Fantasy of Flight - Convention Forum

Transcription

Serving Meeting Professionals Throughout The Southeast
Fall 2013
Featuring
Fantasy of Flight
Bring your Central Florida meeting
or event to new heights!
Attendance at
Association Meetings
on UPSWING
DIRECTING THE NEXT
BLOCKBUSTER
EVENT IS EASIER THAN IT LOOKS.
Welcome to Fantasy of Flight, an intriguing aviation attraction with full-service meeting and event capabilities.
Fantasy of Flight houses the world’s largest private collection of vintage aircraft and is open to the public.
With more than 100 of aviation’s greatest accomplishments on display, the art deco facility always plays a gracious host to
event planners looking for a truly unique and customized experience for their guests. Our dedicated and experienced staff
is available to manage every detail and
make your event soar.
Cover Photo and this Photo compliments of unruephoto.com
• Over 100,000 square feet of combined meeting space
• Two spacious airplane hangers with flexible configurations
• Orlampa Conference Center
• Art-Deco Compass Rose Diner
• Themed South Pacific WWII Officer’s Club
• Vast acreage of outdoor space to accommodate any style of event
WalkAir Ropes Course & Zip Line for team building activities
• Wing
and corporate retreats
LEARN MORE ABOUT US AT
www.fantasyofflight.com
1400 Broadway Boulevard SE, Polk City, FL 33868
•
863.984.3500
Serving Meeting Professionals Throughout The Southeast
Contents
Convention Forum • Fall 2013
G reen V enues
7
Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort
Hotel Committed to Saving Energy
and Improving Sustainable Performance
10
Knoxville Convention Center
Where the Great Indoors and the Great
Outdoors Meet
Features
12-13 Green Venue Facility Listings
C oastal P roperties
15 The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa
Knoxville Convention Center; Knoxville, Tennessee
A Truly Exceptional Oceanfront Destination
5
Take Your Next Event to Whole
New Heights!
14
Getting Started in Sustainable
Meetings
by Mariela McIlwraith
28
Look Out! You’re Being Robbed
17 The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa
31
Attendance at Association
Meetings on Upswing
18 Wilmington, N.C.
Where River & Sea Come Together for Extraordinary Meetings
32
16 Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island
Offers All-New Event Space
A Perfect Balance Between Business & Pleasure
M eetings
at a
by David Gabri
Hiring Professional Speakers:
How to Avoid Mistakes
by Patricia Fripp
Departments
G lance
Alabama
20 Facility Listings
North Carolina
Florida
South Carolina
Georgia
by Siamak Farah
Tennessee
4
8
16, 18
20, 25
33
Publisher’s Message
Chef’s Profile
Industry Developments
Awards & Recognition
In the News
Texas
Louisiana
Mississippi
Virginia and West Virginia
On the Cover: Fantasy of Flight; Polk City, Florida
We thank all the state and city CVBs throughout the Southeast for contributing photos as needed to our publication.
ISSN 1556-1097 © 2013 Convention ForumTM is published by MAVERICK MARKETING LLC
10524 Moss Park Road, Ste. 204-138, Orlando, FL 32832; 407/891-9941; FAX: 407/891-9985
conventionforum.com
Publisher: Maverick Marketing
Copy Editor: Susan Trainor
CONVENTION FORUM • FALL 2013
Creative Director: Tina Robers
3
TAKE YOUR NEXT EVENT TO
WHOLE NEW HEIGHTS!
Fantasy of Flight is Central Florida’s premier aviation-themed
attraction, showcasing more than 100 rare and vintage aircraft
from the world’s largest private collection. But that’s just the
beginning. Fantasy of Flight not only explores the history and
innovation of flight, but also invokes the profound metaphor of
flight – pushing our boundaries, reaching beyond ourselves and
freedom. Not at all your typical air museum, Fantasy of Flight
features themed immersion experiences, interactive exhibits, a
tram tour of aircraft maintenance areas, Restoration and Backlot
tours and the country’s only “Aerial Demonstration of the Day”
featuring a vintage plane (weather permitting). Whether it’s
hearing the stories of heroism during the audio tour of the
hangars filled with aircraft from early flight, WWI or WWII; taking
a spin on a flight simulator; climbing on board a real B-17 Flying
Fortress; or strapping in for an authentic biplane ride – Fantasy
of Flight offers something for anyone who’s ever been enchanted
by the freedom of flight.
Ever wonder what it would have been like to be a wing walker or
barnstorming pilot? Wing WalkAir Confidence Course & Zip Line
is just the ticket. This thrilling ropes course is guaranteed to push
your mental boundaries and unleash your inner daredevil. Perfect
for families and corporate team building, Wing WalkAir will help
you reach beyond yourself on a three-level, 36-midair-challenges
ropes course towering to heights of 40 feet. When you reach the
top, glide across our 600 feet of zip line – suspending you over
water and placing you right on the edge of our legendary runway.
After all of this excitement, stop to refuel with a slice of
Americana at our Art-Deco Compass Rose Diner or snag a
unique aviation-themed memory at our gift shop.
All of this sets the perfect backdrop for your next Central Florida
meeting or event. Our Events and Group staff manage every
detail to help meeting planners develop a truly unique experience
for their guests. From intimate corporate parties, to large-scale
outdoor sporting events, Fantasy of Flight is unique in its
flexibility to fit any event or group need.
AIRPLANE HANGARS
Fantasy of Flight has two versatile airplane hangars that allow large
groups to immerse themselves in the middle of aviation history.
Whether a 1,500-person formal plated dinner or a Big Band Era
wedding reception, the more than 32,000 square feet of space can
be reconfigured to be the perfect trade-show floor, theater-style
seminar space, wedding venue or large banquet hall.
OFFICERS’ CLUB & COMPASS ROSE DINER
Transport your event back to the World War II era South Pacific in
the Fantasy of Flight Officer’s Club. Complete with bamboo tiki
bar, festive lights and the nose of a WWII aircraft, this charming
4,550-square-foot space can accommodate parties of up to 200.
If you are looking to stay with a theme, the Compass Rose Diner
carries through the ambiance of the art-deco era and is the perfect
location for a small reception or cocktail hour. The space can seat
up to 80 individuals and has outstanding views of sunset across
the Fantasy of Flight property.
ORLAMPA CONFERENCE CENTER
The name Orlampa speaks perfectly to Fantasy of Flight’s location –
directly in between Orlando and Tampa. The Orlampa Conference
Center offers more than 4,000 square feet of combined meeting
space, plus high-tech audiovisual equipment. Situated directly
across from the main facility, this private space is ideal for intimate
events – weddings, banquets, dinners and corporate sales meetings.
UNDER T HE OPEN SKY
The vast acreage at Fantasy of Flight holds endless possibilities.
Camping, company picnics, concerts, RV Shows, bonfires and
hayrides are just a few examples of events that can easily be held
on-site. Organized, private fly-ins can also be arranged upon request.
Let your imagination soar at Fantasy of Flight, located in
Polk City just off I-4 at exit 44 (about 20 minutes from Winter Haven).
Admission and other information is available by calling
(863) 984-3500 or by visiting www.fantasyofflight.com.
Fromthe Publisher
Let Your Imagination Take Flight!
W
hen it comes to planning meetings, it helps to think outside the
box and let your imagination soar. Happily there are venues to
help you do that, and Fantasy of Flight is surely one of those! In addition to full-service meeting and event capabilities, this hidden gem in
Polk City, Fla., houses the world’s largest private collection of vintage
aircraft. Read more on page 5, and get ready for your meeting planning imagination to take flight.
In addition to everything you’re about to read in this print edition,
Convention Forum™ offers an expanded digital version of the magazine
at conventionforum.com, where you can see all of the great venues
more in-depth with just one click. The properties come to life in slide shows and videos that
show you everything each venue has to offer. Sign up at conventionforum.com or send your
request to editor@conventionforum.com.
This installment of Convention Forum™ is our green edition. Let me go on record saying
I must disagree with Kermit the Frog: It IS EASY being green! Guest author Mariela
McIlwraith offers a four-step primer on how to get started in sustainable meetings (see page
14), and many of our venues are already offering meeting planners, event-goers and guests
multiple ways to help sustain our planet. Check out the wind turbine installation at Hilton
Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort (page 7), see what’s new at the Knoxville Convention Center
(page 10) and browse additional green venues on pages 12 and 13. See? It is easy being green!
We are also featuring coastal properties in this edition of Convention Forum™, see pages
15-18, and our updated meeting planners guide, MEETINGS at a GLANCE, offers you
destinations in 11 different states. Wherever you’re going for your next meeting, we have
a great venue for you to consider! You’ll find all the info you need to begin your planning
process, starting on page 19.
Now I don’t mean to alarm you … but you’re being robbed! So says Siamak Farah, business
expert and CEO of InfoStreet. According to Siamak, and backed up by the Encyclopedia of
Business, stress is robbing U.S. businesses of $200 billion each year. I don’t know about you,
but I do not want to share my hard-earned cash with a thief named stress! But there’s good
news: Siamak offers solutions to several of the most common stress factors in his article on
page 28.
And there’s more good news on page 31, where our friend David Gabri reports that
attendance at association meetings is on the rise. So much so, in fact, that David urges meeting
planners to act soon to lock in space for their 2014 meetings and beyond. Now aren’t you glad
you have the latest edition of Convention Forum™ to help you do just that?
Finally, Patricia Fripp has good advice for us when it comes to hiring professional speakers.
You’ll find six great tips on page 32.
So, let your imagination take flight, make your meeting plans soon and beat that thief
named stress—all in a day’s work, right?
All of us at Convention Forum™ are grateful to be a part of your life.
Michelle M. Cyr
Maverick Marketing LLC
P.S. Like us on Facebook, facebook.com/conventionforum, and be sure to visit
conventionforum.com where you can click on “Find a Venue” and “Destination Showcase”
to find more ways to let your imagination take flight.
6
PUBLICATION
Maverick Marketing LLC
10524 Moss Park Road
Ste. 204-138
Orlando, FL 32832
407/891-9941 Phone
407/891-9985 Fax
Susan Trainor
Copy Editor
editor@conventionforum.com
Tina Robers
Graphic Designer
ADVERTISING
Michelle M. Cyr
407/891-9941
michelle@conventionforum.com
Laura Horn
404/680-9138
laura@conventionforum.com
Convention Forum is a publication for meeting planners.
Convention Forum reaches more than 30,000* meeting
planners across the Southeastern United States and the
Top Fortune 1000 Companies Nationwide. *Based on 3.0
pass along rate.
All information contained in this publication reflects only
the opinions of the authors; none is to be interpreted as
having the endorsement or recommendation of Maverick
Marketing LLC, its affiliates or contractors, except where
such a statement is included in the wording of the text.
Articles presented without the byline of an author were
compiled from press release materials.
Green Venues
Wind Turbine Installation Begins at
Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort
Hotel Committed to Saving Energy
and Improving Sustainable Performance
H
ilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort
has changed its rooftop
landscape by adding six
wind turbines to the
25-story all-suite resort
located across from the
Atlantic Ocean on AIA
in Fort Lauderdale,
Fla. The awardwinning 374-suite
resort has been committed to saving energy
since opening in 2007 and was the first hotel in Fort Lauderdale
Beach to be awarded a Florida Green Lodging designation. Continuing the commitment of going above and beyond environmental regulations and voluntarily implementing hotel conservation
programs, the hotel has installed six wind turbines to help reduce
energy consumption and eventually provide a cost savings.
“We are committed to implementing innovative programs
and making continual improvements to our overall sustainability
results each year,” says Andreas Ioannou, general manager, Hilton
Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort.
The wind turbines stand approximately 52 feet tall and are
strategically positioned on each corner and center of the hotel’s
rooftop, providing maximum wind velocity. The wind turbines
produce 24,000 KWH, ultimately assisting in reducing the
amount of energy being used in guestrooms and on property. The
primary function of
the turbines is to help
reduce the amount
of alternative energy
needed, lowering
the power sources
that deplete natural
resources, such as gas
and oil.
“We are proud of
this renewable energy
initiative as well as
other eco-friendly
programs to implement sustainable practices that will help future
generations,” Ioannou adds.
Hilton Fort Lauderdale launched a “Green Team” to spearhead
and oversee the resort’s environmental efforts and to implement
programs for waste reduction, resource conservation and energy
efficiency. The property’s exterior glass was manufactured not
only to withstand hurricane-force winds but also to control
heat from sunlight entering the building, which reduces energy
consumption. Each year the hotel participates in “Earth Hour,”
encouraging hotel guests to join as well by shutting off lights
for one hour. Recycling all paper, florescent bulbs, lighting and
batteries, as well as installing automatic water flush meters in all
public restrooms are some of the programs the resort has initiated.
The hotel is in the process of installing a food composter machine
to assist with composting food waste into nutrient-rich water,
ultimately keeping this waste out of landfills and helping the resort
to save money on transportation fees.
As a member of the Hilton Hotels & Resorts portfolio, Hilton
Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort uses “LightStay,” a proprietary
system that analyzes and reports sustainability performance.
Hilton Worldwide is the first major multibrand hospitality
company to make sustainability measurement a brand standard.
Adopting numerous green practices that conserve energy, reduce
water consumption, protect air quality and limit waste is part of
Hilton Worldwide’ s fiveUp Close and Personal
year reduction commitment.
In 2010 alone, the company
saved more than $74 million
in utility costs through a 6.6
percent reduction of energy
use, 7.8 percent reduction of
carbon output, 19 percent
reduction of waste output and
Brigette Bienvenu
Director of Sales & Marketing
3.8 percent reduction of water
Hilton Fort Lauderdale
use. There is more information
Beach Resort
at hiltonworldwide.com/
Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
954/414-2608
corporateresponsibility.
See ad on back cover
fortlauderdalebeachresort.hilton.com
brigette.bienvenu@hilton.com
7
Chef’sProfile
Chef Sean Mcdonald Brings a Fresh
Flavor to the Hilton Fort Lauderdale
Beach Resort
S
ean Mcdonald is the executive chef of the Hilton Fort
Lauderdale Beach Resort and its signature restaurant ilios.
He brings 15 years of experience after leading an illustrious
career garnering accolades of Michelin and Mobile stars. He is
impacting Fort Lauderdale’s culinary scene with the unveiling
of contemporary cuisine at ilios.
Chef Mcdonald, born and raised in London, has known
since he was a child that he wanted to become a chef. After
starting in the field by washing dishes at 13, he officially got his
opportunity on the line at the Hampshire Hotel’s Celebrities
restaurant located in central London’s Lester Square. It was
there that Chef Mcdonald began his career, learning the ways of
butchery and pantry work. He earned his culinary degree from
Walthom Forest College.
Mcdonald moved to the busy kitchen of Chelsea Harbor’s
Canteen, where he began to develop his trademark risotto skills.
He then honed those skills while working for Fabio Trabocchi
at the Ritz-Carlton, Virginia. Mcdonald credits Trabocchi, his
longtime adviser, with helping evolve his style of cuisine.
Chef Mcdonald features that style at Hilton Fort Lauderdale
Beach Resort’s sixth floor eatery, ilios. Adjacent to the
Sunrise Terrace, ilios features classic dishes, fresh salads and
contemporary dishes. With focus on local produce and fresh
seafood, he presents enticing basic dishes with great flavors and a
modern flair.
When describing the menu for ilios, Mcdonald says, “Our
vision when creating ilios’s menu was to offer up the flavors of
the area in a creative manner while offering recommendations
on which wine is suited for just the right combination of taste.
It is a great way of experiencing many different flavors.” A few of
Mcdonald’s creations include:
8
• Shrimp Pomodoro Fettuccini with Florida heirloom tomatoes, basil and Parmigianino
• Seared Branzino with black olives, artichokes and cherry tomatoes
• Seared Grouper Cioppino
• Seared Fillet Braised Beef Rotollo
• Braised Osso Bucco with risotto Milanese, gold leaf and stuffed potato bone
• Braised Pork Belly with grilled local shrimp and Swank Farms sweet radishes
• Grilled Citrus Yogurt Marinated Swordfish with grilled sweet corn and sweet and sour mango
• Grilled Salt Baked Mai with clams, parsley and beech mushrooms
Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort:
The Spirit of Elegance … Personalized
The spectacular Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort is a 25-story,
all-suite landmark property ideally located on the world-acclaimed
shoreline of Fort Lauderdale’s exclusive North Beach, between the
palm-shaded boulevards of Sunrise and Las Olas.
It features 374 elegantly appointed studios; one-, two- and
three-bedroom suites; a 25,000 sq. ft. Sunrise Terrace with a pool
and private cabanas overlooking the ocean; three dining options;
Spa Q; 10,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; and children’s programs.
Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort prides itself on its
personal services offered to guests, including dedicated beach
concierges, kids’ concierges, premium transfer service and remote
check-in.
Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort is located at 505
North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard between Sunrise
and Las Olas boulevards. For information and reservations,
call 1-800-HILTONS (1-800-445-8667) or visit
fortlauderdalebeachresort.hilton.com.
“Fire and Ice,” the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort’s
fifth anniversary celebration. Chef Sean and his team create
a magnificent cake replica of the resort.
“Our vision when creating ilios’s
menu was to offer up the flavors
of the area in a creative manner
while offering recommendations
on which wine is suited for just the
right combination of taste. It is a
great way of experiencing many
different flavors.”
—
Chef Sean McDonald
9
Green Venues
Knoxville Convention Center:
Where the Great Indoors and the
Great Outdoors Meet
K
noxville is the city you don’t expect. A small city with a big
city feel, Knoxville, Tenn., is at the crossroads of the Eastern
United States.
Convention and Meeting Facilities - When it comes to
your clients, big or small, Knoxville has them covered. For those
looking for an eco-friendly spot, the Knoxville Convention
Center (KCC) is the friendliest around. KCC became the first
convention center in the state of Tennessee to receive a LEED
Silver certification. KCC also
Up Close and Personal
has the largest solar panel
installation on any cityowned building, providing
clean, renewable energy
to the region. The rooftop
solar photovoltaic system is
just one of the green energy
Jennifer Morris
retrofits made to the facility.
Senior Director of Sales and Services
New energy-efficient boilers,
a 30-ton air-cooled chiller,
Knoxville, Tenn.
window film, a new domestic
800/727-8045
hot water system and lighting
visitknoxville.com/meetings
systems have also been
jmorris@knoxville.org
installed to reduce the center’s
Pub: Convention Forum
Insert: Green Mtgs & Events
10 Size: 7.5 x 4.875
carbon footprint and to make the building more sustainable. If
nothing else, Knoxville is a flexible city with properties of varying
sizes and services.
Dining and Food & Beverage - No matter your palate or
your pocketbook, we have a plate that is just right. From classic
southern cuisine to handmade popsicles, this fresh southern city is
rising in the foodie world, and there is not a bad bite to be found.
Attractions - The Urban Wilderness gets bigger every day,
hosting a simple hike or the hardcore athletes hitting the trails.
Culture and arts also abound with theaters, galleries, historic
homes and street performers like no other.
Good news is the airport usually has a short line at security and
is less than 15 miles from downtown. If you decide to stay, we
offer more than 8,000 hotel rooms and seven full-service facilities.
Toss in a little southern hospitality, and Knoxville is the perfect
place to have meetings and make memories.
Client: Knoxville Convention & Visitors Bureau
Job No: KCVB-42299
Title: That meetingCONVENTION
was so 3 hoursFORUM
ago • FALL 2013
11
Green Venues
Florida
12
Venue
What’s Green
CHEECA LODGE & SPA
Islamorada, Florida
Rhonda Denise Whitfield, Director of Sales
305/266-5111
rwhitfield@cheeca.com
cheeca.com
Number of Meeting Rooms: 5
Total Sq. Ft.: 4,600
As a responsible steward of one of the most
environmentally sensitive regions in the world,
the Florida Keys, Cheeca supports numerous
programs such as extensive recycling efforts,
water and energy conservation, an on-site
wastewater treatment plant for grounds
irrigation, Xeriscaping, use of biodegradable
cleaning products, protection of local sea life
via the banning of thrill craft in the waters
surrounding the resort, dimming of all outside
lights during turtle nesting season and support of
several local conservation groups.
EMBASSY SUITES ORLANDO NORTH
Altamonte Springs, Florida
Melissa Roberts, Director of Sales & Marketing
407/571-3431
orlandonorth.embassysuites.com
We are proud to be Florida Green Lodging
Certified. We contribute with in-suite and office
recycling, using recycled paper, online menus
and brochures, green chemical cleaning supplies,
compact fluorescent and LED lighting, energy
saver shower heads, water conservation and low
flow water systems. Stay green at the Embassy
Suites!
HILTON KEY LARGO
Key Largo, Florida
Sales Department
305/852-5553
keylargoresort.com
Total Sq. Ft.: 17,000 sq. ft.
of flexible meeting space
Nestled on 13 acres of tropical forest at the edge
of the Everglades, Hilton Key Largo Resort is
committed to keeping our environment beautiful
and healthy. A few of our efforts include training
from the DEP to all team members; digital
newspapers for guests; recycling bins for staff
and guests; purchase of 30 percent or higher
post-consumer content for all paper products;
linen and towel reuse programs; use of low-flow
faucets, showerheads and toilets; and Floridafriendly landscaping.
SANDESTIN GOLF AND BEACH RESORT
Destin, Florida
Nancy Wilkerson, Director of Sales
850/267-8254
sandestin.com/cf
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, the #1
destination on Florida’s Emerald Coast, continues
its efforts to go green through a number of
programs including water conservation, energy
conservation, nature preservation, linen reuses,
recycling and other environmentally friendly
practices. Sandestin can also tailor and offer
various environmentally friendly programs
based on groups’ needs. For group and
meeting information, call 855/660-0934 or visit
sandestin.com/cf.
THE WESTIN CAPE CORAL RESORT
AT MARINA VILLAGE
Cape Coral, Florida
Jeanne Gerstle, Sales Administrative Assistant
239/541-5040
salescapecoral@westin.com
westincapecoral.com
Guestrooms: 263; Suites: 180
We are dedicated to educating, promoting
and encouraging our guests and staff to be
ecologically conscious by reducing water and
energy consumption as well as reducing solid
waste. Our resort was built with green lodging
in mind, and we continue to participate in green
choices.
Green Venues
Georgia
Tennessee
Virginia
Venue
What’s Green
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA TIFTON CAMPUS
CONFERENCE CENTER
Tifton, Georgia
Kim Rutland, Director
229/386-3416
ugatiftonconference.org
The University of Georgia Tifton Campus
Conference Center is committed to using
energy efficient lighting and environmentally
friendly cleaning products throughout the entire
facility. In addition to LED, light fixtures are
equipped with timers, light and motion sensors
in the conference center’s common areas and
in individual rooms. The TCCC participates
in the University of Georgia’s Green PAWS
(Planetary Awareness and Wellness) initiative, a
student-directed recycling program developed to
encourage reducing landfill waste.
Venue
What’s Green
KNOXVILLE CONVENTION CENTER
Knoxville, Tennessee
Rebecca Williams
Director of Sales and Marketing
865/251-6024
knoxvilleconventioncenter.org
Certified LEED Silver for existing buildings. Green
efforts include: single stream recycling, ecofriendly cleaning products, local and organic foods
with emphasis on farm to table, energy efficient
lighting, heating and chillers. Solar panels on roof
of building. Entire staff grows organic herbs on
site to use for attendees. Convention center is
located in Knoxville, Tenn., a solar city with many
green and sustainability initiatives.
Venue
What’s Green
GREATER RICHMOND CONVENTION CENTER
Richmond, Virginia
Lori Coyne, Director of Sales & Marketing
804/783-7335
richmondcenter.com
Number of Meeting Rooms: 36, plus exhibit hall
We are proud to be a Virginia Green
certified lodging facility. The green program
at the Greater Richmond Convention Center
focuses on recycling, waste reduction, water
efficiency, energy conservation and the use of
green cleaning products and recycled paper
products. This environmental commitment
is actively communicated to meeting and
event planners as well as to visitors, who
are encouraged to participate in our green
practices.
NEWPORT NEWS TOURISM
DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
Newport News, Virginia
Cheryl Morales, Marketing Manager
888/493-7386
cmorales@nngov.com
newport-news.org
Number of Guestrooms: More than 3,900 citywide
Number of Meeting Rooms: 51 citywide
Total Sq. Ft.: 54,127 citywide
Since 1990, Canon Virginia in Newport News
has created socially responsible programs that
respect the environment. Additional efforts
were made in 1998, when the Newport News
Green Foundation was established. When
Virginia Green was founded in 2008, it was
a natural progression for our partners in the
tourism industry to work toward certification.
Newport News—an environmentally friendly
place to live, work and play!
Sign up for our Expanded Digital Magazine that includes videos and slide shows.
For more information, email us at editor@conventionforum.com.
13
Getting Started in Sustainable Meetings
by Mariela McIlwraith
There are many
ways to reduce
materials used
for meetings and
events, producing
great cost savings.
S
ustainable meetings are about the triple bottom
line: people, planet and prosperity. One of the
easiest ways to get started in producing sustainable
meetings and events is to focus on waste reduction
and management using the following sequence:
• Rethink: Can we accomplish the same thing, or better, with alternative methods that require fewer resources (such as an app instead of a program book)?
• Reduce: There are many ways to reduce materials used for meetings and events, producing great cost savings. For example, with food, composting and food donations are a great second step, but the first step is to reduce the amount
of food that is unused at events. Start with reducing portions and being realistic about guaranteed numbers. For added impact, focus your waste management efforts on items that are resource intensive to produce, such as meat and dairy.
• Reuse: Find alternate uses for leftover materials before throwing them out. Can materials be donated, or can items
be printed without dates to make them usable for future events?
• Recycle: For materials that can’t be reduced or reused, find the most sustainable option for managing the waste, such as recycling or composting. This will typically require cooperation with the venue to make implementation feasible.
14
Of course, sustainability is easier to accomplish with support
from other stakeholders. Communicating your sustainability
goals in advance to your suppliers, exhibitors, sponsors, partners
and participants, as well as reporting your achievements to these
stakeholders, can engage them in the process. To assist with
stakeholder engagement, GMIC has recently launched a new
campaign called Ask For It! in support of the APEX/ASTM
standards to help demonstrate the market value of sustainable
meetings. The campaign is targeted to planners, encouraging
them to ask suppliers for sustainable practices, and it is also a
call to action for suppliers to the event and meeting industry—
venues, food and beverage, hotels and others, to certify against the
standards to at least level one compliance.
Mariela McIlwraith, CMP, CMM, MBA, is the executive
director of the Green Meeting Industry Council and
GMIC Sustainable Meetings Foundation, executive editor
of the Convention Industry Council Manual, 9th edition,
and president of Meeting Change.
Coastal Venues
The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa
A Truly Exception Oceanfront Destination
C
ompletely renovated in 2013, The
Westin Hilton Head Island Resort &
Spa is a truly exceptional oceanfront destination. Situated on the Atlantic Ocean,
with 416 guestrooms and suites, 37,000
sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor event space
and seven dining venues, this iconic resort
showcases a stylish coastal design that creates the perfect balance between business
and relaxation.
Every guest accommodation is well
appointed with our signature Westin
Heavenly Bed® and our rejuvenating
Heavenly Bath® to thoroughly renew tired
minds and muscles. All rooms include a
private balcony, mini-refrigerator, highspeed and wireless internet access, double
bath vanity and comfortable furnishings
reflecting a soothing coastal design. Our
unique building design allows 65 percent
of our guestrooms to have an ocean view.
Our Conference
Center space is anchored
by the flexible 13,200
sq. ft. Grand Ballroom,
divisible by six sections,
unobstructed, with a 22foot ceiling. The additional
13 meetings rooms are all
contiguous on the same
level, with easy ground
floor access for exhibits.
Our flexible rooms ensure
seamless movement of your group from
general session to breakouts to meals.
Enjoy our spectacular setting and
temperate climate with creative events
outdoors on the beachfront. Our 9,500 sq.
ft. of dedicated outdoor event space is an
easy four-minute walk from the Conference
Center. Create memorable events in the
ocean breeze from a casual seafood boil
to an elegant oceanfront banquet for up
to 550 guests. Schedule meeting breaks
outside for a welcome breath of fresh air.
Our many courtyard “nooks and crannies”
are perfect for peer networking.
Unique off-site group activities include
deep-sea fishing, eco-discovery kayaking,
antebellum tours, private island oyster
roasts and a host of other creative events.
During their free time, your guests
will enjoy our 12 miles of pristine sandywhite beaches, perfect for biking, jogging,
stand-up paddleboarding and more.
Rejuvenate at our three resort pools and
The Heavenly
Spa; or
energize at our WestinWORKOUT, the
adjacent 36-hole Port Royal Golf Club or
the 14-court Port Royal Racquet Club.
Explore our local passion for creative
cuisine at more than 200 non-chain local
restaurants within five miles of our resort.
Or indulge shopping desires at the new
waterfront Shelter Cove Towne Center or
more than 120 Tanger Outlets.
Guests may arrive via air at one of two
airports that serve the area. The Savannah
Hilton Head International Airport (SAV)
offers a sunlit southern welcome to its
intimate terminal, and guests enjoy a
scenic 45-minute ride to the resort. SAV
offers direct flights to more than 15 major
U.S. hub airports—3,600 seats per day—
providing one-stop access to the world.
The Hilton Head Island Airport
(HHH) is just 10 minutes from the resort
and provides additional commercial and
private aviation options. Alternately,
the resort sits just 30 minutes from
Interstate 95, providing super-highway
access to points north, south and west.
Take advantage of our year-round
temperate weather and book your
group during our value season for
exceptional meeting package rates. For
more information, please call our Sales
Department at 843-681-4000 or email
westinhhi@westin.com.
15
Coastal Venues
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island
Offers All-New Event Space
IndustryDevelopments
S
onesta Resort Hilton Head Island recently completed a
$30 million renovation, including 22,500 sq. ft. of all-new
meeting and event space, and represents the only all-new resort
to open on Hilton Head Island this year. Indoor and outdoor
function space is available at the resort, and includes its 10,000
sq. ft. Santee Ballroom, 7,000 sq. ft. Oceanfront Pavilion and
2,500 sq. ft. Savannah Ballroom. The Oceanside Pavilion includes
glass panels and built-in
space heaters for year-round
events, and additional outdoor
terrace space is available
to accommodate outdoor
functions.
The resort is designed to
highlight the look and feel of
the South Carolina Lowcountry
Jay Wiendl
General Manager
and the island, and features
Sonesta Resort
contemporary and welcoming
Hilton Head Island
natural tones of the ocean, coral
Hilton Head, S.C.
and beach. Collectively, the
843/842-2400
resort can accommodate groups
sonesta.com/hiltonheadisland
from eight to 800 individuals.
jwiendl@sonesta.com
Visit Orlando President & CEO George Aguel, Rosen Plaza General Manager Gary Hudson,
Rosen Hotels & Resorts VP Sales & Marketing Leslie Menichini, I-Drive Chamber Executive
Director Maria Triscari, Rosen Plaza Director of Sales & Marketing Victoria Hall, Orange
County Convention Center Deputy General Manager Jan Addison, Windermere Mayor Gary
Bruhn, Orange County Commissioner Tiffany Russell Moore, Orange County Commissioner
Scott Boyd, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, Pamela Sain and Rosen Hotels & Resorts
Orlando President & COO Harris Rosen
Rosen Hotels & Resorts Opens Gary Sain Memorial
Skybridge
Rosen Hotels & Resorts celebrated the opening of the Gary
Sain Memorial Skybridge, which connects the Rosen Plaza
with the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC)
West Building, with a ribbon cutting and dedication
ceremony on September 19 at the hotel. The new skybridge
completes the fourth and final link in connecting the
OCCC with adjacent International Drive hotels. The
skybridge is named in honor of the previous Visit Orlando
president and CEO, who passed away in May 2012.
rosenplaza.com; rosenhotels.com
TAKE A LOOK
Shreveport-Bossier to Host Motorcoach
Association Conference
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island
is ready to amaze.
Our newly renovated beachfront resort features beautifully updated
guest rooms and 22,500 square feet of redesigned indoor
and outdoor meeting space for groups up to 800 guests.
Let Sonesta bring friendly service, “Food is Art” cuisine and
an authentic Lowcountry experience to your next meeting here.
843.842.2400
130 Shipyard Drive | Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Sonesta.com/HiltonHeadIsland
SonestaHiltonHeadIsland
SonestaHHI
16
Shreveport-Bossier has been selected as host site of the
Second Regional Motorcoach Association Meeting of
the South Central Motorcoach Association, the Alabama
Motorcoach Association and the Georgia Motorcoach
Operators Association. The Regional Meeting will be held
Aug. 17-20, 2014. The selection of Shreveport-Bossier was
recently announced in Birmingham, Ala. The selection
of Shreveport-Bossier as host of the event is the result
of a highly competitive bid process completed by the
Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau.
Continued on page 12
Coastal Venues
The Westin Hilton Head Island
Resort & Spa
A Perfect Balance Between Business
& Pleasure
C
ompletely renovated in 2013, The Westin Hilton Head
Island Resort & Spa is a truly exceptional oceanfront
destination. Situated on the Atlantic Ocean, with 416
guestrooms and suites, more than 37,000 sq. ft. of indoor and
outdoor event space and seven dining venues, this iconic resort
showcases a stylish coastal design that creates the perfect balance
between business and pleasure.
Meetings are expertly hosted in 37,000 sq. ft. of indoor and
outdoor meeting space, including our 13,200 sq. ft. elegant Grand
Ballroom and the additional 14,500 sq. ft. of breakout and board
meeting space. All contiguous on the same level, with outdoor access for exhibits, our 19 flexible rooms ensure seamless movement
of your group from general session to breakouts to meals.
Enjoy our beautiful setting with planned events on the oceanfront deck or the covered ocean pavilion, both located directly on
our spectacular beachfront, for groups up to 550 people.
During their free time, your guests will enjoy our 12 miles of
pristine sandy-white beaches, perfect for biking, jogging, stand-up
paddleboarding and more. Rejuvenate at our three resort pools
and The Heavenly Spa; or energize at our WestinWORKOUT,
the adjacent 36-hole Port Royal Golf Club or the 14-court Port
Royal Racquet Club.
Unique off-site group activities include deep-sea fishing, ecodiscovery kayaking, antebellum tours, private island oyster roasts
and a host of other creative events. Explore our local passion for
creative cuisine at more than 200 non-chain local restaurants
within five miles of our resort.
Or indulge shopping desires at
the new waterfront Shelter Cove
Towne Center or the 120-plus
Tanger Outlets.
Take advantage of our yearround temperate weather and
book your group during our
Gail Wargo
value season for exceptional
Director, Sales and Marketing
meeting package rates. For more
The Westin Hilton Head Island
Resort & Spa
information, please call our Sales
Hilton Head Island, S.C.
Department at 843/681-4000 or
843/681-1020
email westinhhi@westin.com.
westinhiltonheadisland.com
westinhhi@westin.com
AN EXCEPTIONAL
OCEANFRONT DESTINATION
Completely renovated in 2013, this AAA 4-Diamond Resort showcases
a soothing coastal design throughout the 416 rooms and suites; 37,000
square feet of indoor and outdoor event space and seven dining venues.
Enjoy exceptional meeting values during the spring and fall seasonswhen ideal weather and the all-new luxurious amenities at The Westin
Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa combine to ensure your group
experiences a revitalizing level of success and comfort.
westinhiltonheadisland.com
843.681.4000
Become a member of Starwood Preferred Planner and earn Starpoints ® for your groups, meetings and events.
Convention Forum Fall 2013.indd 1
10/1/2013 11:22:52 AM
17
Coastal Venues
Wilmington, N.C.
Where River & Sea Come Together
for Extraordinary Meetings
O
ne Destination. And four unique settings act as the backdrop
for a boundless bounty of experiences in a historic river
district and on three colorful island beaches. Waterfront views and
the largest meeting and convention facility on the North Carolina
coast create the perfect setting for your next meeting and offer an
exceptional range of attractions, restaurants and activities within
walking distance.
Meeting in Wilmington, N.C.’s historic river district with island
beaches nearby means variety for everyone. We cater to small
businesses, big associations, large
corporations, family reunions or
somewhere in between. Offer your
group more with Wilmington’s
spectacular 107,000 sq. ft.
riverfront convention center and
hotels, connected by nearly two
miles of riverwalk. Attendees can
arrive early or stay late to combine
John Sneed
business with a family getaway
Director of Sales
and enjoy our historic district
Wilmington and Beaches
Convention and Visitors Bureau
and three island beaches. And
800/650-9064, ext. 125
soon there will be more to enjoy
nccoastalmeetingsforum.com
along the riverfront including a
new marina, restaurants and three jsneed@wilmingtonandbeaches.com
hotels nearby.
Meet riverfront.
Unwind oceanfront.
Wilmington, N.C.’s Historic River District and Island Beaches
offer extraordinary settings surrounded by water, history and
natural beauty. All the right elements for increasing your
meeting attendance at this favorite vacation destination
and getting down to business at the largest convention
center on the North Carolina coast.
• Connection to the scenic Riverwalk lined with shops and cafés
• Meeting space for 20 to 2,000
• Access to 8,000 guest rooms from the riverfront to oceanfront
Book your waterfront meeting now:
NCCoastalMeetingsForum.com
800-650-9064 ext.125
18
IndustryDevelopments
Continued from page 10
ALHI Expands Portfolio
Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI) has
expanded the U.S. city hotel options in its portfolio with the
addition of Langham Place, Fifth Avenue in New York City,
the brand new The Langham, Chicago in Chicago and Hotel
Monteleone in New Orleans. Befitting the hotel’s prestigious
address, Langham Place, Fifth Avenue embodies luxurious
style and understated sophistication. The Langham, Chicago
gracefully blends urban sophistication with refined luxury,
combined with impressive views overlooking the Chicago
River. The luxurious Hotel Monteleone is a historic
landmark that sits along the famous Royal Street in New
Orleans. alhi.com
PGA NATIONAL RESORT & SPA ANNOUNCES MEETINGS
INCENTIVE
PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens,
Fla., announces a chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime golf
vacation to Scotland’s famed Turnberry Resort for meeting
planners when booking a new meeting by Dec. 31, 2013.
To qualify, organizers must book a new meeting reservation
with a minimum of 300 rooms by the end of 2013 for
consumption between now and June 1, 2014. pgaresort.
com/scotland
ICONIC BOCA RATON HOTEL TO REOPEN AS WATERSTONE
RESORT & MARINA
Waterstone Resort & Marina, undergoing a dramatic
reinvention from Boca Bridge Hotel and opening later
this year in Boca Raton, Fla., will debut as soft brand of
DoubleTree by Hilton. Located on Lake Boca at the Atlantic
Ocean inlet and one block from the beach, Waterstone
Resort & Marina will unveil a new pool area and waterfront
promenade that is adjacent to both indoor and outdoor
seafront dining and marina, offering boaters dining service to
their vessels. waterstoneboca.com
SMG AWARDED MANAGEMENT RENEWAL FOR JACKSON
CONVENTION COMPLEX
SMG is proud to announce that the Capital City
Convention Center Commission has extended the
management contract of SMG to continue managing
the Jackson Convention Complex in Mississippi for an
additional three years. SMG has managed the complex since
its opening in 2009. jacksonconventioncomplex.com
MEETINGS
at a GLANCE
Alabama
Florida
Georgia
Louisiana
Mississippi
North Carolina
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
West Virginia
It’s all right here.
19
Alabama
Coming Winter 2014
plus
e2
Se r vin
g Me eti
ng Pro
fes sio
na ls Th
rou
gh ou t
Th e So
uth
eas t
Summer
201
2
Unique Meetings
& Events Sites
LeCie
Sandel 
and Bestin Golf
ach Re
sort
PAID
Like us on Facebook
facebook.com/conventionforum
AwardsRecognition
Amelia Island Voted Among Top Islands in U.S., World
Northeast Florida’s Amelia Island has placed among the Top 25
Islands in the World in the 2013 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’
Choice Awards. Amelia Island finished tied for the #24 spot in a
list comprising destinations such as Bora Bora, Santorini and the
British Virgin Islands. For the seventh consecutive year, Amelia
Island was also voted among the Top 10 U.S. Islands in the
Readers’ Choice Awards, finishing #10 among other popular U.S.
islands destinations such as Maui, Nantucket, Kauai and Hilton
Head. Amelia Island was the only Florida destination to make
either list. ameliaisland.com
20
Volum
e 8, Issu
Presorted
Standard
U.S. Postag
e
240 Paul Bryant Drive
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
Contact: Jennifer Anderson, Assistant Director
Phone: 205/348-3002 • Fax: 205/348-8505
janderson@ccs.ua.edu
http://bcc.ua.edu
Largest Room Capacity: Theater-1,000;
Banquet-500; Classroom-500; Exhibit/Meeting-120
On-Site Facilities: A/V Services, Business Center,
High-Speed Internet Access,Wireless Internet
Access
The Bryant Conference Center is West
Alabama’s premier meeting facility.
Located inTuscaloosa on the eastern
side of the University of Alabama’s
campus, the BCC is your flexible
Jennifer
meeting alternative.The facility is part
Anderson
of a complex of buildings that includes
Alumni Hall, the Bryant Museum, the Moody
Music Building and the Hotel Capstone. Our
helpful and professional staff is eager to assist with
your event. Call us today!
Jackso
nville,
FL
Permit
No. 877
BRYANT CONFERENCE CENTER
New, Renovated
& Expanded Venues
Sign up for our
Expanded Digital
Magazine that includes
videos and slide shows.
For more information, email us
at editor@conventionforum.com.
Rec
Leade harge Your
rship
Mojo
Golf, R
esor
Small
to Med ts & Spas
ium Ven
ues
Continued on page 19
Hyatt Regency
Jacksonville Riverfront
Employee Awarded
Top Honor
A Jacksonville hospitality
employee has been honored
as one of the best in
her field. Hyatt Hotels
Corporation has awarded
Dianne Liberty of Hyatt
Regency Jacksonville
Riverfront the 2012
Catering & Convention
Services Manager of the
Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront
Year award for the company’s
large hotel category, which
includes 40 properties in North America. Liberty, a senior
convention services manager, received the prestigious honor for
her impeccable service record in 2012. Despite often juggling
multiple groups at a time, she maintained perfect service scores
for all the organizations with which she worked.
jacksonville.hyatt.com
Florida
FANTASY OF FLIGHT
1400 Broadway Boulevard SE
Polk City, FL 33868
Contact: Gina Hubbard
Event & Sales Representative
Phone: 863/984-3500, ext. 263
fantasyofflight.com/events
Number of Meeting Rooms: Varies based on
configuration
Total Sq. Ft.: 48,000+ under roof, additional
outdoor opportunities
Largest Meeting Capacity: Theater-2,000;
Banquet-1,080; Classroom-1,190;
Exhibit/Meeting-Varies
On-Site Facilities: A/V Services, High-Speed
Internet Access, Restaurant, Wireless Internet
Access
Fantasy of Flight houses the world’s largest private
collection of vintage aircraft, creating a truly unique
event experience. With two airplane hangars, a
WWII-style Officers’ Club, the Orlampa Conference
Center, the Art Deco-style Compass Rose Diner
and thousands of square feet of paved outdoor space,
this versatile facility accommodates any type/size
of event.
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY CHAMBER
OF COMMERCE, TOURISM DIVISION
Vero Beach • Sebastian • Fellsmere
1216 21st Street
Vero Beach, FL 32960
Contact: Allison McNeal
Tourism Director
Phone: 772/567-3491, ext. 118
Fax: 772/778-3181
tourism@indianriverchamber.com
indianriverchamber.com
Some of the most memorable and
successful events—from conferences,
reunions and executive retreats to
weddings—take place in Indian River
Allison McNeal County, Fla. A tropical oasis with smalltown ambience and a cosmopolitan flair. Planning
events here is easy, with competent, professional
assistance every step of the way. Your Treasured Event
is waiting to happen here.
EXPERIENCE KISSIMMEE
215 Celebration Place, Ste. 200
Kissimmee, FL 34747
Contact: Janet Jones
Senior Sales Representative
Phone: 407/742-8253 • Fax: 407/742-8262
meet@experiencekissimmee.com
meetinkissimmee.com
Largest Room Capacity: 178,500 sq. ft.
When you’re thinking Florida, think
Kissimmee. Conveniently located next
to Orlando and close to everything,
Kissimmee offers an impressive variety
Janet Jones
of venues, excellent accommodations,
easy access to major roadways and
Orlando International Airport, and world-famous
entertainment your attendees dream about. Ask
about our “It Pays to Meet in Kissimmee” program.
To learn more see 1500.meetinkissimmee.com.
THE LAKELAND CENTER
701 West Lime Street
Lakeland, FL 33815
Contact: Lori Powell, Director of Sales
Phone: 863/834-6116 • Fax: 863/834-8101
lori.powell@lakelandgov.net
thelakelandcenter.com
Total Sq. Ft.: 100,000 interior/250,000 exterior
Guestrooms: 127 (Hyatt Place on site)
Largest Meeting Capacity: Theater-9,150;
Exhibit/Meeting-330
On-Site Facilities: A/V Services, Fitness Facility
(@Hyatt), High-Speed Internet Access, Lounges
(@Hyatt), Outdoor Pool (@Hyatt), Ovations
Food Service, Restaurants (@ Hyatt), Wireless
Internet Access
The Lakeland Center is one of Florida’s original
premier convention, entertainment and sports
venues. Housing an arena, a theater, two exhibit
halls, plus meeting banquet space, we can host any
event you can imagine! Located in Central Florida
between Tampa and Orlando right on Interstate 4.
Upcoming Events
February 17, 2014
CEO Roundtable
FSU Conference Center
Tallahassee
Sponsor: XSite
March 20, 2014
Central Florida Meet & Greet
Caribe Royale All-Suite Hotel
& Convention Center, Orlando
July 9-11, 2014
2014 Annual Conference
Hilton Orlando
Registration opens March 1!
September 26-28, 2014
CEO Retreat
South Seas Island Resort
Captiva Island
Learn more at fsae.org.
21
Georgia
AMICALOLA FALLS LODGE/UNICOI LODGE
ALBANY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
112 North Front Street
Albany, GA 31701
Contact: J.D. Sumner, Sales Manager
Phone: 229/317-4760 • Fax: 229/317-4765
jdsumner@albanyga.com
visitalbanyga.com
Guestrooms: 1,890
Banquet-1,200; Classroom-960;
Exhibit/Meeting-29,192 sq. ft.
Experience meetings and conventions “Southwest
Georgia-style”! We strive to exceed your expectations
with personalized customer service. Let us help you
plan your event and offer suggestions for unique
outings! Check us out at visitalbanyga.com.
THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
TIFTON CAMPUS CONFERENCE CENTER
Mail: 2360 Rainwater Road
Location: 15 RDC Road, Tifton, GA 31793
Contact: Conference Office
Phone: 229/386-3416 • Fax: 229/386-3822
ugatccc@uga.edu
ugatiftonconference.org
Banquet-800; Classroom-350;
Exhibit/Meeting-35,000
High-Speed Internet Access, Wireless Internet Access
This multi-use, modern facility features experienced
personnel and flexible meeting space. As a stateof-the-art facility, the conference center provides
a spectrum of flexibility that includes 33,000 sq.
ft. of exhibit space, audio-visual equipment, two
auditoriums, breakout rooms, ballrooms and a
fully equipped kitchen. Located in the geographic
center of South Georgia, the UGA Tifton Campus
Conference Center hosts a variety of events on the
local, state and regional levels. See us for your event.
22
418 Amicalola Falls Lodge Road/1788 Highway 356
Dawsonville, GA 30534/Helen, GA 30545
Contact: Lori Vansickle, Lodge Manager/
Harvey Dunbar, Lodge Manager
Phone: 706/344-1542; 706/878-2201
Fax: 706/878-2676; 706/878-1897
l.vansickle@amicalolafallslodge.com
hdunbar@coralhospitality.com
georgiastateparks.org
Number of Meeting Rooms: 5/6
Total Sq. Ft.: 3,000/12,000
Guestrooms: 70/130
Suites: 4/0
Largest Room Capacity: Theater-190/450;
Banquet-140/300; Classroom-100/180;
Exhibit/Meeting-240/450
On-Site Facilities: Restaurant
Both the Lodge at Unicoi and the Lodge at
Amicalola Falls offer magnificent settings that are
simply unforgettable. Flexible meeting spaces, comfortable accommodations and sumptuous cuisine
set the stage, but it’s our pristine wilderness, breathtaking waterfalls and beautiful lakes that everyone
can’t stop talking about. For more information and
reservations at Unicoi, call 800/573-9659 and at
Amicalola Falls, call 800/573-9656, or visit online at
georgiastateparks.org.
Gabriel Eckert, CAE, Joins Ranks of
‘Forty Under 40’
Congratulations to Gabriel
Eckert, CAE, on his selection
to the list of Forty Under
40®. Association Forum of
Chicagoland and the weekly
newspaper USAE’s Forty Under 40 awards
recognize 40 up-and-coming association
or nonprofit professionals who are under
the age of 40, demonstrate high potential
for success in leadership roles and exhibit
a strong commitment to the association
management profession. View the entire list
at associationforum.org.
Gabriel Eckert, CAE, is executive director
of the Building Owners and Managers
Association of Georgia, a trade association
representing the management segment of
commercial real estate. With more than 1,000
members, it is the second largest organization
of its kind in the nation. Eckert is also an
active volunteer leader, currently serving
as past chairman of the GSAE Foundation
Board of Trustees and as a member of the
Certified Association Executive Commission.
He is also co-author of the best-selling book
From Insight to Action: 6 New Ways to Think,
Lead and Achieve, published by ASAE’s
Association Management Press.
BRASSTOWN VALLEY RESORT & SPA
6321 U.S. Highway 76
Young Harris, GA 30582
Contact: Charles Burton, General Manager
Phone: 706/379-4606 • Fax: 706/379-9999
charles.burton@brasstownvalley.com
brasstownvalley.com
Guestrooms: 134
Largest Room Capacity: Theater-400;
Exhibit/Meeting-200
Equestrian Facility, Fitness Center, Full-Service
Luxurious Spa, Golf Course (18 holes), HighSpeed Internet Access, Indoor Pool, Lounges (2),
Outdoor Pool, Restaurants (2), Scenic Outdoor
Function/Event Space, Tennis Courts (4),
Wireless Internet Access
Ask about our hot date special discounts!
The conference center is the largest in North
Georgia, with 14,298 sq. ft. of space. Groups from
6 to 330 can be accommodated comfortably with
meeting and boardrooms in every size. Full-service
conference coordinators are on staff to assist with
every detail, from team-building activities and
recreational outings to customized dining options.
Don’t Miss GSAE-TV’s Debut Episode!
GSAE recently produced
its first episode on its
new online video channel,
GSAE-TV. Don’t miss
out on the first issue, which featured GSAE
Chairman Aubie Knight, CIC, CRM,
offering tips on recruiting younger members
and getting them involved in association
education and networking
GSAE Upcoming Events
December 6, 2013
Certified Association Executive (CAE) Exam
at SAIS
December 11, 2013
Holiday Luncheon, Silent Auction & Awards
Presentation
Sponsors: Grand Hotel Marriott Resort,
Golf Club & Spa, Renaissance Hotels
Mobile, The Georgia Center’s UGA Hotel
and Conference Center and VisitNorfolk
February 19, 2014
Quarterly Luncheon
Host: Holiday Inn Atlanta Capitol
Conference Center
April 16, 2014
Quarterly Luncheon
Host: Georgia World Congress Center
Learn more at gsae.org.
Louisiana
SPECIAL EVENTS at
AUDUBON NATURE INSTITUTE
New Orleans
Phone: 504/212-5301 • Fax: 504/212-5434
auduboninstitute.org/events/private
Unique venues - Audubon
Aquarium, Audubon Zoo,
Audubon Tea Room and
Audubon Clubhouse. Our
first-class service and excellent
on-site culinary department
have earned us the reputation
as a leader in the New
Orleans hospitality field.
Audubon Catering is the only
certified Green Caterer in
Louisiana.
LOUISIANA’S NORTHSHORE/ST. TAMMANY
PARISH
68099 Highway 59
Mandeville, LA 70471
Contact: Tanya Leader, VP Sales
Phone: 985/892-0520 • 800/634-9443
Fax: 985/892-1441
tanya@louisiananorthshore.com
louisiananorthshore.com
facebook.com/ExploreLouisianaNorthshore
twitter.com/LANorthshore
Number of Meeting Rooms: 20+
at various venues
Guestrooms: 2,500 parish-wide
Exhibit/Meeting-800
Louisiana’s Northshore has picturesque green spaces
and a diverse culinary scene. Hatch baby alligators
or feed a family of giraffes. Our one-of-a-kind
attractions will keep you coming back for more. And
the Northshore is within an hour of New Orleans,
Baton Rouge and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Visit
our website at louisiananorthshore.com.
LAFAYETTE CONVENTION & VISITORS
COMMISSION
1400 NW Evangeline Thruway
Lafayette, LA 70501
Contact: Karen Primeaux
Phone: 337/232-3737
Fax: 337/232-0161
karen@lafayettetravel.com
lafayette.travel
Lafayette is a city built upon partnership, a strong
work ethic and old-fashioned goodwill. When you’re
looking for a place to hold a meeting or an event,
we’ll be the first with an outreached hand. We know
you’re not looking for just a room, tables or chairs—
you’re looking for a partner.
Mississippi
Meeting
Planners
MISSISSIPPI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY/
TOURISM DIVISION
501 North West Street, Ste. 501
P.O. Box 849
Jackson, MS 39205-0849
Contact: Whitney Orr
Program Manager, Meetings and Conventions
Phone: 601/359-3297
Fax: 601/359-5757
worr@mississippi.org
visitmississippi.org
The Mississippi Development
Authority/Tourism Division can
assist meeting planners with a variety
of meeting services and expert
advice. Check out our Incentive
Whitney Orr
Program and RFP services at
visitmississippi.org or call 1-888-MEET-4-MS
for a free meeting guide.
RIVERWALK MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM
1046 Warrenton Road
Vicksburg, MS 39180
Contact: Elayne Gamble, Group Sales Manager
Phone: 601/802-3138
Fax: 601/802-3212
elayne.gamble@riverwalkvicksburg.com
riverwalkvicksburg.com
Exhibit/Meeting: 100
Internet Access, Restaurants (2), Wireless Internet
Access
Riverwalk Multi-Purpose Room offers a fantastic
view of the Mississippi River, state-of-the-art audio
equipment, full-service catering and event planning
assistance.
Send us pictures
of your special events!
Volume 8, Issue 3
Ser ving Meeting Professionals Throughout The Southeast
Fall 2012
featuring
Hyatt Regency Clearwater
Beach Resort & Spa
Coastal Meetings
Green Meetings
editor@conventionforum.com
23
North Carolina
CRYSTAL COAST CIVIC CENTER
3505 Arendell Street
Morehead City, NC 28557
Contact: Tina Purifoy, Director
Phone: 252/247-3883 • Fax: 252/247-5386
tina.purifoy@carteretcountygov.org
crystalcoastcivicctr.com
Exhibit/Meeting-125
Internet Access, Wireless Internet Access
Located on the banks of the Intracoastal
Waterway, the Crystal Coast Civic
Center provides an impressive backdrop
for all occasions. This unique 20,000
Tina Purifoy sq. ft. venue is located in the heart of
the N.C. Crystal Coast and is close
to all attractions, including Atlantic Beach. With
more than 700 hotel rooms and hundreds of rental
properties in the area, groups of any size can find
accommodations to fit every need.
HIGH POINT CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU NEW BERN RIVERFRONT CONVENTION CENTER
300 South Main Street
High Point, NC 27260
Contact: Marva Wells
Sales Manager
Phone: 336/884-5255, ext. 31
Fax: 336/884-5256
mwells@highpoint.org
highpoint.org
Number of Meeting Rooms: 34 (citywide)
Total Sq. Ft.: 112,084+ (citywide)
Guestrooms: 1,077 (citywide)
With experience hosting guests from
around the world, High Point is
the perfect place for any group—
from anywhere. With inviting
Marva Wells accommodations and an array of great
meeting spaces, no other city will make
you feel more welcome.
203 South Front Street
New Bern, NC 28560
Contact: Mary Harris, Director
Phone: 252/637-1551 • Fax: 252/637-0250
mharris@cravencountync.gov
newbernconventions.com
Guestrooms: 400+ within walking distance
Banquet-1,000; Classroom-770;
Exhibit/Meeting-130 exhibits
High-Speed Internet Access, Wireless Internet Access
The New Bern Riverfront Convention
Center can accommodate groups up to
1,350 and features a 12,000 sq. ft.
ballroom, breakout meeting rooms,
pre-function space and exhibit space.
Mary Harris
Enjoy fabulous views of the Neuse and
Trent rivers from the center’s waterfront veranda.
Event planners and coordinators will find the New
Bern Riverfront Convention Center is the perfect
location for their next trade show, meeting, reunion,
wedding or special event.
Upcoming Events
December 12, 2013
AENC Trade Show, Networking
Breakfast & Luncheon
Educational Program: Critical
Conversations for 2014, Susan
Robertson, CAE, ASAE & The
Center for Association Leadership;
Debra Sexton, Professional
Convention Management
Association; Mike Mason, Zentila;
and Dr. Michael Walden, N.C.
State University
http://aencnet.org/tradeshow.
htm
And they’re off! Participants in the AENC’s 26th Golf Outing prepare
to hit the links.
AENC Golfer Treated
to Champions Tour Course
AENC held its 26th Golf Outing on Oct.
14, 2013. The event brought together
associations, meeting planners and industries
that support both professions. The event was
held at Prestonwood Country Club in Cary,
N.C. Players were treated to amazing course
conditions. The course had just hosted the SAS
Championship, a Champions Tour event.
Congratulations to the third place team!
Learn more at aencnet.org.
24
North Carolina
SHERATON RALEIGH HOTEL
421 South Salisbury Street
Raleigh, NC 27601
Contact: Kevin Johnson
Phone: 919/834-9900 • Fax: 919/833-6342
kevin@sheratonraleigh.com
sheratonraleigh.com
Exhibit/Meeting-35
Fitness Facility, High-Speed Internet Access,
Indoor Pool, Lounge, Restaurants (2), Wireless
Internet Access
Get lost in the lights and sounds of
downtown Raleigh. The Sheraton
Raleigh Hotel is less than a block from
the Raleigh Convention Center and
just a leisurely walk from the state
Kevin
Johnson
Capitol, museums, restaurants and
nightlife. Fresh off our $5 million renovation; come
and experience our new urban loft atmosphere.
TWIN CITY QUARTER
425 North Cherry Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Contact: Ron Stephens
Phone: 336/725-3500
Fax: 336/728-4020
ron.stephens@twincityquarter.com
twincityquarter.com
Twin City Quarter includes the
upscale Winston-Salem Marriott,
the luxurious Embassy Suites and the
Benton Convention Center. Connected
via climate-controlled walkways,
Ron Stephens
the complex includes WS Prime, the
Marriott’s signature restaurant; The Grille, an
American Bistro; and Silkroad Day Spa and Salon.
AwardsRecognition
Cape Fear Riverboats
Founder Receives
NCTIA Award
Cape Fear Riverboats
founder and
Wilmington native
Captain Carl Marshburn
has been awarded the
Wilmington and Beaches CVB CEO Kim Hufham presents
2013 Charles J. Parker
NCTIA Tourism Excellence Award to Captain Carl Marshburn,
Tourism Excellence
owner of Cape Fear Riverboats.
Award for an individual.
The annual award, given by the North Carolina Travel Industry
Association (NCTIA), recognizes outstanding contributions made
by individuals to the state’s tourism industry.
Marshburn is a boat captain, businessman and a strong
advocate for tourism and history. In 1987, when there were only a
handful of visitor attractions located in Downtown Wilmington,
Marshburn envisioned the historic district as a major tourist
attraction. He saw the need for a riverboat cruise to accurately
interpret the region’s nautical history. Naysayers gave the business
only six months, but Marshburn proved them wrong as his cruises
gained in popularity. Marshburn vowed to provide Wilmington’s
citizens and visitors with a cruise boat they could be proud of,
and 25 years later he still honors that promise. cfrboats.com;
gowilmingtonandbeaches.com
WILMINGTON, NC CONVENTION CENTER
515 Nutt Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
Contact: John Sneed
Director of Convention Sales
Wilmington and Beaches Convention
and Visitors Bureau
Phone: 800/650-9064, ext. 125
Fax: 910/341-4029
jsneed@wilmingtonandbeaches.com
nccoastalmeetingsforum.com
Number of Meeting Rooms: 14, plus an
outside event lawn
Largest convention center on North
Carolina coast. Meeting capabilities
or groups of 20 to 2,000 with
107,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and
8,000 guestrooms in the area.
John Sneed
Connected by nearly two miles of
riverwalk and within easy walking distance to
historic downtown Wilmington: 200 shops,
40 restaurants and 10 attractions.
Continued from page 14
Two Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism Reps Earn CMP
Designation
Beth Gendler and Mary Statkewicz with Gulf Shores & Orange
Beach Tourism have both earned the certified meeting professional
(CMP) designation. The CMP honor is a program of the
Convention Industry Council and is regarded as the industry’s
highest standard of professionalism.
Gendler, who serves as the organization’s vice
president of sales, previously worked for Marriot
Hotels before joining the CVB in 2002. Her work
has been recognized by the Tennessee Society of
Association Executives as the 2011 Committee
Chair of the Year and the 2013 Associate Member
Beth Gendler
of the Year. Gendler also serves as the vice president
of sales of the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission.
Statkewicz joined the CVB in 2005 as a sales
manager after tenures with Stouffer Riverview
Plaza, Holiday Inn Fort Walton Beach and
Holiday Inn Downtown Mobile. Recently the
Louisiana Society of Association Executives
honored her as its 2012 Regular Member of the
Year, and in 2011, she was awarded the Jim
Mary Statkewicz
Root Distinguished Service Award from the
Alabama Council of Association Executives. gulfshores.com;
orangebeach.com
25
South Carolina
BAY WATCH RESORT & CONFERENCE CENTER
2701 South Ocean Boulevard
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
Contact: Debbie Strickland
Director of Sales
Phone: 866/270-2263 • Fax: 843/445-5947
sales@oceanaresorts.com
oceanaresorts.com
Exhibit/Meeting-400
On-Site Facilities: A/V Services, Business
Center, Fitness Facility, Indoor Pools (8),
Outdoor Pools (10), Restaurants (2),
Bay Watch Resort & Conference Center has more
than 6,500 sq. ft. of meeting space for hosting a
group event in Myrtle Beach with ocean views.
Meet, greet, dine and celebrate at our conveniently
located resort, boasting amenities designed to make
your stay as relaxing as possible.
HILTON HEAD ISLAND VISITOR
& CONVENTION BUREAU
P.O. Box 5647
Hilton Head Island, SC 29938
Contact: Jack Reed, Director of Sales
Phone: 843/341-8361 • Fax: 843/785-7110
jreed@hiltonheadisland.org
hiltonheadisland.org
Hilton Head Island is a 12-mile-long
subtropical barrier island. The island’s
heritage includes Civil War battles,
rich Gullah culture and the distinction
of being the first ecologically planned
community in the country. The island
Jack Reed
offers enticements including beautiful conference
resorts and easy air and drive accessibility. Hilton
Head is known for its wide, hard-packed beaches
and a fiercely protected natural environment.
26
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON COLUMBIA
SOUTH CAROLINA
2100 Bush River Road
Columbia, SC 29210
Contact: Randi Sullivan, Senior Sales Manager
Phone: 803/744-0140 • Fax: 803/731-4892
randi.sullivan@doubletreesc.com
columbiasouthcarolina.doubletree.com
Total Sq. Ft.: 20,000+
On-Site Facilities: Hilton Honors Lounge With
Concierge Services, Oversized Fitness Center,
Columbo’s Restaurant and Lounge, Complimentary
Wi-Fi in Guestrooms and Public Areas,
Outdoor Pool
Experience the DoubleTree by Hilton
“where the little things mean
everything.” With more than 20,000
sq. ft. of flexible meeting space and
238 deluxe rooms, including 35 suites.
Randi Sullivan
Free parking and
complimentary airport shuttle. Central location
at I-20 and Bush River Road, close to I-26,
minutes from Vista, Downtown, Riverbanks Zoo
and University of South Carolina. Famous warm
chocolate chip walnut cookies will be waiting…
FLORENCE CONVENTION & VISITORS
BUREAU/FLORENCE CIVIC CENTER
3290 West Radio Drive/3300 West Radio Drive
Florence, SC 20501
Contact: Jade Perkins, Convention Services
Phone: 843/664-0330 • Fax: 843/665-9480
jade.perkins@visitflo.com
visitflo.com
Number of Meeting Rooms: 3 (plus arena and
ballroom)
Guestrooms: 3,408; Suites: 475
Exhibit/Meeting-330
Internet Access, Restaurant, Wireless Internet
Access
The Florence CVB is happy to assist with meeting
planning for the Florence area, at the intersection
of Interstates 95 and 20. The Florence Civic Center
accommodates meetings of all sizes. The 30,000
sq. ft. arena can be adjoined by meeting rooms to
offer a total of 50,000 sq. ft. of multipurpose space.
SPRINGMAID BEACH RESORT
3200 South Ocean Boulevard
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Contact: Pam Reis, Director of Sales
Phone: 843/315-7003 • Fax: 813/315-6145
preis@springmaidbeach.com
springmaidbeach.com
On-Site Facilities: A/V Services, Catering, Fitness
Facility, General Store, High-Speed Internet
Access, Indoor Pools (2), Mini Golf, Outdoor
Pool, Restaurants (2), Wireless
Internet Access
Bring your next group or meeting
to the largest oceanfront conference
center in Myrtle Beach. Our beautiful
setting; experienced, service-oriented
staff; and flexible, spacious facilities
Pam Reis
will make the perfect setting for your
next event. Recently we were voted “Best Resort
on the Grand Strand” by the Destination Guide.
The resort has won the Trip Advisor Certificate of
Excellence Award in 2012 and 2013.
Upcoming Events
January 30, 2014 • 3-6 p.m.
SCSAE Annual Trade Show
S.C. State Fairgrounds, Columbia, S.C.
Exhibitor information is available
online.
June 8-10, 2014
SCSAE Annual Conference
Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort at
Grande Dunes
Learn more at scsae.org.
Tennessee and Texas
MEMPHIS COOK CONVENTION CENTER
255 North Main Street
Memphis, TN 38103
Contact: Nicole Seltzer
Director of Convention Center Sales
Phone: 901/576-1253
Fax: 901/576-1212
nseltzer@memphisconvention.com
memphisconvention.com
Exhibit/Meeting-650 (10x10 booths)
Internet Access
In the heart of downtown Memphis, the Memphis
Cook Convention Center has 300,000 sq. ft. of
functional meeting space designed especially for
conventions, trade shows and the performing
arts. Smack dab on the Memphis Trolley Line
and within walking distance of numerous hotels,
attractions and world famous Beale Street.
SEVIERVILLE CONVENTION CENTER
202 Gists Creek Road
Sevierville, TN 37876
Contact: Martha Norris, Sales Manager
Phone: 865/868-1554
Fax: 865/868-1509
mnorris@seviervilletn.org
seviervilleconventioncenter.com
Exhibit/Meeting-540 10x10 booths
On-Site Facilities: A/V Services, Restaurant,
Sevierville, Tenn., the destination for your next
event or trade show. Conveniently located at the
base of the Great Smoky Mountains, you will find
the state-of-the-art Sevierville Convention Center.
Featuring a 240,000 sq. ft. facility with 10 loading
bays with drive-in access to the exhibit hall.
Volume 8, Issue 5
Se r vin g Me e tin g Pr o fe ssio n a ls Th r o u g h o u t Th e So u th e a st
BEAUMONT CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
505 Willow Street
Beaumont, TX 77701
Contact: Freddie Willard, Director of Sales
Phone: 409/880-3160 • Fax: 409/880-3750
fwillard@ci.beaumont.tx.us
beaumontcvb.com/meetings
Number of Meeting Rooms: 53 (citywide)
Total Sq. Ft.: 230,000 (citywide)
Guestrooms: 3,700 (citywide)
Largest Room Capacity (Ford Park Event Center):
Theater-4,860 (exhibit hall); Banquet-3,240
(exhibit hall); Classroom-9,000 (arena);
Exhibit/Meeting-83,000 sq. ft. (exhibit hall &
1arena combined)
Center, Fitness Facility, Golf Course (18 holes),
High-Speed Internet Access, Indoor Pools,
Lounges, Outside Pools, Restaurants (160),
Spa Treatments, Wireless Internet Access
Beaumont, Texas, meeting and
events are booming! With two large
convention centers, 3,700 sleeping
rooms and two full-service convention
hotels—it’s surprising that it’s the little
Freddie Willard
extras that have planners gushing.
Book Beaumont and expect impeccable service,
outstanding hospitality and a CVB ready to exceed
your expectations and deliver an outstanding
meeting experience. Ask us about our Fit & Fun
Campaign!
Spring 2013
EXPAND
YOUR SPACE
Featuring the Georgia World Congress Center
VISIT LUBBOCK
Sign up for our Expanded
Digital Magazine that includes
videos and slide shows.
For more information,
email us at editor@
conventionforum.com
or visit our website at
conventionforum.com.
Enhance Your People Skills
in the Workplace
Successful Meetings Tip:
Help Elected Officials Look Good
1500 Broadway, 6th Floor
Lubbock, TX 79401
Contact: Amy Zientek, Director of Sales
Phone: 806/747-5232 • Fax: 806/747-1419
amy@visitlubbock.org
visitlubbock.org
Internet Access, Wireless Internet Access
Lubbock is carving out a dominant
role in the West Texas landscape,
offering more than 5,200 hotel
rooms, a 300,000 sq. ft. civic center
and a variety of meeting spaces to
Amy Zientek
accommodate groups of any size.
Lubbock offers true West Texas hospitality with
the conveniences of a larger city. Enjoy professional
convention planning assistance and complimentary
services.
27
U
O
K
O
O
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’
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T! Y
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E
B
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D
E
B
B
O
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G
N
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k Fa
ma
y Sia
b
M
ost businesses have great security
systems in place to protect their
property. Small businesses place
cameras on-premise while larger
businesses have gates, security
guards and electronic entry cards. Yet the real
thief responsible for more than $200 billion
annual loss in U.S. businesses is lurking within.
That bandit is none other than stress in the
workplace (see www.referenceforbusiness.com/
encyclopedia/Str-The/Stress-in-the-Workplace.
html). Many are unaware of their stress, and
others believe they can’t do anything about it. In
reality, the do-nothing attitude is causing loss of
productivity, unhealthy workplace relationships,
costly employee turnovers, absenteeism
and increased health care costs. A simple
examination of your business can eliminate or
highly reduce this silent productivity killer.
Let’s explore stress factors common among
most people, whether in the workplace or in
personal life.
28
Lack of Time or Perceived Lack of Time
When you drive to the airport to have dinner at a nice restaurant
close by, you don’t have any stress. Drive to the same airport
knowing that if you are not there in 50 minutes you will miss your
flight, and you will have an amazingly stressful ride and may arrive
at the airport with stubs where your fingernails previously were.
How do I overcome it? Make sure you are realistic about the
deadlines you set for yourself and your employees. It’s important
to set deadlines because people need that certainty as to when
something needs to be done, but an unrealistic deadline will get
you a delayed project or a half-baked project and a stressed-out
team. It’s understood that everyone has emergencies. But running
emergency projects should be the exception, not the norm.
Too Many Open Folders
Regardless of whether or not you are a good multi-tasker, working
on too many things at the same time is stressful. Since our
intuition is to accomplish projects and do them well, a portion of
our mind is occupied with that laundry list of things to do, which
will in turn cause stress. If too many tasks are forced upon us, that
stress is mixed with resentment, and the results are substantially
worse.
How do I overcome it? Seems simple, but set priorities. In
reality, when multi-tasking, if you break it down to the subsecond, you (or your computer) are doing only one thing at
a time. Looking at larger time spans, since you are swapping
between projects, it appears that multiple things are getting done
simultaneously. Set priorities and as a very nice side effect, it will
require you to be aware of all points of view, project dependencies
and your talent pool. In addition, you want to break down your
projects into the smallest feasible time span. For instance, if
projects are broken down to four-hour or one-day chunks, as one
segment is stalled awaiting a resource, you can use that time slot
for another segment.
Lack of Clarity/Tentative Status/Indecision
This truth is as old as our instinct: People need to know where
they stand. They like to know clearly what is expected of them
and what their status is. Indecision, or worse yet, a flip-flopped
decision, leads to uncertainty. Uncertainty is the lifeline of stress.
How do I overcome it? Be clear in your requirements. If
requirements are given to you by others, ask for clarity before
embarking on the project. Not only be a better communicator,
but also request others to communicate more clearly. You can
choose from a variety of communication tools. These can range
from email and mailing lists to Twitter, social task apps and more.
All of these solutions work in different ways, but all have one thing
in common: You must ensure that the communication happens
and that it does so consistently, clearly and punctually.
Lack of Knowledge
People get stressed out when they don’t have the right expertise to
deal with a situation. I remember the first time I attempted to do
my own tax return. While most people told me it’s a walk in the
park, I was completely stressed by it. I quickly realized that I didn’t
have the knowledge for this, and so I delegated to an expert. The
stress disappeared instantly.
How do I overcome it? Create an environment in which people
do not fear bringing up their lack of expertise. If they secretly
struggle, not only will the project suffer, but they will be severely
stressed. This does not mean you should not challenge your team
to push the envelope and expand their expertise. It simply means
that if something is “unsolvable” by them, they should feel free
to ask for an expert. On the management side, the cost of hiring
an expert should not be feared either. Paying an expert five times
as much as your employee may seem exorbitant, but when the
project is done in one-tenth of the time, it’s clear to see that the
investment is well worth it.
Change
There is a small group of people that get bored easily. That
boredom causes stress for them, and they crave change. For the
majority of people, however, it’s the change that causes stress.
Changing jobs, cities, houses, significant others, schools ... When
you are younger, it’s the fear of the unknown that is the culprit,
and when you are older, it’s the effort it takes to familiarize
yourself with something new that stresses you out. This is why
our grandparents get stressed with computers and we get stressed
playing our kids’ video games.
How do I overcome it? Focus on the benefits of the change.
If you can’t clearly articulate the benefits versus the threats of
the change, don’t embark on it. If the change is good for the
company, but employees are hesitant, you as the team leader must
gain buy-in. You may have the power to force the change on your
team, but the stress it will cause will be akin to shooting yourself
in the foot. Gaining buy-in may seem dangerous. Many managers
say they can’t run their operation at the whim of their employees.
That’s precisely why you need to ensure that it’s not merely a
whim you are dealing with, that all facts are known and that your
team can see the greater benefit. At any cost, do not force your
way, even if it means you have to rearrange your talent pool for a
project or bring in consultants.
Worrying About Events That Have Not Happened Yet
The world is filled with worst-case scenario people. This mentality
makes you stressed about something that may or may not happen.
Why waste brain cells?
How do I overcome it? Aim for the best-case scenario and plan
to deal with less-ideal outcomes. The net effect is the same, but this
option lets you enjoy the journey. Communicate the plan to your
team, both in achieving the positive and dealing with disasters.
After you do this a couple of times, a trust will be built that will
help you with all ongoing and future projects.
Lack of Control
Perhaps the most common reason for stress in the workplace is
lack of control. People believe they either don’t have control over
a situation or they are not allowed to apply their solution to the
problem at hand.
How do I overcome it? I know it sounds a bit like Mr. Spock,
but this formula really works:
• If a problem has a solution, there is no reason to stress, just
apply the solution.
• If there are no solutions to the problem, then stressing out
won’t help but will slow you down in trying to find an alternative.
Applying a solution or creating a workaround translates to you
doing something about the problem as opposed to just stressing
about it. Your job as a manager is to consult with your team, both
to gauge their comfort level and to ask for solutions they may
have. It’s the people who are closer to the problem that often have
the best solution.
Physical Health/Relationships
When people don’t feel good about themselves, they get stressed.
When they get stressed, many seek instant gratification. Some
go shopping, eat high-calorie “upper” foods, drink, smoke,
etc. Needless to say, these acts of instant gratification not only
don’t reduce stress, they compound it. As a manager, you may
believe the personal well-being of your employees is none of
your business. But the fact is your employees spend most of their
waking hours at work, and so their personal status not only affects
their work, but also the entire company’s performance.
How do I overcome it? Make sure your employees feel free to
tell you about their personal situations. Offer to act as a sounding
board when they come to you for advice. Make sure your
employees know you will never use what you learn about these
personal situations in business settings. Build that trust. If you
believe your team can benefit from it, invest in stress-busters such
as a company health club membership, team outings, company
picnics and more. It will make your employees stronger and more
loyal, and it will make the company a better place.
Many people have given up on stress management and have
relegated this monster to a fact of life. Being aware of the most
common stress-causing factors, however, will not only allow you
to be proactive in reducing stress in your workplace, but it will also
help you grow as a leader.
Remember, someone robbing you should not be considered
business as usual! Take action today to identify and resolve sources
of stress within your company!
Siamak Farah is the CEO of InfoStreet. InfoStreet is a Cloud
app provider that offers SkyDesktop, a free patent-pending
Cloud desktop; SkyAppMarket, an app marketplace where
a business can choose from the best Cloud apps in the
market; and SkySingleSignOn, a federated login solution and
network management tool. Together they provide all the files
and applications a company needs to run its business in the
Cloud. Try SkyDesktop and SkyAppMarket by visiting skydesktop.com or
by calling 866/956-5051 for more information.
29
Virginia and West Virginia
Check out
our new website
conventionforum.com
and click on the “find a venue” section.
SUMMERSVILLE ARENA & CONFERENCE
CENTER
3 Armory Way
Summersville, WV 26651
Contact: Marianne Taylor, Executive Director
Phone: 304/872-3722 • Fax: 304/872-0901
marianne@summersvillecvb.com
summersvillearena.com
Total Sq. Ft.: 3,715 sq. ft. conference
center/24,000 sq. ft. arena
Exhibit/Meeting-80 10x10 booths, 2,800 seating
capacity, extra large banquet room
On-Site Facilities: A/V Services, Catering
With the Award-Winning Celtic Cook,
Centrally located in the beautiful
mountains of West Virginia and the
perfect spot for conferences, meetings,
trade shows and banquets. More
Marianne
than 500 hotel rooms available
Taylor
in surrounding hotels. Each event
customized to meet your needs. Beauty, adventure,
history and relaxation await you in the friendly
town of Summersville.
WATERFRONT PLACE HOTEL
& MORGANTOWN EVENT CENTER
Two Waterfront Place
Morgantown, WV 26501
Contact: Jennifer Millstone
Phone: 304/296-1700 • Fax: 304/284-0523
jmillstone@wphotel.co
wphotel.co
Exhibit/Meeting-140 8x10 booths
Center, Fitness Facility, High-Speed Internet
Access, Indoor Pool, Lounge, Restaurant,
Overlooking the Monongahela River, Waterfront
Place Hotel offers an escape that is close to nature
and easily accessible to downtown Morgantown.
Our location in the revitalized Wharf District,
inviting atmosphere, spacious accommodations,
first-class service and multi-functional event space
make Waterfront Place Hotel an ideal venue for
business trips, trade shows and conferences.
Just a click away
to email your RFPs to sales representatives!
Become a fan and have access to special events
or post them to our page,
facebook.com/conventionforum.
For more information on advertising with
Convention Forum™, call 407/891-9941.
Virginia Society of Association Executives
January 10, 2014
Monthly Luncheon
Member Orientation: How to Get More Out of Your
VSAE Membership
Lunch: Virginia Politics 2014, Dr. Robert Holsworth
OMNI Richmond Hotel
April 4, 2014
Monthly Luncheon
DoubleTree Richmond-Midlothian
February 7, 2014
Monthly Luncheon
Seminar: Creating Strong Connections, Terrie L. Glass,
Leadership Solutions
Lunch: Building on Your Strengths: The Key to Success,
Terrie L. Glass
Hilton Garden Inn Richmond Downtown
June 6, 2014
Monthly Luncheon
Seminar: New Perspectives on Negotiations, Dr. Richard
Coughlan, Robins School of Business, University of Richmond
Lunch: Topic TBD, Dr. Richard Coughlan
Westin Richmond
March 7, 2014
Monthly Luncheon
Seminar: From Insight to Action: 6 New Ways to Think, Lead and
Achieve, Gabriel Eckert, CAE, BOMA of Georgia
Lunch: Leadership and Self-Deception, Gabriel Eckert, CAE
Holiday Inn Richmond Airport
May 4-6, 2014
Annual Conference
The Boar’s Head
September 4, 2014
VSAE Day
Learn more at vsae.org.
30
Attendance at Association Meetings
on Upswing
by David Gabri
...many groups have
“busted through their
blocks,” with much
higher attendance than
originally anticipated.
T
he increased demand for
face-to-face conventions
and meetings has been well
documented. But has attendance at association conventions and meetings increased
as well?
Yes, we at Associated Luxury Hotels
International (ALHI) have seen a
significant growth in the attendance of
association programs at our member
hotels and resorts. This includes many
groups that have “busted through their
blocks,” with much higher attendance than
originally anticipated.
The average program booked through
ALHI grew in size in 2012, and more than
50 percent of the groups that actualized
in 2012 exceeded their original room
blocks. And all of this was over 2011 levels.
Plus, 2013 has already proven to be even
stronger with pickup for programs.
Phelps Hope, CMP, vice president
of meetings and expositions of Kellen
Meetings, also reports growth in
association conference attendance.
“To date in 2013, attendance at
the majority of our client association
conferences this year has increased over
2012, up to 22 percent in some cases,” says
Hope. “While location can play a role in
attendance figures, we believe the economy
strengthening has been the primary reason
for increased attendance and exhibitors’
participation. We anticipate this trend to
continue into 2014.”
This is certainly a positive reflection of
the state of the association, meetings and
hospitality industries, but it can create
challenges for association executives and
meeting professionals.
To address this, we advise that planners
select venues that can accommodate the
potential growth in attendance.
It is also important to set realistic room
blocks and then adjust as needed. With
the current trend of a seller’s market—and
very little new construction in the upperupper tier and luxury-level sectors of the
hotel industry to match demand—there
may not be availability for your increased
guestroom and/or meeting room needs
when your program arrives. So, adjust your
program blocks as needed to avoid lastminute challenges for all involved.
Also, prudence says to act soon to
secure the venue(s), dates, rates, and terms
and conditions that will best serve your
organization. Clearly, as the market shifts,
larger room blocks that are achievable
based upon the association’s program
trends will warrant more meeting and
function space. Short-suiting room blocks
may restrict larger spaces for programs that
you may need later. So, act soon, consider
multi-year agreements and get your dates
confirmed into 2017 (and beyond) for the
best deals, as PKF Hospitality Research
projects the seller’s market will continue
for at least four more years.
For those who are planning short-term
programs, some good value opportunities
are still available. Work with your
trusted Global Sales Organization (GSO)
professionals (like those at ALHI) to
find the best opportunities to suit your
programs’ needs. Have them serve as your
advocate to secure your desired venue(s),
dates and good values.
As demand for program space continues
to grow, there may be availability
challenges for association executives
and planners, particularly for 2014 and
beyond. Consider the laws of supply and
demand, and act soon to best serve your
organization.
David Gabri is president and
CEO of Associated Luxury Hotels
International (ALHI), which has
the national sales responsibilities
to the meetings and incentive
industries for its distinctive
portfolio of more than 130 4- and
5-Diamond hotels and resorts worldwide that
specialize in meetings and conventions. Contact
your nearest ALHI National Sales Office, call the
ALHI Group Desk toll-free at 866/303-2544 or
visit alhi.com.
31
Hiring Professional Speakers:
How to Avoid Mistakes
by Patricia Fripp, CSP, CPAE
Y
ou are planning your company’s next meeting and you want everything to be
perfect. You have a location, theme and date.
The only thing left is to hire the
speaker. Where do you turn? How do you know what kind of speaker is best for
your meeting? Here’s a checklist:
1
Do your homework. Many organizations and associations
keep a data base on speakers—who is good, who is not, who is
reliable, who cancels at the last minute and other details. See if
your group has one. If you had a speaker last year you loved, use
him or her as a resource to recommend someone who will be a
good fit for your group.
2
Star? Or partner? Don’t assume that only a celebrity will do.
Consider your reasons for having a speaker. Is it to attract more
people to the meeting? Is it to motivate the sales force to go out
and work harder? Is it to bring information that the audience
could not get elsewhere? Or is it to start the meeting off with a
bang so that everyone is in a receptive mood for the real working
sessions? If you think a “Big Name” is necessary to attract the
numbers you want, the investment may be worth it. Otherwise,
you may want to consider using two more moderately priced
speakers who will adapt their presentations to your group and even
show up at the cocktail party to meet the attendees.
3
Communicate your needs clearly. A common mistake in
choosing a speaker is not being clear about your expectations
and needs. Some meeting planners feel nervous about giving
instructions to a celebrity, but whether you are paying $2,000
or $20,000, the speaker is there to do a job for you. The clearer
you are about what you expect, who is in the audience and what
previous meetings have taught you, the easier it is for the speaker
to do a good job and the happier you will be.
4
Brief your speaker. Don’t assume he or she knows all about
your organization or industry. Send information about your
company, no matter how well known it is. Too much background
is better than not enough. Julia Carey, employee communications
and customer service manager for the Meredith Corporation, says,
“If we are bringing in an outside speaker, I make sure I provide
that person with enough information about the company to help
him or her be successful. They need to know about our company
culture, our key players and our businesses when they talk with
our people. I provide company publications and a write-up about
the ‘mood’ of the company.”
32
5
Treat the speaker like an attendee. Make sure your speakers
get all the advance mailings and information kits the attendees
do so they know who else is speaking and if their time slot has
been changed (but no one remembered to tell them). When your
speakers arrive, make sure they have a complete itinerary and
phone numbers of contacts. This way, you and they will have a
restful night. Suggest they call you as soon as they check in to their
hotel. I make a habit of this and am amazed how often my clients
tell me I am the first one who has done it!
6
Schedule wisely. Putting the right speakers in the wrong
time slots makes them the wrong speakers. Don’t schedule an
economist or someone with highly technical information just
before lunch or after dinner when everyone tends to be tired. Use
them in the morning when the audience is fresh. A good rule of
thumb is the later in the day, the lighter the content.
Patricia Fripp is an award-winning speaker, sales trainer and
speech coach who delights audiences, transforms sales teams
and shares her secrets for powerful presentations. She is
author of Make It! So You Don’t Have to Fake It and Get What
You Want and contributing author to Speaking Secrets of the
Masters and Insights Into Excellence. She can be reached at
pfripp@fripp.com, 800/634-3035 or fripp.com.
In
News
The Atlanta Convention &
Visitors Bureau (ACVB) has
announced the promotion
of Kristin Delahunt to
director of convention
services. Delahunt will focus
Kristin Delahunt
on building convention
attendance and enhancing the visitor
experience by capitalizing on digital
marketing campaigns and resources.
Delahunt follows Cookie Smoak, who
resigned after 13 years from the ACVB in
August to join the College Park Destination
Marketing Organization as its new president.
Amy Patterson is joining
the ACVB as vice president,
business development and
corporate events. Patterson
will oversee corporate
development, direct the
ACVB’s membership
Amy Patterson
department and produce
corporate events. Patterson replaces Ellie
Westman Chin, who is relocating to Denver,
where her husband, Ken Chin, has been
appointed executive director of the Metro
Denver Sports Commission.
Elaine Williams, CMP, has
been promoted to director
of sales at the New Orleans
Ernest N. Morial Convention
Center. Williams is responsible
for overseeing the direct sales
efforts of the convention
Elaine Williams
center, one of the six largest in
the nation. She has been with the center in
various capacities since 1997 and previously
served as assistant director of sales.
Laura Reed has been named
sales manager at The Naples
Beach Hotel & Golf Club
in Southwest Florida. She is
responsible for sales efforts
for the 125-acre beachfront
resort for small groups, as well
Laura Reed
as the local (Southwest Florida) market. The
317-room resort is Southwest Florida’s only
resort directly on the beach with an on-site
championship golf course, a world-class spa
and an award-winning tennis center.
Waterstone Resort & Marina
in Boca Raton, Fla., has
announced the addition of
Ben Baez as director of sales
and marketing. With more
than 25 years of experience
in the hospitality industry,
Ben Baez
Baez is responsible for
introducing the new resort while maximizing
the waterfront resort’s revenue, increasing
occupancy and developing marketing
sequencers.
PGA National Resort & Spa,
home of the PGA TOUR
Honda Classic and five
award-winning championship
courses in Palm Beach
Gardens, Fla., has hired Jim
Bishop as its new director
Jim Bishop
of sales. With 20-plus years
in the hospitality industry, Bishop comes to
PGA National from the Maybourne Hotel
Group, where he served as regional director
of sales for the Americas.
Turnberry Isle Miami has
announced the appointment
of Nestor Marchand as food
and beverage director for
the legendary South Florida
resort. He is responsible for
overseeing and managing
Nestor Marchand
Turnberry Isle Miami’s
acclaimed culinary program, which
features an on-site chef’s garden, catering
and banquets, along with award-winning
establishments including Celebrity Chef
Michael Mina’s BOURBON STEAK
restaurant.
Three key executives’
appointments were
announced ahead of the
Hyatt Regency Orlando’s
opening on October 1,
a rebranding from The
Peabody Orlando. Tom
Tom Smith
Smith has been appointed
area vice president and general manager,
Brian Comes has been
appointed hotel manager
and Nate Hardesty has been
appointed director of sales
and marketing. Smith is a
31-year Hyatt veteran, most
recently senior vice president
Brian Comes
of operations for Hyatt’s
Global Operations Center in Chicago.
Comes has been part of the
Hyatt family for 25 years.
Comes will support Smith in
positioning Hyatt Regency
Orlando as one of the premier
convention center hotels in
Nate Hardesty
the brand’s global portfolio.
Hardesty has 12 years of Hyatt
sales and marketing hospitality experience.
Most recently he was the director of sales
and marketing for Hyatt Regency Maui
Resort and Spa.
The Epicurean Hotel
has appointed Christine
Hunter, CMP, as the event
designer of the 137-room
boutique hotel scheduled
to open in Tampa, Fla.,
in December. She will be
Christine Hunter
responsible for handling
local social catering opportunities,
including weddings, charity and social
events, special occasion parties and more,
from contract to close. Hunter was
most recently with Westfields Marriott
Washington Dulles as the director of
catering.
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf
Resort & Spa, the largest
full-service beachfront resort
on Northwest Florida’s
Gulf Coast, has announced
the appointment of Elyse
Graver as the resort’s newest Elyse Graver
regional sales manager. Based
in Plano, Texas, Graver directs the resort’s
sales efforts into the Texas and the West
Coast territories.
Send your news to Convention Forum™,
editor@conventionforum.com.
Let us know when you hire new staff,
promote someone
or win an award.
Also tell us about
new properties
or renovations to
existing ones. Help
Convention Forum™
spread the good
news—about you!
33
WE TAKE MEETINGS
PERSONALLY.
Whether you are planning a meeting for a handful of people or a gathering for
hundreds, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort is the ideal location. We oﬀer
10,000 square feet of meeting space, including one ballroom and nine
breakout rooms. Additionally, our Sunrise Terrace features 25,000 square feet
of outdoor space with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Whatever the occassion, we take pride in providing both professional facilities
and personalized service to ensure your next meeting or event is a success.
For more information, please call +1 954 414 2222 or
visit fortlauderdalebeachresort.hilton.com
S T A Y HILTON. GO EVERYWHERE.
505 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard | Fort Lauderdale | FL 33304
©2013 Hilton Worldwide

Fantasy of Flight - Convention Forum

Transcription

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