# The Impact of Second-Tier Destinations on Association Meetings and Events

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/associations-now-presents-6988075/the-impact-of-second-tier-destinations-on-association-meetings-and-events
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/associations-now-presents-6988075/the-impact-of-second-tier-destinations-on-association-meetings-and-events.md
Podcast: [Associations NOW Presents](https://stenobird.com/podcast/associations-now-presents-6988075)
Published: 2026-05-21T13:30:00+00:00
Episode link: https://associationsnow.podbean.com/e/the-impact-of-second-tier-destinations-on-association-meetings-and-events/
Audio file: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/9w2s9r2i7m8xzi59/ASAE_ep24.mp3
Processing state: not_requested
JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/associations-now-presents-6988075/episodes/the-impact-of-second-tier-destinations-on-association-meetings-and-events
Duration seconds: 2021

## Resource

In this episode of Associations NOW Presents: Industry Partner Edition, guest host Sharon Pare of HighRoad Solutions is joined by Stephanie Alexander-Priakos, director of meetings and conferences at Visit St. Pete-Clearwater; Myha Gallagher, vice president of brand at Future Partners; and Jill Stone, site selection manager with HelmsBriscoe, for a conversation about the evolving meetings and events landscape and the growing appeal of second-tier destinations like St. Pete-Clearwater, Florida. Drawing on industry research and firsthand planning experience, the guests discuss how planners are increasingly prioritizing affordability, accessibility, safety, and unique experiences when selecting destinations, while also navigating rising costs, convention center fatigue, and growing political considerations tied to location decisions. The conversation also explores emerging trends shaping the future of meetings, including the rise of “bleisure” travel, the importance of walkability and outdoor gathering spaces, and how AI is beginning to influence sourcing and attendee personalization. Alexander-Priakos highlights what continues to drive interest in St. Pete-Clearwater, from its award-winning beaches and walkable downtown to expanding meeting infrastructure, wellness-focused properties, and cultural attractions such as the Dalí and Chihuly museums. The episode also examines the role destination organizations play in supporting planners through site visits, logistics, and creating memorable attendee experiences that extend beyond the convention center. Check out the video podcast here: https://youtu.be/dQzqtjc_2N0 This episode is sponsored by Visit St. Pete-Clearwater. Associations NOW Presents is produced by Association Briefings. Transcript Sharon Pare: [00:00:00] Welcome…

## Actions

- request_transcript: `POST https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/associations-now-presents-6988075/episodes/the-impact-of-second-tier-destinations-on-association-meetings-and-events/transcription-requests` — Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode.
- read_markdown: `GET https://stenobird.com/podcast/associations-now-presents-6988075/the-impact-of-second-tier-destinations-on-association-meetings-and-events.md` — Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource.

A page view does not enqueue transcription. Agents should invoke `request_transcript` explicitly when they need this episode processed.

## Transcript

Full transcripts are not published on public pages unless there is a clear rights basis.