MEET - Meetings, Events, Entertainment, Travel

On August 4th at 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis, the St. Louis Area Hotel Association (SLAHA) awarded its scholarship to six students. SLAHA's scholarship is awarded to students interested in pursuing careers in the hospitality industry. Scholarships were presented by Chuck Meckfessel, General Manager of Fairfield by Marriott St. Louis/Chesterfield, and Danielle Varady, Vice President National Sales of US Foods.

Photo 1 - Parker Fiore (University of Missouri-Columbia)
Photo 2 - Melena Weber (Concordia University)
Photo 3 - Amelia Weiss (University of Missouri-Columbia)

Additional scholarship recipients not pictured: Rory Kiefer (University of Missouri-Columbia); Stefan Del-Zotti (Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville); and Jordyn Dunakey (Lindenwood University).

To learn more about SLAHA and how to get involved, visit: https://www.stlhotels.com/

MEET Missouri had a great time networking at Adventures of Intrigue’s business networking event on Aug. 4. Attendees put their problem-solving skills to the test with mind-bending games while also exploring the venue’s unique and versatile meeting spaces.
Pictured (L-R): Jim Seubert, Owner of Adventures of Intrigue; Roland Cousins, with Get a Grip; and Rebekah Icenesse, Writer/Editor for MEET Missouri.

We’re heading to IMEX America 2025 in Las Vegas on October 7-8! Hope you’re seated front row in our HMCC AND MMP classes.

Want to obtain a Healthcare Compliance Certificate (HMCC) or Medical Meeting Planner (MMP) certification? These are must-read books for essential resources on medical meeting planning and compliance.

To purchase your copy, visit: publishingconceptsllc.com

Resource: How to Plan Medical Meetings and Events provides essential foundational knowledge required to complete the Medical Meeting Professional (MMP) certificate program. This invaluable resource guide also equips medical meeting planners with the tools to expertly plan informed, compliant, and successful medical meetings and events.

Buy it here:

How to Plan Medical Meetings and Events - Publishing Concepts, L.L.C. How to Plan Medical Meetings and Events provides essential foundational knowledge required to complete the Medical Meeting Professional (MMP) certificate program. This invaluable resource guide also equips medical meeting planners with the tools to expertly plan informed, compliant, and successful m...

Visit KC is in the midst of a hospitality and entertainment boom. A wave of hotels, mixed-use developments, and new event venues is reshaping the city’s skyline all the way from downtown to the Missouri riverfront. Fueled by the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup and a steadily growing convention and tourism market, Kansas City is in for a big next chapter.

Read about the four big developments to look for: https://meetmags.com/kansas-citys-skyline-is-changing/

Photo: Rendering of Live Nation Riverside Amphitheater

Southwest Airlines will be scaling back its service at St. Louis Lambert International Airport in early 2026, a move that could directly affect how meeting and event planners map out travel plans for attendees.

Read more here: https://meetmags.com/southwest-cuts-st-louis-routes/

Looking for new suppliers in your region? Here are our top 2 picks this week for suppliers who can provide the essentials for your next event or conference. From registration and badges to lighting and visuals, these Missouri suppliers have you covered!

KLEERTECH/OMNIEVENT: https://meetmags.com/the-kleer-choice-in-registration/

Cashmark Media: https://resources.meetmags.com/places/missouri/kansas-city-1-1/computer-digital-entertainment/cashmark-media-inc/

The vision for a new Springfield Regional Convention & Event Center in the heart of downtown is moving forward. The has officially opened the next phase of the project by inviting qualified firms to apply to serve as architects, engineers, designers, and construction managers of this transformative civic project.

Check it out here: https://meetmags.com/springfields-new-convention-center-project-takes-further-steps-forward/

Springfield's New Convention Center Project Takes Further Steps Forward - MEET (Meetings | Events | Entertainment | Travel) The vision for a new Springfield Regional Convention & Event Center in the heart of downtown is moving forward. The City of Springfield has officially

A bold new chapter in Explore Branson history is officially underway. On August 26th, 2025, the Branson Board of Aldermen approved on first reading the Gretna Road and Town & Country Drive Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Development Plan, advancing what is regarded as the most significant economic development package to come to Branson since the Branson Landing.

Read further here: https://meetmags.com/city-of-branson-board-of-aldermen-move-400-million-tif-project-forward/

August 28th was the day that many of us had been looking forward to ever since Lodging Hospitality Management announced that the company was expanding at St. Louis Union Station.

Read more here: https://meetmags.com/new-carnival-rides-and-games-catering-to-the-kid-in-you/

Photo: Three generations of O'Loughlin's with St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer (center) at the Union Station ribbon cutting ceremony. Photo taken by LHM/Tom Paule Photography