Extravagant gatherings have been in the headlines recently. The media coverage of bailout recipients has caused even healthy companies to follow suit in scrapping incentive trips and even some routine conferences and meetings.
Incentives – those prizes and trips used to motivate sales, reward and/or recognize accomplishments -- are in trouble. Incentive travel is big business to our hotel industry – especially our resorts. Nationally, it generates about $13 billion dollars a year, creates jobs, and generates tax revenues. This figure doesn’t include the huge value of other meetings/corporate travel.
The misconception by the public means that even legitimate trips are being labeled “junkets” and thus tarred with the same irresponsible brush. Not only is the hospitality industry impacted by this erroneous perception, but also affected economically by the cutbacks are the small businesses that rely on corporate gatherings, as well.
The flip side is that many sales people have come to look forward to these trips, to think of them as part of their compensation. For some, it is the only vacation opportunity they can afford to take advantage of during the year.
Most pundits expect incentive travel programs to return once the criticisms die down in the press and the economy improves. This may not happen until 2010, however. The fear now is that the overall impact may have larger consequences in the future on how companies plan meetings and where they are held.
So, South Florida, what percentage of YOUR business is incentive travel?
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
“Table of Eight” – February 2009
An Occasional Column about our HSMAI-South Florida Chapter’s Monthly Events
Our HSMAI-South Florida monthly meeting was held on Wednesday, February 18th at the Grill Room in the Riverside Hotel. A sell-out crowd had the pleasure of hearing Will Secombe, head of marketing for VISIT FLORIDA. The facts and figures of his presentation are posted on our website, so I won’t go into the details of that information. It was sobering to learn that for the first time in seven years, visitor numbers are down for our state. We had the chance to hear about plans to keep our destination competitive and had the opportunity to ask concerning questions of our speaker. One item that Will pointed out was disconcerting and requires immediate action. The tourist industry has become too complacent in that we assume that everyone (including our representatives in the state legislature) realizes the economic value of our number one industry to the state and its residents. Otherwise, our legislators would not have contemplated, without hesitation, drastically reducing the tourism marketing budget.
For our other monthly event we want to thank Robyn Melvin, Sales and Marketing Manager and Scott Jacobs, General Manager, of the Hard Rock Café in Hollywood. As you know, on Tuesday, February 24th (Mardi Gras), we had the pleasure of being invited to an exclusive breakfast event wholly hosted by the Hard Rock Café as an appreciation of our members and guests. We were also joined by some members of the local chapter of MPI. What a lovely and special morning – good food (those made-to-order omelets and a buffet including yummy biscuits and gravy), souvenirs (you can never have too many beads), a jazz combo to get our toes tapping, the fun of posing for photographs, and the traditions of painting coconuts and eating king cake. A good time was had by all – new and old friends chatting away, networking, being introduced to the Café facilities -- all topped off with goodie gift bags on our departure. Some of us (who shall be nameless) had a very hard time going back to our offices!
Looking ahead: So looking forward to our March dinner event at the “new” Fontainebleau resort in Miami Beach on March 18th. Sal Dickinson will be offering a timely presentation on “Selling in an Uncertain Economy.” Please don’t wait to register so you won’t be shut out. See you there. Best, Julie
Our HSMAI-South Florida monthly meeting was held on Wednesday, February 18th at the Grill Room in the Riverside Hotel. A sell-out crowd had the pleasure of hearing Will Secombe, head of marketing for VISIT FLORIDA. The facts and figures of his presentation are posted on our website, so I won’t go into the details of that information. It was sobering to learn that for the first time in seven years, visitor numbers are down for our state. We had the chance to hear about plans to keep our destination competitive and had the opportunity to ask concerning questions of our speaker. One item that Will pointed out was disconcerting and requires immediate action. The tourist industry has become too complacent in that we assume that everyone (including our representatives in the state legislature) realizes the economic value of our number one industry to the state and its residents. Otherwise, our legislators would not have contemplated, without hesitation, drastically reducing the tourism marketing budget.
For our other monthly event we want to thank Robyn Melvin, Sales and Marketing Manager and Scott Jacobs, General Manager, of the Hard Rock Café in Hollywood. As you know, on Tuesday, February 24th (Mardi Gras), we had the pleasure of being invited to an exclusive breakfast event wholly hosted by the Hard Rock Café as an appreciation of our members and guests. We were also joined by some members of the local chapter of MPI. What a lovely and special morning – good food (those made-to-order omelets and a buffet including yummy biscuits and gravy), souvenirs (you can never have too many beads), a jazz combo to get our toes tapping, the fun of posing for photographs, and the traditions of painting coconuts and eating king cake. A good time was had by all – new and old friends chatting away, networking, being introduced to the Café facilities -- all topped off with goodie gift bags on our departure. Some of us (who shall be nameless) had a very hard time going back to our offices!
Looking ahead: So looking forward to our March dinner event at the “new” Fontainebleau resort in Miami Beach on March 18th. Sal Dickinson will be offering a timely presentation on “Selling in an Uncertain Economy.” Please don’t wait to register so you won’t be shut out. See you there. Best, Julie
Sunday, March 1, 2009
GFLCVB News – Feb. 2009
The official tourism site for the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau (GFLCVB), sunny.org, has re-launched with a new look and feel, enhanced content, and “beach cams”. In addition, visitors can log onto www.sunny.org/win to register to win a 2009 Greater Fort Lauderdale beach vacation. The trip includes two certificates from Jet Blue Airways good for round-trip flights to FLL; a two-night stay at the Riverside Hotel on Las Olas Boulevard; two tickets to a performance of Jersey Boys at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts; dinner for two at Jackson's Steakhouse on Las Olas Boulevard and two VIP cards with complimentary admission for more than 20 attractions.
The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) has chosen Fort Lauderdale to host its 2011 International Convention. Greater Fort Lauderdale hosted its first IGLTA conference in 2002, and is now the organization’s world headquarters. In addition to a full schedule of educational workshops and host city tours, the convention will feature a consumer trade show, networking opportunities, and the organization’s gala dinner/awards ceremony.
Greater Fort Lauderdale’s spring calendar is sizzling from now until the end of May. Being promoted as “have a spring fling in Greater Fort Lauderdale”, the list of events (available on their website) includes activities as diverse as a music festival, cultural performance, rodeo, fishing tournament to a re-enactment of the second Seminole War.
Bad economy or not, GFL still says no to bring back Spring Break. President/CEO of the GFLCVB was recently quoted as saying: “Returning to spring break as a quick tourism fix in a tough economy is clearly not the answer. Our decision to end spring break in 1986 has driven visitor growth from one half million annually to 10.8 million visitors in 2008.” Market diversification is another reason Greater Fort Lauderdale can continue to bypass the spring break crowd. According to Grossman, family reunions and intercollegiate sports, in addition to traditional corporate group meetings, have proven to be recession resistant for our area.
The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) has chosen Fort Lauderdale to host its 2011 International Convention. Greater Fort Lauderdale hosted its first IGLTA conference in 2002, and is now the organization’s world headquarters. In addition to a full schedule of educational workshops and host city tours, the convention will feature a consumer trade show, networking opportunities, and the organization’s gala dinner/awards ceremony.
Greater Fort Lauderdale’s spring calendar is sizzling from now until the end of May. Being promoted as “have a spring fling in Greater Fort Lauderdale”, the list of events (available on their website) includes activities as diverse as a music festival, cultural performance, rodeo, fishing tournament to a re-enactment of the second Seminole War.
Bad economy or not, GFL still says no to bring back Spring Break. President/CEO of the GFLCVB was recently quoted as saying: “Returning to spring break as a quick tourism fix in a tough economy is clearly not the answer. Our decision to end spring break in 1986 has driven visitor growth from one half million annually to 10.8 million visitors in 2008.” Market diversification is another reason Greater Fort Lauderdale can continue to bypass the spring break crowd. According to Grossman, family reunions and intercollegiate sports, in addition to traditional corporate group meetings, have proven to be recession resistant for our area.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Sad News about Bob Gill
By now you’ve probably heard about the passing of George W. “Bob” Gill Jr. who died on Wednesday of this week. Called the father of Broward tourism, Bob was a uniquely colorful individual, sometimes more aptly called the “godfather” of the local hospitality industry. In the community, he was most widely known as originally having built a number of the smaller hotels in the Birch area (between Las Olas and Sunrise boulevards) graduating in size to owning and operating both the Sheraton Yankee Clipper and the Yankee Trader Hotels. He was a strong supporter of the general managers of the former Fort Lauderdale Hotel Association through good times and bad – providing moral support, fiscal support, and even lending his lawyers to them when they needed legal advice or direction.
A number of my former colleagues had the experience of working for him. Bob was a hands-on boss and even after the selling of the hotels in 2005, he still went in to his office to keeping busy with various projects.
I first had the opportunity to meet Bob when I was being considered for the position of Executive Director of the Fort Lauderdale Hotel Association back in 1978. I had been warned not to be shocked by his salty language or scared of his gruff manner. In essence, I had been hired, but it wasn’t official until Bob gave his approval. The “interview” (if you can call it that) consisted of him telling me how he saw the future of Fort Lauderdale. My portion of the meeting consisted of smiling sweetly, not flinching at his off-color expressions, and saying how nice it was to meet him!
To his family, and especially to his daughter Linda Gill Morgan, go our heartfelt sympathy and condolences. Bob was a true, irreplaceable pioneer.
A number of my former colleagues had the experience of working for him. Bob was a hands-on boss and even after the selling of the hotels in 2005, he still went in to his office to keeping busy with various projects.
I first had the opportunity to meet Bob when I was being considered for the position of Executive Director of the Fort Lauderdale Hotel Association back in 1978. I had been warned not to be shocked by his salty language or scared of his gruff manner. In essence, I had been hired, but it wasn’t official until Bob gave his approval. The “interview” (if you can call it that) consisted of him telling me how he saw the future of Fort Lauderdale. My portion of the meeting consisted of smiling sweetly, not flinching at his off-color expressions, and saying how nice it was to meet him!
To his family, and especially to his daughter Linda Gill Morgan, go our heartfelt sympathy and condolences. Bob was a true, irreplaceable pioneer.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Around Town - 2-09
Jungle Island is running a special promotion for Florida residents – pay for one day get a year free. You have to go there before February 28th to qualify for the free annual pass. So hurry over and get your great deal!
The Ninth Annual Riverwalk Tribute is honoring Dr. George Hanbury this year in celebration of its 20 year history. The event will be on Thursday, March 5th, at the River House Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale. For more information, check out their website www.goriverwalk.com
The Dania Beach Tourism Council reports that a Historic Heritage Marker was placed on a five-mile strand of beach now known as John U. Lloyd Beach State Park honoring what was once one of the few beaches open to African-Americans. The event coincidentally fell during Black History Month. In other Dania news, the area is looking to the addition of 8 to 10 new properties -- either nearing completion or under development-- to add more rooms to their current 25 hotel/motel properties. According to Joe Van Eron, President of their Tourism Council, Dania has approximately 2200 rooms and expects to approach over 3000 rooms or 6% of the County total by the end of 2009. They are hoping this will then surpass both Deerfield Beach and Plantation to put them in the third position (after Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood) in Broward County for bed tax collections.
Find more information about the Dania Beach Tourism Council at their website www.visitdaniabeach.com
And for those shoppers among us, don’t miss out at the Neiman Marcus Last Call Clearance Center at Sawgrass Mills. Their Presidents Day storewide sale is still on – now through March 2 and offering deals of 20 to 50% off.
Marriott’s Beachplace Towers on Fort Lauderdale beach is offering a special promotion on 4 and 5-night romance packages including a one night’s dinner for two at Charlie’s Crab Restaurant. Guess they’re thinking Valentine’s Day year round! The promotion is valid through November 6th, 2009. For more info, restrictions, etc, check out their website at www.marriott.com
Want to be included in the blog? Just send your latest information, updates, etc., to hsmaisouthflorida@gmail.com
The Ninth Annual Riverwalk Tribute is honoring Dr. George Hanbury this year in celebration of its 20 year history. The event will be on Thursday, March 5th, at the River House Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale. For more information, check out their website www.goriverwalk.com
The Dania Beach Tourism Council reports that a Historic Heritage Marker was placed on a five-mile strand of beach now known as John U. Lloyd Beach State Park honoring what was once one of the few beaches open to African-Americans. The event coincidentally fell during Black History Month. In other Dania news, the area is looking to the addition of 8 to 10 new properties -- either nearing completion or under development-- to add more rooms to their current 25 hotel/motel properties. According to Joe Van Eron, President of their Tourism Council, Dania has approximately 2200 rooms and expects to approach over 3000 rooms or 6% of the County total by the end of 2009. They are hoping this will then surpass both Deerfield Beach and Plantation to put them in the third position (after Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood) in Broward County for bed tax collections.
Find more information about the Dania Beach Tourism Council at their website www.visitdaniabeach.com
And for those shoppers among us, don’t miss out at the Neiman Marcus Last Call Clearance Center at Sawgrass Mills. Their Presidents Day storewide sale is still on – now through March 2 and offering deals of 20 to 50% off.
Marriott’s Beachplace Towers on Fort Lauderdale beach is offering a special promotion on 4 and 5-night romance packages including a one night’s dinner for two at Charlie’s Crab Restaurant. Guess they’re thinking Valentine’s Day year round! The promotion is valid through November 6th, 2009. For more info, restrictions, etc, check out their website at www.marriott.com
Want to be included in the blog? Just send your latest information, updates, etc., to hsmaisouthflorida@gmail.com
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Around The Travel Websites - February 2009
The 2009 Travelers’ Choice Awards were recently released by Trip Advisor.
Survey results include the best bargains, the best for families, and the best services. Results are listed overall then separated by geographic areas. Sorry to say that South Florida wasn’t very well represented. In all the categories, the only one that a South Florida property appeared in was the “Top Best Bargains – U.S.” Cocobelle Resort in Fort Lauderdale was listed as number nine out of the ten selections. From Vero Beach, South Beach Place made the list of “Top 100 Best Bargains” (worldwide/overall) placing at number 57. (As expected, a few hotels from Orlando were listed in the “Best for Families” categories.)
In the Trip Watch section for Fort Lauderdale/Broward County of Trip Advisor, a number of various properties have been reviewed lately – with both positives and negatives. The last few weeks we’ve seen: The Fort Lauderdale Grande, La Quinta Inn, Gallery One, Inverarry Hotel, Hyatt Pier 66, the Hampton Inn Cypress Creek, the Rodeway Inn, et al. If you haven’t checked out this portion of their website you might want to do so to see what their customers (and yours) are saying.
Concierge.com (from Conde Nast Traveler) followed the Valentine’s theme and talked this month about romantic getaways, as well as easy weekend winter getaways. Nice to see Florida listed number one – specifically Islamorada -- as one of the eight getaways. And it’s still staying with the theme as in the last few months of short, easy to get to places either by car or a quick plane flight.
The Fodors “Show Us Your Florida” Photo Contest has recently ended. The winner should be announced the first week of March, but you can see entries on their site now. Fodors introduced a new column this month called the “No Nonsense Traveler”. The author is focusing on being frugal by making the right choices, being selective, seizing opportunities, and getting the most value for his dollar. Seems like a good addition to their lineup and a perfect match for their readers. One of his first “articles” talked about choosing a hotel – knowing your price points and what’s important to you will help you make your selection regardless of the ratings (that is, stars) that the property may have. Another article told consumers how to deal with setbacks using effective complaining.
In Fodors “Hot List” mid-month, they featured the Canyon Ranch Resort in Miami Beach. As you know, they always give the pros and cons of their listings…interesting reading. I also liked their article on trips with Grandparents. Have you explored this niche market yet? Another trend in the making…
By now, you know which sites I follow to see what consumers are reading. Which ones do you like South Florida?
Survey results include the best bargains, the best for families, and the best services. Results are listed overall then separated by geographic areas. Sorry to say that South Florida wasn’t very well represented. In all the categories, the only one that a South Florida property appeared in was the “Top Best Bargains – U.S.” Cocobelle Resort in Fort Lauderdale was listed as number nine out of the ten selections. From Vero Beach, South Beach Place made the list of “Top 100 Best Bargains” (worldwide/overall) placing at number 57. (As expected, a few hotels from Orlando were listed in the “Best for Families” categories.)
In the Trip Watch section for Fort Lauderdale/Broward County of Trip Advisor, a number of various properties have been reviewed lately – with both positives and negatives. The last few weeks we’ve seen: The Fort Lauderdale Grande, La Quinta Inn, Gallery One, Inverarry Hotel, Hyatt Pier 66, the Hampton Inn Cypress Creek, the Rodeway Inn, et al. If you haven’t checked out this portion of their website you might want to do so to see what their customers (and yours) are saying.
Concierge.com (from Conde Nast Traveler) followed the Valentine’s theme and talked this month about romantic getaways, as well as easy weekend winter getaways. Nice to see Florida listed number one – specifically Islamorada -- as one of the eight getaways. And it’s still staying with the theme as in the last few months of short, easy to get to places either by car or a quick plane flight.
The Fodors “Show Us Your Florida” Photo Contest has recently ended. The winner should be announced the first week of March, but you can see entries on their site now. Fodors introduced a new column this month called the “No Nonsense Traveler”. The author is focusing on being frugal by making the right choices, being selective, seizing opportunities, and getting the most value for his dollar. Seems like a good addition to their lineup and a perfect match for their readers. One of his first “articles” talked about choosing a hotel – knowing your price points and what’s important to you will help you make your selection regardless of the ratings (that is, stars) that the property may have. Another article told consumers how to deal with setbacks using effective complaining.
In Fodors “Hot List” mid-month, they featured the Canyon Ranch Resort in Miami Beach. As you know, they always give the pros and cons of their listings…interesting reading. I also liked their article on trips with Grandparents. Have you explored this niche market yet? Another trend in the making…
By now, you know which sites I follow to see what consumers are reading. Which ones do you like South Florida?
Thursday, February 12, 2009
HSMAI's Hotel Sales Strategy Conference
HSMAI's Hotel Sales Strategy Conference, organized by HSMAI's Hotel Director of Sales & Marketing Advisory Board, is being held on March 31, 2009 at the Swissôtel in Chicago. The Conference is designed to deliver hard hitting sessions that address the leadership skills needed in times like these, insights from customers, tactics for setting sales strategies and meeting sales targets, and deliver ROI on your attendance.
Being held in conjunction with HSMAI's Affordable Meetings Mid-America, April 1-2, at Chicago's Navy Pier, some of the Conference agenda highlights include:
The Passion of Leadership: help others identify opportunities to grow as leaders, while building commitment to continuous learning; Making Tough Business Decisions in Tough Times: Making tough decisions easier by having a guiding framework; One-on-One with Smith Travel Research: an exclusive up-to-the minute snapshot of where the industry stands and where it's headed; The Voice of the Customer: a spirited discussion with customers representing the association, government, corporate, and leisure sectors; Driving Online Reservations through Internet Marketing: the latest Internet Marketing tools and technology that will drive more traffic to your website to confirmed reservations; Make Yourself Indispensable and Unforgettable: how to develop and nurture your personal brand image.
To make attendance even more appealing, conference registrants receive a complimentary registration to one HSMAI University webinar of your choice in the second quarter of 2009. That’s a $99 value for HSMAI members. Sounds like a great opportunity!
Also, companies who exhibit at HSMAI's Affordable Meetings will receive a special registration rate for the Hotel Sales Strategy Conference -- 25% off of the early member registration rate (which equals $295 per person). Registration and additional information is available under events at national’s website: www.hsmai.org
Being held in conjunction with HSMAI's Affordable Meetings Mid-America, April 1-2, at Chicago's Navy Pier, some of the Conference agenda highlights include:
The Passion of Leadership: help others identify opportunities to grow as leaders, while building commitment to continuous learning; Making Tough Business Decisions in Tough Times: Making tough decisions easier by having a guiding framework; One-on-One with Smith Travel Research: an exclusive up-to-the minute snapshot of where the industry stands and where it's headed; The Voice of the Customer: a spirited discussion with customers representing the association, government, corporate, and leisure sectors; Driving Online Reservations through Internet Marketing: the latest Internet Marketing tools and technology that will drive more traffic to your website to confirmed reservations; Make Yourself Indispensable and Unforgettable: how to develop and nurture your personal brand image.
To make attendance even more appealing, conference registrants receive a complimentary registration to one HSMAI University webinar of your choice in the second quarter of 2009. That’s a $99 value for HSMAI members. Sounds like a great opportunity!
Also, companies who exhibit at HSMAI's Affordable Meetings will receive a special registration rate for the Hotel Sales Strategy Conference -- 25% off of the early member registration rate (which equals $295 per person). Registration and additional information is available under events at national’s website: www.hsmai.org
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