If the word "creator" were a person, that person would be Tony Lorenz. He is known universally for his work in the global meetings and events sector and his impossibly deep understanding of the event management industry. He lays out the importance of Destination Management Companies (DMCs), entities that focus on on-the-ground logistics and specialized local experiences for travel and major events.

We talk through how they work, what would happen in a world without them, and their future. Also, how events have evolved since 2020, why they are sneakily underrated, and how to measure attendee ROI in a meaningful way.

From the Jersey Shore to the Sunset Strip, the Garden of the Gods to Boston Common, the Eden Roc to the El Capitan, Curator Hotel and Resort Collection has been on an absolute tear, bringing some of the most unique and independent properties in the country together in a groundbreaking collective.

Jennifer Barnwell talks with us about Curator's ROI-first model and value proposition, the "brand or boutique dilemma" for hotel owners, keeping the indie vibe intact, and the human touch versus automation. Plus: robot massages, Parisian adventures, and the special sauce that goes into evaluating properties to join Curator.

We're here, it's happening, 2026 is officially a thing. As we restart our brains for the new year, we ponder:

• Is Hushpitality a thing?
• The good news about global growth
• Fatigue as a good thing in travel
• The shift away from marquee names and places
• The shift toward shoulder seasons and cost concerns
• How travel will be shaped less by whims and more by economic realism
• Eastern Europe's rise as a travel alternative
• How refinancing pressure is going to reshape hotel ownership structure
• The literary and movie travel trend