Oct 29: News around the industry

Belated best wishes to Larry Rodkin, Lawrence of Florida, on moving his offices into new digs. All other info except his street address remains the same (phone number, fax, email). His email is: larry@lawrenceofflorida.com

Gabrielle Gannaway, General Manager, Sawgrass Mills, Neiman Marcus Last Call, 1208 West Sunrise Blvd, Anchor E, Sunrise, wants all members of HSMAI to know about the special savings at their store. If you send your email address to her at gabriele_gannaway@neimanmarcus.com, you will be sent a savings coupon and receive info on their featured sales and special events. Call Gabrielle at 954-846-977 for more details.

Adrienne Chiron with Traveltrackers is willing to offer members of HSMAI a discount on her city tours, if up to four people (after that she’d have to arrange special transportation.) For more information, contact Adrienne at 305-205-0219. You may wish to check out her company’s website first to see what’s offered at www.traveltrackers.net

Congratulations to Mark Thaler of the Thaler Corporation, for completing their 21st year in business -- for handling 35 national conferences and many corporate incentive programs (heavy in the Jewish wedding and entertainment market).
Check out Mark’s website at: www.4Greatmeetingsandevents.com

The prize for best salesmanship this month goes to: Bryan Daniel at Ya Da Chef. Bryan was the first person to email me (before I had emailed him) after our business card exchange at October’s HSMAI lunch meeting. Bryan also holds the distinction for being the first person THIS YEAR to send me his company brochure via regular mail. To contact Bryan at his catering company, email bryan@yadachef.com.

Just announced: The Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB has extended its meeting planner incentive program to generate group business for next summer. Planners who book groups at the Convention Center for August and September 2008 with a minimum contract for 600 peak-night hotel rooms will receive free rental of convention center floor space. Pass it on!