in the city. Frankfurt’s joint approach and quality of its scientific representatives helped seal the deals. From Intellectual Capitals…
Liverpool’s ongoing research into and support for improving quality of life for people with cystic fibrosis has helped the city to win a major international medical conference for the first time. More than 3,000 scientific and clinical professionals will converge on ACC Liverpool in June 2019 for the 42nd European Cystic Fibrosis Conference. From Intellectual Capitals…
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Jeffers Miruka, President of the African Society of Association Executives, has joined Iceberg partner Talley Management Group in launching the African Association Management Company. Based in Kenya, AFAMCO exists to help associations establish themselves on the continent, and benefit from Miruka’s local knowledge and TMG’s global experience. From Association Meetings International…
The nine-day World Library and Information Congress will be held at the New Zealand International Convention Centre in July and August 2020. The flagship meeting is estimated to be worth around NZD$7 million to the region, and is expected to attract more than 3,000 sector managers and professionals from across the world. From Association Meetings International…
The International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis smashed by 54 percent its previous attendance record for a standalone meeting when it met recently in Ireland. ISTH held its 64th Annual Scientific and Standardization Committee Meeting at The Convention Centre Dublin, and 3,100 international clinicians, researchers, educators and other healthcare professionals attended. From Association Meetings International…
Australia has reaffirmed its business events sustainability leadership with the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, and the Adelaide Convention Centre, becoming the world’s first venues to achieve EarthCheck Platinum Certification. This recognises ten consecutive years of best or above best practice across key areas of social and environmental action. From CIM News Magazine…
Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, South African Tourism’s Chief Convention Officer, has received a prestigious lifetime achievement award. Also a previous winner at the Top 40 Women in MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) awards, Kotze-Nhlapo was delighted by her achievement, and was congratulated publicly by South African Tourism CEO Sisa Ntshona. From the Event…
On August 8th, funding for the long-proposed expansion of the San Diego Convention Center failed to qualify for the November 2018 ballot But there’s still hope of keeping the project alive. An agreement has been reached to extend the timeline for paying the developer of the expansion site. From Meetings & Conventions…
In the Whitsundays off Queensland, the Hamilton Island Conference Centre has officially reopened following a multi-million dollar refurbishment. Hamilton Island CEO Glenn Bourke said the investment demonstrated a commitment to business events. The renovated centre is the largest conference venue in the Whitsundays and can host up to 700 guests. From CIM News Magazine…
The $63 million Expo Center has opened at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse during the 2018 Great New York State Fair. The facility has 110,000 square feet of exhibition space, as well as 4,000 retractable seats, and should attract events previously too large for the area. From Meetings & Conventions…
In October the EPCA Annual Meeting for the international petrochemical business community will see around 3,000 participants from all over the world gathering in Vienna. This year the event will examine “Petrochemicals and the Low-Carbon Economy: Versatile Solutions for Greater Sustainability”. It will also hold the European Youth Debating Competition. From Boardroom…
The Cape Town and Western Cape Convention Bureau has announced that Cape Town will host the 2019 YPO EDGE and Global Leadership Conference. The two events will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in March 2019, and will draw about 3,000 top global CEOs over four days. From the Event…
The Melbourne Convention Bureau has announced 25 percent growth in economic impact from secured business events over the last fiscal year, the strongest-ever financial contribution. AU$396 million was delivered to the local economy from 176 events, which will bring the highest number of international visitors to Victoria for seven years. From CIM News Magazine…
Iceberg partner the American Society of Association Executives’ Annual Meeting has drawn 6,068 people to Chicago, based on preliminary numbers. The event’s record attendance included over 3,000 association professionals and more than 2,000 exhibitors, and has brought almost $20 million in revenue to the city’s economy. From Meetings & Conventions…
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The EuroHeartCare conference is one of the most important platforms for driving research publications, exchanging ideas, and forming and deepening collaborations within the field of cardiovascular nursing in Europe. It aims to support healthcare professionals in delivering the best care possible to patients with cardiovascular disease. The 2017 edition was hosted by Jönköping University in…
The study explores the benefits and barriers for individual researchers and universities when hosting research conferences. The study has been commissioned by the Danish Council for Research and Innovation Policy – an advisory body to the Danish Minister of Higher Education and Science. Thereby the study situates the hosting of research conferences as a potential…
London Tech Week is a festival of live events taking place once a year across the United Kingdom capital. Having been held now for four years, it has become a key gathering for the ICT industry in London. It connects the entire tech ecosystem both within the city and beyond, shapes the future of the…
Many international convention centres use sophisticated methods to measure the economic impact of business events in their host cities. Others recognise the importance of food in customer experience and promote programs like paddock to plate or food miles. ICC Sydney marries these two concepts together and takes them to a new level by measuring the…
Growing its business events sector is part of Malaysia’s strategy to achieve status as a developed nation by 2020. This case study presents the contribution made by the 55th ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) Congress towards developing the business events sector in the country. ICCA’s event engaged political leaders and the local community to raise awareness of the needs…
The Geneva Convention Bureau has adopted a policy of promoting Geneva not only as a destination but also as a center of economic, knowledge and innovation excellence. It does this by marketing meetings and events in relation to local key clusters of industry. As a result, a dynamic and virtuous feedback loop is established between Geneva’s economic or knowledge…
This research by Business Events Sydney (BESydney) demonstrates that business events offer delegates unrestricted exposure to innovative ideas and opportunities to develop new knowledge and skills. Part of the Beyond Tourism Benefits series, the new study by the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) – Conferences: Catalysts for Thriving Economies – provides further evidence showing that…
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A random sampling of B2B exhibition organizers from the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) Census was pulled to generate an attendee sample for this project. A total of 21 exhibition organisers in the United States and Canada agreed to participate, with a minimum of one event per sector, with the exception of Sporting Goods, Travel…
Sponsored by the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) and Destination Cleveland, “Making a Healthy Case: Six Ways Medical Meetings Are Proving Their Value to Exhibitors” is a new white paper that tackles one of medical associations’ chief challenges head on: the increased pressure to show a positive return on their exhibitors’ investment. Making a Healthy Case: Six…
The latest UFI / Business Strategies Group report on the trade fair industry in Asia has now been published complete with updated statistical information from 2017. Leaflet here… The Trade Fair Industry in Asia – 14th Edition (July 2018) – Leaflet Order form here… The Trade Fair Industry in Asia – 14th Edition (July 2018) –…
The 2018 IMEX Policy Forum (formerly Politicians Forum) featured significant changes in format in an ongoing bid to optimise interactions between government representatives and industry leaders and to make outcomes clearer and more actionable. The 2018 Policy Forum programme included four key parts: An advance discussion group of national level government representatives addressing policy issues…
This study is based on a global survey, concluded in July 2018. It represents up to date information on the development and the outlook of the global exhibition industry as well as on 18 specific ccountries and zones. Global Exhibition Barometer 21st Edition (July 2018)
Not too long ago, even people in the hotel industry referred to the meeting rooms in their hotels as boxes. But all of that has changed, and in a big hurry too. Today the expectations of meetings and the venues that host them are much higher. Planners are finding that venues which engage the senses…
It is impossible to develop successful, sustainable long-term strategy without understanding the future in which your members will live and work. Whether through strategic planning or value proposition design, Association Laboratory’s research confirms that associations must develop strategy based on the anticipated future of their industry or profession if they want to be successful. Now in its…
If there’s one canon that can be considered unassailable in the meetings and events industry it is this: No two meetings are alike. There is no one size that can fit all, even two, engagements. Every project requires its own plans and those plans, budget in hand, often start with choosing the location. Destinations and…
When city convention bureau leaders at ICCA’s Scandinavian Chapter set up the first Scandinavian Destination Sustainability Index – the precursor to the Global Destination Sustainability Index – they had two primary objectives: to drive sustainability across the region through competition, collaboration and raised consciousness, and to differentiate the Nordic region to non-European markets as the most sustainable…
The ICCA Statistics Reports are based on the ICCA Association Database, which means the figures cover meetings organised by international associations according to this criteria: a meeting must take place on a regular basis, host at least 50 participants, and rotate between a minimum of three countries to be included in the Database. ICCA’s Association…
For the third year in a row, IACC is pleased to present a ground-breaking report that combines research and insights into the top issues facing the global meetings and conference industry. The 2018 IACC Meeting Room of the Future™ report brings together insights from over 50 venues across four continents, as well as suppliers including global meeting…
When an academic participates in a large conference, her or his likelihood of subsequently writing a paper with at least one participant at the conference increases by one-sixth (close to 18%). Moreover, it seems that conferences improve the quality of matching among co-authors, leading to papers that are published in higher-ranked journals. These findings are…
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In an age when some are once more trying to build walls, the remains of the one that divided Berlin stand testament to the historical impact of its demolition. Falling Walls, the International Conference on Future Breakthroughs in Science and Society, was founded to build on that moment and metaphor. From PCMA Convene…
As the exhibition industry continues to grow, more US destinations are upgrading or expanding convention centres. Some projects are at the planning stage, like the Los Angeles Convention Center. Some are underway, like at the new Caesars Forum in Las Vegas. Some are complete, like the Kentucky International Convention Center. Here’s a roundup. From TSNN…
While the larger markets of Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Colombia will surely be the focus of the upcoming UFI Latin America Conference, the growing economy of Peru is also worthy of attention. Better known as a holiday destination and for Machu Picchu, a new convention center has been built in the capital city, Lima. From UFI…
What are the foundations of a productive meeting? It’s the question at the core of every planner’s job, and if you want to know about foundations, who better to ask than an architect? Caterina Alves is actually Venue Manager at the historic Royal Institute of British Architects. Photo: Philafrenzy. From editor’s blog at Meetpie.com…
Trade associations are a great way to drive change within an industry. Joining one can also have a positive effect on your career. Carlo Zoccali, Account Director at Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre, and also two term UK Chapter President of the International Live Events Association, says as much. From editor’s blog at Meetpie.com…
Is time now up for that global event staple, the plastic badge holder? From a registration specialist whose products are all recyclable, to an event caterer transitioning away from bottled mineral water, to a venue banning single-use plastic packaging from hotel and meeting suites, here are three approaches to more sustainable events. From editor’s blog at Meetpie.com…
Border security seems to be of increasing importance in a more nationalistic political age. But sometimes the business of implementing border security involves collaborating across borders. Tony Smith, Chair of the International Border Management and Technologies Association, discusses IBMATA’s recent inaugural conference, and why collaboration is a main focus. From PCMA Convene…
The Iceberg has already reported on ICC Sydney’s support of regional food production. But the venue is also fostering the next generation of talent via student and startup engagement. Through its First Australians Legacy Program, ICC Sydney promotes as well First Nations businesses, offering for its delegates authentic heritage experiences. From Boardroom…
At its Annual Meeting in Chicago, Iceberg partner ASAE unveiled a groundbreaking, or possibly foolhardy, early-bird pricing experiment to attract association meeting professionals to a future event. Register in advance, and pay nothing now. After you attend the event in April, you pay only what you think it was worth. From PCMA Convene…
The Iceberg’s very own Phileas Fogg, Pádraic Gilligan, was recently asked to deliver a workshop about “how Malaysia can build & sell compelling incentive travel experiences”. He took advantage of his time there to explore some new, and also not so new, products and experiences for the global meetings sector. From SoolNua’s Pádraic Gilligan at Padraicino…
What’s the best thing about travelling for business? In new research from ConferenceLeeds, almost half said it was “the novelty of being away from the office”. The results highlight how much we enjoy time away from our usual day-to-day routine, like time spent attending conferences and events in different cities. From editor’s blog at Meetpie.com…
The 7th International Conference on Hydrogen Technologies took place in Prague in July 2017. Work to bring the conference to the Czech Republic capital started as early as 2009. Professor Dr. Ing. Karel Bouzek (above receiving an ambassador award) was the meeting’s local champion, and reflects how it developed after the bid was won. From Boardroom…
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Join your association colleagues from the Asia Pacific region, as well as from the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East, to explore the roles associations play in society, discover practical ideas for growing your association, and strengthen your association relationships and partnerships. Through presentations by industry experts and guided in-depth conversations with peers, you will…
Plan Your Meeting Live (PYM LIVE) is a cutting-edge, relevant and engaging event developed specifically for the non-traditional meeting professional – the person whose job responsibilities include so much more than planning meetings or events. PYM LIVE is a great way to hone your planning skills and connect with people who can help increase your chances…
Join us for Destinations International’s Advocacy Summit, as we bring together destination organization professionals for the exchange of ideas and best practices. Learn from experts and insiders about the latest trends and threats to our industry, discover tools and research available to you and enhance your leadership skills with advocacy training. Whether fighting for your…
If the word ‘negotiate’ makes your stomach clench, mark your calendar because that’s about to change. Spend an hour learning about the psychology of negotiating and how to find middle ground. Explore feelings generated by negotiating, understand them and point that energy in a positive, productive, strategic direction.
The FYP brings together 35 young industry professionals from a diverse array of backgrounds. Over 3 days, the selected applicants are given networking opportunities, educational sessions, social activities and guidance worth their weights in gold from some of the most influential meetings industry figures. Participants will complete the FYP with a wealth of knowledge, a…
This is the one event anyone with a role or a stake in this critical area of centre management can’t miss out on. It is a rare opportunity for centre staff responsible for key operations functions to share issues and solutions on a global basis while also looking at how essential interactions amongst centre managers…
The world of meeting professionals is moving ahead rapidly. Are you staying up to speed with these changes? Designing better meetings and events is more relevant than ever and growing in importance. And while technology advances influence many aspects of the planning process, our knowledge, and skills as planners and meeting designers, must also evolve to keep up with the constant developments in the…
This year, CMI is partnering with Destinations International to bring together leading industry professionals to share learnings about the LGBTQ market; these are the people behind the success stories. Designed for marketing and sales executives of tourism boards, CVBs and DMOs (we also welcome accommodations, tour operators, travel suppliers, events, agencies, and meeting and wedding professionals!). Topics include:…
Capturing valuable insights and conversations: Be immersed in engaging live or virtual technologies with MCI proven expertise to be aware of the latest trends. Explore the key topics that affect your business environment through the unique insights of MCI’s industry experts.
Maritz Global Events’ resource library gives industry professionals the latest insights about solving their greatest challenges; experts share their insights on the value of face-to-face meetings and events, the journey to take your event global, and the power of experience design thinking.
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For more than 30 years, Destinations International’s Membership Summit has supported the evolving role and the impact of the membership professional. This community of partners, inclusive of both membership and partnership roles, targets discussions about changing trends in the destination marketplace, redefining membership and partnership responsibilities to maximize impact, recalibrating the sponsorship value proposition and more.
Discover Colombia the land of sabrosura, at the 3rd annual Global Incentive Summit – the event for incentive buyers in North and Latin America, featuring pre-scheduled one-on-one appointments, unique experiential networking events, and a fully hosted, three-night stay in Hotel Las Americas Cartagena de Indias. Invaluable business connections, motivating educational sessions, and unforgettable experiences—all within the heritage and…
UFI’s Annual Global Congress is known as the exhibition industry’s largest global meeting of the year, combining international networking with unique content. It is an ideal opportunity for members to gain insight into topics of strategic interest, on the current industry trends and challenges that the exhibition industry is currently facing. Open to UFI members only,…
Connect with the top hotels, CVBs, DMCs, and venues from across Arizona in pre-scheduled one-on-one appointments and unique experiential networking events, while enjoying a fully hosted, two-night stay at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa in Tucson, AZ, from November 4-6, 2018.
PCMA ICESAP will be hosting the 2018 Annual Conference at Bangkok, Thailand. Affectionately known as the “city of angels” famed for its hospitality, explore the city’s tradition and modernity of as one moves through the Bangkok’s futuristic skyscrapers as well as its alleyways filled with rich cultural heritage.
Cutting-edge, true to its rich heritage yet looking towards the future, Dubai is on the move and we’re bringing you along for the ride! Merging a world-class, custom-designed education programme, knowledge and business exchange, networking opportunities with senior meetings industry professionals and association executives from across the globe and all industry sectors, and the sights…
Conclave is the industry’s only exclusive meeting of CMPs. The Conclave is a unique event for CMPs who wish to contribute to their profession, while advancing their own knowledge and skills, and expanding their professional network. Join your fellow CMPs to gain insight on unique perspectives and experiences throughout the industry to gather CE and network.
The leading global event for the meetings, events and incentives industry, ibtm world delivers three inspirational days of business, networking and education to a community of international suppliers and buyers, helping drive their business into the future. Join over 15,500 industry professionals and enter a world of business opportunities.
Building on the huge success and 100% satisfaction rates of the Global Forum in Dubai & Tokyo, BestCities is delighted to announce Bogotá as the host partner for this year’s event from 9-12 December 2018. Open to senior international association executives (or AMC on behalf of the associations), the Global Forum is the ideal opportunity for decision-makers considering hosting…
Connect with the top hotels, CVBs, DMCs, and venues from across the Lone Star state in pre-scheduled one-on-one appointments and unique experiential networking events, while enjoying a fully hosted, two-night stay at the Renaissance Dallas Hotel in Dallas, TX, from December 10-12, 2018.
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