Chris Meyer, CEM, CMP, vice president of global business sales for the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority, welcomes LVCI attendees.

Michael Luther, vice president of hotel sales for the Westgate Resort, takes the stage.

David Siegel, founder and CEO of Westgate Resorts, welcomes guests to the property and shares the hotel's philosophy of excellent service.

Kicking off the panel, Kellie Hanley--president of AWG Destination Services and FabLab Event Laboratory of Las Vegas--takes the stage to review the essential elements of inspiration, innovation, integration and immersion.

Hanley presents stunning examples of tech innovations such as projection mapping and LED photo activations.

Hanley also stresses the importance of using innovative entertainers who engage the audience with dazzling performances.

Gregg Herning, vice president of hotel sales at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, shares how a hotel property can advance the goals of a meeting.

Herning shares the astonishing impact of the "wellness" trend, a $2 trillion industry that is shaping the hotel experience.

He outlines MGM's "Stay Well" initiative, which covers scores of touch points--from food to air quality to ergonomic furniture--affecting the guest experience.

Herning also urges attendees to consider alternative spaces for events, going beyond the ballroom.

Marvin Dickerson of the 100 Black Men of America takes in the presentations.

Patti Shock, CPCE, CHT, professor emeritus at UNVL, shares fun food trends--from edible centerpieces to snow cone stations to apple tastings.

Shock entertains both the audience and the panel with her take on the emerging role of marijuana--like it or not--at events and meetings.

Attendees take images of Shock's presentation--including the "weed at weddings" shot.

Lisa Hurley of Special Events (center) shares hot trends from The Special Event 2016.

Hurley notes big trends including incorporating technology, the importance of guest interaction, and making the brand the "hero" of the event.