Will Seccombe, Chief Marketing Officer with VF, is asking that we send an email to our employees, partners, vendors and customers and encourage them to visit www.ShareaLittleSunshine.org as well as sending out some personal invitations. They’re hoping to add to the industry and media partner commitments to send e-mails to more than 5 million Floridians.
In addition to the viral efforts, VISIT FLORIDA is supporting the “Share a Little Sunshine" campaign with an integrated mix of statewide radio promotions, television public service announcements, and a comprehensive PR initiative.
The goals of the campaign are to: Increase awareness about the impact of tourism on the Florida economy. And to give potential visitors a reason to travel to Florida now – a personal invitation, an emotional video and an economic incentive.
As an added benefit, everybody who sends a personal invitation is registered for a chance to win one of 12 great Florida vacation packages. You can customize the sample invitation (see below) as you wish…. and Thank you!
The Sample Invitation:
Reconnect with family & friends, improve the state economy and enter to win a great Florida vacation package. It is a win-win proposition. If you live and work in Florida, all you have to do is invite someone to visit. More visitors mean more jobs and a brighter economic future for our state.
Please click (www.ShareaLittleSunshine.org), choose one of the invitations, and add a personal message and press send. Your family and friends will receive a cool video message and great Florida travel deals. As an added benefit, every invitation you send registers you for a chance to win one of 12 great Florida vacation packages. The Sunshine State is a great place to live – and a great place to visit.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Meetings Mean Business Video Campaign
The "Meetings Mean Business" campaign is looking to find the individual who best embodies the character and hardworking spirit of the travel industry. The winner will become the newest spokesperson for the industry. The U.S. Travel Association will also provide $5,000 to the winner.
To take part, industry employees submited a 45- to 60-second video telling why they are the “face of travel” and how business travel, meetings and events are important to them, their company and their community. Our very own HSMAI Board Member, Joseph McKinney submitted this video for the face of travel to the US Travel Association channel on YouTube
Please make sure to visit the official ballot site when voting begins to vote for your favorite finalist. Good luck to Joseph, if he wins I'm sure he will share the wealth with the local chapter members :-)
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Coming Up…
USA TODAY is holding a “Picture America” contest to promote Discover America. Your “iconic images” of America could appear in USA TODAY and on their website as well as on Discoveramerica.com which promotes our country internationally. As a winner you can earn a four-night getaway and $500. Wouldn’t it be great if one of the winners was a photo featuring South Florida? For more details and to enter go to pictureamerica.usatoday.com but HURRY…contest ends May 8th!
The Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism is going to be held at the Fontainebleau Resort on August 23 – 25th. Visit Florida has just sent out its “save the date” notices with special hotel room rates. More information to come soon.
And of course, don’t forget to register for the HSMAI-South Florida Chapter’s May 20th lunch meeting at the newly reflagged Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina featuring Carlos Molinet speaking about “World Class Customer Service”. The deadline to register is May 15th. Register on our website: www.hsmaisouthflorida.org
The Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism is going to be held at the Fontainebleau Resort on August 23 – 25th. Visit Florida has just sent out its “save the date” notices with special hotel room rates. More information to come soon.
And of course, don’t forget to register for the HSMAI-South Florida Chapter’s May 20th lunch meeting at the newly reflagged Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina featuring Carlos Molinet speaking about “World Class Customer Service”. The deadline to register is May 15th. Register on our website: www.hsmaisouthflorida.org
Around Town – April/May 2009
Belated congratulations to: The Mondrian Hotel for making the cover of Conde Nast Traveler magazine; to The Regent Bal Harbor and The Ritz Carlton Palm Beach for being listed in the “15 to Watch” column of Travel + Leisure’s new hotels and companies predicted to make their World’s Best lists in the near future;
Welcome to: The new W Hotel on Fort Lauderdale Beach. Elves have been scurrying around for some time in preparation for their “official” opening. Our VP of Programming visited for a site inspection and reports we’ll have a treat for our July luncheon meeting there. Can’t wait!
Isn’t it great that Regis and Kelly are filming their TV show (seen here on WSVN, Channel 7) and featuring Miami Beach while at the Fontainebleau Resort the week of May 4th? I still love that bow-tie lobby tile in the hotel. Hate to admit I’m old enough that those glamorous years of the “rat pack” and classy entertainment still brings back nostalgic memories even if I was just a young child then…
From Pia Dahlquist comes the news that the Mai Kai has just completed extensive renovations and upgrades, recently introduced a brand new wine list, unveiled their new website (www.maikai.com) and started a new Happy Hour from 5 to 7 pm with 50% off drinks and appetizers. While over at Jungle Island in Miami-Dade, they’ve just announced their new program called “Summer Adventures”. And just in time for Mother’s Day, the Neiman Marcus Last Call Store (Sawgrass) has come out with a special sale…
Sorry to see the sad statistics on room occupancy of our local hotels over the past few months as recently reported in the news. Most sources quoted are looking for a turn around in the future – but times vary widely as to when – anywhere from six to ten months. Yet, based on what other chapters of HSMAI report, it seems that South Florida is still doing better than most other places around the nation.
Have information to share? Send your “news” to hsmaisouthflorida@gmail.com
Welcome to: The new W Hotel on Fort Lauderdale Beach. Elves have been scurrying around for some time in preparation for their “official” opening. Our VP of Programming visited for a site inspection and reports we’ll have a treat for our July luncheon meeting there. Can’t wait!
Isn’t it great that Regis and Kelly are filming their TV show (seen here on WSVN, Channel 7) and featuring Miami Beach while at the Fontainebleau Resort the week of May 4th? I still love that bow-tie lobby tile in the hotel. Hate to admit I’m old enough that those glamorous years of the “rat pack” and classy entertainment still brings back nostalgic memories even if I was just a young child then…
From Pia Dahlquist comes the news that the Mai Kai has just completed extensive renovations and upgrades, recently introduced a brand new wine list, unveiled their new website (www.maikai.com) and started a new Happy Hour from 5 to 7 pm with 50% off drinks and appetizers. While over at Jungle Island in Miami-Dade, they’ve just announced their new program called “Summer Adventures”. And just in time for Mother’s Day, the Neiman Marcus Last Call Store (Sawgrass) has come out with a special sale…
Sorry to see the sad statistics on room occupancy of our local hotels over the past few months as recently reported in the news. Most sources quoted are looking for a turn around in the future – but times vary widely as to when – anywhere from six to ten months. Yet, based on what other chapters of HSMAI report, it seems that South Florida is still doing better than most other places around the nation.
Have information to share? Send your “news” to hsmaisouthflorida@gmail.com
Thursday, April 16, 2009
HSMAI-SOUTH FLORIDA CELEBRATES ITS SUCCESSES:
WINS 2008 BEST CHAPTER OF THE YEAR AWARD!
Fourteen Chapters took home 34 awards from the awards dinner presentation on Wednesday, April 14, 2009 at the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association’s annual Leadership Conference held this year in Washington, DC.
The South Florida Chapter was honored as “Chapter of the Year” in the Best of the Best Awards – the highest category awarded. The national organization currently has about 30 Chapters world-wide so competition was pretty stiff.
In addition to the top award, the South Florida Chapter also won four other awards. In the “large” Chapter division (this is based on number of members), we won awards for our Website, Membership Development, Communications, and for Partnerships. Stacie Faulds, 2009 Chapter President, and Julie Wernick, South Florida Chapter Managing Director, were on hand at the Conference to accept the awards on behalf of the Chapter.
Thank you to Stacie Faulds and to Gabriele Gannaway (current VP Communications) for their efforts in preparing the award winning entries. Most of all Fernando Harb (our 2008 President and our current Immediate Past President) deserves kudos for his outstanding efforts in guiding our association last year along with the members of the 2008 Board. And to you wonderful active members:thank you for enabling us to achieve this major accomplishment.
Fourteen Chapters took home 34 awards from the awards dinner presentation on Wednesday, April 14, 2009 at the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association’s annual Leadership Conference held this year in Washington, DC.
The South Florida Chapter was honored as “Chapter of the Year” in the Best of the Best Awards – the highest category awarded. The national organization currently has about 30 Chapters world-wide so competition was pretty stiff.
In addition to the top award, the South Florida Chapter also won four other awards. In the “large” Chapter division (this is based on number of members), we won awards for our Website, Membership Development, Communications, and for Partnerships. Stacie Faulds, 2009 Chapter President, and Julie Wernick, South Florida Chapter Managing Director, were on hand at the Conference to accept the awards on behalf of the Chapter.
Thank you to Stacie Faulds and to Gabriele Gannaway (current VP Communications) for their efforts in preparing the award winning entries. Most of all Fernando Harb (our 2008 President and our current Immediate Past President) deserves kudos for his outstanding efforts in guiding our association last year along with the members of the 2008 Board. And to you wonderful active members:thank you for enabling us to achieve this major accomplishment.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
“Table of Eight” –
HSMAI Meeting April 3, 2009 – Holiday Inn Ft. Myers Airport at the Town Center.
Or a “West Coast Thank You”
As you know by now, our “Table of Eight” column is an occasional recap of our monthly meetings. This month, I’m changing format by sharing with you our Chapter President’s recent email. This is what Stacie Faulds had to say about the event:
“A special thank you to Beth (Rice) for coordinating a very successful meeting planner panel in Ft Myers today. And thank you to Julie (Wernick) for attending and handling registration.
It was a great turnout (55+ attendees), with an interesting mix of hotel salespeople and CVBs. In fact, there were 5 CVBs represented, including Jack Wert, Exec Dir of the Naples/Marco Island CVB. The brand new Holiday Inn was fantastic and the panel and moderator (Sal Dickinson) were fab. Everyone was impressed that Bill Briscoe participated. Time flew quickly and Sal only got through half his questions...so a sequel is a definite. I think this could be an annual event easily. I think that Bill Briscoe and the CVBs (Lee County, Collier County, Charlotte County, Broward County and Palm Beach) gave the luncheon, and our HSMAI chapter, major credibility. There is strong potential for membership growth on the west coast.
Beth is tallying the survey results, so we will soon see how it was received by our attendees. Until then, hats off to her for all her hard work."
Or a “West Coast Thank You”
As you know by now, our “Table of Eight” column is an occasional recap of our monthly meetings. This month, I’m changing format by sharing with you our Chapter President’s recent email. This is what Stacie Faulds had to say about the event:
“A special thank you to Beth (Rice) for coordinating a very successful meeting planner panel in Ft Myers today. And thank you to Julie (Wernick) for attending and handling registration.
It was a great turnout (55+ attendees), with an interesting mix of hotel salespeople and CVBs. In fact, there were 5 CVBs represented, including Jack Wert, Exec Dir of the Naples/Marco Island CVB. The brand new Holiday Inn was fantastic and the panel and moderator (Sal Dickinson) were fab. Everyone was impressed that Bill Briscoe participated. Time flew quickly and Sal only got through half his questions...so a sequel is a definite. I think this could be an annual event easily. I think that Bill Briscoe and the CVBs (Lee County, Collier County, Charlotte County, Broward County and Palm Beach) gave the luncheon, and our HSMAI chapter, major credibility. There is strong potential for membership growth on the west coast.
Beth is tallying the survey results, so we will soon see how it was received by our attendees. Until then, hats off to her for all her hard work."
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
“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
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
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