A yellow balloon is flying in the air on a white background.

Why Oman? An Event Planner's Discovery
Megan Whitty • November 11, 2024

In October, I had the incredible opportunity to not only attend my first The Meetings Space event, but also to experience it in a country that had always intrigued me – Oman. Often overshadowed by its more well-known neighbours, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Oman is a hidden gem in the Middle East that is definitely worth adding to your travel list.

The event was held at the stunning, newly opened St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort, which had just celebrated its grand opening a mere three weeks before our arrival. However, you’d never have guessed it—the service was impeccable, with staff going above and beyond to ensure every need was met. Nothing was too much trouble, and everyone was warm, friendly, and welcoming. You could tell there was a tremendous amount of behind-the-scenes effort to make our experience truly unforgettable, and I have no doubt we would be in good hands with an event should our clients choose this wonderful property. I was also incredibly fortunate to stay in a suite featuring not one, but two balconies, offering breathtaking views over one of the two pools, with the beach and crystal-clear blue sea stretching out beyond.

On the first afternoon, a show round of the hotel highlighted its eight exceptional on-site restaurants and bars, including the renowned Hakkasan and COYA. All the venues provide such an extensive variety of cuisine, it would be perfect for a group looking for dine around options without having to venture into the city. We were also introduced to the stunning Guerlain spa and the airy, modern meeting spaces. The evening kicked off with a lively gathering at Zorba, the hotel’s Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, offering breathtaking views of the seafront. The relaxed atmosphere provided the perfect opportunity to meet new people, indulge in delicious dishes, and enjoy some Greek dancing!

Days 2 and 3 were dedicated to making valuable connections with suppliers from across Europe and the Middle East. It was an insightful experience, discovering new hotels and destinations, receiving updates on renovations, establishing important contacts, and reconnecting with familiar faces.

On the afternoon of day two, we were treated to a beautiful sunset Dhow cruise, dressed in our traditional Omani attire. Our journey took us to the stunning Jumeirah Muscat Bay, where we were welcomed to an unforgettable evening in an exquisite outdoor setting. Long wooden tables, traditional Arabian seating, towering palm trees swaying gently in the breeze, and an array of incredible dishes came together to create a truly spectacular experience.

On the afternoon of day three, we had the opportunity to choose from a variety of activities, including snorkelling, a Souq city tour, cooking experience, sunset hike and a motorbike tour. I was fortunate enough to secure a spot in the snorkelling group, which sold out quickly! The boat ride to our destination took about 45 minutes, and we were treated to an incredible experience, spotting several turtles and a wide array of fish. The swim was a refreshing escape from the afternoon heat. Each excursion looked like a fantastic way to spend an afternoon, and would offer delegates wanting to explore the local area, some great options to do this in a fun, exciting and different way.

Later that evening, we gathered for the farewell dinner by the main pool at the St. Regis. The dress code was shades of white and cream, and everyone looked amazing. The evening concluded with a DJ and dancing, a perfect way to wrap up my first experience at The Meetings Space.

Huge thanks to all attendees, suppliers, hosts and partners involved in this amazing event!



Megan Whitty, Project Manager

By Skye Marshall January 10, 2025
If you're searching for an event destination that will wow your guests, Mauritius is the place to be. With its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and world-class facilities, it's fast becoming one of Africa's top spots for events. Picture networking on a sunset catamaran cruise, shmoozing over delicious Creole cuisine, or relaxing in luxury beachfront resorts after a day of productive meetings and activities. I was lucky enough to have spent a week in December experiencing firsthand what Mauritius has to offer, and why Mauritius should be your next event destination. 1. Perfectly Equipped for Business Events and Incentive Travel Mauritius isn’t just a pretty face… it’s the ultimate destination for events, incentives, and all things business-y (with a side of fun, of course!). Getting there is easy with plenty of flights, smooth airport transfers, and top-notch meeting spaces that’ll make you feel like a VIP. Oh, and did I mention the MICE VAT Exemption? Yes, please!  And the weather? Absolute perfection. It’s an all-year-round kind of place with temps that hover between 20°C - 28°C.
By Emily Salvage December 4, 2024
This year I was lucky enough to attend IBTM as part of a group hosted by Mags Shaw from Mags Worldwide . Having been a few years since I last had the chance to attend IBTM, I was excited to network, learn and meet with friends both old and new. The trip started off with an early meet and greet at London Heathrow where we met with Lianne Arkle from All About Flights who had helped organise our travel there and back. After a smooth flight, we landed in sunny Barcelona which was a nice change from the cold temperatures we had left behind in the UK. (Fun fact: the average temperature in Barcelona during November/December is 14°C, which is great for events/groups needing a bit of winter sun!)
By Catia Rocha October 14, 2024
There’s something truly special about a journey filled with ‘firsts’. And my recent trip to Los Angeles and Las Vegas, hosted by IHG Hotels & Resorts , was exactly that - a string of firsts, each more memorable than the last. Welcome to LA: First Impressions Kicking off with a premium economy flight from London Heathrow to Los Angeles, my excitement for the days ahead was already sky-high (pun intended). Touching down in California for the very first time, I was spoiled from the get-go. Our stay began at the fabulous InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown , where we were treated to a brief show-around of the property, followed by a dinner that showcased the creativity of the head chef. It was a great way to meet some of my fellow hosted buyers and get into the spirit of things.
Share by: