This webinar takes place on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET. Register now.
Finding the right destination likely feels more challenging than ever. Hotel calendars are filling on account of strong meetings demand, and planner budgets are being squeezed. So how can you still get the dates, rates and space you need? This session breaks down some of the shifts happening in the market — and the smart moves planners are making in response. From tapping into second‑ and third‑tier cities to rethinking timelines, expectations and negotiation tactics, we’ll show you what’s working right now.
You'll learn:
- How alternative destinations are changing the sourcing landscape
- What planners are doing differently in their search and selection process
- Practical ways to stretch budgets without compromising quality
REGISTER NOW
Earns 1 Hour of CMP Credit
SPEAKER
Debbie Garcia
Entrepreneur, event-technology innovator, and founder of Virsitour
Debbie Garcia, CMP, is an entrepreneur, event-technology innovator, and founder of Virsitour, a visual-sourcing platform and event planning agency redefining how meetings and events are planned. With more than 15 years of experience spanning hotels, venues, destinations, planning and event tech, Garcia brings a 360-degree perspective to the industry, launching Virsitour during the pandemic after losing her job and all sourcing commissions, turning adversity into innovation. A Titan 100 Nashville CEO, NEXT Award winner for Hospitality & Retail Startup, MPI Tennessee Meeting Planner of the Year, Garcia is passionate about helping the industry work smarter while preserving the human connections that make hospitality extraordinary.
MODERATOR
Sarah J.F.
Braley
Managing editor, Northstar Meetings Group
Sally oversees content on Northstar’s meetings-related websites, as well as the print edition of Meetings & Conventions and Successful Meetings, along with covering key beats. Sally joined M&C in 1994 as a senior editor, after spending eight years at New Jersey Monthly magazine.
She holds a master’s degree from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University and a B.A. in Journalism (with minors in French, Greek and psychology) from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
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