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ASAE & The Center Announces Future Annual Meeting Host Cities
ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership announced that the cities of Atlanta, Nashville, Detroit, Salt Lake and Toronto have been selected to host the 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 Annual Meetings & Expositions, respectively. It is estimated that 20 percent of the delegates who attend the Annual Meeting & Exposition book their own conventions in the host city within five years. “Even though ASAE & The Center’s Annual Meeting is the premier education and networking event, our members and industry partners attend this event not only to network and learn, but also to see and experience locations for their future meetings,” said ASAE & The Center President and CEO John H. Graham IV, CAE. “So the event is also a major economic boost for the host city." The announced sites join the following cities in hosting ASAE & The Center’s Annual Meeting & Exposition in the next three years: Los Angeles, August 21-24, 2010; St. Louis, August 6-9, 2011; and Dallas, August 11-14, 2012. www.asaecenter.org/annualmeeting
New Orleans Secures Six Major Citywide Conventions
The New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau, in partnership with the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, have secured the conventions of Club Managers Association of America, Kiwanis International, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine, American Society of Plastic Surgeons and Benevolent & Protective Order of ELKS, which will bring 66,000 attendees and $77.6 million to the local economy between 2012 and 2014. “New Orleans is a city with depth, character and soul, lending itself as a premier destination for major conventions by offering attendees a great, convenient hotel package surrounded by the best restaurants in the country,” said Nikki Nicholson, vice president of convention sales for the New Orleans CVB. “With millions of dollars in improvements to the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, and all the elements that make our city so authentic, it's no surprise that New Orleans is the destination of choice for major conventions." www.neworleanscvb.com
Poe Appointed Executive Director Of Georgia WCCA
The Georgia World Congress Center Authority announced that Frank Poe, a 38-year convention center veteran from Dallas, was appointed GWCCA executive director. Poe will assume the reigns at one of the world’s largest convention, sports and entertainment complexes which includes the Georgia World Congress Center, Georgia Dome and Centennial Olympic Park on April 1, 2010. Prior to accepting the GWCCA position, Poe was director of the Dallas Convention Center. Poe will take over the executive director position that Dan Graveline held for 33 years. Graveline announced his retirement in late July and retired at the end of 2009.
Seattle Ranks In Top Five For Best Customer Service
Seattle was rated No. 1 for the knowledge of its service providers and tied for fourth place for best customer service of the 30 largest U.S. cities, according to a first-time national survey of travelers to U.S. cities. Rounding out the top five for knowledgeable service providers were Houston, Charlotte, NC, Las Vegas and San Francisco. The survey also found 85 percent of travelers say customer service is very important to the overall quality of their visit, while only 1 percent say it is not important. The importance of service is somewhat higher among women than men, and increases steadily with the traveler’s age. For best customer service, Charlotte, NC came in as No. 1, closely followed by Nashville, TN, and Austin, TX. Also tied with Seattle for fourth place were Portland, OR, and Las Vegas. Among the top 10 cities, none are located in the East, and only one — Columbus, Ohio, which comes in 10th place — is in the Midwest. The survey was conducted in December 2009 by three U.S. research companies: The Cicerone Group, NetReflector and GMI. The survey was conducted online, and was completed by consumers who were at least 18 years old and had traveled to one or more of the 30 largest U.S. cities in the past two years.
Reyes Appointed President/CEO Of Monterey County CVB
The Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau (MCCVB) has appointed John Reyes as president and CEO, effective April 5, 2010. Reyes has been in the hospitality industry since 1982. Most recently, he was president and CEO of the Jacksonville & the Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau. He also served more than 18 years at the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau. Monterey County has more than 200 lodging properties with a 12,000-room base, 25 golf courses, 40,000 acres of vineyards, 99 miles of prime Pacific coastline and top tourism attractions including the Monterey Bay Aquarium, National Steinbeck Center, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, 17-Mile Drive, Cannery Row and the National Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary. www.seemonterey.com
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LVCVA's Ralenkotter To Lead U.S. Travel And Tourism Advisory Board
Ralenkotter_CIT.jpgU.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke announced that Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority President and CEO Rossi Ralenkotter has been chosen to lead the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board. The board provides counsel to the secretary on government policies and programs that affect the U.S. travel and tourism industry, and provides a forum for discussing and proposing solutions to industry-related concerns. Travel and tourism is one of the nation’s most significant exports, accounting for 2.7 percent of the nation’s GDP and supporting more than 8 million jobs. Ralenkotter, who has more than 35 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry, will be sworn in as the chair at the board of directors meeting in April. He joins 28 other travel industry professionals on the board.
Stephen Perry, president and CEO of the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), is the only other urban destination CEO in the country selected to serve on the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board. In addition, this summer, Perry will assume the chairman of the board position for Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI), the international governing body of convention and visitors bureaus. He also is an executive committee member of the board of directors of the U.S. Travel Association, the national, non-profit organization representing all components of the $770 billion travel industry.
New Hotel To Open Across From Denver Convention Center
The new-build, 403-room Embassy Suites Denver Downtown hotel is scheduled to open directly across from the Denver, CO, Convention Center in December 2010. The hotel is being developed by White/Peterman Properties Inc. in Merrillville, IN, and will be managed by Windsor Management Services, the hotel management arm of Windsor Capital Group, headquartered in Santa Monica, CA. The new 403-room Embassy Suites Denver Downtown hotel will feature 17 function rooms totaling 21,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space. “This hotel is in a prime location, and our convention groups will be very excited about this addition to our skyline,” said Rachel Benedick, vice president of sales & services for Visit Denver, the city’s convention and visitors bureau. www.windsormanagementservices.com
The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa Merges With Diplomat Golf Resort
The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood, FL, recently merged with the Diplomat Golf Resort & Spa, a member of the Starwood Luxury Collection. Together, as one destination, The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa now offers golf, spa and beachfront accommodations and amenities, including the Troon Golf-managed 18-hole golf course, tennis center with 10 clay courts, full-service spa, teambuilding program, infinity-edge pool, Westin’s Kid Club, Westin Destination Club and several onsite dining options, such as the Hollywood Prime signature seafood and steakhouse. The resort offers 952 guest rooms and 106 suites. Total meeting facilities include more than 220,000 square feet of meeting and convention space with an unobstructed, 50,000-square-foot Great Hall, six ballrooms, 41 breakout rooms and ample outdoor venues. westin.com/diplomat
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Orlando/Orange County CVB Boosts Business
The Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau Inc. announced that 528 meetings, conventions or shows have been confirmed in the past six months (August–January) at the Orange County Convention Center as well as hotels located in Orlando/Orange County, by the Orlando/Orange County CVB. These confirmed events represent an estimated 834,755 attendees with more than $820 million in estimated spending and more than 1 million hotel room nights. During the same time period in 2008, 509 meetings were confirmed, with fewer estimated attendees (765,267), lower room nights (988,253) and less attendee spending ($762 million). www.orlandocvb.com
Breden Named CIC's 2010 CMP Board Chair
The Convention Industry Council's (CIC) Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Board of Directors announced the appointment of Cathy Breden, CAE, CMP, chief operating officer for the International Association of Exhibitors and Events to the role of 2010 Chair. Breden, formerly vice chair of the Board, replaces Kimberly Miles, CMP, Senior Vice President, Industry Relations, of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. "My CMP designation has served me well in my career," said Breden, "and I could not be more pleased to have the opportunity to give back to the profession through service as chair of the CMP board. My goals for this year include; the revision of the recertification, effective marketing of the new CMP application, continued focus on the internationalization of the CMP program, including an updated Job Analysis." www.conventionindustry.org
2010 ACOM President Announced
Marilyn Healey, CMP, convention services manager at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach, Long Beach, CA, was announced as the 2010 president of the Association for Convention Operations Management (ACOM). The announcement was made at ACOM's 22nd Annual Conference January 8–10, 2010 at The Westin City Center in Dallas, TX. ACOM is an organization dedicated to advancing the practice of convention services management in the meetings industry. For more information about the annual conference, visit www.acomonline.org or contact Lynn McCullough at 609-799-3712.
Phoenix Convention Center Marks One Year Anniversary
The Phoenix Convention Center celebrated its first year anniversary in January with a celebration attended by Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon, Greater Phoenix CVB President and CEO Steve Moore, Phoenix Convention Center Interim Director John Chan, Arizona Office of Tourism Director Sherry Henry, Phoenix Councilman Michael Johnson and many other dignitaries. The center's recent $600 million expansion resulted in a total of nearly 900,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space with three ballrooms (including the largest one in Arizona), 11 exhibit halls (including one the size of five football fields), and more than 100 meeting rooms (including several with outdoor patios and pre-function space). The convention center's three-building, 10-acre campus is adorned with $3.2 million worth of public art, and its West Building has been awarded LEED certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. Groups that previously could not hold a meeting in Phoenix came with high-expectations and thousands of delegates. In all, the expanded facility hosted 310,000 delegates representing nearly 70 groups in its inaugural year. www.visitphoenix.com
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Denver Celebrates Its Largest Ever Convention Booking
Colorado Governor Bill Ritter and Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper joined officials from Visit Denver, The Convention & Visitors Bureau and Colorado Ski Country USA at the Colorado Convention Center on January 28 to welcome the SnowSports Industries America (SIA) Snow Show — the largest convention booking in Denver’s history. The four-day trade show, January 28-31, was expected to attract 18,000 ski and snow sports retailers, manufacturers, and decision-makers, and will have an estimated annual economic impact of $30 million. SIA will hold the event in Denver for the next 11 years. “The 11-year agreement makes this the largest convention booking in Denver’s history. Even better, it comes in January, traditionally one of the slowest months of the year for our city,” said Visit Denver President & CEO Richard Scharf. “SIA Snow Show delegates will spend more money in Denver over the next decade than the original cost of expanding the Colorado Convention Center.” www.visitdenver.com
Pennsylvania Convention Center Expansion Sparks Growth
The expansion of the Pennsylvania Convention Center is serving as a catalyst to growth among art institutions, civic spaces and hotels throughout its neighborhood of the Convention Center District. For example, the 201-room Le Meridien Philadelphia is scheduled to open in April. Located within arms reach of the convention center, the new 4-star hotel boasts a grand ballroom, high-tech conference rooms, state-of-the-art business center and a bar/restaurant. The 234-room Hotel Palomar Philadelphia by Kimpton, as well as the 135-room aloft Hotel at the Philadelphia International Airport, and a 92-room Four Points Hotel near the Convention Center, opened in 2009. Almost a dozen hotels are embarking on major upgrades to guest rooms, technology, meeting rooms and restaurants, including the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown. An additional 2,500 rooms are expected by 2013, including the 250-room Intercontinental, and the 250-room boutique Monaco Hotel, and a hotel in the American Commerce Center. There are plans for additional hotels in University City and near the airport. The $777 million dollar convention center expansion, which will open in March 2011, will increase the size of the building by 60 percent. www.philadelphiausa.travel
JW Marriott Hill Country Resort Debuts
The new 1,002-room JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, San Antonio, TX, welcomed its first guests January 22. The first JW Marriott resort in Texas is set on 600 acres of rolling hills, meandering creeks and Live Oak trees, minutes from San Antonio. JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort features more than 140,000 square feet of convention and meeting space, including the 40,000-square-foot Grand Oaks Ballroom, 21,000-square-foot Cibolo Canyon Ballroom, the 40,000-square-foot Nelson Wolff Exhibit Hall, 20,000 square feet of space in 19 breakout rooms and three outdoor event venues. www.jwsanantonio.com
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Kalahari Resort-Virginia Project Gets New Life
The state of Virginia jump-started financing for the much-anticipated Kalahari Resort in Fredericksburg, VA, with $25 million in bonds. The $260 million, 2,400-acre project has been on hold since 2007 due to financing challenges. Plans for the Kalahari Resort-Virginia include an 832-room hotel, America's largest indoor waterpark (200,000 square feet), 100,000-square-foot indoor theme park, 100,000-square-foot convention center, four restaurants, spa and fitness center and 10,000 square feet of retail space. Said Todd Nelson, president and owner of Kalahari Resorts, "Although there is still work to be done to secure the remainder of our financing, these bonds demonstrate a strong commitment to this project from both the city of Fredericksburg and the state of Virginia and we consider this a victory." The bond application states that Kalahari Resorts must begin construction by June 30, 2010. The grand opening is projected for March 2012. www.kalahariresorts.com
Syracuse CVB Achieves Destination Marketing Accreditation
The Syracuse Convention & Visitors Bureau (SCVB) announced that it has been awarded accreditation from the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) for 2009-2013. The SCVB is one of only three marketing organizations (DMOs) in New York state and one of only 101 DMO’s in the world to be accredited.
DMAP is an international accreditation program developed by the Washington, DC-based Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI). In earning the DMAP accreditation, DMOs communicate to their community, buyers and potential visitors that their DMO has attained a significant measure of excellence. www.visitsyracuse.org, www.destinationmarketing.org
Disney Names New Destination Resort On Oahu
Walt Disney Parks & Resorts has announced the name of its new Hawaii resort: Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, HI. It is scheduled to open in 2011. Aulani (pronounced aw-LAH-nee) means "the place that speaks for the great ones" or "the place that speaks with deep messages." Adjacent to historical sites on the western side of Oahu, Aulani will be located on 21 acres of oceanfront property in the Ko Olina Resort & Marina development. It will feature 350 guest rooms and 481 two-bedroom-equivalent villas, a full-service spa and extensive recreation amenities. The resort will offer more than 50,000 square feet of ballroom/meeting space and event lawns, including a 14,000-square-foot conference center. www.disneymeetings.com
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Brad Weaber Heads SmithBucklin's Revamped Event Services
Association management and professional services company SmithBucklin recently announced that Brad Weaber has been named executive vice president, event services, for the newly reorganized meeting and event planning division. The move consolidates reporting of the three convention, trade show and event management service units (Convention and Trade Show Services in Chicago and Washington, DC, and Courtesy Associates in Washington, DC) under Event Services. Weaber, a Certified Meeting Planner (CMP), also will continue in his role as President of Courtesy Associates. “This is a great opportunity for Brad and a natural move that will strengthen SmithBucklin’s service delivery to its client organizations by leveraging leadership, operational efficiencies and our company’s unmatched purchasing power,” said Henry S. Givray, chairman and CEO. “Our goal is to continually improve productivity and deliver an ever-higher standard of performance to our client organizations, as well as a unified voice to the hospitality and related industries.” www.smithbucklin.com
Shelly Green Heads Durham CVB
Shelly Green was named incoming president and CEO for the Durham (NC) Convention & Visitors Bureau following the retirement of Reyn Bowman. Green, a 20-year veteran of destination marketing, has served as chief operation officer for DCVB since January 2000. In addition, she served as the first executive director of the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau and executive director of the Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau. In addition to her role at DCVB, Green serves on the 11-member board of the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program, the group that evaluates and dtermines accreditation for more than 1,000 destination marketing organizations worldwide. www.durham-cvb.com
Salt Lake City Joins Baltimore And Fort Worth In Multicity Partnership
Visit Baltimore and the Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau announced the addition of the Salt Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau to their innovative sales partnership as the third city and West Coast destination. The multicity sales partnership is based on a national hotel model that encourages groups to sign multiyear contracts at properties located around the country, often with an incentive for doing so. By joining forces and co-selling each city the three sales organizations have the ability to be more competitive by offering possible discounts for booking Baltimore, Fort Worth and Salt Lake City in a multiyear deal. If one of the cities isn’t a good fit for a group, the sales team will still push the other two destinations. www.baltimore.org, www.fortworth.com, www.visitsaltlake.com
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Travel Portland V.P. Becomes First CVB Executive To Achieve CDMP Certification
Michael C. Smith, Travel Portland’s vice president of convention sales, recently became the nation’s first convention and visitors bureau staff member to achieve Certified Diversity Meeting Professional (CDMP) accreditation from the International Association of Hispanic Meeting Professionals (IAHMP). Smith received his certification in December, following the completion of the CDMP certification program at IAHMP’s 2009 Educational Conference. The CDMP course is designed to help travel industry professionals better understand and work with meeting planners whose cultures, traditions and backgrounds may be very different from their own. Topics range from the importance of meeting facilities with kosher kitchens for Jewish conferences to the significance of certain colors to various cultural groups. www.iahmp.org, www.travelportland.com
Visit Baltimore Offers New Incentives To Meeting Planners
Meeting planners who book a new meeting in Baltimore with at least 1,000 room nights before June 30, 2010 that takes place in Baltimore before December 31, 2012, will receive a $1,000 educational credit. This credit can be used by the individual planner to maintain membership in an industry association, participate in an industry certification program or attend educational events. In addition, several Baltimore hotels are offering a 4 percent rebate off the master account for new meetings booked before June 2010. Participating hotels include: Baltimore Marriott Waterfront; Baltimore’s Tremonts; Hampton Inn at Camden Yards; Harbor Magic Hotels; Hilton Baltimore; Hyatt Regency Baltimore; InterContinental Harbor Court; Renaissance Harborplace Hotel; Sheraton Baltimore City Center; Sheraton Baltimore North; and Sheraton Inner Harbor. http://www.baltimore.org/pages/incentives/terms.html
Richard Geiger To Head Forsyth County TDA
Richard Geiger was named president of the Forsyth County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) in Winston-Salem, NC. He begins his new position on February 1, 2010. Geiger has extensive experience in growing all facets of the visitor industry, including cultural tourism, conventions and sporting events, which are the key growth opportunities for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County. “I am excited about the potential to move Winston-Salem to the next level as a destination for meetings, conventions, and visitors,” Geiger said. “In previous positions, I have led the transformation of their markets, and Winston-Salem has exactly the assets it needs to become a well-known destination. It truly is a City of Arts and Innovation that can attract thousands of visitors each year.” Geiger served from 1995 to this year as president of the Buffalo Niagara Convention and Visitors Bureau. Previously, Geiger was the director of convention sales and marketing for the Orlando/Orange County CVB. www.visitwinstonsalem.com
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Aria Resort & Casino Opens
Under a canopy of fireworks illuminating the night sky, Aria Resort & Casino opened its doors December 16. Aria is the centerpiece of the urban resort destination CityCenter on The Las Vegas Strip. Its debut signifies the official grand opening of this city-within-a-city, following two weeks of celebrations for the reveals of Vdara Hotel & Spa, Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas and Crystals retail and entertainment district.
“Aria and CityCenter reflect a combination of innovation, energy and visionary design that we believe will reshape how the world views the destination resort experience and attract visitors from around the globe as a landmark of taste and style,” said Jim Murren, chairman and CEO of MGM Mirage, which developed CityCenter in partnership with Infinity World Development Corp. At 18 million square feet, CityCenter is the largest private sustainable development in the world, having received six LEED Gold certifications for its buildings. The 4,004-room gaming resort offers approximately 300,000 square feet of meeting and convention space. Aria also will feature Cirque du Soleil's Viva Elvis spectacular. www.citycenter.com
Phoenix To Welcome New Westin And Marriott Hotels Brands
The Phoenix City Council has paved the way for two new hotel brands in the city’s downtown core. The council recently approved a pair of agenda items that will facilitate development of a 280-room Westin in a new downtown tower and allow a 520-room hotel located a block away from the Phoenix Convention Center to be rebranded a Marriott Renaissance. The latter hotel, currently operating as the Wyndham Phoenix, will get a 20-year tax discount in exchange for improvements and rebranding. The hotel’s owners will use the tax savings to make $10 million worth of upgrades to the property, capping a $40 million renovation that began in 2005. The fully renovated hotel would be operated under Marriott’s Renaissance flag. Steve Moore, president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau, said the rebranding likely would bring more meetings and conventions to the newly expanded Phoenix Convention Center because of Marriott’s group-sales expertise. The city council approved a similar deal for the Westin, which is to occupy about half of the floors in the 26-story One Central Park East Office Building, three blocks from the convention center. In addition to the hotel rooms, a new entrance and a pool deck will be added to the upscale tower. www.visitphoenix.com
Rosen Shingle Creek To Expand
Orlando hotelier Harris Rosen, President and COO of Rosen Hotels & Resorts announced that he has recently purchased a 25-acre parcel of land (fronting Shingle Creek Golf Course) where he intends to build a 300 to 500-unit luxury villa addition to his Rosen Shingle Creek hotel. This addition to the Rosen family will expand his newest convention hotel, Rosen Shingle Creek, to close to 2,000 guest rooms and will bring the combined number of Rosen convention hotel guest rooms (at Rosen Plaza, Rosen Centre and Rosen Shingle Creek) to approximately 4,000. The property, which is contiguous to the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, will feature a pool, restaurant, private check-in and registration desk, a private club house and private meeting space. Guests of the new property will have full access to all of Shingle Creek's amenities, including the Shingle Creek Golf Club, The Spa at Shingle Creek, fitness center, 12 lounging/dining options and more. All villa rooms will have golf course views. The design team will talk to a multitude of meeting planners to determine what features and amenities are important to their clients. "We have confidence in the rebound of the economy and even more confidence in the future of the Orlando meetings industry, so we have no serious qualms about building while others may be riding out the storm," said the hotelier. "To stay competitive in this business, you must have your eye on the future. www.rosenhotels.com
Visit Jacksonville Announces Planner Contest
Visit Jacksonville announced a contest that will offer meeting planners a chance to win a $250 American Express gift card. Participation is strictly limited to meeting planners and is based on participation in a short survey on their familiarity, perceptions and attributes of Jacksonville as a meetings destination. The survey is located at http://bit.ly/JaxAMEX and no purchase is necessary to win. After meeting planners complete the required information on the survey, participants will be automatically entered into the random drawing for the gift card. All entries must be completed by January 22, 2010. The random drawing will take place on January 24, 2010. For rules and regulations on the contest, visit http://bit.ly/JaxRules.
Santa Fe Convention Center Achieves LEED Gold
The Santa Fe (NM) Convention Center, which opened in late summer of 2008, was recently awarded a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, confirming Santa Fe's commitment to environmental responsibility and the merit of the center's design, construction, and operation. The rigorous process began with the design competition in 2005 and continued through the new center's first year of operation as data was gathered and processed. While the new building was designed to a LEED silver standard, the resulting quality of construction and operation warranted the higher gold designation. www.santafe.org, www.santafenm.gov
New Orleans CVB Awarded Destination Marketing Accreditation
The New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) announced that it has been awarded accreditation from the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP). DMAP is an international accreditation program developed by the Washington, DC, based Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI). In earning the DMAP accreditation, destination marketing organizations (DMOs) communicate to their community, buyers and potential visitors that their DMO has attained a significant measure of excellence. “The New Orleans CVB is honored to be one of only 101 organizations in the world to receive the Destination Marketing Accreditation for providing outstanding services in accordance with international standards and benchmarks,” said Steve Pettus, Chairman of the Board of the New Orleans CVB and Managing Partner of Dickie Brennan & Company. www.neworleanscvb.com
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'FACE TIME. It Matters' Campaign Launches In January
Responding to one of the most challenging years ever faced by the meeting, convention and exhibition industries, major industry associations have aligned under the Convention Industry Council (CIC) to develop a unique grassroots industry effort to promote the benefits of meeting face-to-face.The multifaceted campaign, “FACE TIME. It Matters,” will launch in January 2010 as the CIC’s 34 member organizations roll out the logo, slogan and related marketing tools on members’ Web sites, in trade and partner consumer advertising, and at a variety of industry shows and events.
Industry associations that contributed to funding the initiative include the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI), the International Special Events Society (ISES), the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), the Society of Incentive and Travel Executives (SITE) and the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR).
The campaign was developed in response to the findings of a recent national survey of corporate and association meeting planners conducted by Ypartnership wherein 35 percent of respondents cited “image/publicity/public policy” considerations as a reason they expect to book fewer face-to-face meetings in 2010. “We’re very excited about the launch of this grass roots campaign,” said Gregg Talley, chief strategy officer for the CIC. “The Convention Industry Council and its members will utilize the message to promote the irreplaceable benefits of human interaction and relationship building that may only be realized only through face-to-face meetings.” www.conventionindustry.org
Acapulco International Convention Center Temporarily Closes
The Acapulco International Convention Center, located in the heart of the destination's hotel zone, recently announced a temporary closing of the facility. The closing, which officially occurred on November 30, 2009, will allow for an extensive remodeling and renovation project. The center is actively seeking new investors in order to fully upgrade and renovate the facility to meet the changing needs of the meetings community. The convention center will temporarily reopen in April 2010 in time to host Tianguis Turistico taking place from April 25-28, 2010. http://www.visiteacapulco.com/switchlang/en
CEIR Welcomes New Board Members
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) announced its 2010 officers during Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition in Atlanta, GA. Carrie Freeman Parsons, vice chair of Freeman will serve as 2010 chair; Chris Brown, executive vice president of Conventions and Business Operations for the National Association of Broadcasters as vice-chairman; Terri Tonioli, senior vice president of Strategic Account Management for Experient Inc. as secretary/treasurer. Nancy Hasselback, CEO of Diverisifed Business Communications will remain on the board to fill the role of Immediate Past Chair. CEIR welcomes new directors David Audrain, CEM, president of Messe Frankfurt Inc.; Jonathan "Skip" Cox, president of Exhibit Surveys, Inc.; John Jastrem, president of GES Exposition Services; Don Pazour, CEO of Access Intelligence, LLC; Bob Priest-Heck, CEO of Immersa Marketing; and Barry Smith, president and CEO of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Continuing directors are Mary Pat Heftman, senior vice president of conventions for the National Restaurant Association and Stephen Pitt, executive director of Member Services, Convention & Expo for the National Automobile Dealers Association. www.ceir.org
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JW Marriott Indianapolis Topped Out
The JW Marriott Indianapolis has been topped out, marking the completion of a major exterior construction milestone on the property, which is the centerpiece of the unique, new Marriott Place Indianapolis development, and which will connect to the Indiana Convention Center. “We are on schedule to open the JW Marriott Indianapolis in February, 2011,” said Cory Chambers, director of sales and marketing for Marriott Place. “As the largest JW Marriott in the world, with more than 1,000 rooms and 104,000 square feet of meeting space, this property will offer flexibility and amenities not found anywhere else in the Midwest.” In fact, the 40,500-square-foot ballroom in the JW Marriott Indianapolis will be the largest ballroom in the region. In addition to the flagship JW Marriott Indianapolis, Marriott Place includes the Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown and the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown (all scheduled to open in February, 2010) and the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown (currently open). Altogether, Marriott Place Indianapolis will bring 1,626 new rooms to downtown Indianapolis, all of which are steps away from the world-class shopping, dining and destinations of downtown Indianapolis. www.jwindy.com
New And Improved CMP Application To Launch January 1
The Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Board of Directors has approved a new streamlined CMP application which will take effect January 1, 2010. The updated application has been modified to ensure relevancy to a broader global meeting professional while maintaining the high standards of the credential. For questions on the CMP application please contact Convention Industry Council (CIC) headquarters at 571-527-3116 or via email at cichq@conventionindustry.org. In addition to the CMP program, CIC's programs include the Accepted Practices Exchange initiative and other industry resource projects. www.conventionindustry.org
ICCA, IMEX And Fast Future Launch 'Convention 2020' Study
The International Congress and Convention Association, the IMEX Group and Fast Future Research today announced the formal launch of Convention 2020 – a groundbreaking research study looking at the future of live events, venues and meeting destinations. All three organizations have become founder sponsors of the study. The study is being conducted by Fast Future Research and will explore the underlying trends and drivers that could shape the industry over the next decade. The aim is to develop a range of models and scenarios for how live meetings might evolve over that time period. The study will center on understanding the "meeting experience" and the changing needs of live event attendees. These insights will help drive new thinking on event design, facilitate innovation in business models and highlight the strategic implications for venues, destinations and industry suppliers.The study will have three main deliverables — a report on a global survey on the future of meetings to be published in January 2010, a report on the ‘"Future Meeting Experience" to be launched at IMEX in Frankfurt in May 2010 and a final report on "Tomorrow’s Convention Centre" to be launched at the ICCA Congress in Hyderabad India in October 2010. Full details on the study and sponsorship opportunities are available from convention2020@fastfuture.com. The survey on the future of meetings can be found at http://tinyurl.com/ICCA2020.
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Smith Travel Research Predicts Hotel Recovery In 2011
The latest U.S. hotel industry forecast by Smith Travel Research indicates that rates, revenue and occupancy will be in full swing by 2011. "I wouldn't call it optimistic for 2010, but it's definitely optimistic for 2011," said Mark Lomanno, president of Smith Travel Research. "Overall conditions in the economy will begin showing significant improvement as 2010 unfolds, and that will help fuel a recovery for the hotel industry." For the full report visit www.strglobal.com.
San Diego Convention Center Celebrates Successes
November 24, 2009 marked the 20th anniversary of the 2.6 million-square-foot San Diego Convention Center (SDCC). In the last two decades, the SDCC has generated $18 billion in economic impact; $7.5 billion in direct delegate spending; $359.3 million in tax revenues; 11,018,580 hotel room nights; 15 million guests; and 4,348 events. "Twenty years ago city leaders and San Diegans had a vision for a bayside convention center that would attract visitors from around the world and bring significant economic benefits to the entire community. The convention center has proven to be a wise city investment and has exceeded all expectations," said Chris Cramer, chair of the SDCC Corporation boart of directors. The convention drawing the largest crowd to date is San Diego Comic-Con International, with upward of 126,000 attendees, held in July 2009. The convention generating the largest economic impact for the region, $133 million, was the Society for Neuroscience when they returned to San Diego in November 2007. www.visitsandiego.com
Sheraton Puerto Rico Convention Center Hotel Celebrates Grand Opening
Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc. and Interlink Group announced the grand opening of the new Sheraton Puerto Rico Convention Center Hotel & Casino. Located adjacent to the Puerto Rico Convention Center in San Juan, Puerto Rico’s vibrant commercial and residential district, the new 503-room property offers exceptional meeting facilities, a full-service casino and resort-like amenities, including a sundeck/pool, spa and retail space. Sheraton Puerto Rico is the first new full-service hotel and casino built in San Juan in more than 10 years and is part of a $6 billion worldwide effort to revitalize Starwood’s most global, iconic brand. This effort includes an investment of over $2 billion in new hotels internationally and, in North America, an investment of $2.3 billion in new hotels, $1.5 billion in renovations and $400 million in signature brand initiatives. www.starwoodhotels.com
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Coming Soon: The Largest Ballroom In Downtown Miami
The JW Marriott Marquis Miami, the first Marquis in the JW Marriott brand, announced that it will boast the largest hotel ballroom in downtown Miami when completed. Located in Miami’s new Metropolitan Miami development, the 313-room JW Marriott Marquis Miami will feature a total of 80,000-square-feet of premium event space, including the 20,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom. Currently under construction, the hotel is set to debut in mid-2010. The Grand Ballroom "is designed to accommodate up to 1,800 guests for a meeting," said Paul Pebley, the hotel's director of sales and marketing. www.marriott.com/miami
Hawaii Convention Center Forms Strategic Alliance With NYSAE
The Hawaii Convention Center (HCC) has formed a strategic alliance with the New York Society of Association Executives (NYSAE). The partnership will put Hawaii in the forefront of the New York metropolitan and tri-state area, which is the third largest association market in the U.S. and is a key market for Hawaii as a destination. As part of the alliance, the HCC will take advantage of the following opportunities: As the exclusive sponsor of NYSAE’s January 20, 2010 Monthly Luncheon, the HCC will present Keynote Speaker Rosa Say, author of Managing With Aloha: Bringing Hawaii’s Universal Values to the Art of Business. Also, the HCC will be featured prominently during exclusive events, including as a sponsor of MeetNY’s two cutting-edge seminars at the Millennium Hotel on March 10, 2010 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. “We are extremely excited about this new partnership,” said Neil Mullanaphy, executive director of sales and marketing for the HCC. “It is very important that we are seen as a viable destination for associations that are based in metropolitan New York and the tri-state areas when they decide on where to hold their meetings.” www.hawaiiconvention.com
Survey: International Association Meetings Market Strength Continues
Preliminary findings from research conducted over recent weeks among international association executives confirms the continued strength of the international association meetings market. In the survey, conducted by IMEX and ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association), fewer than one-third of respondents experienced falling delegate numbers, with only one in 10 saying this fall was "significant," while 25 percent saw their attendance climbing, with more than 9 percent saying this growth was "significant." A new question was asked in this survey about expectations for their major events in 2010. Here the optimism was even more clear-cut: While 44 percent expected no change compared to 2009, 39 percent anticipated higher attendance, and only 16 percent were expecting a fall. www.iccaworld.com
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New 2010 PCMA Board Officers And Directors Named
The newly elected officers and directors of the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) will take office on January 14, following the PCMA Annual Meeting, January 10–13, 2010 in Dallas, TX. “PCMA is pleased and proud to have this esteemed group of elite meetings industry leaders serve our members and industry on the PCMA Board of Directors,” said Deborah Sexton, PCMA president and CEO. The elevation of Susan Katz into the Chair-elect role in 2010 created a one-year vacancy in her term as a Director (2008-2010). Johnnie C. White, CMP, director, meetings and conventions, Cardiovascular Research Foundation, was elected by the PCMA Board of Directors to fill the one year vacancy. Johnnie will take office concurrent with the slate. Go to www.pcma.org for details.
Managing Director of HKCEC honored by UFI
Cliff Wallace, managing director of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Ltd. (HML), was honored with the Gold Award at UFI’s 76th Annual Congress in Zagreb, Croatia on October 30. The award by UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, recognizes extraordinary participation in and contributions made to UFI and the global exhibition industry. Wallace was credited with his extensive knowledge of the industry and representation of its benefits throughout the world during his board and senior officer roles in UFI, including his UFI’s presidency in 2008-09. Wallace is a veteran of nearly 50 years in the public assembly venue industry. He has been a Certified Facility Executive (CFE) since 1978. He also serves as the Chairman of Hong Kong – Shanghai Venue Management (Zhengzhou) Ltd., responsible for the management and operation of the Zhengzhou International Exhibition & Convention Centre in Henan Province, PRC. www.hkcec.com
New IMEX America Coming To Las Vegas In 2011
Ray Bloom, chairman of the IMEX Group, recently announced the launch of IMEX America — a brand new trade show for the U.S. meetings industry, which will be held for the first time next year in Las Vegas. At the press conference, Bloom was joined by Bruce MacMillan, CEO of Meeting Professionals International (MPI), IMEX America’s strategic partner, and Chris Meyer, vice president of sales for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA).
The new show, which is slated for October 11–13, 2011, at the Sands Expo Convention Center adjacent to the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino and The Palazzo, is expected to benefit from its strategic partnership with MPI and extensive industry support. For example, Site, the worldwide association for incentive travel and motivational events, will hold its 2011 Annual Conference immediately following the first IMEX America; and the International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA), Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI), International Association of Congress Centres (AIPC) and European Cities Marketing (ECM) will all add their support through a number of marketing and educational initiatives. In addition, the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) will organize dedicated association-led education on the day before the show.
Bloom said, “IMEX America will deliver the largest-scale hosted buyer program in North America, where top meetings and incentive buyers from across the U.S. and the world will travel and stay free as our guests. For the inaugural show in 2011, we are forecasting 1,500 hosted buyers, of whom 80 percent will originate from within North America — the balance arriving from across the world. We will also conduct large-scale visitor marketing campaigns to attract several thousand more key decision-makers from across the country.” www.imex-frankfurt.com/imexamerica.html
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New Exhibit Industry Council Formed To Promote Best Practices
Five major trade show industry associations met recently to form the Exhibit Industry Council (EIC) in response to rising concerns from exhibitors that business practices in the industry are leading to an unsustainable business model. “The EIC’s goal is to unite trade show industry stakeholders in support of exhibitor-focused best practices that support world-class service and increased exhibitor value at trade shows,” said Eric Allen, executive vice president of the Healthcare Exhibitors Association (HCEA), a founding member of the EIC. In addition to HCEA, the members of the Exhibit Industry Council are the Trade Show Exhibitors Association (TSEA), the Corporate Event Marketing Association (CEMA), the Exhibit Designers + Producers Association (EDPA) and the Exhibitor Appointed Contractor Association (EACA). For more information, e-mail jimwurm@eaca.com.
Officials Pushing For Expanded Convention Center
Convention center officials in northern Kentucky say it is the perfect time to expand the Northern Kentucky Convention Center, despite the sluggish economy. Reportedly, the estimated cost of the 18-month expansion is $51 million, including $35 million for the building. Currently, the facility has about 111,000 usable square feet, including a ballroom, exhibition hall and 10 meeting rooms. The proposed expansion calls for adding a second ballroom and 22 additional meeting rooms. www.nkycc.com
NFBPA Selects Virginia Beach For 2010 National Convention
The Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau announced that the National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA) selected Virginia Beach for its 2012 national convention. Virginia Beach won the NFBPA bid over Atlanta, GA, and San Antonio, TX. NFBPA will bring an estimated 1,500 delegates and 3,100 hotel room nights to Virginia Beach in April 2012, a non-peak month, helping Virginia Beach become more of a year-round destination. Currently 61 percent of Virginia Beach visitors come between September and May. NFBPA will result in an estimated $1.2 million dollars in direct spending to the community. www.vbmeetings.com
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Pasadena Convention Center Expansion Wins Award
The Pasadena Convention Center has received a Best of 2009 award from “California Construction” for its $150 million expansion project. The best of 2009 award-winning projects are selected by an esteemed jury of prominent local construction industry professionals. Criteria include architectural and engineering design; execution of construction; innovation; contribution to the local community and construction industry; ability to overcome challenges; and overall excellence. The Pasadena Convention Center expansion project was completed in late February 2009. New features include a state-of-the-art 55,000-square-foot exhibit hall, 25,000-square-foot ballroom, 25,000 square feet of prefunction space, a 22,000-square-foot outdoor plaza, and administrative offices. The existing 28,000-square-foot Conference Center building was also renovated and received a new façade. www.pasadenacenter.com
Philadelphia CVB Announces New Chief
The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PCVB) announced today that Jack Ferguson, executive vice president of the PCVB, will succeed Tom Muldoon when he steps down on December 31, 2010. Ferguson will continue in his current role heading the PCVB’s sales and services efforts and will begin transitional responsibilities of overseeing all of the organization’s departments and operational duties over the next year. A national search, led by a professional search firm, to replace Ferguson as the head of the sales and services division will begin in March 2010 and is expected to be filled by next summer. www.PhiladelphiaUSA.travel
PCMA Offers New Social Media Initiatives For 2010 Annual Meeting
The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) 2010 Annual Meeting: Convening Leaders, taking place January 10-13, 2010, in Dallas, TX, is engaging in new promotions and contests through various outlets including social networking sites to promote the annual meeting and serve as a laboratory for ideas meeting professionals can implement on their own. Attendees at the annual meeting will be able to take advantage of innovative online tools to improve their entire meeting experience. The CrowdVine platform will provide an interactive online community for the annual meeting that will allow attendees to set up meetings as well as access the annual meeting final program onsite via personal mobile devices. Also, its Twitter base will allow participants to compete for giveaways occurring every two weeks. Follow PCMA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/pcmahq. The PCMA Twitter hashtag is #pcma10. Registration for the annual meeting is currently open to all at www.pcma2010.org.
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Hilton Chosen To Operate New Columbus Convention Headquarters Hotel
The Franklin County (OH) Convention Facilities Authority has awarded Hilton Worldwide the rights to operate the new 500-room convention headquarters hotel in Columbus, OH, to be located on the west side of High Street directly adjacent to the SMG-managed, 1.7-million-square-foot Greater Columbus Convention Center and Nationwide Arena. The new hotel is a collaboration between the Franklin County Commissioners, Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority, City of Columbus and Nationwide Realty Investors Inc. The new full-service convention hotel is expected to break ground in the summer of 2010 and will open in fall 2012. The property is expected to have a large atrium in the lobby featuring skylights to give an indoor-outdoor feel with a combination brick and glass façade and include 54 suites and 30,650 square feet of banquet and meeting space. Total cost for the hotel project is estimated at $140 million. www.columbusconventions.com, www.experiencecolumbus.com
ACOM Previews 2010 Annual Conference
The Association for Convention Operations Management (ACOM) will hold its 22nd Annual Conference January 8–10, 2010 at the Westin City Center in Dallas, TX. The event will host convention services professionals from across the nation who will gather to discuss tools and techniques to help them effectively service their meeting planner clients.As many convention services managers (CSMs) face budget cutbacks and other effects of the economic recession, the general session “Signs of the Times Part I: Sharing Strategies,” will enable attendees to learn how they can maintain good service despite industry changes, including incorporating new trends such as the use of social media. Attendees can also hear from meeting planners on how CSMs can help them effectively execute successful meetings and overcome challenges in the session “Signs of the Times Part II: Meeting Planner Perspective.” For more information about the Annual Conference, visit www.acomonline.org or contact Lynn McCullough at 609-799-3712.
CVB Changes Name To Visit Newport Beach
The Newport Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau has officially changed its name to Visit Newport Beach Inc., according to president and CEO Gary Sherwin. The change was made to reflect changing trends within the tourism industry said Sherwin. “More cities and communities across the country are moving away from calling their tourism marketing arms ‘bureaus’ since the consumer really doesn’t know what that means or what they do. Visit Newport Beach is consistent with the ways visitors and meeting planners find us on the Internet and on other information resources.” www.visitnewportbeach.com
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ICCA Congress Attracts Record Attendance
The 2009 annual ICCA Congress & Exhibition taking place from November 7–11, 2009 in Florence, Italy, officially broke the record for the number of registered attendees. As of early October, a record-breaking attendance of 847 delegates from 66 countries were booked in. The previous record was 814 delegates for the 2007 ICCA Congress in Thailand. Said ICCA CEO Martin Sirk: “The 2009 Congress will feature our biggest and best choice of sessions ever. The ICCA Congress education program is custom-designed every year, and features a mix of speakers including top corporate and association meetings clients, expert business speakers from outside the meetings industry, and of course a selection of some of the most experienced ICCA members." www.iccaworld.com/dbs/congress2009
2010 PCMA Education Foundation Honors Professsional Achievement
Sheila Stampfli, Liz Erikson and Bill Host, CMP, will be honored at the 2010 Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Education Foundation Dinner Celebrating Professional Achievement, May 26, 2010 at the Hilton Washington in Washington, DC. Stampfli is chief business development officer of Courtesy Associates and this year's Meeting Professional Honoree. Erikson is executive director, association sales at Fairmont-Raffles-Swissotel and the Supplier Partner Honoree. Host, associate professor at Roosevelt University, is the Educator Honoree. For more information about the 2010 PCMA Education Foundation Dinner Celebrating Professional Achievement visit www.pcma.org/foundation.
Pediatric Dental Group Re-books Hawaii Convention Center
The American Association of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) has re-booked the Hawaii Convention Center as the site for its 2018 meeting. The meeting is expected to draw an attendance of 3,000 with statewide spending revenue projected at over $14.1 million and the Center’s hotel partners benefiting with approximately 24,000 booked rooms. The AAPD had recently held its meeting in Hawaii in May of this year and broke all attendance records. That session was expected to draw an international attendance of 2,500 participants but instead, the final attendance was 4,838. www.aapd.org, www.hawaiiconvention.com
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IAEE Announces 2009 Individual Award Winners
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) has announced this year's recipients of the IAEE Individual Awards. IAEE's awards program recognizes professionals who have made outstanding contributions to the exhibitions and events industry. The winners will be honored during Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition to be held 8-10 December 2009 in Atlanta, GA. Sandy Angus, chairman of Montgomery Worldwide, is recipient of the Pinnacle Award, which recognizes an individual who has furthered IAEE's objectives of advancing exhibitions and events management. For more information and a complete list of the IAEE Individual Awards, visit http://www.iaee.com/press_releases.details.php?id=444.
Produce Marketing Association Draws Record Convention Crowd
More than 19,000 produce professionals filled the Anaheim Convention Center during the recent Produce Marketing Association (PMA) Fresh Summit held October 2-5, 2009. The attendance, which included 800 exhibitors from nearly 50 countries, marked the largest ever for PMA, the global association that focuses on the latest trends and best practices for the fresh fruit, vegetable and floral industry and is the largest such gathering in the U.S. At the end of this year's trade show, which is one of the top 100 trade shows in the nation, PMA's exhibitors donated 100-plus tons of food to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, an organization that assists 220,000 OC residents monthly. www.anaheimoc.org, www.pma.com
Hilton Washington Honors Local DC History
The 1,070-room Hilton Washington hotel in the heart of the nation's capital is paying tribute to the city’s rich history by naming its new meeting and function spaces after places and people beyond the typical political names in Washington, DC. The hotel, which offers 110,000 square feet of meeting space, is showcasing unique stories of the city’s past, from the botanist who helped bring the famous cherry trees to the city (Dr. David Fairchild — hence, the "Fairchild" meeting suite), to the legend of why the District is missing a “J” street (because city designer Pierre L’Enfant bore a grudge against the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court John Jay — hence the "Jay" meeting suite). Embracing a local, authentic history is part of Hilton Washington’s new culture as it continues its $140 million landmark restoration. The top-to-bottom restoration, including the new Heights Executive Meeting Center, will debut in early 2010; in addition, a 30,000-square-foot, lobby-level meeting center Columbia Hall will debut in mid-2010. For more details, visit www.hiltonsofdc.com/landmarkrestoration.
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DIsney Updates Hotels In Anaheim And Orlando
The Grand Californian Hotel, the flagship of the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, CA, has opened a new wing that includes 200 additional guest rooms and 50 new two-bedroom villas. The addition gives the hotel a total of 948 rooms, villas and suites, and offers convenient access to the hotel's 20,000-square-foot convention center. Disney's Contemporary Resort in Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, FL, has opened a new 15-story tower with 295 two-bedroom villas. The resort, which is home to a 115,000-square-foot convention center, now offers a total of 951 rooms, suites and villas. Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, the largest of the six dedicated convention resorts at Walt Disney World Resort has "reimagined" its 1,921 guest rooms and introduced a new Business Club Lounge. www.disneymeetings.com
American Express Releases 2010 Global Business Travel Forecast
According to the recently released American Express Global Business Travel Forecast, pent up trip demand coupled with supply base changes are likely to cause rates to slightly increase in most travel categories by the end of 2010. Business class airfares in particular are expected to increase in line with reduced capacity and ongoing business demand for international travel. The Forecast was produced by eXpert insights, the newly created research practice of American Express Business Travel's Global Advisory Services. "Considering airfare, hotel, and ground transportation, we expect the average domestic business trip to increase 1.2 percent, or $13 USD, to a total of approximately $1,080 USD," said Hervé Sedky, vice president and general manager, American Express Business Travel. "An increase of 2.4 percent, or approximately $67 USD, is expected for international business trips to bring the average cost to $2,818. However, as unbundled and ancillary fees continue to add to the cost of trips, businesses should expect to add up to an estimated 15% to the total trip cost for air, hotel, and ground transport elements alone." To obtain the full report visit www.businesstravelconneXion.com.
ADA Commemorates
150th Annual Meeting In Hawaii
The American Dental Association was presented with a custom made surfboard to commemorate their 150th Annual Meeting held at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu. Pictured above from left to right are Mike McCartney, president and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority; Joe Davis, SMG general manager of the Hawaii Convention Center; Katie Finnegan, director of conference services and meeting planning for the ADA; Kelly Kranak, meetings and housing manager for the ADA; Tanya Kinsman, meetings and housing coordinator for the ADA; and Duke Aiona, Lt. Governor of the state of the Hawaii. The American Dental Association’s (ADA) 150th Annual Session was held in Hawaii from September 30 to October 4 with an attendance of 24,000 dental professionals. |
First Web Portal For Cruise Meetings And Events
Landry & Kling has announced the worldwide debut of Seasite.com, the first online cruise portal dedicated solely to serving the cruise meetings market. Planners can find ship meeting facilities online and compare departure dates, itineraries and cruise brands all on one site, eliminating the need to phone multiple cruise lines or search multiple Web sites. Features include the first group cruise RFP online supported by Seasite's Cruise Advisors, who are trained by Landry & Kling, credited with being the first distribution channel between the cruise industry and corporate America. One single RFP is sent to multiple cruise lines, generating electronic bottom-line quotes for a quick and accurate “apples to apples” comparison. There is no cost or membership fee to use Seasite.com. For more information visit www.seasite.com.
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Waldorf Astoria Orlando And Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Open
Hilton Worldwide's much-anticipated dynamic duo made its debut October 1 in Orlando: the Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek offer a combined 1,500 guest rooms and 150,000 square feet of meeting space. The date of October 1 holds historical significance by marking the debut of the original Waldorf Astoria property, The Waldorf=Astoria in New York, 78 years ago to the day. Known as Bonnet Creek, the 482-acre vacation destination is conveniently surrounded by Walt Disney World on three sides, yet secluded by a private nature preserve. Themed “A Day of Firsts,” the ceremony celebrated the opening of the first property to share the name Waldorf Astoria with the original New York hotel, which remains the only property with the unique equal sign in its name, The Waldorf=Astoria. The Waldorf Astoria Orlando offers 497 guest rooms and 28,000 square feet of meeting space; the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek offers 1,000 guest rooms and 122,000 square feet of meeting space. The two properties share The Waldorf Astoria Golf Club's 18-hole championship Rees Jones-designed golf course, the 24,000-square-foot Waldorf Astoria Spa by Guerlain, the 4,000-square-foot fitness center and theme park transportation. Visit www.waldorfastoriaorlando.com and www.hiltonbonnetcreek.com
Disney Resort To Open In Hawaii In 2011
Construction is underway on a new Disney resort that will open on the Hawaiian island of Oahu in 2011. The 21-acre, oceanfront resort will be located at the Ko Olina Resort & Marina development on the island’s western side. It will feature 1,066 guest rooms, suites and villas, a full-service spa and extensive recreation amenities. The resort will also feature 63,000 square feet of ballroom/meeting space and event lawns, including a 14,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art conference center. Disney's Hawaii Resort will offer groups Hawaiian cultural learning programs onsite that are suitable for attendees and spouses alike. Planners will have access to the Florida-based Disney Event Group and The Disney Institute for content including teambuilding programs, keynote presentations, workshops and more. Group sales for Disney's Hawaii Resort begin October 1, 2009. For information, contact the resort sales team at 321-939-7129.
Hilton Hotels Changes Name To Hilton Worldwide
Following the recent relocation of its global headquarters to McLean, VA, from Beverly Hills, CA, Hilton Hotels Corporation has announced that it is changing its name to Hilton Worldwide. The name change reflects the hotel company's international reach, with more than 3,300 hotels in 77 countries. Hilton Worldwide's 10 brands include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Doubletree, Embassy Suites Hotels and Hampton Inn & Suites. www.hiltonworldwide.com
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How Groups Can Own Grand Rapids
Amway Hotel Corporation (AHC), Grand Rapids, MI, has launched the 1100 Rooms campaign, targeting meeting planners who are looking to lower their travel budget without sacrificing service. AHC's three hotels, Amway Grand Plaza, JW Marriott Grand Rapids and Downtown Courtyard by Marriott, boast more than 1100 committable guest rooms and 13 restaurants, providing one host and point-of-contact with a variety of price points and services. The campaign notes that large groups can fill all three of the hotels and virtually “own” Grand Rapids — Michigan's second largest city — with the city’s support. The three hotels are attached to one another and to DeVos Place Convention Center via a climate-controlled skywalk. The convention center and hotels together offer 240,000 square feet of meeting and exhibition space. www.1100rooms.com
PCMA Lowers Registration Fees For 2010 Annual Meeting
The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) will offer new savings options for this year's Annual Meeting January 10–13, 2010 in Dallas, TX. Options include: lower registration fees in 2010 than 2009; a split payment plan between 2009 and 2010; Starwood Award Points can be used instead of cash; planner scholarships are available for those with budget cuts; discounts are available for multiple registrations from same organization; suppliers can purchase gift certificates to host a planner's registration; discounts are available for new members from the Dallas region; hotel discounts are available for planners registering by November 2, 2009; same registration fees as 2009 after cut-off date. "...we know the hard times many of our members are having, so we wanted to develop a favorable pricing structure and flexible pricing options for our members and industry," said Deborah Sexton, PCMA president and CEO. Interested parties following PCMA on twitter.com/pcmahq could win free registration, housing and add-on programs. Special promotions will run every two weeks. For complete details and restrictions, visit http://www.pcma2010.org/registration-savings-options
Minneapolis Convention Center Helps Planners To Go Green
The Minneapolis Convention Center (MCC), announced it has entered a partnership with Boulder, CO-based Renewable Choice Energy as the first convention center in the U.S. to offer meeting planners and conventions Green Your Event packages to balance the environmental impact of event-related emissions and electricity use. These packages include certified renewable energy credits (RECs) generated by wind farms or other renewable energy projects across the U.S. and Canada and verified carbon offsets from projects that reduce carbon emissions entering the atmosphere. Green Your Event will be offered by meeting planners and conventions, and purchased by event attendees. Other efforts at the MCC are listed at www.minneapolisconventioncenter.com/about/sustainability.asp
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Anaheim Area Conventions And Meetings On The Upswing
Conventions, meetings and trade shows in the Anaheim area continue to book well into future years and bring economic stimulus to the local hotels, merchants and restaurants despite a sagging national economy, according to the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau (AOCVCB), which says they have booked conventions, trade shows and meetings through the year 2020. "The economy is strengthening and we are seeing the meeting business segment beginning to firm up," commented Charles Ahlers AOCVCB president. "We are confident that 2010 will show continued improvement for future bookings." The AOCVCB projects that 555 conventions, meetings and trade shows will convene in the Anaheim area (Anaheim Convention Center and area hotels) by the end of 2009. Part of this number includes the 43 citywide conventions (meetings using multiple hotels) that make up this total. www.anaheimoc.org
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The Westin Bonaventure Earns L.A.'s First Environmental Seal Of Approval
Officials at Los Angeles' iconic Westin Bonaventure today announced that the property received L.A.'s first Green Seal Silver Certification, making it the largest environmentally responsible hotel in the city. The 1,354-room hotel, which offers 110,000 square feet of meeting space, earned the certification as a result of implementing a variety of energy-saving and waste reduction initiatives that management estimates will save the property approximately $225,000 each year. The Green Seal Silver Certificate is awarded through Green Seal, an independent environmental non-profit based in Washington, DC. Green Seal works in partnership with the City of Los Angeles' Green Lodging program, LA INC/The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau and City Councilmember Richard Alarcon. www.thebonaventure.com, www.greenseal.org
• FREE AIRFARE OFFER TO MEETING PLANNERS
The St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau is offering free round-trip airfare from anywhere in the continental U.S. for use during a site visit to the area by a meeting planner who also submits a Request for Proposal prior to December 31, 2009. The meetings must be booked and held prior to December 31, 2010 and include a minimum of 75 room nights and planners must spend a minimum of $20,000 (including incrementals).
800-418-7529
www.myfloridameetings.com |
ASAE Study Reflects Optimism
Association members from across the country are now more optimistic about the impact of the economy on their involvement in the association community, according to a new survey released by ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership at its Annual Meeting & Exposition, August 13-15. This third survey for ASAE's "Impact Study: Beliefs, Behavior and Attitudes in Response to the Economy" reflects responses from 7,000 association members of 77 associations representing corporate and nonprofit sectors. Key findings:
• A substantially larger proportion of respondents say they feel their employment situation will improve in the coming year.
• As predicted in the winter study, employers are starting to hold back on payment of dues and members are more likely to report intention to drop their membership than they were last winter.
• There is virtually no impact on how far association members will travel in the coming year as compared to the winter study, which means nearly 40 percent of respondents will travel more miles in the next 12 months.
• Participation in online media events jumped from 30 to nearly 36 percent;
• Participation in social media spiked from nearly 10 to 16 percent.
For more information, visit www.asaecenter.org/economy.
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MPI Adds Global Training Center At Ryerson University
Meeting Professionals International (MPI) announced the addition of Toronto’s Ryerson University as the newest location for an MPI Global Training Center. An integral part of MPI’s Global Training, the Centers deliver elevated content on a local level for meeting and business event professionals. Over the next two years, MPI anticipates partnering with at least 14–15 educational institutions worldwide similar to Canada’s widely respected Ryerson University. “We are rapidly expanding our available locations for individuals in the meeting and business event industry to receive hands-on education at the local level,” said Didier Scaillet, Chief Development Officer for MPI. “Ryerson University brings over 50 years of hospitality and event management education experience to the table, meeting key selection criteria and making it a perfect fit as an MPI Global Training Center." www.mpiweb.org
City Of Dallas Breaks Ground On Omni Dallas Convention Center Hotel
The City of Dallas broke ground September 15 on the 23-story Omni Dallas Convention Center Hotel, endorsed by voters in May and backed by the sale of nearly $500 million in revenue bonds in August. When the property opens in early 2012, Dallas will boast a luxurious, 1,000-room hotel with state-of-the-art features and convenient skybridge access into one of the nation's largest convention centers. Owned by the City of Dallas, the hotel is located on eight acres in the heart of the nation's eighth-largest city, which is now experiencing a renaissance from more than $14 billion in new development underway in and near the urban core. Within its six-acre design are a signature restaurant, lounges, retail, a high-end Mokara Spa, pool deck and other features. The remaining two acres of the site are slated for dining, retail and other venues that will enhance entertainment opportunities for those who visit, work or live downtown.The new hotel will offer a minimum of 80,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, with a 33,500-square-foot Senior Ballroom, a 16,500-square-foot Junior Ballroom, 10,000 square feet of usable outdoor area and Internet access throughout the entire property. http://www.dallascityhall.com/convention_center/conventioncenter_hotel.html
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IAEE Board Of Directors Criticize San Jose Exclusive Labor Program
Calling Team San Jose's recent seizure of all Teamster labor at the McEnery Convention Center a plan primarily designed to generate new revenue for that convention center, the board of directors of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) is calling upon the city's Mayor and City Council to rescind the program immediately. IAEE says that the new program eliminates competition and like most exclusive in-house services, is very likely to drive customers' costs much higher while driving down service levels. The IAEE also says IAEE, the new plan exposes exhibition and event organizers, exhibitors and general service contractors to serious liability exposures. IAEE President Steven Hacker, CAE communicated its concerns directly to Mayor Chuck Reed and the San Jose City Council on 15 September 2009. www.iaee.com
16,000 Beautiful People Descend On The Big Apple
NYC & Company, the City’s marketing, tourism and partnership organization welcomes the HBA Global Exposition and Conference to New York City September 15–17. The show, considered the leading product-development and educational conference for the personal care, fragrance, wellness and cosmetic industries, will bring in more than 16,000 show delegates, including more than 600 exhibitors and educational partners in the cosmetics industry. The show, which takes place at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, is expected to generate more than 4,200 hotel room nights and more than $3.1 million in economic impact to the City. www.hbaexpo.com, www.nycgo.com
Hilton Orlando Celebrates Grand Opening
On a night filled with fireworks and fanfare, the Hilton Orlando, Orlando, FL, officially cut the ribbon September 12 on the first hotel to connect to the Orange County Convention Center by a covered, open-air walkway. It is a "calculated dream come true" for Orlando and the Orange County Convention Center, said Tammi Runzler, CASE, vice president of convention sales and services for the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau. She explained that the 1,400-room Hilton offers what meeting planners have been asking for: more full-service, high-end hotels around the convention center. Hilton Orlando General Manager Doug Gehret said the hotel has filled that void with an added bonus that differentiates it from traditional convention properties: "We are here for group business," he said, "the bonus is the amenity package." Director of Sales and Marketing Juan Garcia noted that the hotel's "smart design" discreetly separates the 175,000 square feet of meeting space from the leisure offerings, which include an executive putting course, full-service spa, 15,000-square-foot fitness center, lazy river, resort pool, quiet pool, cabanas, basketball/tennis/volleyball/bocce ball courts and more. www.thehiltonorlando.com
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