SCOOP

HSMAI-South Florida Hosts "Westcoast Networker"

On June 18th our Chapter held a networking and membership update event at the Crowne Plaza - Fort Myers. Organized by our Chapter Board member Beth Rice (Visit Florida) and President Fernando Harb (GFLCVB), we had almost 40 people who braved bad weather to join together to network, enjoy refreshments, and learn about the benefits of membership in HSMAI.

Fernando presented information regarding our HSMAI mission statement; Gave background on our Chapter's geographic coverage, 10-year growth chart in membership, and our Board of Directors. He went into detail regarding why someone should join HSMAI -- and addressed all the various "obstacles" people think they have to not joining. He discussed what HSMAI is all about, i.e., what our organization offers its members. He outlined the educational programs, the forums (webinars, too), the conferences, and the networking/learning opportunities including our Chapter events and programs. He explained the various HSMAI Recognition and Award Programs (including certification) as well as the Market Place Events (with customers) like Affordable Meetings and Meetings Quest. He further covered various Research and Scholarship programs as well as the great Publications and Targeted Communications HSMAI offers -- everything from the HSMAI Foundation, and the Marketing Review, to the Website and web newsletters. He showed samples of some of the publications. He also explained about the various Special Interest Groups (SIG's) and provided a handout with more descriptive detail on each of these tailored groups. Following Fernando’s power point presentation, attendees were able to ask questions regarding HSMAI and contribute their observations.

Please join me in a special thank you to Ellen Serra, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Comfort Suites-Ft. Lauderdale Airport and to Susan Dennen, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Hyatt Place/Ft. Lauderdale Airport-North. Ellen and Susan attended the event and got "drafted" into helping out with registration, etc. Your efforts were most appreciated.