Cosmic Buzz
| 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. |
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Sheraton Hotels & Resorts Partners with Microsoft to Keep Guests Connected on the Road |
Wednesday, May 14 @ 15:01:06 EDT
 "Microsoft Products and Services will Keep Guests Connected at Sheraton's Newly Branded Signature Communications Hub: "Link at Sheraton Experienced with Microsoft"
WHITE PLAINS, NY – May 14, 2008 – Sheraton Hotels & Resorts and Microsoft Corp. announced today a partnership to implement products and services at the “Link @ Sheraton,” its signature communications hub rolling out in Sheraton lobbies this year. Under the agreement, Sheraton will also co-brand and rename the space “The Link @ Sheraton experienced with Microsoft.” The partnership is one component of a comprehensive effort to enhance and differentiate the guest experience at Sheraton’s 408 hotels across 75 countries, currently rolling out globally.
Sheraton’s Link is a unique virtual and physical lobby lounge space that meets the needs of Sheraton’s core guests by enabling them to work, relax and remain connected with friends and family during their travels. It offers a unique and convenient online experience, including free Wi-Fi and Internet-enabled computer stations, to allow guests to email, search the Web, review local attractions and even print up boarding passes. Through its relationship with Microsoft, the new, enhanced “Link @ Sheraton experienced with Microsoft” will offer Windows-based computers providing visitors with search, maps, email and information. In addition, many Link computers will also feature webcams, allowing guests to have free video-chats or email video postcards back home. Guests will also have access to televisions, daily newspapers, and food and beverage offerings.
“Our guests are intent on making the most of their travels and we’re confident this new partnership with Microsoft will enable Sheraton Hotels & Resorts to provide them with the products, services and tools to keep them connected to what matters most while on the road,” said Hoyt H. Harper, II, Senior Vice President for the Sheraton brand. “The Link reflects Sheraton's commitment to deliver popular, unique and unexpected offerings to our guests and is an exciting pillar of Sheraton’s comprehensive effort to further differentiate our iconic brand.”
“Today’s traveler is part of a connected digital community, with instant access to information and technology for work, entertainment and social networking,” said Sandra Andrews, U.S. hospitality industry director, Microsoft. “With ‘Link @ Sheraton experienced with Microsoft,’ Sheraton and Microsoft are helping forge the convergence of the digital lifestyle and work-style in the experiences offered to this new breed of guest.”
Currently 66 Sheraton properties around the world feature The Link. Under the Microsoft agreement, Sheraton will roll out the co-branded “The Link @ Sheraton experienced with Microsoft” at more than 300 properties worldwide by the end of 2008.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with approximately 850 properties in more than 95 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood® Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels and resorts with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, Sheraton®, Westin®, Four Points® by Sheraton, W®, Le Méridien® and the recently announced AloftSM and ElementSM Hotels. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.
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Culturla Showcase at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre |
Wednesday, May 14 @ 14:23:44 EDT
"Kuala Lumpur, 2 Apr 2008 – Tapping into Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage, the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (the Centre) is offering delegates the not-to-be-missed cultural experiences of batik-painting, pewter-smithing, basket-weaving and songket-weaving at all international and regional conferences held at the Centre.
Showcased to the sounds of the gamelan (traditional Malay orchestra) – a cadence of bronze instruments only found in South East Asia – metallophones, xylophones, drums and gongs, bamboo flutes, and bowed and plucked strings— this platform gives international visitors a peek into Malaysia’s thriving cultural roots, in modern Kuala Lumpur.
According to Mr Peter Brokenshire, General Manager, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, the initiatives are in line with the Centre’s vision to “provide fresh and exciting cultural exposure and insights to our growing legion of international visitors. In addition, we want to give back to the community by promoting traditional art.”
Pewter-smithing – Re-live the experience of olden-day pewter making at Royal Selangor’s School of Hard Knocks. With just a few simple tools; hammer, mallet, wooden mould and scraper, one will be able to craft one’s own pewter dish. It is also a good tool to release stress.
Basket weaving – Basket weaving is one of the widest spread craft in the history of human civilisation. It is the craft of weaving together fibrous or pliable material, anything that will bend or form a shape and includes, but is not limited to pine straw, different types of grass, thread, branches, rattan and wood.
Batik-painting – Batik refers to the painstaking process of wax-resist and dye painting to produce a multi-coloured intricate design. A versatile art that lends itself to any kind of creative expression, batik is expressed in a variety of fabrics.
Songket-weaving – Another Malay craft is songket, a hand-woven fabric in either cotton or silk with fine gold or silver threads. As reflected in the Centre’s stately décor, its preferred songket motifs include bunga tabur (scattered flower blooms) and pucuk rebung (bamboo shoots).
Gamelan – The gamelan is a gong-based orchestra of bronze instruments only found in South-East Asia, said to have originated in the Bronze Age when local craftsmen experimented with the metal. When one strikes the instruments, the different sounds of resonation create something unique.
Wood carving – Originally found in the houses of Malay nobility, these delicate hand-carved items were much sought after interior decorations, gracing beams, doorways, window shutters, boat masts and even items as small as jewellery boxes. As human depiction is prohibited in Islam, Malay wood carving gets its inspiration from flora, animal motifs and Islamic art although this has never influenced the fine artistic designs.
For further information, please contact:
Peter Brokenshire; Guy Chaplin or Malina Shamsudin
General Manager
TQPR (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre
Tel: +603 2092 4300
Tel: +603 2333 2888
Fax: +603 2092 5972
Fax: +603 2333 2882
Email: info@klccconventioncentre.com
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Associated Luxury Hotels International Opens its First International Office |
Wednesday, May 14 @ 14:19:17 EDT
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First Office in Toronto to Provide National Sales Services to Canadian Market
...Hospitality/Meetings Industry Veteran Susan Bernad Will Lead The Office
WASHINGTON, DC (May 2008) – Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI) has opened a professionally-staffed National Sales Office in Toronto, Canada, which is ALHI’s first office outside of the United States, and 14th National Sales Office (NSO) overall. For over 20 years, ALHI has been serving the meetings, incentive, conventions and expositions (M.I.C.E.) marketplace with its national sales responsibilities for its worldwide membership of over 100 premier Four- and Five-Diamond/Star quality hotels and resorts. This new sales region location provides Associated Luxury Hotels a more extensive and diversified North American sales distribution network to serve the marketplace with ALHI’s other professionally-staffed National Sales operations in Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Boston, Northern California, Southern California, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Eastern North Carolina, Kansas City (MO), New York City, Orlando, and Philadelphia.
ALHI also announced its Toronto office is under the direction of hospitality and meetings industry veteran Susan Bernad, who serves as Area Sales Director. She joined ALHI from HRG Events and Meetings Management, where she served as Account Executive. Previous to that, she was Director of Group Sales for Deerhurst Resort, and led the Toronto regional office for Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts.
David Gabri, president and CEO of Associated Luxury Hotels, said, “After 22 years of successful sales service in America, and having recently expanded our portfolio with amazing hotels and resorts in Argentina, Brazil, England, France, Italy, Jamaica, Mexico and Scotland, we determined that opening up an international office was the next logical step – and what a better choice than in Canada.”
Gabri continued, “ALHI has had hotel and resort members in Canada for nearly five years, including the famed Pan Pacific Vancouver and Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside – and more recently the Loews Le Concorde Hotel in Quebec City and the Loews Hotel Vogue in Montreal. We wanted to bring our NSO services to support the planning professionals in Canada, whom we have met and served over the years -- and others -- to support them with their Canadian business, business to America, and elsewhere worldwide. This will allow our hotels and resorts to have a local regional contact in Canada for our entire collection of outstanding luxury hotels and resorts worldwide that specialize in meeting and incentive programs.”
Gabri added, “We are pleased to have such a respected and skilled regional sales professional as Susan Bernad join the ALHI sales team to work with planners in Canada. She will be an excellent regional extension of the remarkable member hotels and resorts we serve.”
With a diverse luxury portfolio of more than 80,000 rooms and suites and over 9 million square feet of meeting space, ALHI enables meeting planners and incentive specialists to gain reliable one-call National Sales service and access to its outstanding member hotels and resorts worldwide which specialize in meetings and incentive programs requiring from 10 to more than 5,000 rooms.
Member properties include extraordinary meeting 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 or entertainment. There is no cost to planners to utilize the authorized National Sales Services of ALHI, as its members’ dues fund the services.
For more information about Associated Luxury Hotels, or to inquire about a potential meeting at any of the Associated Luxury Hotels member properties, contact your nearest Associated Luxury Hotels National Sales Office (in Canada, call 905-846-4477 or contact Susan Bernad at sbernad@alhi.com). Or, call the “ALHI Luxury Group Desk” toll-free at 866-303-ALHI (2544). Information about Associated Luxury Hotels and its member properties also may be obtained by visiting www.alhi.com . Planners also may call or email ALHIguide@alhi.com to acquire a copy of Associated Luxury Hotels’ “2007-2008 Guide to Meeting Destinations and Facilities.”
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Upcoming Events at the National Museum of the Marine Corps |
Thursday, May 08 @ 15:19:48 EDT
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Upcoming Events:
June 5:
Nationally known author Jeff Shaara will autograph his newest book, "The Steel Wave," at the National Museum of the Marine Corps from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m., June 5, 2008. The book is the second volume of his acclaimed bestselling World War II trilogy. This time out, Shaara, whose books have been hailed as "paens to the American fighting man," takes us to the most famous chapter in World War II: D-Day and the battle for Normandy.
Mr. Shaara will discuss the book at a luncheon in the National Museum of the Marine Corps, after which he will autograph his book in the Museum's book store. The lunch will be held at 1 p.m. in the Museum.
Advance reservations are required. Tickets are $25 and are available by contacting Pam Dodson at the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation at (703) 649-2350 or Dodson@marineheritage.org.
June 6:
Marine Corps Heritage Foundation Commemorates The Battle of Belleau Wood at The National Museum of the Marine Corps
Advance Tickets $35
Cocktails: 1730
Dinner: 1830
Presentation: 1915
On 27 May, 1918, a massive German offensive smashed through the French lines and threatened Paris. There was not enough reserves to fill the gap. A frantic call went out to the inexperienced American 2nd Division. Among the Doughboys was a spirited unit clothed in forest green...and bore the title "Leatherneck." They were the men of the 4th Marine Brigade,,,and spoiling for a fight. They stopped the German assault in five bloody days of fighting...and on 6 June, counterattacked through wheat fields and woodlands...forcing the enemy to retreat. The battle of Belleau Woods firmly established the fighting reputation of the Marine Corps. In recognition of their heroic accomplishments, a grateful French government renamed the wood, "Bois de la Brigade des Marines."
In honor of the 90th anniversary of Belleau Wood, the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation will commemorate the famous battle with a dinner and lively discussion by the noted historian Colonel Joe Alexander, U.S. Marine Corps retired. Colonel Alexander will also sign his most recent book, Through the Wheat, The U.S. Marines in World War I, which he co-authored with retired BGen Ed Simmons.
The "by reservation" event will be held in the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Tickets are $35. Reservations must be made prior to the event at Dodson@marineheritage.org or (703) 649-2350. Payment is required at time of reservation.
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Alexandria, Virginia to Contribute to Tourism Scholarship Fund |
Wednesday, May 07 @ 15:05:36 EDT
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Proceeds from sale of motorcoach parking permits will benefit American Bus Association Foundation
Alexandria, VA (May 7, 2008)—Beginning in May 2008, the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association (ACVA) will allocate a portion of the proceeds from motorcoach parking permits for an annual donation to the American Bus Association Foundation scholarship fund.
Motorchoach parking is available at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, a favorite attraction on many tour itineraries and conveniently located in Old Town Alexandria. Daytime permits are $10 and overnight permits are $35. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the passes will be contributed to the ABA Foundation Scholarship Fund. Each year the ABA Foundation awards $2,500 scholarships to 18 students working towards a degree supporting the travel and tourism industries.
“The tour industry contributes essential economic benefits to cities nationwide,” said ACVA President and CEO Stephanie Brown. “The ACVA is excited for an opportunity to give back to the tourism community, and support the students who will lead this industry in the future, through donations to the ABA.”
Getting in and around Alexandria is easier than ever for motorcoaches. More spaces are now available in Alexandria for loading and unloading of motorcoaches in the heart of the historic district on King Street at Market Square. Permitted daytime and overnight parking is available at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. Additional free daytime parking is available on a limited basis at Robinson Terminal on North Union Street. The free King Street Trolley, which is now making stops from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily between the marina and the King Street Metro Station, also provides added convenience to visitors exploring Alexandria. "
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ASAE & The Center's Susan Sarfati to Move On Following Distinguished Career in Association Management |
Wednesday, May 07 @ 13:50:03 EDT
"WASHINGTON, DC – After more than 25 years as a leader and outspoken advocate for the association management profession and for life-long learning, 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.
"Susan's leadership, passion, creativity, energy and commitment are unsurpassed in the profession. She is an icon in the industry and is held in such high regard by the ASAE & Center boards, association professionals and industry partners alike. Susan has been the heart and soul of The Center and will be sorely missed," said Mark Golden, CAE, chairman of The Center and executive director and CEO of the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA).
"Susan is a visionary leader and innovator who has taken risks that have shaped the profession and we've all benefited as a result," said ASAE President and CEO John H. Graham IV, CAE. "Susan's passion and strong belief in the importance, possibilities and contributions of associations have always been evident, and we thank her for her leadership at ASAE & The Center and in the larger global community."
"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. I am proud of my many contributions, including being the founding CEO of The Center, leading the 13 seasons of the Nation's Capital Distinguished Speakers Series, building a high performance team, and most recently, launching the Global Summit on Social Responsibility and the association social responsibility movement. From now until my departure on August 31, I will direct my efforts toward moving the Summit outcomes to the next step. What I value most are the relationships I have built with volunteer leaders, members, and the incredibly talented staff whom I have had the honor of working with over the years."
Prior to assuming her current role, Sarfati was the president and CEO of the Greater Washington Society of Association Executives (GWSAE) and the GWSAE Foundation for almost 13 years, and founded The Center for Association Leadership and the Marriott Learning Complex. She grew the society's budget by 300 percent and launched The Journal of Association Leadership, among many other accomplishments.
In 2004, Sarfati played a leadership role in the historic merger between ASAE, GWSAE, the ASAE Foundation and The Center for Association Leadership that resulted in two organizations – ASAE & The Center – linked together by a common belief and passion that associations have the power to transform society for the better.
Before GWSAE, Sarfati held leadership positions with ASAE and the Institutes for Organization Management at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
A graduate of City University of New York and Coppin State College, Sarfati was honored by many industry groups including Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI), the New York Society of Association Executives (NYSAE), and The National Conference for Community and Justice.
She was honored as the Nonprofit Times' Executive of the Year for "forward thinking and creative leadership," and was also named one of the 25 most influential people in the meetings industry by Meeting News.
She currently serves on numerous boards of directors including The Boys & Girls Clubs and Gifts in Kind International, and is a trustee of The Federal City Council. Susan was honored by being invited to become a member of the International Women's Forum, an organization of preeminent women of significant and diverse achievement.
MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Vest, 202.626.2798, cvest@asaenet.org
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Dublin Targets €1 Billion Tourism Market |
Wednesday, May 07 @ 13:45:19 EDT
"Business tourists are expected to spend €1 billion in Ireland by 2013 and Dublin has targeted an 80 per cent share of this lucrative business.
The capital took a significant step towards achieving this target today with the announcement that Dublin Convention Bureau (DCB) is to be integrated with the Dublin Regional Tourism Authority (Dublin Tourism).
Following a detailed study of the growing ‘promotable business tourism market’, the Boards of DCB and Dublin Tourism agreed that the optimum strategy for boosting Dublin’s annual business tourism revenue to €800m over the next five years is to integrate the Dublin Convention Bureau into the Dublin Tourism organisation with effect from 1st June 2008.
The chief executive of DCB Jean Evans and her staff will join Dublin Tourism where they will continue to promote Dublin as a venue for business tourism with additional resources provided by the Regional Tourism Authority. This will enable DCB to intensify its activities in overseas markets.
Clive Brownlee, chairman of Dublin Convention Bureau said that DCB has made a considerable impact in growing the business tourism market for Dublin. ‘I am delighted that the opportunity has occurred to develop the market further by integrating the operations of DCB with those of DRTA to create a powerful force for growth in what is a very competitive global market.’
Welcoming the integration, Ann Riordan, chairman of Dublin Tourism said that the target for promotable business tourism revenue for Ireland is €1 billion by 2013. ‘Dublin, which currently attracts 80 per cent of all business revenues to the country, will benefit economically if these targets are met. The integration of DCB into DRTA will enable the staff transferring into DRTA to focus on the core sales activity of winning conference business for Dublin and help the city achieve its ambitious targets for business tourism.’
Following the integration, board members of Dublin Convention Bureau will join an Advisory Board which will be an effective mechanism to ensure that the aims and objectives of the Dublin Convention Bureau, with its focus on business tourism, will be enhanced.
The integration is expected to significantly improve the positioning of Dublin as a business tourism destination. The vibrant network of Professional Conference Organisers and Destination Management Companies operating in Dublin will facilitate this process. The city already has an attractive portfolio of conference venues and business hotels supported by visitor attractions, restaurants and pubs. Convention Centre Dublin, which is currently under construction, will further boost the appeal of the city to conference organisers.
Membership of Dublin Convention Bureau includes Failte Ireland, Dublin Local Authorities, the Irish Hotels Federation, major convention venues and the Association of Irish Professional Conference Organisers.
For further information please contact:
Ciara Sugrue, Marketing & Development Manager, Dublin Tourism
Telephone: (01) 6057751 or (086) 2543496
E-mail: ciarasugrue@dublintourism.ie
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Discover Great American Traditions In the Pocono Mountains During 25th Annual National Tourism Week |
Wednesday, May 07 @ 13:40:35 EDT
"POCONO MOUNTAINS, PA – In celebration of the 25th Annual National Tourism Week, May 10-18 and the theme, “Discover Great American Traditions,” the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau (PMVB) hopes to increase public awareness and community support for the tourism industry throughout the four-county Pocono Mountains region of Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne.
This weeklong event encourages state and local tourism leaders as well as communities, to band together to emphasize and promote a wider understanding of travel and tourism as a major U.S. industry. Travel and tourism serves as a vital force to economic stability. It is America’s third largest retail sales industry, the Commonwealth’s second largest industry and the largest in the Pocono Mountains.
To kick off National Tourism Week, representatives from the PMVB will visit legislators in Harrisburg on May 13 and 14, to discuss tourism initiatives. On Wednesday, May 14, the PMVB will display Pocono Mountains promotional materials at the Capitol Hill Trade Show.
The region will contribute with the annual event, Pocono Mountains Tourism Day, on Thursday, May 15 at The Inn at Pocono Manor, Pocono Manor, PA. The event features Ed Barlow, Jr. as keynote speaker, who will explore “The Future of Travel and Tourism: It’s a Journey, not a Destination.” In addition, the Pocono Mountains Tourism Achievement Awards Luncheon will be held to recognize deserving individuals and local properties for their service to the tourism industry.
National Tourism Week will also be prominent at all Keystone Welcome Centers and Pocono Mountains Visitor Centers. Various Pocono Mountains accommodations and attractions will have special displayed at the keystone welcome centers during the week. From May 10-18, visitors will have the opportunity to register for prize giveaways to area attractions and accommodations, including a grand prize of Pocono Raceway tickets. Entry forms will be available at any of the participating welcome centers. Winners will be selected by a drawing and notified to redeem their prize.
The PMVB will be getting a head start on National Tourism Week by promoting the Pocono Mountains on AOL Travel’s web site, travel.aol.com, beginning May 1. This promotion includes reciprocal links from AOL Travel to the Pocono Mountains official tourism web site, 800poconos.com.
National Tourism Week is sponsored by the Travel Industry Association and promoted through Convention and Visitors Bureaus throughout the United States. For more information about Discover Great American Traditions National Tourism Week, visit TIA’s web site at www.tia.org. For more details on these promotions, contact Ann Pilcher at 570.421.5791 or ann@poconos.com.
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IMEX Academy Awards Celebrate Contributions of Industry’s High Achievers |
Wednesday, May 07 @ 13:36:54 EDT
"The Annual IMEX Academy Awards took place at the trade show’s Gala Dinner last night and were met with widespread praise and applause by an enthusiastic industry audience.
Introducing the prestigious and popular Awards, IMEX Managing Director, Paul Flackett, who himself has worked in the international meetings industry for over 25 years, explained that the industry currently demonstrates more strength and depth than he can ever remember.
“I think we all recognise that this industry can be highly addictive. These Awards are a chance to shine a spotlight, albeit for a short while, on those personalities who work so hard, so enthusiastically and with such imagination to keep clients happy and deliver the right results,” he said.
IMEX presents a series of Academy Awards to individuals in four different global regions. These Awards reflect the tremendous service delivered to the meetings industry by their recipients who are often seen as ‘unsung’ heroes for the contributions they make.
The 2008 IMEX Academy Award for The Americas was presented to Jane Schuldt of World Marketing Group, Ltd. Check out Jane's listing on ConventionPlanit.com.
Schuldt has served as President of SITE (Society of Incentive and Travel Executives) and the SITE Foundation, as well as working tirelessly to develop younger members of the industry. She is also an acclaimed global leader with a “wicked sense of fun – a true asset to the industry,” explained Flackett."
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ConventionPlanit.com Participates in Record-Breaking IMEX Show |
Wednesday, April 30 @ 14:58:34 EDT
"WASHINGTON, DC, April 25, 2008 – ConventionPlanit.com and a group of hosted meeting professionals from the United States were part of a record-breaking IMEX 2008 meetings industry trade show in Frankfurt, Germany in late April.
In his closing ceremony speech, IMEX Chairman Ray Bloom explained that IMEX 2008 was marked by a series of record-breaking highs, both on and off the show floor.
“An indication of the robust and healthy nature of the international meetings industry currently is that IMEX welcomed well over 8,500 buyers to Messe Frankfurt, of which more than 3,600 were hosted buyers - a far larger proportion of these being from long-haul markets than ever before,” he said.
“Adding to this positive picture is the fact that these buyers achieved over 40,000 pre-organized appointments over the last three days, of which more than 30,000 were made through the individual online appointment system.”
ConventionPlanit.com hosted a steady stream of meeting professionals that visited its booth to view demonstrations of its popular online search directory.
One of the highlights of the event was Association Day, held on the first day of the three-day meeting. Many European association meetings professionals took advantage of this opportunity to exchange opinions and best practice by representatives from other global markets.
The day was organized in partnership with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), with support and contributions from six other leading global associations: The European Society of Association Executives (ESAE), Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI), International Association of Congress Centres (AIPC), International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO), the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and the Center for Association Leadership, and the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE).
A new feature of Association Day included a “World Café,” which was a new method of structured conversation designed to support learning and allow for the constructive flow and development of ideas formulated by small groups. The Association Day World Cafe session was moderated by Paul E Borawski, CAE, Executive Director and Chief Strategic Officer of the American Society for Quality and World Cafe facilitator.
A second panel discussion, moderated by ICCA CEO Martin Sirk, offered planners the opportunity to learn more about corporate social responsibility (CSR). Speakers Amy Spatrisano, President and Co-Founder of the Green Meeting Industry Council; Greta Kotler, Chief Learning Officer, ASAE and the Center of Association Leadership; and Pierre Sonigo, General Secretary of FERMA (European Federation of Risk Manager Associations) offered their thoughts and insight into creating a long-term strategy that is clearly aligned with an association's founding principles and values. Group discussions also centered on how CSR is increasingly used to motivate members and stakeholders.
“This was the third year in a row that ConventionPlanit.com exhibited at IMEX and brought a group of hosted buyers from the United States,” explained ConventionPlanit.com Co-Founder David Markham. “The interest in our Web site was stronger than ever, and the additional planners at this year’s event made it even better.”
IMEX 2009 will be held May 26-28, 2009 in Frankfurt, Germany.
Designed by meeting professionals as an efficient registration-free online search directory, ConventionPlanit.com is a popular Web site that quickly refines searches to identify suitable destinations, facilities, and service providers. ConventionPlanit.com connects buyers with sellers and there are no commissions or third party fees. For more information, visit www.conventionplanit.com.
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