Meeting Professional Contest

June 29th, 2009

Don’t forget to participate in our Refer a Meeting Professional Contest…for a chance to win a free trip.

It’s simple…

…just refer your colleagues to ConventionPlanit.com’s Refer a Meeting Professional Contest, and for each referral, you get another chance to win!

The Prize:
Two night stay for two at the Morgans Hotel Group property of your choice

plus -

round-trip airfare for two, courtesy of Continental Airlines.

The contest winner will be selected in July 2009. You may enter as many times as you like.

It’s a great way to score a free vacation while sharing valuable information and tips with your friends.

ConventionPlanit.com’s New Look

June 26th, 2009

Be sure to check out the ConventionPlanit.com Homepage

…today we unveiled our new look!

The new homepage design and navigation will help planners to locate their favorite features faster.

The new design was made with the input of our Advisory Council of meeting professionals - to make sure it’s exactly what you want.

What do you think? Any thoughts or comments?

New Luggage Restrictions for Carry Ons?

June 23rd, 2009

Senator Dan Lipinski has introduced a bill to standardize carry on luggage sizes.

The bill would require the Transportation Security Administration to set up templates on luggage conveyor belts that would block pieces larger than 22 inches x 18 inches x 10 inches.

Larger bags would have to be checked in.

With airlines expected to increase checked baggage fees this summer, would this bill create tension at luggage check points? Or is the bill a way to ensure there is room on board for customer’s overhead bags?

Radisson Fort McDowell Named Hotel of the Year

June 17th, 2009

Congratulations to the Radisson Fort McDowell Hotel & Casino

…for being named Radisson’s Hotel of the Year for 2008!

The property was honored at a special reception yesterday - during the company’s annual meeting.

The Hotel of the Year Award is presented to the property that displayed outstanding sales and marketing efforts, distinguished itself with a high level of commitment to guest service, supported the Radisson brand and has had exceptional financial success.

This is the first time that the Radisson Fort McDowell Resort & Casino has been honored with the Hotel of the Year distinction.

Click here to learn more about the gorgeous award-winning resort!

Meetings in the News

June 9th, 2009

Did anyone catch Ben Stein’s commentary on CBS Sunday Morning last Sunday, June 7th, on Meetings Mean Business?

Stein discussed the effect that organizations canceling meetings (namely, those who have not received bail out money from the government) has had on the economy.

This current trend is eroding the business at hotels, tradeshows, restaurants and will eventually effect the airline industry.

With unemployment numbers rising, Stein pointed out that meetings and conventions are exactly what we need to share ideas to stimulate new business.

We are grateful for Stein’s support of the travel and hospitality industry. Let’s keep America meeting!

San Diego Meeting Deals

June 4th, 2009

The Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego is making meeting planners several offers that will be hard to refuse…

Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

with a variety of ways to save on your total bill, meeting room, and even earn 100,000 rewards -

and some of these offers are valid until June 2010!

Check out these fabulous to save by viewing the Manchester Grand Hyatt’s deals.

Mingle360 - TS2 Networking Tool

June 2nd, 2009

TS² 2009 - being held in Chicago at McCormick Place from July 20-23 - has teamed up with Mingle360 to provide convention planners with an easy way to share and store important contact information…

…while valuing in-person business connections.

The Mingle360 solution combines a single-purpose device with a powerful software application.

The MingleStick is an innovative USB device using wireless technology to create connections between people, essentially eliminating the need for a business card.

The MingleManager application offers total identity management with its privacy features, granular security controls, and address book tools.

TS² 2009 is sponsored by the Trade Show Exhibitors Association (TSEA). The event is owned and operated by National Trade Productions (NTP), in partnership with the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE).

Are you planning to attend TS² 2009? Have you used a MingleStick before?

Face to Face Meetings at IMEX

May 27th, 2009

Maureen Pickell & Julio Rodriguez are having some great “face to face” time at IMEX in Frankfurt, Germany this week.

This year’s IMEX is the most successful to date with 3,500 exhibitors from 157 countries!

The ConventionPlanit.com Hosted Buyer Group was entertained royally by the Maison de la France at a very creative venue (the top floor of a parking garage!) with champagne, wine and regional cuisine from France.

Are you at IMEX? Regale us with your most interesting face to face!

Hawaiian Adventures - Traveling to Paradise

May 19th, 2009

I just returned from a fantastic travel experience in Hawaii! Paradise is masquerading as the Hawaiian Islands, a great place for meetings and vacations alike.

One part great weather, two parts super accommodations and three parts “Aloha” hospitality

…all add up to an intoxicating cocktail that rivals the famous Mai-Tai. If you are looking for a destination that never fails to deliver on its promise, consider our 50th state!

Adventures in Hawaii

Adventures in Paradise!

About the Author: ConventionPlanit.com’s Maureen Pickell, Director of Global Accounts and traveler of the world, has just returned from her latest adventure in Hawaii.

Where have you recently traveled? We’d love to hear about some of your experiences!

A Hindrance to National Tourism Week

May 18th, 2009

Here we are trying to advance American tourism in a time of economic distress, and the bison are blocking the road!

Tourism Week Hindrance


Picture taken in Yellowstone National Park this past weekend, courtesy of Al Rickard - ConventionPlanit.com Director of Communications.