Stay ahead of the Pack - Register today and become a CDMP!
The CDMP is a globally recognized professional certification program focusing on global diversity inclusion and sustainability within the meetings and conventions industry. Certified Professionals become more culturally aware of their customer base which allows for relevance and competitiveness in a global market. To learn more about the CDMP and our expert trainers and register for the CDMP Program, visit www.IAHMP.org.
Carlos Conejo, CSSBB
Peak Performance Seminars & Multicultural Associates
CDMP USA Trainer
Carole Copeland Thomas
Multiculturalism, Global Diversity & Leadership Training
CDMP USA Trainer
Julia So, Ph.D.
Principal So Garcia Associates, LLC CDMP USA Trainer
Linda Pereira
Executive Director CPL Events CDMP European Trainer
contents WINTER 2011/2012 | VOL 13 | NO 4
34 Mary Ann Jones, Vice President Tourism, Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce and staff members who earned the CDMP at the IAHMP Annual Conference Pictured above L/R: Cecilia Marquez, CDMP, Yuriria Morales Sanchez, CDMP, Mary Ann Jones, Minerva Jurado, CDMP, Bea Rivas Davalos, CDMP
COVER STORY 12 | INSIDE HISPANIC ASSOCIATIONS Hispanic Meetings & Travel profiles 3 Hispanic associations and their leaders as well as top Conference Destination trends. 4 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
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COVER STORY
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12 Hispanic National Bar Association 14 National Hispanic Nurses Association 16 Hispanic Educational Technology Services 17 Hispanic Conference Destinations
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FEATURES 18 INDUSTRY PROFILES HM&T profiles top industry executives who understand the value of the Hispanic Meetings Market.
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20 Meeting Destinations 28 PHOENIX Valley of the Sun 34 IAHMP Conference Recap 48 QUINCE Magazine
DEPARTMENTS 06 Publisher’s Comments 08 Editor’s Comment/Credits 10 Industry Briefs 26 Meeting Planner Incentives 32 Gaming Destinations 40 Calendar of Events www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 5
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PUBLISHER'S LETTER t’s a new year and a new beginning for all of us. Before we know it it will be spring again but right now in the dead of winter when the landscape is grey and rainy days tend to linger is a very good time to begin planning. Whether you plan meetings or lead an organization everyone will be challenged to work under the new normal. Our economy in the United States continues to improve but very slowly. We can analyze the old year, contemplate the new, and make judgments about what was good, bad, and what will be better. But one thing’s for sure a new year brings new opportunity to improve on everything we do.
NO NEED 4 SPEED
One of the things we can learn to do this year is to slow down. A hundred years ago the life of our ancestors was much slower. They went to bed when it was dark and they got up when the sun rose. There was time to linger over food, and time to rest. There was time to talk face to face or write a hand written letter to stay in touch with family and friends. Today we live in a world that has moved from 70 miles per hour to 80 miles per hour when you drive from one city to another. When traveling by air we travel over 500 miles per hour and we want to go faster and get there sooner. The result is a warp-speed world that leaves many of us suffering on an emotional, psychological and spiritual level. In many ways the Universe is speaking to us, but almost everyone is too busy to listen. Make this the year that you put down the cell phone when you attend a meeting, visit with your family and take a more relaxed outlook on your life. It’s OK to slow down and enjoy your life.
HOW MUCH DO WE PLAY?
A Survey by Expedia.com found the average American worker earned 14 vacation days per year but will only take 12 of them. The main reason workers in the U.S. said these vacation days went unused were that they could not afford to travel, Expedia reported. “Lack of planning” was the second-most-cited excuse among those surveyed. Job insecurity, cutbacks in the work place, debt and people just feeling that they need to put in more face time in general are all factors in these results according to the Expedia survey. The United States is one of the only modern
countries without vacation-time minimums mandated by law. In many European countries workers get five weeks of vacation. Laws mandate a minimum of two weeks vacation in Canada and Japan. Employees in the European Union countries get four weeks of paid vacation by law, while many employees in the U.S. would need to work at a job more than a year before getting the conventional two weeks vacation, and the law does not mandate that.
issue of the magazine. In this issue we present Jon Muñoz, Senior Director, Global Diversity and Inclusion at Hilton Worldwide and Alex Cabanas - President, Business Development & Finance, Benchmark Hospitality. Hilton is a global company operating more than 3,750 hotels in 85 countries. Benchmark Hospitality International is a management and marketing services company for resorts, conference centers, conference hotels and golf clubs.
The Expedia survey also found that Europeans lead the world in vacationing. On the whole, European workers enjoy considerably more vacation time, as measured by days given and days taken, than their peers elsewhere. The average employed European earns 25-30 vacation days in a given year, and, with some exceptions, tends to use them all. Brazilians treat vacation as the Europeans do — as a vital part of being employed, rather than a luxury. The study showed that Brazilian workers receive 30 vacation days and enjoy every one of them.
In the new year let’s enjoy life’s special moments and give your all to the ones you love. Remember to savor life’s special moments and count your blessings.
In the Next Issue __________________________________________
Spring 2012 • Florida Meeting Destinations • Renovated Properties
In my humble opinion, perhaps it is time Americans get more vacation time to travel within their own country. It’s good for business, productivity and the economy!
• International Destination - Mexico
We at Hispanic Meetings & Travel love the opportunity to introduce our readers to some outstanding and fascinating people in each
Want to write for Hispanic Meetings & Travel Magazine? We occasionally accept contributed articles and essays.
• Choosing the right Convention Center
__________________________________________
Contact the managing editor with your pitch. 6 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
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EDITOR’S COMMENT Association having a historic joint convention with the National Dental Association and the Society of American Indian Dentists in July at the Boca Raton Resort & Club. This is a true example of associations working together to ensure all 3 have an annual conference. During these tough economic times it is outside of the box thinking that will ensure all associations maintain a healthy state and are able to provide for their members. Bravo to these fine dental associations for recognizing their core similarities and their ability to work together.
A new year is upon us along with new hopes, goals and dreams to realize. With election year in the U.S. and Mexico, the biggest sporting event in the world the London 2012 Summer Olympics taking place and, of course, the apocalyptic Mayan prophecy (for those who believe that is) 2012 promises to be an exciting year indeed!
As we jump into this new year we should keep some industry data in mind. According to Strategic Marketing Group the following is an outlook of the Tourism Industry for the U.S. in 2012:
• Domestic leisure travel is expected to increase 1.5 percent in 2012, with a corresponding increase in leisure travel spending of 3.2 percent • Domestic business travel volume is projected to grow 1.7 percent in 2012
• International arrivals are projected to increase nearly 3.4% and travel spending among international visitors is projected to increase by 4.7%
These numbers sound promising even though the world is still in an economic slump. The silver lining lies in the fact that travelers from China, Brazil and South Korea are in an upswing, according to the World Tourism Organization. Let us all hope that 2012 will see a significant increase in tourism dollars infused into the U.S. economy.
As for the meetings side of the industry the pulse is still beating! Despite the fact that some meetings in 2011 saw a decrease in attendance due to the economy the fact that annual conferences are still being held is hopeful. Last year Hispanic Meetings & Travel profiled the fusion of two associations coming together to hold one conference – IAHMP & CIMPA. This year the trend continues with the Hispanic Dental
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In this issue Hispanic Meetings & Travel takes a look “Inside Hispanic Associations” spotlighting 3 professional associations and their dynamic leaders as well as presenting some interesting statistics about the Hispanic Meeting Market in general. We begin on page 12 with the Hispanic National Bar Association, the National Association of Hispanic Nurses on pages 14 and 15 and the Hispanic Educational Technology Services on page 16.
We are also profiling 2 top Hispanic hotel executives: Mr. Jon Muñoz of Hilton Worldwide and Mr. Alex Cabañas of Benchmark Hospitality International (pages 18-19). Meeting Destinations feature 3 of the country’s finest cities Philadelphia, San Antonio and San Diego (pages 20-25). Hispanic Meetings & Travel also presents a special feature on fun in the “Valley of the Sun”, Phoenix, Arizona beginning on page 28. We also take a look at 2 impressive casinos WinStar World Casino and Talking Stick Resort in our feature Gaming Destinations (pages 32-33). HM&T is always proud to present the IAHMP Post Conference Recap which runs from pages 34 to 39 including a special salute to the CDMP Class of 2011. These professionals sat thru all day training on diversity, inclusion and sustainability and then sat through a 3 hour exam. I witnessed firsthand the anxiety and even self doubt that many of these participants went through but it all paid off as they are now Certified Diversity Meeting Professionals.
This issue of Quince magazine showcases the beautiful fiesta of Elsie Yazmin Marentes. I had the fortune of attending her quinceañera and must admit she and her court of honor put on several impressive dance routines. We hope you enjoy reading about Elsie’s fiesta and her current life as a Texas A&M Aggie. I personally would like to wish Elsie and her family a great 2012 and to all the readers of Hispanic Meetings & Travel and Quince magazines ¡Prospero Año 2012!
María de la Luz González Editor
PUBLISHER
HispanicMeetingsTravel.com GVR Public Relations Agency, Inc. www.gvragency.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Margaret Gonzalez mgonzalez@hispanicmeetingstravel.com EDITOR María de la Luz González mdgonzalez@hispanicmeetingstravel.com DESIGN & PRODUCTION BAY AREA MEDIA SERVICES / SCENE MEDIA CREATIVE DIRECTOR - John Ennis ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR - Betsey Ennis www.bams.us / www.scenelive.net ADVERTISING STEVEN GONZALEZ sgonzalez@hispanicmeetingstravel.com MARIA GONZALEZ mdgonzalez@hispanicmeetingstravel.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Benchmark Hospitality International, Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau, Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, Hilton Worldwide, Hispanic Educational Technology Services, Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina, Le Meridien Philadelphia, Loews Philadelphia Hotel, MGM Resorts International, Margaret Gonzalez, Maria Gonzalez, National Association of Hispanic Nurses, Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, Renaissance World Golf Village Resort & Convention Center, Royal Palms Resort and Spa, Steven Gonzalez, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Talking Stick Resort, The Hispanic National Bar Association, The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club, WinStar World Casino PHOTOGRAPHY Benchmark Hospitality International, CIMPA, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau, Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, Hilton Worldwide, Hispanic Educational Technology Services, Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina, Le Meridien Philadelphia, Loews Philadelphia Hotel, MGM Resorts International, National Association of Hispanic Nurses, Norma Marentes, Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, Renaissance World Golf Village Resort & Convention Center, Royal Palms Resort and Spa, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Talking Stick Resort, The Hispanic National Bar Association, The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club, Carole Copeland Thomas, West Houston Photography, WinStar World Casino ADVERTISING SALES OFFICE GVR Public Relations Agency 2600 South Shore Harbor Blvd., Suite 300 League City, Texas 77573 Telephone - 281-245-3330 Fax - 281-668-9199 W E B PA G E www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com WEB MASTER - Margil Villarreal Hispanic Meetings & Travel ISSN #1527-8387 is owned and published by the GVR Public Relations Agency, Inc., at 2600 South Shore Harbor Blvd., Suite 300, League City, Texas 77573 C 19992010 All Rights Reserved. Hispanic Meetings & Travel cannot by held responsible for unsolicited material. The publisher does not assume any responsibility for any unsolicited material and will return only those accompanied by stamped self-addressed envelope. We reserve the right to edit all copy. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior permission of the publisher. Subscription rates: $30.00 per year within the USA, $52.50 in Canada, and $75.00 elsewhere. All subscriptions must be paid in U.S. currency. Single copies: U.S. $5.00, Canada $8.75, and $12.50 elsewhere. Produced in the USA.
industrybriefs N E W * F R E S H * P R O G R E S S I V E
SHERATON HACIENDA DEL MAR GOLF & SPA RESORT ENCOURAGES GROUPS TO GIVE BACK
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Resort Integrates Programs into Meetings to Support Casa Hogar, a Local Boy’s Home
he Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Golf & Spa Resort in Los Cabos, Mexico is proud to introduce an innovative program to encourage meeting groups to leave Los Cabos better than they found it. The resort has long supported Casa Hogar de Cabo San Lucas, which houses, educates and cares for more than 20 boys who have become homeless due to abuse, poverty or the loss of their parents. Now, groups that stay at the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar have the opportunity to make a difference in those children’s lives by donating time, money or in-kind goods to Casa Hogar.
“Meeting planners have been asking for ways to integrate environmental and social responsibility into their events,” said Jayson Stirrup, manager of groups and conventions for the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar. “We’ve successfully implemented a Green Meetings program that decreases groups’ impact on our area’s unique habitat, and now groups can give back to the Los Cabos community and help us in our efforts to empower the children at Casa Hogar to live better lives.”
The Sheraton Hacienda del Mar offers groups several ways to work with Casa Hogar. Working within a group’s budget, the resort will purchase groceries for the organization based on its current needs. Or, prior to an event, planners can encourage partici-
pants to bring new and gently used clothes and shoes to donate to Casa Hogar. The Sheraton Hacienda del Mar’s staff can create a wish list with sizes ahead of time, as well as a drop box for set up at the meeting. A ceremony to present the groceries, clothing or even a monetary donation can be organized during the event with Casa Hogar’s children and administrators. Groups can also sponsor a meal, movie night, pool activity or sports tournament at the resort for the residents of Casa Hogar.
The Sheraton Hacienda del Mar’s ongoing support of Casa Hogar includes programs such as a bi-monthly collection and donation of goods such as groceries, clothing, toiletries, school supplies and toys; monthly visits from the Cactus Spa staff to cut the children’s hair, which is a requirement of the local public school system; special events for the children; and hotel job training for children ages 15 to 18 years old, including internships in the restaurants, maintenance, IT and human resources departments.
For more information on the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Golf & Spa Resort and its packages, or to make reservations, please call (011) 52-624-145-8000 or visit www.sheratonloscabos.com. For more information about Casa Hogar, visit casahogarcabo.com.
About Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Golf & Spa Resort, Los Cabos: Situated on 28 acres overlooking the Sea of Cortez, the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Golf & Spa Resort, with 270 guest rooms each featuring the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed, whirlpool tubs and private terraces, is impeccably reminiscent of an upscale seaside village.
10 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
The sprawling, Hacienda-inspired resort is home to five restaurants and five bars, four infinity and cascading swimming pools, the acclaimed Cactus Spa and Fitness Center (part of the Starwood Spa Collection) and a broad selection of outdoor activities. Boasting Los Cabos’ largest meetings facility with more than 18,000 square feet of function space, Sheraton Hacienda del Mar welcomes meetings and special events of all sizes. A small chapel and beachfront locations are also available for weddings and the staff has extensive experience with multicultural wedding planning. For more information, please visit www.sheratonloscabos.com or call (011) 52-624-145-8000.
About Starwood Hotels & Resorts: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1025 properties in 100 countries and territories with 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft®, and Element SM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit starwoodhotels.com.
industrybriefs
MGM Resorts International Honored by Hispanic Groups for Diversity Leadership
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GM Resorts International was recently honored by three prominent Hispanic organizations for its robust implementation of Diversity Best Practices. The Company was named to the "Million Dollar Club" by the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; one of the "Top 60 Companies for Diversity" by Hispanic Business Magazine; and one of the "50 Best Companies for Latinas" by LATINA Style Magazine.
(English as a Second Language) classes in order to recruit and develop employees. MGM Resorts has also established partnerships with numerous national and local organizations that support the Hispanic business community such as the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility, National Council of La Raza, Las Vegas Latin Chamber of Commerce and the Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting.
“We deeply appreciate these recognitions of our record of Hispanic inclusion in our workforce and procurement processes from major Hispanic institutions. This is not only the right thing for our Company to do as a leading responsible organization, but also an important component of our value proposition and business strategy,” said Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts. Since its inception in 2000, the Company's diversity initiative has resulted in greater inclusion of the Hispanic community as employees and suppliers. In 2010, MGM Resorts expended more than $28 million in business with Hispanicowned businesses. Currently, Hispanics comprise 31.2 percent of MGM Resorts’ total workforce—13.6 percent hold managerial or higher ranking positions. The Company offers several training and management development programs, including ESL
“We are honored to be recognized by the Hispanic community for our longstanding commitment to Diversity’s principles,” said Phyllis A. James, Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer. “Inclusion of Hispanic employees in our workforce and Hispanic-owned businesses in our company commerce bring substantial benefits to our business and enhance our competitive edge.” MGM Resorts International is one of the world's leading global hospitality companies, operating a peerless portfolio of destination resort brands, including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage. In addition to its 51% interest in MGM China Holdings and the MGM Macau, the Company has significant holdings in gaming, hospitality and entertainment, owns and operates 15 properties
located in Nevada, Mississippi and Michigan, and has 50% investments in three other properties in Nevada and Illinois. One of those investments is CityCenter, an unprecedented urban resort destination on the Las Vegas Strip featuring its centerpiece ARIA Resort & Casino. Leveraging MGM Resorts' unmatched amenities, the M life loyalty program delivers one-of-a-kind experiences, insider privileges and personalized rewards for guests at the Company's renowned properties nationwide. Through its hospitality management subsidiary, the Company holds a growing number of development and management agreements for casino and non-casino resort projects around the world. MGM Resorts International supports responsible gaming and has implemented the American Gaming Association's Code of Conduct for Responsible Gaming at its gaming properties. The Company has been honored with numerous awards and recognitions for its industryleading Diversity Initiative, its community philanthropy programs and the Company's commitment to sustainable development and operations. For more information about MGM Resorts International, visit the Company's Web site at www.mgmresorts.com.
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COVER STORY
HISPANIC ASSOCIATIONS
HISPANIC NATIONAL BAR ASSOCIATION
he Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) is an incorporated, not-for-profit, national membership organization that represents the interests of the more than 100, 000 Hispanic attorneys, judges, law professors, legal assistants, and law students in the United States and its territories. From the days of its founding three decades ago, the HNBA has acted as a force for positive change within the legal profession. It does so by encouraging Latino students to choose a career in the law and by prompting their advancement within the profession once they graduate and start practicing. Through a combination of issue advocacy, programmatic activities, networking events and educational conferences, the HNBA has helped generations of lawyers succeed. The organization is stronger today than at any point in its history and is as committed as ever to its mission. ------------------------------------------
HNBA 2012 Midyear Corporate Counsel Conference & 17th Annual Uvaldo Herrera National Moot Court Competition Jersey City, New Jersey • Westin Jersey City Newport Hotel March 28-March 31, 2012 Information: The Midyear Corporate Counsel Conference provides a unique setting to connect Corporate America and the HNBA, offering opportunities for outside counsel to meet counsel from numerous Fortune 500 Companies. Participants are encouraged to take advantage of the many invaluable educational and networking programs provided throughout the conference. In parallel and in conjunction, the HNBA will conduct its 17th Annual Uvaldo Herrera National Moot Court Competition which brings together law students from the nation’s top law schools with its co-sponsor of the competition, the HNBA Legal Education Fund.
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2012 HNBA Annual Convention • Seattle, Washington Sheraton Seattle Hotel
August 22-August 25, 2012
Information: This event will gather hundreds of attorneys,
judges, and students for a valuable and enjoyable four-day pro-
gram featuring Continuing Legal Education panels with top legal experts, national policymakers and leaders, and pressing issues;
networking events and workshops; the nation’s largest Hispanic
Career Fair with exhibits from prominent firms, companies, and government agencies; and fun social activities offering the best of Seattle.
Contact: HNBA Hispanic National BarAssociation
1900 L Street NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20036 Phone 202-223-4777 http://www.hnba.com
ISPANIC MEETINGS & TRAVEL proudly provides an inside look at some of the most prestigious Hispanic associations in the U.S. and the leaders that guide them.
These organizations helm the task of providing our community with advocacy, edu-
cation and resources within the fields of law, medicine and technology that have a positive
impact not only on professional Hispanics but also on the everyday person. It is the hope of
Hispanic Meetings & Travel that this inside look will help shed a light on the work of these
associations and the power of Hispanic meetings through industry numbers and statistics. 12 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
COVER STORY
HISPANIC ASSOCIATIONS
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BENNY AGOSTO, JR.
President, Hispanic National Bar Association
r. Benny Agosto, Jr. is a partner with Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Sorrels, Agosto & Friend. Mr. Agosto has been admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court and is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law. He is past president of the Mexican American Bar Association of Texas. Mr. Agosto founded the MABATx Scholarship Foundation, and most recently co-founded the HNBA Legal Education Fund, both of which benefit Hispanic Law students. He was formerly chair of the board of editors for the Texas Bar Journal and serves as co-editor in chief of the HNBA Journal of Law and Policy. He received the State Bar of Texas 2006 President’s Certificate of Merit and is a two-time recipient of the HBA President’s Award. Mr. Agosto has been named as one of Texas’ Super Lawyers by Texas Monthly Magazine and has recently been appointed by ABA President-Elect William Robinson to serve as a member of the Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Profession. He has also been selected as one of the Top Attorneys in America for 2012. Mr. Agosto is on the Board of Directors of the Houston Bar Association and a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. He is a life fellow of the Houston Bar Foundation and a fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation. Mr. Agosto is a graduate of South Texas College of Law.
Mr. Agosto is a frequent speaker and lecturer on issues relating to civil litigation. Mr. Agosto has appeared across the country to deliver presentations ranging from advocacy tips to the evidentiary relevance of the illegal status of injured workers; from how to take a deposition to persuasion techniques at trial, and from choosing the right expert to Texas insurance law. In addition to being featured in multiple interviews on local and national television, Mr. Agosto has published multiple articles in numerous journals and periodicals with nationwide publications, including Texas Monthly, Texas Bar Journal, The Houston Lawyer, University of Texas School of Law, Texas Hispanic Journal of Law & Policy and Trial Magazine. In 2011 he has been featured in national periodicals such as the May edition of Aztec Muse Magazine and the July/August 2011 issue of Hispanic Executive as a Community Leader, and has recently been named one of the Nation’s 101 Most Influential Leaders in the Latino Community by Latino Leaders Magazine. Also, in the October 2011 issue Hispanic Business magazine named him as
one of the 100 Influentials. Mr. Agosto has recently achieved landmark trial and appellate
victories, including the historic ruling in Republic Waste Services, Ltd. v. Martinez, which sets a new standard in Texas law
by preventing the immigration status of a plaintiff from preju-
dicing a jury, and secures the ability of undocumented workers and their families to have a fair day in court. Mr. Agosto also
donates some of his time doing work on Pro Bono cases, most notable of which is Harris County v. Hinojosa. In that case, a
peace officer with the Harris County Constable’s office, Sgt.
Hinojosa, was injured while responding to a call from dispatch.
The issue in the case centered around whether the officer was
“on duty” or “off duty” when in route to assist a fellow officer.
Mr. Agosto won a verdict at the trial court level and the verdict was affirmed at the appellate court level. The Supreme Court affirmed the 1st Court of Appeals, ensuring that Texas peace
officers have their rights protected when they are responding to
a call from a fellow officer.
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COVER STORY
HISPANIC ASSOCIATIONS
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HISPANIC NURSES
ational Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) is a non-profit professional association committed to the promotion of the professionalism and dedication of Hispanic nurses by providing equal access to educational, professional, and economic opportunities for Hispanic nurses. NAHN is also dedicated to the improvement of the quality of health and nursing care of Hispanic consumers.
In 1974, a group of Hispanics who were members of the American Nurses Association (ANA) met during the ANA Convention in Atlantic City with the intent to establish a Hispanic Nurses Caucus of ANA, since it was felt that ANA was not being responsive to the needs of Hispanic nurses. The group included Esther Coto-Walloch (California), Hector Hugo Gonzalez (Texas), Mimi Gonzalez (New York), Carmen Janosov (Puerto Rico), Berta Mejia (Connecticut), Janie Menchaca Wilson (Texas), Ildaura MurilloRohde (Washington), Herlinda Quintero (California), Sally Roybal (New Mexico), and Henrietta Villaescusa (California). The group agreed to think about the concept and discuss it at the next ANA convention. In 1976, when the group met during the ANA Convention in San Francisco, the plan shifted and instead, they agreed to establish the National Association of Spanish-Speaking Spanish-Surnamed Nurses (NASSSN). Ildaura volunteered and she was charged with incorporating NASSSN. She incorporated NASSSN in Washington State in 1977 where, at that time, she was employed as Associate Dean of the School of Nursing at the University of Washington at Seat-
ADRIANNA NAVA, BSN, RN President, Illinois Hispanic Nurses Association MSN Candidate - the University of Pennsylvania In May 2009, Ms. Adrianna Nava completed her Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Saint Francis Medical Center
College of Nursing, in Peoria, IL. During the height of health
reform negotiations the summer of 2009, Ms. Nava was placed as a Health Policy Fellow in the office of Congressman Xavier Becerra (D-CA) in Washington, DC. She was one in twelve
selected to participate in the highly competitive Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program through the Kaiser Family 14 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
tle. The organization was renamed as the National Association of Hispanic Nurses™ in 1979. Who are NAHN’s members? NAHN represents the interest of over 110,000 Hispanic/Latino Nurses in the U.S. Members embody the nursing profession at all levels – from clinicians to university professors and administrators. Their specialties span all the medical fields, from generalists to nursing specialists.
NAHN Annual Conference: The NAHN Annual Conference is the only nursing association meeting dedicated to exploring healthcare issues affecting the Hispanic population and proposing potential solutions. Not only will nurses in the Continental U. S. A. be invited to attend, but NAHN will also invite nurses and other health professionals living on the island of Puerto Rico where the 2012 conference will take place. This year’s theme is “Healthcare Reform: Mentoring the Next Generation of Nursing Leaders”. The conference will: identify the frameworks and approaches through healthcare reform to develop future Hispanic nursing leaders; differentiate educational and research models that will lead to advocacy to promote health in Hispanic communities; and integrate evidence-based research into clinical practice through healthcare reform. 37th NAHN Annual Conference: Healthcare Reform: Mentoring the Next Generation of Nursing Leaders July 17-20, 2012 Caribe Hilton Hotel • 1 San Geronimo Street, San Juan, PR 00901 1-787-721-0303
Foundation and Howard University. This experience heightened her awareness to disparities in health and empowered her to become an active participant in addressing health policy issues affecting undeserved communities. In order to gain a better understanding of the intricacies of health care, Ms. Nava gained nearly two years of critical care nursing experience working at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center in Chicago, IL. By working at the bedside, Ms. Nava experienced firsthand the true art of caring. She had assisted in multiple rapid intubation and resuscitation measures, consoled weeping families; but most importantly, she advocated for the best interest of her patients at a time when they were most vulnerable and trusted she would keep them safe.
COVER STORY
HISPANIC ASSOCIATIONS
ANGIE MILLAN, MSN, RNP, CNS President, National Association of Hispanic Nurses
Angie Millan, MSN, RNP, CNS, is the president of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN). The first in her family to graduate college, Angie has been a dedicated nurse for over 25 years in Los Angeles. She received her nursing diploma in 1986 followed by her BSN and MSN degrees from California State University in 1990 and 1993 respectively. In 1996 Angie graduated from the Harbor/UCLA Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner program. Since 1999, Angie has worked for Children’s Medical Services in the County of Los Angeles, Department of Public Health, first as Assistant Director and now as Nursing Director. In this position Angie administers the nursing programs for Children’s Medical Services (CMS) which encompasses California Children’s Services (CSS), Child, Health and Disability Prevention, and Health Care Program for Children in Foster Care (HCPCFC) programs. Overall, Angie oversees 346 nurses.
From 1987 to 1999, Angie worked in various positions related to OB-GYN and Maternal-Child Health at LAC-USC Women’s and Children’s Hospital and Olive View-UCLA Medical Center. Since 1993, Angie has been a Clinical Nursing Instructor at Los Angeles Community College and she also serves as a NCLEXRN review instructor. In 2011, Angie won the National Hispanic Medical Association’s Leadership Network Award. She has also been a recipient of NAHN’s Janie Menchaca Wilson Leadership Award, Outstanding Latina of the Year, and the California Legislature Assembly Resolution. Angie has also been a long-time member of NAHN’s Los Angeles Chapter, serving as its President from 2005-2008 and from 1996-1999. Angie is a Commissioner of the California Healthcare Workforce Policy Commission. In addition, she is currently is a member of several organizations: • Joint Commission, Nursing A dvisory Council (NA C) • The National Hispanic Medical A ssociation (NHMA ) • A merican Medical A ssociation's (A MA ) Commission to End Healthcare Disparities (CEHCD), • Champion Nursing Council • National Hispanic Health Foundation (Committee Member) • National Council of Ethnic Minority Nursing A ssociation (Board Member) • Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (Commissioner) • Health Professions Committee (Congresswoman Grace Napolitano 38th District) • March of Dimes (Professional Education Committee Member
In May 2011, Ms. Nava was elected President of the Illinois Hispanic Nurses Association (IHNA), a chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN). She aspired to focus on health prevention in the community and provide mentorship opportunities for Hispanic nurses. She believes education is a key component to empowering Hispanic nurses to become influential leaders throughout the state of Illinois. The Hispanic nurses are encouraged to become actively engaged in advancing the nursing profession, improving the health of the Hispanic community and reshaping the health care system of the future. A strong proponent for advanced education, Ms. Nava is concurrently completing graduate level coursework at The University of Pennsylvania with plans to obtain a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Health Leadership with a health policy focus by August 2012. Frequent travels between Chicago and Philadelphia paired with enduring perseverance have made many of her goals achievable. Her passion for health care combined with her commitment to inspire Hispanics to reach higher levels of excellence has eliminated many obstacles in her path. www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 15
COVER STORY
HISPANIC ASSOCIATIONS
HISPANIC EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY SERVICES (HETS) CONSORTIUM ANNUAL CONFERENCE Dr. Ivonne Chirino-Klevans, program director for Walden University’s Center for International Programs, will speak at the opening of The Hispanic Educational Technology Services (HETS) Consortium Second Annual Best Practices Showcase, Feb. 16–17, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Dr. Chirino-Klevans will join Dr. Jose Rivera, president of Universidad del Sagrado Corazon, and Reggie Smith III, chair emeritus of the United States Distance Learning Association, to discuss attracting and retaining Hispanic students in online higher education. In her position at Walden, Dr. Chirino-Klevans works to develop tools, activities and improvements that enhance and support the international student experience at the online university. She also explores new partnerships in Latin America, the Caribbean and Puerto Rico to expand online higher education access in the region.
Dr. Chirino-Klevans is a member of the HETS board of direc-
tors as well as the chief editor of HETS Online Journal. She has
written extensively about the specific needs and concerns that Hispanic students have as online learners. Her articles appear in
The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education Magazine, Hispan-
icBusiness.com, Poder 360 Magazine, Diversity Executive and
Hispanic Executive.
Prior to joining Walden in 2005 as a professor of organization-
al psychology, she worked with Fortune 500 companies design-
ing training and development programs and serving as program
director for Duke Corporate Education. Dr. Chirino-Klevans
received her Ph.D. in Psychology from the Universidad
Iberoamericana. She also holds an M.B.A. from the Universidad
de las Americas and a master's degree in psychology from Georgia College.
The HETS Consortium annual conference celebrates innova-
tive technology strategies in higher education. Conference pre-
sentations will highlight best practices for access, retention and
assessment strategies as well as science, technology, engineering
and mathematics (STEM) education for Hispanics.
As a member of HETS Consortium, Walden partners with the
organization's 27 other members to focus on making a positive
impact on the Hispanic student population by improving college retention, completion and successful learning outcomes. For
more information about Walden University, visit www.WaldenU.edu.
About HETS
The Hispanic Educational Technology Services (HETS) is the
first bilingual consortium dedicated to serving the higher educa-
tion needs of the fast-growing Hispanic communities. Starting in
1993 as a group of institutions interested in sharing courses at a distance, the HETS Consortium has evolved from the use of
telecommunications into the asynchronous modes of anywhereanytime learning, to the use of technology to reach greater col-
laboration among and within educational institutions. For more information, go to www.hets.org.
16 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
COVER STORY
HISPANIC ASSOCIATIONS
HISPANIC CONFERENCE DESTINATIONS
Hispanic Meetings & Travel has taken a look at conference destinations for 10 top Hispanic associations in the last 5 years. Data was analyzed for 50 conferences held by these associations from the years 2007 to 2011.
The associations analyzed are: • American GI Forum - 20,000 members • Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting - 2,000 members • League of United Latino American Citizens – 880 councils, 20,000+ conference attendees • National Association of Bilingual Education – 5,000 members • National Association of Hispanic Journalists - 1,500 members • National Association of Latino Elected Officials – 6,000 members • National Council of La Raza – 300 affiliates, 20,000+ conference attendees • National Society of Hispanic MBAs - 13,000 members • Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science - 20,000 members • US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce - 100,000 members
City
Top Conference Destinations: CITIES Conferences
Chicago ........................5 Washington, DC ..........5 Denver..........................4 Orlando/Lake Buena Vista........4 Albuquerque ................3
Miami Beach ................3 San Juan, Puerto Rico 3 San Antonio..................3 Anaheim ......................2 San Diego ....................2 Atlanta ..........................1
Top Conference Destinations:
STATES/TERRITORIES
Destination
Conferences
Florida ........................8 California ....................7 Texas ..........................7 Illinois ..........................5 District of Columbia ....5 Colorado......................4 New Mexico ................3 Puerto Rico ................3
Austin ..........................1 Boston ..........................1 Cincinnati ....................1 Corpus Christi ..............1 Dallas ..........................1 Houston........................1 Las Vegas ....................1 Los Angeles..................1
Minneapolis ..................1 New Orleans ................1 Oklahoma City..............1 Phoenix ........................1 Sacramento..................1 San Jose ......................1 Tampa ..........................1
INDUSTRY PROFILES | HOTEL EXECUTIVES
Jon G. Muñoz
Senior Director, Global Diversity & Inclusion Hilton Worldwide
J
on Muñoz is senior director of global diversity and inclusion for Hilton Worldwide. In this role, Muñoz will play a key role in executing Hilton Worldwide’s global diversity and inclusion efforts focused on culture, talent, workplace and marketplace strategies.
Prior to Hilton Worldwide, Muñoz served as senior manager of inclusion and diversity for Sprint Nextel Corporation where he managed external strategic consumer and business relationships with key African American, Asian, Hispanic, Women, GLBT and Veteran non-profit organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign, League of United Latin American Citizens, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, National Association of Women Business Owners, National Council of La Raza, National Hispanic Corporate Council, National Urban League, United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the United States Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation.
Internally, Muñoz managed workforce diversity opportunities, including employee resource groups, diversity training, inclusion scorecard reporting, external surveys and coordination of the Executive Inclusion Council.
Prior to this role, Muñoz was the director of Hispanic marketing for Nextel Communications. He was responsible for the development and implementation of an integrated Hispanic marketing program targeting the fast-growing Hispanic community residing in the southern United States. He served as a media spokesperson for regional Hispanic initiatives and managed strategic relationships with national Hispanic community-based organizations and event marketing.
Prior to joining Nextel, Muñoz served as vice president and national Hispanic segment manager for Bank One Corporation (now JPMorgan Chase). In that capacity, he was responsible for leading an integrated marketing program that was designed to attract and retain Hispanic customers. In addition, he built cross-functional teams internally and created external strategic partnerships with national Hispanic organizations to effectively market the bank's products and services to Spanish- and English-speaking consumer and business customers.
Muñoz actively serves in leadership positions on the boards of numerous diverse organizations, among them the League of United Latin American Citizens Corporate Alliance Vice Chair of Strategic Planning, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People ACT-SO Advisory Council Executive Committee, the National Hispanic Corporate Council Board of Directors Officer, the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Senior Executive Corporate Advisory Board Vice Chair of Strategic Planning and the United States Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce Brain Trust.
He was also the twice-elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Hispanic Corporate Council in Washington, D.C., a non-profit organization focused on providing benchmarking and best practices to corporations maximizing the Hispanic market opportunity. As NHCC Board Sponsor, Muñoz co-founded the NHCC Corporate Executive Development Program in 2010. The leadership development program is the first of its kind and is delivered by Southern Methodist University (SMU) Cox Executive Education and targets top-performing mid-level Hispanic managers who aspire to their first role as an executive in corporate America. This 9-month program complements MBA programs and proprietary corporate programs with a focus on leveraging Hispanic culture to excel in executive management roles, thereby building a pipeline for future Hispanic chief executive officers.
18 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
Muñoz is a communications and advertising graduate of the University of Texas at Austin.
INDUSTRY PROFILES | HOTEL EXECUTIVES
Alex Cabañas
President Business Development & Finance
BENCHMARK HOSPITALITY INTERNATIONAL
Alex Cabañas has been recognized as one of the “100 Most Influential Hispanic Leaders for 2011” by Hispanic Business magazine. “It is an unexpected and tremendous honor to be recognized among such an accomplished group of Hispanic business leaders,” said Alex Cabañas, “I am privileged to work with a great team of professionals at Benchmark Hospitality International, so accept this honor in recognition of what we have together accomplished within our growing company.” Alex Cabañas joined Benchmark Hospitality in 2006 following a period with The Boston Consulting Group. As president business development and finance, Mr. Cabañas oversees the company's growth initiatives worldwide, and the development of Benchmark's capital investment opportunities and relationships important to the company's expansion plans. During his tenure with Benchmark Hospitality International, the company added 13 properties to its management portfolio of 35 properties. Additionally, Mr. Cabañas led Benchmark’s launch of the hospitality industry’s newest brand, Personal Luxury Resorts & HotelsSM, which includes luxury properties coast to coast and off shore. Mr. Cabañas is a graduate of Harvard Business School, where he earned a Masters in Business Administration degree. He also holds a Bachelors and a Masters degree from Texas A&M University. Mr. Cabañas’ father, Burt Cabañas, was named one of the “100 Most Influential Hispanic Leaders for 2007” by Hispanic Business magazine. They have become one of the few father & son teams to be honored with inclusion on the magazine’s Top 100 Influentials List. Benchmark Hospitality International is a leader in the management and marketing of resorts, conference centers, hotels, and Personal Luxury Resorts & HotelsSM. The independent company, launched in 1980, is a worldwide organization operating properties in major metropolitan and resort destinations. Benchmark's international headquarters is located in The Woodlands, Texas, near Houston. Benchmark Hospitality is also a founding member of the International Association of Conference Centers. The company's eastern regional office is in New Jersey, western regional office is in Washington, with international offices in Tokyo, Japan, and Santiago, Chile. For the location of Benchmark's properties and additional information, visit www.benchmarkhospitality.com.
www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 19
meetingdestinations
Philadelphia
Convention Center Hotels Shine
P h i l a d e l p h i a ,
P e n n s y l v a n i a
Philadelphia Marriott Downtown 1201 Market Street
The Philadelphia Marriott Downtown hotel commands a towering presence in the heart of America's original capital. Surrounded by rich revolutionary history and culture, this Philadelphia downtown hotel location exceeds the expectations of both business and leisure travelers. Business guests will enjoy the hotel's close proximity to the Pennsylvania Convention Center and vacationers can take in the sights of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell located within 8 blocks. A collection of fine restaurants are located on-site or within walking distance of the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown hotel, in addition to the
PHILADELPHIA MARRIOTT DOWNTOWN city's best shopping and entertainment venues. Easy to reach by any mode of transportation, the hotel is just one mile from the 30th Street Train Station and nine miles from Philadelphia International Airport. The Philadelphia Marriott Downtown hotel also offers a variety 20 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
LE MERIDEN PHILADELPHIA
of venues for wedding receptions, meetings and conferences. -------------------------------
Le Meridien Philadelphia 1421 Arch Street
The Le Meridien Philadelphia hotel is housed in a 10-story Georgian revival-style structure
with intriguing historical flair and is located in the heart of the city's business district. Just steps away from the Pennsylvania Convention Center and Philadelphia's energetic business and financial district, the hotel is situated in the perfect location for work, play, and inspiration. The hotel's premier location provides immediate access to the city's best restaurants, shopping, museums, and entertainment including Rittenhouse Square, The Reading Terminal, and The Academy of Fine Arts. The hotel amenities include valet parking, fitness center, business service, and wireless highspeed Internet access in public areas and lobby (charge). Some of the services and facilities above may not be available on a 24-hour basis or without advance request. Fees on certain facilities or service may apply. The hotel is wheelchair-accessible. Each guest room features bold black and white decor and inspired red accents that enhance the hotels rich millwork. The exclusive luxury beds provide ultra pillow-topped comfort, with high thread count linens, and full down pillows. Other amenities include complimentary turndown service, accessible shower or bath, grab bars in bathroom, and 24-hour room service.
LOEWS PHILADELPHIA HOTEL
Loews Philadelphia Hotel 1200 Market Street
In the architectural landmark PSFS building, the nation’s first modern skyscraper, Loews Philadelphia Hotel is a true classic. Directly across from the Pennsylvania Convention Center, it is within walking distance of shopping, theater, eclectic South Street, cultural attractions and restaurants. Oversized guest rooms with loft-like high ceilings and timeless decors offer spectacular views and impeccable service, while Concierge Club rooms rise to new standards of elegance. SoleFood offers innovative cuisine and a specialty martini bar for socializing and relaxing. For working out or chilling out, Balance Spa & Fitness center combines high tech fitness, lappool and pampering spa treatments. The hotel boasts 42,000 square feet of unbeatable function space for up to 1,000 and includes historic Millennium Hall with 180 degree panoramic views. The hotel features 581 guest rooms, three private floors featuring 55 luxury guest rooms, Concierge Club Lounge and Library. Amenities include Business center, Concierge service, 24-hour room service and Valet parking. The hotel is located 20 minutes from the Philadelphia International Airport and 10 minutes from Amtrak 30th Street Station.
meetingdestinations
The Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
S a n
A n t o n i o ,
T e x a s
Unveils Renovations
The heart of San Antonio’s convention industry, the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center has unveiled $40 million in renovations including a new, technologically advanced electronic door system and cosmetic upgrades. But the star renovations include new event spaces such as the Lonesome Dove Room and the Plaza Acequia.
LONESOME DOVE
Inspired by a story as big and bold as Texas, the Lonesome Dove Room debuted in July of 2011. More than a ballroom, Lonesome
nishings, and flexible seating areas evoke the welcoming living room of a grand Texas ranch house. Dove’s fine Western art and rich furnishings evoke the maverick history and rustic elegance of the landscape that inspired it. On the banks of the San Antonio River Walk this fabulous new venue flows out onto a river patio, seamlessly transforming into an al fresco setting for private groups and events. It has a capacity from 150 to 500 guests. Guests are drawn into the warm, ranch-like panache of the Lonesome Dove Room, surrounded by an abundance of natural textures…stone, wood, metal and leather. Antler chandeliers and custom-made furnishings abound in this unique, one-of-a-kind room unparalleled in any convention center in the country. The ambience merges the spirit of the Old West with a luxurious and contemporary feel. Rich fabrics, creative lighting, plush fur-
22 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
Bill Wittliff, renowned photographer and executive producer for the Lonesome Dove mini-series, enlarged 11 of his original photographs for exclusive display throughout the room. The legendary cuisine and gracious service of The RK Group completes the unique experience – inviting guests to indulge in a taste of Texas’ hospitality and warmth.
PLAZA ACEQUIA
Opened in the Fall of 2011, Plaza Acequia is the newest outdoor space of the convention center. Located at the northeast corner of the complex on Market Street, Plaza Acequia provides clients and visitors with 29,000 square feet of functional outdoor space for groups of up to 1,500. This area off of Market Street is of historical significance as limestone “Acequias” built by Spanish colonists and local Indians were once located on this site. An Acequia is a community-operated waterway used in Spain and former Spanish colonies in the Americas for irrigation. The event plaza includes design features
which reference the historic nature of the site. Enjoy the beautiful San Antonio weather with
an outdoor space that can be used year-round
for receptions, concerts, and weddings, or,
even an outdoor learning environment as part
of a convention. The legendary cuisine and
gracious service of The RK Group provides endless possibilities to a completely customiz-
able area with power and water hook-ups, tent
accessibility, and lush green areas.
Contact the Booking & Services Team today to schedule a tour, Convention Center
Booking Division for more information. Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center Main Number: (210) 207-8500 Toll Free: (877) 504-8895
Email: CSEFinfo@sanantonio.gov http://www.sahbgcc.com/
meetingdestinations
Mixing Business with Play-Sure in San Diego
S a n
D i e g o ,
C a l i f o r n i a
HYATT REGENCY MISSION BAY SPA & MARINA is mixing business with play-sure to help groups make the most out of their time at the property. From fire pits and s’mores to water slides and penthouse posh, the hotel’s selection of playful meeting locations and fun activities helps groups beat the doldrums and set the stage for productive gatherings. “People are better inspired and more creative when they are relaxed, happy and feeling good,” said Alex Willow, director of sales and marketing at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay. “Our unique location on the bay combined with our resort-style amenities allows us to offer non-traditional meeting options that ultimately help groups better accomplish business at hand.”
slow the pace down, guests can retreat to poolside cabanas for more intimate discussions and other business activities.
functions. The restaurant’s “flex dining
rooms” can accommodate groups of various
sizes. Other fun seating options include an
a communal chef’s table in the heart of the restaurant.
RECENTLY RENOVATED BALLROOMS
For those who prefer a more traditional set-up, the Hyatt offers the newly renovated Mission
and Bayview Ballrooms, which include fine
handcrafted woodwork and the latest high-
tech audio/visual equipment. The tented
waterfront Regatta Pavilion is another scenic and more traditional option for business and social functions.
About the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa
and Marina: Neighboring SeaWorld®, the LIFE AT THE TOP On the 18th floor at the top of Hyatt’s tower is The Penthouse featuring stunning bay views and posh surroundings for group gatherings, parties or other celebrations. Events will impress guests with a front row view of the marina and downtown San Diego, as well as a summertime fireworks show from neighboring SeaWorld. RED MARLIN Situated over the water, Hyatt Mis-
24 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
provides a relaxed, scenic option for group
open-air wood deck area on water’s edge and
BRAINSTORMING WITH S’MORES To foster creativity, Hyatt Mission Bay encourages groups to trade in the boardroom for scenic fireside seating. The hotel’s fire pits offer an intimate location for a brainstorming session or group discussion. Roasting s’mores is great ice-breaker and helps attendees feel relaxed and better connected.
TEAM BUILDING ON THE WATER Hyatt Mission Bay is famous for having one of the best pool experiences in San Diego, with three water slides and zero entry pool amid tropical landscaping. Groups can take advantage of this popular amenity with fun team building exercises including waterslide races and other poolside contests. Or, groups can hit the marina for bonding activities such as kayaking and sailing. When it’s time to
sion Bay’s signature Red Marlin restaurant
Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina is
perfectly situated to explore Balboa Park, the
Gaslamp Quarter and San Diego’s beautiful
beaches. The recently reinvented coastal hotel
on Mission Bay features 430 guestrooms, three pools with waterslides, an award-winning sig-
nature restaurant Red Marlin, a poolside bar
and lounge and eco-friendly Blue Marble Spa.
The Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and
Marina is located at 1441 Quivira Road. Visit www.missionbay.hyatt.com or call 619-224-
1234 for reservations or more information.
Meeting Planner Incentives
SERENATA BEACH CLUB
Renaissance World Golf Village Resort & Convention Center Expands Recreational Options For Groups With Privileges At Exclusive Oceanfront Serenata Beach Club
F
ollowing the recent renovation and expansion of its outdoor meeting, event and recreational space, The Renaissance World Golf Village Resort and Convention Center in Jacksonville/St. Augustine, Florida is adding another new recreational option to groups. Beginning February 1, 2012, groups and guests at the AAA Four-Diamond Northeast Florida resort will enjoy privileges at the exclusive Serenata Beach Club, which features a breathtaking setting overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The announcement was made by Jeffrey Oliasami, general manager of the 301room Renaissance World Golf Village Resort, which together with the adjacent World Golf Hall of Fame offers 101,000 square feet of meeting and event space, making it the largest combination hotel and convention center between Atlanta and Orlando.
The private Serenata Beach Club features: a 12,000-square-foot oceanfront clubhouse; a 4,000-square-foot adult pool with dedicated lap lanes; a 4,000-square-foot pool with a cascading 12-foot waterfall; a fully-equipped fitness center; fully-equipped locker facilities; an activities director; and personal trainers. In addition to providing privileges to groups and guests, The Renaissance World Golf Village Resort also will provide a complimentary shuttle to and from Serenata Beach Club for individual guests (based on availability). Serenata Beach Club is located in Ponte Vedra Beach, in between St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra, a comfortable drive from The Renaissance World Golf Village Resort.
“We’re adding privileges at the beautiful and exclusive Serenata Beach Club to cater to the many needs of our groups and guests,” said Oliasami. “While we already feature such exceptional recreational options as golf on our two championship courses, and our proximity to the wonderful and charming historic sites in St. Augustine, we’re adding privileges at Serenata so that our groups and guests can experience the beach and Atlantic Ocean in firstclass style.”
This new recreational option follows the recently completed renovation and expansion of the resort’s outdoor meeting, event and recreational space. The large project included new and expanded outdoor function space with beautiful brick pavers and elegant new 26 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
furniture in conversational groupings; a beautiful new fountain called La Piazza; a picturesque new gazebo; and a new and expanded pool deck with new seating areas. The new outdoor function space, now named La Terrazza, is able to accommodate groups of up to 2,000 guests. La Terrazza features advanced technology and power capability, comparable to that provided in indoor ballrooms. This includes underground cables and wiring for communication and internet to the stage location, and to the gazebo, as well as underground connection points for two different size tent configurations. With the expansion the resort added 15,000 square feet of new function space, so the resort now features 101,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
Other recent enhancements at the resort include: the opening of a new casually-elegant Italian Grille named Villagio (in November 2011); the addition of a new 450-square-foot Masters Board Room (which opened in August 2011); the opening of a new The UPS Store and Business Center on-site (in July 2011); the addition of a new destination services and event planning department (in August 2011); and the opening (in August 2011) of The Resort Shop, which serves a full menu of Starbuck’s coffees, pastries, breakfast fare, sandwiches, soups, salads, wraps, and desserts, as well as an array of local gifts and souvenirs.
To coincide with the enhanced meeting and event options, the resort also recently unveiled its new Intriguing Meetings program. Designed to provide distinctive and inspired programs for groups, the resort’s Intriguing Meetings program includes unique and intriguing tablescaping in the meeting rooms that are designed to be visually appealing and to inspire creativity. Additionally, the program features R Meeting Experts who are ambassadors dedicated to catering to planners’ needs
and to ensuring an exceptional program.
Also, the resort recently launched its innovative White Glove Meetings Services which includes complimentary White Glove transportation to and from Jacksonville International Airport in its own passenger vans for new group business booked in 2012. To qualify for the complimentary airport transportation a group is required to contract for a minimum of 50 rooms per night for 2 nights and 2 banquet meals daily. Located within the lush 6,300-acre World Golf Village, the resort completed a $10 million resort-wide renovation in 2008, which included the complete remodeling of guest rooms and suites, a dramatically-renovated lobby, newly-remodeled guest room corridors, an expanded fitness center with state-of-theart equipment, and enhanced meeting space. As part of the renovation guest rooms and suites received new furniture, soft goods, window treatments, lighting, 37” flat-panel screen LCD HDTV televisions, and the Marriott JackPack, which provides complete connectivity to the guests for laptops, MP3 players, digital cameras, and video game players. - Continued on Next Page
package with a punch. Everyone is all about relevance today and completing our latest phase of renovations, now is a perfect time to roll out this starspangled promotion.”
The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club in Southwest Florida has unveiled a new group promotion called “Meet for Change – Meetings Make America Shine” with a patriotic theme and its own “Economic Boost Commitment” as one of several booking incentive components.
The promotion offers multiple tiers of incentives, with values that could reach $10,000 or more per program. Available to groups with 20 peak rooms or more for a minimum of 3 nights, and booked by March 30, 2012, the promotion is available to new programs in ANY YEAR between June 1st – September 30th or December 1st – 19th. The multiple tiers of incentives are based on such criteria as the number of programs booked simultaneously and the size of the programs. For specific details of the promotion, terms and conditions, call the resort’s group sales department at 800-866-1946, complete a RFP on the resort’s new website www.naplesbeachhotel.com, or email the resort directly with details at groupsales@naplesbeachhotel.com and reference the “Meet for Change” promotion.
Winners of Meetings Focus South magazine’s “Best of the South Award” and Successful Meetings’ “Pinnacle Award,” the 317-room resort is Southwest Florida’s only resort directly on the beach with an on-site championship golf course, a world-class spa, and an award-winning tennis center. The resort features 34,000 square feet of meeting space that is further complemented by several beautiful outdoor venues.
Continually enhancing its already-impressive offerings, the resort has completed its latest phase of renovations, $40 million thus far. The multi-phase project included guest rooms, suites, golf course, expanded Sunset Beach Bar and Grill, and the addition of a new beachfront pool complex.
“We have been working hard for the last few years upgrading our property at a time when many had to postpone or cancel such projects,” commented Michele Marsee, Director of Sales & Marketing for the resort. “We wanted to make a statement to the meetings industry about our commitment to providing a great product and still represent great value. What
RENAISSANCE: Cont. from Page 26
The rooms and suites feature a contemporary design with an Asian feel, which includes rich red bed coverings, crisp white linens, along with a color scheme of warm neutral gold. Rooms also feature high-speed Internet access, two telephones with data ports, a wet bar and refrigerator, an in-room safe, and inroom coffee.
The resort also boasts a dramatically remodeled nine-story atrium lobby, featuring a Colonial/Asian theme with lush foliage and a colorful 7-story modern hanging sculpture that is reminiscent of open Florida skies.
Recreational options at the resort include two championship golf courses: the popular Slammer & Squire (just steps from The Renaissance Resort), and the renowned King & Bear (co-designed by Arnold “The King” Palmer and Jack “The Bear” Nicklaus). Guests also have access to four additional golf courses within 15 minutes of the resort, for a total of 108 holes of golf. Additionally, the resort features a sauna, pool, hot tub, and full-service
To further showcase all of the changes made, the resort recently unveiled a brand new website at www.naplesbeachhotel.com.
“The site focuses on the photography,” noted Marsee. “After all it’s the location and amenities that grab people’s attention. However, the site is also very interactive, resourceful and environmentally friendly, particularly for the meetings industry. Beyond information, meeting planners can find our fact sheet, rack brochure, sales kit, photo gallery for their marketing efforts, banquet menus, resource guide and production manual. Everything one would need when planning a program for our property. By making all of this information accessible in one easy location we can reduce the amount of printing, storage, and waste for both parties. Not to mention the time saved. The environmental footprint impact is important to our overall strategy as a Florida Certified Green Lodging member and further complements our efforts best recognized by Collier County presenting us with the ‘Green to Gold’ award for overall environmental leadership within our community.” The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club is located at 851 Gulf Shore Blvd. North in Naples, Florida. To take advantage of the “Meet for Change” promotion, call (800) 866-1946 or (239) 261-2222, or visit www.NaplesBeachHotel.com.
concierge.
Guests also are an easy walk to The World Golf Hall of Fame’s 18-hole real grass putting course, a 132-yard Island Challenge Hole, an IMAX® 3D Theater, and the Walk of Champions. In addition, guests can take golf lessons at the renowned PGA TOUR Golf Academy.
When visiting the resort, guests and groups have the opportunity to take fun eco-tours and chartered fishing trips, enjoy exceptional shopping at two large outlet malls, and explore historic St. Augustine.
To make it easy for its guests to enjoy the area, The Renaissance World Golf Village Resort is now providing a complimentary shuttle for individual guests (based on availability) to and from historic downtown St. Augustine. This new service enables guests to easily visit such sites in St. Augustine, which was founded in 1565, as the historic Castillo de San Marcos fort, The Fountain of Youth, and shopping on the charming, brick-paved St. George Street. Additional options in downtown St. Augustine include the Old Town Trolley Tour,
The Old Jail, The St. Augustine History Museum, The Spanish Quarter, The Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, Flagler College, Whetstone’s Chocolate Factory, Lightner Museum, and a variety of water activities.
A recipient of many of the industry’s most prestigious awards, The Renaissance World Golf Village Resort and Convention Center is the only Northeast Florida resort and convention center to receive the prestigious AAA Four Diamond rating, which is an honor achieved by less than 4% of the AAA approved properties. Among the many other honors recently bestowed on the resort include Successful Meetings magazine’s acclaimed “Pinnacle Award,” Meetings & Conventions magazine’s prestigious “Gold Key Award,” Association Meetings magazine’s sought after “Inner Circle Award,” and Smart Meetings magazine’s acclaimed “2011 Platinum Choice Award.” For information on The Renaissance World Golf Village Resort and Convention Center, call 888-740-7020 or 904-940-8000, or visit www.renwgv.com . www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 27
Meeting Planner Incentives
The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club Announces “Meet for better way than to Change” Group Promotion extend an incentive
“ Va l l e y o f t h e S u n ”
About Phoenix
Phoenix is America’s sixth-largest city and the gateway to the Grand Canyon. It’s a part of the country that still has real cowboys and the kind of cactus most people only see in the movies.
This new modern city with the tall palm trees is a testament to the spirit of the visionaries who build this city in the desert. It is a city where its Resorts and spas and Golf courses beckon visitors the year round. Its Stadiums and arenas are worthy of the world’s biggest sports spectacles that bring fun and pleasure to everyone. Here the Shopping centers are stylish and as eclectic as the fashions they house. Yes, this is Greater Phoenix — Arizona’s urban heart and America’s sunniest metropolis. DOWNTOWN PHOENIX CityScape is the three-block lifestyle development in the center of Downtown Phoenix featuring: Oakville Grocery, Gold’s Gym, Arrogant Butcher, Aaron May's Vitamin T, Lucky Strike Lanes & Lounge, Stand Up Live, The Breakfast Club, Five Guys, Urban Outfitters, Republic of Couture, Designer District, CVS Pharmacy, a day spa and salon, and additional food and fashion retailers. Located on the light rail at Washington and Central Ave., CityScape is a hub of activity, which blends an energized atmosphere with useful open space for large and
28 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
small events.
WHERE TO EAT The Greater Phoenix area is full of restaurants, cafés, bakeries and even coffee shops that the locals – and the national media – rave about. The Southwestern and Mexican restaurants are supremely authentic, the chefs
are known around the world, and the views from some of the tables in town are unparalleled. Some of downtown’s best restaurants
VISITPHOENIX.COM
from the Food Network, include Pizzeria Bianco hailed by nearly every culinary publication as the best pizza in America and Matt’s Big Breakfast where you can expect a wait, but the food is worth it. Chef Johnny Chu creates delicious Asian tapas at Sens, and the renowned Nobuo Fukuda prepares amazing creations at Nobuo at Teeter House. To get great food with amazing mountain views, check out El Chorro Lodge at the base of Camelback Mountain, and you’ll also get a piece of Phoenix history. It started out as a girls’ school in the 1930s, then became a restaurant in the 1950s, and has been loved for their ambience – and their cinnamon rolls – ever since. Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn is situated between Camelback Mountain and the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, and the patio is complete with fireplaces, soft lights and fountains. Kai is the only Five Diamond Native American restaurant in the world, and the views of South Mountain and the city are unbeatable.
877-CALLPHX
“ Va l l e y o f t h e S u n ” Barrio Café is known for Chef Silvana Esparza’s modern, topnotch preparations of traditional Mexican dishes – and margaritas. Looking for traditional, unpretentious Mexican food? The locals will tell you Los Dos Molinos is one of the best-kept “secrets” around. GET OUTDOORS Phoenix's perpetual sunshine might tempt you to find a secluded resort and spend all your days sipping margaritas next to the swimming pool. If you do this you will miss out on one of the lushest and most colorful deserts in the world. The rugged mountains define the city's horizon. In winter, sunshine warms hiking and biking trails. In spring, blooming cactuses and wildflowers carpet hillsides and valleys. Enveloped by such breathtaking scenery, outdoor enthusiasts who visit Phoenix usually come to the same conclusion as coyote pups and jackrabbits: The Sonoran Desert is a great place to play. PLACES TO STAY Greater Phoenix is known for its resorts, with eye-catching pools, restaurants, spas and golf courses. Many of the resorts have astounding
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mountain views, especially around Camelback Mountain in the middle of the city. Check out the Montelucia, Phoenician or Camelback Inn for their mountainside locations, or the Arizona Biltmore which overlooks Piestawa Peak and was a favorite place to stay for Marilyn Monroe. If you’re looking for a hip hotel in the Phoenix area, you have options all over the city. The W Hotel in Scottsdale defines modern cool, while
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Hotel Valley Ho brings back the retro charm of the original hotel, made popular by celebrities like Humphrey Bogart and Tony Curtis. The Hermosa Inn combines the rustic west with sophisticated luxury at the base of Phoenix Mountain Preserve, while the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown is a sophisticated, contemporary spot for business travelers or families.
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“ Va l l e y o f t h e S u n ”
Discover endless ways to have fun …
Known for luxurious golf and spa resorts, endless shopping options and stunning Southwestern scenery, Phoenix and Scottsdale are the perfect places to head for an annual meeting or family vacation everyone is sure to enjoy. But when you venture off the beaten path you will be surprised at what you can find to enhance your adventure in Phoenix and Scottsdale.
Perched on a steep hillside in Phoenix’s South Mountain Park you will find “The Mystery Castle”, just one of Phoenix’s many odd charms. The Mystery Castle is an 8,000-square-foot structure boasting 13 fireplaces and 18 rooms, built by Boyce Gulley, an eccentric architect for his daughter, Mary Lou. The privately owned castle, where Mary Lou
with mosaic-tiled multicolored patios, curved walls and a homemade doghouse. Inside, Mr. Gulley built a tavern, a wedding chapel, a wine cellar and, atop the house, a m o t h e r- i n - l a w ’s suite; all done by hand, all according to the ideas of one man.
still lives, is made from rocks, bricks, old car parts and assorted junk that Mr. Gulley used to build the Mystery Castle. His friend, Frank Lloyd Wright, even helped with some of the construction. Outside, the Mystery Castle resembles a real-life Dr. Seuss book,
Another seemingly intergalactic charm is the Tovrea Castle. Tovrea’s “wedding cake” layout, with three tiers rising from a cactus-covered hillside, was the brainchild of sheet metal magnate Alessio Carraro. He envisioned the castle as a hotel, but abandoned the effort when his neighbor, E.A. Tovrea, built a meatpacking plant nearby. Carraro packed up and moved, leaving the castle in disrepair. Tovrea bought it, naming the castle for himself, but eventually left the building to fall apart until the 1990s, when the castle’s restorations began. Now owned by the city of Phoenix, Tovrea Castle and its thriving cactus garden is again testimony to Phoenix’s flair for the idealistic. Phoenix holds other mysteries as well, such as the Deer Valley Rock Art Center that contains more than 1,000 examples of ancient rock art. And the Orpheum Theater, a fully restored, 1929 Spanish Baroque building and Hunt’s Tomb, Arizona’s first governor’s final resting place in the middle of boulder-covered Papago Park.
30 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
VISITPHOENIX.COM
877-CALLPHX
WinStar
gamingdestinations W i n S t a r
W o r l d
C a s i n o
World Casino expansion project
WINSTAR WORLD CASINO has expanded an additional 54,000 square feet to its current facility. The expansion will house two restaurants, a gaming floor with almost 400 electronic games and a multi-purpose room to host casino events such as banquets, meetings and other social activities. The design of the project is inspired by the classic stone structures from the past and continues the WinStar World theme. “This latest expansion at WinStar World is another step toward our goal of creating a world-class destination,” said Bill Anoatubby, Governor of the Chickasaw Nation owner and operator of WinStar World Casino. “To sustain this world-class status, we must continue to introduce new and interesting amenities at the facility all the while maintaining a quality experience for the customer.” In addition to the facility expansion, an elaborate porte-cochere will be constructed over the north entrance to the casino. Guests entering will soon see an open metal sculptural replica of the 1960 World’s Fair Globe situated in front of a domed porte-cochere building facade. “The project, as a whole, is designed to create a ‘grand’ aesthetic that includes detailed reminiscent turn-of-the-century transportation and
port-of-call facilities in the golden age of travel,” said Michael Huff, Chickasaw Nation Division of Commerce director of architectural administration. The groundbreaking for the expansion comes on the heels of the addition of a 4-story, 1,400 space parking garage that is wrapping up construction on the northwest side of the casino. The garage will feature additional international landmarks such as the Chrysler Building, the Wainwright building and the Parthenon as well as two videomesh woven LED lights in order to advertise various casino promotions to I-35 commuters. About WinStar World Casino The world's third largest casino, WinStar World Casino offers more than 6,400 electronic games, 76 blackjack and poker tables, a 3,000-seat Global Events Center and a new 395-room hotel. Located just north of the Oklahoma/Texas border along Interstate 35, WinStar World Casino presents
24/7 gaming action, world -class entertainers and a wide range of restaurants. Located at 777 Casino Avenue, Thackerville, OK 73459, 1-800-622-6317. WinStar World Casino is an economic enterprise of the Chickasaw Nation. For more information visit their website at www.winstarworldcasino.com or follow on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/WinStarWorldCasino or http://twitter.com/WinStarWorld. 32 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
While nobody would dispute the importance of business meetings to the successful operation of a company or association, constantly holding these events in corporate offices or traditional venues can become bland and tiresome. You want to inspire excitement and energy among your employees or board members while discussing important business. If you’re looking to spice up your usual meetings, consider holding your next meeting or conference at a Scottsdale Resort in Arizona. Often considered a desert oasis of activity, the greater Scottsdale and Phoenix area is home to some of the country’s best gaming, spas, golfing, fine dining, nightlife, live entertainment and hotel accommodations.
Talking Stick Resort offers exceptional indoor and outdoor function space – perfect for your upcoming business meeting. With state-of-theart audio and visual capabilities and more than 100,000 square feet to accommodate groups of up to 2,000, you’ll find everything you need at this attractive resort. You’ll also enjoy full-service banquet catering and
21 different meeting rooms. In addition to business space, Talking Stick Resort also houses a thrilling casino, world-class spa and two championship golf courses. So clear your schedule and book your next meeting in Scottsdale today! For information on hosting or scheduling your next meeting, event, or corporate functions at Talking Stick Resort, call 1-877-724-4687, email sales@talkingstickresort.com or fill out the meetings request contact form at www.talkingstickresort.com.
Gaming Destinations
TAKE A BREAK FROM THE OFFICE - HOST YOUR NEXT MEETING AT TALKING STICK RESORT
ConferenceRecap IAHMP 16th Annual International Conference
“The Magic of Meetings in a Diverse World” is a Huge Success! Attendees agree:
“An Amazing Conference!” “The Best Conference I have attended all year!”
“I Loved the Conference!”
The Hotel Albuquerque in New Mexico was the scenic location for the IAHMP Annual Conference hosted by our members, Ed Pulsifer, Vice President, Heritage Hotels and Resorts and Mary Ann Jones, Vice President, Tourism, Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce. Ed is a member of the Corporate Board of Advisors and Mary Ann is a new member of the Board of Directors.
Richard J. Berry, Mayor of Albuquerque presents official welcome
Margaret Gonzalez, president IAHMP opens annual conference 34 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
The Conference activities got off to a great start with the Certified Diversity Meeting Professional (CDMP) educational program, the Historic Casa Esencia Opening Reception and the Trade Show Expo Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Robert Canton, Director of the U.S. Conventions and Tourism Practice at Price Waterhouse Coopers delivered the Keynote Address on “The Economic Significance of Meetings to the U.S. Economy.” The address encouraged each participant to further develop new relationships and explore opportunity within the Hispanic/Multicultural meetings markets. Canton was introduced by Mike Smith, CDMP, Travel Portland and Oregon Convention Center CVB and Rosa MendozaFriedheim, CDMP, Director Mid Atlantic Sales, The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa.
The conference theme "The Magic of Meetings in a Diverse World" resonated with an impressive grouping of diverse speakers representing not only the Hispanic market but the Asian, Black/African, Native American and general markets. Suppliers were front and center as they actively participated this year in introducing speakers and conducting the Q&A sessions. As a result, participants were keenly aware of the many coast to coast and international destinations that support IAHMP and want to do business with them. As mentioned during the panel presentation on “Pitching Your Destination and Hotels to the Multicultural Meetings Market,” when
you attend IAHMP and build relationships, your investment can mean a return of millions of dollars to your venue and city. In utilizing local talent, IAHMP was able to present New Mexico’s most talented and historically authentic artists such as the Aztec Dancers "CIRCULA SOLAR OLLEN XOZHEAELLE" who blessed the participants and the conference on a cool and beautiful morning under a brilliant blue sky. The blessing was followed by Major Christopher Lucas, Marine Recruiting Station, Albuquerque, New Mexico, with the Color Guard Showing of the Colors and the National Anthem sung by Beatrice Rivas Davalos, a Sales and Marketing Coordinator for the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber, Convention and Tourism Department. The official Conference welcome was given by Richard J. Berry, Mayor of Albuquerque; Adrian Perez, President, Heritage Hotels and Resorts; and Alex O. Romero President/CEO Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce. Margaret Gonzalez, Founder/President IAHMP and the CDMP Program, introduced Lida Peterson, President of the Connected International Meeting Professionals (CIMPA) who partnered with IAHMP to jointly present the conference.
ConferenceRecap CDMP recipients The Panel presentation on “Defining the Economic Value of the Hispanic and Multicultural Meetings Markets” was introduced by Mary Ann Sena-Edelen, Director of Regional Sales Diversity for MGM Resorts International and Gary Simon, Director of Multicultural Affairs for Sacramento CVB. Panelists included John Tagami, President of Pathway Strategies, LLC, a board member of the Asian American Action Fund and member of the Japanese American Citizens League; Alma Morales Riojas, President & CEO, MANA, A National Latina Organization developed by Mexican American women. For over 26 years, MANA has served as a foundation to support Latinas in their professional and personal endeavors and has chapters throughout the country. Josie L.
Ed Pulsifer, VP Heritage Hotels with IAHMP Award
Olympia, MD is Associate Professor of Psychiatry at SUNY at Buffalo Department of Psychiatry and Director of CME at the Buffalo Psychiatric Center. As CME co-Chair, Dr. Olympia is responsible for medical conferences sponsored by the SUNY at Buffalo Department of Psychiatry several times a year both locally and abroad. Melonie Mathews, founder and director of the Gathering of Nations event in Lida Peterson, president CIMPA, Cathy Gonzales, VP Albuquerque, New Mex- IAHMP with John Tagami, President, Pathway Strategies, ico. The Gathering of recipient of Asian Leaders Award Nations is the second largest event held in each year in Albu- cast live by SPCN (Sports Pro Community querque and brings together thousands of Network) and is archived and can be seen at Native Americans from throughout the West- www.cimpa.org. Some of the interviews of ern Hemisphere. Ms. Mathews provided participants are also posted there. valuable insights on the Native American The program presentation titled “What DO meetings and events markets. Meeting Planners Do” was introduced by Lida Peterson, President, CIMPA introduced Gillian Ware, CMP, National Sales Director, the luncheon speaker, Roberto R. Llames San Diego Convention and Visitor's Bureau founder and president of Enterprise Solu- and Dzidra Junior, Director of Sales, The tions, Inc. (ESI), an 8(a)-certified company Mirage Las Vegas. Speakers Patty L. Waid, of that focuses in providing value-based and Waid & Associates a marketing and event performance-based solutions and services to planning services company and Laurie assist organizations in transforming and Roach, President and Owner of TURN OF improving their business processes and EVENTS a full-service corporate event, Information Technology (IT) services. meeting planning, program management, and Roberto is a Filipino-American who migrated marketing services company presented valuto the United States in 1980 and began his able knowledge acquired over many years in career in IT in 1981 as a Computer Operator. planning successful events to their clients. The entire luncheon presentation was webwww.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 35
ConferenceRecap
CIMPA members enjoy the opening reception at Casa Escencia
The program, “Mexico: The Perfect Fit for Latino Meetings & Conventions” was introduced by Glenda Damian, CEM, CMP, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority who introduced the honorable Lic. Mauricio Ibarra Cónsul de México en Albuquerque and Eduardo Chaillo, Mexico Tourism Board, Director, Washington, DC, who presented an overview of the new facilities built in Mexico to attract and accommodate meetings in their country. A video map of the nation was shown to make participants aware of the vastness of Mexico and the many historical destinations named by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites which are all suitable for American meetings and events. Clara Padilla Andrews was a speaker & facilitator for the program “Marketing Your Meeting: Getting Your Event on TV and in the News.” Clara is the immediate past President of the National Association of Hispanic Publications (NAHP) and the Owner/Publisher of the El Hispanic News based in Portland, Oregon and Más New Mexico in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She introduced Kirk Whisler, president of Western Publication Research, a national advertising sales program representing 625 Hispanic publications; WPR Books, a book publishing company; LPNnews, a news service targeting Latino media; and Eastern Publication Research that conducts Hispanic readership studies R– Adrian Perez, President Heritage Hotels, Richard and other research. Both presented Berry, Mayor of Albuquerque and Alex Romero, valuable information on the media President/CEO, Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of and how to best utilize the media for Commerce prepare for opening remarks marketing your meetings and events. 36 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
Alessandra Bergman-Nicolini, Director of National and Hispanic Sales for the Tropicana Las Vegas introduced the Luncheon Guest Speaker, Aliana Apodaca, President, Positive Directions Company in El Paso who presented “Living Life with a Splash of Salsa! Her Strategies for Success!” Aliana brought everyone to their feet to actively participate in the presentation. As both a meeting professional and professional speaker, she gave everyone fresh insight on how to lead a more positive life and discover the route to joy in everything you do. Edward T. Pulsifer, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Heritage Hotels and Resorts was a speaker & facilitator for the program “Pitching Your Destination and Hotels to the Multicultural Meetings Market.” Speakers for this program included Mary Ann Jones, Vice President, Tourism Dept., Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce; Angela Gonzalez-Rowe, Founder/President & CEO - Latino Hotel & Restaurant Association; Chandrakant “C.K.” Patel representing the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) who started the program with the famous quote, “The future depends on what we do in the present.” These simple words spoken by India’s Mahatma Gandhi could well be the credo of ChandraKant “C.K.” Patel, whose work in the present has been shaping the future of American hospitality for almost 30 years. He serves on the Board of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), which is one of the hotel industry’s most influential groups.
Association Guest Speaker, Terry Singleton, CSEP, Owner, President/COO at CCP Events, Inc. and International President Elect at International Special Events Society –ISES was introduced by Stephanie Monroe, St. Louis Convention & Visitors Bureau and Yvonne Guzman of Visit Denver. Ms. Singleton’s presentation was titled “What the Heck Just Happened: The Unforeseen Budget Items” which she presented using a humorous approach to a serious aspect of meeting and event planning.
The 16th Annual International Conference culminated in the lavish Diversity Awards Banquet in the elegant Franciscan Ballroom of the Hotel Albuquerque. Participants and invited guests enjoyed the music of the Micky Cruz band during the banquet and ceremonies.
The IAHMP Awards presentation honored Heritage Hotels & Resorts who received the Hotel Corporation of the Year Award and the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce which was recognized with an Award for their support of the association. The Asian Leaders Award was presented by CIMPA to
ConferenceRecap
AAHOA has 10,000 members who own almost 21,000 hotels with a property value of almost $130 billion.
John Tagami and Roberto Llames. The recognition of the Certified Diversity Meeting Professionals (CDMP) graduates was Lida Peterson, president CIMPA, Cathy Gonzales, VP IAHMP with Roberto Lamas, President, Enterprise an evening highlight for the Solutions, recipient of Asian Leaders Award many professionals who successfully participated in an allday training session and intensive 2-hour exam qualifying them to earn their CDMP credentials. A list of those who successfully completed the program is shown below.
This year’s CDMP faculty included Carole Copeland Thomas, MBA, CDMP – Multi culturalism, Global Diversity & Leadership Since 1987; Carlos Conejo, CSSBB, Peak Performance Seminars, Consulting & Training; Julia WaiMargaret Gonzalez, Lida Peterson, Cathy GonzaYin So, Ph.D, So García Associates, lez present CDMP to Juanita Walton.CDMP, MinorLLC, and Angela Gonzalez-Rowe, ity Marketing Manager, Oregon Convention and AGR Hospitality. Visitor Services Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Jeffrey Candelaria, Business Development Officer for the Bank of the West who introduced all the speakers and brought a special ambiance to the evening’s proceedings.
Julia Wai-Yin So, Carlos Conejo and Carole Copeland Thomas, CDMP Speakers Rosa Mendoza-Friedheim, CDMP, Director Mid Atlantic Sales, The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa and Evelyn Vazquez CDMP, Director of Sales, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau
Dzidra Junior, CMP, Director of Sales, The Mirage and Mary Ann Sena-Edelen, CDMP, Director of Regional Sales Diversity, MGM Resorts Las Vegas
Micky Cruz, a Grammy nominated Artist, Musician, and his Band rounded out the special night with vibrant dance music featuring the sounds of Salsa, Merengue and Cumbias with a Latin American beat and Reggae sound enjoyed by all.
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ConferenceRecap
Post Conference Tour Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe, which means Holy Faith in Spanish, is New Mexico's fourth largest city. Founded between 1607 and 1610, Santa Fe is the second oldest city as well as the highest and oldest capital in the United States. It is a worldrenowned travel destination and the first U.S. city to be chosen by UNESCO as a Creative City with an unparalleled richness of history, heritage, arts and culture. Santa Fe is among the few cities in the world to hold this designation. Conference participants who also participated in the post conference tour to Santa Fe enjoyed one night stays at the historic St. Francis Hotel and the Hotel Chimayo de Santa Fe nestled amidst the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, at the foothills of the Rockies. In
Angela Gonzalez Rowe, President Latino Hotel & Restaurant Association with Carole Copeland Thomas at St. Francis Hotel in Santa Fe, New Mexico
addition to the historic charms of Santa Fe, participants were immersed in the beauty and stunning natural landscapes of the area. Key activities included exploring downtown Santa Fe and sampling many culinary delights unique to Santa Fe and New Mexico.
Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town 800 Rio Grande Boulevard, NW Albuquerque, New Mexico 87104 505-843-6300 or 1-800-237-2133
Hotel Chimayo de Santa Fe
Formerly Hotel Plaza Real 125 Washington Ave Santa Fe, NM 87501 Reservations: Toll Free: 1-855-752-9273 Contact: 505-988-4900 Fax: 505-983-9322 E-mail: HotelChimayo@HHandR.com New Website: www.HotelChimayo.com
Hotel St. Francis - Santa Fe, New Mexico 210 Don GasparAvenue, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501 Contact: 505-983-5700 Fax: 505-989-7690 Email: HSFinfo@hhandr.com http://www.hotelstfrancis.com
38 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
IAHMP would like to congratulate the CDMP Class of 2011 (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
Bea Rivas Davalos, CDMP Administrative Sales Coordinator Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce
Ralph Gonzalez, CDMP CEO GVR Public Relations Agency
Minerva Jurado, CDMP Event Coordinator Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce
Cecilia Mรกrquez, CDMP Sales Representative Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce
Rosa Mendoza-Friedheim, CDMP Director Mid-Atlantic Sales The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa
Yuriria Morales Sanchez, CDMP International Sales Representative Convention & Tourism Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce
Michael Sarabia, CDMP San Antonio Tourism & Travel Consultants
Mary Ann Sena-Edelen, CDMP Director of Regional Sales Diversity MGM Resorts
Alma Solis, CDMP Chairman Chihuahua, Mexico The Albuquerque Sister Cities Foundation, Inc.
Evelyn Vazquez, CDMP Director of Sales St. Augustine Ponte Vedra CVB
Juanita Walton, CDMP Minority Marketing Manager Oregon Convention and Visitor Services
eventscalendar m e e t i n g s
&
c o n f e r e n c e s
February National Association of Bilingual Education 41st Annual Conference Hilton Anatole Dallas, TX February 15-17, 2012 United States Hispanic Leadership Institute 30th National Conference Sheraton Chicago Hotel Chicago, IL February 16-19, 2012 HiMSS12 Annual Conference & Exhibition
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort will host 3 major Hispanic conferences in 2012
Venetian Sands Expo Center Las Vegas, NV February 20, 2012 Mexican American Grocer Association
on Hispanic Higher Education
Chicago, IL
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
Westin Washington D.C. City Center
April 16-17, 2012
Leaders in Education Awards Luncheon
March 26-27, 2012
28th Annual National Sales, Marketing and Education Conference Palm Springs Hilton Hotel Resort Palm Springs, CA February 28 - March 1, 2012
Los Angeles, CA
April
Enhancement
May 8, 2012
National Society of Hispanic
Houston Career Conference
Professionals
Hilton University of Houston
Spanish American Merchants
Diversity Job Fair
Houston, TX
Association
Metropolitan Pavilion
April 19, 2012
30th Anniversary Award Banquet
May
Hartford, CT
March
New York, NY
National Association of Hispanic
April 11, 2012
Publications 2012 NAHP Media and Legislative
Association of Hispanic Advertis3rd Annual HISPANICIZE
Summit
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel
Capitol Skyline Hotel
Miami, FL
Washington, D.C.
April 11- 13, 2012
March 19-20, 2012 LULAC National Women’s United States Hispanic Chamber
Conference
of Commerce
Hilton Houston Post Oak
2012 Legislative Summit
Houston, TX
Washington Marriott at Metro Center
April 13-14, 2012
Washington, D.C. March 21-23, 2012
JW Marriott Los Angeles at L.A. Live Hispanic Alliance for Career
National Association of Latino Independent Producers
American GI Forum
Annual Conference
64th Annual Mid-Year Conference
Sheraton Universal Hotel
Connecticut Convention Center May 12, 2012
ing Agencies Annual Conference Intercontinental Miami Hotel Miami, FL May 2-4, 2012 Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute
National Society for Hispanic Professionals Diversity Job Fair Trinity College Washington, D.C. May 17, 2012
8th Annual Gala & Leadership Awards
2nd Annual Hispanic Healthcare
Mandarin Oriental
Summit
Washington, D.C.
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
May 7, 2012
Lake Buena Vista, FL May 17-18, 2012
Crowne Plaza San Antonio River-
Universal City, CA
Mexican American Opportunity
walk • San Antonio, TX
April 13-15, 2012
Foundation
Latin American Studies Association
28th Annual Golf Classic
XXX International Congress
HACR Hispanic Association on
Montebello Country Club
Marriott Marquis Hotel
Hispanic Association of Colleges
Corporate Responsibility
Montebello, CA
San Francisco, CA
& Universities
Annual Symposium
May 7, 2012
May 23-26, 2012
17th Annual National Capitol Forum
Fairmont Chicago
March 22-24, 2012
40 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
EventsCalendar
Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement Chicago Career Conference Palmer House Hilton Chicago, IL May 24, 2012
June National Association of Latino Elected Officials 29th Annual Conference Disney’s Contemporary Resort Orlando, FL June 21-23, 2012 League of United Latin American Citizens National Convention & Exposition Disney’s Colorado Springs Resort Orlando, FL June 25-30, 2012
July National Council of La Raza Annual Conference & Latino Family Expo Mandalay Bay Hotel & Convention
The National Council of La Raza will host it's annual conference for the first time ever in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Convention Center
Center Las Vegas, NV July 7–10, 2012
National Association of Hispanic
October
Washington State Convention &
Firefighters
HENAAC
Trade Center
24th Annual Conference
Seattle, WA
Powered by Great Minds in STEM
October 11-14, 2012
17th Annual Convention & Training Society for the Advancement of Chicanos & Native Americans in Science 2012 Summer Leadership Institute
Conference, Denver Colorado Convention Center Denver, CO July 31 - August 1, 2012
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort National Association of Latino
Lake Buena Vista, FL
Arts and Culture
October 11-13, 2012
National Conference
Washington, D.C. July 16-20, 2012
August Association of Latino Profession-
Hispanic American Police Com-
National Association of Hispanic
als in Finance and Accounting
mand Officers Association
Nurses
Annual Convention
39th National Training Conference
37th Annual Conference
Las Vegas, NV
Hilton Hotel
Caribe Hilton Hotel
August 11-16, 2012
Long Beach, CA
July 17-22, 2012 National Hispanic Media Coalition
Sheraton Seattle Hotel
Latino MediaCon & Expo
Seattle, WA
Pasadena Convention Center
August 22-25, 2012
Pasadena, CA
September United States Hispanic Chamber
Hispanic Dental Association
October 17-21, 2012 Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities 26th Annual Conference
Hispanic National Bar Association Annual Convention
July 20-21, 2012
Philadelphia, PA
October 7-11, 2012
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Loews Philadelphia Hotel
Marriott Wardman Park hotel National Action Council for
Washington, D.C.
Minorities in Engineering
October 20-22, 2012
38th Anniversary Gala Waldorf-Astoria
November
New York City, NY
Society of Hispanic Professional
October 10, 2012
Engineers National Conference
of Commerce
20th Annual Meeting
National Convention & Business Expo
Society for the Advancement of
Boca Raton Resort & Club
JW Marriott at L.A. Live
Chicanos & Native Americans in
Boca Raton, FL
Los Angeles, CA
Science
July 20-24, 2012
September 16-18, 2012
National Conference
Fort Worth, TX Nov. 14-18, 2012
www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 41
Q: What is your major and how did you choose it? A: My major is Mechanical Engineering. At first I didn’t know what I wanted to be but I knew that I wanted something to do with math. In my senior year, I heard many people talking about engineering and it was something that grabbed my attention. I researched engineering and found that it had to do with math and physics and those where the classes that I liked so I decided that I was going to do engineering. Elsie with her parents and sister the day she moved into her dorm. Q: What advice do you have for high school girls who are not sure if they can handle college life? A: College life is a great experience to have and you meet many new people that will probably become your friends. Although classes maybe hard there are always people there to help you from tutoring, talking to your professors or just studying with other people in your classes. Everyone here at Quince magazine wishes Elsie much success at Texas A&M, in her upcoming career and wherever life may lead her!
Quince Magazine | 7
… 3 years after her Quinceañera
Quince: Elsie you have now entered a new stage in life - that of a college student! As a freshman at Texas A&M University tell us a little bit of how your life has changed in the last 5 months. Answer: Being at Texas A&M has been a great experience everyone is so friendly and you meet many new people. It is very different from high school because now you are on your own and the classes are much harder but that just means you have to try harder to achieve what you want. Q: Has your college experience been what you had expected? A: For the most part my college experience has been what I expected except maybe that the classes are much harder than I
A: I didn’t really expe-
thought but not impossible and there are
rience any homesick-
always people there to help me. My college
ness of course I
experience has been great and I have really
missed my family but
enjoyed it.
I also really enjoyed
Q: Did you experience any homesickness when you first moved on campus? If so, how did you cope with it?
meeting new people and being on my own after always depending on my
6 | Quince Magazine
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Quince Magazine is currently looking for quinceañeras to feature in its upcoming issues. We want to hear from you if: You’ve had a quinceañera in the last 3 years. Have a unique story to tell about your quince fiesta. Are beginning your quince planning and would like for us to chronicle your journey. Contact the Editor at mdgonzalez@hispanicmeetingstravel.com to submit your name and information. A Quince Magazine staff member will follow up with you to work out the details of your feature. Quince Magazine | 5
Q: Elsie, you and your court performed a variety of dances with elaborate moves and technique. Who came up with all these dances and who choreographed them? Elsie y su corte de honor realizaron una variedad de bailes con movimientos y técnica elaborada. ¿A quién se le ocurrió todas las danzas y quien hizo la coreografía? A: A gentleman named Armando choreographed the dance and he taught us every step with a lot of patience until it was perfect. El señor Armando fue la persona que realizo la coreografía y nos enseño con paciencia todos los pasos hasta que quedaran perfectos. Q: How long did it take you all to learn all these dances? ¿Cuánto tiempo les tomó a todos a aprender todas estas danzas?
A: The choreographer had the difficult task of teaching us the dances in 3 days in 4 hour sessions per day. El coreógrafo tuvo la difícil tarea de ensenarnos los bailes en tres días en sesiones de cuatro horas al día. Q: What was the name of the song you chose for the father-daughter dance? ¿Cuál era el nombre de la canción que eligieron para el baile de padre e hija?
Q: As parents, what is your fondest memory of Elsie’s quinceañera? Como padres ¿cuál es su mejor recuerdo de la quinceañera de Elsie? A: The moment when we presented Elsie to all our family and friends who joined us in celebrating her 15 year celebration. El momento de presentar a Elsie ante todos los familiares y amigos que nos acompañaron en el festejo de los quince años.
A: “El tiempo de Vals” de Chayanne. Q: Elsie, what was the best part of your quinceañera experience? ¿Elsie, que fue la mejor parte de tu experiencia de tu fiesta de quinceañera? A: To be surrounded by my whole family who accompanied me on my special day and when I danced the waltz with my dad. Estar rodeada de toda mi familia que me acompaño en mi día tan especial y cuando baile el vals con mi papa.
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Q: Elsie, how involved were you in the planning and decision-making process of the quinceañera? Elsie, ¿cuánta participación tuviste en
Q: What was the easiest part of the planning process? ¿Cuál fue la parte más fácil del proceso de planificar la quinceañera?
la planificación y toma de decisiones de tu fiesta de quince? A: I was involved in all aspects of the planning of my quinceañera along with
A: The easiest part was finding the reception hall and my dress. Lo más fácil fue conseguir el salón y mi vestido para mis quince.
my parents and baptismal godparents who were with me at every moment. Participe en toda la planificación de mi quinceañera junto a mis padres y mis padrinos de bautizo que me acompañaron en todo momento. Q: What was the most difficult part of the planning process? ¿Cuál fue la parte más difícil del proceso de planificar la quinceañera? A: Well, I wanted all of my cousins to be a part of my Court of Honor but they all lived away from the city. So we had to plan the event in a week where everyone could come so that the choreographer could teach us the dance. Como yo quería que todos mis primos participaran en la corte de honor y todos viven fuera de la cuidad debíamos organizarla en una semana donde todos pudieran venir y el coreógrafo pudiera enseñarnos el baile.
Q: Elsie, who participated in your court of honor? How old was the youngest participant? Elsie ¿quienes participaron en tu corte de honor? ¿Qué edad tenía el más chico del grupo? A: All of my cousins participated in my Court of Honor. The youngest was 10 years old. Todos mis primos participaron en la corte de honor. El más chico tenía diez anos. Q: Where was Elsie’s gown bought? ¿En donde compraron el vestido de Elsie? A: We bought the dress at Anna’s Bridal store. La tienda donde compramos el vestido era Anna’s Bridal.
Quince Magazine | 3
Featured Quinceañera: Elsie Yazmin Marentes Date: August 30, 2008 Church Ceremony: St. Rafael Archangel 3915 Ocee St., Houston, TX 77063 Reception and Dance: El Porton Reception Hall 16211 Clay Rd. Suite 310, Houston, TX 77084 Photographer: West Houston Photography westhoustonphotography.com
Quince: Did you always know that you would celebrate Elsie’s XV with a quinceañera fiesta? ¿Siempre sabían que Elsie tendría una fiesta de quinceañera? Answer: Yes, within our family it is common to begin thinking of a girl’s quinceañera as soon as she is born. Si, entre nuestra familia es muy común que desde que nace una niña se sueñe con la planeación de una fiesta de quince años. Q: How old was Elsie when you began planning her quinceañera fiesta? ¿Que edad tenia Elsie cuando comenzaron a planificar su fiesta de quinceañera? A: Since she was 14 years old. Desde que tenía catorce años. Q: Did you have a set budget? ¿Tenían un presupuesto concreto? A: You always plan with a budget but once you begin to plan the event things pop up which change the budget.
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Siempre se planea con un presupuesto pero cuando se empieza a organizar surgen detalles que cambian ese presupuesto. Q: Who did the majority of the planning? ¿Quien hizo la mayoría de la planificación? A: My parents and I planned what we wanted for that special day. Entre mis padres y yo planeamos lo que queríamos para ese día tan especial. Q: How long before the fiesta did you - reserve the church? - reserve the reception hall? ¿Cuánto tiempo antes de la fiesta - reservaron la iglesia? - reservaron el salón de recepción? A: As soon as I turned 14 we reserved the church and reception hall. Exactamente cuando cumplí los catorce años fuimos y reservamos la iglesia y el salón.