Hispanic Meetings & Travel - Summer 2016 by Hispanic Meetings & Travel

Summer 2016

VOL 18

NO 2

contents ON THE COVER

10 6

10 ..................................................Texas Meetings Hyatt Regency Hill County Resort and Spa - Texas’ first destination resort has a unique perspective on today’s meetings landscape, one gleaned from 23 years of customizing every aspect of meetings and events to help make every meeting shine.

FEATURE 14 ......................................East Coast Meetings •Baltimore Comes Highly Recommended •Norfolk: What’s Hot in 2016 •Le Méridien Fort Lauderdale Airport Debuts in 2017 •Sawgrass Country Club Golf Course Renovation •Philadelphia: Greenest City in America

DEPARTMENTS 04 ........................................Editor’s Comments 06................................................Industry Briefs 12....................................................Techno Savvy 13 ....................................................Golf Meetings

In the Next Issue FaLL 2016

22 ..........................................Exhibitors Corner

• Southwest Meeting Destinations

23 ......................................Eco Tourism Letter

• Convention Centers • Mid-West Meetings

3 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel

• Hispanic Heritage

All Eyes on Latin America

EDITOR’S COMMENTS

This summer the world will set its eyes upon Latin America particularly on Brazil as it hosts the 2016 Summer Olympics, but there are other countries setting tourism trends this year that are worth a mention.

PubLISher Gonzalez Global media, LLC. edItOr maría de la Luz González mdgonzalez@hispanicmeetingstravel.com

Dominican Republic Announces 2016 Developments and Boasts Strong Tourism Statistics Dominican Republic recently announced a growth of 5.8 percent in overall tourism, a number alone growing faster than the Caribbean's overall rate of 3.7 percent. Simón Suarez, President of the National Hotel & Tourism Association, has stated that growth rates in the country are double the world average, tracking at a median growth of 5.1 percent over the last 5 years. The country is projected to reach 6 million total visitors in 2016 – based on numbers thus far; the country is on track to meet the targeted 7 percent growth needed to achieve this. The United States remains the largest source market for Dominican tourism with 2 million visitors in 2015, and Canada following with 780,000.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Becomes First Hospitality Company to Obtain U.S. Treasury Department Authorization to Operate In Cuba Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has signed three new hotel deals in Cuba, marking the first U.S. based hospitality company to enter the market in nearly 60 years. This company obtained receipt of authorization from the U.S. Treasury Department for Starwood to operate hotels in Cuba. Long-time Havana icon, Hotel Inglaterra, will join The Luxury Collection and Hotel Quinta Avenida will become a Four Points by Sheraton. Both hotels will undergo renovations before raising their new brand flags later in 2016. The Company also announced that it has signed a Letter of Intent to convert the famed Hotel Santa Isabel into a member of The Luxury Collection.

Thomas B. Mangas, Starwood’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Starwood’s history of creativity, innovation, sustainability and being a first mover is core to who we are and what has made us a formidable competitor in the industry with a long, global lead. With Cuba’s rich history, natural beauty and strong culture, there is no question the entire U.S. hospitality industry has watched Cuba with great interest, and we are thrilled to lead the charge and bring our sophisticated, high-end brands into the market at this inflection point.”

Brazil Hosts the 2016 Summer Olympics The sporting world descends upon Brazil this summer as it hosts the 2016 Summer Olympics, the first time the event will be held in South America. We will be exposed to the country’s beautiful landscapes, people and traditions. The games will surely boost Brazil’s popularity and increase international tourism despite any negative press concerning crime and the Zika virus.

As travelers, we all know that any country, no matter how safe it is deemed to be, has troubled spots and natural circumstances that are out of any government’s control but none of that should sway our desire to travel. ¡Feliz viaje!

María de la Luz González Publisher and Editor

4 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel

HispanicMeetingsTravel.com

FOuNder & CONtrIbutING edItOr margaret Gonzalez mgonzalez@hispanicmeetingstravel.com 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 Associated Luxury Hotels International, Costa Rica Tourism, Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism, Maria de la Luz Gonzalez, Hispanic Scholarship Fund, Hyatt Regency Chicago, Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa, Marriott International, Inc., Naples Grande Golf Club, Philadelphia CVB, Sawgrass Country Club, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., Steven Gonzalez, Visit Baltimore, Visit Norfolk

PhOtOGr aPhy Associated Luxury Hotels International, Costa Rica Tourism, DigPicPhoto, Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa, Marriott International, Inc., Naples Grande Golf Club, Philadelphia CVB, Sawgrass Country Club, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., Visit Baltimore, Visit Norfolk

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 - Gonzalez Global Media 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 1999-2015 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

Residence Inn by Marriott Names La La Anthony 2016 Resident Mom of the Year

Star Launches Exclusive La La’s Lists on ResidenceInn.com and at Hotels hen it comes to family, U.S. Latinas put their children’s needs before their own, even when traveling, according to the annual Women in Travel survey recently released by Best Western International. In fact, approximately 68 percent of U.S. Latinas with children said their children’s needs come first when traveling, in comparison to only 61 percent of their non-Hispanic counterparts.

Best Western looked at U.S. women to find out more about their travel preferences in a survey of 500 females living within the U.S. The findings were unveiled at the Leisure Travel Summit in New York City. “American women are the major decision makers for family travel, and their perspectives help define the leisure travel industry,” said Best Western’s Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales Dorothy Dowling. “As we look at trends in this space, we also know Latinas are a mighty, growing force that holds significant potential buying power and family influence, making their travel preferences an extremely important indicator for future hotel demand.”

On average, only 31 percent of U.S. female travelers take all or most of their paid time off from work each year. Sadly, U.S. Latinas rank even lower, with only approximately 27 percent taking all or most of their paid time off. Both groups agree that vacationing solely with their immediate family is more relaxing than visiting family who live elsewhere, and they also noted they would rather travel with family than friends, as well as a preference for traveling with people from the same generation. Family structure and marital status are major factors in priorities and needs when vacationing for both groups. In fact, according to the survey, marriage generally leads to increased travel for all female travelers in the U.S., with Latinas holding just one percentage over their U.S. general market counterparts.

All female travelers are concerned about losing personal items and personal safety, though U.S. Latinas were less concerned with personal safety when traveling. In order to stay safe, both groups keep cell phones with them at all times and leave important items in a locked safe. Latinas indexed slightly higher with nearly 91 percent saying they have their cell phone on them at all times. TripAdvisor also plays a major role in safety concerns for women in both groups with 40 percent citing they check the review site before booking. Both groups also agreed that waiting in lines, worrying they’ve forgotten items at home and coming home to things to do are general themes that keep them from enjoying their trips. Interestingly, for U.S. Latinas, another frequent concern was having minimal to no phone reception, showing the true importance of constant contact and easily accessible mobility for this group. In fact, Latino Internet users are more likely than white internet users to go online using a mobile device (76 percent) versus their non-Hispanic counterparts with only 60 percent going online via mobile.

Speaking of connectivity, when it comes to mobile and social, Latinas are the social queens. U.S. Latinas are the most likely to share their travels on social media with approximately 47 percent saying they always or often do. In comparison, only 41 percent of other females in the U.S. share on social media. The reasons for posting vary, though most Latinas cited wanting to share their travels with friends and family that aren’t with them or wanting to capture the moment to remember it at a later date. Facebook still dominates as the most popular platform to post about travels (approximately 56 percent of U.S. females) but, interestingly, Latinas use this medium less and less, with only 51 percent citing Facebook as their main social channel as Instagram and Snapchat become strong contenders for younger Latinas. Latinas also dominate in the selfie category. Approximately 78 percent of U.S. Latinas have taken a selfie while traveling compared to approximately 67 percent of the U.S. general market female population. 6 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel

industrybriefs N E W * F R E S H * P R O G R E S S I V E

Luxury-Level Hotel Supply Expanding In The Meeting & Incentive Marketplace

he continued growth in demand for face-to-face meetings, convention spaces and accommodations continues to be evident in today’s marketplace. Hotel occupancies are projected to reach record levels in 2016, and likely will remain at elevated levels before slowly receding as new supply eventually grows faster than demand. Luxury-level hotels and resorts are experiencing all-time highs in terms of occupancy, and demand for future meetings will continue to grow at a faster pace in the luxury sector than new supply. In a nutshell, inventory compression in the Meeting & Incentive (M&I) marketplace will likely to continue to build through 2019. Even so, meeting, incentive and convention professionals will see additional exciting options as new inventory is starting to become available. This trend is reflected in the Membership of Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI), which has five hotels which just opened or will soon open.

“There are a number of market dynamics that continue to reinforce the importance of Meetings, Incentives and Conventions to Four and Five-Star properties,” said ALHI President Jim Schultenover. “First, the opening of several exceptional new M&I-focused hotels and resorts. Second, several of our other ALHI Member hotels and resorts have recently expanded, or are expanding, their own meeting space and/or accommodations to meet the demand. And finally, many Members are increasing their group business because of the total value a Meeting, Incentive Program or Convention provides.”

“We are thrilled to be working with these exciting new properties which complement our existing unique and authentic Member hotels and resorts,” said Schultenover.

Among ALHI’s Membership of 250+ luxury-level member hotels and resorts which specifically serve the North American M&I marketplace, are these newly opened or soon-to-open hotels:

• San Clemente Palace Kempinski Venice, which just reopened in Venice, Italy in March. Located on the picturesque 17-acre private island of San Clemente, this elegant and palatial hotel features 190 majestically appointed guest rooms and suites, many of them with panoramic views of the Lagoon and Venice, and others overlooking the park and island’s lush gardens. Featuring truly inspirational surroundings, the private island retreat also offers 9,000 square feet of meeting space, beautiful public areas, large courtyards, a spa, fitness center, historic monastery buildings, and a historic church dating back to the 12th century. The hotel is just a 10-minute complimentary boat ride to Venice’s famous St. Mark’s Square, and is only 6 miles from Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE).

• Paséa Hotel & Spa, which just opened Memorial Day weekend in Huntington Beach in Southern California. Facing the Pacific Ocean, this brand new hotel is close to the Huntington Beach Pier. This modern oasis features 250 spacious and luxurious guest rooms and suites which each provide stunning ocean views, and 34,600 square feet of meeting space. Offerings include a rooftop deck and bar overlooking the Pacific, a scenic event lawn, a full-service Balinese-inspired spa, attractive gardens, and a variety of dining options. The hotel is just steps from the beach, upscale shopping, restaurants, recreation and nightlife. The hotel is convenient to John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County, California; Long Beach Airport (LGB) in Long Beach, California; and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in Los Angeles.

• The Watergate Hotel, which just opened June 1, 2016 in Washington, D.C. upon the completion of a comprehensive $125 million repositioning of the entire historic hotel. Featuring 337 luxury guest rooms overlooking the Potomac River, the modern hotel also will offer 27,000 square feet of meeting space, which includes a new 7,000-square-foot grand ballroom. Additionally, the hotel will be home to the new Top of the Gate rooftop lounge, providing 360-degree views of the Washington, D.C. skyline, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and Washington Monument. Groups also will enjoy 10,000 square feet of outdoor event space, a luxury spa, fitness center, and indoor pool. The hotel is convenient to D.C.’s most popular destinations, and is steps from choice dining and shopping in Georgetown. The Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is just a 10-minute ride away.

• Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando, opening this July in Orlando, Florida. Reminiscent of a leisurely estate in the heart of the tropics, the new Caribbean-inspired resort will offer 1,000 guest rooms and 115,000 square feet of versatile meeting space. This will include a 41,000-square-foot ballroom divisible into 12 sections, a 31,000-square-foot hall, 16 breakout rooms, 27,000 square feet of pre-function space, and 11,000 square feet of outdoor space. Plus, event space is also available at Universal Orlando’s two spectacular theme parks, Universal Studios® and Universal’s Islands of Adventure®, as well as Universal Citywalk®. Additional offerings at the resort will include four restaurants and lounges, a resort-style pool with a sand beach, a state-of-the- Continued on Next Page 8 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel

• The Henderson, slated to open November 1, 2016 in picturesque Destin in Northwest Florida. Adjacent to nearly 1.5 miles of one of America’s highest-rated beaches, on Florida’s renowned Emerald Coast, the brand-new resort will feature sweeping views of the emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico and pristine white-sand dunes. The stylish 170-room resort hotel will offer 40,000 square feet of meeting and event space, which will include a luxurious 5,221-square-foot Grand Ballroom, 1,000square-foot Hospitality Suite, and a private dining room exclusively for group functions. The nearly 30,000 square feet of outdoor options will include lovely beachfront lawns, pool decks, a gorgeous grand lawn, and private beach events. Also of great appeal is that The Henderson is adjacent to the 208-acre, environmentally protected Henderson Beach Nature Preserve. Northwest Florida Regional Airport near Fort Walton Beach is just 30 minutes away.

ALHI Member hotels and resorts that have expanded, or soon will expand, their meeting space and/or accommodations, include:

• Montage Palmetto Bluff (Bluffton, South Carolina), which recently opened 76 new guest rooms as part of an impressive $100 million expansion, and this fall will unveil a new main resort building featuring 74 additional guest rooms, as well as new indoor and outdoor event spaces. Upon completion, the resort will offer 16,000 square feet of meeting space, and 230

guest rooms, suites, cottages and village homes.

• Mohegan Sun (Uncasville, Connecticut), which will complete its new Earth Tower with 400 new guest rooms, meeting space, an indoor pool and fitness center this fall.

• Loews Royal Pacific at Universal Orlando® (Orlando, Florida), which recently expanded its meeting space from 85,000 square feet to 132,000 square feet.

• Ocean Reef Club (Key Largo, Florida), which opened the new Carysfort Hall, which features a new 5,688-square-foot ballroom, 5 additional meeting rooms, and covered patios along the marina to take advantage of the great Key Largo weather. • Fairmont Scottsdale Princess (Scottsdale, Arizona), which just completed the addition of 102 rooms for a total of 750 guest rooms, and features a new pool, a new Great Lawn outdoor event venue, and a new well & being program.

• Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino (Las Vegas, Nevada), which completed an impressive expansion of its Convention Center. The $70 million expansion included 350,000 square feet of new exhibit space, and the new 70,000-square-foot Oceanside Ballroom. The Mandalay Bay Convention Center now boasts more than 2 million total square feet and over 900,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space.

In addition to these expansions, many of ALHI’s other Member hotels and resorts have recently completed impressive renovations and enhancements to their properties. In total, ALHI’s Member hotels and resorts have recently completed, or will soon complete, more than $2 Billion in renovations and enhancements.

www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 9

industrybriefs

art fitness center, and complimentary Wi-Fi in guest rooms and public areas. The resort will beautifully complement its adjacent and recently renovated sister resort, Loews Royal Pacific at Universal Orlando®. When combined these properties will offer 2,000 guest rooms and 247,000 square feet of meeting space.

TEXAS MEETINGS

Flavoring meetings with tasty breaks and engaging activities

“Infusion” isn’t just a hot word on the culinary scene—it’s also a great way to create meeting breaks and activities that keep attendees engaged and entertained. By following the successful meeting recipes created by Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa, you can infuse your meetings with creative culinary activities, adding new flavor and fun to your next meeting.

Texas’ first destination resort has a unique perspective on today’s meetings landscape, one gleaned from 23 years of customizing every aspect of meetings and events to help make every meeting shine. Offering an authentic Texas experience— paired with true Texas hospitality—has made the resort a popular meeting destination since it first threw open the doors. With 500 guest rooms and more than 100,000 square feet of indoor and unique outdoor function space, the resort is the perfect retreat for any meeting. The resort’s successful history of hosting a wide array of meetings and events was recently on display during the Hyatt Convention Alliance, an educational customer event hosted at the resort. During the event, Chef Dave Barrett, Executive Chef of Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa, addressed attendees to share culinary insights, trends and creative angles making a splash with meetings and groups. Hyatt Convention Alliance is a group of large convention hotels and customers that typically book them. “Foodism—enthusiasm for and interest in the preparation and consumption of good food—has changed people’s expectations and activities. They want good food and knowledge. They want to know more about what they’re eating, where it came from, how it fits with local culture,” explains Chef Barrett. “We don’t want event attendees to feel that they’re getting just another meal—we want them to feel like they’ve had a Texas experience: local products, produce, cheeses and knowledge. By creating the environment, breaks and activities, we add culinary components to meetings that educate, entertain and feed attendees all at the same time.” Barrett’s 31-year tenure with Hyatt has given him a front row seat for the evolution of how food and beverage options impact meeting planning—and exactly what culinary can bring to the table to help take a meeting to the next level. Executive Chef at Hyatt Regency Hill 10 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel

Country Resort and Spa since late 2014, Barrett personally meets with planners to learn more about their attendees, what they have in mind and what can be crafted to fully integrate food and beverage into the meeting experience. “It’s not just breakfast buffets, pre-set lunches and breaks with cookies and coffee anymore. And let’s not even discuss ‘rubber chicken’. That view of hotel food is long-gone, especially at a property like ours,” says Barrett. Barrett has crafted unique options for both meeting breaks and meals. For instance, “Lunch with a Chef” puts attendees to work making their own lunches. Attendees are broken into teams and paired with a chef to learn while they compete to create their own meals, given everyone the opportunity to interact, learn and have a good time instead of just sitting down and perhaps not engaging with fellow attendees. For one dinner during the Hyatt Convention Alliance meeting, the culinary team crafted a progressive meal with food stations. As each course was served, the chef at that station was spotlighted to give attendees an overview of the course’s ingredients and preparation, walking through the dish, how it was sourced and how it was prepared. Each of the meal’s components was highlighted, giving attendees a mini-class as they enjoyed their meal.

Tasty Entertainment and Team Building

Giving attendees a hands-on experience keeps them engaged and creates team-building or icebreaker opportunities. The resort pairs a “How to Make a Margarita” class with a salsa competition, giving attendees a background on tequila and the classic margarita, along with all of the varieties that can be crafted with different purees, tequila-infused fruits and more. Another event that serves as a great break or entertainment option is the resort’s “Moonshine Station”. Offering a fun twist on today’s cocktail obsession, the Moonshine station lets attendees make their own moonshine, no copper still required. Starting with basic moonshine, attendees can choose different elements to personalize their moonshine, adding sweet tea, citrus, different fruits and flavorings before sealing the jar. Staying with the cocktail theme, Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa also offers a team building “Jungle Juice” competition. An “Iron Chef”-style competition, attendees are placed into teams to create what they think will be a winning batch of Jungle Juice, the ultimate party drink that calls to mind wild parties and odd mixes and color combinations for some people. The resort has also coordinated grape-stomping for some meeting clients—highlighting a local winery, with a vintner who educates attendees about wine and wine making. They’ve also worked with local distilleries to host sessions on whiskey pairings and cooking with spirits, featuring someone from the distillery to walk people through the process and Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa’s talented culinary team creating the pairings to

educate and entertain meeting attendees.

Keeping an Eye on Wellness

Another angle that Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa uses for meeting breaks: keeping its break refreshments light and incorporating activity like yoga, putting or mini-golf to give attendees a chance to pause and reset before continuing with their sessions. “We’ve also created breaks with a fitness focus, or that fit a meeting theme, such as a farmer’s market featuring local purveyors for an agricultural group, but it doesn’t have to be themed. It’s more about keeping attendees engaged and entertained, giving them something unexpected to enjoy,” explains Jeff Donahoe, Director of Sales and Marketing at Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa. “We also look to incorporate high energy foods, natural juicing stations and house-made energy bars with things like sunflower seeds, flax and blueberries, and infused waters are a regular feature. We want people to have choices and have fun. We’ve even had people make their own granola at a granola bar during an afternoon break,” says Barrett. Healthier menu options continue to grow in popularity. “Food is an area where we’ve really listened to our customers. Meeting attendees want fresh ingredients; smaller portions; whole grains; products free from hormones, antibiotics and preservatives; and more fruits and vegetables, but they still want to indulge, so it’s about finding the right balance,” says Donahoe. And planners never have to worry about accommodating dietary restrictions or preferences: the resort thinks through all of that and is prepared to immediately address a need, even if it seems like a last minute request. So whether its margaritas, moonshine, Jungle Juice or killer salsa, let Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa add flavor and fun to your next meeting. Call (210) 520-4030 or email SANHC-RFP@hyatt.com to book today. www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 11

Delta Air Lines Contributes $150,000 To Support Latino Higher Education A S S O C I A T I O N S Across The U.S. American higher education, has announced that its partner Delta Air Lines is contributing $150,000 towards scholarships for the organization.

The contribution will be used to provide financial assistance to Hispanic students enrolled in accredited not-for-profit colleges, or universities, during the 20162017 academic year, with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) majors. The scholarships will help students cover costs, such as tuition, books, supplies, and other essentials for the academic year. “At the heart of Delta's culture is an important core value: Servant Leadership. By fostering the development of future generations of Hispanic professionals through the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, we share this value and hope to inspire future generations to be servant leaders in their community,” said Nicolas Ferri, Delta's vice president for Latin America and the Caribbean. “Our commitment to provide $150,000 for scholarships this year will make a significant impact in the lives of many students and hopefully some day they will pay it forward by helping someone else to achieve the dream to graduate from college.” This donation continues a partnership between Delta Air Lines and helps HSF ensure that exceptional Latino students across the country receive the support needed to complete a higher education and become leaders in their professions and communities. “We are pleased to continue our partnership with Delta,” said Fidel A. Vargas, President & CEO, Hispanic Scholarship Fund. “This contribution demonstrates 12 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel

that the company is more committed than ever to advancing higher education for the Hispanic community, paying it forward, by investing in outstanding students, and encouraging Latino students to pursue professions in STEM fields.” About the Hispanic Scholarship Fund Founded in 1975, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund empowers Latino families with the knowledge and resources to successfully complete a higher education, while providing scholarships and support services to as many exceptional Hispanic American students as possible. HSF strives to make college education a top priority for every Latino family across the nation, mobilizing our community to proactively advance that goal – each individual, over a lifetime, in every way he/she can. HSF seeks to give its Scholars all the tools they need to do well in their course work, graduate, enter a profession, excel, help lead our nation going forward, and mentor the generations to come. As the nation's largest not-forprofit organization supporting Hispanic American higher education, the Fund

has awarded over $470 million in scholarships and provides a range of ancillary programs for students, HSF Scholars, Alumni, and parents. For more information about the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, please visit: HSF.net. About Delta Air Lines Delta Air Lines is working to be the best U.S. airline in Latin America and the Caribbean. It has been honored with five World Travel Awards in 2015 in the categories of North America's Leading Airline and United States' Leading Airline to the Caribbean, to Central America, to South America and to Mexico. Delta provides service to 32 countries and 57 destinations in the region, offering over 1,800 weekly flights between the U.S. and Latin America/the Caribbean. Additional information is available at delta.com.

GOLF MEETINGS

Naples Grande Golf Club unveils $8 million transformation

outhwest Florida’s independent, luxury property, Naples Grande Beach Resort, has announced the completion of an $8 million project to its golf club, the Naples Grande Golf Club. The grand makeover includes a brand new clubhouse, which is the first formal building of its kind for the club, as well as a complete regrass of the golf course with celebration Bermuda grass and leveling and expanding tees. Bridging the gap between modern and traditional design, the new clubhouse offers a grill and bar area, men’s and women’s locker rooms, meeting space, retail space, as well as more functional outdoor space, sight lines, and more.

Highly-acclaimed and designed by Rees Jones, the 18-hole, 6,955-yard, par 72 course is located just minutes from Naples Grande Beach Resort and is set among a lush landscape of native Florida pine hammocks, live oak, grand cypress trees, and brilliant water.

“For ownership to reinvest into the golf club is paramount to our success in member retention & enjoyment,” said Michael Brooks, General Manager, Naples Grande Golf Club. He continued, “The addition of our new clubhouse is key to our ongoing success as it provides members and resort guests with a world-class experience.”

Naples Grande Golf Club’s membership program is called the Premier Club of Naples, designed to offer members and their families world-class golf as well as recreational activities. Members have access to Naples Grande Beach Resort’s three signature pools, sugar sand beach, fitness center, as well as exclusive access to the resort’s tennis courts and four restaurants. Surrounded by captivating views, the wall of folding glass doors in the grill and bar makes a statement and infuses the room with fresh air, natural light and breathtaking sight lines of the lake. Adding to the openness of the space, high ceilings are accented by large coffers and stained-wood ceiling beams. There are several stained-wood dining tables of varying sizes that further add to the flexibility and possibilities of the room. The custom, 20’ long bar is another great gathering spot. It features a beautiful blue pearl granite top and stained-wood panels on the front with linear glass mosaic tile. Overall, the grill and bar can seat 110 patrons. An extension of the grill, the outdoor patio can seat an additional 48 guests and offers relaxing and comfortable options as it overlooks the lake. Chef Chris Capron oversees the food and beverage program for the venue.

From the meeting spaces to the men’s and women’s locker rooms and lounges, these recreational areas were created to exude functionality, but with a modern and stylish atmosphere. Guests utilizing the meeting rooms have the ability to transform the space with ease, whether they are conducting a business meeting, luncheon or private event, the flexibility of the furnishings help with easy transition from one event to the next. The Pro Shop is another room that brings the outdoors in with large windows overlooking the golf course. An architectural feature of note is the raised ceiling vault with wood beams and a pendant light. Lounge seating is provided in front of the 55” flat screen TV. Carpet, granite, and chair fabric were kept neutral to emphasize the merchandise. The stained-wood transaction counter has a granite top, raised front panel design, sleeves for golf balls, and glove display behind the counter.

www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 13

EAST COAST MEETINGS

baltimore Comes highly recommended hen Fodor's selected Baltimore as one of the top 15 waterfront cities in the world, National Geographic Traveler called Baltimore one of the 10 most underrated cities in America, and Zagat ranked it the number two restaurant city in America in 2015, people noticed. But meeting professionals who have held an event in Baltimore recently weren't surprised a bit. They already know that Baltimore's "convention campus" embraces the world-famous Inner Harbor, which is surrounded by first-class hotels, highly rated restaurants, exciting attractions and museums, and a variety of shopping options. What led such influential publishers to tout Baltimore? It's all about the experience.

Baltimore's location on the East Coast provides for easy accessibility whether arriving by car, train or air into Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, located just 15 minutes from downtown. The city's combination of convenience, service and ability to deliver a strong ROI for meetings and conventions is an advantage to meeting in Baltimore. Baltimore takes pride in cultivating its Hispanic community. Between 2000 and 2010, the city’s Hispanic/Latino population grew dramatically by 134.7 percent, and almost 2 million Hispanic people live within a three-hour drive of Baltimore. The culture has been celebrated annually for 35 years in Baltimore’s Patterson Park at the Latino Festival with music, dancing and food. Baltimore offers dozens of facilities – from casual or elegant to hip or exquisitely traditional. The Baltimore Convention Center (BCC) can accommodate up to 75 percent of today's meetings and conventions with 300,000 square feet of exhibit space, 50 flexible meeting rooms and a 36,672-square-foot ballroom. The center has invested in numerous recent upgrades, including an outdoor terrace that can be utilized for events or relaxation, new audio systems, Wi-Fi, and enhanced culinary offerings. The BCC is also committed to building and implementing an innova14 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel

tive environmental management system that sustains the needs of daily operations and serves to educate and benefit staff, industry partners and clientele on the importance of reducing its carbon footprint. It is the first convention center in the country to operate SOMAT, a two-part waste reduction system that reduces solid waste up to 90 percent, and produces a useable soil product. Visit Baltimore, the city's convention and visitor's bureau, is a true partner working in collaboration with the convention center, hotels and the entire hospitality community, giving meeting professionals more time to focus on their programs. Visit Baltimore can make connections to leaders in key industries, from education and medical tech to life sciences, higher education and cybersecurity. Accessibility, walkability and affordability are just part of the value equation. Baltimore is also a destination dedicated to preserving its cultural legacies while continuing to grow the tourism industry to reflect the city's rich history and strong cultural roots. Heritage and culture are laced throughout the fabric of the city – from unique museums, attractions, restaurants, music venues and theaters to inspiring tours, heritage sites and historic religious venues. Visitors to Baltimore can see, taste and feel the uniqueness of the city's diverse culture, from an array of restaurants to shopping, nightlife, art, history and culture. To learn more, visit www.baltimore.org.

EAST COAST MEETINGS

NeW IN NOrFOLK What’s hot in 2016 & beyond for one of america’s most Creative Coastal Cities

Change is in the air in Norfolk (visitnorfolktoday.com), one of America’s most distinctive coastal cities. Visitors in 2016 and beyond can plan to experience a host of new attractions, activities and hot experiences while still enjoying the iconic elements that make it the dynamic heart of Southeastern Virginia. From a groundbreaking display of Asian art to emerging neighborhoods, a new hotel and waterfront makeover, following is a snapshot of What’s New in Norfolk for 2016 and beyond:

The NEON District

Home to a new wave of passion and creativity in downtown Norfolk, The NEON District (an acronym for the New Energy of Norfolk) has become home to many of the city’s unique artists and artisans since its inception in 2015. The NEON District recently saw the opening of the D’art Center, designed to promote awareness and appreciation of the visual arts, and is planning on welcoming several new entities in 2016. The NEON District is anchored by The Chrysler Museum of Art & Glass Studio, one of America’s most distinguished mid-sized art museums, which showcases one of the largest glass collections in the United States. 16 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel

The New Waterside District

Opening Spring 2017 Norfolk’s waterfront is getting a makeover in 2016, as workers have already broke ground on a new family friendly dining, retail and entertainment district. Set to open in Spring 2017, the new Waterside District will play host to new entertainment venues, including a live performance stage, craft brewery, rooftop deck and more. The new marketplace, the anchor venue of the district, will include a myriad of magnificent dining and entertainment options.

The New Hilton Norfolk

Opening March 2017 Slated for completion in early 2017, The Norfolk Hilton will feature three full-service restaurants (including the city’s first rooftop garden and lounge) as well as 42,000 square feet of meeting space. Rooms and suites will include views of the Elizabeth River as well as downtown Norfolk. Located at the corner of Main and Granby streets, the hotel will be within walking distance of the city’s hot downtown dining scene, fun attractions for all ages and Norfolk’s waterfront.

Fun Free things to do in Norfolk Sometimes you just want to have a little fun without spending a lot of money. Norfolk has plenty of ways to have a great time for less than a dime. Here are a few great ideas:

The MacArthur Memorial: The MacArthur Memorial is dedicated to the life and legacy of General of the Army Douglas MacArthur. The Memorial also pays tribute to the millions of Americans who served during the Civil War, World War I, World War II and the Korean War. The threebuilding complex on a tree-lined square consists of a museum (formerly the Norfolk City Hall and Courthouse), a research center and a visitor center with exhibits and special presentations. The Chrysler Museum of Art: Considered one of Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most distinguished mid-sized art museums, The Chrysler Museum of Art features a nationally recognized collection of more than 30,000 objects, including one of the great glass collections in America. In addition to growing collections, especially of American art, contemporary glass, and 21st-century works, The Chrysler mounts an ambitious schedule of visiting exhibitions and educational programs and events each season.

The Hampton Roads Naval Museum: Presenting more than two centuries of naval activity in and around the great harbors of the region, The Hampton Roads Naval Museum is one of ten officially operated by U.S. Navy Museums and the Naval History and Heritage Command. Located inside the Nauticus building on the Norfolk waterfront, the facility showcases over 50 exhibits including a priceless collection of naval ship models, nineteenth century naval artwork and underwater archaeological finds from the American Civil War. Armed Forces Memorial: Stroll through history at the Armed Forces Memorial. Bronze letters are scattered throughout the park. Each letter is taken from original writings sent home by a solider at war. The Armed Forced Memorial is located on the Norfolk waterfront near Town Point Park and Nauticus. Historic Homes of Norfolk: Two historic homes in Norfolk are open for visitors. Completed in 1794, WilloughbyBaylor House presents a fascinating mix of art and artifacts. The oldest Jewish home in America, the Moses Myers House offers a glimpse of the life of an early 19th century merchant family.

www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 17

EAST COAST MEETINGS

exterior rendering of Le méridien Fort Lauderdale airport (Photo: business Wire)

Le meridien hotels & resorts to debut in Fort Lauderdale Following $30 million renovation Le Méridien Fort Lauderdale Airport will Unlock the City’s Art, Culture & Cuisine Parisian-born Le Méridien hotel brand will open in Dania Beach, Fort Lauderdale, in partnership with owner and prominent U.S. real estate developer Charles S. Cohen. Le Méridien Fort Lauderdale Airport will debut in 2017, following a comprehensive $30 million renovation and conversion of the hotel. This forthcoming opening follows on the heels of tremendous brand growth in North America over the last 18 months in Charlotte, Chicago, Columbus, New Orleans, Tampa and Indianapolis.

“We are delighted to partner with Starwood Hotels & Resorts to introduce Le Méridien in Fort Lauderdale, following the top-to-bottom transformation and repositioning of this ideally located hotel,” stated Charles S. Cohen, President and CEO of New York-based Cohen Brothers Realty Corporation. “Le Méridien Fort Lauderdale Airport will help to meet rising demand for high-quality lodging within close proximity of the airport, Broward County Convention Center and the downtown business district and will also serve the growing need for meeting rooms and event facilities for tenants of our corporate center.”

Le Méridien Fort Lauderdale Airport will feature 245 contemporary guestrooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and stunning views, as well as two redesigned restaurants – one with a mid-century modern, open kitchen concept – and the brand’s signature Latitude Bar. The hotel will also introduce Le Méridien Hub, which reinterprets the traditional 18 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel

hotel lobby into a social gathering place and builds on the brand’s award-winning arrival experience and coffee culture.

“Le Méridien Fort Lauderdale Airport will be the brand’s second hotel in Florida, joining its growing North America portfolio,” said Allison Reid, Senior Vice President of North America Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

Le Méridien Fort Lauderdale Airport will also offer an expanded fitness centre, a renovated outdoor pool and 20,000 square feet of state-of-the-art flexible meeting space in a prime location. The dramatic hotel transformation is being carried out by an outstanding team of design and construction specialists, including Nichols Brosch Wurst Wolfe & Associates and Daniels Brothers Inc., in addition to Dash Design, for interior design; Nievera Williams Design for landscape design; and Tex Lighting for lighting design. Ideally located just minutes from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Fort Lauderdale Everglades Cruise Port, the hotel also neighbors several beaches, downtown Fort Lauderdale, and the world-famous restaurants, night clubs and boutiques of nearby Miami Beach. Le Méridien Fort Lauderdale Airport will be part of Cohen’s distinctive Design Center of the Americas (DCOTA) campus, a 40-acre, three-building Class A design and office center in Dania Beach. Guests will enjoy convenient access to Broward Center for the Performing Arts, NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale and BB&T Center. For more information, visit LeMéridien.com.

Sawgrass Country Club Completes major Golf Course renovation

Sawgrass Country Club has completed a multi-million dollar renovation of its 27 holes of championship golf. The 27 hole golf course was renovated as part of the club's Master Golf Course Plan to refurbish the golf course infrastructure. All the fairways, tees and bunkers were included in the project.

“This commitment to our Master Golf Course Plan demonstrates our commitment to providing an exceptional golf course that is considered amongst the best in the nation,” said Barry McDonald, Sawgrass Country Club general manager. “We want Sawgrass Country Club to continue to be the first choice for those seeking a high value private club experience.”

Sawgrass Country Club formerly hosted The Players Championship tournament from 1977 to 1981 prior to the tournament moving to its present location. The course has consistently been ranked by Golf Digest as one of the top 100 golf courses. Sawgrass Country Club partnered with golf course architect, Robert Walker to complete the design and manage the East and West course project. Walker has vast experience in course design and project management. He was also a protégé of Ed Seay, the original course architect from Arnold Palmer Design Company during the construction of the club's original East / West layout. MacCurrach Golf Construction completed the construction work on the entire 27 hole project.

About Sawgrass Country Club: Sawgrass Country Club is a premier private, member-owned country club located in Northeast Coastal Florida. Sawgrass Country Club features all the benefits of a multi-star, oceanfront resort within a private club setting. Amenities include 27 holes of championship golf, world-class racquet club with 13 Har -Tru courts and a covered pavilion; 6,800 square foot Fitness Center with heated pool; and a pristine beach fronting the 24,000 square foot beach club featuring two pools, three bars and restaurants, a walk up snack bar and multiple outdoor dining decks all with oceanfront views.

www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 19

EAST COAST MEETINGS

Philadelphia: Greenest City in america hen founder William Penn first drew up the plans for Philadelphia, he envisioned a “Greene Country Towne,” with five squares anchoring the city’s neighborhoods. His legacy is still visible today as visitors stroll through Washington Square, have a picnic at Rittenhouse Square or enjoy Philadelphia’s many other pocket parks and urban oases. In fact, with the largest cityowned urban park system in the world, Philadelphia is the greenest city in America. Philadelphia’s Top Parks: Fairmount Park Fairmount Park is one of the nation’s largest urban green spaces—it’s a 10,000 acre park system made up of 63 individual parks that host 200 historic buildings. Fairmount Park also presents more public art than any other city. With stunning trails along the Schuylkill River and Boathouse Row, as well as an abundance of gardens (such as the Azalea Garden), it’s a side of Philadelphia every visitor should enjoy. Rittenhouse Square A lovely gem in the heart of Philadelphia, Rittenhouse Square is a prime spot for relaxing and people-watching – and the perfect place for a picnic when the weather’s nice. Rittenhouse Row, one of Philadelphia’s premier shopping districts, is located just steps away along Walnut Street.

Washington Square Just steps from Independence Hall, get away from the hustle and bustle in relaxed Washington Square. Visit the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier, which was erected in 1954 in honor of the many Colonial soldiers buried there. Washington Square is also home to one of Stuart Roosa's Moon trees, planted from seeds he brought to the moon on the Apollo XIV mission. It is a sycamore tree that was planted to mark America's bicentennial.

Franklin Square Another one of Penn’s original five squares, today Franklin Square is home to family entertainment – take a ride on the Philadelphia Park Liberty Carousel, putt around the city on the area’s most unique attraction, a Philadelphia-themed miniature golf course, or let the kids play at two state-of-the-art playgrounds!

Dilworth Park Also an original Penn square, Dilworth Park is located in the shadow of City Hall, and recently underwent extensive renovations, including the addition of a beautiful water feature – perfect for kids who need a place to cool off. 20 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel

To learn more about Philadelphia’s parks and outdoor activities for visitors, visit discoverPHL.com/visit/outdoors.

“Green team” launched at Pennsylvania Convention Center

The Pennsylvania Convention Center (PCC) has launched a “Green Team” to complement its existing core of sustainability programs that have already resulted in greater energy efficiency and savings for the leading event and meeting venue in Southeastern Pennsylvania. In recent years, the Center has increased its sustainability efforts through a multi-pronged plan that has included:

• The replacement of 765 LED lighting fixtures in the Center’s 82 meeting rooms with contracted electricians from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 98. • The team added 214 LED fixtures in the 12th Street underpass between Arch and Race Streets in Philadelphia. • The installation of a white roof membrane over five exhibit halls with a highly efficient Solar Reflectance Index, which is a measure of the surface’s ability to stay cool in the sun by reflecting solar radiation and emitting thermal radiation.

• The use of engineering energy management for heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems to enhance efficiency. • Single-stream recycling, composting, lamp and metal recycling, as well as collecting cooking oil, show pallets, and materials that are repurposed rather than sent to landfills • Conservation efforts that focus on the use of safe-cleaning restroom products and low-flow faucets. • Separate recycling and landfill trash containers placed throughout the facility in public concourses and rooms with larger compactors in designated areas for staff use behind the scenes.

“We are all working to ensure that the Pennsylvania Convention Center is known as a green meeting space,” said PCC General Manager Lorenz Hassenstein. “We know that our customers appreciate our strong commitment to being eco-friendly.” For more information on the Pennsylvania Convention Center, visit PAconvention.com.

Exhibitor’s Corner hyatt regency Chicago unveils 240,000 square feet of New Flexible meeting & event Space

Largest Hyatt-branded hotel adds modern meeting spaces to provide guests & planners with more options yatt Regency Chicago, the world’s largest Hyatt branded hotel, today announces the open-

ing of new meeting and event spaces fur-

ther expanding its vast meeting and event space to 240,000 square feet of flexible space. The 22 new, modern meeting spaces and boardrooms offer a variety of options for today’s meeting planners and accom-

modates groups from 8-250 people.

The East Tower of the hotel now boasts an additional 10,297 square feet of meeting space. The new meeting spaces and board-

rooms are ideal for smaller meetings and breakout sessions. The spaces feature com-

mon lounge areas including a wet bar and communal table, which offer a contempo-

rary and energetic environment for lively pre or post meeting discussion.

The West Tower of the hotel has added

1,608 square feet of meeting and event space. The new multi-use space features

boardrooms that boast natural light with

windows overlooking Upper Wacker Drive and the Chicago River, as well as The Gallery featuring communal work sta-

tions and lounge seating. The area also fea-

tures The Living Room, a new restaurant lounge with a full bar and a small plates menu. This multi-use space is ideal for groups, networking between meeting sessions, and enjoying a cocktail with colleagues. The Living Room provides guests a welcoming atmosphere in which to enjoy a few cocktails and small plates between or after meetings.

Hyatt Regency Chicago’s contemporary event space can be customized for the smallest to the largest groups. The Grand Ballroom, Crystal Ballroom, Regency Ballroom, and Plaza Ballroom complement 71 meeting rooms and the 70,000 square foot Riverside Exhibit Hall. An Event Concierge provides assistance from start to finish ensuring all events run seamlessly. Through Meetings On Demand, meeting planners can easily coordinate meetings at Hyatt Regency Chicago with a new tool that makes booking a meeting or event easier than ever. Everything can be booked and confirmed in minutes; meeting room availability and pricing can be seen in realtime availability; meeting requirements

including food and beverage, and AV equipment needs can be submitted; and guestrooms can be reserved for all atten-

dees.

For more information, or to plan your next

meeting at Hyatt Regency Chicago, call

(312) 239.4491 or book online.

-----------------------------

Hyatt Regency Chicago, the largest Hyatt

property in the world, features 2,019 guest rooms, 228,000 square feet of meeting and

event space and four restaurants and

lounges. The hotel is located at 151 East Wacker

Drive

the

heart

downtown. Hyatt Regency Chicago bor-

ders the Magnificent Mile and is only blocks away from Chicago’s premier the-

atre, cultural, shopping and dining districts.

For reservations and more info, visit

www.chicagoregency.hyatt.com,

Face-

book.com/HyattRegencyChicago or on Twitter@hyattchicago.

22 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel

Eco-Tourism

Costa rica’s plan to build major new airport in Orotina advances osta Rica’s emerging plan to build a major new international airport in Orotina, an hour west of the capital, took a major step forward with the signing of a $1.5 million contract with a British firm to conduct feasibility studies. President Luis Guillermo Solís signed the contract, granted in a public bid, with British engineering company Mott MacDonald to conduct technical and financial studies on the new airport.

The studies should be completed within a year, though the airport is not expected to open until after 2025. It would be capable of receiving wide-body airplanes like the Boeing 777 and Airbus 340. Under the contract the company will have 12 months to assess all variables involved including financial, social, meteorological and environmental requirements of the project.

The company will deliver a basic design recommendation for the

new terminal, the exact area for its location, estimated costs and

the financing model for the project. The contract for the final

design, as well as the construction of the terminal, will be granted through a separate public bid.

rainforest adventures offers tranquil day trip from San José ometimes the postcard scenery you see on advertisements does come to life in Costa Rica. Once you get past the traffic and pollution so prevalent in San José, places as tranquil and beautiful as the Braulio Carrillo area are not too far away. Just an hour’s drive from the capital, Rainforest Adventures, located off Route 32, offers a great day trip for those wanting to hike, zipline, or just glide through the forest in an aerial tram.

Rainforest Adventures’ tram line, which was the first of its kind ever built inside a tropical rain forest, extends 2.6 kilometers along a track that holds 24 gondolas. Donald Perry, the man who invented the canopy zipline, was also responsible for thinking up the Rainforest Adventures’ aerial tram, built in 1994. The hour-and-a-half tour takes riders from the forest floor, where there’s the possibility of close-ups with wildlife and tropical plants, to

the tops of the canopy, where amazing views of the rain forest await.

For its part, Rainforest Adventures tries to help conservation

efforts through education. The company brings in nearly 5,000 students per year from all over Costa Rica for a reduced cost to the schools as part of its Youth Leadership Program for Sustain-

able Development. The idea of the program is to give local stu-

dents a hands-on look at this important and vibrant ecosystem so close to the Central Valley.

www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 23

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. Certi-

fied 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.

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

Qualena OdomRoyes, MBA, CSEP, CMP, CDMP Principal Event Planner Event Essentials

Terry Singleton, CSEP, CDMP President CCP Events CDMP USA Trainer