“Table of Eight” – HSMAI-South Florida - March 2009

"An Occasional Column about our Chapter’s Monthly Events"

Our HSMAI-South Florida monthly meeting was held on Wednesday, March 18th at the “new” and better than ever Fontainebleau Resort in Miami Beach. A record crowd braved rain and windy weather to hear Sal Dickinson speak on the very timely presentation: “Selling in an Uncertain Economy.” Thank you to our sponsor American Coach (Richard Gonzalez) for providing bus transportation from Broward.

The gorgeous resort is newly expanded and decorated. It seems you walk for miles from the parking areas to the meeting rooms. Do you remember the former lobby? The old black bow-tie patterned tiling will bring back memories of the glory that was Miami Beach. And how wonderful to hear that the hotel was completely occupied! We want to especially thank Scott Flexman in Marketing and Michelle Cannici in catering as well as Moe and the other banquet personnel for making our event so very special. Starting with our reception and cash bar through the dinner – with the added “surprise” of a free glass of wine – and to the spectacular chocolate desert, the service, ambiance and overall experience was luxury class all the way. (Speaking of “customer service” – did you notice that everyone on staff from the cleaning people to security all pleasantly greeted you?)

Sal’s presentation can be viewed on our website www.hsmaisouthflorida.org if you go to the resources section. I’m not going to recap the speech, but wanted to note that as Sal said, if you came away with just one or two ideas, he’d done his part. Well, I can say that most everyone came away with a lot more than that! Did you see everyone taking notes? The best was that there were immediately usable action items. Even long time members of our industry received helpful reminders of the some of the sales basics along with an introduction to some of the newer technologies available and valuable suggestions. Sal’s a great supporter of and believer in HSMAI. We’re hoping his exposure of national’s resources helps to drive membership to our Association. Thank you Sal!

Next month, our regular meeting moves to Ft. Myers. We are at the Holiday Inn-Airport for a luncheon and meeting planners panel. Industry veterans will be participating, so if you’re on the southwest coast of Florida please plan to be there. More information, as usual, on our website. See you there. And in May, we’re at the newly re-branded Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina – formerly the Ft. Lauderdale Grande Resort. Best, Julie