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 MIchael J. Dimond
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In Memoriam: Hospitality Industry Leader Michael J. Dimond
Michael J. Dimond, 67, one of the nation's top hotel marketing executives, passed away June 23, 2008 after suffering a heart attack. Mike, who retired in 2006 from The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, CO, as senior vice president of sales and marketing, left a lasting mark on the industry he loved. During Mike’s memorable career, he served on the boards of both the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and Meeting Professionals International (MPI). His many industry honors include the “Academy of Leaders” award from ASAE and “Supplier of the Year” from MPI, where he also served on the executive committee. Mike was named “Sales Executive of the Year” for Financial & Insurance Conference Planners and was a member of Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International’s (HSMAI) Hall of Fame. In 2002, he was inducted into the prestigious Convention Industry Council’s (CIC) Hall of Leaders. In 2004, HSMAI honored Mike as one of “The 25 Most Extraordinary Sales & Marketing Minds in Hospitality & Travel” for 2003.
A November 2006 Corporate & Incentive Travel magazine cover story honored Mike's 45-year career serving the hospitality industry: www.themeetingmagazines.com/index/Default.aspx?tabid=335
A celebrated leader in an industry that loved him back, Mike was affectionately known to many as “Shiny.” His passion lives on in each person he touched and will forever be remembered.
Born February 2, 1941 in Lima, Ohio, and was a graduate of Lima Central Catholic High School and the University of Dayton. He was preceded in death by his brother, Steve, mother, Lee, and father, Ward. He and wife, Lou, made their home in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Mike is survived by his wife, Lou; daughter, Debbie Stahl, and husband, Tom, of Columbus, OH; son, Michael, of Nashville, TN; stepdaughter, Lucy Swayze, and husband, Charlie, of Greenwood, MS; stepdaughter, Jenny Mutter, of San Francisco, CA; sister, Carol Mingarelle, and husband, Patrick, of Erie, PA; brother, Drew, and wife, Nancy, of Nashville, TN; granddaughter, Gabriel, Debbie and Tom’s daughter; and six nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the HSMAI -Scholarship Fund at 1760 Old Meadow Rd., Suite 500, McLean, VA 22102 (703-506-3280). |
Quad Cities Is Still Open For Business
Despite heavy flooding to the Midwest region, including major parts of Illinois and Iowa, Quad Cities is still open and available for meetings business. Major attractions are open and regional festivals are still on schedule, including the IH Mississippi Valley Blues Festival in July. The Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau is working closely with the Cedar Rapids Convention & Visitors Bureau to secure hotel rooms, meeting space for events scheduled in Cedar Rapids as far in advance as October. City and CVB officials have urged visitors not to shy away from the region because of recent flooding events, and hope that the region's tourism expenditures will not suffer. For updates and more information, visit www.visitquadcities.com.
Duffy Joins Philadelphia CVB Directors
Christine Duffy, corporate meetings expert and president and CEO of Maritz Travel, has joined the board of directors of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau. Duffy is an expert in meeting and incentive industry trends, and has served on the Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Board of Directors for six years. She was appointed chairwoman for the 2005-2006 term. She founded MPI's Women's Leadership Initiative and has been a regular supporter of women leadership in the meetings industry. For more information, visit www.PhiladelphiaUSA.travel.
JW Marriott Hotel Los Angeles To Open In 2010
The JW Marriott Hotel Los Angeles at L.A. Live, currently under construction and scheduled to open in 2010, has recently completed 10 floors. Once completed, the property will provide meeting groups valuable downtown accommodations and direct access to the Los Angeles Convention Center. The property will feature 879 guest rooms, 35 suites and 77,000 square feet of meeting space. Guests will also have access to the downtown area's world-class entertainment, dining, sports, theater and music offerings. L.A. Live is an ongoing revitalization project for the downtown Los Angeles area that aims to bring more business and business meetings to the major U.S. city. For more information, visit www.lalivemarriott.com.
Construction Begins On JW Marriott Indianapolis
White Lodging, Whiteco Industries and REI Real Estate Services announced the groundbreaking of the $425 million JW Marriott Indianapolis development featuring 1,623 rooms and more than 105,000 square feet of meeting space in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, IN. With shovels in hand, Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, White Lodging President and CEO Bruce W. White, REI Real Estate Services President Michael W. Wells, along with community leaders gathered at the seven acre site near the White River State Park to break ground on the largest JW Marriott hotel in the U.S. based on the number of rooms. The JW Marriott Indianapolis is scheduled to open in March 2011. For more information, visit www.marriott.com.
Stampfli Steps Down As President Of Courtesy Associates
SmithBucklin, the world's largest association management company, has announced that Sheila Stampfli will step down at the end of the year as president of Courtesy Associates, a Washington, DC-based conference and event planning firm owned by SmithBucklin. Stampfli became president of Courtesy Associates in 1997 and has played a major role in the growth and development of the firm for more than 40 years. Her career as a meetings professional spans more than four decades. Stampfli will relinquish many of her day-to-day responsibilities and continue to serve in an advisory capacity. She currently serves as treasurer of Destination DC, and is a former president and secretary of Destination DC. For more information, visit www.courtesyassociates.com.
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 (L to r) Jay Green, director, Phoenix Convention Center; Phil Gordon, mayor of Phoenix; and Steve Moore, president, Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau.
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Phoenix Convention Center Gets Silver LEED Status
The Phoenix Convention Center (AZ) held a ceremony announcing the facility's West Building has been awarded LEED Silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The West Building, which opened in June 2006, incorporates lower water consumption standards, low-flow toilets, low VOC paints and materials, a recycling program, a convenient location next to public transportation, underground parking and Energy Star-compliant roofing materials. Over 50 percent of the materials used to construct the West Building were manufactured within 500 miles of the site, reducing fuel usage while bolstering the local economy. The Phoenix Convention Center is currently undergoing a $600 million renovation which, once completed, will bring the total square footage of meeting and event space to 900,000 square feet. For more information, visit www.phoenix.gov.
Motorcycle Museum Opens In Milwaukee
The first and only Harley-Davidson Museum is set to open in MIlwaukee, WI in early July. The attraction is expected to bring an estimated 350,000 visitors to the city annually, and will also serve as a venue for meetings and private events. The facility can host up to 1,000 for meetings and sit-down dinners for up to 750 people. Outdoor meeting space can handle up to 15,000 people. Onsite catering is provided by Levy Restaurants. For more information, visit www.visitmilwaukee.org.
Convention Hotel A First For Oregon
ThA proposal for a 600-room convention center hotel for the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, OR is due in early July, and could be a Westin-flagged headquarters hotel. The Portland Metro Council commissioned a $600,000 feasibility study that included designing the hotel and submitting it to the city for review. Cost estimates have put the development price as high as $244 million.
New President Of PCCA Announced
Ahmeenah Young has been appointed as president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority (PCCA). Young had been executive vice president and general manager of the PCCA and is credited as a member of the management team that has made the convention center a premier convention destination. Her predecessor Al Mezzaroba will remain on staff through mid-August to smooth the transition and provide guidance on issues related to the center's ongoing expansion plans. Young first joined the staff in 1987 as director of affirmative action and was later promoted director of sales and marketing and vice president of sales and marketing. For more information, visit www.paconvention.com.
Minneapolis Convention Hotel On Hold
A push for a megahotel with 1,000 to 1,200 rooms near the Minneapolis Convention Center has been suspended due to lack of funding and need, owing to the 1,200-plus hotel rooms already in operation. The public funding needed to build the proposed $300 million convention hotel could run anywhere from $40 million to $100 million dollars. City officials do not want to burden taxpayers. An 821-room downtown Hilton is already fulfilling the majority of need for large room blocks.
2008 AH&LA Survey Shows Hotel Trends
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) released its 2008 Lodging Survey, revealing notable trends in all segments of U.S. hotels. The research analyzes feedback from more than 10,000 U.S. hotel properties polled in more than 100 areas, including food and beverage options, number of beds, guest services and amenities. Wireless Internet access is represented in 91 percent of the polled properties, and other in-room technology options are on the rise. The survey also found U.S. properties offer more fitness centers and complimentary access for guests than ever before, and 24 percent of respondents offer allergy-free hotel rooms. Properties are also more environmentally conscious: Sixty eight percent of polled hotels reported using energy-efficient lighting and 21 percent of polled hotels are planning to incorporate LEED standards within the next 12 months. AH&LA members can download the complete survey, and more information can be obtained, at www.ahla.com.
Marriott Wardman Park Completes Renovation
Washington, DC's largest hotel, the Marriott Wardman Park completed a $100 million comprehensive revitalization. The 1,316-room property features 195,000 square feet of flexible convention and meeting space and is a premier destination for meetings and events. All guest rooms are now equipped with 32-inch LCD high-definition plasma screens and feature advanced multimedia capabilities. The hotel's new signature restaurant, Stone's Throw, is a steakhouse with a seasonal menu that uses the region's finest ingredients. For more information, visit www.marriott.com.
Gear Up For ASAE Annual Meeting And Expo
Association professionals and industry partners are preparing to make connections at ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership’s Annual Meeting & Exposition, August 16-19 in San Diego, CA. Building on the momentum of last year’s meeting in Chicago, which drew a record 7,000 attendees, the 2008 meeting is bigger than ever and tailored to bring the best education sessions from our nation's best thought leaders. The opening reception will showcase a sampling of San Diego’s Old Town, the birthplace of California, and provide an opportunity to mingle with colleagues in an enticing and interactive setting. The event's opening session will feature a discussion facilitated by Cokie and Steven Roberts featuring news journalists, broadcasters, and media professionals from several major news channels and radio stations. For more information about the 2008 Annual Meeting and Exposition or to register, visit www.asaecenter.org/annualmeeting.
AMC Institute Announces 2009 Board Of Directors
The AMC Institute, the trade association representing the association management company (AMC) industry, has announced the election of 10 board members for the 2008-2009 term. John P. Francis, president of The Harrington Company, has been named the AMC's 41st president. Other newly elected members of the board are: Steve Drake, Drake & Company; John Dee, Bostrom Corporation; Francine Butler, The Resource Center for Associations; Gregg Taley, Taley Management Group; Jamie Nolan, IntrinXec Management Inc.; Jay Hauck, Hauck & Associates Inc.; Michael LoBue, LoBue & Majadalany Management Group; Rick Cristol, Kellen Company; Russ Snyder, SmithBucklin; Susan Cabrera, Association Management Resources; Richard Green, Marriott International; George Valenzuela, Intelligent Evolution Inc.; and Robert Waller, Association Headquarters Inc. For more information, visit www.AMCInstitute.org.
Global Spectrum May Manage Las Cruces Center
The City of Las Cruces (New Mexico) Selection Advisory Committee (SAC) will enter into negotiations with Global Spectrum to manage the new Las Cruces Center, a $26 million convention and exhibition hall currently in development. Global Spectrum currently manages 70 arenas, stadiums and convention centers throughout North America, and is a part of Comcast-Spectacor, one of the world's largest sports and entertainment companies. Should it be selected, Global Spectrum will be responsible for the pre-opening, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the facility and establishing ties with the surrounding community.
SDCCC Goes Green, Gets Green
The San Diego Convention Center Corporation (SDCCC) received one of the largest rebates ever given by the San Diego Gas and Electric Company for upgrading the facility's central plant, which reduced energy consumption by 2.7 million kWh annually. The total rebate, $441,905.00, was presented in two installments, once in 2006 and another on May 5th. The annual savings is equivalent to powering up 460 homes. For more information, visit www.visitsandiego.com. (L to r) Ron Barham, Building Supt., SDCCC; Robert DeNofrio, Director of Operations, SDCCC; Brad Gessner, GM, SDCCC; Bob Ross, Asst. Building Supt., SDCCC; Jane Verbeek-Groth, Account Executive, SDG&E; Connie Bergmark, Engineer, SDG&E; and Kathe Cordova, Commercial & Industrial Services Manager, SDG&E.
Silver Spurs Arena Great For Events
A new curtaining system installed at the Silver Spurs Arena at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, FL greatly enhances the venue's options for event and meeting planners. The Silver Spurs Arena is a 10,500-seat adaptable facility alongside the Exhibition Building, offering 60,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, and Osceola County Stadium. The new curtaining system will allow for smaller seating venues, seating 3,600 and a half-house that seats 6,200. For more information, visit www.OHPark.com.
Atlanta's Airport And Convention Center Help Travelers
Business travelers pressed for time will get assistance from Atlanta, GA's Hartsfield-Jackson airport beginning in 2009. The airport is building a state-of-the-art rental car facility that will eliminate ground transportation costs incurred by meeting planners and customers planning events at the Georgia International Convention Center. The new facility will house all car rental agencies and a terminal that connects to the convention center via train.
$30 Billion Increase Reported For Airline Costs
Current oil prices have forced a sharp increase in airline costs, and several large and small U.S. airlines will default on their obligations to creditors by early 2009, according to a study released by AirlineForecasts LLC and the Business Travel Coalition. The study predicts oil prices at $130 per barrel will increase yearly airline costs by $30 billion, while airlines will be able to generate only $4 billion in fare increases and incremental fees, forcing bankruptcy and liquidation for several airlines.
Magnificent Mile Marriott Renovated
The landmark Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile has completed a $36 million property-wide renovation which blends the hotel's architecture with its natural and multi-dimensional surroundings. New added features include technology updates to the lobby, self-check in kiosks, a concierge desk, Starbucks, and communal tables for Wi-Fi. Also, all meeting rooms and ballrooms have been redone, adding 10,000 more square feet of meeting space, including a new 4,000-square-foot ballroom. The property boasts 1,198 guest rooms and 65,000 square feet of meeting space. For more information, visit www.chicagomarriottdowntown.com.
2008 DigitalNow Conference Takes Place At Disney World Resort
CEOs, staff and volunteer leaders from around the country converged on Walt Disney World Resort in April for the 2008 DigitalNow: Association Leadership in the Digital Age conference. DigitalNow is the association industry's premiere professional development event. Keynote speakers for this year's conference included Chris Anderson, editor-in-chief of Wired magazine and Dan Heath, bestselling author of Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die.
Hawaii No. 2 For Occupancy In First Quarter
According to the latest Hawaii Hotel Flash Report, hotel revenues in Hawaii have increased 7.5 percent in the first quarter 2008 to $859.5 million. For the year to date through March, the statewide average daily rate was up 6.6% to $217.66. Occupancy was down 0.8 percentage points. Hawaii was second behind Miami for the top 25 hotel markets for occupancy during the first quarter. The Hawaii Hotel Flash Report is produced by Smith Travel Research and Hospitality Advisors.
Gas Prices Up, Hotel Demand Down
According to Bjorn Hanson, a hospitality and leisure researcher at PriceWaterhouseCoopers, rising gas prices means bad news for U.S. hotels as well as motorists. Speaking at the 30th annual New York University International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference in New York City, Hanson reported every 10 percent increase in the cost of fuel is coupled with a 0.5 percent decrease in hotel demand. However, the economy should not affect hotel rates any time soon: Hotel room rates have not declined, despite high gas prices and reduced availability of credit. Also, a new upward trend in weekday occupancy accounted for more than $24 billion in hotel revenue at the end of April, up from more than $23 billion a year earlier.
ASAE Hosts First-Ever Global Summit On Social Responsibility
The ASAE and the Center for Association Leadership hosted their first-ever Global Summit on Social Responsibility, titled "Leveraging the Power of Associations for a New Magnitude of Leadership" at the Gaylord National Resort near Washington, DC. More than 400 association executives and industry partners attended, as well as an equal amount of attendees at connecting sites in major cities and via satellite worldwide. For more information, visit www.asaecenter.org.
Atlantic City Tops Las Vegas In Hospitality And Satisfaction Service
Market Metrix has announced the results of its latest Hospitality Index survey. In every category, including value, price, sophistication and pampering, Atlantic City outperformed Las Vegas. Market Metrix surveys 35,000 travelers per quarter, and about 10,000 of those were in the two gaming markets. "It's a coup for Atlantic City," said Larry Mullin, president of Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa. "The town should be proud."
ASAE's Susan Sarfati To Leave
In a surprising announcement, Susan Sarfati, CAE, founding president and CEO of The Center for Association Leadership and executive vice president of ASAE, advised the board of directors of The Center that she will leave the organizations, effective August 31, 2008. The hallmark of Sarfati's 25 years as an outspoken advocate for the association management profession came in 2004, when Sarfati played a leadership role in the merger between ASAE, the Greater Washington Society of Association Executives (GWSAE) of which she was President and CEO, the ASAE Foundation and The Center for Association Leadership that resulted in two organizations – ASAE & The Center. "Going forward, my work and career will continue to focus on leadership development, social responsibility, women’s issues and contributions to the association and meetings industry, which are all my passions," Sarfati said. "My career over the years has been very fulfilling with more to come." Sarfati's successor has not yet been named. For more information on this story, visit www.asaenet.org.
ACTE Rome PowerTalk Boasts High Travel Buyer Attendance
PowerTalk Rome, recently hosted by the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) boasted 64 attendees, more than half of which were corporate travel buyers. This marks one of the highest audience attendance levels of corporate travel buyers for an educational event in Europe. In response to ACTE's continued growth in Europe, the association has increased its resources in the region with additional staff, adding four new regional managers who will oversee dedicated regions of focus throughout western and eastern Europe, and Russia.
NY 5000 A Prime Venue For Meetings And Conventions
"NY 5000," made up of the 1,980-room Hilton New York, the 1,750-room Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers and the 665-room Sheraton Manhattan, is an incomparable convention complex offering a square block of space with nearly 5,000 guest rooms and 225,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space. Within close proximity to major Big Apple attractions such as Times Square, Fifth Avenue, Rockefeller Center and Central Park, NY 5000 is a fantastic alternative to the traditional convention center setting, and puts meetings right in the heart of the hustle and bustle of New York City. For information, see www.nycvisit.com.
Board Passes Smoking Ban In Atlantic City Casinos
Starting October 15th, Atlantic City casinos will be smoke-free. The City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to ban smoking on the gambling floors of the city's 11 casinos. In a 9-to-0 vote, the Council did away with the last major loophole to a tough statewide ban on smoking in public buildings that had exempted gambling halls. But patrons will still be able to light up in smoking lounges away from the gambling tables and slot machines, if the individual casinos choose to build them. Mayor Scott Evans said he would sign the ordinance within 10 days. “We’re going to save lives with this,” he said. “People are going to be able to come here and enjoy a nice smoke-free environment.”
27th Annual IACC Conference Hands Out Awards
Highest honors for distinguished service awarded by the IACC at its annual conference at the Zermatt Resort & Spa in Midway, UT, went to Rodman Marymor, CEO of Cardinal Communications. The Copper Skillet Conference Chef award was awarded to Marc Suennemann of Chateau Elan Winery, Resort & Conference Center in Atlanta, GA. Kristin Kurie of The Wilderman Group won the Award of Excellence and Joe Sebestyen won the Pyramid Award for his contributions to convention education. For details, visit www.iacconline.org.
New Orleans CVB Releases 2007 Visitor Numbers
The number of visitors to New Orleans increased significantly from 2006 to 2007, according to a recent survey conducted by the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau and the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation. For 2007, the city saw 7.1 million visitors who spent a total of $4.8 billion, as opposed to 2006 which saw 3.7 million visitors spending $2.8 billion. Visitor levels pre-Katrina averaged 8.5 to 9 million visitors annually. For more information, visit www.neworleanscvb.com.
Destination Management Professionals Achieve DMCP Certification
The Association of Destination Management Executives (ADME) announced that 18 destination management professionals have earned the designation of destination management certified professional. Requirements for the designation include involvement in the DMC industry for at least three years, a demonstrated level of professionalism and responsibility, and a written exam of situational encounters. For the complete list, visit www.ADME.org.
American Express Announces Business Travel And Hotel Trends
American Express Business Travel announced that international hotel and airfare rates experienced price increases, while domestic rates remained stable. U.S. car rental rates have also increased. According to the American Express Business Travel Monitor data, the average international hotel rate for 2007 jumped $36 to $266. American Express operates one of the world's largest travel agency networks, with over 2,220 travel service locations in over 140 countries and territories. For more information, visit www.americanexpress.com.
BT Convention Centre Completed at ACC Liverpool
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BT Convention Centre at ACC Liverpool now holding meetings.
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Facilities at ACC Liverpool's BT Convention Centre already are booked and in use. The facility has opened in phases since January 12th, and the lower part of the convention center opened in late February. The completed facility will host the British Society for Rheumatology's (BSR) Annual Meeting. ACC Liverpool will host the BSR again in 2014. BT's Multi-Purpose Hall has more than 40,000 square feet of meeting space. For facility layouts and information, see www.accliverpool.com.
Germany Comes In First For Meetings
The current International Association Meetings Market 2007 study released by the International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA) announced that Germany has achieved the lead position in Europe for the fourth year in succession and second place worldwide. Spain, in fifth place last year, has passed by England and France into third place. The annual ICCA International Association Meetings Market statistics present a comprehensive analysis of current trends and developments in the international meetings market. Association and federation congresses examined by ICCA have to have a minimum of 50 participants, be held on a regular basis and rotate between at least three countries. ICCA, founded in 1963, has its head office in Amsterdam and collates information since 1972 on association events worldwide.
Sydney Convention And Exhibition Centre Wows Top Organizers
A group of 18 European professional conference organizers (PCOs) recently participated in a special site trip to the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre to highlight the facility's professionalism and flexibility for future meeting groups, as well as its world-class setting. The organizers were recently in Sydney for a Board of Directors meeting and educational seminar for INCON Ltd, a worldwide partnership of PCOs and event producers. For more information on the Centre, visit www.scec.com.au.
CIC Announces Steps To Ensure Continued Growth
The Convention Industry Council (CIC) has made plans to adopt a new governance model that will allow for more effective use of talents and resources among its membership and governing personnel. CIC chair and CEO of Society of Incentive & Travel Executives Brenda Anderson has appointed Deborah Sexton, CIC treasurer and president/CEO of the Professional Convention Management Association to lead a task force that will explore new management options. "We are seeking a new association management company partner that can support and align with this new vision," said Sexton. "A formal RFP will be available...and the task force is looking forward to finding a long term partner invested in CIC's growth." For more information, visit www.conventionindustry.org.
Hilton Cancun Hosts World Economic Forum On Latin America
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President of Mexico, Felipe Calderon, Right, being greeted by General Manager Carlos Abaunza during his visit to the Hilton Cancun Golf and Spa Resort.
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Mexico's Hilton Cancún Golf & Spa Resort hosted the annual World Economic Forum on Latin America, bringing together more than 500 of the wold's senior global leaders in business, politics, academia and the media from 46 countries. More than 100 of the world's leading companies also came to the meeting to highlight business opportunities and discuss the complexities of conducting business in the ever-changing global market. The meeting was co-hosted by the Mexican government and President Felipe Calderon. The World Economic Forum is an independent international organization committed to improving the state of the world by engaging leaders in partnerships to shape global, regional and industry agendas. The Hilton Cancún features championship golf, fine dining and 700 yards of pristine beach, as well as 30,000 square feet of meeting space. For more information, visit www.hilton.com.
Atlantic City Tries To Institute Smoking Ban On 11 Casino Floors
The city council of Atlantic City, NJ, is set to give final approval to a measure sponsored by anti-smoking groups that would make 11 floors of its casinos smoke-free. Smoking would still be permitted in enclosed lounges where no gambling is allowed. The move is the first significant measure to incorporate Atlantic City casinos into New Jersey's Smoke-Free Air Act, which took effect on April 15, 2006, and has until now excepted New Jersey casinos, which argued that a smoking ban would drive away business. If passed, the ban will take effect on October 15th.
2008 Springtime Expo Breaks Attendance Record
The 2008 Springtime Expo posted the highest attendee registration numbers ever, with a total of 4,518 participants, including 2,390 attendees and 2,128 exhibitors. Hosted by ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC, the premier one-day event on April 3 connected meeting planners and association executives with business partners. Attendees took part in 11 education sessions ranging from how to plan international and environmentally friendly meetings to negotiating hotel rates and dealing with the government. Recordings of the sessions will be available online April 17 at www.asaecenter.org/springtimeexpo. The 2009 Springtime Expo will be held April 16, 2009 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
Mexico Tourism Board Partners With ASAE
The Mexico Tourism Board is the latest Strategic Partner of ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership. “We are delighted to be a strategic partner with ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership,” said Eduardo Chaillo, CMP, CMM, director of Strategic Business Unit for U.S. and Canada at The Mexico Tourism Board. “This is a significant step for increasing the visibility of Mexico as a premium meeting destination among ASAE members and the association community as a whole.” As a Strategic Partner of ASAE & The Center, The Mexico Tourism Board will be afforded extensive overall promotional rights and benefits, unique exposure at signature events and exclusive access to members. The Mexico Tourism Board will also host a CEO Symposium in Mexico in the spring, as well as two additional CEO Symposia held in Washington in June and November. For more information, visit www.asaecenter.org/industrypartner.
CEIR Reports 2007 Exhibition Growth Figures
The exhibition industry grew 3.2 percent in 2007, according to the fifth annual Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) Index report, which provides exhibition industry performance data for 11 key industry sectors. From 2006 to 2007, exhibition industry growth was led by the government, public and nonprofit services sector (+12.6 percent), while the building, construction, home and repair sector experienced a slight downturn, the report stated. Several market sectors drove growth for the industry from 2000 to 2007, the period covered by the Index report: sports, travel, entertainment, art and consumer services (+5.3 percent CAGR - compound annual growth rate); transportation (+5.0 percent CAGR); and building, construction, home and repair (+4.3 percent CAGR). Only the consumer goods and retail trade and communications and information technology sectors decreased on a CAGR basis from 2000 to 2007. The complete CEIR Index can be purchased through CEIR at www.ceir.org.
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 Renovated Grand Ballroom.
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Rosen Plaza Completes Meeting Space Renovation
The award-winning Rosen Plaza hotel, located in the heart of the Orlando, FL, International Drive resort area and next to the Orange County Convention Center, has completed a multimillion-dollar renovation of its 60,000 square feet of meeting and event space, including the 26,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom, 22 meeting rooms and two permanent registration areas. Custom carpeting, decorative lighting, luxurious wall treatments and plush, comfortable seating are the highlights of the renovation. The hotel’s 800 guest rooms also received a makeover. Beds were replaced with a luxurious Simmons Beauty Rest bed with a plush pillow-top mattress, which was custom designed for Rosen Hotels & Resorts. For more information, visit www.rosenplaza.com.
Atlanta Marriott Marquis Showcases $138 Million Transformation
Atlanta's largest hotel, the 1,663-room Atlanta Marriott Marquis, is undergoing a $138 million renovation that is redefining the property's 160,000 square feet of meeting space. The 42,818 square feet of additional meeting space now available on the Atrium level includes the new 25,000-square-foot Atrium Ballroom opening this July. The 7,800-square-foot Skyline Level overlooks the Atrium and can accommodate 1,100 for a reception. The Marquis Level is the site of the 22,273-square-foot Marquis Ballroom and the 13,343-square-foot Imperial Ballroom. The expansive pool deck, home to the newly renovated 60,000-gallon indoor and outdoor swimming pool with hot tub, private cabanas and retractable roof offering panoramic views of the Atlanta skyline, can accommodate up to 100. Visit www.rediscovermarquis.com.
Washington, DC's Official Tourism Organization Gets New Name
The Washington, DC Convention & Tourism Corporation announced that it is changing its name to Destination DC. “We believe our new name is very clear,” said Dan Mesches, president of Star Restaurant Group and current chairman for Destination DC. “We exist to convince meeting planners, individual travelers and tour operators to choose DC as their next destination.” The private, non-profit organization has the support of more than 1,000 members throughout the region and generates economic development through tourism, a $5.24 billion industry for the District of Columbia. Bill Hanbury, president & CEO of Destination DC and current chairman of Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) added, “Other marketing organizations for major cities have made similar name transitions successfully, including Visit London, NYC & Company and LA Inc.” For more information, visit www.washington.org.
Visit Jacksonville Launches New Interactive Web Site
Visit Jacksonville, the organization for marketing Jacksonville, FL, as a business and leisure destination, unveiled its redesigned, user-friendly Web site for meeting planners, visitors, media and Partners. The site at www.visitjacksonville.com grants users the ability to quickly and easily plan their trip through the online Travelocity booking engine to book airfare, hotel, transportation, last-minute travel deals and event-related and seasonal packages. Comprehensive microsites for signature events will also be a part of the new site. Dedicated sections of the Web site include one for meeting planners, who can access venue information from a large number of traditional and unique spaces, submit an online RFP, download an updated Destination Planner and view value meeting season offers. The second phase of the Web site, scheduled to launch on April 24, will allow meeting planners who host groups in Jacksonville to create meeting microsites to provide destination and event information for their specific group.
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The MGM Grand in Las Vegas will host PCMA's 2011 Annual Meeting.
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PCMA Announces 2011 And 2012 Annual Meeting Sites
The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) has chosen the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, NV, as the host hotel for its January 9-12, 2011 Annual Meeting; and San Diego, CA, for the January 8-11, 2012 Annual Meeting. Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority president and CEO Rossi Ralenkotter said, “When PCMA delegates begin arriving in 2011, they will have a completely new destination to experience, with several new resorts, restaurants and other amenities being added between now and then.” San Diego Convention Center Corporation President and CEO Carol Wallace commented, “The convention center has doubled in size since hosting PCMA in 1996, and San Diego has added thousands of new hotel rooms, restaurants, shops and major attractions, including Petco Park, Children’s Museum and Midway Museum – all within walking distance of the convention center.” For more information, visit www.pcma.org.
Hilton Launches Personalized Group Web Pages
Following the launch of its online group bookings for small functions of up to 25 guest rooms, called e-Events, the Hilton Family of Hotels has launched the next phase of its electronic event planning tool: complimentary Personalized Group Web Pages, which allow planners complete control over creating their own Web pages online 24/7 at no cost for any event that includes guest rooms. The Web pages can be used to promote events and display important event details for attendees all in one place. A booking mechanism directly links to the group block, providing easier and more accurate hotel and rate information for attendees. After using the booking method of their choice to secure the event with guest rooms, planners have to opportunity to set up their Personalized GroupWeb Page by visiting www.hiltonfamily.com/GroupPage.
Gaylord Hotels Expands Wi-Fi Services
Gaylord Hotels now offers wireless Internet connectivity resort-wide at each of its four expansive properties: Gaylord Opryland, Nashville, TN; Gaylord Texan, Grapevine, TX, near Dallas; Gaylord Palms, Kissimmee, FL, near Orlando; and Gaylord National, National Harbor, MD, near Washington, DC (opening April 2008). Guests enjoy wireless access in guest rooms and in all public areas including hotel lobbies, atriums, restaurants, lounges, bars and pool areas as part of the daily $15 resort fee. Because wireless access in the convention center and meeting rooms requires additional firewall and security levels, it is contracted separately by each group’s meeting planner, who then controls the codes that provide meeting attendees access to the service. To learn more, visit www.gaylordhotels.com.
Richardson To Step Down As ACVB Chief
Spurgeon Richardson has announced that he will retire as president and CEO of the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) at the end of the year. Under Richardson's leadership, the ACVB became one of the first bureaus in the country to develop a cultural tourism department, form a corporate development department, launch a destination Web site, begin a diversity marketing program, start a charitable foundation, and more. "It's been a fantastic 17 years at the helm of this ship, and I'm proud of all that we've accomplished as an industry," Richardson said. "During my time at ACVB, Atlanta has grown to a world-class city, and together we've grown Atlanta's hospitality industry right alongside that." Michael Robison, CEO of Lanier Parking CO. and a former ACVB chairman, will head an executive search committee for Steve Smith, new ACVB chairman and vice president of government and community relations for Turner Broadcasting System. Richardson's plans for retirement include reading, traveling, and spending more time with his wife, Mary Frances, three children and eight grandchildren.
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Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority officials at the ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the Reno-Sparks Convention Center west plaza expansion.
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RSCVA Completes Reno-Sparks Convention Center West Plaza Expansion
The Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority (RSCVA) recently completed the $2.37 million Reno-Sparks Convention Center west plaza expansion, which included a new limousine staging and parking area, new lighting, improved disabled ramp access and an enhanced entrance with landscaping. The west plaza expansion is part of the master plan to join the 35-acre site surrounding the convention center into one contiguous super block. Since the master plan was initiated in the early 1990s, the convention center and surrounding acreage has undergone a significant transformation — notably with the $105 million convention center expansion/renovation completed in 2002 and the 2004 relocation of the Lake Mansion. Future improvements to the convention center include a sky bridge slated for completion in late 2008. The sky bridge will connect the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa to the north end of the convention center building, providing convention center visitors easier, all-weather access. For more information about Reno-Tahoe, America’s Adventure Place visit www.VisitRenoTahoe.com.