With Earth Day behind us, there is a strong buzz of new sustainability practices. It’s trendy, hip and important to be green—and surveys show attendees and guests give weight to hotels and event properties doing their part to protect resources. The same goes for meetings. Give your attendees a reason to brag about your eco-friendly event (without breaking the bank) by adding a little something extra to your food and beverage menu—alternative straws.
More than 500 million plastic straws are used each day in the United States, and according to a World Economic Forum study, we are on track to living in a world with more plastic straws than fish in the ocean by 2050. A movement has emerged to ban these straws and replace them with reusable or biodegradable alternatives, like straws made out of paper, metal, bamboo or glass, and straws that can fold to fit in your pocket or on your key chain. And then there are edible straws. Remember when you slurped your soda through your Red Vine licorice? While that is still a (very) viable option, these edible straws will have your attendees thinking they stepped into Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory for a tasty treat.
Pasta Straw
The city of Malibu passed a ban on plastic straws that goes into effect June 1. Some local eateries were thrilled with this ban, but others were weary of the increased costs to replace these straws. Paradise Cove Café saw this as an opportunity to showcase two simple ingredients: water and flour. Tested in all types of drinks over multiple hours, these noodles hold their form and allow liquid to pass through as easily as any straw. If margarita-flavored al dente pasta isn’t for you, these eco-friendly straws can be discarded the same way as last night’s spaghetti. Match a drink with an Italian menu for dinner to make your attendees feel savvy and supportive.
Cookie Straws
Although you can find similar straws elsewhere, Seattle-based coffee giants Starbucks has had a hold on the cookie straw market since releasing their straws in 2015. These chocolaty rolled wafers come in signature Frappuccino flavors, and help to save the world. Add these to your dessert menu with a milk shake, or as a sugar kick for breakfast with an iced latte.
Loliware
Designers Chelsea Briganti and Leigh Ann appeared on the television show “Shark Tank” with an idea for edible, flavored cups. Now the two are working to release a flavored, edible straw to go along with their currently sold out cups, which come in tart cherry, yuzu citrus, matcha green tea and vanilla bean. Straw flavors are sure to be just as unique (and eco-friendly).
When Rhonda Baker, assistant director of NACADA, was choosing a destination for an annual conference that would draw about 4,000 members of the global community for academic advising, Puerto Rico made the short list.
“We knew many of our members would not get the opportunity to attend one of our international conferences, so we were looking for an international feel without need of a passport; Puerto Rico was a great fit,” said Baker, who is based in Manhattan, Kansas. As with most associations, a large part of the decision was tied to dollars. “We needed lower room rates and rental fees for the convention center; Puerto Rico stepped up to the plate,” Baker said.
Other factors Baker used to convince her board that it was an ideal location included cell phone coverage with domestic rates, reasonably priced airline tickets, no need for currency exchange, and resourcefulness of the Meet Puerto Rico team, which helped arrange the closing of a street in front of the convention center to set up a carnival for an opening reception. “The beaches and Old San Juan speak for themselves,” she said.
New Voice for Puerto Rico
That argument is music to the ears of Brad Dean, incoming CEO of a newly forming Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) for Puerto Rico. The still-unnamed DMO will merge the marketing outreach of Meet Puerto Rico and Puerto Rico Tourism Co., starting July 1. Reached four days into his new job after leaving his long-term role as president and CEO at Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, Dean said he will work with CFO Alma Pedrosa (former acting president and CEO at Meet Puerto Rico) and newly hired chief marketing officer Leah Chandler (who comes from Branson, Missouri, CVB) to tell the world about the benefits of the rebuilt resorts and beach areas—and the experiences awaiting beyond, including the emerging District Live! entertainment area, rainforest coffee plantations and the unique bioluminescent bays.
Dean’s job is to get the message out that Puerto Rico is ready for visitors and provides a level of service that can elevate a meeting.
“The island has international flair with unrivaled culture and cuisine, but is easily accessible, English speaking and uses U.S. currency,” Dean said. “It is competitive in facilities, including the most technologically advanced convention center in the Caribbean, and it excels at experiences.”
Dean said many planners see bringing business to the island as a moral imperative. “The resiliency of the people of Puerto Rico is nothing short of extraordinary; they are committed to coming back bigger, better and stronger,” he said, pointing out that the bulldozers were back on site at the under-construction District Live! a week after the hurricane.
Renovation Update
Construction at District Live!
Of 148 hotels, 130 are open and operating, according to Meet Puerto Rico calculations. By the end of 2018, Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve; St. Regis Bahai Beach Resort; El San Juan Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton; and Melia Coco Beach plan to reopen. Caribe Hilton’s 65,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and 652 guest rooms on a 17-acre private peninsula are scheduled to follow in early 2019.
The all-new Serafina Beach Hotel opened in March with 96 guest rooms and a 2,295-square-foot Oceanfront Ballroom. Also taking the opportunity to reimagine its offerings is The Condado Plaza Hilton, where the poolside terrace and some rooms are still open while the ocean-facing spaces are under construction. Farther down Ashford Avenue, San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino will reopen a damaged tower in August with a fresh focus on the adjoining beachfront and an Ocean Club wellness center to adjoin the undamaged 10,348 sq. ft. of event space and casino.
Many properties didn’t have any real down time. Puerto Rico Convention Center’s 600,000 sq. ft of exhibit, ballroom and terrace space under a signature domed roof temporarily converted into a shelter and storage for the donations that poured into the city. Next door, Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino’s 40,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and 503 guest rooms were back in business within two weeks. Condado Vanderbilt Hotel and La Concha Resort served as luxurious quarters for first responders in the months after the hurricane.
Addressing the Concerns
Spoon Food Tours of Old San Juan connect visitors with the local food and craft brewing culture.
After Hurricane Maria caused so much damage on the island in September 2017, NACADA’s board considered pulling out. “Meet Puerto Rico helped by sending updates,” Baker reported. She added that academic advisors are very caring people who like to serve. She immediately started planning a service project that would allow delegates who could fly in early to participate. From clean-up to replanting coffee plants, volunteer efforts allow visitors to be part of the solution.
Baker also noted that she includes a strong force majeure clause in her contracts. “We prefer to never have to use it,” she said.
Dean says Puerto Rico has learned a lot from the experience and will be a standard-bearer for preparation, logistics and leveraging disruption to improve the city and the regional economy. That was visible when an electrical outage in April due to contractor error was fixed for most residents in a day, but the hospitality industry didn’t miss a beat because most properties switched to generators and emergency procedures in place to keep the lights on.
Are you signed up for so many mailing lists that your inbox has reached full capacity? Do you scroll past emails and hit delete before even reading them? Guess what—so does the rest of the world. People receive emails every morning for coupons, stories and special offers, and it’s easy for them to gloss over these when on the hunt for specific emails. But by getting a handle on creative marketing techniques, you can see your open rate skyrocket. Not only will this lead to an increase in interest, but you’re bound to see an influx in attendee engagement at your next event.
To help you maximize your event marketing efforts, we’ve created a list of seven example subject lines that will connect with a larger segment of your audience with every email.
Push a Time-Sensitive Offer
If you’re offering a flash sale, lead with a sense of urgency in the subject line. This will encourage your mailing list to see if any services will be necessary for their events in the near future or RSVP to a future event. It’s a winning combination: you’ll see an increase in your open rate and attendance at your meetings.
Suggestion: 50 Percent Off Select Services—Three Days Only!
Connect to Your Audience
People are more likely to believe in the power of your services if others have hosted successful events with you. Testimonials are powerful. Ask previous customers to share their positive stories and reviews. Make sure they focus on benefits that they wouldn’t have received without your help.
Suggestion: Success Story of the Month: John Doe of X Company
Mention Major Influencers
Name-dropping may seem tactless, but it works. If someone of significance has used your services, their followers will want to see what all the fuss is about, and they’ll open your email for more details. Fans of influencers are likely to be your greatest consumers.
Suggestion: Find Out How X Influencer Achieved Success with X Service
Share Your Secrets
You obviously have winning techniques for achieving your goals or you wouldn’t be in business. Share those tips with your followers. You don’t have to give away everything, but those who are hungry for a taste of success will devour your email if it contains relevant nuggets of information for hosting the perfect event.
Suggestion: How I Achieved X in Two Months
Pique Their Curiosity
It may seem risky to be vague, but let’s be honest: curiosity is a strong force. While you should give a hint of what your email will be about (so, a little more than simply “this email will benefit you”), leave a key detail out of the subject line to create a strategic cognitive gap. Your audience will be intrigued and more likely to open your email for your discovery, secret or story.
Suggestion: Open Now for a Surprise Announcement
Make a List
Listicles are extremely popular. They also allow you to fit lots of information in a single email. Often short, to the point and entirely relevant to the title, they’re easy for readers to digest and fun to scan through for tips and ideas. Be clear about what knowledge they’ll gain in your subject line and you’re guaranteed an open.
Suggestion: 5 Ways to Engage Attendees Through Social Media
Respond to Current Events and Trends
There’s a lot going on in the meetings industry today—from commission cuts to new destination openings. If something is relevant to their world, readers are likely to open the email for news they haven’t found elsewhere. Add a fresh perspective to the event or input from other planners for an inside look.
Suggestion: CEOs of Chain Hotel Respond to X Event
Planning an international event can require traveling to destinations half way around the world without missing a step. However, the impact of changes in time zones can be quite challenging for any body. For some people, just a one-hour shift in time (e.g. daylight savings time twice a year) can throw the body’s clock off for a week.
The most common symptoms include fatigue, confusion and lack of awareness…not to mention drowsiness. That is not good news for those who have to be at their peak to handle all the moving parts at a conference. That is why the following four strategies are must-haves for the global meeting professional toolbox.
Set to your destination time zone immediately.
If you are traveling from Chicago to London and that flight departs around 6 p.m. and arrives in London around 8 a.m. the next morning, the first thing you’ll want to do when you get on the plane (literally when you step on) is tell your mind that it is now six hours later. So, if you board at 5:30 p.m., you will completely change your mindset to believe that it’s 11:30 PM. Part of the challenge with this is that most international flights like to show the time of your departure and arrival city on the airplane monitors. Don’t look at those and just completely imagine that you are on London time. Set your cell phone to London time and use that to keep track of your journey while you’re in the air.
Hydrate.
Drinking lots of filtered water is foundational to good health in general, even more so when traveling. Dehydration is one of the biggest causes of jet lag, so you will want to drink as much water as you possibly can before, during and after your flight. I recommend that you purchase a bottle of water after clearing security and drink it throughout the flight.
Stay Awake.
One of the big mistakes travelers make is taking a quick nap (which can go longer than you want) when they arrive at their destination. It’s fine to take a one-hour nap if you arrive at your hotel before 11 a.m. If you arrive after that though, it’s important that you stay awake until 9 p.m. (local time) the first two nights.
Literally Ground Yourself.
One of the best ways to sync your body to the destination time zone is to get bare feet on earth in that destination. This can be challenging if you are in a big city, but if you can find a park, and walk around barefoot for just 20 minutes, it will help your body reduce jet lag. The main way it does this is by helping your body release the static charge that gets built up while on the airplane, which allows your cells to recharge with energy.
John Ayo is a professional speaker, traditional naturopath and author. After a successful sales career at IBM, he began facilitating sales classes domestically and internationally and wrote a book called “Travel Balance” that helps people to stay energized and healthy on the go. He has taught more than 4,000 people in 26 countries about his secrets to better health on the road (and at home).
Event professionals work hard. When you—or your incentive guests—want to relax, not just any spa will do. Smart Meetings turned over every hot stone looking for signature treatments and destinations to make the ahhhh even more memorable.
Tequila Massage
Tequila isn’t just for drinking any more. At Agave, The Arizona Spa at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, the distilled agave beverage is the active ingredient in Tequila & Lime treatments featuring the resort’s exclusive Herradura Double Barrel Reposado tequila from the Mexican state of Jalisco. The Body Glow treatment boasts “full-body toning and soothing from the inside out,” while the Refresher Facial leaves skin “nourished and supple with astringent and anti-inflammatory properties,” according to the literature. For extra kick, a jalapeno booster can be added to “increase oxygen and improve circulation, leaving skin toned with a youthful, rosy glow.”
High Altitude Relaxation
The Vitality Center at Vail Mountain Lodge Spa in Colorado goes above and beyond to promote wellness experiences by including cannabidiol (CBD)-enhanced massage treatments. The organic hemp oil is said to relieve inflammation, pain and muscle cramping. No, you will not get a high from a coating of the signature oil blend, but the visit could leave you epicly relaxed.
Hammam Therapy
Tucked in the luxurious comfort of The Vanderbilt Spa in Condado, Puerto Rico, is a marble-and-tile sanctuary designed for practicing the ritual of the Hammam, an ancient purification practice that is said to “connect you with your inner self, while enveloping you in a sense of ancient mystery.” Turkish bath towels await guests resting on the heated marble table between exfoliating treatments and cascading rinses to remove impurities. A rosewater sprinkling finish is billed as hydro-sensory therapy akin to a refreshing Caribbean downpour.
Orchestrated Calm
At The Spa at Red Rock by Well & Being in Las Vegas, meditation is led by singer Celine Dion’s violinist. Rebecca Sabine, who performs in the superstar’s orchestra and with Las Vegas Philharmonic, performs the calming chords and uses gently spoken visualizations to “ease stress and usher in feelings of deep relaxation and mindfulness.” Sounds like the perfect encore to the property’s vertical wall and laughing yoga offerings.
Photo Credit: Airbnb
Airbnb has become a leisure traveler favorite over the past 10 years. With options galore to choose from at a wide range of price points, millions of people have given the online service a try. Now, Airbnb has officially launched Airbnb for Events, for meeting planners.
How Does It Work?
With this new service, planners can create an interactive map that contains Airbnb listings near an upcoming event. The map can be embedded on all event websites, and Airbnb will create a landing page for planners to share with attendees.
What About Hotels?
Airbnb does allow some hotels to post listings on its site. In February, the company partnered with SiteMinder, a booking platform, and introduced Airbnb Boutique. “Small hotels and B&Bs have long used Airbnb, and now we’re building new tools and partnerships to help these local businesses thrive,” said Cameron Houser, Airbnb’s program manager for hotels, in a statement. “We are dedicated to working with small hospitality businesses that excel at offering the best guest experiences and living our mission of belonging.”
Requirements for smaller hotels hoping to list on the site include “guest rooms and common spaces that incorporate local influences” and rooms “with personal touches that are individually unique and/or local in design.” Hosts must offer things such as “locally relevant or unique amenities” and “local maps with personalized recommendations.”
Hotels’ Responses Thus Far
With a focus on boutique properties, larger hotels are not given the option to post a listing, and some are worried this will cost them business. ”Airbnb’s latest scheme is just further proof the company is trying to play in the hoteling space while evading industry regulations,” said Troy Flanagan, vice president at American Hotel and Lodging Association, in an interview with Bloomberg Technology.
Industry observers say there will always be attendees who would rather stay in a more traditional meetings hotel, especially for closer proximity to the conference or event. Nonetheless, surveys indicate that millennials, in particular, are eager to seek out hyper-local experiences when they travel—and it’s this curiosity that Airbnb hopes to tap into.
“SiteMinder’s partnership with Airbnb offers a new opportunity for boutique hotels and bed and breakfasts to engage the growing number of travelers who seek exceptional hospitality and an authentic local experience,” said Mike Ford, managing director and founder of SiteMinder, in a press release.
In that spirit, we found these intriguing Airbnb offerings in five top meetings destinations:
Los Angeles Loft
Photo Credit: Airbnb
With a wide-open living space, hanging chairs, natural light and a magenta rug, the artistry in Los Angeles won’t escape you, and you’ll be close to Los Angeles Convention Center and Staples Center.
Adeline’s Sea Moose, Chicago
Photo Credit: Airbnb
Looking for a truly unique experience? Look no further than this luxury yacht in Burnham Harbor. While on the expensive side, there are six bedrooms—split it among coworkers the next time you’re in Chicago for a conference.
Luxury Penthouse, New York City
Photo Credit: Airbnb
Want a bird’s eye view Manhattan? Stay in this beautiful penthouse overlooking the Hudson River. For a perfect morning, sip coffee overlooking the river while watching the bustling panoply beneath, and then join the crowd on your way to Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.
Boutique Suite, Miami
Photo Credit: Airbnb
Stay in this two-bed, one-bath apartment in the heart of South Beach. You’re only three blocks from the Ocean Drive strip, and Miami Convention Center is nearby—the perfect combination of local culture with conference.
High Rise Condo, Honolulu
Photo Credit: Aribnb
Situated over Ala Wai Canal, and with beautiful ocean views, this high-rise condo is perfect for those who want a taste of Hawaiian aloha. For those who refuse to compromise proximity for beauty, you’re in luck—it’s also close to Hawaii Convention Center.
Marriott International has launched a home-sharing program that will allow clients to book a stay in more than 200 homes in London.
The six-month pilot program was launched in collaboration with Hostmaker, a London-based home rental management company, and marks Marriott’s official debut in the home-sharing market scene. Marriott could eventually be competing with Airbnb, HomeAway and Booking.com, as well as AccorHotels and Oasis, which have entered the home-sharing scene with their Onefinestay and Oasis brands, respectively.
Rather than creating a new brand for home-sharing, Marriott will be utilizing its Tribute Portfolio brand, and call the new option Tribute Portfolio Homes.
“This extension of Tribute Portfolio made a lot more sense to us than starting from scratch,” Nakui Sharma, founder and CEO of Hostmaker, told Skift. “It’s a seamless experience for guests when they come onto Marriott’s booking platform.
Travelers can log onto tributeportfoliohomes.com to book a stay at a London home, each of which was chosen by Marriott and Hostmaker. The homes have one or more bedrooms, full kitchens and laundry facilities. They are in compliance with Marriott’s safety, design, security and service standards. Guests receive services and amenities, such as an in-person check-in and welcome experience, and 24/7 phone support.
Customers who book through Tribute Portfolio Homes can earn loyalty points from Marriott Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest. Starting next month, they can also redeem points for homestays. The average nightly rate for a one- or two-bedroom home is $280 to $351.
Marriott and Hostmaker decided to launch the pilot program in London because they felt the market there is conducive to learning quickly and complementary to Marriott’s hotel inventory. If the program is successful, Marriott has indicated that it may consider expanding it into other markets.
Home-sharing has been considered previously by Marriott.
“We’ve been thinking about this for a while, and how this type of business affects ours,” CEO Arne Sorensen told Skift. “Timing is about finding the right partner to bring an idea to life that makes sense for our business. That’s what we’re offering here.”
In the quest to meet like a local, tours have become a popular way to showcase a destination while giving attendees a break from the meeting room. But pounding the pavement on foot is not the only option for getting around. Smart Meetings surveyed our CVB contacts and found some unique options for getting around in every U.S. corner.
NYC by Subway
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Go low with Underground Tour of the NYC Subway from Untapped Cities. Take your crew (12 at a time) on a ten-car time machine to learn about ghost stations and the role of the subway in supporting the growth of the city dating back to 1904, and ending at the newest transit hub, The World Trade Center Oculus. Advanced level: incorporate a scavenger hunt of historical and architectural treasures.
Sonoran Desert via Segway
Take a break from your Phoenix or Scottsdale trip and roll out into the saguaro-dotted landscape to discover a surprisingly rich life of unique plant, animal and (signs of) human life. Adventures Out West hosts off-road guided exploration on two-wheel, motorized platforms. Smart tip: When it is snowing in New York, the desert often boasts blue sky and short-sleeve days.
Hollywood on Horseback
If your group has already done the double-decker bus tour of the stars, consider getting behind the scenes on top of a mare. From Sunset Ranch Hollywood, a 5,000-acre park in the hills of Griffith Park, you can set off on an adventure to explore the 1920s film industry, see the sets for old Westerns and get up close—day or night—to the Hollywood sign.
Cruise the Chicago Skyline
Board Chicago’s First Lady Cruises for a new perspective on how the city grew into the meetings destination it is today from Chicago Architecture Foundation docents. Ninety-minute day or twilight cruises offer history, insights and Insta-worthy moments.
Puerto Rico by Air and Sea
Guests can see for themselves the welcoming beaches and completely remodeled venues awaiting in sunny Puerto Rico from a bird’s eye perspective with Borinquen Shore Tours. Or, with the guidance of a licensed tour guide, kayak (or take an electric boat) on three bioluminescent bays (out of five in the world). Paddlers will always remember the moment the water came alive with millions of glowing plankton organisms.
Travel the World Without Leaving Columbus, Ohio
Columbus Food Adventures whisks travelers off in an air-conditioned van to sample tastes of Somali, Vietnam, Nigeria and Mexico by visiting the immigrant restaurants that have made the city home. This is a journey for all the senses.
The Northwest has a rich Native American culture, and groups can experience it in myriad ways. Here are two of the top options.
Coeur d’Alene Julyamsh Pow Wow
Every summer, the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort in Idaho host this colorful, three-day pow wow, which draws 10,000 people per day. It takes place at Kootenai County Fairground in Coeur d’Alene, about 20 miles north of the resort. Julyamsh is the largest Native-American festival in the Northwest.
The festival features 600–800 dancers; 60 drum groups; a horse parade, with riders in full tribal regalia; dancers from tribes throughout the United States and Canada; vendors selling food, native crafts and Northwest memorabilia; and colorful contests for participants and visitors.
The Coeur d’Alene Tribe’s native name is Schitsuumsh, meaning “those who were found here” or “the discovered people.”
Hibulb Cultural Center and Natural History Preserve
Hibulb Cultural Center describes its mission as to protect, restore and enhance the history and culture of the people of the Tulalip Tribes. The cultural center is a beautiful, 25,000-square-foot facility sitting in the middle of 50 wooded acres. Visitors can get a close-up view into the culture of the Northwest tribes, which is quite distinct from other native cultures in America.
Exhibits include Warriors We Remember, the Canoe Hall and the Longhouse. Storytelling has always been a valuable tradition to the Tulalip peoples, and at the center you can listen to stories such as “Lifting Up the Sky” and “Mud Swallow’s House.” You can also enjoy fascinating collections of art, artifacts and archaeology, ranging from ancient times to modern.
As you wander through the thick forest surrounding the center, you may hear the echoes of history whispering through the trees.
Read more about Native American and other casino resorts in Steve Winston’s supplement, “Carving a New Identity, in the May issue of Smart Meetings magazine.
Jim Mauer
Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa appointed Jim Mauer as vice president and managing director. He joins the tropical resort after serving as managing director of Mayfair Hotel & Spa in Miami’s Coconut Grove area and Eden Roc Resort & Elle Spa in Miami. During his 35-year career in hospitality, Mauer also served as general manager of Bonaventure Golf Resort & Spa in Weston, Florida, and area general manager of Marriott Harbor Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He’s also been involved with three hotel openings for the Marriott brand, including Casa Magna Puerto Vallarta in Mexico and Castle Harbor Resort in Bermuda.
David Brown
Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia welcomes David Brown as its new director of catering and conference services. His food-and-beverage background dates back 22 years. He’s worked at The Phoenician, Desert Mountain and Resort at Pelican Hill.
Photo Credit: Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia
Chris Ryan
Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia in Arizona has added Chris Ryan as director of food and beverage. He most recently worked at Omni San Francisco and served at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain in Tucson, Arizona.
Photo Credit: Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia
Stephen Gray
Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia announced that Stephen Gray has been hired as senior sales manager. He joins the resort from Embassy Suites Phoenix Scottsdale, where he was director of sales. Gray has also previously worked as a senior sales manager at Marriott Tempe at the Buttes in Arizona and revenue manager for Kimpton Hotels at Palomar Phoenix.
Photo Credit: Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia
Natasha Casillo
The new Courtyard by Marriott Boston Downtown/North Station, which opened just last month, has selected Natasha Casillo as its general manager. She joined Turnberry Associates, which oversees the property, last August. Casillo began her hospitality career as a front office intern at Boston Marriott Cambridge. Then, she worked her way up the ladder from rooms controller to housekeeping supervisor at Boston Marriott Copley Place. Casillo then spent seven years as director of guest services at Hotel Commonwealth in Boston before transitioning to the airline industry at British Airways, where she was a premium team leader and was responsible for managing travel experiences for VIP passengers. In 2013, she returned to hotels as director of front office at InterContinental Boston and later re-joined Hotel Commonwealth, this time as director of rooms.
Photo Credit: Michael Blanchard
Sally Shaffer
Boulders Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona, hired Sally Shaffer as general manger. She was most recently general manager for Hilton Phoenix Airport and previously held that role at Hilton Sonoma Wine Country Hotel in California. While in the wine country, Shaffer served as president of Santa Rosa Convention & Visitors Board and as an executive board member of Sonoma County Tourism Authority. She’s also been area general manager at Hilton Garden Inn Scottsdale and the Mesa Marriott Residence Inn in Arizona, where she earned the General Manager of the Year award. Shaffer previously worked as director of room operations at JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa and JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa in Phoenix, and in various roles ranging from revenue manager to director of services at Marriott Hotels in South Bend, Indiana, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. She was also general manager of Residence Inn in Chicago and a multiproperty general manager for two Chicago Marriott Courtyard locations. Shaffer is a board member of Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau.
David Berzofsky
As part of the company’s expansion efforts, Teneo Hospitality Group added David J. Berzofsky as director of sales for the Midwest. He was most recently a global account executive for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and Marriott International. Berzofsky has also worked in sales in Florida at Eden Roc Resort & Spa in Miami Beach, Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo and The Ritz-Carlton’s three properties in Miami.
