European "VISA" System delayed until at least 2025

You may have heard that US Citizens were supposed to be required to obtain a “VISA” starting in 2024 before traveling to one of the 27 countries in the Schengen Zone, but it appears that delays in implementing the ETAIS system will now push that requirement to mid-2025. 

Technically, it wasn’t going to be a visa, but rather an electronic authorization required before entering the Eurozone.  

The European Travel Authorization and Authorization System was supposed to launch early next year, and would require all non-Schengen passport holders to register on a website before travel to Europe.  The cost is currently pegged at 7 Euros, and the authorization would last three years or until the expiration of the holder’s current passport. 

For more complete details, you may wish to view the Business Travel New story:  Click here for the link:     

https://www.businesstravelnewseurope.com/management/eu-s-etias-travel-system-set-for-further-delay?utm_source=northstar&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=northstar_travel_today&oly_enc_id=6122E4695190J6K

For those traveling to the UK, a similar plan is still scheduled to begin next year, although it will not immediately apply to US Citizens.   Check back here for further developments.

DINNER IN “THE DANGER ZONE!”

DINNER IN “THE DANGER ZONE!”

How do you top off a spectacular incentive at the Garden of the Gods Resort overlooking the majestic Garden of the Gods and Rocky Mountains?  

On our site inspection last year, a squadron of jets flew over our magical venue, the Gardon of the Gods Resort in beautiful Colorado Springs.   The property is strategically located near more than 20 awe-inspiring attractions including the US Air Force Academy.

As we toured the property, the idea started to develop – what if we could recreate the excitement of the “Top Gun” movies during the incentive?  “Negative on the fly-by, Maverick” reverberated from every direction, but we were determined to make it happen!   Our client, a financial services company, gave us the green light and our team was full throttle to explore this last night farewell theme party.

Fast forward to August 2023, our farewell dinner featured our own “Maverick” and piano playing “Goose” lookalikes – both decked out in full aviator garb and the requisite Ray Ban reflective sunglasses.  We took delivery of a very hard to find upright spinet piano and tuned it up for the sing-along with Goose.  

With majestic Pikes Peak as the backdrop, we complimented the final set up with Top Gun posters, runway lights, and 4 large LED screens set strategically around the room that played a continuous homemade 1,5 hour loop from both movies and, as well as the candid’s of the guests for the week.    Each table had its own 20-inch remote controlled F-16 Fighter Jet, (which was given away)  lit with unique LED disk-shaped lights, aviator glasses, dog tags, and patches reading “I feel the Need for Speed” and “I was Inverted.”  Fighter jet replicas were placed on the bars and at other points around the room.  You know you have a great event when the staff of the venue is taking photos and getting shots with the lookalikes.

Runway lights welcomed our guests as they arrived into the Danger Zone for an unusual surf and turf dinner created by the resort Chef Kelley McCann – The menu;  local braised beef and trout, capped off with an elaborate chocolate dessert that was truly over the top. 

Goose provided over 30 great sing-along songs which were printed on the back of the menu.  From the welcoming number of “Great Balls of Fire” to the “You’ve Lost that Loving Feeling” finale, our guests were thrilled to participate by singing these unforgettable hit songs.   A DJ filled in during the dining portion of the program, and our incentive “Top Guns” were called to the front for a finale that included individual recognition and sets of His and Her Ray-Ban aviators.    Photos with the famed stars and company President were an added plus.

We couldn’t have accomplished our mission without the assistance of the Garden of the Gods sales and logistics teams, Drew Warwick and Kornelia Karwat, who worked with us to tweak the event from setup to create an incredible evening.  Kudos to everyone at the hotel who helped pull off this truly unique event. Check out the photos of the event, staff servers and tear down crew. It was a great night.

We had a delightful stay at the Yacht club at Boca Raton Resort and Club this week….

I took note of all of the changes and whimsical upgrades since my last visit to this iconic destination.  I would like to commend a wonderful and professional staff and the management.  From the moment you arrive you are greeted with grace and excellence. This resort is perfect for the special getaway or high level professional corporate retreat.   I was celebrating my 40th anniversary and stayed at the Yacht club.  There are many options to include the Cloisters, Pink tower and Beach club rooms offering different settings, styles, views and pricing.  I was on the 6th floor and had a view of the yachts ( owner of the Arizona Ice Tea Company, and Copay, owned by a doctor) as well as the intercoastal waterway.  Breakfast dining on the  8th floor was fantastic and I can say that the front desk personal, pool attendants, shuttle drives, concierge,  and maître d and waiters were all extremely attentive and focused on each and every guest.   When was the last time your resort reminded you of your dinner reservation on text.  Please consider your next “special” trip to the Boca Resort.  Please feel free to reach out to me joe@summitmgt.com for assistance in the future or with your travel needs.

MEMORABLE MEETINGS ARE BACK - AND AFFORDABLE!

We all feel the effects of INFLATION, but with careful management, Summit can make your meetings both memorable AND affordable.

Excellent hotels can still be found for under $250.00/night in many popular domestic cities as well as around the world.    Athens, Orlando, Vienna, Phoenix, Tampa…these and many more can be yours at room rates comparable to our clients paid 15 years ago!

Imagine hosting your cocktail party and dinner overlooking the Acropolis in the center of Athens.

It’s even more incredible considering the cost can be under $100 per person including drinks!  

With the Euro at parity with the US dollar, international meetings can be more economical than they’ve been in years.   While we keep our eyes on the rebounding travel markets in major cities, we also know where to look for bargains.   Given enough time to source, we’re still finding four-star plus accommodations for our meeting clients at unbelievably favorable rates.

Of course, a meeting can’t be successful unless people actually attend.  Sometimes, guests need some prompting and encouragement to register.  It can be challenging to know if your guests are even aware they’ve been invited.

We’ve recently integrated DocuSign electronic delivery of meeting materials into our invitation package, which means we know with certainty whether an invited guest has opened and reviewed the email.  No more guesswork, and it just takes seconds to send reminder messages to your delegates.   For pharma meetings, we’ll also work with your CRO to enhance attendance – it’s all part of Summit’s turnkey “Go the extra mile” service. 

Try this fantastic new approach for your next meeting – you’ll be amazed at the results!

Summit Christmas 2021

Good news for Vaccinated US Travelers

U.S. travel restrictions taking effect next week will affect Americans returning home, too.   Fully vaccinated US Travelers returning from abroad will no longer require a PCR test for flights arriving back in the US after November 8, 2021. 

For unvaccinated US Citizens, a negative PCR Test will still be required before boarding a US-bound flight. 

The new rules, starting Nov. 8, are the biggest change to a regime that basically barred most international travelers from the U.S. from the beginning of the pandemic.

Masks are required in the airport and in-flight for all passengers. 

Foreigners arriving from abroad will generally need proof of full vaccination, a negative test in the prior 72 hours and contact tracing information.