At the September (2007)GFLCVB marketing luncheon, Virginia Sheridan with M. Silver Associates, the PR firm of the GFLCVB, mentioned during her portion of the presentation that “man vacations” were a new niche market. The first thing that came to mind was a group of college frat boys jumping in the car with beer and bathing suits and coming to South Florida for spring break. I knew that couldn’t be what she meant.
Now I’d heard of “girl” vacations – especially those to a spa or featuring shopping. In fact, there are even magazines dedicated to this type of travel. Two are called, appropriately, Girlfriend Getaways and Travel Girl (among others).
It got me thinking. What exactly is the “mancation”? In fact, it has nothing to do with drunken escapades or bachelor parties or marketing to the gay market.Turns out they are guy getaways – trips for heavy-duty male bonding. Made me think of the movie “City Slickers”.
Usually the “mancation” involves either watching sports, or participating in adventure travel, or doing some activity that allows some fun and quality time with the guys. Things that they think women wouldn’t enjoy.
So, South Florida, are you looking to reach this new market niche? Have you packaged your rooms with activities like fishing or diving? There are probably more creative solutions out there. What are you doing?
Julie Wernick, HSMAInsider
(Originally posted on September 27, 2007; While reading this article to re-post it, a whole topic previously not addressed came to mind: Why are they called manvacations and the female version are called girl getaways? Oh well, all new comments are welcome.)
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
Are you a Floridian?
(As mentioned the other day, I will be re-releasing some articles from the first few months of the HSMAI-South Florida Blog which was prior to our being "linked" by our various social media. This article was originally posted on September 25, 2007.)
At what point do you stop saying, “Well, I was originally from _____”?
Let’s face it, most of the people living and working here were born somewhere else and moved to Florida. I should tell you, however, that my husband is one of the few people “of a certain age” that I know to be born here. In fact, he was born in Opa-locka on an airbase – the same base from which Amelia Earhart departed on her last flight.
But back to my main point, do you consider yourself a Floridian? And really, at what point do you stop saying you were born in (fill in the town name), and moved here in (fill in the year) from (fill in the city name)? At what point do you start rooting for the local sports teams and not your “former” one?
The other part of this question is: “So, how did you come to move to Florida?”And that’s when it really gets interesting… I’ve been asking this question the last few days. One person said she came here because she followed a guy she liked; One person said she ran away from home with her seven year old son; One person was working for a company and was transferred here; One person moved here to take care of his parents.
I grew up in New England. I came to open a branch of my brother's business. What’s your story? Where did YOU move from? Do you consider yourself a Floridian, yet? And why did you come to Florida as opposed to another state?
Won't you share YOUR story? Best, Julie Wernick, HSMAInsider
At what point do you stop saying, “Well, I was originally from _____”?
Let’s face it, most of the people living and working here were born somewhere else and moved to Florida. I should tell you, however, that my husband is one of the few people “of a certain age” that I know to be born here. In fact, he was born in Opa-locka on an airbase – the same base from which Amelia Earhart departed on her last flight.
But back to my main point, do you consider yourself a Floridian? And really, at what point do you stop saying you were born in (fill in the town name), and moved here in (fill in the year) from (fill in the city name)? At what point do you start rooting for the local sports teams and not your “former” one?
The other part of this question is: “So, how did you come to move to Florida?”And that’s when it really gets interesting… I’ve been asking this question the last few days. One person said she came here because she followed a guy she liked; One person said she ran away from home with her seven year old son; One person was working for a company and was transferred here; One person moved here to take care of his parents.
I grew up in New England. I came to open a branch of my brother's business. What’s your story? Where did YOU move from? Do you consider yourself a Floridian, yet? And why did you come to Florida as opposed to another state?
Won't you share YOUR story? Best, Julie Wernick, HSMAInsider
Sunday, October 25, 2009
HSMAI-South Florida Blog Celebrates Two-Year Anniversary
Amazing to think that’s it’s been only two years since “Scoop”, our Chapter’s blog began. Back in September 2007, when I started writing, we were in the early years of social media.
How time flies when you’re having fun! Time and technology have indeed moved fast. And now with our Chapter’s Twitter account, Linked-in group, and Facebook fan page, we’re keeping pace.
Our Blog was our Chapter’s first entrée, however, into interactive media. We were ahead of most other chapters with our website, as well. (Thank you Stacie Faulds.) We’re proud to say that it also was a contributing factor to our Chapter’s award winning status at national’s 2009 Leadership Conference.
In the early months of the Blog, we covered a wide variety of topics. Our “Table of Eight” which used to be a featured column in our Chapter’s printed quarterly newsletters, became just one of the many articles in our Blog. Our philosophy then (and still) was to maintain a comfortable, chatty style; to be educational and informative, but still enjoyable; to be of interest and relevant to our local readers and Chapter members.
This year we added something new – our linking capability. (Thank you Sheryl Cattell.) Our reach and readership has been expanded as our Blog also appears not only on our website (hsmaisouthflorida.org then click on Blog), but is repeated (“picked up”) in our other social media outlets. Since we didn’t originally have these links, you may have missed some of our early articles. In the next few weeks, I’ll be re-posting a selection of them.
Our readers still are a bit shy. Most prefer to email me directly with their questions and contributions rather than post comments on the site. Whichever method you prefer, we invite you to scroll back to some of those previously posted items, read, subscribe, and give us your input.
Best, Julie Wernick, HSMAInsider
P.S. Hope you can join us for our Social Media Panel, Wednesday, October 28th in Ft. Myers.
How time flies when you’re having fun! Time and technology have indeed moved fast. And now with our Chapter’s Twitter account, Linked-in group, and Facebook fan page, we’re keeping pace.
Our Blog was our Chapter’s first entrée, however, into interactive media. We were ahead of most other chapters with our website, as well. (Thank you Stacie Faulds.) We’re proud to say that it also was a contributing factor to our Chapter’s award winning status at national’s 2009 Leadership Conference.
In the early months of the Blog, we covered a wide variety of topics. Our “Table of Eight” which used to be a featured column in our Chapter’s printed quarterly newsletters, became just one of the many articles in our Blog. Our philosophy then (and still) was to maintain a comfortable, chatty style; to be educational and informative, but still enjoyable; to be of interest and relevant to our local readers and Chapter members.
This year we added something new – our linking capability. (Thank you Sheryl Cattell.) Our reach and readership has been expanded as our Blog also appears not only on our website (hsmaisouthflorida.org then click on Blog), but is repeated (“picked up”) in our other social media outlets. Since we didn’t originally have these links, you may have missed some of our early articles. In the next few weeks, I’ll be re-posting a selection of them.
Our readers still are a bit shy. Most prefer to email me directly with their questions and contributions rather than post comments on the site. Whichever method you prefer, we invite you to scroll back to some of those previously posted items, read, subscribe, and give us your input.
Best, Julie Wernick, HSMAInsider
P.S. Hope you can join us for our Social Media Panel, Wednesday, October 28th in Ft. Myers.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
National Cyber Security Awareness Month
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement/Office of Domestic Security has prepared information on how you can contribute to Cyber Security. October marks the 6th annual National Cyber Security Awareness Month sponsored by Homeland Security and has the theme of “Our Shared Responsibility”.
The idea is to reinforce the message that all computer users have a responsibility to practice good “cyber hygiene” to protect themselves.
They have issued the steps that you can take to keep safe online by keeping your personal assets and information secure as well as those of your clients/customers. Here are some of the key points from their list:
Make sure that you have anti-virus software and firewalls installed, properly configured, and up-to-date. New threats are discovered every day, and keeping your software updated is one of the easier ways to protect yourself from an attack. Set your computer to automatically update for you.
Update your operating system and critical program software. Software updates offer the latest protection against malicious activities. Turn on automatic updating if that feature is available.
Back up key files. If you have important files stored on your computer, copy them onto a removable disc and store it in a safe place.
Create a section for cybersecurity on your organization's Web site. Download banners at www.staysafeonline.org and post them on your organization's home page.
Find out what more you can do to secure cyberspace and how you can share this with others.
Print and post these cybersecurity tips near your computer and network printers.
Use regular communications in your business—newsletters, e-mail alerts, Web sites, etc.—to increase awareness on issues like updating software processes, protecting personal identifiable information, and securing your wireless network.
For more information on Awareness Month and for additional material, please visit www.us-cert.gov and www.staysafeonline.org/ncsam.
The idea is to reinforce the message that all computer users have a responsibility to practice good “cyber hygiene” to protect themselves.
They have issued the steps that you can take to keep safe online by keeping your personal assets and information secure as well as those of your clients/customers. Here are some of the key points from their list:
Make sure that you have anti-virus software and firewalls installed, properly configured, and up-to-date. New threats are discovered every day, and keeping your software updated is one of the easier ways to protect yourself from an attack. Set your computer to automatically update for you.
Update your operating system and critical program software. Software updates offer the latest protection against malicious activities. Turn on automatic updating if that feature is available.
Back up key files. If you have important files stored on your computer, copy them onto a removable disc and store it in a safe place.
Create a section for cybersecurity on your organization's Web site. Download banners at www.staysafeonline.org and post them on your organization's home page.
Find out what more you can do to secure cyberspace and how you can share this with others.
Print and post these cybersecurity tips near your computer and network printers.
Use regular communications in your business—newsletters, e-mail alerts, Web sites, etc.—to increase awareness on issues like updating software processes, protecting personal identifiable information, and securing your wireless network.
For more information on Awareness Month and for additional material, please visit www.us-cert.gov and www.staysafeonline.org/ncsam.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
GFLCVB Asks: “Are You With Us?”
The 2010 Marketing Plan was presented by the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau at a luncheon at the Broward Convention Center on October 8th. In addition to an overview provided by Nicki Grossman, President, we heard about travel trends and public relations initiatives from Virginia Sheridan, President, M. Silver Associates (their PR firm); some destination sales highlights from John Webb, Sr. VP, GFLCVB; Advertising Strategies from Lisa Hoffman, Group Acct. Director, Starmark Advertising (their ad agency); and a motivational talk by Jon Gordon, author of The Shark and The Goldfish.
One of the items we received at the meeting included a list of “Top 10 Things to Do Before 2010” which included the following:
1. LauderDeals – special fall hotel offers being promoted through an $800.000 marketing campaign. Make sure you send your October – December 20th hotel deals to Justin Flippen at jflippen@broward.org . Your listing will appear at their sunny.org website.
2. Download the new ivisitLauderdale iPhone app free (release is scheduled for 10/28).
3. Vote for Ft Lauderdale as the “Sexiest Place on Earth” at tripoutgaytravel.com/awards site.
4. Follow the CVB on twitter and/or fan them on Facebook at visitlauderdale
5. Attend the Co-op Advertising seminar on October 15th at 3 pm at the Convention Center, Room 305.
6. Send your special cruise deals to jflippen@broward.org
7. Send your Super Bowl/Pro Bowl themed events, specials, packages to Jessica at jtaylor@broward.org
8. Nominate someone for the 2009 SunSational Service Courtesy Awards.
9. Send your holiday seasonal events, special, packages, etc. to jtaylor@broward.org
10. Download a free app to your Smartphone to use mobile tags from print ads to websites http://gettag.mobi
Make sure your hotel/company is included! See you on October 21 at the Renaissance Plantation. Best, HSMAInsider, Julie Wernick
One of the items we received at the meeting included a list of “Top 10 Things to Do Before 2010” which included the following:
1. LauderDeals – special fall hotel offers being promoted through an $800.000 marketing campaign. Make sure you send your October – December 20th hotel deals to Justin Flippen at jflippen@broward.org . Your listing will appear at their sunny.org website.
2. Download the new ivisitLauderdale iPhone app free (release is scheduled for 10/28).
3. Vote for Ft Lauderdale as the “Sexiest Place on Earth” at tripoutgaytravel.com/awards site.
4. Follow the CVB on twitter and/or fan them on Facebook at visitlauderdale
5. Attend the Co-op Advertising seminar on October 15th at 3 pm at the Convention Center, Room 305.
6. Send your special cruise deals to jflippen@broward.org
7. Send your Super Bowl/Pro Bowl themed events, specials, packages to Jessica at jtaylor@broward.org
8. Nominate someone for the 2009 SunSational Service Courtesy Awards.
9. Send your holiday seasonal events, special, packages, etc. to jtaylor@broward.org
10. Download a free app to your Smartphone to use mobile tags from print ads to websites http://gettag.mobi
Make sure your hotel/company is included! See you on October 21 at the Renaissance Plantation. Best, HSMAInsider, Julie Wernick
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
The Sports-Related Tourism Market Segment
Sports-related tourism has become more prominent in the last ten years as an increasingly popular tourism product. There has been some discussion about the standard definition of this market segment. No matter how you define it, we know that people have been traveling for various sporting reasons for quite some time and that the popularity of this form of travel has increased.
Research claims there are basically three different types of sports-related tourism: people who travel to view a sporting event called “event sport tourism”; those who want to take part in sport called “active sport tourism”; and the third variety called “sport nostalgia tourism” – and involves visiting sport museums, venues, etc. One reason cited for the active variety, versus the two other passive types, is the increased emphasis on health and fitness. And then, as the population ages, more people begin to watch sports rather than participate.
Many areas inside and outside of Florida have increasingly begun to develop and promote this type of tourism. Just recently the Barbados Tourism Authority announced they were going to establish a national sports tourism marketing strategy. The key to the success of these efforts is for all segments of the community to work together.
The economics of tourism from major sports events – it’s attraction to visitors as well as the regenerative effect sports tourism can have on the community -- is another whole area of this marketing concept. Other issues can be the positive impacts on the area, the natural environmental concerns, and the ways to offset the seasonal ups and downs of specific events.
The future of this sports tourism segment looks to be one with many growth opportunities. How can you get your fair share of this market? One upcoming event in South Florida is the Super Bowl. Come on October 21st to learn how you can get involved and the economic impact to our area. Registration links and more information about our lunch meeting at the Renaissance Plantation are at hsmaisouthflorida.org. Hope to see you there, Julie Wernick, Managing Director.
Research claims there are basically three different types of sports-related tourism: people who travel to view a sporting event called “event sport tourism”; those who want to take part in sport called “active sport tourism”; and the third variety called “sport nostalgia tourism” – and involves visiting sport museums, venues, etc. One reason cited for the active variety, versus the two other passive types, is the increased emphasis on health and fitness. And then, as the population ages, more people begin to watch sports rather than participate.
Many areas inside and outside of Florida have increasingly begun to develop and promote this type of tourism. Just recently the Barbados Tourism Authority announced they were going to establish a national sports tourism marketing strategy. The key to the success of these efforts is for all segments of the community to work together.
The economics of tourism from major sports events – it’s attraction to visitors as well as the regenerative effect sports tourism can have on the community -- is another whole area of this marketing concept. Other issues can be the positive impacts on the area, the natural environmental concerns, and the ways to offset the seasonal ups and downs of specific events.
The future of this sports tourism segment looks to be one with many growth opportunities. How can you get your fair share of this market? One upcoming event in South Florida is the Super Bowl. Come on October 21st to learn how you can get involved and the economic impact to our area. Registration links and more information about our lunch meeting at the Renaissance Plantation are at hsmaisouthflorida.org. Hope to see you there, Julie Wernick, Managing Director.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
HSMAI South Florida Calls for Hospitality Industry Awards Nominations
..To be presented at: The South Florida Hospitality Industry Awards Luncheon on Friday, November 20, 2009, at the Jacaranda Golf Club in Plantation, FL.
HSMAI South Florida wants to give a pat on the back to the best in hospitality. From rising stars to industry legends, Florida’s number one industry shines here, with talent, passion and commitment to excellence. You can help us recognize and celebrate that excellence by nominating a deserving professional.
Categories include:
General Manager of the Year: Outstanding hotelier who has demonstrated extraordinary professionalism and excellence in managing a lodging property. GM who understands the importance of supporting his/her staff involvement in HSMAI and the industry, has contributed to the community and is a leader in the industry.
Sales & Marketing Professional of the Year: Directly impacts and increases revenues for South Florida hospitality industry with either sales and/or marketing initiatives. Proven track record of achieving and/or exceeding performance goals in their position. Demonstrates excellence in creating business opportunities and is someone who is dedicated to providing outstanding service to associates and clients.
Revenue Management Professional of the Year: Recognizes outstanding performance by a revenue, reservations or rooms division manager. Achieves and/or exceeds RevPar or similar measure of performance goals at their property. Known for creativity and effectiveness in managing demand levels and reacting quickly to changes in hospitality climate.
Hospitality Legend: Given to someone who has shown years of dedicated service and commitment to South Florida hospitality.
The Nomination Form is available on our website: hsmaisouthflorida.org
Won’t you nominate someone today?
HSMAI South Florida wants to give a pat on the back to the best in hospitality. From rising stars to industry legends, Florida’s number one industry shines here, with talent, passion and commitment to excellence. You can help us recognize and celebrate that excellence by nominating a deserving professional.
Categories include:
General Manager of the Year: Outstanding hotelier who has demonstrated extraordinary professionalism and excellence in managing a lodging property. GM who understands the importance of supporting his/her staff involvement in HSMAI and the industry, has contributed to the community and is a leader in the industry.
Sales & Marketing Professional of the Year: Directly impacts and increases revenues for South Florida hospitality industry with either sales and/or marketing initiatives. Proven track record of achieving and/or exceeding performance goals in their position. Demonstrates excellence in creating business opportunities and is someone who is dedicated to providing outstanding service to associates and clients.
Revenue Management Professional of the Year: Recognizes outstanding performance by a revenue, reservations or rooms division manager. Achieves and/or exceeds RevPar or similar measure of performance goals at their property. Known for creativity and effectiveness in managing demand levels and reacting quickly to changes in hospitality climate.
Hospitality Legend: Given to someone who has shown years of dedicated service and commitment to South Florida hospitality.
The Nomination Form is available on our website: hsmaisouthflorida.org
Won’t you nominate someone today?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
