Team

Michael J. Shapiro

Director of Content Strategy, Northstar Meetings Group U.S.

More than two decades ago my bio for DigitalFOTO magazine began, "Reviews editor Michael Shapiro loves the sushi." I guess I haven't changed much, but I've since traded camera reviews for event-professional content, covering tech, travel, Latin America and beyond, across NMG's brands. You'll still find me with my camera and hamachi, eager to embrace local specialties and the next adventure.

What Michael Covers

Domestic: California, Iowa, Nebraska, Nevada, Great Lakes region (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin)

International: Mexico, Central/South America, Spain, China, India, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, Southeast Asia

Industry Associations/Exhibitions: AHLA, ASAE, GBTA, PCMA, IBTM portfolio

Industry Segments: Technology, hotels, third parties, business travel, airlines, gaming

The Latest From Michael

GBTA Projects Slower Business Travel Growth in 2025-'26

At its annual convention in Denver, the Global Business Travel Association softened its forecast in... Read More

By Michael J. Shapiro | July 22, 2025

Brand USA Will 'Recalibrate Resources' to Market the U.S.

President and CEO Fred Dixon expressed optimism during the summer board meeting despite the deep... Read More

By Michael J. Shapiro | July 18, 2025

Webcast: Tech Tools of Tomorrow That Should Be on Your Radar Today

Listen on-demand now... Read More

By Michael J. Shapiro

Colorado Convention Center GBTA Convention Rescheduled

GBTA Reschedules Convention for November

The organization's leadership acknowledged that the coronavirus pandemic could potentially delay the... Read More

By Michael J. Shapiro

Hard Rock Hotel Casino Sacramento Fire Mountain Guitar Smash

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento Makes Its Big Debut

A collaboration between two Native American tribes has produced the state's first Hard Rock Casino.... Read More

By Michael J. Shapiro

Las Vegas Gaming Today

Casino resorts were some of the first facilities to close down en masse, and they are now leading the... Read More

By Michael J. Shapiro

How Meeting Planners Can Negotiate With Hotels in a Seller's Market

Here is how hotels have tweaked attrition terms to their advantage.... Read More

By Michael J. Shapiro

Back to the Sandbox: The Latest AI Tools for Event Professionals

Jump in and join us for this interactive, real-time demonstration of how the newest tools take you to... Read More

By Michael J. Shapiro | June 4, 2025

Hotel Forecast Downgraded Through 2026

CoStar and Tourism Economics have softened projections in their revised U.S. hotel forecast for the... Read More

By Michael J. Shapiro | June 3, 2025

Ritz-Carlton to Launch Third Yacht in July

Luminara, a 794-foot, 226-suite superyacht, will extend the luxury-hotel brand's presence on the high... Read More

By Michael J. Shapiro | May 28, 2025