Special events business news

Venue News 

Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa (San Antonio, TX) announced beach-themed group activities for summer meetings and events. Complementing the resort’s award-winning water park, the activities provide everything from Texas surfing sessions and beach volleyball to nautical-themed dining. The beach-themed experience includes a group session on the resort’s FlowRider surf simulation machine which creates a barrel-less wave for surfing, kneeboarding, and bodyboarding.  Following a day of friendly competition, attendees can gather at the Edge Falls outdoor event space, connected to the FlowRider and beach volleyball courts, for a seafood or surf & turf-inspired meal prepared by the resort’s talented culinary team paired with beach-themed frosty cocktail service. Throughout the day, groups also have access to the resort’s five-acre water park which includes a 950-foot lazy river modeled after the nearby Guadalupe River, to replicate an authentic Texas river float experience.  It also features a two-story water slide, multiple pools including a Texas-shaped pool in an adults-only section, waterfall whirlpools, and private cabana options.   

Hyatt Regency Morristown (Morristown, NJ) has opened a brand-new meeting and event space. The “Encampment Patio” offers extended indoor seating and event set-up space right next to the hotel’s newly renovated lobby and food and beverage outlets. The hotel’s “Encampment Patio” offers 2,500 square feet of flexible indoor space.  Groups can mix and mingle at a cocktail happy hour, host presentations, or enjoy a reception at the new space.  Guests can enjoy local pastries and a variety of grab-and-go healthy and hearty snacks at the Market, or enjoy a brand-new menu inspired by the history of the local Morristown area at the Lounge. In addition to the Encampment Patio, the hotel offers 31,000-square feet of flexible meeting and event space.  The newly renovated meeting spaces include the Terrace Ballroom which can be divided into three distinct venues with 1,500 square-feet of space in each and opens up to a terrace perfect for pre-function space.  

Products on the Market 

Sommer Flooring, Inc. is proud to announce its Bronze Level certification by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, the global standard for products that are safe, circular, and responsibly made. Sommer’s parent company, Sommer Needlepunch, received the certification for its Expocare line of products, including Expostyle, which is sold in the United States. Planners who use 100% recyclable Expostyle product, you may display the Cradle to Cradle Certified® Bronze certification logo, spotlighting the focus on sustainability and reuse. 

People on the Move 

Jennifer Duffy has been named Director of External Communications for Encore, a global leader in event technology and production services. Duffy will join the brand team and oversee public relations and external communications, shaping strategies through the development, implementation, and measurement of effective communication programs within Encore.  A seasoned professional at building brands and delivering results, Duffy brings over 15 years B2C and B2B marketing experience to her role at Encore. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Marketing for Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI), shaping a marketing program for over 250 independent luxury hotels. Prior to ALHI, Duffy served as the Communications Director for Experience Scottsdale, where she spearheaded increased collaboration between marketing and communications departments to increase campaign results, PR best practices for influencer marketing, as well as digital PR for SEO and link building. 

Brush Creek Ranch has announced the appointment of Niels Vuijsters as Vice President of Hospitality. Vuijsters will oversee the guest experience at the Brush Creek Luxury Ranch Collection’s three ranches, in addition to The Farm at Brush Creek epicurean destination and Green Mountain private ski area. Bringing more than two decades of experience in hotel and restaurant management, Vuijsters comes to Brush Creek Ranch from Le Meridien & AC Hotel Denver Downtown where he served as General Manager for four years. Vuijsters received a B.S. in Hotel Management from New Hampshire College and an A.S. in Hotel Management from International Hospitality College in Gothenburg, Sweden. 

Joel Babe has been promoted to Hotel Manager of Windsor Court Hotel. Relocating from Miami in 2019 to join the Windsor Court Hotel as Director of Rooms, Babe demonstrated genuine care and attention to detail. During his time at Windsor Court, Babe has enhanced the in-room amenities, including curating in-room amenities with luxury brands, playing an integral role in elevating housekeeping productivity while successfully restructuring the Guest Services team enhancing customer service. In years prior, Babe served in numerous management positions at Faena Hotel Miami Beach and various Ritz-Carlton Hotels.