PUBLISHER’S NOTE I am excited to present one of my favorite issues: Hispanics In The Industry. This year we feature some dynamic individuals who have impressive backgrounds and experience. These Hispanic professionals have much to offer to their respective teams, community and industry which make us very proud to feature them.
In this issue we are also featuring two top meeting destinations, the Mid-West and the Southwest. Both destinations boast new hotels for the coming year and VISIT Milwaukee makes a convincing case as to why you should bring your next meeting to this beautiful Mid-West city. As the year draws to a close let us be
mindful of the vast opportunities afforded to us in this great nation of ours. Despite our ideological differences we all strive for a better tomorrow. Some of our brothers and sisters south of the border are not as fortunate as we are. Many are fleeing their political and economic circumstances for a brighter future in the U.S. Let us welcome them with open arms because we are all hermanos. And for those of us Mexicanos let us remember the 43 that were taken from us so brutally and rise up and demand justice. ¡Juntos movemos montañas!
María de la Luz González Publisher and Editor
CONTENTS
FA L L 2 0 1 4
COVER STORY
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VOL 16
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NO 3
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12............................Hispanics in the Industry
FEATURES 10 ........................................Mid-West Meetings 18 ..............Southwest Meeting Destinations 22 ..................................................Techno Savvy 18
DEPARTMENTS 03..............................................Publisher’s Note 04 ..............Contributing Editor’s Comments 04 ................................................................Credits 06 ................................................Industry Briefs 16 ........................Meeting Planner Incentives 17 ..................................Event Announcements 23........................................................Travel Tips Cover Photo Credit: Visit Tampa Bay.
In the Next Issue WINTER 2014/2015 • 2015 Meeting Destinations Guide • Convention Centers • West Coast Meetings • Casino Marketplace
What’s New in the Industry?
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR’S COMMENTS
Brand USA, the public-private partnership responsible for launching the United States’ first-ever nationally coordinated tourism marketing effort made possible by the Obama administration is seeking continued funding. The bipartisan Travel Promotion, Enhancement, and Modernization Act of 2014 will renew the Brand USA program through 2020.
While the agency remains committed to boosting our economy and is the most important program for our travel and tourism industry it’s funding is determined by the US Congress. As budget discussions get underway, thousands of letters and phone calls have been submitted to Congressional offices pushing for the support of Brand USA. By the time you read this its fate will have been determined.
Thinking ahead, Brand USA is inviting everyone to rally together at Destination Capitol Hill, which will take place in Washington on March 25-26, 2015. Be sure to register online to get an early bird rate to participate in this important initiative. Visit the web site for more information on Brand USA and employment opportunities currently available.
Recently, President Obama announced the reciprocal extension of visa validity periods between the United States and China. This policy change increases the validity period for most leisure and business visas from one year to ten years – the maximum allowed under U.S. law. This action will result in increasing the number of people who will choose to visit the USA and will also enhance the opportunity for groups to plan their meetings in our country. And this is a very good thing for the meetings and conventions industry.
Did you know that China is the largest outbound international travel market in the world! When the Chinese talk about travel they all say they want to go to the United States, but up until now only 2% are coming here. Last year, the U.S. welcomed 1.8 million Chinese visitors who spent over $21 billion. With the extension of the visa validity between the United States and China, the Department of Commerce is projecting we could see as many 4 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
HispanicMeetingsTravel.com PUBLISHER Gonzalez Global Media, LLC. EDITOR María de la Luz González mdgonzalez@hispanicmeetingstravel.com FOUNDER & CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Margaret Gonzalez mgonzalez@hispanicmeetingstravel.com
as 7 million Chinese visitors that could spend upwards of $85 billion by 2021.
Following President Obama’s action to extend the Visa, Brand USA moved quickly to communicate the exciting news to consumers through the Chinese travel trade and travel media and the U.S. travel industry. In addition, just four days after the President’s announcement, Brand USA led the USA pavilion at the largest travel show in China, the China International Travel Mart (CITM), where the United States was designated as the “guest country of honor.”
More good news as the United States was awarded the second best travel destination in the 2014 Readers’ Condé Nast India Travel Awards with participants describing the USA as ‘having the friendliest people’ and ‘the best places to stay’. Italy was in first place and garnered top scores for both food and culture and Australia with its wide-open spaces and dunebacked beaches came in third. Readers chose New York City as their favorite city outside the United Kingdom with Paris and Venice coming in second and third, respectively.
The Readers’ Travel Awards 2014 questionnaire was included with the April 2014 issue and at www.cntraveller.com and asked readers to rate the best that the travel world has to offer – from hotels and spas to airlines and airports according to various criteria, such as service, design and value for money. From the responses, Condé Nast Travel calculated the average score on each criterion to provide the overall satisfaction percentage figure.
Until next time, Margaret Gonzalez Founder & Contributing Editor
DESIGN & PRODUCTION BAY AREA MEDIA SERVICES / SCENE MEDIA CREATIVE & PRODUCTION DIRECTOR - John Ennis www.bams.us / www.thescenemagazine.com ADVERTISING STEVEN GONZALEZ sgonzalez@hispanicmeetingstravel.com MARIA GONZALEZ mdgonzalez@hispanicmeetingstravel.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ALPFA, Associated Luxury Hotels International, Margaret Gonzalez, Maria Gonzalez, The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc., Heritage Hotels & Resorts, Inc., Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Marriott International, Inc., Philadelphia CVB, Southwest Airlines, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., Visit Huntington Beach, VISIT Milwaukee, Visit Tampa Bay, WayBlazer, The Westin Peachtree Plaza
PHOTOGR APHY ALPFA, Associated Luxury Hotels International, DigPicPhoto, International Association of Hispanic Meeting Professionals, Gensler, Heritage Hotels & Resorts, Inc., Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Marriott International, Inc., John Picken, Visit Huntington Beach, Visit Tampa Bay, The Westin Peachtree Plaza, Wikimedia, Paul Zalewski for IBM
ADVERTISING SALES OFFICE Gonzalez Global Media 2600 South Shore 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 Gonzalez Global Media, LLC. at 2600 South Shore Blvd., Suite 300, League City, Texas 77573 C 1999-2014 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
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Viva Mexico! Southwest Airlines Launches Service To Beach Resort Areas Of Cancun And San Jose del Cabo/Los Cabos
outhwest Airlines has launched initial service to Mexico that bring new flight options offering the value and legendary Customer Service delivered by the Employees of Southwest, the United States' largest carrier in terms of domestic passengers boarded. The nonstop routes previously served by wholly owned subsidiary AirTran Airways now operate daily between Orange County/Santa Ana and San Jose del Cabo/Los Cabos, Mexico, and between Cancun and both Atlanta and Baltimore/Washington. Saturday-only service on Southwest between Milwaukee and Cancun began August 16, 2014. The Company plans to fully convert all international and domestic service currently flown by AirTran to Southwest by the end of this year. The carriers' flights schedules are now published through June 15, 2015, and are available for purchase at
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southwest.com. "The favorite beach destinations of our Mexico-bound Customers also are great additions to a portfolio of leisure destinations where we offer a way to connect our Customers to important experiences and memories, whether family vacations, reunions, adventure, or pure relaxation," said Andrew Watterson, Southwest's Vice President of Network Planning and Performance. "Introducing Southwest service on these nonstop routes brings additional seats every day offering the value of Bags Fly Free® and No Change Fees, and our ready-made Customer base of millions of vacationers ready to hit the beach." "Californians already represent the majority of visitors from the U.S. to Los Cabos, and Mexican visitors to Southern California are also the largest group by nationality of all foreign visitors. The bilateral relationship is
already very robust and will continue to grow with this new flight," said The Honorable Alejandra Garcia Williams, Consul General of Mexico in Orange County, Calif., before the inaugural Southwest flight to San Jose del Cabo departed John Wayne Airport. "On behalf of the Government of Mexico, please join me in wishing Southwest Airlines continued success in this historic expansion to Mexico." Southwest Airlines began international service on July 1 with flights to Montego Bay, Jamaica; and Nassau, The Bahamas, in the Caribbean. On November 2 Southwest Airlines began serving Punta Cana, Dominican Republic*, and Mexico City. Southwest Airlines' frequent flights and low fares are available online at southwest.com or by phone at 800-I-FLY-SWA.
Westin Peachtree Plaza Named Four Diamond Hotel By AAA
he Westin Peachtree Plaza, Atlanta’s iconic John Portmandesigned hotel that recently completed a grand $70 million renovation, has earned AAA Four Diamond Rating for its polished style, extensive amenities and superior service. According to AAA, only 5.3 percent of the more than 29,000 AAA/CAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels have been awarded Four Diamond designation as of January 2014. “While The Westin Peachtree Plaza has always been an iconic destination hotel, this recognition illustrates our achievement in providing an unparalleled, rejuvenating experience for our guests,” said Ron Tarson, general manager of The Westin Peachtree Plaza. “Everything from our RunWESTIN™ fitness program to our inviting, modern 6 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
design and our relaxing, Heavenly® amenities serves to improve the wellbeing of our business and leisure visitors.” The Westin Peachtree Plaza’s completed renovation includes every interior element from the lobby and all 1,073 guest rooms and suites to the revolving Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View. In addition, more than 80,000 square feet of meeting space was redesigned to provide planners with resources and amenities to stimulate creativity, productivity and connectivity. The Westin Peachtree Plaza also introduced Tangent™ at Westin, a small meeting space for up to six people that can be reserved hourly by guests and non-guests and features advanced technology, floorto-ceiling whiteboards and more. The hotel is in the heart of downtown Atlanta, an area home to many landmarks
and attractions opening this year including the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, the College Football Hall of Fame, and the Atlanta Streetcar, as well as already popular destinations like the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola and Centennial Olympic Park. For more information on The Westin Peachtree Plaza and reservations, please visit www.westin.com/peachtree.
industrybriefs M
N E W * F R E S H * P R O G R E S S I V E
MARRiOTT HOTeLS SeRVeS UP A “FReSH” APPROACH
New Healthy Vending Machine was a Traveler-inspired, TravelBrilliantly.com Submission arriott Hotels begins feeding travelers’ hunger for healthy food on the road whenever they want it – 24/7. Marriott Hotels, the flagship brand of Marriott International, Inc. has launched its first traveler-inspired innovation – a healthy vending machine, featuring handcrafted salads, sandwiches and snacks made fresh everyday using local ingredients. The working prototype debuts in the lobby of the Chicago Marriott O’Hare, offering travelers healthy food options available all day and night during their journey. The innovation was inspired by Anjana Kallarackal, a 21-year old college student, who answered the call to join Marriott Hotels in co-creating the future of travel as part of its Travel Brilliantly campaign.
In looking to bring Anjana’s idea to life, Marriott Hotels reached out to Chicago start-up Farmer’s Fridge, which has taken an innovative approach to making healthy, delicious food easier to access. The company’s kiosk, one of 12 in Chicago area, will be located in the Chicago Marriott O’Hare for the next five months for testing with guests. Items curated and prepared daily by Farmer’s Fridge will be offered for sale in distinctive packaging, ranging in price from $3 to $12 dollars and include:
• The Detox Salad (also known as the Junk Food Eraser) made with organic Kale and Quinoa with fennel, fruits and beans served in white balsamic vinaigrette. • Greek Yogurt and Berries (also known as Breakfast of the Gods) made with low-fat Greek Yogurt, berries and 8 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
locally sourced honey.
• Lemon Pepper Chicken made with chicken breast from chickens that have been humanely raised without antibiotics, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper.
“Listening and responding to customer needs is a hallmark for Marriott Hotels. We are committed to introducing the most innovative ideas our guests and influencers have been submitting to TravelBrilliantly.com as part of the brand’s journey to co-create the future of travel,” said Michael Dail, vice president, Marriott Hotels Marketing. “Anjana’s idea inspired us, and thanks to Farmer’s Fridge, guests can now begin enjoying healthy food whenever they want it. Coming soon, Marriott Hotels will launch even more co-created travel ideas submitted to TravelBrilliantly.com by guests.”
"It is an honor for Farmer's Fridge to partner with a company as innovative as Marriott Hotels that recognizes the need for healthy meal options among travelers,” said Luke Saunders, founder of Farmer's Fridge. “I founded Farmer's Fridge because I used to spend 75 percent of my time on-the-road for work and was personally frustrated by the lack of convenient, healthy food available. Now it has come full circle, with this new partnership giving travelers access to fresh, nutritious food on-thego through our revolutionary kiosks.” In little more than a year, nearly 2,500
ideas have been submitted to TravelBrilliantly.com. This month, the brand is asking consumers for their best ideas in taking loyalty programs to next level. In October, the brand wants ideas for how it can support guests as they try to stay healthy and balanced on the road and in November, the brand will solicit ideas for its Greatroom lobbies.
Recently, Marriott Hotels evolved TravelBrilliantly.com by asking guests to help Marriott Hotels shape innovative ideas and concepts that are closer to being rolled out. The brand is working on offering a mix of amenities in a box that guests could purchase at check-in. Visitors to TravelBrilliantly.com can vote for their favorite amenities from a list under consideration or suggest their own ideas for the perfect amenities.
Mid-West Meetings
ALHI Expands Portfolio With The Addition Of New LOEWS CHICAGO HOTEL
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400-Room Hotel To Open In Early 2015
ssociated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI) has expanded its worldwide portfolio with the addition of the new Loews Chicago Hotel, slated to open in early 2015. ALHI now provides Global Sales Organization (GSO) support, expertise, and sales services for the spectacular new Chicago hotel to meeting professionals, association executives, incentive/recognition specialists, and business executives in North America interested in conducting meetings and/or programs at the hotel.
Located in the heart of Chicago, in a highly visible 52-story tower located just one block north of the Chicago River and two blocks east of North Michigan Avenue, Loews Chicago Hotel will offer 400 guest rooms and suites, which will provide stunning views of the city’s skyline and Lake Michigan.
The hotel will also offer: • 25,717 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space and outdoor function venues • 10 meeting rooms • a boardroom with video conferencing capabilities • an 8,591-square-foot ballroom • 4,740-square-foot junior ballroom.
On-site leisure options will include a 75-foot indoor lap pool, a 24-hour fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment and spa treatment rooms, a new signature restaurant, retail shop, and a rooftop lounge with sweeping views of Chicago. The hotel, which will be owned and operated by Loews Hotels & Resorts, will be within walking distance of great shopping and entertainment, and will be 25 minutes from Chicago O’Hare International Airport, and 30 minutes from Chicago Midway International Airport.
“The brand new Loews Chicago Hotel will be a very welcomed addition to the amazing city of Chicago,” said ALHI CEO David Gabri. “Chicago continues to be one of the most highly sought-after destinations, and this will be an outstanding new hotel for meetings and programs. It complements our other exceptional Chicago hotel Members and provides needed new space in the marketplace.”
Loews Chicago Hotel becomes ALHI’s sixth Member in Chicago, joining: the exquisite The Peninsula Chicago, recently voted the #1 Large City Hotel in the U.S. and Canada by Travel + Leisure; the new The Langham, Chicago, which offers impressive views overlooking the Chicago River and is just steps from the renowned shopping on the Magnificent Mile; the AAA Four-Diamond Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park, which recently completed a dramatic $60 million transformation; the elegant InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, a historic landmark offering 792 guest rooms and 42,000 square feet of meeting space; and the stylish 415-room Sofitel Chicago Water Tower, providing stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline.
Loews Chicago Hotel also becomes the newest Member of the “ALHI City Solutions Collection,” consisting of 61 ALHI Four- and FiveDiamond quality Member hotels in the most distinctive metropolitan areas around the world.
With a worldwide portfolio of over 115,000 rooms and suites and nearly 10 million square feet of meeting space, ALHI provides planners and their organizations experienced Global Sales services with diverse options among its outstanding worldwide member hotels and resorts which specialize in meetings and incentive programs. ALHI provides reliable one-call professional sales assistance and access to their distinctive hotels, resorts, and venues for programs ranging from 10 to more than 6,500. There is no cost to planners’ organizations to utilize the ALHI GSO services, expertise, and account advocacy, as its Members’ dues fund the Global Sales Organization to best serve planners with local professionals.
For more information about ALHI, to inquire about any of the ALHI member properties, and/or to acquire a free copy of ALHI’s “2014 Global Sales Guide To Meeting Facilities” or the new ALHI app, contact your nearest ALHI Global Sales Office, or call the “ALHI Group Desk” toll-free at 866-303-ALHI (2544), and visit www.alhi.com. 10 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
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Mid-West Meetings
Make it Milwaukee for your next meeting
n exceptional blend of stunning natural beauty, meeting facilities, entertainment and Midwest charm, Milwaukee is an exciting meetings destination with an unexpected “wow” factor, and all this at a substantial cost savings. VISIT Milwaukee’s new Convention Sales Manager Gus Martinez says that these are all reasons that groups choose Milwaukee, and why the National Latino Peace Officers Association recently selected the city for its 2016 meeting site.
Milwaukee’s budget-friendly convention campus features three unique venues. Designed with input from meeting planners, the compact, three-story Wisconsin Center offers cutting-edge technology, along with sixteen loading docks and three spiral drive-in ramps with direct access to the 189,000-sq. ft. exhibit hall. The historic Milwaukee Theatre and the 12,700-seat UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena provide additional dining, trade show or concert space.
In fall 2014, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino’s meeting package will expand to include a new 381-room hotel with 10,500 square feet of meeting space to add to the casino’s 40,000 square feet of Expo Center and ballroom space. Unforgettable off-site venues also include the Harley-Davidson Museum, the spectacular lakefront Milwaukee Art Museum with its moving “wings,” and
neighboring Discovery World, whose Pilot House is renowned for its 360-degree view of the Lake Michigan shoreline.
A water city located at the confluence of three rivers and Lake Michigan, Milwaukee features a two-mile long RiverWalk that connects colorful walk-around neighborhoods like Milwaukee’s “SoHo” area, the Historic Third Ward with its Milwaukee Public Market, and Old World Third Street, both districts known for their range of vibrant nightlife. And located only eight miles from downtown, General Mitchell International Airport is one of the country’s most affordable major airports.
To keep momentum going, VISIT Milwaukee is offering a $5,000-$10,000 cash incentive to groups booking meetings in the Wisconsin Center from September 2, 2014 to December 31, 2016 (certain restrictions apply). For more information: Gus Martinez, Convention Sales Manager gmartinez@milwaukee.org 414/287-4242 www.visitmilwaukee.org/meeting-planners
Hispanics in the
Industry F
rom coast to coast Hispanics fill the ranks of the meetings & travel industry. Whether leading the thousands of U.S. His-
panic associations, bringing groups and meetings to their des-
tinations or heading up the bureaus that are responsible for generating millions of dollars in revenue to cities across the country Hispanic professionals are at the heart of the industry’s engine.
We salute those individuals who strive for greater roles of responsi-
bility and we look to them to demonstrate what our community has
to offer. It is with great pride that we spotlight three such profession-
als who are shining bright in our industry and representing the best
of the Latino culture.
12 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
C O V E R S T O R Y | H I S PA N I C S I N T H E I N D U S T R Y
SANTIAGO CORRADA
President and CEO Visit Tampa Bay
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antiago Corrada began his work as President and Chief Executive Officer of Visit Tampa Bay in May 2013. He combines local experience, management skills, industry knowledge with expertise at collaboration and overall leadership ability as well as a passion for Tampa Bay.
With more than 20 years of public service and management experience, Mr. Corrada most recently served as Chief of Staff for the mayor of the City of Tampa. In this role, he coordinated and integrated the efforts of more than 50 City departments and divisions.
Mr. Corrada is well versed in Tampa Bay's tourism industry. In his tenure with city government, he participated in bidding and hosting efforts for large meetings and groups including Super Bowl XLIII and the 2012 Republican National Convention. Additionally, during the Iorio administration, Mr. Corrada served as Convention Center, Tourism, Recreation and Cultural Arts Administrator directly overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Tampa Convention Center, the cornerstone of Tampa's convention business.
He serves on various not-for-profit boards including The Florida Aquarium, Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo, Glazer Children's Museum, David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa Bay History Center, Tampa Museum of Art and Tampa Theatre - all current partners of the tourism organization he now leads.
Prior to joining the City of Tampa in 2004 as Neighborhood Services Administrator, Mr. Corrada served as the Director
of Parks and Recreation for the City of Miami and spent 17 years in the Miami-Dade County School System.
Mr. Corrada graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Miami with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Exceptional Student Education as well as a Master's in Education. www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 13
C O V E R S T O R Y | H I S PA N I C S I N T H E I N D U S T R Y
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CHARLES GARCIA
Chief Executive Officer | ALPFA
n August 2014 Charles Garcia was formally introduced at ALPFA’s National Convention in Orlando, Florida as its new chief executive officer to succeed longtime CEO Manny Espinoza.
Mr. Charles Garcia, who has served in the administrations of four presidents, of both parties, most recently served as CEO of Garcia Trujillo Holdings LLC, a merchant banking, private equity, and consulting firm where he was recognized as one of the leading advisors to companies that do business in the global Hispanic market. Prior to that role, he was the CEO of a financial services firm with 60 offices in seven countries and $2 billion in assets, named by Inc.
magazine as the #8 fastest growing privately held company in the country. He is also a Columbia Law School graduate, a former White House Fellow, and a bestselling author of two books on leadership.
“America's baby boom generation is retiring at the rate of 10,000 a day for the next 18 years, while during that same time period over 1 million Latino youths will turn 18 each year,” said Mr. Garcia. “Today, more than one-in-four children in the U.S. under age 18 are Latino, and the strength of Americas' future economy is linked to the promise of these young men and women whom ALPFA seeks to develop into leaders of character for the nation.”
While distinguishing himself as a thought leader in the business community, Mr. Garcia has also devoted himself to a variety of public service initiatives. He is a U.S. Air Force Academy graduate and a highly decorated military officer who was appointed by President Obama and President Bush to oversee all Air Force Academy operations as Chairman of the Board of Visitors. The fifteen member board is comprised of four U.S. Senators, four U.S. Congressmen, and seven Presidential appointees. After five years of service as Chairman, the Secretary of the Air Force awarded him the Distinguished Public Service Medal for leading “a historic transformation of the Board of Visitors and increasing candidate diversity at all service academies.” In recognition of his contributions to expanding Latino influence and reputation, Hispanic Business, Latino Leaders and PODER magazines have all recognized Mr. Garcia as one of the most influential Hispanics in the U.S. Additionally, Univision Network selected him for their series "Orgullo Hispano," a feature that spotlights Hispanics who have made an exceptional impact on the culture and life of American society, and the book “Hispanics in the USA: Making History” featured him as one of 14 Hispanic role models for the nation.
About ALPFA: ALPFA (www.alpfa.org), a 42-year-old organization that began as an association of finance and accounting professionals, supports Latinos in all industries through its 41 chapters across the country and more than 100 student chapters at major colleges and universities. Its mission is to create opportunities, add value, and build relationships for its members, the community and its business partners while expanding Latino leadership in the global workforce. 14 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel 14 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
C O V E R S T O R Y | H I S PA N I C S I N T H E I N D U S T R Y
ELSIE JEAN RODRIGUEZ
National Sales Manager Visit Huntington Beach
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isit Huntington Beach appointed Elsie Jean Rodriguez as National Sales Manager in early 2014. Elsie Jean has over 20 years of successful experience in the hospitality industry including all facets of hospitality account and sales management as well as an extensive background in food and beverage.
From 1993 to 2002, Ms. Rodriguez worked as the Senior Sales Manager at the Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel, located in Huntington Beach.
Rodriguez was most recently the Senior Sales Manager at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa in Dana Point, California where she exceeded group goals during her first year of employment. She also developed the West Coast corporate and association market segments while soliciting and managing the East Coast pharmaceutical and finance markets as Senior Sales Manager at the Omni Los Angeles Hotel from July 2010 to June 2011. For eight years, Elsie Jean developed new clients and coordinated marketing and sales efforts for The Balboa Bay Club & Resort in Newport Beach, California.
Elsie Jean earned her Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts with a minor in Business at California State University Long Beach and currently resides in Lakewood. She enjoys working in her garden as well as attending concerts, museums, and the theater. Ms. Rodriguez can be reached at Elsie@SurfCityUSA.com and meeting planners can submit RFPs through the Bureau’s meetings micro site at www.MeetInHB.com.
About Visit Huntington Beach Visit Huntington Beach is the official destination marketing organization of Huntington Beach, Surf City USA®. One of Southern California’s premier coastal destinations, Huntington Beach is the ideal location for a California family vacation, relaxing weekend getaway, or group conference.
With 10 miles of wide-open sandy California beaches, Huntington Beach is a destination of choice for vacationers and business travelers alike. To learn more about Huntington Beach, see the Visit Huntington Beach website at www.SurfCityUSA.com or call 800-729-6232. www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 15
Meeting Planner Incentives
HOTELS
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Universal Orlando’s Special Offer for Meeting and Event Planners at LOEWS ROYAL PACIFIC RESORT
tarting in Fall 2015, Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando will expand from 85,000 square feet to 141,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space. And now, a new, limited-time offer will allow select groups to be among the first to experience the deluxe hotel’s expanded space. Meeting and event planners who book a new program to be held between October 1, 2015 and December 20, 2015 will receive: • A 3 percent rebate on room revenue to the master account • An opening reception including one hour of complimentary beer and wine • A 20 percent discount on AV equipment • Triple MVP Rewards Loews Royal Pacific Resort features a variety of unique, multi-purpose spaces designed to host everything from informal gatherings to large meetings. Featuring the 42,000-squarefoot, column-free Pacifica Ballroom, the hotel will expand to include a spectacular new 36,000-square-foot ballroom.
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Attendees can also enjoy a total of 15 breakout meeting rooms, the open-air Wantilan Pavilion, the 10,000-square-foot convention center lawn and numerous other venues - all alongside incredible dining and entertainment options. For more information on this special offer or to book a program, call 877-823-2042 or visit: uomeetingsandevents.com.
Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando 6300 Hollywood Way; Orlando, FL 32819
Starwood Preferred Guest® Targets Meeting and Travel Pros to Gain Greater Share of Global B2B Business
tarwood Preferred Guest® (SPG®), the award-winning loyalty program from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is breaking new ground in customer loyalty and personalization with the debut of SPG Pro, an allnew, comprehensive loyalty program for meeting and travel professionals. This new program offers meeting and travel professionals SPG elite status, upgrades and Starpoints for B2B business booked at any of Starwood’s nearly 1,200 properties around the world. Plus going forward, any SPG member who books a group stay, event or corporate business meeting, regardless of if they are a travel professional or not, will earn Starpoints and status for the business they influence. “SPG Pro is a compelling way for Starwood to reward our global customers, provide more personalized service on property and really understand the totality of the business our partners influence,” said Christie Hicks, Senior Vice President, Starwood Sales Organization.
Richer Rewards for Booking Business with Starwood
Meeting and travel professionals can immediately register for SPG Pro at www.spg.com/pro. Registered professionals, as well as SPG Members who influence group, event and corporate travel, have begun earning Starpoints for business booked since October 2014. Additionally, SPG Pro marks the first time accredited travel agents will have the opportunity to earn Star16 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
points and elite status with SPG. The more members book the more they earn, which means access to everything SPG has to offer and reaching elite status even faster through combined B2B and personal bookings. Visit www.spg.com/pro to view the creative, use the SPG Pro Calculator to determine individual earning potential, and see testimonials from other SPG Pro members.
About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with nearly 1,200 properties in 100 countries, and 181,400 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood 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, Aloft®, and Element®. The Company boasts one of the industry’s leading loyalty programs, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG®), allowing members to earn and redeem points for room stays, room upgrades and flights, with no blackout dates. Starwood also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., a premier provider of world-class vacation experiences through villa-style resorts and privileged access to Starwood brands. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.
EVENT Announcement
POPE FRANCIS confirms he is coming to Philadelphia in 2015 Dear Friends and Colleagues,
As the Chair of the Hospitality/Visitor Experience Committee for 8th World Meeting of Families, I'm thrilled to share that Pope Francis has officially confirmed he will be visiting Philadelphia next September 25-27 for the event. This is exciting news as it is the only confirmed U.S. visit at this time!
The Holy Father is expected to visit Philadelphia to participate in the closing events of the World Meeting of Families, including the Festival of Families, an intercultural celebration of life around the world on September 26, and a Papal Mass on September 27 on the iconic Benjamin Franklin Parkway. What an honor for Philadelphia, which will again take the world's stage next year!
The theme for the World Meeting of Families - Philadelphia 2015 is "Love Is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive," emphasizing the impact of the love and life of families in our society.
Register, reserve a hotel, and plan your visit here: worldmeeting2015.org and discoverphl.com/visit/worldmeeting
Join the conversation on twitter: #PopeinPhilly #WMOF2015 Sincerely,
Jack Ferguson President & CEO Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 17
SOUTHWEST MEETING DESTINATIONS
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HERITAGE HOTELS & RESORTS TO BUILD STATEOF-THE-ART HOTEL IN OLD TOWN ALBUQUERQUE lans have been finalized for a new multi-million dollar hotel in the heart of Old Town, Albuquerque, according to Heritage Hotels and Resorts, Inc. The 118-room project will break ground by late fall with completion set for spring, 2016. The hotel will provide 100 new jobs in Albuquerque. The contemporary boutique hotel will be a contrast of ancient and modern elements. The property will be built adjacent to Hotel Albuquerque and will share Hotel Albuquerque’s pool, ballrooms and chapel. The hotel will be comprised of five levels with guestrooms designed to extend outdoors onto gracious terraces showcasing majestic views towards the Sandia Mountains and downtown skyline or the serene views overlooking the beautiful gardens and pool terrace below.
co Native Americans with modern amenities and designs from the best designers in the world to create a new hotel that will redefine and advance the architectural building style in our
The goal is to create a hotel that captures the legacy of New Mexico’s Native American culture and history in a modern and luxurious way.
state. The services, sacred architecture and accommodations this hotel will provide will embrace the native people’s spirituality, artistic sensibility and oneness with nature. ”
“We’re creating a hotel where guests will experience the true culture of New Mexico in a way that has never been done before,” explains Jim Long, CEO, Heritage Hotels & Resorts. “We are blending ancient building techniques from New Mexi-
The hotel will be the first New Mexico property planned by legendary global design firm, Gensler, who drew inspiration from the Anasazi people and the indigenous ruins of Chaco Canyon.
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- Continued on Page 20
SOUTHWEST MEETING DESTINATIONS HERITAGE HOTELS AND RESORTS Continued From Page 18
“The design creates an unprecedented architectural aesthetic for New Mexico and the greater Southwest region,” said Adam Gumowski, Design Director at Gensler. “Heritage Hotels & Resorts presented a captivating conceptual vision as a catalyst for the design team. The result is a one-of-a-kind property that embraces the spirituality, sensibility and legacy of the indigenous ruins of Chaco Canyon, while simultaneously striving for a contemporary sophistication.” Specific designs that have been incorporated from the Native American cultures include building the hotel in solar alignment. Ancient masonry techniques have been incorporated into this project. Like the designs of Chaco Canyon this hotel will be constructed so the property’s solar orientation can make the most of the heat in the winter, and the coolness in the summer. Guest rooms will be deeply recessed to allow for solar gain in winter but protect from the sun in summer. The hotel’s five floors will also be built in a traditional stacked pueblo style with the façade stepping back at the upper floors. The entrance to the hotel will be designed as a welcome sanctuary greeting guests with soothing sounds, flowing water and warming fires in winter before arriving to the main lobby that will offer a two-story Kiva inspired space. Beyond the lobby local landscape architect, Mimi Burns, of Dekker Perich Sabatini has designed a landscape reflecting the randomness of raindrops touching the earth. She will also design tranquil gardens and landscaped opened areas. Interiors of the hotel will be done by Santa Fe based designer, Kris Lajeskie and will focus on a merger of ancestral knowledge with contemporary materials, furnishings and art. The color palette for the project will be the natural wool colors used by the master weavers of the Navajo reservation. “Not since Fred Harvey has there been a visionary who has taken on with such vigor, the creation and promotion of the “cultural hotel” in the Southwest,” states Kris Lajeskie, principal of Kris Lajeskie Design. “Jim Long is on a mission to share with the world the uniqueness of New Mexico. The creation of this new hotel will go a long way towards that end. Jim challenged the design team to create a new vernacular in Southwest architecture and there is no question we succeeded. Gensler did a brilliant job in their interpretation of Chacoan architecture and my challenge was to create interior spaces that capture the essence of mother earth and the indigenous native culture. From the moment you 20 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
enter you will know you are in a very special place.”
Future plans for the hotel will include a signature restaurant featuring modern Native American cuisine, a luxurious spa, a rooftop restaurant and a rooftop wedding chapel.
Hotel Albuquerque will be the owner of the new hotel, and managed by Heritage Hotels & Resorts. Hotel Albuquerque was acquired in 1999 by a group of local New Mexican families, led by Jim Long.
Additional Facts about the Hotel:
Size: 120,000 square feet
Capacity: • 118 guestrooms, including 10 luxurious suites • Rooftop event terrace to accommodate up to 250 people • Conference room facilities to accommodate up to 100 people • Signature restaurant to accommodate 150 people • Rooftop restaurant/lounge to accommodate up to 250 people • 6,000 square-foot spa • 1,200 square-foot fitness facility • 3,000 square-feet of street-front retail • Outdoor pool and lounge experience About Heritage Hotels & Resorts Founded by Jim Long in 2005, Heritage Hotels & Resorts is a collection of culturally distinct hotels in New Mexico and is the largest independent hotel brand in New Mexico. Through their architecture, interior design, landscaping, cuisine, art, entertainment and music, Heritage Hotels & Resorts provides guests with a very rich, authentic, cultural experience. Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town and Nativo Lodge are located in Albuquerque, NM; Hotel St. Francis, Eldorado Hotel & Spa, Hotel Chimayo de Santa Fe and The Lodge at Santa Fe are located in Santa Fe, NM; Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces is located in Las Cruces, NM; and Palacio de Marquesa is located in Taos, NM.
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TechnoSavvy
Online Travel Planning & Purchasing
Digital Travel Pioneer Terry Jones Launches WayBlazer , Powered by IBM Watson
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First Cognitive App is a Breakthrough in $1T Online Travel Industry
ndustry pioneers in travel and technology today announced WayBlazer, a company that uses leading edge technology to redefine the way consumers dream, plan, personalize and purchase travel.
The company is led by Terry Jones, founder of Travelocity and founding chairman of Kayak.com, who serves as chairman; Manoj Saxena, former General Manager of the IBM Watson Group, is co-founder and early investor.
WayBlazer utilizes the cognitive power of IBM Watson, which takes massive amounts of information and organizes it, infuses it with intelligence, personalizes it and learns more with each use. The WayBlazer Insight Engine uses a standardsbased cognitive cloud from Cognitive Scale, which is powered by IBM Watson technology.
WayBlazer addresses the growing issue of the sheer breadth of options and data required of travelers planning their next destination. On average, users explore 20 or more websites to research flight, hotel, and activity information, while weighing personal preferences and insights from social networks, online review sites and more. WayBlazer will form the industry’s most robust travel concierge by letting its customers ask questions using a natural language interface. WayBlazer links places, offers, and preferences, with social, cultural and economic data to recommend targeted travel insights and commerce offers that are tailored and customized for each consumer’s experience.
“To date, online trip planning has been a 22 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
complex and time-consuming chore lacking a way to connect, organize and personalize data,” said Terry Jones, WayBlazer’s executive chairman and c o - f o u n d e r. “ Wa y B l a z e r makes sense of the information Terry Jones, founder of Travelocity and founding chairman overload and of Kayak.com is launching a new travel company WayBlazer presents it to based on IBM Watson. (Courtesy Paul Zalewski for IBM) consumers as a “Austin has long been home to technolopersonal travel concierge. Travel suppli- gy companies, start-ups and innovators, ers from destinations and hotels to air- and with technology changing the way lines and rental car sites can use Way- we travel, the Austin CVB is pleased to Blazer to provide a one-stop solution with partner with Austin-based WayBlazer to personalized recommendations, acceler- bring this exciting travel tool to the marating the pace and frequency of online ketplace,” said Bob Lander, Austin CVB bookings.” President & CEO. “This technology is a
“When IBM opened the Watson Ecosystem last year, the goal was to attract innovators to create new cognitive apps across many different industries," said Mike Rhodin, Senior Vice President, IBM Watson Group. “WayBlazer is a great example of how Watson can be leveraged as a game changing technology, and in this case, how people plan their vacations.”
WayBlazer has also partnered with the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau who will use this technology suite across their online channels to source valuable traveler insights to generate relevant, location-aware and bookable content and offers for Austin.
real competitive advantage for Austin, and the functionality and industry changing capabilities that WayBlazer delivers creates a trusted travel advisor for any traveler or even locals looking for something new.”
Austin is also home to IBM’s Watson Lab. Comprised of a strong technical and academic community, Austin and greater Texas is now an innovation hub for cognitive computing. The IBM Watson Solutions Lab excels as a development facility that benefits both IBM and its clients, with both learning from each other and exploring new areas for research and innovation. For more information, visit www.wayblazer.com.
W i n t e r Tr a v e l T i p s
A
Vacation Home Security & Safety
Get Your Home Ready Before You Get Away
cold, snowy winter and an improving economy provide "the perfect storm" for families to make plans for a winter vacation. But before you pack your bags to head for the ski slopes or the tropics, it's important to take care of things at home.
"We spend so much time before vacation planning for the trip itself, sometimes we forget about things at home," said Mitchell H. Jawitz, vice president, personal lines, The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. "Preparation is critical, particularly in the winter, with extended darkness and unpredictable weather." Winter vacation home security and safety measures should include making arrangements for someone to clear your driveway and walkways in the event of snow. "Leaving snow untouched for days is like putting out a sign that says 'We're Not Home,'" Jawitz said. "Even if it doesn't snow, with darkness by 6 p.m., an unlit home looks unoccupied unless you have lights on timers. Ideally, outdoor lights should also be on timers or be light sensitive and include motion detectors which can deter unwanted guests." The cold temperatures are also an important consideration when turning down the indoor thermostat to conserve energy while you are away. While guidelines vary, a safe recommendation is 60 degrees F to conserve energy while providing a comfortable margin to avoid frozen pipes. When you return home, your furnace won't be overtaxed to reheat the living space. Don't take it for granted that windows are locked just because they are not open in the winter. Approximately 30 percent of all burglaries are through open or unlocked windows or doors, according to
the FBI, and windows are left unlocked at a much higher rate than doors. Interestingly, renters are just as likely to be the victims of property crime as homeowners.
Additional tasks to keep top-of-mind before getting caught in the rush to get away include: • Suspend newspaper and mail delivery. • Notify a neighbor that you'll be away and leave a key with someone you trust. • Purge the refrigerator of perishables, run the disposal and take out the trash. "These tasks take a little time and planning," Jawitz said. "But, they can save you a great deal of trouble." Through a select group of independent agents, The Hanover offers VacationSafe™, a service for its Platinum Experience customers that sends home preparation reminders before a vacation. Pre-vacation is also a great time to complete important home organization and maintenance tasks. The Hanover recommends you: • Run a computer back-up so you know everything is saved safely. Then, turn your computer off to avoid "phantom power use." • Address nagging maintenance issues, such as leaks and drafts, so they don't become problems while you're gone. • Conduct a home inventory using an online service or smart phone app to easily capture pictures, video and information. The stored data could be a life saver if you need to file a claim following a
loss due to damage or burglary. Taking time to get your house or apart-
ment ready before your winter getaway
can make your return home as stress free as your vacation. Your local independent
insurance agent can help you assess your
risks and be sure you have the right insur-
ance protection in place. To find an inde-
pendent agent near you and learn more
about the Hanover Platinum Experience,
visit www.hanover.com.
The recommendation(s), advice and contents
of this material are provided for informational
purposes only and do not purport to address
every possible legal obligation, hazard, code
violation, loss potential or exception to good
practice. The Hanover Insurance Company
and its affiliates and subsidiaries ("The Hanover") specifically disclaim any warranty
or representation that acceptance of any rec-
ommendations or advice contained herein
will make any premises, property or operation
safe or in compliance with any law or regula-
tion.
Under no circumstances should this
material or your acceptance of any recom-
mendations or advice contained herein be
construed as establishing the existence or
availability of any insurance coverage with
The Hanover. By providing this information
to you, The Hanover does not assume (and
specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking
or responsibility to you.
The decision to
accept or implement any recommendation(s)
or advice contained in this material must be
made by you.
www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 23
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