Smart Meetings | Page 484 of 603 | Corporate Event Planning: Business Events, Meetings, Conferences

John Reyes

John Reyes joined Visit Sacramento as the chief operating officer, where he will enhance sales and marketing strategies and oversee the convention center expansion project. He filled the seat vacated by Mike Testa, who was promoted to president and CEO. Reyes was most recently the executive vice president and chief sales officer for San Francisco Travel. The hospitality industry veteran entered the biz in 1982 and has also worked at the CVBs in Monterey County, Jacksonville & the Beaches and San Diego.

Photo Credit: Visit Sacramento

Mark Huntley

Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown announced Mark Huntley as general manager and regional vice president. In this role, he’ll also be responsible for Fairmont Austin, Fairmont Pittsburgh, Pullman Miami and Sofitel Washington, D.C. Lafayette Square. He previously served as regional vice president and general manager for Swissotel Chicago and Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park. Since his start in 1986, Huntley’s spent portions of his career at Fairmont New Orleans, Fairmont Dallas, The Plaza Hotel, The Peninsula New York, The Fairmont San Francisco, The Savoy in London and MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

Photo Credit: The Fairmont Washington, D.C.

Keith Butz

Keith Butz was appointed general manager of The Confidante Miami Beach, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt. He left his post as general manager at Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa for his new job on the Atlantic coast. Butz launched his 24-year career with Hyatt in New Orleans and has also worked in leadership positions at the brand’s properties in San Francisco, Calgary, Chicago, Huntington Beach and San Diego.

Photo Credit: The Confidante Miami Beach

Patrick Faas

The Don CeSar in St. Pete Beach, Florida named Patrick Faas its new director of food and beverage. He’ll make sure everything runs smoothly at the property’s six restaurants and lounges, in-room dining and catering, plus at Beach House Suites by The Don CeSar. Faas comes to the “Pink Palace” hotel with years of experience at Turtle Bay Resort and Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa on Oahu.

Photo Credit: The Don CeSar

Todd Gehrke

Todd Gehrke has taken on the role of director of sales & marketing at The Don CeSar in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Prior to joining this historic hotel, the 20-plus-year hotelier worked at The Madeline Hotel and Residences in Telluride, Colorado and The Telluride Tourism Board.

Photo Credit: The Don CeSar

Bob Toubman

Rancho Pescadero hired Bob Toubman as general manager of the boutique Todos Santos, Mexico resort. He’ll work with the hotel’s staff to retain and acquire guests. Toubman’s previous credits include senior vice president of the Loreto Bay Company in Baja, California and general manager of Harbor Court hotel in Baltimore, The Henley Park Hotel in Washington, D.C. and The Inn at McCormick Ranch Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. During his 30 years in the industry, he’s also been involved with the City of Scottsdale Tourism Development Commission and Loreto Visitors Bureau, where he arranged for resort chefs to teach schoolchildren how to cook with ingredients they grew in a garden.

Photo Credit: Rancho Pescadero

Do you have an announcement about a new executive-level job appointment? Email us the good news at [email protected].

Photo credit: Omni Homestead Resort

Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta star Monte Durham is known for “jacking up” brides with a veil and accessories after they’ve found their gown. Now, he’s hi-jacking meeting planning with some hair-raising advice.

Durham thinks keeping décor simple and classic is very on-trend and “the wow is in the food and entertainment.” He suggests farmhouse tables and adding a pop of color with flower arrangements to an otherwise white color palette, while steering clear of outdated disco balls and chair covers.

“They try to really entertain and make that evening experience an incredible experience so it’s no longer business-looking tables,” the TLC reality star tells Smart Meetings of the Discovery Communications receptions he attends. “The romance has come back into meeting spaces…We’re finding a lot of people are coming back and want that grandeur and elegance that older properties have.”

Durham’s mastered the math of matching brides-to-be with the perfect dress and now he’s found the formula to keep every strand of hair in place. Prior to making a name for himself in bridal fashion, he spent years as a hairstylist and is licensed in two states.

Photo credit: Omni Homestead Resort

His new MONTE hair care line consists of five products and is available at the Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia (and in a 2-ounce bottle travel kit for swag bags). He’ll be visiting the historic hotel monthly to consult with guests at the Beauty Bridal Boutique, which is available for anyone to book appointments and private events, not just soon-to-be-Mrs.

“You always want to look your best. You only have one opportunity to make your first impression,” he says of attending meetings. “I truly believe it and own it myself.”

The next time you step into a conference room, you could be introduced to a new business contact or maybe even the love of your life. If it’s the later, you may be paying Monte a visit soon to go dress shopping. “When you go to meetings, I think it’s a great opportunity to explore all opportunities whether it be romance or a new job,” he says.

As the conference day drags on, makeup wears off and hair frizzes in the hot summer humidity and women scurry to the nearest bathroom mirror. Some meeting professionals go out of their way to arrange a designated makeup station with essential cosmetics to apply touchups at an event. Monte suggests the coatroom would be a great location.

“Even if you don’t use it, it’s the thought that someone thought of that for you,” he tells Smart Meetings. “I think it’s incredible.”

Do you have an announcement about a new executive-level job appointment? Email us the good news at [email protected].

traveling is good

Travel is good for you, and good for the USA.

A new study by U.S. Travel Association, Travel: America’s Unsung Hero of Job Creation, uses data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to show the economic might of the travel industry in America—particularly the quality of the industry’s jobs, and the large number created by small businesses.

Among key findings:

Americans whose first job is in a travel-related industry obtain an average career salary of $81,900—significantly higher than those whose first jobs are in manufacturing, construction, health care and most other U.S. industries.
Nearly 40 percent of workers who begin their career in travel reach an annual career salary of more than $100,000.
The leisure and hospitality sector, which is heavily dependent on travel, is the No. 1 small-business employer in the United States.
From 2010 to 2016, travel jobs increased by 17 percent, compared to 13 percent job growth in the rest of the private sector.
Travel employment grew in all 50 states and the District of Columbia from 2010 to 2015—and in 47 states, the travel industry created jobs faster than the rest of the economy.
Last year, international travel directly supported 1.2 million American jobs.
Travel is America’s largest service export, valued at $246 billion in 2016, and second-largest industry export overall.

“Today’s report highlights what our industry already knew: Travel puts Americans to work,” said Roger Dow, president and CEO for U.S. Travel Association. “Travel to and within our country is growing, and we cannot afford to compromise the amazing benefits it brings to workers and their families across the country. Our government leaders can spur even further economic growth and job creation through continued support for Brand USA and smart, effective visa policies that make our nation more secure, even as they facilitate travel for legitimate visitors.

“More importantly, though, travel jobs are good, nonexportable jobs, with a unique capacity for career advancement. I’m an example of this myself. I started my career in the travel industry as a lifeguard at what was then a 12-hotel chain called Marriott. Many years later, I departed the company, which by then had expanded worldwide, as the senior vice president of global sales.”

slinky dog coaster

Photo credit: Steven Diaz

The green Army men parachuted down to Walt Disney World Resort this week to make a very special delivery. It’s Slinky, it’s Slinky! Watch out Goofy and Pluto, there is a new Disney dog moving in to town.

A vehicle for the upcoming Slinky Dog Dash rollercoaster made its debut today in honor of National Slinky Day. The exciting new ride is being assembled inside the 11-acre Toy Story Land, which opens Summer 2018 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

Photo credit: Disney

“We’ve tried to put the slinkiness into the track,” teases Bob Vignec, Toy Story Land staff project engineer. “One of the unique characteristics of this design is that the vehicle and the track are melded together to act both for a fun effect for the people on it and for a big kinetic effect for the people who are watching it.”

Riders can expect camel humps, coils, circles and twists, according to Dave Minichiello, executive creative director for Toy Story Land. Guests will also be able to go to infinity and beyond on Alien Swirling Saucers, another attraction planned for the park.

Just a thought, custom-branded Slinkys make a great giveaway at trade shows and events.

Photo credit: Steven Diaz

In recent years, heritage hotel brands have sent out more boutique and lifestyle tendrils than a grapevine. But sometimes there’s nothing like the dependability and life force of the tap root, the original.

Click or slide through these three familiar names with something fresh and new to offer.

Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District

They’re celebrating in Omaha. The city that calls itself “Gateway to West” just witnessed the birth of the first new, full-service, up-market hotel to open in more than a decade. It’s the hotel anchor for Omaha’s burgeoning entertainment district—and a property offering more than 17,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, a rooftop pool with a bar and outdoor event areas.

Albany Marriott

Since we’re on the subject of Marriotts, the New York state capital’s second-largest hotel, Albany Marriott, has just finished the first phase of a $15 million refresh. Phase Two, expected to be completed later this year, will have the 31-year-old property—including its 16,000 sq. ft. of meeting space—basking with the glow of youth again.

Wyndham Albuquerque Hotel & Conference Center

After a $5-million renovation that added hydro massage chairs and a new sauna, Peak Hospitality is reopening the 300-room hotel and water park formerly known as Hotel Cascada. Wyndham Albuquerque is now also the proud home to two upgraded restaurants, Altitude Sports Grill and Manzanita Grill, and 30,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.

Hilton Atlanta

An Atlanta landmark, Hilton Atlanta has poured multi-millions into a redo all 1,249 guest rooms and 129,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, and has added a pair of ballrooms. With 23 breakout rooms and enhanced internet and AV, meeting spaces are now readier than ever for multi-group hosting. Trader Vic’s and Nikolai’s Roof preserve the property’s 41-year history as a destination.

puerto rico tourism board new face

Photo credit: The Puerto Rico Tourism Board

Labor Day weekend marks the un-official end of summer. As you celebrate at the beach or backyard barbecue, you’ll likely hear Despacito play more than once. It was hands-down the Song of Summer 2017. Now, Luis Fonsi is telling you “how they do it down in Puerto Rico” as the face of Puerto Rico Tourism Company’s international tourism campaign.

“Over the next year, I will be working on different efforts to shed light on the wonders of our beautiful island, promoting Puerto Rico and helping raise awareness of the island in every corner of the world,” Fonsi says. “I’m proud to be an ambassador of my homeland.”

The ad campaign encourages visitors to “Take it Despacito in Puerto Rico,” translating to take it slowly. The record-breaking hit single by Fonsi, Justin Bieber and Daddy Yankee is the most watched video in YouTube history with more than three billion views.

“The song represents everything that we are, a vibrant and energetic island and we welcome all tourists to come explore what we have to offer,” Jose Izquierdo, executive director of PRTC says. Ricky Martin has appeared in previous ad campaigns to promote Puerto Rico tourism.

Earlier this month, Meet Puerto Rico held their annual meeting and announced that the meetings industry pumped $117 million into the island’s economy in the last fiscal year. The 600,000-square-foot Puerto Rico Convention Center in Isla Grande and world-class hotel brands, such as Hilton Hotels and Resorts, Hyatt, Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and more provide ample meeting space, more than 1.2 million sq. ft. to be exact.

Do you have an announcement about a new executive-level job appointment? Email us the good news at [email protected].

21 and over? Next time you head to the stadium or racetrack, make sure to bring your ID. Several of the world’s annual major sporting events are known for more than just heroic feats of athleticism, but also for their signature sports cocktails. Enjoy sipping in the stands as the players do all the heavy lifting on the field.

U.S. Open Tennis Championships: Honey Deuce

Get served an ace of a cocktail at the U.S. Open Tennis Championships. The Grey Goose Honey Deuce consists of Grey Goose Vodka, lemonade, raspberry liqueur and garnished with a frozen honeydew melon ball skewer. It’s poured into a commemorative souvenir cup listing previous U.S. Open champions.

Kentucky Derby: Mint Julep

Hold your horses! The Mint Julep has been the signature cocktail of the Kentucky Derby since 1939. Almost 120,000 of these beverages are served each year at Churchill Downs in only two days’ time. Served in silver julep cups or frosted glasses, ingredients include sugar, water, sprigs of fresh mint, crushed ice and Old Forester Straight Bourbon Whisky.

The Masters: Azalea Cocktail

Four! Well, maybe you should pace yourself at The Masters with their Azalea Cocktail. Lime juice, pineapple juice, gin and grenadine make up this drink at the Augusta, Georgia, course.

Wimbledon: Pimm’s Cup

https://twitter.com/PimmsGB/status/880818302708264960

Wimbledon’s Pimm’s Cup is worth a trip across the pond to the All England Club. The signature drink consists of Pimm’s Original No. 1, lemonade, lemon-lime soda or ginger ale, mint leaves, thin cucumber slices, orange slices and strawberries. Cheerio!

Designing a signature cocktail for an event gives planners and mixologists creative control for their imaginations to run wild with ingredients and fun names. Guests feel inclined to try it because it feels special and exclusive. It also simplifies things because attendees have an easier time deciding what to order and bartenders can get in the rhythm of quickly whipping up the drink, confident that they have all the right ingredients on hand.

industry women hires

First, the not-so-sunny news: Women continue to get the short end of the stick in tourism and hospitality. A recent white paper by Hospitality Industry Pipeline Coalition said that although women hold seven in 10 jobs in tourism and hospitality, fewer than four are in top managerial roles, and fewer than two in general management.

Yet there are rays of bright light in this gloomy overview.

AccorHotels has launched Women at Accor Generation across its 3,600 hotels in 92 countries. It supports mentorship and training programs to help females climb the advancement ladder, as well to improve the workplace for its women employees. The company has committed to having at least 35 percent female general managers by the end of this year, with a goal of 50 percent in the future.

Equally impressive is Accor’s leadership in the Middle East. Last year, it hosted the “Women Empowerment and Integration Forum” in Saudi Arabia, to encourage young Saudi women to strive for managerial roles.

“As the leading hotel operator in Saudi Arabia, with 20 hotels and 40 in development, we are committed to empowering young female talent, enhancing their skills and helping them reach their full potential within the workplace,” Amar Belgat, director of human resources and training at AccorHotels Saudi Arabia and Egypt, told Hotel Management.

Another role model in hospitality is Banyan Tree Holding Limited, which operates more than 40 resorts and hotels, 60 spas, 70 retail galleries and three championship golf courses in 28 countries. As well as being an acknowledged leader in environmental sustainability, this company truly walks the talk when it comes to merit-based promotions. In global top management, there are 31 women and 43 men, and among nonhotel-based heads of department, there are 83 women and 91 men.