Hispanic Meeting Professionals Coming Events May 4-7, 2006 - The International Association of Hispanic Meeting Professionals (IAHMP) and Hispanic Meetings & Travel host 1st Annual Hispanic Heritage Tour to Puebla, Mexico during Cinco de Mayo. Visit the historic city of Puebla where the battle against the French took place in 1862. See www.IAHMP.org and www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com for registration and trip itinerary. June 30 to July 4, 2006 - The International Association of Hispanic Meeting Professionals (IAHMP) and Hispanic Meetings & Travel host 1st Annual Hispanic Heritage Tour to Albuquerque and Santa Fe New Mexico. Visit historic Santa Fe one of the oldest Spanish settlements in the Southwest and Albuquerque, New Mexico "The Land of Enchantment." See www.IAHMP.org and www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com for registration and trip itinerary. August 12-14, 2006 - CAMP DIVERSITY The International Association of Hispanic Meeting Professionals (IAHMP), Connected International Meeting Professionals Association (CIMPA) and Asian Leaders Association (ALA) host CAMP DIVERSITY in northern Virginia on the camp grounds of the James River, with over 125 acres of woodlands, the area is a short drive from Williamsburg, Jamestown, Potomac Mills and the nation's capital, Washington, DC. Contact www.IAHMP.org for registration and trip itinerary. September 14-17, 2006 - The International Association of Hispanic Meeting Professionals (IAHMP) and Hispanic Meetings & Travel host the 1st Annual Hispanic Heritage Tour to Mexico City on Diez y Seis de Septiembre to Celebrate Mexico's Independence Day in the Distrito Federal, Mexico City and experience this historic event in one of the great capitals of the world. See www.IAHMP.org and www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com for registration and trip itinerary. December 7-10, 2006 IAHMP 11TH ANNUAL EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE & TRADE EXPO Atlanta Marriott Marquis, Atlanta Georgia Presented by, The International Association of Hispanic Meeting Professionals, Hispanic Meetings & Travel, GVR Public Relations Agency, Inc., Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, Atlanta Marriott Marquis and Delta Airlines. Visit www.IAHMP.org for conference registration, sponsor and speaker opportunities. You may also call IAHMP at 281-333-1552.
The International Association of Hispanic Meeting Professionals is the only organization whose entire focus is the Hispanic Meetings & Conventions Market! When you become an IAHMP member you gain a greater awareness of this emerging and dynamic market. Did you know that Hispanics are the youngest and fastest growing population in the United States? Did you know that Hispanics are the new “Majority Minority”? Did you know that Hispanics embody the word ‘Diversity’? Some Hispanics can trace their heritage to Spain, Mexico, Central and South American nations and the islands of Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. In IAHMP you get the opportunity to get to know them! When you become an IAHMP member you gain insight on the Meetings & Hospitality Industry and the economic value of the Hispanic Market. Since its inception IAHMP has crossed our borders to hold meetings in Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Portugal and Spain to help us establish a network with Hispanic Meeting professionals in those countries. No other U.S. meetings group has the cultural and language skills to understand and value the Hispanic Meetings Market, not only for its market value, but to also help advance Hispanics in the industry. When you join IAHMP you join an organization you can be proud of. Membership in IAHMP is open to anyone who wants to learn about the Hispanic Meetings Market or wants to do business within this market. You do not need to be Hispanic to join! You do not need to speak Spanish to be a member. Join IAHMP and be part of this dynamic and unique group. To join IAHMP today call 281-333-1552 or you can join online at www.IAHMP.org
Join us in Atlanta! 11th Annual Educational Conference & Trade Expo December 7-10, 2006
ATLANTA MARRIOTT MARQUIS Atlanta, Georgia The International Association of Hispanic Meeting Professionals in cooperation with Atlanta CVB and Atlanta Marriott Marquis is proud to present the 1 1 t h Annual IAHMP Educational Conference & Trade Expo December 7-10, 2006. Visit WWW.IAHMP.org for conference registration, sponsor and speaker opportunities. You may also call IAHMP at 281-333-1552.
contents MARCH/APRIL/2006 | VOL/8 | NO/2
Cover Story SPECIAL REPORT ON HISPANIC ASSOCIATIONS | 12 With reports from the Travel Industry Association of America showing that minority meetings generate over $90 billion dollars each year to the travel and tourism industry, it’s no wonder why the Hospitality industry is adamantly seeking more information on Hispanic meetings, conventions and special events. In this report Hispanic Meetings & Travel magazine has selected eight organizations to highlight in this year’s Hispanic Association update.
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FEATURES CVB’S WEST | 24 We are all pioneers...pathfinders on the trails of old and new frontiers in search of the perfect meetings destination. Hispanic Meetings & Travel has selected three Convention and Visitors Bureaus in the West that has inspired our editors with the beauty of their destination as well as providing unwavering service to meeting and event planners. In CVB’s West we present San Jose, California; Albuquerque, New Mexico “The Land of Enchantment” and Greater Phoenix in “The Valley of the Sun.”
SUN FILLED DESTINATIONS | 34 Warm days, long nights, barbeque, and ice-cream cones on the boadwalk. For many of us, sumer is the best season of all, when everything moves outdoors, cities come alive with festivals, beach goers and backyard pools beckon.
THE GREEN AGENDA | 42 The Green Agenda: A Movement Uniting the Hispanic Community. Luis Diaz, president of US Hispanic Advocacy Association presents an overview on the combined purchasing power of the U.S. Hispanic population, which ranks among the world’s largest economies. Did you know that the Hispanic population in the United States is larger than the population of Canada, Spain or Argentina? Read what these numbers represent for Hispanics in the U.S.
DEPARTMENTS EDITORS NOTE | 6 INDUSTRY BRIEFS | 8 CALENDAR OF EVENTS | 47 MEETING PLANNER TIPS | 22 Success Tips - Planning a great meeting helps you develop a range of skills that can help you get noticed and promoted in any organization. If you’re new to meeting planning, here are 25 “in the trenches”tips that will help you bring off meetings your audiences will appreciate!
LAW TALK | 30
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Hyatt Surprise: No Attrition - Hyatt Hotels announces a startling new program: Sign up for multiple meetings to be held between now and 2010, and attrition damages will be waived. For those not concerned with attrition, master account credits as high as $10,000 may be available for your meetings. Read more about Hyatt’s new proposal for the meetings industry.
TRAVEL TIPS | 32 Keeping Women Business Travelers Safe - Women now constitute almost 50 percent of all the business travel in the United States and spend $175 billion on 14 million trips annually. Women also have safety concerns that men don’t. Here is a collection of safety tips for women travelers.
HM&T SPEAKERS BUREAU | 38 Hispanic Meetings & Travel is proud to present The HM&T Speakers Bureau. In each issue of Hispanic Meetings & Travel you can read about talented Hispanic speakers. We work with a broad range of speakers and authors from around the world making us uniquely positioned to give meeting planners direct access to an array of fascinating speakers. From best-selling, brand-name authors and high profile business leaders to investigative reporters, HM&T Speakers Bureau can help you identify the best speaker for your annual conference or any educational program. Our speakers are unique and bring to your audience a talent not found in most other Bureaus. Our speakers are bilingual and bicultural and they can help you understand the changing demographics of our world. Whether it’s in business, government or academia, the HM&T Speakers Bureau can help meet your needs. Call 281-333-1775 to book our speakers.
HM&T COMING EVENTS | 45 Hispanic Meetings & Travel and IAHMP are sponsoring several Hispanic Heritage Tours in 2006. To such locations as Puebla, Mexico during Cinco de Mayo, Albuquerque, New Mexico and Mexico City.
TECHNO SAVVY | 46
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APEX Office Ready takes the hassle out of planning meetings and events. A user friendly toolset containing more than 200 event management and business templates developed through the Convention Industry Council. APEX (Accepted Practices Exchange) is the industry standard. Read how you can increase productivity, promote a professional image, and implement APEX accepted practices. www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 5
: : editor’snote
Muy Caliente!
HispanicMeetingsTravel.com
Second Generation Hispanics: "A Silent Majority" Across the country, a growing Hispanic population is having a profound impact on the economy. According the University of Georgia business school, Hispanics will control $926.1 billion in total disposable income by 2007. The Hispanic market is "hot," which is merely another way of saying that demography is destiny. The desire for entertainment, outdoor activities and exploration of their cultural roots entice Hispanics of all national origins to travel in the U.S. and abroad, in particular their countries of origin throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. However, as second generation Hispanics rise in the ranks of educated professionals and acquire more buying power, they choose to expand their horizons and visit Europe, the Middle East and Asia - and they tend to take their extended families with them. These second generation Latinos understand and in varying degrees speak Spanish, but feel much more comfortable using English as their main language. While leading very American lives, they prize their cultural roots enough to swing effortlessly back and forth between the two worlds. And if asked point blank what their ethnicity is, they are proud to say, "We are Latinos." Ladies and gentlemen, please meet the "silent majority" - millions of stylish Hispanic men and women who mix seamlessly with the rest of the population their age, with no way of telling they come from different cultures. Doctors, lawyers, engineers, advertising executives, Wall Street whiz kids, lobbyists, TV personalities, executive assistants and entrepreneurs of all kinds has seamlessly blended into American culture. Most in this new army of affluent consumers are American born or raised offspring of Venezuelans, Cubans, Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, Mexicans, Colombians, Ecuadorians or Argentines, immigrants who are as much at home in America as they could be in Mexico City, Bogotá, Paris, or London. And they are ready to buy up everything in sight. Following the purchasing patterns of Latinos featured in so many marketing studies, the American Latinos spend as freely as those who don't speak a word of English. The pattern of buying large and throwing caution to the wind remains the same, although their incomes are quite different. Their disposable income is disposed of rapidly and with gusto - with no regrets at all when buying the latest gadgets, the trendiest luxury items, or that staggeringly expensive week long vacation. We are in the presence of a new cultural and sociological phenomenon, one that has quietly grown over the last 10 years. These new consumers might well be called the "silent majority" because they blend so well within the general market that - unless their accents or names give them away - they are not likely to show up in statistics of any kind. The stereotyped image of Latino bears little resemblance to these legions of Hispanics who have created a brand new world of consumerism - and a brand new set of marketing facts and figures. An understanding of the Hispanic market, their family values, what appeals to them and the ever-increasing buying power that they are obtaining can open many doors for travel professionals to tap into this market. However, it is not enough to merely translate your brochure or marketing materials into Spanish. In fact, doing so can actually harm your chances in this market. To market to this group one needs to study them. Understand why Americanized Latinos or Latinas continue to speak the language of their parents, understand the importance of family and tradition and understand how the assimilation of generations into the American milieu differs from those of other ethic groups. Advertising and marketing representatives are therefore advised to start taking this new segment of the Hispanic market into account. Not only is it destined to grow more and more, it will require more intelligent, more precisely directed campaigns to convince these very idiosyncratic consumers to say "Si" as well as "Yes" to what ever tickles their diverse fancy.
Angela Marie Gonzalez de Rowe | Editor 6 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
Publisher GVR Public Relations Agency, Inc.
www.gvr.cc Editor Angela Gonzalez de Rowe Angela.Rowe@hispanicmeetingstravel.com
Managing Editor Margarita G. Rodriguez
Associate Editor Steven Gonzalez
Design & Production Margil Villarreal Design Creative Director - Margil Villarreal Associate Art Director - Iris Villarreal
www.margilvillarreal.com Advertising Steven Gonzalez sgonzalez@hispanicmeetingstravel.com Maria Gonzalez mdgonzalez@hispanicmeetingstravel.com
Contributing Writers: Albuquerque CVB, APEX OfficeReady, Blackstone Group, Carlos Canejo, Dan Coulter, Daytona Beach, Luis J. Diaz, Gaylord Entertainment, , Margaret Gonzalez, Greater Fort Lauderdale, Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility, Hispanic Hotel Owners Association, Rayna Katz, Las Vegas CVA, LULAC, Marriott, National Council of La Raza, The National Society of Hispanic MBA's, New Orleans CVB, Phoenix CVB, San Jose CVB, SHPE, Franco Soldi, Angela Rowe, United Airlines
Photography:
APEX OfficeReady, Carlos Canejo, Denver CVB, Michael Gallegos, Ruben Gonzalez, Victor Gonzalez, GVR Public Relations Agency, Margil Villarreal, Manny Medrano, National Council of La Raza, Milwaukee CVB, Franco Soldi, the Ritz Carlton Washington DC.
Advertising Sales Office 1120 NASA Parkway, Suite 405 Houston, Texas 77058 (281) 333-1881 (281) 333-1552 Fax (281) 333-1996
Web Page www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com Web Master - Margil Villarreal Hispanic Meetings & Travel ISSN # 1527-8387 is owned and published bi-monthly by the GVR Public Relations Agency, Inc. at 1120 NASA Parkway, Suite 405, Houston, Texas 77058. ©1999-2005 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 HOTEL WORKERS RISING: LIFTING ONE ANOTHER ABOVE THE POVERTY LINE On February 15, 2006 UNITE HERE kicked off its Hotel Workers Rising campaign, an effort to empower thousands of hotel workers in hundreds of properties in cities across North America as they work to improve their jobs and secure better lives for themselves and their families. In recent decades, the hotel industry has witnessed the rapid consolidation and expansion of international hotel corporations. The hotel industry used to be dominated by local players and local markets. But today the industry is dominated by multimillion dollar national and international corporations. Hotel companies such as Starwood, Hilton and Marriott are present in most major cities, and employ thousands of workers. These workers-largely minority and immigrant women-work hard to create a welcoming home away from home for business travelers and tourists. But many are suffering seri-
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ous physical injuries from the workloads imposed on them by large multi-national companies like Starwood and Hilton. Severe understaffing coupled with an increase in room amenities like heavier mattresses and linens are hurting these workers. Wages for the same jobs vary wildly from city to city, and workers find themselves fighting to make ends meet and keep important benefits like health care and retirement plans, as well as their right to organize a union. But these workers are fighting back! Hotel workers are uniting across North America to send a message to hotel companies: We are determined to make our jobs safer, middle-class jobs on which we can support our families. Across the United States and Canada, hotel workers will be asking for support from UNITE HERE members, community leaders and allies to help them improve their lives. You can be a part of this movement.
MARRIOTT REBRANDS MEETING PRODUCTION, PLANNING SERVICE Marriott International's service for planners who organize events with complex production requirements, such as satellite broadcasting, has been rebranded to emphasize the division's capacity to stage events globally. The hotel company announced today that EventCom Technologies by Marriott has been renamed Eventcom International by Marriott, with a new tagline, "Single Source Event Solutions." Through its network of locations and resources, primarily Marriott's 2,600 properties in more than 65 countries and territories, Eventcom International can source multi-destination properties for a single meeting, select the best communication technology the link the various sites, and provide full on-site meetings management. Planners can arrange for all the services they need through a single account contact, contract and invoice. The new image and look are being launched on www.eventcominternational.com.
UNITED AIRLINES EXITS BANKRUPTCY United Airlines emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy after a restructuring that shrunk the nation's number two airline by about 20 percent fewer airplanes and 30 percent fewer employees. The airline, which sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Dec. 2002 and hasn't been profitable since 2000, remains in the red. United parent UAL Corp. last week reported a whopping $21-billion loss for 2005, which it attributed mainly to its reorganization. Reported operating losses were $557 million. United's chief executive, Glenn Tilton, said the airline will survive despite last year's loss and a net loss expected this year. "We've put ourselves in a position to be able to compete with the effect of high oil prices in 2006," Tilton said in an interview yesterday with the Associated Press. "I'm confident that the work that we've done will put us in a position to have a competitive result whatever the market environment may be." In its three-year effort to restructure itself, United cut expenses by $7 billion annually and eliminated $13 billion of debt. United now has about 57,000 employees and 460 airplanes. United cut dozens of domestic daily flights but increased more lucrative international flights. The airline operates more than 3,400 flights a day on United, United Express, and Ted to more than 200 domestic and international destinations combined. A federal bankruptcy court judge approved United's reorganization plan on Jan. 20, 2006.
LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSION APPROVED A $738-million expansion of the Las Vegas Convention Center was approved last month by the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority (LVCVA) board of directors. Primary projects include a 100,000-squarefoot general-session space; additional meeting rooms to support the facility's South Hall exhibit space; and a new front lobby connecting the North, Central and South Halls.
Other projects include an enclosed corridor between the convention center and the Las Vegas Monorail station, a police substation, a fire department station, and a customer service support center. Construction is scheduled to begin in late 2006 and be completed by the end of 2010, according to the LVCVA, which operates the center. The LVCVA will fund the expansion through about $680 million dollars in debt and about $57 million from cash reserves. The 3.2-million-square-foot convention center is the country's third largest, behind number-one McCormick Place, in Chicago; and the Orange County Convention Center, in Orlando, Fla.
GAYLORD TO ADD 500 ROOMS TO NEW PROPERTY Gaylord Entertainment plans to add another 500 rooms to its convention property under construction in suburban Washington, D.C. "Given the tremendous customer response we have had to the Gaylord National, we have decided to increase the scope of the project by adding 500 rooms," Gaylord chief executive Colin V. Reed said in the company's fourthquarter earnings report. The hotel will now contain 2,000 guest rooms. The meeting space will remain as previously planned, approximately 400,000 square feet. A 20,000-square-foot spa is also included in the project. Situated along the Potomac River, the Gaylord National is expected to open in 2008.
NEW ORLEANS CONVENTION CENTER PARTIALLY RE-OPENS The Ernest Morial Convention Center was partially re-opened today, nearly five months after it shut down following the ravages of Hurricane Katrina and thousands of desperate people who took shelter in the 3.1-millionsquare-foot building. Three halls, containing a combined 300,000 square feet, were re-opened, more than a month ahead of schedule. Eight more exhibit halls and their associated meeting rooms are
scheduled to re-open in June, according to the Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority. The final hall and complete facility restoration is expected to be completed by November. The first trade show to take place in the reopened center is the Helen Brett Gift & Jewelry Show, at 54 years the longest-running trade show in New Orleans. An estimated 15,000 buyers and 500 exhibitors are expected to attend the four-day show, which begins today. Harrah's New Orleans Casino also reopened. Located near the convention center, the downtown casino was shut down after suffering damage from Hurricane Katrina, which struck the Gulf Coast on Aug. 29. The center's re-opening coincides with Mardi Gras. Parading began Feb. 11, but parades along the traditional parade route through the French Quarter and on Canal Street downtown begin tomorrow. Some twodozen parades are scheduled from tomorrow until Feb. 28, Fat Tuesday. A much smaller Mardi Gras crowd is expected as compared with previous years. Fewer than half the city's 465,000 residents have returned to New Orleans.
BLACKSTONE ACQUIRES MERISTAR HOSPITALITY The Blackstone Group is continuing its hotel buying spree, today announcing that it has agreed to acquire MeriStar Hospitality for $2.6 billion. MeriStar, of Bethesda, Md., owns 57 upscale, full-service hotels in 19 states under the Hilton, Sheraton, Ritz-Carlton, and Westin brands. Earlier this month, Blackstone announced it would buy nine Florida hotels and a golf-tennis club from MeriStar for $367 million. The MeriStar purchase is the latest in Blackstone's a string of hotel acquisitions over the past several months. Last year, Blackstone acquired La Quinta Corp. for $2.28 billion, Wyndham International Inc. for $1.44 billion, and the Rihga Royal Hotel in New York for an undisclosed amount. The private equity firm turned its Wyndham properties into the LXR luxury chain. This latest deal is expected to close in the second quarter. www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 9
: : industrybriefs
IAHMP Advances Its Diversity Networking Program and CDMP Certification Plans he International Association of Hispanic Meeting Professionals (IAHMP) is the first Latino organization in the Meetings & Hospitality industry to address the needs of Hispanics within this important industry. IAHMP has also introduced the industry's first certification program to include Diversity which is currently under development. Recently, Board members traveled to Washington, DC to attend Destinations Showcase, a one-day conference held at the Washington, DC Convention Center. The event provided lots of educational sessions and network opportunities to meet many of the Convention & Visitors Bureaus from across the country that support this event. IAHMP Board members fanned out to introduce themselves to as many people as they could talk to given the
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time constraints of the event. The next day, board member Dr. Andrea Sigler hosted a dinner event at her Fairfax Colonial Home to begin working on implementing the Certified Diversity Meeting Professional (CDMP) program with a HispanicAsian mix dinner given by leaders of the International Association of International Association of Hispanic Meeting Professionals and the Asian leaders Association. The group invited representatives of various minority organizations to come for an evening of cultural sharing through networking, while at the same time donning aprons to learn how to make tamales by Chef Cathy Gonzalez and Asian food by Chef Andrea Sigler. Cathy is vice president of IAHMP and resides in Albuquerque, New Mexico where she also is vice president of tourism for the
Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce. All in attendance raved about the learning experience and enjoyed eating the food they helped to make. These types of sessions are envisioned as an important component of the CDMP program. In addition to learning about the diversity of people, the CDMP will also provide opportunities to learn about their culture and traditions. Among the guests attending were Floyd Mori, Japanese American Citizens League; Missey Garcia-Smith, Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau; Ralph Gonzalez, IAHMP board member; Pervin Ozer, Malaysia Airlines; June R. Sevilla, Cancer and You LIVE; Sylvie Joseph, Arlington, Virginia, Economic Development and Convention and Visitors Service; Vinnu Kudva, South Asian American Leaders of Tomorrow; Cathy Gonzales, vice president IAHMP and Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce, Margaret Gonzalez, president IAHMP and GVR Public Relations Agency. It was a great evening of sharing information on minority markets in the meetings industry. Cathy Gonzales, Far Right, wearing Chef de Cusine hat, leads the chef team (L to R) Missey Garcia-Smith, Andrea Zeigler and Margaret Gonzalez. They hosted a special dinning event for Hispanic and Asian executives and meeting planners.
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With reports from the Travel Industry Association of America showing that Minority Meetings generate over $90 Billion dollars each year to the travel and tourism industry, it’s no wonder why the Hospitality industry is adamantly seeking more information on Hispanic meetings, conventions and special events. In this report, Hispanic Meetings & Travel magazine has selected eight organizations to highlight in this year’s Hispanic Association Update. To learn more about other upcoming Hispanic meetings, conventions and special events refer to the calendar of events on page 46.
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Cover Story | Hispanic Association
National Council of La Raza (NCLR)
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he largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States – works to improve opportu-
nities for Hispanic Americans. Through its network of more than 300 affiliated community-based organizations (CBOs), NCLR reaches millions of Hispanics each year in 41 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. NCLR is recognized as the most effective, influential, and respected Hispanic organization in the country, serving as a voice in Washington, DC for Hispanic Americans.
On March 7, 2006 The National Council of La Raza (NCLR) will hosts its Capital Awards, an annual gala event that brings together more than 800 elected and appointed officials, Hispanic leaders, community activists, executives from Fortune 500 companies, philanthropic leaders, and scholars to honor members of Congress from both sides of the aisle for their outstanding support of public policies that are vital to Hispanic Americans. In addition to the Capital Award, the Public Service Award honors others outside of Washington who courageously and tirelessly advocate on behalf of the Latino community. The NCLR Capital Awards is the premier Hispanic event in Washington, DC, providing an opportunity for sponsors to make contact with top policy- and decision-makers who work to improve the lives of Hispanic Americans.
2006 NCLR Capital Award Awardees Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) NCLR is honoring Senator Harkin for his consistent support of NCLR’s programs and mission to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans. NCLR recognizes his leadership in endorsing legislation that grants immigrant families access to nutrition programs, including child nutrition and the Food Stamp Program. These vital programs help children access healthy meals during school hours and ensure that the most vulnerable families, including farm worker families, are able to put food on their tables.
Representative John Boehner (R-OH) NCLR is honoring Representative Boehner, in his role as Chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Education and the Workforce Committee, for his demonstrated leadership in addressing important Latino education issues. NCLR recognizes his efforts to support increased access to Head Start and child nutrition programs for farm workers and limitedEnglish-proficient children and families.
Public Service Award Radio Tropical, KGLA 1540 AM (Ernesto Schweikert, Owner) NCLR is honoring Radio Tropical as this year’s Public Service awardee for its consistent support of the Spanish-speaking population in New Orleans, particularly in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. As the only resource for vital information at this crucial time, owner Ernesto Schweikert and his colleagues at Radio Tropical went above and beyond their job responsibilities to ensure that the station was manned and broadcasting at all hours of the day. They have since worked tirelessly following the tragedy to connect families, publicize job opportunities, and protect the Hispanic worker. Following the Capitol Awards, on March 8, 2006 is NCLR’s National Issue Briefing and Advocacy Day, an all day event that allows participants to work with other Latino community organizations in holding elected officials accountable for and responsive to the needs of the Hispanic community, and of all Americans. This events purpose is to strengthen the policies concerning health care, educational opportunities, workforce development, and comprehensive immigration reform. This event is free to all participants.
On July 8 – 11, 2006, NCLR will host its Annual Conference. This event serves as a catalyst for new thought and progress for over 23,000 community organization leaders and activists, elected officials, members of the corporate and academic communities, senior citizens, and youth. The spectacular special events at the NCLR Annual Conference are known for their high quality of distinguished speakers and entertainers. Past keynote speakers have included Democratic Presidential Candidate John Kerry, President Bill Clinton, President George H. W. Bush, President of Mexico Ernesto Zedillo, President of Mexico Vicente Fox, Vice President Al Gore, First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson, Secretary of Health and Human Resources Donna Shalala, Attorney General Janet Reno, Congressional Minority Leader Richard Gephardt (D-MO), Former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Henry Cisneros, Former Governor of Texas Ann Richards, Former American Red Cross President Elizabeth Dole, Republican Vice Presidential nominee Jack Kemp, and ambassador and author Carlos Fuentes. Past entertainers have included Vikki Carr, Mariachi Sol de México de José Hernández, Mark Anthony, La Mafia, Elvis Crespo, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan, Olga Tañon, Lucha Villa, Albita, Milly Quezada, Emilio, Bobby Pulido, Kool & The Gang, Willie Colon, Roberto Pulido,
Mariachi Cobre, Sha Na Na, Flaco Jimenez, Sister Sledge, Little Joe, The Spinners, Rick Treviño, Nydia Rojas, La Tropa F, Poncho Sanchez, Ruben Ramos, David Lee Garza, Emmanuel, The Contours, and Campanas de America, just to name a few. The Conference will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center at 1201 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, 90015
NCLR President Janet Murguia has emerged as a key figure among the next generation of leaders in the Latino community. She began her career in Washington, DC as legislative counsel to former Kansas Congressman Jim Slattery, serving for seven years. She then worked at the White House in various capacities from 1994 to 2000, ultimately as deputy assistant to President Clinton, providing strategic and legislative advice to the president on key issues. She also served as deputy director of legislative affairs, managing the legislative staff and acting as a senior White House liaison to Congress. Prior to joining NCLR, she was the Executive Vice Chancellor for University Relations at the University of Kansas, overseeing the university's internal and external relations with the public, including governmental and public affairs, and coordinating the university's strategic planning and marketing efforts. Murguia has served on the National Council of La Raza’s Board of Directors and on the Kauffman Foundation Youth Development Board. She is currently a Board member of the Independent Sector, a coalition of leading nonprofits, foundations, and corporations committed to connecting, informing, and advocating on behalf of the nonprofit and philanthropic community. Hispanic Business magazine named Murguia as a finalist for its 2005 "Women of the Year Award." In 2004, Hispanic magazine chose her for its annual list of “100 Top Latinas” and Hispanic Business magazine selected her as one of the “100 Most Influential Hispanics.” www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 13
The Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR) celebrates 20 years of advancing Hispanic inclusion in corporate America! HACR will host its Annual Symposium to commemorate this important milestone and celebrate The Power of Hispanic Inclusion on June 5 – 6, 2006 at the Ritz Carlton in Washington DC. This event brings together some of the nation’s most influential Hispanic leaders, government officials, and FORTUNE 500 corporate executives to discuss and identify effective strategies and models for achieving greater inclusion and participation in the areas of employment, governance, philanthropy and procurement.
About HACR: Founded in 1986, the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR) is one of the most influential advocacy organizations in the nation representing 14 national Hispanic organizations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Our mission is to ensure the inclusion of Hispanics in corporate America at a level commensurate with our economic contributions. To that end, HACR focuses on four areas of corporate responsibility and community reciprocity: employment, procurement, philanthropy, and governance.
Collectively, the coalition members reflect the voice of more than 44.4 million Hispanics living in the United States and Puerto Rico, serving those diverse communities through advocacy, education, representation, assistance, capacity building, public policy support, resource development, and the exertion of political influence. HACR Coalition Members work with more than 1,500 affiliate community-based organizations serving the Hispanic community in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, including more than 400 institutions of higher learning enrolling three out of every four U.S. Hispanic college students, and 224 print publications with a combined circulation of more than 11 million. As corporate America sets out to create shareholder value, HACR will continue to be at the forefront in supporting corporations that make a commitment, do the work, and produce favorable results relative to total Hispanic inclusion. The Hispanic community is the largest minority group and the fastest-growing consumer segment in the nation. With over 44 million people, Hispanics represent 14 percent
HACR will host its Annual Symposium to commemorate this important milestone and celebrate The Power of Hispanic Inclusion on June 5 – 6, 2006 at the Ritz Carlton in Washington DC.
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of the population in the United States, including Puerto Rico, and by 2008 will have an estimated annual purchasing power of $1 trillion or 9.6% of the U.S. GDP. For HACR and the Hispanic community, a company’s reputation and goodwill is based on its ability to promote reciprocity in all areas of the company’s business model. To ensure the continued support and patronage of the Hispanic community, a company should strive to employ Hispanics, contract with Hispanicowned businesses, support Hispanic-serving organizations, and utilize Hispanic talent to lead its operations in roughly the same proportions that Hispanic consumers support the company. Through the HACR Research Institute, HACR publishes annual studies on the state of the Hispanic community and corporate best practices in governance, philanthropy, procurement and employment. The HACR Leadership Institute prepares highly experienced Hispanic leaders for corporate directorship appointments. Moreover, the HACR Corporate Index ranks FORTUNE 100 corporations in the United States relative to their total Hispanic inclusion practices. By providing information on the status of Hispanics in corporate America, HACR can focus on issues relevant to Hispanics and investigate solutions to the inequity that exists.
Cover Story | Hispanic Association
Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities (HACU) “Viva HACU!” will be a cry of celebration as 2006 marks the association’s 20th anniversary. This historic milestone in Hispanic higher education will be enthusiastically celebrated throughout the year. HACU’s numerous and important accomplishments in the last 20 years will be highlighted and shared with its membership, community, the nation, and the world. This spring, advocates for the higher education success of the nation’s youngest and largest population group will gather in Washington, D.C., to shape and promote an agenda for Congress and the country at HACU’s Annual Capitol Forum to be held on March 26 – 28, 2006 at The Madison Hotel in Washington DC. At this event, leaders of HACU, member and partner colleges and universities will join public policymakers, key federal agency leaders, allied organizations, corporate, community and philanthropic representatives at what has become a powerful national platform for winning public- and private-sector support for Hispanic higher education. Key to these strategic forums is annual visits to Capitol Hill, which allow leaders in the Hispanic higher education community to interact directly with key members of the House and Senate.
On October 28 – 31, 2006 HACU will celebrate its 20th Annual Conference :: “20 Years of Championing Hispanic Higher Education Success” in San Antonio, Texas at the Henry B Gonzalez, Convention Center. :: HACU’s Annual Conference provides a unique forum for the sharing of information and ideas for the best and most promising practices in the education of Hispanics. The conference goals are to:
To commemorate its 20th anniversary, HACU commissioned Michael Gallegos, a San Antonio native and local freelance artist, to create a painting that would capture the spirit of HACU and the community it serves as well as the association's mission.
:: Showcase successful, effective, and exemplary programs and initiatives of HACU member institutions; :: promote and expand partnerships and strategic alliances for collaboration between HACU member institutions and
public- and private-sector organizations; :: foster and identify graduate education opportunities for Hispanic students and graduates; :: deliberate policy issues affecting the education opportunities of Hispanics, including HACU’s legislative agenda;
scholarships, fellowships, internships and other such programs funded by private and government organizations; :: increase HSI and Hispanic awareness and readiness to participate in foundation-supported programs; :: Discuss emerging trends in higher education affecting Hispanics and HSIs, e.g., distance learning, student-centered learning, outcomes assessment, and cross-national accreditation.
:: promote greater Hispanic participation in www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 15
The League of United Latin American Citizens Founded in 1929, the League of United Latin American Citizens is the nation’s oldest and largest Hispanic organization. With thousands of members organized into more than 700 LULAC Councils in virtually every state of the nation and in Puerto Rico, LULAC has tremendous outreach into the Hispanic community. LULAC advances the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, health and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs. With a rich history of advocacy in civil rights, education, economic development, immigration and equal opportunity, LULAC is uniquely positioned to lead the Hispanic community into the next millennium. The organization hosts several main events each year. To start the year off, LULAC will host its National Legislative Awards Gala which highlights critical legislative issues affecting Hispanic Americans and recognizes key leaders who have served the Hispanic community well. LULAC will present awards to three distinguished elected officials at our eighth gala, which will occur on Wednesday, March 1, 2006
at the J.W. Marriot Hotel in Washington, DC. Proceeds from the LULAC National Legislative Awards Gala support the important work of the LULAC National Office. This includes LULAC’s policy and legislative advocacy as well as its organizing of Hispanic communities through the creation of LULAC councils throughout the United States. Contributions to the legislative gala are not tax deductible as a charitable contribution but may be deductible as a business expense. On March 31, 2006, LULAC will host the National Women’s Conference, an event designed to reach out to the greatest diversity of women across this country. To that end, LULAC is very proud to enjoy significant participation by attendees from Hawaii, Puerto Rico and every Barrio and Board Room in the country. Speakers at this years event include: Senator Hilary Rodman Clinton (D), Carol RoblesRomán - Deputy Mayor, New York City , Motivational Speaker and Author of “Mujer sin Límite” María Marín, and The Hon. Elaine L. Chao, Secretary, US Department of Labor.
On June 26 through July 1, 2006, The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) will host its 77th Annual LULAC National Convention & Exposition in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As the premier Hispanic convention, the LULAC National Convention draws over 10,000 people each year including the top leaders from government, business, and the Hispanic community. 16 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
Make History: The LULAC Convention is an exciting, history-making convention, because it convenes the national delegates of LULAC to discuss issues, set policies, and elect the organization’s national leaders. For this reason, the LULAC Convention makes news and is covered by national and local media. It is the only convention in which representatives from Hispanic communities from across the country determine the positions and strategies of a national Hispanic organization.
Reach out to Hispanic America: The LULAC Convention is also well attended by major corporations who recognize the importance of reaching out to national Hispanic leaders and influential community memLULAC to host it's 77 th Convention in Milwaukee. bers directly. There are opportunities to sponsor workshops and events, to showcase products and recruit Health Fair: Consult health professionals, Hispanic professionals in the convention receive free screenings, and take home inforexhibit hall. In addition, all proceeds support mation on living a healthy life style. Services the dedicated work of LULAC to improve the will include: blood pressure screening, blood quality of life for Hispanic Americans. sugar screening, pregnancy testing, breast self exam education, diabetes education, Federal Training Institute: The LULAC Con- HIV/AIDS testing, dental screening, eye vention hosts the LULAC Federal Training screening, Latin aerobics, and local health Institute (FTI), an intensive and structured information. career development program for government and public sector employees. In partnership Housing Fair: Learn about financing, credit, with the OPM Management Development loan products, and services related to buying Center and the Graduate School, USDA, the and keeping a home. An array of financial Federal Training Institute offers workshops institutions, credit counselors, realtors, mortand plenary sessions that enable mid and sengage brokers, insurance companies, housing ior level government employees to enhance services agencies and builders will be featured their leadership skills and develop the Execuand available to answer your questions. Get tive Core Qualifications required for entry to your free credit report and pre-qualify for a the Senior Executive Service. loan while you are there.
Career Fair: Hot jobs, top companies, live interviews. Whether you are an employer looking for top talent or a professional looking for your next job, you will want to attend the LULAC Career Fair. This three day event features great jobs from over 250 top companies and federal agencies that are ready to hire. College Fair: Your path to a higher education starts at the LULAC College Fair. More than 30 representatives from top notch colleges and universities are anxious to talk with you about postsecondary opportunities at their institutions.
Youth Conference: The convention also hosts the LULAC Youth Conference—a three-day event for Hispanic youth, featuring workshops and panel discussions education, career opportunities, community service and leadership. Young Adults Conference: The Young Adult Conference features four-days of leadership development and policy workshops for college students and young professionals.
For More Information:
For convention information and registration, contact the LULAC National Office at (202) 833-6130 or visit our website at: www.LULAC.org.
Cover Story | Hispanic Association
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) is the Source for Quality Engineers and Technical Talent. The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) was founded in Los Angeles, California, in 1974 by a group of engineers employed by the city of Los Angeles. Their objective was to form a national organization of professional engineers to serve as role models in the Hispanic community. The concept of networking was the key basis for the organization. SHPE quickly established two student chapters to begin the network that would grow to encompass the nation as well as reach countries outside the United States. Today, SHPE enjoys a strong but independent network of professional and student chapters throughout the nation. Every year, SHPE holds several meetings. This year SHPE hosted it’s annual National Technical & Career Conference (NTCC), the
largest technical and career conference for Hispanics in the country, at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Florida, January 4 - 8, 2006. NTCC attracts nearly 5,000 engineering professionals, students and corporate representatives. The conference is an opportunity for engineering companies and corporations to recruit top talent from SHPE membership. The event provides educational, technical and career opportunities for professional and student engineers. Recognizing the need to increase the number of Hispanics in Executive positions in Corporate America, SHPE will host the Executive LeaderSHPE Institute, June 12-16, 2006 in Portland, Oregon. Hispanics represent only 5.7% of the Management workforce, less than half of parity. The Executive Development Program is a pilot program evolving from the need to close this gap. The program is available to SHPE Professional members at no cost with selection made through the application process. In August of 2006 SHPE will host its National Institute for Leadership Advancement (NILA). This event is exclusively designed to provide newly-elected student and professional chapter presidents with the resources for
enhancing leadership and communication skills that are required for effectively managing their professional and personal lives. Personal management and strategic planning skills are essential to be successful in SHPE chapters. SHPE also stages regional student leadership conferences on a yearly basis for the leadership of the SHPE student chapters to improve their organizational, managerial, and technical skills. They take place in all of the seven SHPE regions. These events help college students develop and improve their pre-college outreach programs and improve the infrastructure of SHPE student chapters. Student leaders learn how to interact and network with SHPE’s corporate supporters. SHPE has three regional conferences across the country. To learn more about these conferences please log on to www.SHPE.org.
The 2007 National Technical and Career Conference will take place January 10 -13 in Denver, Colorado.
www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 17
Hispanic MBA's in Big Demand! According to the 2000 U.S. Census, one in eight people in the United States are of Hispanic descent. Between 1990 and 1999, the number of Hispanics enrolled in higher education increased by more than 68 percent. The rapidly growing Hispanic population in the U.S. has companies hunting executives who are tuned into the language and culture. The National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA) was formed to foster Hispanic leadership through graduate management education and professional development. Established in 1988, NSHMBA has become the premier organization in preparing Hispanics for leadership positions in both the public and private sector. NSHMBA serves 29 chapters and 6,500 members in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. NSHMBA works to prepare Hispanics for leadership positions throughout the U.S., so that they can provide the cultural awareness and sensitivity vital in the management of the nation’s diverse workforce. NSHMBA hosts several events each year to achieve its overall goal and objectives. This year NSHMBA will host its Hispanic Executive Summit on April 27-29, 2006 in New York at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. Created exclusively for Hispanic executives, director level and above this event is a chance for attendees to connect with peers – Hispanic professionals in the same high-level positions. It combines high-level networking with panel discussions featuring top CEOs from across the country. At this years Summit, NSHMBA will address the question, “what is the next step for a high-achieving executive.” On October 26 -28, 2006, NSHMBA will host its Annual Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio at the Cincinnati Cinergy Center. This event provides networking and career advancement opportunities, and links Hispanic professionals and MBA students with corporations and other organizations interested in recruiting them. Over 6,000 participants attended last year’s event. This year the conference expects to attract 7,000 attendees. 300 U.S. companies currently recruit top managers with the help of NSHMBA. This number is expected to increase as American companies seek executives who understand diversity and the importance of ethnic markets as part of an overall approach to invigorate the local and national economy. For more information on the annual conference visit www.nshmba.org.
18 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
The International Association of Hispanic Meeting Professionals (IAHMP) Founded in 1995, the International Association of Hispanic Meeting Professionals (IAHMP) is the first Latino organization in the Meetings & Hospitality industry to address the needs of Hispanics within this important industry. Although Hispanics are an important workforce component in service careers, Latinos are mostly missing from the executive ranks of the industry. Whether it is in government or corporate America, Hispanics in senior management in almost all aspects of this important marketplace are few. Additionally, the economic value of Hispanic meetings has not been recognized and has mostly been undervalued. Hispanic Association executives and meeting planners have expressed a need to understand how cities allocate resources through Convention & Visitors Bureaus and how to deal with site selection to minimize the costs associated with hosting annual conferences, meetings and special events. With a renewed sense of commitment from the IAHMP membership and board of directors and its corporate board of advisors, the organization has approved a 2006 business plan and multi-year strategic plan. The IAHMP business plan addresses the multi-year strategic core objectives and includes the tactical initiatives needed to serve the members, grow membership and effectively operate the association to meet operational objectives. The execution of the business plan will lead to the successful implementation of the three year rolling strategic plan. The business plan was prepared using the issues, strategies, and tactics addressed during past Board of Directors Meeting and inovative ideas passed to the Board of Directors by the Corporate Board of Advisors Members.
IAHMP Vision Statement: To be the preeminent voice of the Hispanic meetings, convention and special event industry, its primary advocate, and its indispensable resource.
IAHMP Mission Statement: To serve the Hispanic meetings, convention and special event industry, at the national level in governmental affairs, education, research, communications, and value added services.
This mission statement is supported by the core objectives of IAHMP which include: :: To help develop leadership and professional skills of Hispanic meeting professionals.
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To raise the level of communication between meeting planners, suppliers and other industry contacts. To quantify and publicize the economic impact of Hispanic meetings and conventions.
Strategic Plan Core Objectives 2006 – 2008 ::
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::
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Develop stronger working relationship with partner associations to increase membership and provide meaningful member services to ensure the association remains strong and financially healthy. Develop an IAHMP Foundation to assist IAHMP in funding its educational programs and research operations. Develop an Education Institute to define and deliver value added programs to membership Increase the IAHMP brand value within the industry and develop consumer opportunities for the brand. Address the industry's multicultural and diversity issues.
Objectives for Calendar Year 2006: The 2006 business plan focus is to grow and retain members, provide value-added member benefits, address multicultural and diversity issues, and be profitable. In order to maximize the association's profit potential, the association will need to evaluate the consolidation or outsourcing of department functions to create greater efficiency and effectiveness. The member services, programs, and events are to be evaluated to ensure the association provides the services and benefits the members need to address today's challenges. The successful execution of the strategies and tactics identified in this plan will enable us to reach our objectives.
Timeline: The strategic plan core objectives will be IAHMP’s primary concentration in calendar 2006. IAHMP’s officers, executive committee, board of directors, strategic planning committee will receive quarterly reports tracking the progress of the strategic objectives. Unlike a private sector business plan where the accountability to accomplish the objectives is executed internally, IAHMP's business plan requires not only the association staff's commitment to the strategy, but the association's committees, board of directors and partner associations. In most cases all or at least some of the parties have an active role to play in executing the tactics to complete the strategy and objective. To see some of the changes that IAHMP has already put in place visit them online at www.IAHMP.org. Read the 2006 business plan online and commit yourself to making IAHMP's vision and mission statement a reality.
Cover Story | Hispanic Association
HISPANIC MEETING PROFESSIONALS COMING EVENTS May 4-7, 2006
August 12-14, 2006
The International Association of Hispanic Meeting Professionals (IAHMP) and Hispanic Meetings & Travel Magazine will host the 1st Annual Hispanic Heritage Tour to Puebla, Mexico during Cinco de Mayo. Visit the historic city of Puebla where the battle against the French took place in 1862. See www.IAHMP.org and www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com for registration, trip itinerary, etc.
CAMP DIVERSITY The International Association of Hispanic Meeting Professionals (IAHMP), Connected International Meeting Professionals Association (CIMPA) and Asian Leaders Association (ALA) will host CAMP DIVERSITY in northern Virginia on the camp grounds of the James River, with over 125 acres of woodlands, the area is a short drive from Williamsburg, Jamestown, Potomac Mills and the nation's capital, Washington, DC. Contact www.IAHMP.org for registration, trip itinerary, etc.
June 30 thru July 4, 2006 The International Association of Hispanic Meeting Professionals (IAHMP) and Hispanic Meetings & Travel host 2nd Annual Hispanic Heritage Tour to Albuquerque and Santa Fe New Mexico. Visit historic Santa Fe one of the oldest Spanish settlements in the Southwest and Albuquerque, New Mexico "The Land of Enchantment." See www.IAHMP.org and www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com for registration, trip itinerary, etc.
September 14-17, 2006 The International Association of Hispanic Meeting Professionals (IAHMP) and Hispanic Meetings & Travel host the 1st Annual Hispanic Heritage Tour to Mexico City on Diez y Seis de Septiembre on Celebrate Mexico's Independence Day in the Distrito Federal, Mexico City and experience this historic event in one of the great capitals
of the world. See www.IAHMP.org and www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com for registration, trip itinerary, etc.
December 7-10, 2006 IAHMP 11th ANNUAL CONFERENCE & Trade Expo Atlanta Marriott Marquis, Atlanta Georgia Presented by, The International Association of Hispanic Meeting Professionals, Hispanic Meetings & Travel, GVR Public Relations Agency, Inc., Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, Atlanta Marriott Marquis, Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce and Delta Airlines. Visit www.IAHMP.org for conference registration, sponsor and speaker opportunities. You may also call IAHMP at 281-333-1552. Support comes in many forms - How will YOU support IAHMP? Log on to www.IAHMP.org and find out how others have pledged their Support!
Margaret Gonzalez with the Atlanta Sales Team at the 2006 Destinations Shaowcase Conference, Washington, DC. Front (LtoR) Joyce Calandra and Marion Welsh - Standing (L to R) Arron Gross, Margaret Gonzalez, Susan Reid and Will Trokey. Atlanta will host the 2006 IAHMP Conference December 7-9, 2006
www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 19
Cover Story | Hispanic Association
Introducing…… Hispanic Hotel Owners Association (HHOA) Today there are very few Hispanic Hotel Owners in the US, yet Hispanic travelers spend billions on travel annually. When asked about minority franchise recruitment efforts, many hotel franchise companies have a similar response: “We would love to increase the number of minority franchisees in our system, but we have a hard time finding qualified minority candidates.” This is understandable. It is hard enough to find qualified candidates as it is, without further segmenting the market in an attempt to find qualified minority candidates. There are sizable barriers to owning a hotel, most notably the capital investment required in order to get started. Add to that fact that many
20 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
would be hotel entrepreneurs lack the required knowledge of the hospitality industry, and you get a sense of the seemingly insurmountable challenge hotels face when recruiting franchisees, especially minority franchisees. Even with these challenges, however, several hotel companies have found ways to attract and recruit minority franchisees. So what you ask is the problem? Virtually all of these franchisees represent a single minority group, Asian-Indian. While this group of minorities should be recognized of their accomplishments, it should be duly noted that other minority groups are still underrepresented in the hotel industry. In 2005 the American Hotel and Lodging Association reported that there were 47,598 hotels in the United States. Of that figure, 20% represents hotels owned by Asian-Indian Americans, an estimated 5% represents the African American market and Hispanics represent fewer than 3%. (Subject to verification) The US Small Business Administration reported that there were 1.6 million Hispanic-owned businesses in 2002, up 31 percent from 1997. Their receipts were $226.5 billion, up 22 percent from 1997. A total of 199,725 Hispanic-owned businesses had paid employees and their receipts totaled $184 billion, or about $921,090 per firm. Based on shear numbers, it is clear that there are a sizable number of Hispanic entrepreneurs
that have the economic wealth to pursue hotel ownership. While some can afford this investment alone, many cannot. Through the creation of an association solely targeting hotel ownership among the Hispanic community, the Hispanic Hotel Owners Association will offer its core membership; Hispanic entrepreneurs; an opportunity to network and partner with each other in order to facilitate hotel deals that may not have been possible for these investors on their own. Pioneering a new field among business associates has a powerful impact in the community. Through its creation, the Hispanic Hotel Owners Association will offer its core membership the tools needed to attain an even greater level of professional and financial achievement within the lodging industry. It is the vision of this group to be a unified voice among Hispanic hotel owners, operators and developers, to be its primary advocate and indispensable resource. The Hispanic Hotel Owners Association mission is to increase the number of Hispanic developed, owned and operated hotels, further the participation of Hispanic owned suppliers serving the hotel industry and increase executive level employment opportunities within the lodging industry. The Hispanic Hotel Owners Association (HHOA) will be formed as a non-profit organization. Incorporated in the state of Delaware, HHOA will have offices in Washington, DC and St. Louis, Missouri.
meetingplannertips
: : SUCCESSFUL
PLANNING
Success Tips P
GO FOR THE GOLD - Get the best speakers possible. A good speaker is like a teacher who understands that information is worthless unless you can help your audience absorb it. Beware of experts who can't communicate.
BY DAN COULTER
lanning a great meeting helps you develop a range of skills that can help you get noticed and promoted in any organization. If you're new to meeting planning, here are 25 "in the trenches" tips that will help you bring off meetings your audiences will appreciate!
GET ORGANIZED - Put together a binder to hold all your meeting planning information, with the following tabs: Agenda, Tasks, Presentations, Contacts, Location, Budget, Logistics, and Miscellaneous. Keep your notes and key meeting documents in the binder and keep the binder close at hand. You'll score points when you're called into the boss's office and you have all the key meeting info and status updates at your fingertips. And - you won't have to worry about losing an important piece of paper. It's in there somewhere. FIND THE RIGHT PLACE - Choose or recommend a location after considering what you need and who can provide it when you need it - at the right price. Be practical. What people can promise is less important than what they can deliver. Ask for references when you need to go off-site.
LISTEN TO EXPERIENCE - If you're planning a meeting that others have planned before, talk with them to see what worked and what didn't. See if you can get your hands on any evaluations or other input from former participants. ASSESS YOUR AGENDA - Walk through your planned agenda mentally and consider how to keep an audience interested. Keep the presentations as short as possible. Break long subjects into sections. Write clear, compelling descriptions of the topics for the pre-conference materials you send to participants. Let participants know specifically what they'll learn or accomplish during each part of the meeting. MIND THE MOVERS AND SHAKERS -Determine what choices you can make and who you need to go to for other decisions. When you need someone else to make a decision, collect data first and make a recommen22 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
dation based on the facts. Try to collect decisions so you can present several at a time instead of interrupting your decision maker every time you need an answer.
SAVE THEM FROM THEMSELVES -- When you don't agree with a decision or want to keep someone (like your boss) from making a mistake, diplomatically point out the likely consequences of different courses of action and steer the decision maker toward the right choice with facts and logic. Always sell the advantages of your recommendation. If you can't get 100% of what you're recommending, go for the highest percentage possible.
GET A ROOM WITH A VIEW - Visit the proposed site of your meeting and mentally fill it with your audience. Make sure you have enough seating and that everyone will be able to see your presenters and any pictures, graphics or video they'll use. It's a common mistake to put screens so low that audience members can't see the bottom half of the picture because their view is blocked by the folks seated in front of them. Make sure the sound system is adequate and that everyone will be able to hear clearly. Look at details like lighting. Do the room lights wash out the screen? When you dim the lights so your audience can see the screen, can your speaker still see his notes?
Avoid as the plague "death by text" experts who want to simply read their slides.
ACCEPT NO SUBSTITUTES - When you schedule speakers, let them know to contact you immediately if they find out they can't attend as scheduled. Make it diplomatically clear that substitutes are your decision. You don't want to fill the space with a substandard "sub." You're the advocate for every person in that audience. You may want to have some good, relevant back-up presenters prepared, just in case.
PREPARE YOUR SPEAKERS - Talk with your speakers about what their presentations will accomplish. Preview each speaker's audio visual materials ahead of time and work with them to ensure they are clear, concise and in a format you can use. If a speaker has graphics with text too small to read, either revise them to be readable or eliminate them. Get your speakers' agreement to stay within their allotted time limits, including any planned Q&A sessions. Give speakers clear directions to ensure they arrive on time and in the right place.
MAKE FRIENDS - Whether you'll work with a hotel staff or fellow employees, you're going to depend on the folks who support your meeting . Get to know the key players well before your event and keep them up-to-date on your plans and any changes. Consider their needs as well as yours and be flexible where it won't compromise the quality of your meeting. Showing consideration can bring out the best in people and help ensure everyone cares about good results. GET IT IN WRITING - Face-to-face conversations and telephone calls are great, but confirm all reservations, bookings, and similar details including important changes - in writing. Trading email is a great, fast way to confirm changes. It's easy for someone to miss or forget a detail after a conversation. A polite email listing details you've discussed and asking someone to reply and confirm is excellent insurance against unpleasant -- or disastrous -- surprises. DON'T FORGET THE FUN - People tend to work together better when there's some fun involved in the process. A speaker who knows how to use humor, some comedy videos, a raffle with fun prizes - can all contribute toward a more congenial and more successful meeting. Just a word of caution. It's easy for a vendor to label something "hilarious" that's actually lame. Preview any "comedy" before incorporating it into your meeting to make sure it lives up to its billing and is right for your audience.
DO A DRESS REHEARSAL - Schedule enough time to test out all the audio/visual elements of your meeting well before it starts - if possible, the night before. Run through your presenter's audio visual support, such as PowerPoint presentations or audio -- preferably with each presenter present. Everything should be tested and ready before your meeting starts. From running presentations to turning microphones and lights on and off -- make sure your technical staff (or the lucky person who has the title for the day) knows what switches to flip - and when.
communicate with the outside world. Cell phones and portable email devices are a reality you'll have to deal with. At the beginning of your meeting, ask your audience to turn off their cell phones or set them on "vibrate." Allow enough time on breaks for people to hit the rest rooms and also check their voicemail and return a few calls.
RENT A COMMUNICATIONS ROOM -- For large meetings, consider positioning a secretary in a communications room (preferably near the meeting room) with a phone, a fax machine and some computers with Internet access for email -- or access lines for laptops. Have your meeting participants leave the communications room "reach number" with their offices so the secretary can take messages. This makes it more likely participants will comply when you ask them to turn off their cell phones -- and they'll have a person available to seek them out in an emergency. The secretary can leave messages with participants' names on a message board outside the meeting room, although this is less necessary for people who can check their voicemail or answering machines. Still, the more you can wean people from their electronic communications devices during your meeting - the better. CARD YOUR SPEAKERS - Show your speakers cards during their presentations that indicate how much time they have remaining. For example: "30 MIN." Make sure the speakers see the cards, but that the cards don't distract the audience. Show a card every 15 minutes until there are 15 minutes left. Then show a card at 10 minutes, then one every minute from 5 minutes until time runs out.
EDIT YOUR HANDOUTS - The best hand-outs represent an outline of key points and graphics that will be helpful as references to an audience during or after a meeting. Word-for-word handouts can distract participants from focusing on the speaker and are often tossed after a meeting. Also, the act of taking notes helps people remember the contents of a presentation, even if they never look at the notes again.
START AND STAY ON TIME - Start your meeting when you say you'll start. Tell your audience you know their time is valuable and that you plan to keep the meeting on schedule. It's usually a good idea to ask the audience to hold their questions until the end of each presentation to ensure that a speaker can make all his key points.
BILLBOARD YOUR BREAKS - When you turn your audience loose for a break, give them a specific time and reason to return, such as, "We're going to break for 15 minutes, and we'll reveal our new advertising spots promptly when we resume at 10:15 a.m. It's 10:00 a.m. now. See you at 10:15."
CONSIDER COMMUNICATIONS - Think about
NUDGE THEM BACK INTO THEIR SEATS -- Consider having someone walk into the hall out-
how your meeting participants will need to
side your meeting room and ring a bell or a chime three minutes before the end of each break and announce, "The break is coming to an end, please return to your seats in the meeting room." People often mill around in a room before a meeting re-starts. If this is the case, just before you resume, announce from the podium that you'll restart the meeting in "30 seconds" and ask people to take their seats.
CHOOSE SPEAKER GIFTS - Especially if you're not paying your speakers, it's a nice gesture to buy each one a small, useful gift. Some common speaker gifts include pens, flashlights, leather legal pads or Swiss army knives.
READY PLAN "B" - Do a lot of "what if" thinking and prepare contingency plans for foreseeable problems. Determine at every point how you'd reshuffle your schedule if a speaker is late or a "no show." Talk with your A/V provider about being able to quickly replace any piece of equipment that fails. Be ready to move breaks forward or backward in time. The key is to keep the meeting moving and make the most of your audience's valuable time. MAKE EVALUATION EASY - If you ask your participants to fill out an evaluation form, make it easy to fill out. Let them rate each speaker from 1-10 (10 being the highest rating) on content and 1-10 on delivery. Then allow a space for comments for each presentation. You can ask what participants liked most about the meeting and if there's anything you can improve. The simpler the form is to complete, the more likely you are to get useful feedback. BE AN ADVOCATE - The biggest secret to running a successful meeting is to be an advocate for every person in your audience. Look at everything from your participants' perspective and use all your drive and ingenuity to give them the best meeting they've ever attended. You'll earn their appreciation. ABOUT THE AUTHOR -- During more than 20 years in public relations, Dan Coulter has planned and run meetings for three major corporations, including managing national news conferences. His assignments including leading the media relations team representing consumer long-distance and consumer products at AT&T, serving as media relations director for Lucent Technologies' Bell Labs and serving as vice-president of communications for telecommunications provider Global Crossing. He currently produces educational and business videos and is the writer/producer of Coulter Video's "Comedy Meeting Breaks," available at www.meetingvideos.com. Š Coulter Video 2005 All Rights Reserved. www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 23
CVB’s WEST We are all pioneers . . . pathfinders on the trails of old and new frontiers in search of the perfect meetings destination. Hispanic Meetings & Travel has selected three Convention and Visitors Bureaus in the West that have inspired our editors with the beauty of their destination as well as providing unwavering service to meeting and event planners. San Jose, California
S
an José, the Gateway to the Bay Area, is the third largest city in California and the 10th largest city in the nation. The city’s accessible location, comfortable climate and affordable amenities, make it an ideal destination for hosting meetings and conventions. San José is conveniently situated 45 minutes south of San Francisco and 1.5 hours north of Monterey. Rich in history and cultural diversity, and recognized as a city of innovation and entrepreneurial success, it’s no wonder more than six million people visit San José each year. The San José Convention & Visitors Bureau will lead you through the destination planning process from beginning to end. Established as a nonprofit, 501C6 organization in 1984, the mission of the SJCVB is to enhance the image and economic well being of San José by taking the leadership role in marketing San José as a globally recognized destination. The SJCVB offers meeting planners, tour operators, and individual visitors a team of dedicated professionals who can assist with their destination planning process from beginning to end. Funded by the City’s Transient Occupancy Tax and addition supplemental funding through annual partner/advocate fees in which convention hotel partners and tourism advocates (e.g. area restaurants, attractions, shop-
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ping, transportation and lodging) contribute. So whether you’re planning a meeting for 3,000 delegates or a family trip for four, the San José Convention and Visitors Bureau is your one stop shop for everything you need. And what’s more? Most of their services are offered at no charge. With more than 4,000 convention center hotel rooms and 8,400 rooms citywide, no meeting is too big or too small for San José to manage. Accessibility and Affordability – Two Variables That Contribute to a Meeting’s Success. San José’s meetings and conventions facilities are all conveniently located within three miles of the airport and within walking distance of a revitalized downtown, featuring name-brand hotels, diverse dining amenities, a budding arts and cultural scene and several points of interest. The accessibility of our major convention facilities coupled with the affordability our new flexible pricing structure are two variables that contribute to your event’s success.
30-foot-high finished ceilings, 12 loading bays with drive-on access to the exhibit hall floors, recessed utility boxes with electricity, water and drainage capabilities complete audio-visual, sound and lighting services, cellular, standard and ISDN telephony services and fiber optic and copper cabling throughout the facility with DS-3 high-speed Internet access.
San José McEnery Convention Center
Parkside Hall
Framed by a 125-foot abstract tile mural, the San José McEnery Convention Center encompasses over 425,000 square feet of function space. Designed for convenience and versatility, it offers 143,000 square feet of column-free prime exhibit space divisible by three, an elegant 22,000 square foot ballroom, up to 30 meeting rooms capable of seating up to 2,400 theater-style, and can accommodate banquets to 5,000. In addition, the Convention Center has
Parkside Hall hosts a variety of events including consumer shows, conventions, trade shows and corporate events. Located near the Convention Center with an entrance on Park Avenue, Parkside Hall is ideal for additional exhibit and general assembly space. Parkside Hall has 30,000 square feet of unobstructed exhibit space, 24-foot open ceilings, teak parquet floors, and can accommodate banquets to 1,800.
Civic Auditorium Built in 1936, the Civic Auditorium is a Spanish Mission style dual-level auditorium that hosts a variety of events including performing arts, general assembly, community and sporting events. Located directly across the street from the San Jose McEnery Convention Center, the Auditorium features 3,060 seats and four meeting rooms. The Auditorium provides additional exhibit and general assembly space in conjunction with the Convention Center and Parkside Hall.
Center for the Performing Arts Located on the corner of West San Carlos Street and Almaden Boulevard, the Center for the Performing Arts was designed by the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. Events at the Center for the Performing Arts are supported by full staging facilities, reception, box office, concessions, and coat check for patrons, rehearsal rooms, and an elegant intimate aftertheater area. The theater features continental seating with 2,665 seats and can accommodate up to 10 wheelchair seats. In addition, an infrared system for the hearing-impaired is installed through the in-house audio system.
HP Pavilion at San Jose No city in the world is more closely associated with high technology than San Jose, the capital of Silicon Valley. And no facility anywhere is a better showcase for architectural excellence and technological innovation than the HP Pavilion at San Jose. Outside, a shining stainless steel facade supports a magnificent glass pyramid entry, which soars ten stories above the ground. Inside, state-of-the-art acoustics and leadingedge seismic engineering contribute to the building’s growing reputation as one of the finest single concourse facilities in North America.
The HP Pavilion at San Jose’s convenient downtown location allows ticket holders to take full advantage of an urban setting — with fine dining, bustling cafes and clubs, and a host of transportation alternatives. In addition to the more than 40 Sharks regular season home games, the HP Pavilion at San Jose hosts 120 to 180 events every year — including Olympic athletes, Grammy awardwinners and a variety of family and children’s favorites. A sweeping spectrum of first-rate shows, exhibitions and competitions is no longer 50 miles away. It is in the heart of world-renowned Silicon Valley - downtown San Jose. As many as 20,000 comfortable HP Pavilion at San Jose seats await their fans. The San José Convention and Visitors Bureau is ready to assist meeting professionals plan an unforgettable meeting. Let San José Help You “Do More with Less” Association meeting planners have been faced with several challenges from cutting costs and retaining attendees to producing unique programs and ensuring attendee satisfaction. All in all, Associations have been tasked to do more with less. No meeting is too big or too small for the SJCVB to handle. While the needs of Association planners continue to change, the SJCVB
has established the following to help develop a successful program: ::
A new flexible pricing structure.
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Discounted and through 2010.
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Access to grass roots sponsorship program to assist planners in finding supplemental financial support, as well as engage key government officials and corporate leaders as meeting speakers/presenters.
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An improved convention center rental agreement with customer friendly terms and provisions.
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Enlist local chapter for their support and participation as a local organizing committee in bringing the National meeting/convention to San José.
committable
rates
At the end of a productive day, meeting delegates can experience San José’s entertainment, dining and world-class arts within walking distance of their hotel or the convention facility. Shopping enthusiasts, movie buffs, sports fans and museum aficionados will see for themselves why San José was ranked as one of the Most Fun Cities in America. www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 25
CVB’s West
Albuquerque, New Mexico If you truly want to appreciate Albuquerque and New Mexico’s history, the rich diverse culture and the exquisite magical land that is woven together into an extraordinary tapestry, you will have to experience it and plan to extend your visit. As you travel along New Mexico’s scenic by ways, your breath will be taken away by the majesty of snow-capped peaks, the drama of red mesas against an endless turquoise sky and the sweet sounds of meandering streams as they trickle through quiet villages nestled in the shadows of twohundred year old cottonwood trees. The City of Albuquerque, together with the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce, invites you to plan your vacation, conference, workshop or event during this yearlong Tricentennial Celebration. With promise you will experience the magic and become mesmerized by the twirling rainbow-colored dresses of the Ballet Folklórico dancers, the Founders Day Parade with two full days of activities and the mystique and unique colorful dancers of various Indian tribes and many other activities that are being planned in celebrating 300 years of multicultural history. The Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce’s Convention and Tourism professionals can assist meeting planners with a wide range of complimentary specialized services to assure a successful meeting or convention. Benefits & Services include: :: :: :: :: ::
Convention Planning Events Planning Assistance with Registration Las Amigas Welcome Ambassadors Press and Public Relations
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:: :: :: :: :: ::
Assistance with Competitive Bids (Hotel and Convention Center Accommodations) Welcome Packets for dignitaries with Information on New Mexico Marketing and Promotions of AHCC Member Businesses at Various Trade Shows Statewide Brochure Distribution (Mail Inquiries and Trade Shows) Tourism Events and Attendance Promotions Spouse and Youth Planning
As a meeting planner you have your eyes focused on the big picture - let us handle the details for you! Whether you are planning an association’s annual convention, a corporate sales kick-off or just an intimate board of directors meeting, we know that achieving the goals and objectives of your program is your top priority. Flexible space, convenient location and great service. It all adds up to the Albuquerque Convention Center being the perfect place to do business! The Albuquerque Convention Center is located in the heart of vibrant downtown Albuquerque. Proudly managed by SMG and nestled between the breath-taking Sandia Mountains and the majestic Rio Grande River, the Albuquerque Convention Center is the premier convention venue in the Southwest. The convention center is in short-walking distance of 900 hotel rooms and the city’s dining and entertainment district. Just a quick 10minute drive from the Albuquerque International Sunport where I-25 and I-40 meets, the Center is easily accessible for in-town and out-of-town visitors. The Albuquerque Convention Center consists of two complexes under one roof, mak-
ing it the ideal facility to host your next meeting, convention, banquet or concert. Providing 167,000 square feet of exhibit space with 106,000 square feet of contiguous, columnfree space, the facility is equipped with 27 flexible meeting rooms, which can hold an intimate meeting of 10 people to a large breakout for 1,110 people. Our amazing 31,000-square feet Ballroom lends itself to a magnificent banquet space for up to 2,000 people or an impressive general session area for 2,500 people. The crowning jewel of our facility, the 2,300-seat Kiva Auditorium, is the perfect space for a keynote speaker. Kiva Auditorium, located on the upper level of the West Complex, boasts a proscenium stage and half-round seating for 2,300 people, making it an elegant but intimate setting for concerts, comedy shows, lectures, general sessions or graduations. The Auditorium’s backstage area includes a spacious Green Room appointed with a kitchenette, two large chorus dressing rooms, two private dressing rooms and two conveniently-located production offices. Albuquerque combines a unique blend of multi-culturalism, natural beauty, profound historic attractions, and spectacular climate with four distinct seasons, museums, galleries and shopping to create a distinct and unforgettable stay for every kind of visitor. Meeting attendees will discover Albuquerque’s allure when they explore Historic Old Town, where the Villa of Albuquerque was founded in 1706, or as they watch hundreds of hot air balloons ascending into blue skies during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®, the world’s largest, most photographed balloon event. Albuquerque offers an exciting array of activities for all ages and interests. From mountain biking and hiking to playing a rousing game of golf on one of our famed golf courses, or perhaps taking a tour of one of Albuquerque’s vineyards or browsing museums and galleries, there is a range of activities for any group. Mild or fiery, there’s nothing like New Mexican cuisine! Albuquerque offers a variety of dining options from the quaint and casual atmosphere to the elegant ambiance of one of our finer restaurants. Add some spice into your program when you choice Albuquerque as your next meeting destination. For more information, call the Convention and Tourism Department at 1-505-842-9003 or toll free 1-888-451-7824 for convention services or 1-800-754-4620 for tourism services or long onto www.ahcnm.org
CVB’s West
Phoenix, Arizona Envision a destination that’s natural beauty begins with rugged mountain ranges, Saguaro cacti that tower over hiking trails, and sunsets more spectacular than you can imagine, a destination with sun-filled days and more than 200 picturesque golf courses that can be enjoyed year-round. In Greater Phoenix, you’ll find everything from world-class resorts and fine dining to exhilarating adventure, trendy shopping, modern nightlife and enriching culture. Greater Phoenix showcases an exceptional collection of hotels and resorts, providing more than 55,000 guestrooms that offer deluxe amenities and modern meeting facilities. From luxury world-class resorts to budget-friendly limited service hotels, Phoenix accommodations fit the bill for any type of meeting. Planners will find a myriad of choices for first-rate amenities such as luxury suites, European-style spas and championship golf. Some of America’s best chefs run the culinary
operations at Phoenix resorts, offering great catering options for groups. Phoenix hotels offer state-of-the-art inhouse meeting and conference facilities ranging from a 100,000 square-foot, on-property convention center to scores of efficient board rooms with all the latest in audio-visual and high-speed internet connectivity. Whether you’re planning a large convention, an intimate board retreat or a unique incentive meeting, your options are limitless. Choices range from downtown conference hotels within walking distance of the Phoenix Convention Center to mountaintop resorts with dazzling views to dude guest ranches that offer an authentic Arizona experience. Nothing compares to a welcoming, stylish and knowledgeable host. Today, it is the signature concept epitomizing Phoenix Convention Center, a place that provides easy access in an incomparable setting with award winning customer service. Whether you’re hosting a major convention, trade show, corporate meeting, theatrical production or other special event, this 24-acre facility features five exhibit halls, 43 meeting
rooms, a 28,000-square-foot ballroom and outdoor terraces, for a total of 302,000 square feet of exhibit space. Currently undergoing a $600 million expansion the Phoenix Convention Center is a cooperative effort between the City of Phoenix and State of Arizona. Adding 570,000 square feet of meeting and exhibition space the Convention Center is nearly tripling in size to provide 872,000 square feet of hightech and client friendly rentable space. When completed, Convention Center will total more than 2 million square feet, including rentable space plus additional space for restrooms, kitchen areas, service corridors, hallways and truck docks. The old adage that says, “those who fail to plan, plan to fail” is eminently applicable to meetings and conventions. Savvy meeting planners know that it takes dedicated professionals, not simply products and services, to create an extraordinary event. One Call Does It All! With all the careful planning it takes to organize meetings, it’s comforting to know the Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau is experienced and successful at helping meeting planners achieve their goals. The Convention Sales team - which serves as the booking agent for the Phoenix Civic Plaza Convention Center - can arrange personalized site inspections of properties and facilities in which planners express an interest. From team-building concepts, spouse programs, entertainment and promotional items to print and electronic materials, translators, online hotel reservations and registration services, the CVB is committed to making your function an event to remember. CVB Sales Managers are so committed that they also welcome the opportunity to customize a bid presentation or proposal for your board of directors and decision makers. From conducting strategic, big-picture planning to finding the perfect flowers for your banquet tables, convention service members can help make every event a success. For one-stop shopping, the CVB convention services team is here to put you in touch with the people who can best help you. No matter the size of your group, the CVB is the expert at arranging unique services that will make your event in Greater Phoenix even more memorable. For more information on hosting your next meeting or convention in Phoenix contact the convention sales staff toll free at (877) CALLPHX or log onto www.visitphoenix.com
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lawtalk
: : AT T R I T I O N
HYATT Surprise: No Attrition H BY: RAYNA KATZ
yatt Hotels is announcing this week a startling new program: Sign up for multiple meetings to be held between now and 2010, and attrition damages will be waived. Alternatively, for meeting planners who have no concerns about attrition, master account credits as high as $10,000 per meeting are available. Buyers must agree to hold three or more meetings, each using at least 250 guestrooms on peak night, and to submit a two-year event history to the hotel. Meetings must be contracted by March 31, 2006, and held by Dec. 31, 2010. There are no blackout dates, but the program is not applicable to citywide meetings. Hyatt has grouped together its 21 top meeting properties under a new banner called Hyatt’s Large Meeting Network. They include the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego and the Grand Hyatt Washington (D.C.), and Hyatt Regency hotels in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas (two), Kansas City, Dearborn, Mich., Denver (opening this December), Houston, Jacksonville, Chicago (two properties, one at McCormick Place and the other at O’Hare Airport), Miami, Minneapolis, New Orleans, Phoenix, San Antonio, San Francisco, Vancouver and Washington D.C.
Good Times, New Approach Now that the economy is improving, planners don’t generally expect suppliers to agree to flexible contract terms. According to Hyatt executives, though, the days of suppliers automatically adopting a hard-line stance when they’re flush with cash are over. “We want to take some responsibility along with our customer because we both have something at stake,” said Stephen D’Agostino, Hyatt’s executive director of sales. “We don’t want to make the mistake of a few years ago, which was turning our backs on customers.” Added Fred Shea, vice president of sales, “We know customers will be with us for the long haul, so this time we want to be proactive. This reinforces the partnership we have with meeting planners.” 30 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
The program earned a vote of confidence from Karen Schneider, meeting services and travel coordinator at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons in Rosemont, Ill. “I’m a frequent customer, but this would make me consider Hyatt even more,” she said. “This would enable us to book meetings into hotels that we couldn’t use otherwise because of attrition concerns.” For those who opt for the credits, here’s how they work: Groups that bring in 250 or more paid peak-night rooms will receive a $2,500 credit. For 500 or more paid peaknight rooms, $5,000; and 1,000 rooms, $10,000. The credits are awarded per meeting, so if, for example, a three-meeting contract brings in 250 rooms on the first meeting, 500 on the second and 1,000 on the third, the group saves $17,500 on that contract. Planners who sign the contracts will automatically be upgraded to diamond-level status in Hyatt’s frequent guest program.
Easy Money Planners are welcome to book all three meetings, or more, for any combination of years and properties, including all in one, D’Agostino said. “Customers have told us that the competition has done programs like this but they’re all over the board. We wanted to make it simple and allow them to book what they want,” D’Agostino said. Earlier this year, Starwood introduced the Convention Collection, a network of 19 Sheratons and Westins for which it would accept multiple-meeting contracts (MeetingNews, Feb. 14). Unlike Hyatt’s program, the Convention Collection was set up to be a permanent offering. However, it doesn’t go as far as waiving attrition. It did promise lenient contract terms, though the company declined to specify them. At that time, Hyatt said it had something in the works. “We’ve been wanting to do some type of program,” said D’Agostino, “so our national salespeople have been asking their customers what would appeal to them. Association planners love the no-attrition offer while corporate
planners seem to want the master account credit.” He noted, though, that individual groups might have the opposite preferences. The program offers obvious cost savings, but there are some hidden benefits too, said Hyatt officials. “We’re seeing substantial rate growth now, but this allows planners to lock in rates,” D’Agostino said. “Our escalation clause typically moves at a slower rate than the economy, so planners can get better rates by booking meetings now.” Also, securing dates ahead of time can ease planners’ stress levels, said Jack Horne, vice president of sales. “Now that we’re in a robust economy, it’s becoming tougher and tougher for groups to secure a spot,” he said. “I think it gives meeting planners peace of mind to have dates locked in.” Contracts will say that attrition has been waived, or spell out the master account credits. If a group flat-out cancels a meeting, though, cancellation damages will still apply. Asked what would happen if a group was only able to fill, say, 60 percent of its room block, Shea said only, “If a group isn’t picking up, we’d like to work with them to do what we can to sell the rooms. We’ll work our way through it with the customer.”
Sales Edge Another motivation for Hyatt in offering this program is that some of its hotels still need a business boost. “We have a disproportionate number of large hotels so there’s a little more need for us to go out there and be aggressive,” Horne said. “This way, we can help the secondary cities, like Jacksonville, Kansas City and Houston, which haven’t come back as quickly as the New York and Orlando.” Hyatt’s national sales representatives will be announcing the program in their customer newsletters or websites, Horne said, adding that it puts Hyatt in a good position relative to its competitors. “This gives us a tremendous edge,” he said. Rayna Katz is an Executive Editor at Meeting News. This article first appeared in Meeting News, November 15, 2005.
traveltips
: : SAFETY
CONCERNS
Keeping Women Business Travelers Safe omen now constitute almost 50 percent of all the business travel in the United States, and spend $175 billion on 14 million trips annually. Women also have safety concerns that men don’t. Here’s a collection of safety tips for women travelers to consider.
W
Place the “Do Not Disturb”sign on your door to discourage anyone from entering your room while you are away. When staying in hotels,always check the window and door locks. Bolt the door to your hotel room and don’t open it for anyone without first checking with the front desk. Make sure the sliding door to your hotel room is locked. Use your baggage to hold the door to your hotel room while you check the closets. Even better,ask someone from the front desk to accompany you to your room while you check it out. If the desk clerk mentions your room number out loud and there are other guests around to overhear,request that you be given a different room and that the clerk not mention the number. Keep the curtains in your room closed. 32 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
If it’s very late and you’re alone, go to the front desk and ask security to walk you to your room. For peace of mind when traveling alone, choose national hotel chains with interior room entrances. More and more women are also choosing small inns and B&Bs where the proprietors will know where they’ve been for dinner and when to become alarmed if they don’t return by a specific time. When arriving at night, rental car agencies and hotels can arrange for someone to accompany you to and from parking lots. When alone (particularly at night), walk with the crowd and act as if you’re part of the pack. Carry your passport, plane ticket, traveler’s checks and cash in a concealed money belt worn around the waist. Look and act confident. Get directions ahead of time and know your destination. If you are unsure of your location, act like you know where you are headed and get directions at a safe-looking gas station, cafe, etc. Be aware of your surroundings (people, cars, doorways, stairwells, etc.) and have a plan in case you get into a dangerous situation.
On all flights, count the seats and rows to the nearest emergency exit. If there ever is a need to make an emergency exit, you will know exactly how far you need to crawl (if necessary) to reach the exit. Travel with a small, high-powered flashlight in your briefcase when you’re out, and on your bedside table at night for emergencies. Use laminated business cards as luggage tags. Anyone checking the address will not know your home address and telephone number. Leave your good jewelry at home. Don’t draw attention! Be proactive, not reactive. Never volunteer the fact that you are traveling alone. Lie if necessary. Plan your trip before traveling in a rental car. Do not reveal a map in your car with a marked route on it. To ward off unwanted male attention, carry fake engagement and wedding rings to be used as necessary; make hotel reservations as if married. Do not use room service breakfast door hangers because they ask for number of guest(s).You don’t want anyone to know you are alone.
DESTINATIONS FOR GREAT SUMMER MEETINGS Warm days, long nights, barbecues, and ice-cream cones on the boardwalk . . . For many of us, summer is the best season of all, when everything moves outdoors, cities come alive with festivals, beach goers and backyard pools beckon.This year plan your summer meeting in two of Florida’s sizzling destinations! 34 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
Destinations for Great Summer Meetings
Daytona Beach is the “World’s Most Famous Beach” Making the # 1 Destination for Summer Meetings! ummer meetings have to encompass two things: a beach and plenty of entertainment. When you think Daytona Beach, cars and beach come immediately to mind. Here the two meet to create a reputation for speed and good times. The reputation began more than a century ago when car manufacturers tested and raced their horseless carriages on the hard-packed sands of Daytona Beach and neighboring Ormond Beach. In time, racing moved to Daytona International Speedway, home to the Daytona 500. As meeting destination attendees not only have the opportunity to meet in a resort destination, they get to experience the history that made Dayton Beach “World Famous.” Recently, more than $250 million was invested into Daytona Beach’s core convention district. This landmark project has not only added more sophisticated accommodations and state-of-the-industry convention facilities to the area, but it has also spurred the refurbishment and expansion of hotels located throughout the resort area. In total, the area now offers well more than 350,000 square feet of meeting space. The Daytona Beach Resort Area offers more than 16,000 guest rooms in price ranges to satisfy every taste, and most properties are located directly on the ocean. Eleven area hotels have facilities that will host groups of 200 or more, while many others are perfect for smaller gatherings. Some of the latest happen-
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ings in Daytona’s hotel scene include a $20 million renovation project to the Adam’s Mark Daytona Beach Resort will re-open as the Hilton Daytona Beach Resort. In keeping up with the resort’s renowned reputation as a superior meeting facility, this beautiful beachfront property offers 60,000 square feet of outdoor and indoor meeting space as well as an onsite meeting and audio/visual staff. For larger events, an 18,000 square-foot ballroom able to accommodate up to 2,000 guests is available. For more information visit www.hilton.com The area’s popular attractions and convention facilities provide meeting professionals with a variety of options. The Ocean Center has a full spectrum of services to complement its facilities. A $57 million expansion of the Ocean Center Convention and Entertainment Complex is currently underway and is slated for completion by 2007. The expansion includes adding 130,000 square feet of exhibit and meeting space as well as renovating the existing meeting rooms to ensure the entire property is of the same high quality. The parking lots adjacent to the Ocean Center accommodate more than 2,500 cars. Centerplate, the exclusive in-house caterer, offers everything from fine dining to box lunches and everything in between. Event decorator and electrical needs are provided through the facilities approved Contractors list. The Ocean Center can assist with preferred advertising rates with our local media. Plus, there is a fully staffed, on-site, complete-service computerized box office. For more information visit www.oceancenter.com The new, all-inclusive Sunset Harbor Yacht Club & Conference Center offers 3,743 square feet of available space. This venue is perfect for banquets, meetings or seminars. The conference center offers high-speed Internet access and audio/visual equipment in
all rooms. For more information visit www.sunsetharboryc.com For a new and exciting venue planners should consider the Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center, a 2,500-seat facility, recently opened at Bethune-Cookman College. The center boasts 100,000 square feet of available rental space, a banquet center seating up to 250 people theater style, high-tech audio and visual equipment, a large boardroom and executive suites. For more information visit www.cookman.edu From a civic center offering 60,000-square feet of meeting space to an historic oceanfront, open-air amphitheater, the Daytona Beach area is home to several unique venues that are sure to make your meeting memorable. In addition, groups can also meet on the area’s fabled 23 miles of sparkling, whitesandy beaches or take part in unique teambuilding opportunities at Daytona USA — the official attraction of NASCAR. The area’s convenient location provides easy access to Walt Disney World, Sea World, Universal Studios, Epcot Center, Wet’nWild, Church Street Station, MGM Studios, historic St. Augustine and Kennedy Space Center. These attractions are all within just one hour’s drive from Daytona Beach. So what are you waiting for! Make your reservations now to visit the World’s Most Famous Beach, Daytona Beach’s Big Beach, Big Fun! Since 1987, the Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (DBACVB) has been the organization through which the public and private sectors have unified to market the area as a desirable destination for business and vacation travelers. For more information on the Daytona Beach Area, contact Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at (386) 255-0415 or 1-800-854-1234 or log on to: www.daytonabeachcvb.org www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 35
Destinations for Great Summer Meetings
Meetings Perfection in Greater Fort Lauderdale Providing everything you need: modern facilities, handy access and a variety of accommodations, Greater Fort Lauderdale is the perfect destination for your summer meeting. Meeting attendees will love the palmfringed beaches, gorgeous waterfront, memorable dining, brilliant sunshine, great golf, cultural attractions, and world-class shopping. From luxurious beachfront resorts to boutique hotels among Greater Fort Lauderdale’s 32,000 hotel rooms meeting planners will find a wide array of accommodations sure to fit any budget. Of the10,000 rooms available that are ideal for meeting and convention business, more than 3,500 are located within a mile of the Convention Center! The Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport is spacious and conveniently located just minutes from the business district and hotels, the Greater Fort Lauderdale/ Broward County Convention Center, Port Everglades, beaches and major highways. The user-friendly airport has new terminals, a new multi-level Rental Car Center and parking for 12,500 cars. Count on success when you use Greater Fort Lauderdale/ Broward County’s sleek modern Convention Center. This high-tech 600,000-sq-ft three-level meeting and exhibit facility has a glass curtain wall with fabulous views of the Intracoastal Waterway, the city of Fort Lauderdale and a 1.3-acre fountain plaza featuring a 35-foot bronze sailfish sculpted by Kent Ullberg. Inside, the Center has a glass atrium with skylights, lush tropical plants and stylish carpeting adorned with underwater flora and fauna. There are 18 loading docks that provide easy access to the exhibit halls. Planners will find the latest in technological services here. The 1,300-sq-ft Executive Teleconference Suite features a comfortable boardroom setting for conducting high-end video conferencing. A T-1 line or an ISDN line can be provided in all meeting rooms, exhibit halls and ballrooms. Other services
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include wireless Internet access and hotspots throughout the building; analog and digital phone lines and phone rental; phone hookups in all meeting rooms, exhibit halls and ballrooms; fax, pager and voice mailbox rental; and features such as call waiting and threeway conference calling. The tropical Breezin’ Java Cyber Café has ten permanent terminals and is a wireless hotspot. Other highlights include Starbucks coffees, specialty foods and beverages and television monitors for the latest news. Meeting planners who book groups at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center for August, September and October 2006 through 2008 and contract a minimum of 600 peak-night hotel rooms will receive free rental of all exhibit floor space throughout the entire 600,000-sq-ft Convention Center, and all attrition fees will be waived at contracted hotels. Downtown Fort Lauderdale is home to scenic Las Olas Boulevard and the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District, which includes the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Stranahan House, the Museum of Discovery and Science and Blockbuster 3D IMAX Theater, the Museum of Art and lively Himmarshee Village. Year-round festivals and events fill out the cultural calendar. Delegates can regroup and relax at luxurious spa resorts—Bonaventure Resort & Golden Door Spa, Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six Resort & Spa, Marriott’s Harbor Beach Resort & Spa, the Spa at Lago Mar Resort & Club, Spa Atlantic, the Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa and Spa Atlantis.
Newly opened or renovated Hotels include: The 229-room Hollywood Beach Marriott along the beachfront Boardwalk, with meeting space, an oceanfront restaurant and full-service spa.
The Atlantic, a five-star 123-suite hotel and condominium on Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard with a beachfront restaurant, oceanfront pool and spa. The beachfront Pelican Beach Resort,with 180 guestrooms and suites and a Lazy River Ride. The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, with 500 luxury guestrooms, a 130,000-sq-ft casino and spa and 100,000+ square feet of meeting and exhibit space. The Lago Mar Resort & Spa, whose makeover includes a $15 million addition. Coming attractions The 24-story St. Regis Resort, Fort Lauderdale, a luxury landmark resort with 166 guestrooms and suites, restaurant, European spa and 20,000 sq.ft.of meeting space. (June 2006) The Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach, a 25-story five-star condo-hotel on Fort Lauderdale Beach with 333 luxury units, a 2,700-sq-ft ballroom, spa and fitness center. (Summer 2006) The Hollywood Grande Hotel along Hollywood Beach, a $30 million project with 148 suites, courtyard garden, bars and retail shops (Fall 2006). The $220 million W Fort Lauderdale Hotel and Residences, the first W hotel in Florida, with 346 sleeping rooms, a 10,000-sqft spa and more than 13,000 square feet of meeting space. (December 2006) Two new five-star condo hotels on Fort Lauderdale Beach from Donald J.Trump. For more information on planning your next meeting contact the Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB at 1-800-356-1662 or online at www.sunny.org.
HM&T/speakersbureau
Carlos Conejo
Manuel Medrano
Ruben Gonzalez
Franco Soldi
Victor Gonzalez
Politics,Diversity and Multicultural Markets at the Podium oised to speak in English or Spanish or Ingles y Espanol about topics once regarded as taboo, the HM&T Speakers will not shy away from the issues of Politics, Diversity and Multicultural Markets. In today's world, issues that divide and unite are sometimes not addressed. "Golden Tongues" are not enough when meeting attendees want speakers who can talk sense about current issues and events. HM&T speakers do just that!
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BY MARGARET GONZALEZ The relevance of domestic and global events impacts travel and that impacts the industry. Audiences want to know how to survive during turbulent times. They want to hear from speakers who will address the tough issues. A lot is made about educational content to benefit conference attendees, but not enough is said about dealing with political issues, diversity and multicultural markets. In fact, all of this is undervalued, as if it will go away if we do not address it. HM&T speakers address the issues with ease when they speak of everyday life experiences of minority people in the United States. HM&T speakers do not sugar coat their comments, they respect their audiences and understand that professionals want to be proactive in dealing with issues. In the final analysis, everyone wants to make the world a safer place. HM&T speakers bring a vast body of knowledge and can speak to the issues in any language. In this issue, Hispanic Meetings & Travel is proud to feature Carlos Conejo, one of the "Top Five" Hispanic Speakes in the USA according to MarketData, Emmy Award winning correspondent, Manuel Medrano and Franco Soldi whose motivational entertainment products are tailor made for each client. Please contact the HM&T Speakers Bureau at 281-3331755 to book any of our featured speakers that also includes Victor Gonzalez, Manuel “Manny” Medrano and Ruben Gonzalez. All were featured in the Jan/Feb 2006 issue of Hispanic Meetings & Travel. (Also note that some speakers are represented by multiple bureaus.)
Carlos Conejo C
arlos Conejo is a highly sought after management consultant and expert on the explosive multicultural marketplace, he conducts major work internationally in the areas of Marketing to Emerging Markets, Workforce Development, and Lean Enterprise, in either English, OR Spanish. Mr. Conejo specializes in the Foodservice, hospitality and Meetings & Conventions industries. A graduate of Pepperdine University’s Malibu, California Campus, he comes from 20 years as a sales manager and product manager in various fields, but always with a proven record of accomplishment and results.
At one company, he was directly responsible for turning around a declining division and spearheaded its growth from $22 million in sales to $625 million in sales, in five years. In another situation, he grew a previously neglected department of 10 people from $50 million in sales to over $420 million in sales in just two short years… without adding more staff! The independent market research firm of MarketData ranks Mr. Conejo as one of the “Top Five” Hispanic Speakers in the nation. This ranking was confirmed in the April 2002 issue of Hispanic Business Magazine and the fall issue of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s, Hispanic Trends Magazine. Mr. Conejo has been featured on KNBC’s - Today in L.A. Show, Business News Network, Tribune Broadcasting Network, the Lifetime Channel, and several other major television and radio shows. Mr. Conejo released two new books in 2004: The Crabs of Santo Domingo: The Power of Working Together, and Recruiting Multicultural Employees. This brings his total published works to six… and counting… He is currently working on other books and programs at this time.
Listing of Mr. Conejo’s published products: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Seven Secrets for your Success Audio Tape Seven Secrets for Your Success – Success System Motivating Hispanic Employees Motivating Hispanic Employees Trainer’s Version Crabs of Santo Domingo: The Power of Working Together Recruiting & Retaining Multicultural Employees www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 39
HM&T/speakersbureau
Manuel is a masterful speaker who engages and captivates audiences with these compelling presentations, among others: Trials of the Century: What They Didn’t Tell You A successful trial attorney and news correspondent, Manuel provides a behind-the-scenes look at current and controversial legal issues. From high profile cases involving celebrities, to headline-grabbing political cases, Manuel cuts through the legal jargon and focuses on the people and players behind the headlines. Audiences will learn for the first time of the intense legal wrangling and astonishing personal struggles that took place during some of the most notorious cases of our time.
Supreme Directions: The Future of the High Court
Manuel Medrano s the Supreme Court/Legal Affairs Correspondent for ABC News, Manuel Medrano has covered some of the most important national news stories of the past decade. With a front row seat to news events, Manuel has unique insight into stories that have changed the fabric and landscape of our society. An embodiment of the American success story, Manuel’s personal journey has taken him from a gang-infested barrio to the pinna-
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As a member of the prestigious U.S. Supreme Court press corps, Manuel discusses the innerworkings of the highest court in the land. Manuel’s fast-paced presentation examines landmark, controversial decisions that have forever changed our daily lives. He offers his unique insights into the inner-workings of the Court and discusses the fascinating political backdrop to the intricate “chess game” unfolding daily as potential Supreme Court nominees are thrown into the arena.
“But You Don’t Fit the Profile…”:
cle of journalism as an Emmy- Succeeding When Everyone Says You Can’t award winning network correspon- Do you feel that others (and sometimes even dent. Prior to becoming a broad- you) underestimate your true potential? Manuel’s most personal keynote is a powerful cast journalist, Manuel was a fed- presentation that resonates with audiences eral criminal prosecutor who never because it touches on the themes of personal and the irrepressible human spirit. lost a jury trial. He braved death obstacles Born to immigrant parents, Manuel pulled threats to successfully prosecute himself out of a crime-ridden barrio to go on the drug cartel leaders that kid- to graduate with honors from Harvard College and then Harvard Law School, culminating in napped, tortured and murdered two immensely successful careers. With DEA federal drug agent Enrique humor and unflinching passion, Manuel chalCamarena. Manuel is the recipient lenges people to conquer fear and self-doubt, and embark on their own journey of self-disof numerous awards and honors covery and empowerment as a means to reach their personal and professional goals. for his trial lawyer achievements.
HM&T/speakersbureau
Motivate your employees with entertainment!
F
ranco Soldi is a bilingual, Spanish and English, author and motivational speaker looking forward to a “new era of being”, an era of self-motivation and empowerment.
“Franco’s presentation should make you think - and think deeply, if you are serious about achieving success”. - Roy Buddle Director of Sales Grant Thornton LLP
Franco Soldi is also an international marketing consultant. He has worked with several brands helping them to communicate their marketing message in a more powerful way. “We engage the customer through non-traditional marketing strategies and stimulate their five senses. The brand becomes an experience the consumer interacts with” Soldi’s Metamorphoses® shows and seminars present cutting edge information on human development via the most fascinating form of communication known to man...Entertainment! “People learn best when they don’t know they are learning. People learn best when being entertained and having fun.”, explains Franco Soldi. His unique method SINC® Technology is based on the natural functioning processes of the brain. By its own system of operation the brain reacts to and learns best by exciting its two hemispheres simultaneously with images and sounds. His unique seminars are marketed to the corporate world. The strong motivational content of the shows transmits a powerful message to employees offering them personal reflection and applicable skills to overcome obstacles that prevent happiness and success. His motivational-entertainment products are tailor made for each client. Stress is a reality and now so is entertainment with programmed solutions. After inspiring thousands of people from major international corporations in Latin
Franco Soldi “People learn best when they don’t know they are learning. People learn best when being entertained and having fun.” America, The United States and the Caribbean, such as Coca-Cola, HP, Telefónica, LAN, NESTLE & GSK among others, and sharing the stage with personalities such as Al Gore, José Feliciano, José Maria Aznar and Gorbachev. Franco Soldi now resides between
Miami and Madrid, from which he travels sharing his messages with the world. To inquire about Carlos Conejo, Manuel Medrano or Franco Soldi please visit: www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com or call 281-333-1755 www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 41
A Movement Uniting the Hispanic Community BY: LUIS J. DIAZ, ESQ. PRESIDENT, US HISPANIC ADVOCACY ASSOCIATION he combined purchasing power of the U.S. Hispanic population ranks it among the world’s largest economies. According the latest census numbers, the Hispanic population is now the largest minority group representing 42.6 million people in the United States, including Puerto Rico. Its size is larger than the population of Canada, Spain or Argentina and it is estimated to grow by more than 1.7 million a year, 100,000 every three weeks or 5,000 people a day. These figures are not just a reality, but a wake up call. While the growth rate and youth of the population are more consistent with that of a less developed country, the disposable income and consump-
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tion patterns are more comparable to Europe or the United States. Despite the numbers, the sad fact remains that the so-called “purchasing power” simply has not translated into real economic power as defined by meaningful solutions to pressing realities for Hispanics in the areas of directorships, education, employment, health care, procurement and small business opportunities. The disparity between Hispanic economic contributions and Hispanic decision-making power likely will be aggravated by globalization and off shoring of jobs and outsourcing opportunities. It has also given rise to “skepticism and cynicism about equity and inclusion.” As discussed below, the facts are sobering using any objective metric. More importantly, they underscore the need for a
strong consumer advocacy group that will focus on leveraging Hispanic purchasing power into meaningful and measurable opportunities for our people by focusing on enforcing a “Green Agenda.”
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE. In terms of corporate governance, Hispanics still hold less than 2% of all board seats in Fortune 1,000 companies.
As of 2003,
only 148 Hispanics and foreign national Latinos served on the boards of 166 major companies. Collectively they held 202 board seats, or 1.97%, of total board seats (10,314) at Fortune 1,000 companies. Long term trends in Hispanic inclusion on corporate boards are a mixed bag.
The Green Agenda
EDUCATION. In the area of education, Hispanics now have the lowest attainment levels of any minority group. Hispanics have the highest high school dropout rates (nearly 28%) of any major racial or ethnic group (ages 16 to 24). For non-Hispanic white high school students, the dropout rate is nearly 7%. Hispanics have the lowest college attendance. Only 36% of Hispanics (ages 18 to 24) graduating from high school chooses to go on to college, compared with 44% of non-Hispanic white high school graduates. Only 11% of all Hispanic adults (ages 25 to 29) have a bachelor’s degree, compared with 29.4% of non-Hispanic white adults. Currently, one out of every three Hispanic children live in families in which both parents have less than a high school education, compared with one in six African Americans, one in eight Asians, and one in twenty non-Hispanic white children. By 2010, it is projected that about half of Hispanic children will be living in families in which both parents have less than a high school education.
EMPLOYMENT. In the area of employment, Hispanics also have not achieved parity. They have a labor force participation rate (67.8%) that has surpassed the rate for the general United States labor force (66.8%). However, compared with non-Hispanic workers, Hispanics are consistently underrepresented in managerial and professional occupations. They are overrepresented in “service” occupations, jobs which are heavily minimum wage with few educational prerequisites and few benefits. The median income for Hispanics is well below that of non-Hispanics. According to a recent report from the PEW Hispanic Center, new Hispanic immigrants accounted for over 1 million of the 2.5 million new jobs created in the United States in 2004. However, the vast majority of new jobs for Hispanic workers were in relatively low-skill occupations. As a result, Hispanics were the only major group of workers to have suffered a two-year decline in wages. They now earn 5% less than two years ago. The increasing supply of unskilled Hispanic immigrant workers suggests that they are likely competing with each other in the labor market to their own detriment further eroding family income and per capita purchasing power.
HEALTHCARE. The 2005 National Healthcare Disparities Report (NHDR) finds that while disparities in access to health care are diminishing for all other minority groups, they are widening for Hispanics. A majority (80%) of access measures being tracked by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) have worsened for Hispanics since last year’s report to the Nation. Overall the 2005 Report found that “for Hispanics, the
majority of disparities for both quality and access were growing wider.” In terms of access to healthcare, Hispanics are grossly disadvantaged. Over 32% of the nation’s current population of Hispanics is uninsured, compared to 13% of Anglo-Americans and 20% of African Americans. Not only do they lack accessible, affordable, available, and portable health care, but they also are severely underrepresented in terms of ownership of health-related enterprises. Additionally, employed Hispanics and their families are less likely to be covered by employer insurance, with only 40% of Hispanics receiving insurance from their employer or a relative’s employer, compared to 70% of Americans as a whole, according to 1990 data. With increasing healthcare costs, these statistics are likely to worsen.
PROCUREMENT & BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES. In the areas of procurement and business opportunities, Hispanics also lag behind other groups. According to the Hispanic Association for Corporate Responsibility, most Fortune 1000 companies spend less than 3% of their nearly $12 trillion in annual purchasing on minority businesses and proportionally even less on Hispanic-owned businesses. On the government front, the Minority Business Summit Report issued by Ranking Democratic Member of the House Small Business Committee, Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, showed that in 2004, while federal procurement dollars rose a total of 3.4% to $295 billion, small business opportunities for Hispanics and other minorities declined by 9%. This cost minority owned firms $3.5 billion in lost opportunity that could have resulted in jobs for 70,000 workers. The report also found that government has consistently missed its statutory business goal of 5% for minority businesses. According to the SBA’s Office of Advocacy, this trend is being aggravated by contract bundling. For every 100 “bundled” contracts, 106 individual contracts are no longer available to small and Hispanic businesses. And, every $100 awarded on a “bundled” contract has led to a $33 decrease in contracts to small businesses. Aside from bundling, the General Accounting Office has also released reports showing wide-spread fraud by large companies obtaining federal contracts by self-certifying as small businesses. Despite our best efforts to set goals designed to promote parity, it appears self-evident that greater enforcement and accountability are required.
GLOBALIZATION & OFFSHORING. The above negative trends are also being aggravated by a new reality of the modern world globalization, offshoring and imbalanced trade agreements. The new trend is to offshore services. Initially, this consisted of low-level calling center jobs and programmer positions. However,
the trend is now to offshore anything that can be digitized. Last year alone, India’s information technology sector exported $10 billion worth of goods and services to the U.S. It projects these figures to reach $21 billion to $24 billion in 2008. Gartner, Inc., a prominent IT industry research group, now estimates that 25% of traditional U.S. information technology jobs will be located in developing countries by 2010. Offshoring of technology is the new reality according to Thomas L. Friedman in his book “The World Is Flat.” The impact of offshoring and globalization is illustrated in part by a 2005 report from the New Jersey Commission on Science and Technology. It found that New Jersey has lost 14% of its hightechnology jobs since 2000. While some of this is attributable to the dot-com and telecommunications busts, one would expect the impact to be less given that the U.S. has been in a period of economic recovery since 2003. However, the high technology employment levels are now below those of the 1990s, with 275,500 jobs in 2004 versus 285,300 in 1990. The job and procurement opportunity loss has affected all fields of technology, including life sciences, telecommunications, computers, electronics, Internet service, data processing, architecture and engineering. This is a grim statistic for New Jersey given that high technology jobs account for nearly one-third of the State’s income and related tax revenues. It should also be noted that, due to the economic multiplier effect, for every technology job that disappears from New Jersey it is estimated that as many as 3 other jobs go with it. At a national level, Hispanics are the most underrepresented racial group in information technology (IT), according to the Arlington, Virginia-based Information Technology Association of America (ITAA). While they made up 12.9% of the U.S. workforce in 2004, Hispanics were only 6.4% of the IT workforce. Given that we now operate in a knowledge economy where intellectual capital is the most valuable asset of most companies, it would seem appropriate to ensure that the United States maintains a strategic reserve of intellectual capital just as it does commodities like oil and steel. The simple fact is that we are now at a competitive disadvantage (of our own making) relative to China and India. Thus, leaders in industry, education and government must redouble their efforts to ensure that all Americans, particularly Hispanics and other minorities that are the fastest growing segment of our population, are afforded the opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math. We must do as the Japanese and engage in long-term strategic planning rather than the short-term oriented thinking that is now so commonplace. www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 43
The Green Agenda
Defining a Green Agenda. In light of the above mega-trends, Hispanics must learn to work together with Corporate America and government to leverage their purchasing power to require a comprehensive corporate and governmental commitment, full community engagement, and specific and actionable reciprocity by corporate and governmental entities. The reason is not because this is the right thing to do, but simply because it is good business. As suggested by Dr. Lin Ostrom in the landmark book Governing the Common, Hispanic organizations need to unite to form a “polycentric” governance system with a central authority. Any such system, however, must first include a common agenda. It is humbly suggested that this common agenda must be “green” to be effective, meaning politically neutral (neither democrat nor republican) and focused on creating relationships and vehicles to provide jobs, procurement, and other opportunities for Hispanics (the “Green Agenda”). The building blocks of the Green Agenda are (i) building capacity in the private and public sectors to provide jobs, education, procurement, business and other opportunities, (ii) providing adequate metrics and means to measure whether the private and public sectors are achieving parity goals based on their relative use of Hispanic purchasing power, and (iii) partnering Hispanic businesses with other minority and majority businesses and government entities to create economies of scale and competitive efficiencies. In short, the three elements are capacity-building, accountability and partnering (acronym “CAP”). The leverage available to enforce this Green Agenda is the power of the Hispanic consumers.
CONCLUSION. Hispanic business leaders now have a window of opportunity to achieve a level playing field. The existence of a unifying Green Agenda is our best hope of leveraging Hispanic purchasing power into meaningful opportunity for Hispanics in the United States. It also allows our leaders in government and business to speak with one voice, to act as one body and to dream in one color – GREEN. Mr. Diaz is a frequent speaker and writer on issues impacting the Hispanic business community. He is active in many of the leading Hispanic business associations in New Jersey, New York, and was recently selected to serve as President & CEO of the United States Hispanic Advocacy Association
The United States Hispanic Advocacy Association ("USHAA") What is the USHAA? The United States Hispanic Advocacy Association ("USHAA") is a non-profit corporation that was formed with the mission of leveraging Hispanic purchasing power to provide effective advocacy, meaningful benefits and helpful information to its members. USHAA facilitates the self-sufficiency and financial security of its members, associates and their families. What advocacy does the USHAA perform? We provide our members with a strong voice in Washington, State government and Corporate America to advocate a politically neutral Green Agenda - meaning jobs, education, healthcare, procurement and business opportunities for our people. Working with trained lawyers, lobbyists and a network of Hispanic business leaders, we advocate on important legal and legislative issues affecting our members like immigration, consumer fraud, regulatory affairs, and consumer safety. We also plan to work with a national network of community-based organizations. What economic themes will USHAA seek to capitalize? Youth and Family. Hispanics under 25 are driving consumption patterns in many industries that rely on a younger age group. In addition to the age characteristics described above, the U.S. Hispanic birth rate is 50% higher than the general U.S. population and the average household size is 3.5 members versus 2.7 members for the general population. Underserved Industry Sectors. Certain sectors of the U.S. economy currently have limited penetration within the U.S. Hispanic population. In particular, education and language barriers have limited Hispanic penetration into areas such as banking, insurance, credit and home-ownership. Healthcare also represents an undeserved sector where specially tailored products could be designed to capture a loyal and growing Hispanic customer base.
(USHAA), a non-profit organization providing advocacy, benefits and information for Latinos. The author humbly and gratefully acknowledges the support and contributions of the following Hispanic leaders, all of whom share a Green Agenda: Martin Perez, Esq., founding Chair, USHAA and President & CEO, Latino Leadership Alliance of New Jersey (LLANJ); Michael Barrera, President and CEO of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC); David Lizarraga, Alex Garcia, RA, Alfred Placeres, Esq., Ed Diaz and Esperanza Porras Field, Directors of the USHCC; Richard Garcia, Hector Banegas and Betty Manetta, Executive Board Members of the Hispanic Business Council of the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey (CIANJ); Graciela U. Diaz, Chief Technology Officer, Aztec Partners, LLC; Joe Marquez, President & CEO of the Latinos in Sciences and Technology Association (LISTA); Julio Colon, President, Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurs (HACCE); Angela Rowe, Associate Publisher and Editor in Chief Hispanic Meetings & Travel magazine; Al Pina, Chair, Florida Minority Community Reinvestment Coalition. The author also
Culturally Targeted Products. The Hispanic community is characterized by distinct differences from the general population including country of origin, language, family size and culture.For example, 71% of U.S.Hispanic adults are foreign born and Spanish remains the first language learned for 87% of the community. The population's intense brandloyalty should also offer companies providing services and products a greater degree of long-term stability. Hispanization of the U.S. Society. As consumers, U.S. Hispanics are heavily influencing overall trends and catapulting traditional U.S. Hispanic products and customs into mainstream status (e.g. chips and salsa).
acknowledges the extensive research and edits provided by Jacqueline Diaz, without whom this paper would not have been possible.
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For more information about USHAA, please visit www.ushaa.com.
HM&T/comingevents Hispanic Meetings & Travel introduces
"Hispanic Heritage Tours" ome discover your ancestral roots. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo where the history began in the ancient city of Puebla. In June, join us as we travel to Santa Fe, New Mexico and Albuquerque for the Tricentennial Celebrating 300 years in one of the nation's oldest Spanish/Mexican cities. This summer, take the kids with you and join us at Camp Diversity on the James River in northern Virginia, a short drive from Williamsburg, Jamestown and Bush Gardens. Then in September, join us in Mexico City for El Grito de Libertad! in one of the world's most dynamic capitals. Round up the year and attend the 11th Annual Hispanic Meeting Professionals Educational Conference & Trade Show in Atlanta, Georgia home to CNN.
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May 4-7, 2006 Visit the historic city of Puebla where the battle against the French took place in 1862.
fessionals Association (CIMPA) and Asian Leaders Association (ALA) at historic camp grounds on the James River, with over 125 acres of woodlands in northern Virginia. A short drive from Williamsburg, Jamestown, Potomac Mills and the nation's capital, Washington, DC.
September 14-17, 2006 Celebrate Mexico's Independence Day in the Distrito Federal, Mexico City and experience this historic event in one of the great capitals of the world. See www.IAHMP.org and www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com for tour registration, trip itinerary, etc.
June 30 to July 4, 2006 Visit historic Santa Fe one of the oldest Spanish settlements in the Southwest and Albuquerque, New Mexico "The Land of Enchantment."
December 7-10, 2006 11th Annual Educational Conference & Trade Expo Atlanta Marriott Marquis, Atlanta Georgia.
August 12-14, 2006 CAMP DIVERSITY Hosted by The International Association of Hispanic Meeting Professionals (IAHMP) Connected International Meeting Pro-
Visit www.IAHMP.org and www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com for conference registration, sponsor and speaker opportunities. You may also call IAHMP at 281-333-1552.
Presented by, The International Association of Hispanic Meeting Professionals, Hispanic Meetings & Travel, GVR Public Relations Agency, Inc., Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, Atlanta Marriott Marquis and Delta Airlines
www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 45
:~) technosavvy
: : S O F T WA R E
APEX OfficeReady TAKING THE HASSLE OUT OF PLANNING MEETINGS AND EVENTS APEX OfficeReady for Meeting and Event Planning – a user-friendly toolset containing a collection of more than 200 event management and business templates, including those developed through the Convention Industry Council’s APEX (Accepted Practices Exchange) as the industry standard. It is designed to interface with the Microsoft Office suite of software programs, specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. APEX OfficeReady provides event organizers with a neatly packaged set of readymade, highly customizable tools that will help them increase productivity, promote a professional image, and implement APEX accepted practices. Simply put, it places easy-to-use APEX templates into the hands of users. Some of the tools packaged within APEX OfficeReady include: The APEX Industry Glossary – Over 3,900 industry-approved terms, acronyms and abbreviations and their respective definitions. The APEX ESG (Event Specifications Guide) – Driven by wizard technology, this is the industry’s format to use in preparing and sharing complete instructions and details for events. Completed samples of all hard-copy APEX templates for reference. All checklists from The Convention Industry Council Manual, 7th Edition. The built-in ability to create an Adobecompatible PDF file so that users can distribute secure files via email or post them to a website. An automatic profile feature that inserts the users name, address, and eventrelated relevant information into new documents automatically. 46 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
According to Juli Finnell Jones, vice president of the CIC, there are three equally important reasons that APEX OfficeReady was developed. “First, it helps event organizers lead the industry in the implementation of accepted practices developed by APEX,” said Jones. “It also gives customers an incredibly functional product that takes the hassle out of planning events and offers a great value. It also provides vital revenue for APEX so that continued refinement and implementation of accepted practices can be possible for the future.” One of the most important features of APEX OfficeReady is that, if a user registers
his copy, he will automatically receive updates with new APEX templates and tools as they are available. In order to encourage maximum use, APEX OfficeReady has been affordably priced at $99.95 USD. It can be purchased at www.conventionindustry.org. APEX (Accepted Practices Exchange), an initiative of the Convention Industry Council, is developing and implementing industrywide accepted practices which will create and enhance efficiencies throughout the meetings, conventions and exhibitions industry.
calendarofevents MARCH 2006 LULAC National Legislative Awards Gala J.W. Marriott Washington, DC March 1, 2006 US Mexico Chamber of Commerce "Transporte International" Los Angeles Conference Millennium Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles, CA March 2-3, 2006 NCLR Capitol Awards National Building Museum Washington, DC March 7, 2006 NCLR National Issue Briefing and Advocacy Day Agenda National Education Association Building Washington, DC March 8, 2006 Sixth Annual "A Slice of Latin America" Gala The Committee for Hispanic Children and Families Grand Hyatt New York, New York March 9, 2006 Hispanic National Bar Association Mid - Year Conference program The Westin Seattle, WA March 10 - 11, 2006 US Mexico Chamber of Commerce "10th Congressional U.S.- Mexico Border Issues Conference" Washington, DC March 15, 2006 National Hispanic Medical Association Tenth Annual Conference Wardman Park Marriott Hotel Washington, DC March 23, 2006 HACU's 11th Annual National Capitol Forum Madison Hotel Washington, DC March 26-28, 2006 LULAC National Women's Conference Grand Hyatt New York, NY March 31-April 1, 2006
APRIL 2006 United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) 16th Annual Legislative Conference The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center Washington, DC April 3-5, 2006
MALDEF 7th Annual Dinner Capital Hilton Washington D.C. April 5, 2006 AHAA 20th Semi Annual Conference Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Los Angeles, CA April 5-7, 2006 Hispanic Federation Annual Gala Waldorf Astoria New York City, NY April 6, 2006 NHCOA National Conference InterContinental Miami Hotel - Miami, Florida April 7-9, 2006 National Hispanic Corporate Council Annual Conference Owens Corning Corporate Headquarters Toledo, Ohio April 25 - 27, 2006 National Society of Hispanic MBA's Hispanic Executive Summit Grand Hyatt Hotel New York, New York April 27-29, 2006 Who's Who in Hispanic Media Corporate Luncheon NUESTRO Washington DC April 28, 2006
MAY 2006 4th Annual Woman of the Year (WOY) Awards Hispanic Business Magazine Caesars Palace Las Vegas May 4, 2006 US Mexico Chamber of Commerce NAFTA Conference & Good Neighbor Awards Gala Washington DC May 10 - 12, 2006
JUNE 2006 Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility 20th Annual Symposium The Ritz-Carlton Washington, DC June 5 - 6, 2006 Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers LeaderSHPE Institute Portland, Oregon June 12-16, 2006 National Association of Hispanic Journalists Annual Convention Marina Marriott Fort Lauderdale, FL June 14 -16