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DESTINATION NEWS
Hyatt Regency
O’Hare debuts
$64 million facelift
ROSEMONT, Ill. — Hyatt Regency O'Hare on May 13 announced the completion of the final phase of a $64 million transformation of its Chicago airport hotel with the introduction of 1,100 stunningly renovated guest rooms and suites.
In 2007, this Chicago luxury hotel, located at 9300 Bryn Mawr Avenue, unveiled Phase I of this comprehensive project, with dramatically redesigned public and lobby spaces, the introduction of two hip and contemporary restaurants and the revelation of a 20,000 square foot, state-of-the-art, Conference Center. The second and final phase showcases compete the guest room design of the Chicago luxury hotel, featuring 37-inch flat-screen LCD televisions, ergonomically correct workspaces, a stylish and energy saving in-room lighting concept, and the ultra-plush, irresistibly soft Hyatt Grand Bed.
"The completion of this extraordinary project is significant, as we can now provide our guests with a cohesive experience. The style and energy is now fluid throughout the hotel, which truly brings it to life." said David Jacobs, General Manager of Hyatt Regency O'Hare. "This transformation has allowed us to evolve into more than a Chicago airport hotel. Hyatt Regency O'Hare is now viewed on many levels; an unparalleled meeting and convention destination, a refuge for our loyal business travelers, and a hip and contemporary hot spot for dining or lounging."
Opened in 1971 as an iconic atrium-style hotel designed by John Portman & Associates, the hotel is one of the original Pritzker-owned assets within the Hyatt Portfolio. The progressive re-design by TVS, TVS Interiors and Johnson Studios brings a warmer, personalized ambience to the hotel's lofty atrium-style architecture, creating socially intimate enclaves ideal for lingering, lounging or lunching. Renovation highlights include the easy-to-access Chicago airport hotel's Conference Center the convivial energy of the new O'H American Grill and Red Bar, the contemporary flare of the re-designed porte cochere and lobby levels, and a novel selection of luxurious amenities.
PEOPLE MAKING NEWS
GES CEO Rabbitt honored by UNLV Harrah Hotel College
 LAS VEGAS — GES Exposition Services, Inc. a leader in exhibition and event services, announced that President and CEO Kevin Rabbitt was recently honored by the UNLV Harrah Hotel College as the Industry Executive of the Year for the Tourism & Convention Administration department at its fifth annual Vallen Dinner of Distinction.
The dinner honors excellence in hospitality and Rabbitt was recognized for his exceptional contributions to the hospitality industry. Rabbitt accepted the award on behalf of the dedicated GES Las Vegas team as well as employees throughout the GES Worldwide Network for their commitment to innovation and exceptional customer service.
Jacob Ascher named as GM of Hilton Newark Airport Hotel
 NEW YORK, N.Y. — Jacob Ascher, a native of Israel and resident of the U.S., has been appointed General Manager of the 378-room Hilton Newark Airport Hotel.
Ascher has more than 20 years of hospitality management experience possessing a strong international hotel background. His most recent position was serving as opening General Manager for the Hilton Garden Inn Liberia Airport Hotel in Costa Rica, Central America, where he was responsible for the hotel’s opening which included the hiring and development of the property management team.
“We are thrilled in welcoming Jacob to his new position,” said Ted Ratcliff, Senior Vice President, Operations, Eastern North America and Canada, Hilton Hotels Corporation. “His previous airport hotel management experience was essential in his appointment to this post. The Hilton Newark Airport Hotel is located in close proximity to Newark Liberty International Airport which is the nation’s fifth busiest international air gateway and which serves the all-important metro New York / New Jersey region. The hotel is a popular hub for both leisure and business travelers flying both domestically and abroad.”
In his role as General Manager of the Hilton Newark Airport Hotel, Ascher will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the recently renovated hotel which includes approximately 11,000 square feet of banqueting and conference space.
Throughout his distinguished career, Ascher has had extensive experience in participating in hotel openings, conversions, renovations and task force management. From 2006 to 2008, he served as General Manager of the 200-room Hilton Tobago Golf and Spa Resort in Trinidad and Tobago.
Ascher has served as Director of Operations at several international hotels including the British Colonial Hilton in Nassau, The Bahamas, from 2002 to 2006 and at the Hilton Tel Aviv from 1999 to 2002. No stranger to the U.S. hotel industry, Mr. Ascher held key management posts in the areas of rooms/front desk operations and food and beverage at several Hilton branded properties throughout the 1990s including the Doubletree Guest Suites, Doubletree Post Oak and Hilton Plaza Hotel all located in Houston, Texas.
Ascher holds a Masters Degree in Hospitality Management (MHRM), a Bachelor of Arts in English, German and Spanish from the University of Houston, Texas and a degree from the University of Heidelberg, Germany in Foreign Languages and Economy. He will reside in New Jersey and has two daughters.
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin catering cales manager received double honors
 LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort catering sales manager Renee MacDonald recently earned two separate honors. She was named Orlando Caterer of the Year and earned the designation of Certified Meeting Professional.
MacDonald was named the Caterer of the Year by the Orlando chapter of the National Association of Catering Executives (NACE). NACE is the oldest and largest professional association that addresses all aspects of the catering industry
Additionally, MacDonald earned her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) status through the Convention Industry Council.
The CMP is one of the most highly regarded certifications in the meetings, conventions and exhibitions industry and strives to recognize those who achieve a high level of experience, skill and knowledge. To earn the certification, candidates must be widely involved in the meetings and conventions industry, have strong professional experience and pass a written examination.
MacDonald joined the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort team in 2000 and, as the catering sales manager, is responsible for planning all food and beverage events for convention groups at the 2,265-room hotel.
A recipient of the prestigious Meetings & Conventions Hall of Fame Award, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is a nationally respected and recognized leader in the convention resort arena. Ideally located in the heart of Walt Disney World Resort, the resort offers 2,265 guest rooms and over 329,000 square feet of meeting space. Features consist of 84 meeting rooms, including two executive boardrooms, four ballroom options, 110,500 square feet of contiguous convention/exhibit space, outdoor function areas, two business centers, and Disney benefits. Groups also enjoy sophisticated guest rooms featuring Westin Heavenly Beds, the luxurious Mandara Spa and 17 world-class restaurants and lounges.
Phoenix Convention Center director recognized as economic developer of the year
 PHOENIX — Phoenix Convention Center Interim Director John Chan was selected as the 2009 Economic Developer of the Year by the Arizona Association of Economic Development (AAED). Chan received this distinguished honor in the large community category for having made a significant contribution to Arizona's economic development as a result of his leadership of the Phoenix Downtown Development Office.
Under Chan’s leadership, DDO received a 2009 DREAMER award from the Downtown Phoenix Partnership and an Outstanding Organization Award for being the driving force behind the development of the Arizona State University Downtown Phoenix campus, Phoenix Biomedical Campus and the University of Arizona Phoenix College of Medicine, Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel and the CityScape project.
Chan has been a member of AAED since 1994 and served on the Board of Directors from 2001- 2009.
As of May 1, 2009, John Chan became the interim director of the Phoenix Convention Center. Under his leadership, the Convention Center hosted the NRA Convention, the largest convention in Phoenix Convention Center history. Chan came to the Convention Center from the city’s Downtown Development Office where he was appointed director in 2006. Since beginning his career with the city of Phoenix Community and Economic Development Department in 1992, Chan has been involved in a variety of city initiatives including several community and economic development programs and downtown redevelopment projects. He assisted more than 180 companies in expanding or relocating to Phoenix, creating more than 35,000 new jobs.
DESTINATION NEWS
Men’s Journal Magazine ranks Reno neighborhood as top place to live
 RENO, Nev. — Men’s Journal Magazine has ranked Reno’s Old Southwest neighborhood as one of ‘The Best Neighborhoods in America’ in the June 2009 issue. This area joins 30 other cities that were singled out by the publication as among the “coolest hoods” in America.
“I am thrilled to see the Reno Old Southwest neighborhood ranked as one of the top neighborhoods in America,” RSCVA President and CEO Ellen Oppenheim said. “The article highlights the many reasons why our region is so popular with visitors and residents alike. A ranking like this in a major magazine will tell people about our great weather, outdoor recreation opportunities and all the new development taking place in the destination, reinforcing the need to visit Reno-Tahoe to see it first-hand.”
The Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada was also pleased when they learned of this ranking.
“Many of the business people tell us that they decided to move their company here only after they visited, some for an “outdoor” vacation and discovered Greater Reno-Tahoe”, said Chuck Alvey, CEO of the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN). “With the need for jobs, capital investment and tax generation, such a recognizable ranking helps immeasurably in impressing people and improving our quality of life image.”
The Men’s Journal ‘Best Neighborhoods in America’ article looked at median home price, cost of living compared to the rest of the U.S. and sunny days per year for this ranking. All stats were according to Bestplaces.net.
Download a PDF of the story.
SHOW UPDATE
International CES launches new Mac Apps section, doubles space in iLounge Pavilion
 ARLINGTON, Va. — The Consumer Electronics Association announced that the iLounge Pavilion, a unified iPod, iPhone and Mac exhibition area at the 2010 International CES, will expand to 25,000 net square feet and includes a new dedicated applications section.
The iLounge Pavilion, co-sponsored by CEA and iLounge.com, will display manufacturers and retailers of iPod and iPhone applications, along with accessories and other related services and products. Owned and produced by CEA, the 2010 International CES, the world’s largest tradeshow for consumer technology, is scheduled for January 7-10, 2010, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“The past year has been truly amazing for Apple fans,” said Jeremy Horwitz, Editor-in-Chief of iLounge.com, co-sponsor of the iLounge Pavilion. “The App Store has fueled a surge in iPhone and iPod touch popularity, while Apple’s latest Mac computers have continued to receive design and customer service accolades. The 2010 International CES is a unique opportunity for Apple’s leading third-party vendors to show off their latest and greatest products on a truly world-class stage.”
Developers of accessories and software for Apple’s media players, cell phones and computers have signed on in record numbers to exhibit at CES. In only nine months, consumers have downloaded more than one billion copies of over 35,000 iPhone OS programs from Apple’s App Store, demonstrating both the size and popularity of the largest applications store in the world. The iLounge Pavilion will feature developers of these iPod and iPhone applications, along with manufacturers and retailers of other Apple-related add-on products and services.
The iLounge Pavilion, originally floored with 4,000 net square feet of exhibit space sold out within days of launch and has now expanded to 25,000 net square feet of exhibit space due to high demand. Exhibiting companies in the 2010 CES iLounge Pavilion include industry-leading design and engineering companies such as Griffin Technology, Scosche, Incase Designs, iSkin, Incipio Technologies, Jaybird Gear, MusicSkins and AAMP of America.
The Consumer Electronics Association is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $172 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,200 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships.
CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES — Where Entertainment, Technology and Business Converge. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA's industry services. Find CEA online at www.CE.org. |
Stories this week:
Also read exhibit expert Barry Siskind’s column
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Association News
TSEA announces launch of three new local chapters
More chapter launches planned for the second half of 2009
CHICAGO — The Trade Show Exhibitors Association announced the launch of three new chapters, bringing its new chapter total to six in 2009. In addition to the Georgia Chapter, National Capital Chapter and Canada West chapters, local members are holding meetings in Boston (New England Chapter), Dallas/Ft. Worth (Lone Star Chapter) and Denver (Rocky Mountain Chapter).
 The Rocky Mountain Chapter will hold a luncheon on May 26, 2009. The Lone Star Chapter held its first formation meeting and will be sending out a survey soon to help plan its initial meeting. The New England Chapter will be hosting a Chapter Kick-Off Rally on June 17, 2009 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.
Chapters provide face-to-face marketing professionals the opportunity to attend local meeting where they receive education and the ability to network with other local members in the exhibit and event industry. Traveling members are always welcome at any chapter events. In the second half of 2009, additional chapters are planned for Houston, Philadelphia, Michigan, New York and Southern California. Current chapters also exist in Chicago and Toronto.
"We are excited to be able to once again provide a vital link between the association and our members. Chapters provide our members with so much more than just education and networking," said TSEA President and CEO, Margit Weisgal, CME. "It will allow the spirit of Co-opetition between exhibitors to thrive. I remember when it was a badge of honor to be part a TSEA chapter. Those days are returning and will enhance the association's ability to advocate for exhibitors' rights once again. By working together both locally and globally, exhibiting professionals make it possible to get the respect they deserve. I am proud to say that I have been a member of TSEA for close to twenty years and now have the opportunity to give back to the people and the industry that is so close to my heart."
For more details or to get involved with any of these chapters, contact TSEA headquarters at (312) 842 TSEA (8732).
ASAE & The Center announces 10th
anniversary DELP scholars
Record number of applications received for newly extended two-year scholarship
WASHINGTON, D.C. — ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership has recently selected the 2009-2011 scholars of the Diversity Executive Leadership Program (DELP). DELP offers individuals from underrepresented segments of the association profession an opportunity to advance into the ranks of leadership in association management by providing networking opportunities, educational programs and career guidance.
"Supporting the leadership potential of a diverse and inclusive association community is important for ASAE & The Center, and we are proud to present these association professionals with the DELP scholarship," said ASAE & The Center President and CEO John H. Graham IV, CAE. "The scholarship is designed to provide greater access to leadership and professional development resources and to increase the number of minority professionals in associations."
The DELP scholarship has been extended from a one-year to a two-year program to better prepare the participants for future leadership positions and to provide a more robust learning experience. This year, 12 scholarships have been awarded to candidates from across the country who were among a record of nearly 100 association and nonprofit professionals who applied. "I would like to thank Larry Alexander, president and CEO of the Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Bureau for their continued support of this important initiative and their commitment to diversity and inclusion," added Graham. DELP is exclusively sponsored by the Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau.
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Gift show news
NYIGF’S at home refines hard lines, soft goods offerings
New, returning companies featured at Summer Market
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — May 22, 2009... A comprehensive and updated collection of home products will be offered in At Home at the New York International Gift Fair August 15-20, with a coalescence of hard lines at Passenger Ship Terminal Pier 94 and soft goods on Level 1 of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.
"At Home's two locations — Pier 94 and the Javits Center — each have been refined to facilitate the sourcing experience for buyers shopping specific home product categories," said Dorothy Belshaw, NYIGF director and GLM senior vice president. "In addition, we are delighted to welcome a number of new and repositioned hard lines and soft goods suppliers to the summer market."
At Home at Pier 94
This summer, At Home will consolidate hard lines at Pier 94, offering buyers access to a complete range of home goods - from indoor to outdoor and traditional to contemporary. This "under-one-roof" destination will showcase some 220 leading and emerging furniture, floor coverings, wall art, lighting and decorative accessories suppliers.
Newcomers to Pier 94 include Tourmaline Home (which is also new to NYIGF) and Fabrice De Villaneuve Studio, The Homeport, Kingsley-Bate, Roost, Woods & Willow and Zentique (all relocating to and expanding at Pier 94). These companies join Pier 94's established and industry-leading brands: Ankasa, Bobo Intriguing, Company C, Design Legacy by Kelly O'Neal, Dransfield & Ross, GO Home, Groundwork Group, Julian Chichester, Natural Curiosities, Notre Monde and Shine Home.
According to Belshaw, "At Home at Pier 94 provides a unique resource that is both comprehensive in scope and carefully edited to present the industry's most fashion-forward home furnishings suppliers."
At Home featuring Home Textiles at Javits Center
This summer, At Home featuring Home Textiles, will welcome the return of The Andrew Morgan Collection and Designer's Guild to NYIGF, and will incorporate The Koko Company which is relocating from the Javits Center to the Piers.
In line with these additions, the At Home exhibit floor has been reconfigured and refreshed with established brands - Bella Notte, Blissliving Home, Cuddledown and Libeco Home - moving or expanding their displays. These companies join the division's established and industry-leading brands: Home Treasures, Legacy, Matteo, Mattouk, Pine Cone Hill, SDH, Sferra, Traditions by Pamela Kline and Versai.
"NYIGF presents the industry's largest collection of luxury home textiles under one roof and showcases a full range of suppliers from bed to bath, traditional to trend-forward, and established brands to emerging designers," said Belshaw. "At Home featuring Home Textiles is a relevant and must-attend resource for multi-category lifestyle buyers as well as home fashions specialty retailers."
Located in the Javits Center, At Home featuring Home Textiles showcases some 160 high-end home textiles resources including bed and bath fashions, table linens, kitchen textiles, towels, decorative accessories, area rugs, window treatments and decorative fabrics. At Home featuring Home Textiles is presented as part of Home Textiles Market Week in New York — the nation's largest collection of mid- to high-end home textiles — with nearly 500 home fashion suppliers at NYIGF, 230 Fifth Avenue and 7 W New York.
NYIGF's At Home division showcases some 400 exhibitors with a full range of soft goods and hard lines for the home, alongside hundreds of other relevant home products featured in NYIGF's design, craft and trend divisions. NYIGF features 2,900 total exhibitors and 100,000 lines, offering buyers an unparalleled depth of home products and breadth of complementary lifestyle and gift merchandise.
Destination News
Jamaica celebrates launch of JetBlue’s non-stop service from New York’s JFK airport to Montego Bay
Celebration with Minister of Tourism kicked off inaugural flight
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica spiced up JetBlue’s Terminal 5 at New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport on May 21, as island-style celebrations took place for the airline’s inaugural flight to Montego Bay.
 Jamaica's Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett and Director of Tourism John Lynch were present at the morning festivities and participated in a special ribbon-cutting ceremony with JetBlue's Senior Vice President of Customer Services Rob Maruster and JetBlue crew members. Customers were also treated to live Jamaican music, refreshments from Dunkin' Donuts and a special celebratory cake.
"We are delighted that JetBlue is operating daily flights to Jamaica. The new service illustrates our continued efforts to attract more air carriers to Jamaica, thus making it an even more accessible destination for travelers," said Minister Bartlett. "JetBlue is a very competitive and popular airline, and we are confident that with the new daily service from New York we will continue to welcome even more visitors to Jamaica from this market."
The inaugural flight was even more significant as many of the JetBlue crew members on board were part of the Jamaican Diaspora in the greater New York area.
Welcome to Montego Bay
The flight was received with great excitement in Montego Bay's Sangster International Airport with a water cannon salute as well as music, food, and special greetings from Jamaican officials. Representatives from JetBlue and Jamaica participated in a press conference, ceremonial ribbon cutting and offered "exchange of gifts" to signify this new partnership.
Special Events
In addition to the May 21 morning celebrations at JetBlue's Terminal 5, the Jamaica Tourist Board and JetBlue teamed up with Thrillist.com to throw a Jamaican soiree on May 20 at one of New York City's swankiest venues, The Hudson Terrace. The evening started off on a high note with a special live performance by Jamaican reggae sensation Mojo Morgan from Morgan Heritage performing songs from his debut solo album, "Got MoJo?" and The Kevin Batchelor Band. Guests enjoyed featured Jamaican drinks and cuisine catered by Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery and Grill and got a chance to enter to win a trip to Rose Hall Resort & Spa, a Hilton Resort.
Promotions
The Jamaica Tourist Board and JetBlue also partnered to create a series of promotions to create awareness of this new flight among the New York Caribbean Diaspora community. Promotions ran from May 14-17 on CNPTV, and in the New York Amsterdam News and New York Carib News, offering consumers a chance to win a trip on the May 21 inaugural flight to Jamaica and an all-inclusive stay at SuperClubs' Starfish Trelawney Resort & Spa. More than 3,500 entries were received.
"Airport events both in New York and in Jamaica, along with specially created consumer promotions leading up to the inaugural flight, have helped build excitement and create awareness that there is an added option when flying from New York to Jamaica," said Director Lynch. "JetBlue is yet another high-profile partner with which the Jamaica Tourist Board is thrilled to work as we continue to promote travel to our island."
Air Jamaica marks 10 years of service to Grenada
 |
CELEBRATING A MILESTONE – Captain Miguel Acevedo (2nd left) and members of his crew pose with officials and Air Jamaica Executives ahead of the special anniversary flight to Grenada. Sharing in the occasion were: Hon. Derrick James, Grenada’s Consul General to New York (5th right); Michael Mitchell, Minister Counsellor (right); Campbell Rudder, Air Jamaica’s Regional Sales Manager, NE USA (in back); Ann Marie Francis, Air Jamaica’s Manager, Community & Special Market Sales, NE (6th left) and to her right Carlton Thomas, Air Jamaica’s Airport Manager, JFK. |
Special ribbon-cutting celebration
at New York’s JFK Airport
MIAMI, Fla. — Air Jamaica is celebrating 10 years of service to Grenada, and marked this important milestone with festivities in both New York and Grenada on yesterday and Tuesday. Air Jamaica representatives, along with Grenada’s Consul General Hon. Derrick James, kicked off the celebration with a gate-side ribbon cutting ceremony last night at New York’s JFK Airport, Terminal 4, just before the anniversary flight departed for Grenada.
“The New York/Grenada route continues to be very important to the airline, and we are confident that travelers will continue to choose Air Jamaica as their preferred carrier to the Spice Island,” said William Rodgers, Air Jamaica’s Senior Director, Government & Community Affairs. “We are proud to celebrate our relationship with the Government and the people of Grenada, and look forward to another 10 years serving the destination.”
Air Jamaica’s Manager, Community & Special Market Sales, N. E. Ann Marie Francis and Grenada’s Consul General Hon. Derrick James were on hand to officially mark this milestone as passengers and guests of Air Jamaica enjoyed celebratory cake and refreshments on departure from New York, special raffle drawings during flight and a welcome ceremony upon landing in Grenada.
Passengers on the return flight from Grenada to New York also enjoyed airport festivities before departing Grenada, and in-flight drawings as the celebration continued back to New York.
Air Jamaica currently flies between New York and Grenada on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The airline will add a Friday flight beginning June 26, and starting July 13 the airline adds a Monday flight, for a total of 4 weekly flights through the summer travel season.
Industry white papers
Freeman posts strategies for engaging customers, assessing results
DALLAS — Freeman has posted a new white paper on its Web site that explains En[gauge]ment by Freeman, a process for helping customers build a resilient, strategic approach to marketing that is measurable and that meets marketplace demands.
 The white paper illustrates that, with proven marketing tactics, it is possible to engage customers in a customized face-to-face marketing experience while gauging the success of that experience before, during and after the event, ensuring that marketing objectives are met in a solid, measurable manner.
"In a world saturated with voices, images, messages and instructions coming from every imaginable source, customers are bombarded with more information today than ever before. Marketers are being instructed to do more with less, to break through the clutter with fewer resources," said Toby Purdy, Freeman executive vice president, marketing.
Research from EventView 2008: North America indicates that executives rank face-to-face events as the marketing element providing the greatest ROI, a return five times higher than broadcast.
“Events lead to customer engagement that is personal and interactive,” Purdy said. “The result is new customer relationships that influence behavior.”
The white paper details four steps for developing a strategic, customizable approach that engages customers and measures success. The approach calls on methods Freeman has used successfully with such leading companies as Microsoft.
Setting objectives is the first step, a process that includes identifying focus, marketing objectives, competitive position and customer needs. Once objectives are defined, measurement can show progress toward those objectives.
Defining the target audience is the second step, followed by communicating with and motivating the audience. The white paper concludes with benchmarking/assessments, the fourth step in the process, which can enable a company to make decisions that help it gain competitive advantage.
The new white paper is the second in a series of white papers and other resources that Freeman will share with the marketing and business communities. With more than 80 years experience, the company has an unparalleled body of knowledge and experience to share.
To download a complimentary copy of “En[gauge]ment by Freeman, Face-to-Face Marketing in the 21st Century,” visit www.freemanco.com, then click on Resource Center and look under event planners.
Show news
Light! Expo offers attendees the very best at NeoCon World’s Trade Fair
CHICAGO — Light!, the newest boutique contract lighting pavilion and conference, will debut June 15-17 at the NeoCon World’s Trade Fair. The event will introduce lighting products and technologies specifically developed for the hospitality, commercial, health care, education and government industries, along with emphasizing environmental sensitivity.
Light! includes lighting exhibitors, Best of NeoCon Awards for lighting and networking events. In addition, 15 LEU/CEU-accredited educational sessions specific to lighting will be held during the three day event.
NeoCon World’s Trade Fair 2009
NeoCon 2009 will host more than 1,000 exhibitors and industry professionals from around the world, including: architects, interior designers, facility managers, space planners, dealers/distributors, manufacturers/reps, corporate real estate executives, office managers, purchasing managers, project managers, operations managers, engineers, building owners/managers, press and students.
NeoCon will also feature unique show components: The Stone and Tile Pavilion, GREENlifeTM, Buildings Show, Fine Design, LuxeHome, OFDA and NEWHospitality. In tradition with the past 15 years, the International Interior Design Association will host its international conference at NeoCon. This is the first year the American Society of Interior Designers will hold its national conference in conjunction with NeoCon.
Trade professionals interested in attending keynote presentations, luncheon programs, special events and seminars must register in advance at www.neocon.com/registration.
For more information about NeoCon, visit www.neocon.com or call (800) 677-6278 (MART). Outside of the United States call (312) 527-7600. NeoCon is only open to trade professionals with proper credentials.
Chicago Trade Shows features
on-trend organic, health & wellness,
ethnic and specialty products
PORTLAND, Maine — The upcoming All Things Organic, Expo Comida Latina and All Asia Food trade shows, which also feature a focus on specialty food and health and wellness products and education, take place June 16-18, 2009, in Chicago at the Lakeside Center at McCormick Place. The events will showcase products that reflect what’s valuable to consumers in these tough economic times.
Recent studies show that consumers are evaluating what’s truly important to them. Core values such as home, health, family and sustainability are coming out on top. For example, consumers see organic products as a solution versus a luxury.
According to the Organic Trade Association, U.S. sales of organic products, both food and non-food, reached $24.6 billion by the end of 2008, growing an impressive 17.1 percent over 2007 sales despite the economic downturn. Packaged Facts reports that consumer interest in experiencing new ethnic cuisines and flavors is expected to grow this year as well.
The U.S. cultural food market is strong, estimated at $75 billion in annual sales. This is the equivalent of $1 out of every $7 being spent in groceries (Agricultural Marketing Resources). Packaged Facts also reports that Hispanic and Asian food retailers, both independents and chains, are expected to experience significant growth in 2009 to serve both ethnic and mainstream consumers.
These events give buyers direct access to the hottest growth segments in today’s food market, with new and innovative products, education and tools to capitalize on today’s top consumer trends in the organic, multi-cultural, health & wellness and specialty food industry categories.
The All Things Organic Conference, presented by the Organic Trade Association, and the new Health & Wellness Education Program, presented by partnership with Progressive Grocer Magazine and Nielsen Business Media, will focus on consumer trends, exclusive research and retail trends in the organic and wellness sectors.
Navigating the current market conditions also is a focus, with conference topics on “Capital Funding in Today’s Economic Crunch,” “To Survive and Thrive: Strategies for Growing Organic Sales in the Economic Downturn,” and “Organic Consumer Trends 2009: Economic Effects and Outlook.”
Visitor and media registration for the co-located 2009 shows are available at www.RegisterNowChicago.com.
A case for face-to-face marketing
By Barry Siskind
Think back to the people you feel comfortable with. It could be your spouse, other members of your family, colleagues, business associates, customers, and even the mail carrier. What is it about these people that make you feel comfortable? Where does this comfort come from?
It may have been a common experience you had with a particular person—a movie you both appreciated, mutual friends and acquaintances, or a similar outlook on life. If you have the same experience with the people you do business with, the results can be the same. The people we like to do business with are people we like, respect, and trust — people we feel comfortable with. But where does this comfort come from?
[CLICK HERE TO READ THE REST OF SISKIND'S COLUMN…]
Global partnership
GES worldwide network to service Tarsus in Europe and U.S.
 LAS VEGAS — GES Exposition Services, Inc., a subsidiary of Viad Corp (NYSE: VVI), through the GES Worldwide Network, announced that it has signed an agreement with the Tarsus Group to serve as the official services contractor for Labelexpo Europe which will be held in Brussels September 23 – 26, 2009.
Tarsus’ relationship with GES in the U.S. and Melville in the U.K. was strong prior to GES’ acquisition of Melville in 2007; now, through the GES Worldwide Network, a true global partnership has grown.
Tarsus management’s relationship with GES goes back more than 20 years, and GES produces U.S. exhibitions for Tarsus including Off-Price Specialist Shows and World Anti-Aging Congress & Exposition. Labelexpo has also been a client of Melville for more than 15 years.
“Tarsus benefits from the global partnership it has with the GES Worldwide Network by having a team we trust to plan and execute our shows in the U.S. and now in Europe,” said Tarsus Managing Director Doug Emslie. “Importantly, it demonstrates the benefit of long term relationships and how they can create strategic value. ““This provides both organizations with the confidence of a team we know and a history of working together to plan and execute successful shows outside of the U.S.,” said GES President and CEO Kevin Rabbitt. “We look forward to expanding our partnership with Tarsus into other continents.” [CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE NEWS RELEASE]
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