Read the latest news from industry trade press articles and press releases selected by industry expert Al Rickard of Association Vision, a PR/Marketing/Publishing company in the Washington, DC area. For more about Al and his company visit www.associationvision.com.
FY2011 Federal Per Diems Announced
Wednesday, September 01 @ 15:07:35 CDT
"CONUS LODGING RATE INCREASED
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced the new Fiscal Year 2011 (FY2011) federal per diem rates, which take effect October 1, 2010, and run through September 30, 2011.
The standard Continental United States (CONUS) per diem rate for lodging applies to destinations that are not listed as specific destinations. That rate, which is reviewed every three years, increased to $77 per night. GSA noted that with the increase in the standard CONUS lodging rate, several areas that had previously been non-standard areas obtained the standard CONUS rate of $77 for lodging in FY2011. The last adjustment to the standard CONUS rate was made in fiscal year 2008, establishing the nightly lodging rate at $70, which has been in effect since 2005.
Despite the increase in the standard CONUS rate, GSA noted that its data on average daily rate (ADR) for hotel rooms clearly indicates the deep negative impact the economic downturn has taken on the lodging industry, showing a 5.73% decrease of the estimated lodging costs as compared to FY2010. In contrast, FY2010 had a slight increase of 0.6% over the previous year, while FY2007-09 had an estimated average increase in lodging costs of 6.8%.
Some examples of non-standard area lodging rate changes for FY2011 include:
• New York City (Manhattan) fall high season: reduced to $269 from FY2010 $340
• Colorado Springs: reduced to $84 from FY2010 $88
• Las Vegas: three seasons reduced to one, rates down from FY2010 high of $118 to $93
• Miami, Fla., for the Miami-Dade area mid-season: down to $151 from FY2010 $152
• Chicago, Ill., early summer area high season: reduced to $166 from FY2010 $211
• Charleston, SC: down to $132 from FY2010 $142
• Los Angeles, Calif.: reduced to $123 from FY10 $135
• Kansas City, Mo: down to $99 from FY2010 $107
• Cincinnati, Ohio: unchanged from FY2010 at $115
• Seattle, Wash: reduced to $139 from FY2010 $159
GSA establishes federal per diem rates by using market data provided by Smith Travel Research in order to establish rates that reflect the market where those rates apply. Although federal per diem rates cannot formally be appealed by business representatives, GSA does have the ability to review and modify the rates.
AH&LA is advising members who believe their localities may be undervalued in the FY2011 per diem rate schedule with a number of helpful suggestions that can be found within this past AH&LA Advisory. The complete FY2011 rates can be viewed at the GSA per diem Website, www.gsa.gov/perdiem. "
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All Ten Bay Area Kimpton Hotels Earn Prestigious Green Seal Certification
Wednesday, September 01 @ 15:05:01 CDT
"Hotels Celebrate Milestone with San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom at “Glow Green with Kimpton” at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., On Thursday, August 26, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants CEO Mike Depatie, President and COO Niki Leondakis and San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom announced that all of Kimpton’s 10 Bay Area hotels have been awarded the prestigious GS-33 Green Seal™ Silver certification in their pursuit for environmental responsibility. With 41 of its 50 hotels in 22 major metropolitan cities having already received certification, Kimpton is on the verge of becoming the first lifestyle boutique hotel company in the U.S. to attain 100 percent Green Seal certification at the Silver level or higher.
On August 26, Kimpton invited San Francisco locals to “Glow Green” by trading in a standard light bulb for a new Philips Marathon Energy Saving bulb at any of its 10 certified hotels. Those exchanging bulbs will also be rewarded with organic sweet treats from Kara’s Cupcakes, which will be driving its “Karavan” around town throughout the day. The first 1,000 people who can track down the “Karavan” via Twitter and Facebook will receive complimentary cupcakes.
“We are so proud of our San Francisco hotels for achieving such an important and ambitious goal,” said Mike Depatie, chief executive officer for Kimpton. “This certification reaffirms for our guests and each hotel in our collection the impact our shared contribution makes on individual communities and the planet overall.”
“Tourism and hospitality is the number one industry in San Francisco, and companies like Kimpton are creating vital jobs and revitalizing our local economy,” said Mayor Newsom. “Going green provides a competitive marketing advantage in the age of the green economy, and Kimpton is taking a bold step forward with attaining 100 percent Green Seal certification.”
The San Francisco properties that have achieved the Green Seal certification include: Argonaut Hotel, Cypress, Harbor Court, Monaco San Francisco, Triton, Palomar San Francisco, Prescott, Serrano, Sir Francis Drake and Tuscan Inn. This accolade is an important achievement for Kimpton since the company is headquartered in San Francisco, a city that has long been at the forefront in the promotion of environmental stewardship.
Green Seal certification is a significant third-party validation of Kimpton’s more than 100 environmentally responsible operational practices under the company’s EarthCare program, and allows Kimpton to more effectively measure its nationwide reductions in waste, energy and water consumption. To qualify for GS-33 Green Seal certification, a hotel must demonstrate sustainable practices in the following areas:
• Waste minimization, reuse and recycling
• Energy efficiency, conservation and management
• Management of fresh water resources
• Waste water management
• Hazardous substances
• Environmentally sensitive purchasing
Kimpton’s innovative EarthCare initiatives date back to the company’s inception in 1981 and include several industry firsts such as in-room recycling bins and the use of non-toxic cleaners nation-wide. Diners at Kimpton Restaurants have access to increased sustainably produced wine selections on menus, can take advantage of in-house purified water through a national partnership with Natura® and enjoy sustainable seafood dishes in accordance with Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program. Kimpton is a partner of Trust for Public Land and The Nature Conservancy to support its “Plant a Billion Trees” campaign.
For more information on Green seal’s Lodging Standard, visit: http://www.greenseal.org/certification/standards/gs33_lodgingproperties.cfm. To learn more about EarthCare and Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, visit www.KimptonHotels.com, www.Twitter.com/Kimpton, or www.Facebook.com/Kimpton.
ABOUT KIMPTON
San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, a collection of boutique hotels and chef-driven restaurants in the US, is an acknowledged industry pioneer and was the first to bring the boutique hotel concept to America. Founded in 1981 by Bill Kimpton, the company is well-known for making travelers feel welcomed and comfortable while away from home through intuitive and unscripted customer care, stylish ambience and having a certain playfulness in its approach to programs and amenities. Each hotel provides a range of exciting culinary experiences through locally-loved, top-rated, destination, chef-driven restaurants. Kimpton leads the hospitality industry in ecological practices through its innovative EarthCare program that spans all hotels and restaurants. Market Metrix, a recognized authority and leader in feedback solutions, consistently ranks Kimpton above other hotel companies in luxury and upper upscale segments for customer satisfaction. Privately held Kimpton operates 50 hotels and 51 restaurants in 16 states. For more information visit www.KimptonHotels.com or call 1-800-KIMPTON.
ABOUT GREEN SEAL INC.
Green Seal, a non-profit based in Washington D.C., has been identifying products and services that protect the environment and human health since 1989. The Green Seal mark appears on over 3600 environmentally sustainable products and services, and Green Seal is accredited by the American National Standards Institute. The independent organization focuses on certification to its leadership standards, avoiding any conflict of interest that may arise from recommending products or consulting with applicants. For more information and a list of all Green Seal certified products and services, visit www.GreenSeal.org."
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Hilton Garden Inn Yuma/Pivot Point Conference and Event Center Welcome New DOSM
Wednesday, September 01 @ 14:54:10 CDT
"YUMA, Arizona., – The Hilton Garden Inn – Yuma is pleased to welcome Sherri Sheeran as Director of Sales & Marketing. Sherri comes from Colorado Springs, CO and brings over 25 years experience in the hospitality industry. Prior to this position, Sherri has worked as a Director of Sales & Marketing at the Antlers Hilton Colorado Springs, CO., Cornhusker Marriott, Lincoln, NE and The Sheraton Hotel, Colorado Springs, CO.
"We searched for several months, and after interviewing a myriad of candidates, Sherri was the best fit for this property and this community.” said Ken Hammac, General Manager of the Hilton Garden Inn- Yuma. “We are very happy to have Sherri on the team.”
Sherri can be reached at sherri.sheeran@hilton.com
The four-story Hilton Garden Inn Yuma features guestrooms and suites offering the Garden Sleep System® bed; ergonomic Mirra® chair by Herman Miller; complimentary wired and Wi-Fi high speed Internet access; high definition 37” flat screen television; and a clock that allows guests to play their MP3 player. The hotel also features a complimentary 24-hour business center; a comfortable lounge area to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning or unwind at the end of the day; and four meeting rooms (and is adjacent to the Pivot Point Conference Center www.pivotpointconferencecenter.com with more than 19,500 square feet of conference space) for a combined total of 21,000 square feet of flexible meeting space -- ideal for meetings, social events and wedding receptions boasting one of the largest out of door event “Colorado Riverfront” destinations in the Southwest.
For dining options, the hotel features the Great American Grill® restaurant offering freshly prepared breakfast, lunch, dinner and evening room service. The hotel also offers the 24-hour Pavilion Pantry® convenience mart with a selection of refrigerated, frozen and microwaveable packaged items, and sundries.
Recreational facilities at the hotel include an outdoor heated swimming pool; complimentary deluxe fitness center featuring Precor® cardio and strength equipment; and Stay Fit Kits® that can be checked out from the hotel front desk and enable guests to do yoga, Pilates and core workouts in the privacy of their guestroom or in the workout facility.
“Making it the ideal choice of leisure and business travelers, the Hilton Garden Inn Yuma/Pivot Point is ideally situated minutes from the California and Mexico borders, near The Camel Farm, Cloud Museum, Country Junction, Yuma River Tours, Segwayuma Tours, Yuma Valley Shopping Mall, Yuma Territorial Prison State Park, Q-Quechan Casino and within a few miles of nearby businesses including Gowan, Shaw Industries, Raytheon, Johnson Controls, Northrop Grumman, General Motors, Lockheed Martin, Fresh Express, Textron, the only U.S. Marine Air Corps Base, BAE Systems, General Dynamics, Alliance Tech Systems and one of the largest agricultural markets in the Southwest,” said Ken Hammac, hotel general manager.
The Hilton Garden Inn Yuma/Pivot Point participates in Hilton HHonors®, the only guest rewards program that offers Points & Miles® and No Blackout Dates on rewards stays. Members of the Hilton HHonors guest reward program can Double Dip® to earn both points and miles for every stay at more than 3,200 Hilton Family hotels worldwide. And with No Blackout Dates or capacity controls, as long as a standard room is available for purchase, members can redeem HHonors points for the stay.
Situated off the I-8 at Giss Road (Exit #1) near First and Madison Avenues in downtown Yuma, the Hilton Garden Inn Yuma/Pivot Point is located at: 310 N. Madison Avenue, Yuma, AZ 85364; phone: 928-783-1500; Fax: 928-783-1540. The hotel is conveniently located five miles from Yuma International Airport, 177 miles from San Diego, 158 miles from Tempe/Phoenix and 176 from Tucson.
Hilton Garden Inn is the award-winning, mid-priced brand that continually strives to ensure today’s busy travelers have everything they need to be most productive on the road — from complimentary wired and Wi-Fi Internet access in all guestrooms and public space and PrinterOn mobile printing to the hotel’s complimentary 24-hour business center to one of the most comfortable beds with the Garden Sleep System®. So whether on the road for personal or business reasons, Hilton Garden Inn offers the amenities and services for travelers to sleep deep, stay fit, eat well and work smart while away from home.
To make reservations or to find out more about the Hilton Garden Inn Yuma/Pivot Point, visit Yumapivotpoint.hgi.com or call the hotel directly.
For more information about Hilton Garden Inn locations throughout North America, Europe and Central America or to find your next getaway, please visit HGI.com or call 1-877-STAY-HGI."
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Delta Air Lines, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and JFK International Air Terminal Unveil Plans for Enhancement and Expansion of Terminal 4 at JFK Airport
Monday, August 30 @ 12:20:02 CDT
"Project to create a state-of-the-art facility at Terminal 4 at Delta's JFK hub
$1.2 billion expansion and enhancement project to begin in September 2010
JFKIAT to manage terminal facility
NEW YORK, Aug. /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL), the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and JFK International Air Terminal LLC (JFKIAT) today unveiled plans for the enhancement and expansion of Terminal 4 at John F. Kennedy International Airport. The $1.2 billion project will create a state-of-the-art facility for New York's fastest growing global airline.
"The newly expanded and enhanced Terminal 4, one of many substantial investments we're making in New York, will provide significant benefits to our customers, employees and the city of New York for decades to come," said Delta Chief Executive Officer Richard Anderson. "Following a multi-year effort, we are very pleased to have reached a decision with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, JFKIAT and Schiphol USA. This plan allows us to move forward with the enhancement of our JFK hub, one that will showcase modern, welcoming facilities and meet the needs of the world's most competitive and largest aviation market."
"John F. Kennedy Airport, one of the world's busiest airports, will continue its transformation into one of the nation's most state-of the-art airports with the approval of this plan and the construction of a new billion dollar extension to the international terminal," said New York Gov. David Paterson. "The Terminal 4 expansion will not only help increase customer service for thousands of travelers and bring much-needed renovations and upgrades to handle the demands of 21st century air travel, but it will create hundreds of construction jobs for New York residents. I would like to thank Port Authority Executive Director Chris Ward and Delta Air Lines CEO Richard Anderson for their commitment to this project, and for laying the groundwork for a new, world-class terminal at JFK Airport."
"Ensuring reliable air transportation to and from New York City is crucial to strengthening our economy. And the decision by Delta Air Lines to expand its international terminal at Kennedy Airport will make it easier for even more people to travel to this city in the coming years," said New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. "Not only will this $1.2 billion project cement New York City's status as the nation's top travel destination, it will also create an additional 10,000 jobs over the next three years."
"This Delta-Port Authority announcement launches a billion dollar expanded and enhanced facility for JFK that will create new jobs and a state-of-the-art portal to the world's greatest city," said U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer. "JFK is the gateway to New York City. And with Delta flying non-stop to five continents, this new facility will enable travelers to fly to and from our great city with ease and comfort. Terminal 4 will greatly improve traveling for New Yorkers – and travelers across the globe – and showcase New York as the transportation hub of not only the nation, but the world."
"I applaud Delta Air Lines and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for working together to bring this major investment to John F. Kennedy International Airport," said U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. "This $1.2 billion project represents a firm commitment from Delta Air Lines to further deepen its ties to New York's economy by providing jobs and enhancing our transportation infrastructure. I look forward to working with our airline carriers and airport operators to further upgrade our aviation infrastructure and ensure good jobs and quality air transit for New York's economy."
"The announcement of a new Delta Air Lines terminal expansion and enhancement at JFK Airport is a great moment for the Sixth Congressional District," said U.S. Rep. Gregory W. Meeks. "Thousands of jobs will be created with badly needed revenue to aid our economic recovery. I would like to commend Delta Air Lines, the Port Authority and everyone involved for their commitment to the people of New York and those who will visit our great city."
"New York works best when New Yorkers are working," said New York Senate Majority Conference Leader John L. Sampson. "Today's announcement secures the type of sound business initiatives we need to create the jobs and grow the industries that will help New York retain its standing as the Empire State. I applaud Gov. Paterson, Mayor Bloomberg, our U.S. Senate and Congressional delegation, Port Authority Executive Director Chris Ward, Delta CEO Richard Anderson, as well as Senate President Pro Tempore Malcolm A. Smith and Senator Shirley Huntley for their collective efforts to rebuild our economy."
"The economic stability of New York State depends upon our ability to create jobs and to retain and attract businesses," said New York Senate President Pro Tempore Malcolm A. Smith. "This announcement today by Delta Air Lines to expand their terminal is exactly the type of investment that secures these key goals, resulting in thousands of jobs and billions of dollars to the region. I congratulate Gov. Paterson, Mayor Bloomberg, Port Authority Executive Director Chris Ward, Delta CEO Richard Anderson and Senator Shirley Huntley for their successful perseverance over the last year and a half in making this critical economic development initiative a reality."
"Today, we welcome Delta Air Lines and CEO Richard Anderson and commend their decision to build a state-of-the-art, showcase terminal facility at JFK. Substantial investments like the one Delta is making will create much needed economic development, thousands of jobs and helps us build a bigger, brighter New York," said New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.
Terminal 4 Improvements and Customer Benefits
Currently, Delta operates predominantly out of Terminal 2 for domestic flights and Terminal 3 for international service. The expansion of Terminal 4 – which has been successfully managed by JFKIAT for over a decade – will replace the outdated Terminal 3 facilities to enhance the customer experience for the 11 million passengers Delta serves at JFK annually. Delta anticipates that customers will experience an improvement in operational performance through dual taxiways, resulting in reduced taxi times and better on-time performance. Delta is also upgrading its inter-terminal passenger connectors between Terminals 2 and 4 for faster transit between the facilities. Delta customers will further benefit from the airline's ability to continue expanding its international network, which currently includes non-stop service to 94 destinations from JFK and more than 1,200 weekly departures. International service includes non-stop service to Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, with new service being offered to Tokyo, Tel Aviv and Iceland among other destinations.
Economic Impact to the Region
Since making a strategic decision to build New York into a hub earlier this decade, Delta has made major investments across the New York region, boosting its economic impact to more than $13 billion annually. Delta's current JFK operation generates 49,000 jobs in the region. The Terminal 4 expansion project will create an additional 10,000 jobs in the New York Metropolitan Region by 2014, including airport and construction jobs. Over the next 60 months, the $1.2 billion project will generate $500 million of personal income in the region and $1.6 billion of economic output from the purchases of goods and services.
When completed, the total economic impact of Delta's New York operation will contribute more than $19 billion annually to the state of New York.
"Over the past decade, we've invested billions to improve the customer experience for the 46 million passengers that fly through JFK each year," said Port Authority Chairman Anthony R. Coscia. "This partnership with Delta Air Lines is our latest effort to ensure that JFK is an airport for the 21st century."
"This is a game-changing deal for our customers and the entire regional aviation system," said Port Authority Executive Director Chris Ward. "It increases JFK's capacity, vastly improves the customer experience and strengthens the economic competitiveness of the most important gateway in the country. I want to thank Delta Air Lines, Schiphol and the Port Authority's dedicated staff for completing a deal that has been years in the making."
Expansion Project Highlights
Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2010, with anticipated completion of phase one and relocation of Delta's Terminal 3 operations to Terminal 4 in May 2013. Delta's JFK terminal project includes the expansion of Concourse B at Terminal 4, with nine new international gates; the construction of a passenger connector between Terminal 2 and Terminal 4; expanded areas for baggage claim and Customs and Border Protection; and the demolition of Terminal 3 in May 2015. The Terminal 3 site will then be used for aircraft parking.
Photos of the planned renovations are available online at http://news.delta.com/index.php?s=13&cat=14&mode=gallery.
Schiphol Group and JFKIAT
"Schiphol is honored that Delta has chosen Terminal 4 to serve as the main hub of its New York operations," said Jos Nijhuis, president and CEO of Schiphol Group. "Delta Air Lines is a key member of the SkyTeam alliance, and, together with its partner Air France-KLM, this will further strengthen their North Atlantic network, facilitated by the airports of Amsterdam, Paris and New York. Our added value as a leading airport operator is our ability to harmonize the processes needed to achieve a world-class travel experience and serve our airlines in a cost-effective and flexible way. In addition, Delta's choice reflects the success of Terminal 4 after nearly a decade in operation. At the same time, the terminal will continue to serve independent airlines and host current customers."
"Our team is looking forward to making this plan happen in the best interest of all stakeholders," said Alain Maca, president of JFKIAT. "It is an exciting challenge to continue to serve our customers while expanding our facilities. The implementation of the ambitious development plan with Delta represents a major new milestone in the history of our terminal."
About JFKIAT
JFKIAT LLC, which operates Terminal 4 at John F. Kennedy International Airport, is wholly owned by Schiphol USA, Inc., a subsidiary of Schiphol North America Holding Inc., an indirect subsidiary of NV Luchthaven Schiphol, a Dutch company based in Amsterdam. JFKIAT is the only private, non-airline company to be selected by the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey to operate a terminal at JFK. The 1.5-million-square-foot Terminal 4 opened in May 2001 and reached an annual passenger volume of 9.5 million air travelers in 2009. Terminal 4 is one of the largest terminals in the New York area, serving nearly 40 international and domestic airlines.
About Delta
Delta Air Lines serves more than 160 million customers each year. With its unsurpassed global network, Delta and the Delta Connection carriers offer service to 367 destinations in 65 countries on six continents. Headquartered in Atlanta, Delta employs more than 70,000 employees worldwide and operates a mainline fleet of more than 700 aircraft. A founding member of the SkyTeam global alliance, Delta participates in the industry's leading trans-Atlantic joint venture with Air France-KLM and Alitalia. Including its worldwide alliance partners, Delta offers customers more than 13,000 daily flights, with hubs in Amsterdam, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York-JFK, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Salt Lake City and Tokyo-Narita. The airline's service includes the SkyMiles frequent flier program, the world's largest airline loyalty program; the award-winning BusinessElite service; and more than 45 Delta Sky Clubs in airports worldwide. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes, check bags and review flight status at delta.com.
Forward-looking Statements
Statements in this news release that are not historical facts, including statements regarding our estimates, expectations, beliefs, intentions, projections or strategies for the future, may be "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the estimates, expectations, beliefs, intentions, projections and strategies reflected in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the cost of aircraft fuel; the effects of the global recession; the effects of the global financial crisis; the impact of posting collateral in connection with our fuel hedge contracts; the impact that our indebtedness will have on our financial and operating activities and our ability to incur additional debt; the restrictions that financial covenants in our financing agreements will have on our financial and business operations; labor issues; the ability to realize the anticipated benefits of our merger with Northwest; the integration of the Delta and Northwest workforces; interruptions or disruptions in service at one of our hub airports; our increasing dependence on technology in our operations; our ability to retain management and key employees; the ability of our credit card processors to take significant holdbacks in certain circumstances; the effects of terrorist attacks; the effects of weather, natural disasters and seasonality on our business; and competitive conditions in the airline industry.
Additional information concerning risks and uncertainties that could cause differences between actual results and forward-looking statements is contained in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2009 and our report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2010. Caution should be taken not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements, which represent our views only as of August 11, 2010, and which we have no current intention to update.
IMEX Survey Reveals Buyers Opinions on Social Media, Blogs and Smartphones
Monday, August 30 @ 12:17:26 CDT
"For the first time this year, IMEX in Frankfurt surveyed over 1,000 hosted buyers immediately after the show for their views on social media, industry blogs and Smartphone usage.
The survey quizzed buyers on their use of social media, both as a professional meetings and event management tool and as a networking channel. 625 respondents answered the social media questions and confirmed their preference for LinkedIn as an online networking site.
LinkedIn was used by 64 per cent of respondents, and Facebook by 60 per cent of buyers. Twitter is currently used by 27 per cent and YouTube by 23 per cent.
46 per cent of respondents also confirmed an increase in the use of social media for networking over the past 6 months, although 32 per cent felt it had remained about the same. At the same time, 44 per cent of respondents agreed that 'there are too many social media and networking sites to keep up to date with.' Surprisingly given the proliferation of blogs within the wider business world, and increasingly within the international meetings industry, 83 per cent of respondents still do not regularly follow an industry blog.
Also in line with wider business trends, Blackberry is currently the Smartphone of choice in the global meetings industry, with 57 per cent of respondents saying they use one. Of these, 47 per cent are using Blackberries as opposed to 31 per cent using Apple iPhones and 24 per cent using Nokia devices.
In November 2009 an IMEX Global Insights Poll of 45 senior international meetings industry professionals revealed a certain degree of frustration with social media. That poll showed that 22 per cent agreed with the statement: 'my company wants to use every social media channel - but with no extra resource to support the added work.' At that time a similar number - 22 per cent - used social media in a limited way for professional and networking purposes, preferring to use it just for personal communication.
However, the findings of the 2010 IMEX Post-Show survey suggest that the uptake of social media for professional and corporate use has now accelerated significantly. They also show that YouTube especially is making its mark as a credible and viable channel for corporate marketing and communications within the international meetings industry.
Says Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, "As a truly international show with a good cross-section of buyers from across Europe, the USA plus the 'BRICs' countries of Brazil, Russia, India and China, it is interesting to observe the rapid growth of marketing channels such as YouTube and realise quite how far it has come as a credible, global communications channel that's open to all. Further into the future, once more African countries move from 2G to 3G technology, for example, and mobile penetration really accelerates, this could create yet another step change. Current trends suggest that mobile payment systems, environmental monitoring and even intelligent sensors embedded into mobiles are all just around the corner and these will have huge implications for the meetings and events industry.
"The growth of social media in different world markets creates both enormous pressures and provides international businesses such as ours with fantastic opportunities. The discipline for all of us is to pay careful attention to where the value truly lies for each of our different audiences and never to assume that a 'one size solution fits all."
Some of these issues have already been raised and are being explored by UK research company, Fast Future Research through its ongoing Convention 2020 research study. IMEX is one of the study's founding sponsors and encourages all meetings industry professionals to share their views and get involved in Phase 2 workshops. For more information - http://convention2020.meetingsreview.com/"
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"Members of The Reunion Friendly Network to Tour Fairfax County September 23-26
Fairfax County, VA – August 30, 2010 – Late next month, Visit Fairfax (www.fxva.com) and the Crowne Plaza Dulles Airport will play host to more than 20 military reunion planners during a four-day workshop and familiarization tour to help them coordinate future gatherings with their “brothers (and sisters) in arms” in Fairfax County and the greater National Capital Region. The participants, who represent groups from all four branches of the US Armed Services, are members of The Reunion Friendly Network (RFN), a national organization dedicated to educating military reunion planners (www.reunionfriendly.com).
“Fairfax County and the National Capital Region are particularly attractive to military reunion groups because of the wide variety of area attractions celebrating the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans,” says Dean Miller, National Sales Manager for Visit Fairfax.
In addition to Fairfax County’s own George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, the County’s central location and close proximity to the monuments and memorials of Washington, Civil War battlefields, Arlington National Cemetery and the Marine Corps Museum in Quantico all make it a popular choice.
Over the course of the visit, which is scheduled to run from September 23rd through the 26th, participants will sit in on planning seminars and keynote speeches, spend time in a special exhibitor marketplace, and tour attractions throughout the region that make it a premier “Military Reunion Friendly” destination. In addition to visits to the Smithsonian, the US Capitol Visitors’ Center and the monuments, tour highlights include:
- A sneak peek of the planned National Museum of the United States Army, which will be located at Fort Belvoir (groundbreaking is scheduled for 2012) – presented by retired USMC Lt. Col. Jeb Bennett, Program Director of the museum, who led the development of the Marine Corps Museum at Quantico;
- A poignant, private wreath-laying ceremony at General Washington’s tomb at Mount Vernon (available to any group upon request); and
- A virtual tour of the available Spy Tours in and around Washington, DC.
“We’re proud that Fairfax County will be a part of their reunion experience,” says Miller. “September’s program is a great opportunity for us to show our appreciation and give a little back to those who have done so much for all Americans at home and abroad.”
Visit Fairfax is the official tourism organization for Fairfax County, Virginia. Charged with destination marketing and tourism promotion, it is directed by many of the County's top tourism and hospitality leaders. For more information, please visit www.fxva.com.
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Sarah Maciejewski
Dir of Communications, Visit Fairfax
sarahm@fxva.com
Ph: 703-752-9502
WASHINGTON—More than 5,500 association professionals and industry partners walked the red carpet in Los Angeles at ASAE’s 2010 Annual Meeting & Exposition, August 21-24, in person and for the first time online. Attendees chose from more than 125 education sessions led by some of the most renowned association and business leaders, numerous networking events and eight hours of the expo hall. This year’s attendance has seen an increase in the number of association professionals by nearly 700, and exhibitors by nearly 100.
“The numbers from the 2010 Annual Meeting are very encouraging not only to ASAE but to the entire association community,” said ASAE President and CEO John H. Graham IV, CAE. “We believe the positive growth is a good sign that associations and the entire nonprofit community are slowly rebounding from the down economy. This doesn’t mean the tough times are behind us, but it’s a promising indicator that we’re trending in the right direction.”
The final attendance breakdown includes 2,856 executives (compared to 2,183 in 2009), 1,894 exhibitors (compared to 1,798 in 2009) and 772 other participants, including guests, spouses, press, volunteers, vendors and staff (compared to 920 in 2009), for a grand total of 5,522 attendees.
A total of 439 companies exhibited at the 2010 event (compared to 436 in 2009), occupying 733 booths. The ratio at the expo hall was 60 percent buyers (association staff) to 40 percent sellers (industry partners), which is one of the best ratios in several years. In 2009, the ratio was 55 percent buyers to 45 percent sellers.
Nearly 2,400 guests attended the fourth annual Food & Wine Classic, a fundraiser benefiting the ASAE Foundation, which raised $225,000. The Silent Auction raised $50,000 and the Annual Golf Tournament raised $10,000.
“The continued success of ASAE’s Annual Meeting would not be possible without the passionate support of our members. Thanks to everyone for making this event possible, especially our volunteers, leadership and committee members,” added Graham.
At the Annual Press Conference Monday, John H. Graham IV, CAE revealed new branding for ASAE and shared more details on the ASAE Foundation and The Power of A, followed by further discussion and official roll out of the new brand at the Monday General Session.
The rebranded logos and accompanying taglines for ASAE, the ASAE Foundation, The Power of A and ASAE Business Services were designed to create a stronger and unified brand and positioning. The new logo will help The Power of A campaign expand and create more internal and external opportunities to build awareness of the association industry’s accomplishments among the public, local stakeholders and state policymakers.
The new logos are available upon request.
Karen L. Hackett, CAE, CEO of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and Peter J. O’Neil, CAE, executive director of the American Industrial Hygiene Association, officially assumed leadership roles on the ASAE Board at the Tuesday General Session. In Fiscal Year 2011, which begins on September 1, Hackett will serve as chairman of the ASAE Board. O’Neil will serve as chairman-elect of the ASAE Board and chairman of the ASAE Foundation Board.
ASAE thanks the following Alliance Partners for continued support of the association community:
Strategic Partners:
Canadian Tourism Commission
Detroit Metro CVB
Fort Worth CVB
Mexico Tourism Board
Puerto Rico Convention Bureau
TMA Resources
USA TODAY
Corporate Partners:
Boxwood
Dallas CVB
Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB
LarsonAllen
Marketing General Incorporated
MultiView
Visit Baltimore
Visit Charlotte
ThePort Network
Salt Lake CVB
Omaha CVB
Atlanta CVB
Event Partners:
Johnson Lambert & Co., LLP
Richmond Metro CVB
SunTrust Bank
American Airlines
The Broadmoor
MEDIA CONTACT: Jakub M. Konysz, 202-626-2831, jkonysz@asaecenter.org
About ASAE
ASAE is a membership organization of more than 22,000 association executives and industry partners representing more than 11,000 organizations. Its members manage leading trade associations, individual membership societies and voluntary organizations across the United States and in nearly 50 countries around the world. With support of the ASAE Foundation, a separate nonprofit entity, ASAE is the premier source of learning, knowledge and future-oriented research for the association and nonprofit profession, and provides resources, education, ideas and advocacy to enhance the power and performance of the association and nonprofit community. For more information about ASAE, visit www.asaecenter.org."
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"Convene Green Alliance participates in ASAE
Learning Lab discussion about green events
WASHINGTON, DC, August 2010 – It turns out that the ASAE Food and Wine Classic, one of the popular events held each year at the ASAE Annual Meeting, is not just red and white, as the wine selection suggests. It’s also green.
At the recent ASAE Annual Meeting in Los Angeles, Scott Lindley, Vice President of Development for the Convene Green Alliance (CGA), joined Carylann Assante, Vice President of Development for the ASAE Foundation and Kathryn Wakefield, Director of Client Services for Tourism Toronto, to discuss this unique green meeting program in a session entitled, “The Business of Meetings: Behind the Scenes of Events – Greening Tales to be Told.”
Lindley framed the discussion by disproving some of the common myths about green meetings, including perceptions that green meetings are a hassle, expensive, or reduce the quality of the meeting experience.
He cited one association that saved $150,000 by not printing its conference proceedings. While the group received a few complaints, attendees strongly approved of the move when they were told of the environmental and economic impact of the move.
Audience members weighed in with similar stories demonstrating how certain meeting elements changed in an effort to be environmentally sustainable are almost always welcomed with open arms. Examples included using recycled eating utensils, paper badges instead of plastic badge holders, and setting up water stations to replace the need for plastic water bottles.
Assante recounted the four-year history of the ASAE Food and Wine Classic and explained how the event has been enhanced during the past two years by making it a powerful example of a green event.
In Toronto, the event was held in an area known as The Distillery District, which featured brick walkways and a collection of interesting shops and restaurants developed from what was formerly a working distillery and an area used to film many Hollywood movies.
“Everything that was consumed was biodegradable and/or compostable,” Wakefield explained. “We wanted to create an environment that supported a minimal or zero-waste event.” Recycling bins were used throughout the event, and up-front training with the catering company and other suppliers ensured that the waste stream was not contaminated by non-recyclable materials. Because of the brick walkways, wine glasses were not allowed, but plastic wine glasses made from recycled plastic were used instead.
Instead of extensive signage, Assante and the event team came up with the idea of using “wine charms” that drove attendees to explore the entire area and collect the charms to wear on bracelets. This created a strong positive buzz as attendees talked about the charms and helped each other collect them.
At the 2010 ASAE Meeting in Los Angeles, Assante continued the tradition of partnering with a nonprofit organization in the city to host the event, this time at the California Science Center, which is one of the greenest facilities in the city. She noted that these partnerships, which benefit these local organizations, complement the goal of fundraising for the ASAE Foundation.
Special efforts were made in Los Angeles to produce only enough food for the size of the event, eliminating what can often be a large amount of food waste. Marketing for the event was primarily done electronically, minimizing the amount of paper required. Assante forged partnerships with local restaurants, chefs, and wineries to offer an interesting and diverse fare that was also green because it featured food from local sources. The wineries that participated also have strong records of environmental sustainability.
Assante used creative web-based approaches to publicize the restaurants, chefs, and wineries, reducing the need for printed promotional materials.
“Everything we do for the Food and Wine Classic is very purposeful to support our goals of building community, fundraising, sharing the best of what our industry has to offer, supporting our sponsors, and demonstrating creative ways to be green,” Assante said. She added that each year is a learning experience, and hopes that by talking honestly about the successes and challenges, future ASAE events and the events of attendees who participate can be improved.
In closing, Lindley reviewed the key factors in developing green events, including setting the right policy, getting broad buy-in, finding the right partners, marketing the event, and measuring the success of the event.
For example, he noted that CVBs, nonprofits, and government agencies are often logical partners. He added that meeting contracts should include specific expectations for green performance to ensure that green events meet their objectives. One example is to specify that meeting rooms be maintained at a certain minimum temperature (such as 72 degrees) to save on energy usage.
Lindley added that events don’t have to accomplish all their green goals in the first year – he encouraged attendees to take an incremental approach that allows events to become greener each year as new ideas and best practices are introduced.
The Convene Green Alliance is a grassroots, industry initiative spearheaded by several high-profile associations that seek to effect positive environmental practices through national, regional and local outreach and education. This initiative was developed in response to members’ demands that their association (and the meetings and events they sponsor), reflect best environmental practices. CGA was founded and is managed by IMN Solutions, a leading association, foundation and meeting management company. Learn more at www.convenegreen.com.
ASAE is a membership organization of more than 22,000 association executives and industry partners representing more than 11,000 organizations. Its members manage leading trade associations, individual membership societies and voluntary organizations across the United States and in nearly 50 countries around the world. With support of the ASAE Foundation, a separate nonprofit entity, ASAE is the premier source of learning, knowledge and future-oriented research for the association and nonprofit profession, and provides resources, education, ideas and advocacy to enhance the power and performance of the association and nonprofit community. For more information about ASAE, visit www.asaecenter.org."
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Foxwoods Resort Casino Offers Best Ticket in Town: Fantasy, Flair, and Fun for $50
Monday, August 30 @ 12:04:54 CDT
"Experience Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy, Legends In Concert
and Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition with Unique Bundle Pack
WHAT: Foxwoods Resort Casino invites you to beat the heat with a unique end-of-summer offer – catch three exciting shows for ONLY $50. Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy featuring Debbie Gibson; Legends in Concert featuring Michael Jackson, Christina Aguilera, Aretha Franklin and others; and Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition featuring 125 unique artifacts. Purchase individually for $80 total – this bundle offers a savings of $30. Tickets are valid during regular show/exhibition times; no need to experience all in one day. General admission seating.
To purchase, simply call the Foxwoods Box Office at 800-200-2882 or the MGM Grand Box Office at 866-646-0609 and please reference promotional code: CALENDAR when purchasing.
WHEN: Through September 1 (Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy)
Through September 5 (Legends in Concert)
Through October 3 (Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition)
WHERE: Foxwoods Resort Casino & MGM Grand at Foxwoods
MGM Grand Theater (Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy)
Fox Theater (Legends in Concert)
Great Cedar Exhibition Area (Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition)
PRICE: $50 buys one General Admission ticket to each show mentioned above; select any valid date/time. Please note you must buy all 3 events to receive the discount.
INFO: For show/exhibition times please call 1-800-FOXWOODS
About Foxwoods and MGM Grand at Foxwoods
North America’s largest casino, Foxwoods Resort Casino® is located at the Mashantucket Pequot Indian reservation in the midst of the rolling hills of southeastern Connecticut; easily accessible from Boston, New York, Hartford and Providence. Owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, Foxwoods offers something for everyone as the East Coast’s premiere entertainment destination. Four award-winning hotels offer accommodations to suit every budget, along with luxury butler-serviced villas, extensive retail offerings, and more than thirty dining establishments offering everything from world-class gourmet cuisine to casual fare. Six casinos offer non-stop gaming excitement with over 7,000 slots and 570 table games throughout the resort; including the only WPT World Poker Room™ on the east coast; a High Stakes Bingo hall and Ultimate Race Book. The renowned Norwich Spa at Foxwoods and the tranquil oasis of G-Spa will provide the perfect escape to recharge the mind, body and soul. Meetings and Convention seekers will find more than 115,000 square feet of meeting space including the largest column-free ballroom in the northeast; MGM’s 50,000 square foot Premiere Ballroom. Two acoustically-perfected theater venues offer weekly entertainment for all ages. The original state-of-the-art Fox Theater, seating 1400, was opened in 1993 by the legendary Frank Sinatra. The majestic 4,000-seat MGM Grand Theater hosts an impressive variety of weekly headline entertainment. Conveniently located adjacent to Foxwoods is Lake of Isles™, featuring two, 18-hole championship golf courses designed by Rees Jones and a state-of-the-art Golf Academy. Foxwoods supports responsible gaming, and plays a leadership role in the Connecticut Council of Problem Gambling, of which it was a founding entity. For more information, call 1-800-FOXWOODS or visit www.foxwoods.com."
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Associated Luxury Hotels Adds Allied International As Its Newest Member
Wednesday, August 11 @ 14:18:54 CDT
". . . This New Strategic Global Alliance Expands ALHI’s National Sales Services To Planners
WASHINGTON, DC – Allied International, the largest independent destination management company in the world (as it is the parent company of Allied Europe, Allied Arabia and PRA Destination Management), with offices throughout Europe, the U.S., Canada, and elsewhere, has joined Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI), effective July 2010. With this new membership and global alliance, ALHI expands its service offerings to meeting professionals, association executives, incentive/recognition specialists and group travel specialists, beyond its extensive worldwide portfolio of more than 125 Four- and Five-Diamond quality hotels and resorts. This new alliance makes it easier for planners -- working with ALHI -- to secure innovative destination opportunities and services, and to coordinate logistics for their programs throughout Europe, the United States, and elsewhere, beyond the ALHI headquarter hotel. Established in 1986, ALHI (www.alhi.com) is a prestigious dues-based membership organization which provides dedicated National Sales services exclusively for its membership and portfolio of incredible luxury hotels and resorts, at no cost to planners’ organizations.
“We’re very pleased about this new strategic global alliance with Allied International and its destination management companies, as it complements and augments our incredible portfolio of distinctive hotels and resorts around the world,” said David Gabri, president and CEO of ALHI. “While providing dedicated National Sales services for our member hotels and resorts is, and always will be, the core focus of ALHI, this alliance with Allied enables ALHI professional access to provide even more destination service options to our valued planners as we assist them in developing distinctive programs at our hotels.”
“Win-Win” Situation For Planners
Gabri added, “Allied International’s membership also ties in perfectly with our National Sales account service mentality and with our membership expansion domestically and internationally. We now have extraordinary member hotels and resorts around the world, with over 100,000 rooms and 10 million square feet of meeting space, so adding Allied’s and PRA’s impressive presence and destination expertise to our member hotel and resort offerings throughout Europe and the U.S. is a tremendous added resource for us to share with meeting professionals and incentive/specialists with whom we work with every day.”
“This new membership with Allied International allows our National Sales team to provide planners seamless support and a direct link to Allied’s and PRA’s reliable and experienced DMC specialists for destination solutions worldwide, all with no commissions or incremental costs to the account for this added National Sales service by ALHI,” said Gabri.
“Instead,” Gabri added, “we formed this membership-alliance as an added account service in direct response to customer input -- where clients suggested we establish incremental destination support for them, with proven relationships, to complement our incredible hotel and resort portfolio, for destination services and concept options to be considered to best assist them. So, whether our account relationships need assistance with coordinating a program’s logistics, arranging transportation, planning group tours, identifying desired off-site event options, and/or coordinating special spousal and guest activities, this new alliance allows ALHI to become more helpful with the valued accounts we serve to make it much easier and faster to develop and coordinate a program concept.”
Gabri continued, “It really is a ‘win-win’ situation for planners, who are now able to easily tap into their reliable ALHI resource to obtain incremental destination intelligence and costing, with just one-call to their nearest ALHI National Sales office professional. The team strategy and support of ALHI and Allied International will be a real benefit in serving our clients with the best hotels and resorts solutions in the most desirable locations, plus destination options and assistance, especially as we augment our member hotel and resort properties worldwide.”
Allied International (www.allied-international.com) is the parent company of Allied Europe, Allied Arabia, and PRA Destination Management. Allied International, like Associated Luxury Hotels, has over 20 years of experience serving the meeting, convention, and incentive/recognition marketplace. Allied International includes the ownership of PRA Destination Management Inc., based in Carlsbad, California, with DMC operations throughout America as well. Allied International is headed by CEO James W. Hensley, and now provides destination management services in 38 U.S. and 29 international destinations throughout Europe and the United Arab Emirates.
“By combining forces with ALHI, we are able to assist even more meeting professionals and incentive specialists with their destination service needs,” said Hensley. “It really is an ideal alliance since Allied, PRA and ALHI have built proven service reputations based on customer focus, quality solutions, and service reliability. Together we will now provide even more comprehensive account-focused services for planners seeking the variety of ALHI hotels and destinations.”
ALHI’s distinctive, dues-based membership of more than 125 Four- and Five-Diamond quality hotels and resorts worldwide provides over 100,000 rooms and 10 million square feet of meeting space for meetings, conventions and incentive/recognition programs. ALHI’s membership includes hotels and resorts throughout the U.S., as well as in Argentina, The Bahamas, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, The Dominican Republic, England, France, Italy, Jamaica, Mexico, Spain, and the United Arab Emirates.
The ALHI worldwide member portfolio includes extraordinary Four- and Five-Diamond quality meeting and incentive resorts, incomparable city hotels, exclusive smaller hotels, golf resorts, historic and landmark properties, island destinations, resorts with spas, properties in international destinations, and hotels with gaming and entertainment; all with a dedicated focus on serving the group markets.
For a complete list of ALHI’s entire worldwide portfolio, visit www.alhi.com, and preview details of ALHI’s impressive portfolio, including information on several defined specialty segments within the ALHI portfolio to serve distinctive meeting, convention and incentive travel needs. Included among these are: the “ALHI Level 5 Collection” for those that have earned the highest and most distinctive recognitions including the prestigious AAA Five-Diamond rating, and/or the esteemed Forbes (Mobil) Five-Star rating; the “ALHI Big Box 5-50 Collection” for larger programs requiring over 500 rooms and over 50,000 square feet of meeting space; the “U-200 Gem Collection” for planners seeking smaller, yet high-quality venues, for their specific programs; the “Mountain Resort Collection”; and the “ALHI Historic Collection” consisting of legendary hotels and resorts with historical significance.
Contact your nearest ALHI national sales representative for their expertise and assistance. Associated Luxury Hotels has 16 professionally-staffed National Sales Offices to serve, with locations in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Kansas City, Louisville, New York City, North Carolina, Orange County (CA), Orlando, Philadelphia, Richmond, San Diego, Toronto and Washington, DC. Go to www.alhi.com to identify the “ALHI Contacts” sales professionals in your state/area.
To inquire about a potential meeting at any of the ALHI member properties, contact your nearest ALHI National Sales Office, call the “ALHI Group Desk” toll-free at 866-303-ALHI (2544), and visit www.alhi.com."
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