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DESTINATION NEWS
Kalahari Resort Ohio wins second annual culinary compeition
WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. — The chefs of Kalahari Resorts in Ohio and Wisconsin competed in the second annual culinary competition held on May 27.
This year the Ohio property ranked supreme and took home the gold metal.
Above is a photo of their winning African themed entrée of Short Ribs, Sweet Potato Dauphinoise and Creamed Corn. This dish will make it's way onto Kalahari Resort menus.
For more information, contact: Staci Graber, sgraber@leumpr.com.
PEOPLE MAKING NEWS
AH executive named ‘Planner of the Year’
MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. – Association Headquarters, Inc., a leading  association management company, announced that staff member Maria Ramos, CMP, was elected ‘Planner of the Year’ by the Philadelphia Area Chapter of Meeting Professionals International.
A member of the AH team since 2008, Ramos serves as Meeting Manager for the International Symposium on Atherosclerosis 2009, the International Symposium on Viral Hepatitis and Liver Disease/American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, the Office Business Center Association International, and the Association for Accounting Marketing.
The ‘Planner of the Year’ award is presented annually to a member of PAMPI in recognition of outstanding association/industry/community contributions, leadership and professionalism. The award is based on international and chapter participation, presentations relating to the industry in general, articles written in the hospitality industry press, community service, and industry recognition previously received.
“Being awarded the PAMPI 2009 Planner of the Year is a tremendous honor,” said Ramos. “The recognition provides me with the confidence in my performance that I have always strived for in my career. I am truly grateful for this and truly appreciative to my peers for recognizing my accomplishments.”
Ramos received a master’s degree in Tourism Administration from The George Washington University and the prestigious Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation from the Convention Industry Council.
Ramos has been an active member of PAMPI since 2005 and has served the association in numerous roles including Chair of the Silent Auction Committee and CMP Study Group Facilitator. In addition, Ramos is a Lifetime Member of the Philippine Community of Southern New Jersey, Inc., a Philadelphia Alumni Chapter Member of the International Business Fraternity of Delta Sigma Pi, and a Member at Large of the International Association of Exposition Executives.
NMR adds business development team to accelerate growth
MONROE TOWNSHIP, N.J. — NMR Staging & Events, a full service technology company, has just announced the introduction of a new management team.
 The team is responsible for spearheading the national roll-out of several new technology offerings as well as growing NMR's installation department and the expansion of educational programs.
Leading the team as Vice-President of Regional Operations is Jason Atwell supported by Jim Sugrue, John Beaugez, and Jeremiah McCann.
Each of the team members has an extensive background in the entertainment, audio visual, and installation industry.
Atwell, formerly NMR's Technical Director, was chosen to lead this new initiative as result of his strong blend of management and technical expertise.
Sugrue, Regional Managing Director, is an industry veteran with almost 20 years of electrical and audio visual installation and consulting experience in Manhattan, New York, as well as 10 years of technical management within the southeast region.
Beaugez, Regional Logistics Manager, brings many years of touring and logistical experience to the team with an emphasis on technical project management.
McCann, Regional Warehouse Supervisor, is an expert in warehouse utilization and installations.
Even with the challenges that the current economic climate is presenting, NMR is focused on leveraging their strengths while at the same time working to meet the needs of their clients in several new and exciting areas.
"We are thrilled to have such a talented group come together as we work to reinforce our position within the industry while at the same time offering several new and exciting products and services," said Michael Meduri, President and CEO for NMR.
Two Hanley Wood exhibitions executives leave the company
IRVING, Texas — Galen Poss, president of the exhibitions group at Hanley Wood, resigned. Exhibitions Executive Vice President Michael Green also left the company. Rick McConnell, another VP within the group, will serve as acting president as the company searches for a replacement, Hanley Wood CEO Frank Anton told FOLIO.
The resignations mark a change in reporting structure within the group, as Poss' replacement is expected to now report to business media group President Peter Goldstone, not Anton. "This reporting structure will make it easier for our business media group and exhibitions to develop targeted packages — a change we think will better serve customers and drive revenue," Anton says. "We've encouraged this type of teamwork for several years with some success but think it is essential to future success."
Hanley Wood's business media group houses the company's magazine publishing and e-media operations. Poss and Green landed at Hanley Wood in 2000 after selling their own event-management company to Miller Freeman, and working for that company for roughly six years.
Edlen Electrical Services annouces two employee additions
 
LAS VEGAS — Edlen Electrical Exhibition Services, the nation’s largest independent electrical contractor to the convention and trade show industry, announced a promotion and new addition to its Las Vegas and San Antonio offices.
Edlen has promoted Yolanda Lentes to operations training manager. Lentes has been a part of Edlen’s Las Vegas team for nine years, serving most recently as senior event manager and IT assistant. With fifteen years of customer service experience, Lentes is excited for her new role. Her responsibilities will include evaluating and training Edlen personnel to implement and apply the features of Edlen’s Event Management Program.
John Solis has joined Edlen’s San Antonio office in the role of national sales manager. Solis brings with him almost 30 years experience in the tradeshow, convention and special event industry. He most recently worked with the San Antonio Convention Visitors Bureau, where he served as Assistant Executive Director.
In his 23 years with the Bureau, Solis was involved with coordinating bids for citywide conventions and major events such as the Houston Oilers and Dallas Cowboys Training Camps, 1996 NBA All-Star Weekend, and NCAA Men’s and Women’s Final Four Basketball Championships. A San Antonio native, Solis earned a BBA in Finance from St. Mary’s University. His responsibilities include establishing new accounts and maintaining existing relationships in the San Antonio market and nationwide.
Edlen Electrical Exhibition Services is the nation’s leading independent temporary utility contractor to the trade show, convention and special event industry. Edlen is a national company based out of Las Vegas, servicing more than 5,000 events annually providing exclusive, preferred or recommended services in over 200 convention facilities nationwide. For more information, please visit www.edlen.com.
San Jose CVB and Team San Jose hires Angela Smart
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Convention & Visitors Bureau  welcomed experienced sales pro Angela Smart to its award-winning team as a national sales manager, announced Daniel Fenton, SJCVB president & CEO and chairman of Team San Jose.
“Angela’s active involvement in the local community and her notable sales experience with a diverse range of hotel brands in San Jose will be a great asset,” Fenton said. “Like our other sales and event staff, she will be empowered to offer our renowned and unique one-team service to meeting planners. I’m confident she will be an excellent addition to our sales team, ensuring that we continue to exceed customers’ expectations.”
Smart will work with Regional Director of National Accounts Mary Gallagher, CMP in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast territories of the United States, focusing on citywide groups. She will also target the Specialty market outside of sports, drawing on nearly 13 years of experience in the hospitality industry. She comes to the SJCVB as a top producing sales manager for the Fairmont, where she worked for more than three years. Prior to working with the Fairmont, Smart worked locally in sales manager roles at the San Jose Marriott and Hotel DeAnza. Before coming to San Jose she started as a group reservations manager at the Piccadilly Inn Hotels in Fresno, CA.
A California native, Smart attended California State University in Fresno. She is actively involved in the San Jose community, including the Downtown Arts and Dining Committee of the San Jose Downtown Association. She also works on various committees within the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International, and actively participates in the Professional Convention Management Association.
Bonham named director of marketing communications for Unigroup
ST. LOUIS – Jennifer Bonham has been named director of marketing communications for UniGroup, Inc.,  the parent company of United Van Lines, Mayflower Transit, and other transportation-related companies.
The announcement was made by Carl Walter, vice president of marketing communications for UniGroup.
In her new capacity, Bonham will develop strategic communications plans, including improving agent and associate communications, and lead UniGroup’s participation in new communications technologies.
Bonham has more than 10 years of experience in marketing communications, internal communications and public relations.
Prior to this appointment, Bonham served as manager of public relations and communications for the company. Before joining UniGroup, she held progressively responsible positions at other organizations.
Bonham holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in media communications from Webster University, St. Louis, Mo.
Bonham serves as the volunteer public relations representative for the Wild Canid Survival and Research Center and for Caring Solutions. She also is a member of UniGroup’s United Way committee.
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Articles this week:
Also read exhibit expert Barry Siskind’s column
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| Mayflower moves bikes for kids |
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Buehler Moving & Storage donates trucks to collect bikes for Trips for Kids
AURORA, Colo. — Buehler Moving & Storage, an agent for Mayflower Transit, donated trucks to collect bikes and other cycling supplies that were to be contributed to Trips for Kids, an organization dedicated to introducing the joy, challenge and adventure of cycling to under-served children. The trucks were staged at three Treads Bicycle Outfitter locations. Once the trucks were full, Buehler delivered them to the Trips for Kids warehouse where they repaired then distributed the bikes to underprivileged children.
Trips for Kids partners with several youth agencies to provide mountain bike adventures and opportunities to learn about Colorado’s natural environment. The bikes that Buehler assisted with will help this organization expand and reach even more children who can benefit from fun, positive and challenging outdoor experiences.
All customers who contributed to the bike drive also received special one-day pricing on select merchandise. Many items were collected including used bikes (all sizes, styles and conditions), helmets, seat bags, patch kits, tire pumps, bike locks, biking gloves, rain jackets, Velcro leg bands, water bottles, bottle cages, tires, tire sealants, repair stands and more.
For more information about the organization, visit www.tripsforkidsdenver.org. |
Association News
Associations adding value to meetings in tough economy
More look to outsourcing for expertise and cost-savings
WASHINGTON, D.C. — When times are tough, effective solutions to challenges are critical. Associations simply can't assume business as usual and expect to evolve to meet tomorrow's demands. The good news is that the economic slowdown is bringing out more creativity and fresh thinking than ever.
 Companies that provide outsource services to associations are proving their worth as organizations deal with reduced budgets and limited staff, yet at the same time are tasked with providing additional value to their members and attendees.
"Even in this tough year, I am amazed at the creative solutions that associations have developed to improve their meetings and other programs," said IMN Solutions President & CEO Jack Sammis. "They are not just keeping the status quo - they are actively adding value because they realize that now is the time to seize opportunities and build for the future."
For more than 27 years, IMN Solutions has provided advanced solutions to associations in meetings, marketing, communications, technology, environmental programs, and international development, and has partnered with a wide range of associations and other nonprofit organizations to help them achieve their goals. The company also provides overall management services, including membership, data and financial management, strategic planning, organizational restructuring, and alliances.
Management companies that can boast high-volume purchasing power are uniquely positioned to respond quickly to economic and industry trends, such as declining meeting attendance and exhibitor participation, by helping to reduce financial risk to associations and in many cases, help promote growth.
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Company Expansion News
Champion Exposition services expands footprint in Florida
 ORLANDO, Fla. — Champion Exposition Services ("Champion"), a leading provider of comprehensive event solutions and exposition services, today announced the expansion of its Orlando facility to nearly double the size.
This expansion corresponds to the acquisition strategy of the Audie Group that took place in May 2007 that provided a solid customer base in Orlando, event management expertise and a strategic regional facility, led by industry veteran, Jim Audie.
"The expansion of the Orlando warehouse facility is prudent in this market," says Steve McNally, Executive Vice President, Champion Exposition Services. "In addition to the great base of customers that have been with the Audie Group for years, Champion has a strong customer base with an annual rotation throughout Florida with an increasing presence in Orlando. With this expanded footprint in Orlando, we're better equipped to serve our customers."
As part of this expansion, Champion is reallocating resources from its Atlanta facility. The Orlando facility will continue to fulfill all the design, signage, display and construction requirements of events in Florida and the entire southeast region.
Venue News
Two new downtown Indianapolis Marriott Properties hit key construction milestone
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown and SpringHill Suites by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown — part of the new Marriott PlaceSM Indianapolis development — have been topped off, marking the completion of exterior construction on both properties.
 “We are on track with both of these properties, as well as the Fairfield Inn & Suites Indianapolis Downtown, to open in March, 2010,” said Cory Chambers, director of sales and marketing for Marriott Place Indianapolis. “We’ll be open and ready by the time the NCAA Final Four tournament begins in Indianapolis in 2010.”
Marriott Place Indianapolis is a one-of-a-kind collection of five Marriott properties that will offer unprecedented options and flexibility to meeting planners.
In addition to the Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown and the Fairfield Inn & Suites Indianapolis Downtown, Marriott Place also will encompass a flagship JW Marriott (scheduled to open in February, 2011) and the Marriott Indianapolis Downtown (currently open).
Altogether, Marriott Place Indianapolis will bring 1,626 new rooms to downtown Indianapolis, all of which are steps away from the world-class shopping, dining and destinations of downtown Indianapolis.
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Management support
Productive Displays introduces Display Care management services
CHICAGO — Chicago trade show display firm, Productive Displays, Inc., recently introduced Display Care, a comprehensive display management service offering, as an expansion to its current trade show display and graphics product suite.
"We developed Display Care in response to our customer’s continuing desire to further leverage their trade show and event marketing capabilities," said Bruce Ulrich, President of Productive Displays.
Display Care provides storage, show scheduling support, I & D support, as well as shipping and freight scheduling support to customers working with Productive Displays in the design and development of their trade show graphics and booth displays. Additionally, with Display Care, display booth inspections occur upon the return of clients' display materials to Productive Displays climate-controlled facility. These timely inspections ensure the displays will be maintained in superior condition, even in between shows.
"Providing comprehensive display and event services enables our customers to maximize their marketing budget and optimize their internal trade show marketing team’s time and energy," adds Jay Volke, Display Care Planning Manager.
As a premier Chicago trade show booth design firm, Productive Displays has been offering innovative design solutions since 1996. Display Care is another groundbreaking offering introduced by Productive Displays to provide personalized service and deliver customized solutions for trade show booth firms in the event marketing industry.
Productive Displays is committed to providing customers with an expansive selection of high quality, affordable design products. The firm's dedication to exceptional customer service has helped it retain a wide variety of clients across the United States. From portable and functional pop-up displays, retractable banner stands, as well as elaborate modular display systems, Productive Displays' product offering gives consumers a wide variety of choices for durable and cost-effective tradeshow booth design solutions.
The experienced graphics team at Productive Displays works diligently to help customers achieve the presentation look they desire. The firm uses DURAgraph laminators to construct the banners as well as RIP (Raster Imaging Processing) to produce precision-inked, vibrant color panels. This superior combination ensures long-lasting and effective promotional design materials. For added convenience to its customers, in addition to its collection of new display products, Productive Displays also offers refurbishment services to existing displays as well as rental displays.
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Industry News
Surf Expo extends contract with GES for four additional shows
LAS VEGAS — GES Exposition Services, Inc., a leader in exhibition and event services, announced that Surf Expo, a GES client since 2000, has extended its contract for four additional shows to be held in August 2009 and 2010 and in January 2010 and 2011 all at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.
 GES’ long-lasting partnership with Surf Expo has been strengthened by GES’ dedication to tackling challenges and working out solutions as well as its commitment to exhibitor programs that are cost-effective while not compromising the product or service. Exhibitor surveys showed that they recognize the value of the services GES brings to the show.
“Surf Expo has a strong partnership with GES,” said Surf Expo Show Director Roy Turner. “GES takes a flexible, open-minded approach to challenges and shares our commitment to exhibitor service, which is critical to show growth. GES has also worked with us to incorporate unique exhibitor programs that demonstrate value in a tough economy. ”
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VisitPittsburgh, along with members of the downtown hotel community, traveled to Twinsburg, Ohio to meet with the staff of Experient on June 8. A presentation was made highlighting key statistics on Pittsburgh, such as number of committable downtown hotel rooms, square footage of space at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center and the top cultural attractions in the area. The Pittsburgh group traveled to Ohio in a motorcoach wrapped with scenes of Pittsburgh along with the VisitPittsburgh logo and Web site. |
International News
Russian Trade Fair duo creates positive impetus for metallurgy industry
CHICAGO — Despite the slump in global economic markets, exhibitors and visitors at Metallurgy-Litmash, Tube Russia, Aluminium Non-Ferrous 2009 and wire Russia 2009 rated the trade fairs as a source of positive impetus for the metallurgy industry.
Held on 86,100 square feet of net exhibit space at the Expocentre in Moscow, the two trade fairs attracted 9,200 visitors from Russia and surrounding regions. Metallurgy Litmash, Tube Russia and Aluminium/Non-Ferrous 2009 featured 254 exhibitors from 29 countries, while wire Russia 2009 presented the products of 214 companies from 29 nations. Special highlights were the country group exhibits from Austria, China, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Taiwan and the U.S.
Regardless of the economic crisis, Russia and its neighboring countries are among the fastest growing regions in the world. Demand for high quality products from international suppliers remains strong since state-of-the-art technology is still needed to upgrade existing facilities and investments are going ahead accordingly.
Destination News
ASTA to hold International Destination Expo in Istanbul, Turkey
NEW YORK — Istanbul, which has been chosen as a European Capital of Culture for 2010, also will host next year’s American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) International Destination Expo.
 The four-day conference scheduled for April 19-22, 2010, will put Istanbul on display to this vital group of travel influencers and include a variety of complimentary sightseeing excursions, as well as opportunities for Turkey specialization certifications that agents can add to their professional profiles.
The conference provides a blend of exciting tours to familiarize agents with the country as well as concentrated, destination-specific seminars. Both will greatly enhance agents’ knowledge of Turkey’s many attractions and activities. Most importantly, the conference will offer an abundance of networking opportunities with local tour operators offering a wide variety of fascinating itineraries, testament to Turkey’s extremely diverse tourism experiences, and laying the groundwork for future partnerships.
Marketing optics can cloak reality
By Barry Siskind
When I was young my parents told me to study hard, I would sit at my desk with a pile of books on one side, an open workbook book in front of me. When my parents would peak into my room they would say ”It’s nice to see you so busy.” That’s optics.
Making decisions based on optics alone can catch up with you sooner or later resulting in bad grades, foiled campaigns and lost opportunities.
One of the concerns that many marketers face in these troubled times is a reduction in marketing budgets. The knee jerk reaction is to chop the number of shows and events. Other marketers are reluctant to reduce their face-to-face marketing exposure, continue their program, albeit with a reduced budget, for fear of creating a negative impression on potential buyers.
[CLICK HERE TO READ THE REST OF SISKIND'S COLUMN…]
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