Sarah J.F. Braley

New Jersey

Managing Editor at Meetings & Conventions

Managing Editor at Northstar Meetings Group

Managing Editor for Northstar Meetings Groups' Incentive, M&C and Successful Meetings, mom of two, wife of a great guy, skier, walker, reader. She/her

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Articles

Northstar's Independent Planner Event Heads to Arizona

4 days ago | northstarmeetingsgroup.com | Sarah J.F. Braley

Northstar Meetings Group has announced that the Independent Planner Education Conference, the leading conference produced exclusively for independent planners not associated with third-party organizations, will be held Feb. 4-6, 2026, at the Gila River Resorts & Casinos – Wild Horse Pass, in Chandler, Ariz.
San Antonio CVB Names New President

6 days ago | northstarmeetingsgroup.com | Sarah J.F. Braley

The board of directors for Visit San Antonio has named Mario J. Bass as its new president and CEO, effective June 2. A San Antonio native, Bass brings more than 30 years of experience in tourism and hospitality to the position, having held key roles in major markets across New York, Florida and Texas, including his most recent role as executive vice president and chief strategy officer for Visit San Antonio.
Populus Debuts Second 'Carbon-Positive' Hotel

2 weeks ago | meetings-conventions.com | Sarah J.F. Braley

Populus Hotels, a growing collection of climate-positive hotels that celebrate and protect the natural world, has unveiled the Populus Seattle in Pioneer Square. The 120-room property, an adaptive reuse of a 1907 building, plants a tree for every night's stay through the One Night, One Tree program, and its design evokes the natural beauty of a Pacific Northwest rainforest. Populus Seattle joins the 265-room Populus Denver, which debuted last October.
Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort Expands

2 weeks ago | meetings-conventions.com | Sarah J.F. Braley

The 502-room Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa, a 300-acre property in San Antonio, Texas, is debuting new villas over Memorial Day weekend, and is working on a host of other projects and upgrades. "Hyatt Regency Hill Country has been delivering unforgettable experiences for our guests for over 30 years. We are now thrilled to embark on an exciting new chapter that will redefine the resort experience here in Central Texas," said Steven J. Smith, general manager of the property.
On Location: Meeting in the Dallas Arts District

1 month ago | northstarmeetingsgroup.com | Sarah J.F. Braley

When looking for the perfect meetings hotel for your group in a big city, does it sometimes feel like throwing a dart at a dartboard? Finding the right neighborhood first can make all the difference. In Dallas, the Arts District offers a cluster of hotels for groups, within walking distance of museums and other possible event venues. Following are a handful of options that we visited recently.
President and CEO Leaves Visit San Antonio

1 month ago | northstarmeetingsgroup.com | Sarah J.F. Braley

Marc Anderson, president and CEO of Visit San Antonio, has chosen not to renew his contract, leaving the convention and visitors bureau as of April 25. As the CVB's leader for four years, Anderson was instrumental in helping the city through its post-pandemic recovery. Until a new leader is found, Mario Bass, executive vice president and chief strategy officer, has been named interim president and CEO for the organization.
The Restaurant Reopens at Washington's Salish Lodge

1 month ago | meetings-conventions.com | Sarah J.F. Braley

The Restaurant and Terrace Bar reopened this month at the 86-room Salish Lodge & Spa in Snoqualmie, Wash., the latest element to be completed in an extensive six-year renovation of the property. Over that time the lobby, all guest rooms and the spa were upgraded, and the Snoqualmie Falls Visitor Center and the Lounge were added.
Amex GBT Launches Sustainability Tool for Corporate Travel

1 month ago | northstarmeetingsgroup.com | Sarah J.F. Braley

American Express Global Business Travel has launched a sustainability recommendations feature that will allow Amex GBT customers using its Egencia travel management platform to access customized, data-driven recommendations to help reduce their carbon emissions based on traveler behavior and actual carbon footprint.
Small & Boutique Meetings Event to Promote Design, Wellness

1 month ago | northstarmeetingsgroup.com | Sarah J.F. Braley

One of two autumn iterations of Northstar's premier hosted-buyer event designed for smaller gatherings will take place among the yellow aspen trees of Park City, Utah, Oct. 26-28. Small & Boutique Meetings – Park City, one of three in-demand hosted-buyer events for meetings of 100 room nights or fewer on peak that are being held in 2025, will take place at the 175-room Pendry Park City.
The Hotel Vin in Grapevine, Texas, to Double Rooms Total

1 month ago | meetings-conventions.com | Sarah J.F. Braley

According to numerous sources, the Hotel Vin, an Autograph Collection by Marriott property in Grapevine, Texas, is expanding. In the plans are an upscale new tower, the Hotel Vin Reserve, which will double the room count to 240. Breaking ground later this year, the hotel also will add a new outdoor pool and more event space, while making thoughtful enhancements throughout. Some reports mention that a spa also is in the works.