“Around Town” Column – January 2010

Here’s a collection of newsworthy items happening recently “Around Town” from our industry members and South Florida community.

Broward County

The Liberty Suites in Dania Beach has won a 2009 Pink Choice Award. Pink Choice rates gay and gay-friendly hotels, inns and guest houses, according to the opinions and scores submitted by gay and lesbian travelers. Based on these ratings, Pink Choice Awards are presented to those properties determined to have provided the very best in guest amenities and services. These awards are presented at the end of each calendar year.

This weekend (January 29th through 31st) is the 2010 Dania Beach Folk Art and Antique Festival along with a Vintage Motorcycle Show. In addition, Dania Jai Alai is hosting the Florida Arcade and Pinball Expo this weekend. This event is being promoted as the “largest gathering of pinball machines and classic video games in Florida”.

The "Award Winning" Hampton Inn Plantation, for the second year in a row has won the prestigious Lighthouse Award for service and accommodations. This was awarded in 2008 and now in 2009. They are ranked #20 out of over 1700 Hampton Inns Worldwide. (In addition, they still have availability of Super Bowl if anyone is sold out and gets a call for reservations, would appreciate them being passed on to Susan Stern at 954-382-4500.)

Lawrence Of Florida Entertainment and Events has two new additions to their offerings: Up Lighting. As most venues have very neutral walls, they can provide new lighting packages which will change the room venue to virtually any color that a client can imagine. The second new item, which works for corporate events as well as social parties, is their version of Jeopardy. It can be set up for 3 to 6 players or an entire audience. The game is fast moving, fun and does NOT require a “brain trust” to join in the action. They bring the whole package – the Jeopardy board, the lights, sound system and the MC. According to Larry Rodkin, they can even tailor or design the questions/answers to fit a particular theme or the company’s background to personalize the event.

Miami-Dade

Karen Weiner Escalera, President, KWE Group in Coral Gables (and one of the top 25 extraordinary minds in sales and marketing in 2008 HSMAI) has had her “Reinvention Revolution” trends letter was featured in the Luxury Society’s annual Global Experts issue on luxury lifestyle trends. The European-based Luxury Society is a by invitation only online community of worldwide leaders in luxury products and services.

Southwest Coast:

The Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention and Visitors Bureau is inviting football fans traveling to the Pro Bowl or the Super Bowl to extend their trip with a visit to the Paradise Coast. They’ve put together a number of deals under the heading “Miami Bowl Packages”. In addition, for the winter, they are promoting “Paradise Priced Perfectly” hotel packages (see my floridasavings.com).

Jorian Weiner has been appointed to be the new manager of public relations for The Ritz-Carlton Resorts of Naples.

Sarina Buonannata has joined Sunstream Hotels & Resorts as communications specialist.

The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club has introduced an all-new "Beach Club Card." This new gift card can be purchased in any denomination, and used at the resort's spa, golf course, beachfront restaurant, bars, in any of the resort's gift shops, and for stays at the resort.

Visitor Research for Collier Country for November 2009 saw a climb in visitation from the Northeast, Midwest and Canada. December 2009 followed with significant increases in those markets, along with Markets of Opportunity, or visitors from west of the Mississippi River.
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To submit items for future editions, send to jwfranklin1@gmail.com
Best, Julie Wernick, HSMAInsider

BizBash's 2010 National Venue Guide Picks Hot Venues in 17 Cities- including Miami

To provide essential information for Meeting Planners to select options (including golf courses and cruise ships, too), BizBash has put together a listing of 768 venues for all types of events and meetings. BizBash’s guide is available in digital format on their website.

The 17 major cities include Miami. It should be noted that “Miami” also covers some Broward County and Palm Beach venues, as well.

The Miami section includes:

“South Beach Stays” which is describes as 5 renovated and/new properties which are garnering attention. The hotels featured are: W South Beach, Clevelander, Riviera South Beach, The Betsy Hotel, and the Fontainebleau.

“Where to Meet and Stay in Palm Beach” highlights the Omphoy Ocean Resort for “on the ocean”; Brazilian Court for a “boutique” property; and the Doubletree Hotel Palm Beach Gardens for meetings.

“Sprawling Spaces in Broward County”, a “selection of the latest/largest event venues to open 25 minutes north of Miami featured: Whitespace (on Stirling road, Dania Beach) –for it’s bi-level space; Exit 66 – for it’s entertainment and nightlife space; and the W Hotel - Fort Lauderdale Beach for it’s 12,400 square feet of meeting space as well as the Living Room Lounge, Steak 954 (available for rentals up to 240 people).

Best, the HSMAInsider, Julie Wernick.
Reminder: Send your news to jwfranklin1@gmail.com for the upcoming “Around Town” Column. Deadline is this Thursday.

Information Requested for Our Upcoming “Around Town” Article – Jan. 2010

As you know, SCOOP, our HSMAI South Florida Chapter’s Blog, contains educational tidbits, interesting observations, and summaries of some of our seminars and meetings, as well as news about you, our members, and our hospitality community.

We are currently collecting items for our upcoming monthly “Around Town” article. Have you or your property recently received an award? Reached a milestone anniversary? Renovated? Added a new feature or program to your property or company? Have you changed jobs? Want us to help you promote a special offer? Let us know.

Please feel free to submit information about yourself and your company, "people in the news" or business leads, accomplishments, and other marketing advice you wish to share.

Just send all to Julie Wernick, the HSMAI Insider, at jwfranklin1@gmail.com

Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB launches new "ivisitlauderdale” iPhone Application

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau (GFLCVB) has introduced iVisitLauderdale with searchable listings, maps, and real-time event and deal updates.

Recognizing that the mobile platform is reshaping the ways in which consumers plan, book and consume travel, the free "app” is part of the GFLCVB's continued marketing efforts to reach visitors through a variety of social media avenues. The iVisitLauderdale application enhances the visitor experience with up-to-date information and the latest GPS mapping technology, video, images and other features.

iVisitLauderdale is downloadable on iTunes or from Greater Fort Lauderdale’s website, www.sunny.org/iphone. Some useful features include:
The iGuide which gives an overview of area attractions and ways to play, including SCUBA, shopping, dining, nature, and more. It also provides easy access to area weather updates, transportation information, events and special deals as well as information about our area’s beaches.

The Explore section offers must-see points of interest and up-to-date information on prices, hours and more. The GPS-based locator serves as an added bonus with maps and driving directions for hundreds of hotels, spa resorts, restaurants, shops, attractions and more. Vibrant videos and pictures of the destination can be downloaded. In addition, users can personalize their app by adding interests to their Favorites, and sharing all with family and friends.

For more information about the iVisitLauderdale application, visit www.sunny.org/iphone.

HSMAI FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES FIRST ONLINE TRAVEL AUCTION

In February 2010, in conjunction with several association partner organizations, “Getaways for Good” travel auction will be launched by the HSMAI Foundation to benefit industry research, publications, educational programming, and academic scholarships. A portion of each winning bid will go to the bidder’s association and the balance will go to the Foundation.

Partner organizations include: the American Society of Women Accountants (ASWA), American Women in Radio & Television (AWRT), International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association.

HSMAI is now accepting donations for “Getaways for Good” and is seeking a select number of signature items such as: Roundtrip airfare for two; City and resort stays and packages; Unique getaways and experiences; Golf or ski weekends; Cruises; Family Vacations; and Spa Getaways.

Donors will be featured on the auction Web site, with their logo, photos and descriptive copy. Donors can specify specific terms and conditions, along with any other details for auction items. Bidding will open February 1, 2010, and run until February 15, 2010.

The HSMAI Foundation was founded in 1983, and its mission is to expand and enhance the educational opportunities available to hospitality sales and marketing executives and to increase the amount of in-depth research conducted on behalf of the profession. For more information, visit hsmaifoundation.org

Best, Julie Wernick, HSMAInsider

“Golden Opportunity” – Not to be Missed?

Over 100,000 visitors are expected in South Florida for the Super Bowl. There will be fans, teams, support crews, and media.

As hospitality professionals, you know how much time, effort, and expense it takes to get this many visitors to come to our area, under normal circumstances. You know how much easier it is to get a repeat customer than the first time around.

Here’s our “golden opportunity” to shine.
Here’s our chance to show off to the world.
Here’s our moment to let everyone be warmly welcomed, to make them feel we appreciate their being here, and to hope they like us enough to come back in the future.

You’ve heard the phrase “courtesy pay$”? Keep in mind that the Super Bowl is the world’s largest one-day sporting event, a $36 billion a year industry, employing more than 400,000 Floridians.

Do not let this time pass us by without taking advantage of this good fortune.
Start reminding your staff to practice being EXTRA courteous, to go out of their way, if necessary, to be hospitable; to do what we do best!

There are a lot of places these visitors can choose to travel to in the future.
Why not South Florida?

Best, Julie Wernick, HSMAInsider.

HSMAI Announces “The Top 25 Minds In Hospitality Travel Sales And Marketing”

HSMAI announced its seventh annual hot list of the “Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in Sales and Marketing”. The honorees, that represent the best sales and marketing professionals in the hospitality, travel and tourism industries, will be honored during a private ceremony preceding the HSMAI Adrian Awards Gala on Feb. 1, 2010, at the New York Marriott Marquis, and recognized on-stage at the Gala.

“The Top 25 is a 'hot list' that celebrates the sales and marketing leaders and innovators of our industry,” said Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHA, president and CEO of HSMAI. “The creative strategies, passionate dedication and sharp intelligence of these professionals have not only made a difference within their organizations but have also truly raised the bar for the hospitality industry as a whole.”

Here are the 2009 HSMAI Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Sales & Marketing:
Peter R. B. Armstrong, Executive Chairman & Founder, Armstrong Group; Owner and Operator of Rocky Mountaineering
Laura D. Bajkowski, Principal, Bajkowski & Partners
Thomas E. Baker, Jr., President & Partner, Cruise Center
Bart Berkey, Director, Ritz-Carlton/Marriott International
Lillibeth Bishop, Publicity & Promotions Manager- USA, Hong Kong Tourism Board
Roger Bloss, Founder, President, Chief Executive Officer, Vantage Hospitality Group
Dr. Eric T. Brey, Director, Center for Resort and Hospitality Business, University of Memphis
Barry Brown, Director of Sales and Marketing, Hotel del Coronado/Beach Village at the Del
Julie Canning, President & CEO, Banff Lake Louise Tourism
Giséle Danis, Executive Director, Strategic Marketing, Canadian Tourism Commission
Chekitan Dev, Associate Professor, Cornell University
Michelle Fee, Co-Founder, Cruise Planners/American Express
Robert W. Gialloreto, President & CEO, Tourism Victoria
Sehrab Grewal, Director of Consumer Marketing, Best Western International
Erika Harms, Executive Director, Tourism Sustainability Council
Joe Hyman, President & CEO, VIZERGY
Tjibbe Lambers, Director, Marketing Analytics, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts
Michael A. Perhaes, Assistant Vice President, Marketing, MGM Grand Hotel
David William Ralls, Partner, AIR Marketing
Franck Sarrabezolles, Regional Advertising Manager, The Americas, Emirates
Adam Stewart, CEO, Sandals Resorts International
Christopher L. Thompson, President & CEO, VISIT FLORIDA
Scott J. Voeller, Vice President of Brand Strategy & Advertising, MGM Mirage
Andrew D. Wirth, Senior Vice President of Marketing & Strategic Alliances, Intrawest
Rosanne Zusman, Senior Vice President, Brand Marketing, Wyndham Hotel Group

For more information on the Adrian Awards Competition and Gala, visit www.adrianawards.com. Did you notice that Visit Florida was included? Anyone else you know? Best, HSMAInsider, Julie Wernick

Greater Fort Lauderdale's ‘Sunny in the City' Tour Targets New Yorkers

..”To showcase the latest and greatest that Greater Fort Lauderdale has to offer New Yorkers - our number one customer”, the GFLCVB launched “Sunny in the City” on December 17, 2009. Included in the program will be: a gigantic beach wrapped around the Toys ‘R Us building in Times Square; NYC yellow cabs topped with pink flip flops; and parades of beach-branded vehicles led by a Beach Mobile (a glass-enclosed beach scene, complete with bikini clad sunbather, scuba diver and palm tree) driving past Manhattan's top landmarks and most important events. The tour taking place January 23-28, 2010 throughout Manhattan is an ambitious multi-media promotion designed to attract winter-weary New Yorkers to the destination's sunny shores.

In addition, there will be free trip giveaways, souvenir distribution, and a "Win a Week of Warm and Comfy Car Service" to make a lucky New Yorker’s workweek commute sunnier in a beach-branded SUV designed to capture the attention of harried city residents. Street teams at the parade sites will be handing out free prizes and collateral with scan tags so consumers can register for contests instantly on the spot via a mobile device or via computer to win a "Free Beach Vacation in Greater Fort Lauderdale." The street teams will also demonstrate, for the first time, Greater Fort Lauderdale's latest visitor amenity - the free "iVisitLauderdale" iPhone application.

New Yorkers can enter at www.sunny.org/freeride from January 4-11, 2010.
In addition, all promotions and activities will be supported by media exposure, including television and radio advertising, an online campaign on nytimes.com, TimeOut New York, a print ad in the New York Times Travel section, email blasts in conjunction with Condé Nast Traveler and other media partners, plus public relations activities.

Even with South Florida’s bit of cold weather this week, we’ll seem simply balmy in comparison! Best, Julie Wernick, HSMAInsider.