Nov 6: Table of Eight from Tatiana event

In the middle of a non-descript strip shopping center in Hallandale Beach was a building with a Tatiana’s sign. I opened a heavy, plainly painted door. In the foyer, I stopped briefly at the registration desk then proceeded past it through more doors. Checked out the table top displays; greeted a number of people including Beth Rice, Visit Florida. All of a sudden, I realized that I was in a huge room with high ceilings. I was astounded by the opulent décor – an over the top Russian palace version of gilt and glitz. It was so totally unexpected; I didn’t know which way to turn. Everything was gold, and embossed, and bedecked. I was Alice in Wonderland.

This was a joint meeting of our chapter and the American Marketing Association.
We heard from the Tatiana’s staff that they do all sorts of events, weddings too, and serve meals (including a Sunday buffet) and can host over 600 people. On the weekends, it’s the full experience -- their cabaret show.

The presentation was on marketing to the gay traveler. Richard Gray, the Rainbow Alliance’s liaison to the Greater FLL CVB, member of the MAC committee, and owner of the Royal Palms in Fort Lauderdale, presented historical background on our destination’s marketing. He outlined how attitudes about the gay traveler have improved, how this is the fastest growing travel segment, and how the amount of money spent to attract this market segment has dramatically increased over the years. He noted that the Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB has been a pioneer in this area. In fact, Fort Lauderdale is the recipient of several nominations by gay-oriented media. Our area was most recently recognized and awarded the designation as the top destination in the world for gay travelers. And now, because of Fort Lauderdale’s lead, the state of Florida will be spending, for the first time, significant monies on this market.

We also heard from Jim Walsh of Travelocity who spoke of their website’s research to attract and retain the gay market. He made several suggestions regarding selling to this segment with the first and foremost among them to find your comfort zone and decide on the extent of your commitment.

A new feature of our chapter is the ability to be able to see the entire meeting and presentation via web casting with special thank you’s to Dan Cohen of Media 17. The website link is: www.media17.com/hsmai

Our “table of eight” was actually a table of ten and all “new to me” people. We enjoyed a delicious meal (especially liked that apple strudel desert). Got to chat extensively with Jennifer Petigrow, Corporate Sales Manager, Deerfield Beach Hilton and Jenny Dryer, Group Sales Manager, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel. We spoke about the Governor, the history of gambling, Florida tourism, future expansion plans for the Hard Rock complex, and packaging for groups; I sat next to Dimitri Bakoulis, Group Sales Manager, also with Deerfield Beach Hilton. Rounding out our table: Bryan Daniel (YaDa Chef) who specializes in catering small events from store openings to private parties; Ron Schmidt and Christine (The Schmidt Group) whose ad agency also does interactive marketing; and Joseph Yacino, Sales Manager (Coral Springs Marriott). Hope to see you on Nov 13 at FIU for another great learning and networking opportunity.