Post Conference Tour - Santa Fe, New Mexico December 9-10, 2007 YOUR INVITED to "The Land of Enchantment" Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town Albuquerque, New Mexico! Hotel Albuquerque exemplifies "Albuquerque Plans are underway for the IAHMP Annual Conference on December 6-9, 2007 at the Hotel Albuquerque in Historic Old Town. Your going to love this destination! No other part of the country offers the ambiance of endless sunsets, brilliant mountains, and Mexican, Spanish Navajo Nation and Native American culture. Albuquerque is known as the "Land of Enchantment" When you go there you will never want to leave. So mark your calendar and make plans now to attend the 12th Annual IAHMP Conference and Trade EXPO on December 69, 2007.
Annual Membership Drive! Meeting planners, bring in 2 new meeting planner members and receive 50% off your annual dues.
Suppliers, recruit and sponsor 2 new meeting planner members and get 50% off your annual conference registration.
Suppliers, recruit 2 new supplier members and get 50% off your conference Trade Expo space. Contact Cathy Gonzales, Vice President of Membership at CATHY@ahcnm.org or Margaret Gonzalez, President at mgonzalez@gvragency.com or go online at www.IAHMP.org and submit the Membership Forms. But be sure to call 281333-1552 so you can receive your 50% discount.
Style," a unique blend of New Mexico's Pueblo, Spanish Territorial and Western cultural influences. Listed in Travel + Leisure in 2001 as one of “25 stylish hotels under $200,� Hotel Albuquerque is a landmark hotel nestled in the heart of the historic Old Town Plaza and museum district with its 400 year history and more than 200 shops, restaurants, and galleries to explore. Hotel Albuquerque is also a convenient starting point for further exploration of all that Albuquerque and central New Mexico has to offer. Call 1-800-237-2133 or 505-843-6300 www.hhandr.com/hotelabq
Hosted Meeting Planners Be among the many Hosted meeting professionals at this year's conference. Do you plan meetings, conventions and special events? Are you the decision maker in selecting the site or destination? Do you help make the decisions? Are you the president or chairman of a Hispanic association? You could qualify for R/T airfare and a 3 night stay at the host hotel. Fill out the online Hosted Meeting Planner form at www.IAHMP.org to see if you qualify. All requests must be received by November 5, 2007.
Sponsored by International Association of Hispanic Meeting Professionals, the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce, Hispanic Meetings & Travel, Hispanic Hotel Owners Association, GVR Public Relations, Inc., and Heritage Hotels and Resorts, Inc. For additional information contac t the GVR Public Relations Agenc y, Inc. 1322 Space Park, Suite A-190 | Houston, Texas 77058 | Tel. 281-333-1881 | Fax. 281-333-1996 | www.gvragency.com
contents J U LY / AU G U S T 2 0 0 7 | V O L / 9 | N O / 4
Cover Story
COVER PHOTO
20 | Arizona Meetings & Travel Destinations
considered more important, or
Nowhere is native culture is it more apparent, than in
Where Old World Cultures, Natural Landscapes, and First Class Resorts meld to deliver unforgettable meetings. – The Phoenix area resorts are offering great packages for travelers. Many of the resorts are undergoing revitalization renovations to improve guest and meeting attendee satisfaction. Tucson’s inviting line of meeting venues and hotel’s with world class spa’s are only the beginning of what that nationally recognized city has to offer. 4 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
Greater Phoenix. A multi-cultural haven, the city takes pride in the ethnicities of all its residents. P H OTO G R A P H E R : B A B E S A R V E R
Features 24 |
24
Southwest Meeting Destinations
Albuquerque, San Antonio, Austin, and Laredo are all included in this spotlight on the Southwest. From the snow capped Sandia Peak in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to the great tastes of San Antonio, and what makes Austin the heart of Texas, and then down on the Rio Grande to Laredo and the historic La Posada Hotel, it’s all Southwest and they’re all special destinations for meetings.
36 | Multicultural Initiatives in the Industry The Greater Phoenix CVB, The MGM Mirage, The Philadelphia Multicultural Affairs Congress, and the Adams Mark Hotels Company are all leading the way with their Multicultural Initiatives that are strengthening both the communities they serve and their businesses as well.
36
44 | International Destinations The Westin Roco Ki Beach & Golf Resort, the Caribbean’s newest meeting destination is set to open in 2008, the property features a championship golf course designed by Nick Faldo, a 20,000 square foot conference center, world class spa, and fine dining in seven restaurants.
45 | Calendar of Events 46 | Cuisine The Foxwoods Resort and Casino appointed Thierry Debailleul as the property’s executive chef. Thierry will oversee the culinary teams for multiple restaurants on the property.
44
Departments 6 | 6 | 8 |
Editors Comments Credits Industry Briefs
12 | Associations Updates The Hispanic Hotels Owners Association and the International Association of Hispanic Meeting Planners recently held landmark meetings in Miami and Mexico City.
34 | Entertainment
12
Vail, Colorado’s Tivoli Lodge is offering great packages for the upcoming Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival, featuring the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, The Philadelphia Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic.
35 | Technosavvy
42
The Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau growing online presence sets impressive marks for 2007.
42 | Speakers Bureau Dr. Ana Nogales is the latest addition to the HM&T Speakers Bureau. Dr. Nogales is one of the most well known and respected Latinas in the United States. www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 5
EDITOR’S COMMENT
A
lot has been said about Global Warming so it was interesting to see the efforts currently underway by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)’s “CEO Challenge 2008: Confronting Climate Change” conference that will take place next year in Bangkok on April 2930, 2008. At the event, PATA will challenge influential travel and tourism industry leaders from all sectors to agree to and sign a defining industry response to climate change, one of the greatest global threats to travel and tourism. This very important initiative will be hosted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and organized in partnership with the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) and the Burba Hotel Network (BHN). Most recently, Sir Richard Branson is the latest influential personality to endorse the PATA's "CEO Challenge 2008: Confronting Climate Change". The Chairman of the Virgin Group, which includes Virgin
HispanicMeetingsTravel.com PUBLISHER GVR Public Relations Agency, Inc. www.gvragency.com EDITORIAL EDITOR Angela Gonzalez de Rowe Angela.Rowe@hispanicmeetingstravel.com MANAGING EDITOR Margarita G. Rodriguez ASSOCIATE EDITOR Steven Gonzalez
Atlantic Airways, welcomes the initiative to address the issue of global warming from the perspectives of both aviation and tourism. "Global warming is the biggest challenge facing mankind today and we must all do everything possible to reach a consensus on how to meet it," said Sir Branson. Other CEO’s who have already agreed to be there include Cathay Pacific Airways Chief Executive Mr. Tony Tyler who said "There is no doubt that global warming is one of the most important issues of our time. There is equally little doubt that the aviation industry must take a lead in confronting the challenges of climate change. Sadly, extreme and complete-
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
ly misleading views about aviation's impact on global warming have taken root, especially in Europe.” American Hotel & Lodging Association President and CEO Mr. Joseph McInerney said that it is vital that all sectors join forces to share ideas to
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Adam’s Mark Hotels, Atlanta CVB, Austin CVB, Elaine Ayala, Cancun CVB, Foxwoods Resort & Casino, Margaret Gonzalez, Steven Gonzalez, Hyatt Hotels Kissimmee CVB, La Posada Hotel,
address the crucial challenge that climate change presents to the planet.
Long Beach Area CVB, Dr. Ana Nogales, MGM Mirage,
"I applaud PATA for facing this challenge head on, and welcome the
Benjamin Noriega Ortiz, Philadelphia Multicultural Affairs
opportunity to work with hospitality leaders to seek answers to these
Congress, Phoenix CVB, Tivoli Lodge, Tucson CVB,
critical questions," he said. "As one of the largest service industries in the
Angela Rowe, Westin Roco Ki
world, and one of the largest employers, we owe it to our customers and
PHOTOGRAPHY
to future generations to come together and look for solutions to mitigate
Albuquerque CVB, Atlanta CVB, Austin CVB,
some of the damage that has already been done to the environment."
Julie Charross Betancor, Cancun CVB, Foxwoods Resort & Casino, Hyatt Hotels Kissimmee CVB, Long Beach Area CVB, Dr. Ana Nogales, Phoenix CVB, Tivoli Lodge, Tucson CVB,
ABOUT PATA
Margil Villarreal Design, Westin Roco Ki
Founded in 1951, PATA is the recognized authority on Asia Pacific travel and tourism. Find out more at www.PATA.org.
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tion; Hispanics come from all races and physical traits. The term Hispanic
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Hispanic Spending Power Attracting Attention
All rights Reserved. Hispanic Meetings & Travel cannot by held responsible for unsolicited material. The publisher does not
Hispanic consumer spending power (disposable personal income) is
assume any responsibility for any unsolicited material and will
expected to top $863 billion in 2007, some 300 percent higher than it was
return only those accompanied by stamped self-addressed
in 1990, according to the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the Univer-
envelope. We reserve the right to edit all copy. No part of this
sity of Georgia. During the same period, spending power of non-Hispanics is projected to rise 125 percent. Companies are paying attention.
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
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industrybriefs H I S P A N I C S
Brilliant Decorators
B
enjamin Noriega-Ortiz has been named by House Beautiful magazine as one of America’s “Most Brilliant Decorators” for ten consecutive years. He is recognized as one of the most stylish and influential of today’s interior designers. Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz, LLC The designer and architect grew up in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the son of a businessman and a nutritionist. His mother encouraged his talent, buying him graph paper when he was eight years old. He enrolled in architecture programs in San Juan, and later, at Columbia University. "I'd never been to New York before, and wanted to see all the buildings I'd studied,'' he said. ''I came for a week, then decided the best way to stay was as a student financed by my father.'' Establishing his own firm in 1992, Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz has traveled the country to produce projects for such clients as rock star Lenny Kravitz, author Laura Esquivel, and photographer Mark Seliger.
Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz and the Mondrian Scottsdale Unveiling his latest design project in Scottsdale, Arizona: The Mondrian with a theme based on the "Garden of Eden", takes the Mondrian chain to a whole new level: At the entry, Mr. Noriega-Ortiz uses a wicker version of the Jacobsen Egg chair design. The chair, wood and aluminum stools, and lounging bed are all reflected in a pink mirror. In the lobby, the Garden of Eden theme shows itself with what some have interpreted as the "tree of life", "lambs of God" and the figures of "Eve" lamps. All are in the color of white (perhaps representing purity?). 8 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
I N
T H E
I N D U S T R Y
In the restaurant, Mr. Noriega-Ortiz uses Murano glass chandeliers at a communal table. The beautiful work that Mr. Noriega-Ortiz has concocted here has won him the commission to renovate the LA Mondrian. The Mondrian Scottsdale Resort hotel is situated in the middle of the old town of Scottsdale in Arizona, USA. The 194 room hotel is an urban resort offering the finest service and facilities for tourists and business people alike. Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz has created a unique sybaritic retreat – a sheltered oasis – offering rest, rejuvenation, fun and entertainment. It is a vision of modern glamour for a new generation of sophisticated travelers. The hotel, which was formerly the James Hotel, is owned and operated by the Morgan Hotel Group and opened its doors after the major refurbishment and rebranding in January 2007.
About Me "Since I learned the word 'architect,' I wanted to be one," says Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz, who went on to win two masters degrees, in architecture and urban design. He credits John Saladino with "ruining" him into an interior designer. "I guess you could say I went from macro to mini. I noticed something was lacking in architecture. I wanted to work on the actual space that people lived in. Working for Saladino taught me to design like that." Growing up in the tropical climate of San Juan "really shaped me," says Noriega-Ortiz. "In the summer, we were given a towel and a pair of shorts and sent outside for the day." No surprise, then, that wherever he designs he captures an unusual sense of openness and light through the use of color, materials, architecture, and the integration of fashion in a rather timeless style. He is constantly opening up spaces, using indoor/outdoor materials such as terrazzo and glass, and creating architecture around a courtyard. Noriega-Ortiz who lives in New York City has clients as far-flung as Palm Beach and his native Puerto Rico. New York, long his favorite city for design inspiration, has lost out to Barcelona these days. Although he loves to travel, Noriega-Ortiz claims he hates to shop, and avoids it by shopping online, especially at 1stdibs.com. "They have everything!" Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz, LLC 75 Spring Street, 6th Floor New York, NY 10012 212-343-9707 www.bnodesign.com His latest book "Emotional Rooms" can be found at Barnes and Noble. It is also available at Amazon.com. www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 9
industrybriefs
Kissimmee CVB Sales Team Gains New Member
Megan Rodriguez Public Relations Manager Long Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau MEGAN RODRIGUEZ is the Public Relations Manager with the Long Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (LBACVB) where she is responsible for creating and coordinating activities to foster a positive relationship between the LBACVB and local corporate and community groups, preparing written communications on behalf of the LBACVB and creating, as well as implementing, public relations initiatives and media relations efforts relative to promoting Long Beach as a premiere destination for meetings and leisure. Prior to her arrival at the LBACVB, Megan was with Santa Monica-based BLAZE Public Relations where she developed press materials for her clients, facilitated media and client requests as well as conducted aggressive media outreach, which resulted in stellar placement in InStyle, Los Angeles Magazine, Southwest Spirit, Riviera San Diego, Los Angeles Times and Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travel. She was part of the “Travel Team” and her clients included: La Valencia Hotel, Rancho Valencia Resort, Paradise Point Resort & Spa, The Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club, Westin Casuarina Las Vegas Hotel, Casino & Spa, Le Merigot, A JW Marriott Beach Hotel and Spa, Night+Day Guidebooks, the Westin St. Maarten Dawn Beach Resort & Spa and Westin Casuarina Resort & Spa Grand Cayman. With more than nine years experience in the hospitality industry, she’s skilled in several spectrums of hotel operations in addition to superb customer relations. A proud alumna of California State University, Long Beach, Megan received her bachelor’s degree in journalism, emphasis in public relations, and a minor in human resource management. While at State, she was selected to represent the university as a member of the Bateman Team, sponsored by PRSA. The team not only received Honorable Mention in the national competition, but was the only university on the West Coast to place in the top 15. While pursuing her degree, Megan had the opportunity to hold internships with the Long Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau as well as a boutique Long Beach-based public relations firm. A native of Castro Valley, Calif., Megan enjoys representing her Northern California roots by supporting her beloved Bay Area sports teams, especially the San Francisco Giants. She currently resides in Long Beach. 10 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
The Kissimmee Convention & Visitors Bureau convention sales team welcomed Sara Melendez, a veteran of marketing, sales, promotion and publicity in the music industry, as a new member. Melendez most recently operated a successful communications company, and has worked in sales, communications and marketing for companies such as MCA Records, Columbia Records and others. In her new position, Melendez will work with the specialty markets — including social, military, religious and fraternal. Bonnie Brownell, CMP, manager of convention sales, said “with her sales experience with multicultural groups in the music industry, Melendez can relate to a variety of different cultures. She is a great addition to our staff and will be an asset to our industry.” The CVB markets Kissimmee, Fla., located just south of Orlando, as a leading destination for leisure, business and sports travelers. With a direct passageway into Walt Disney World and other world famous theme parks, the destination is one of the worlds most visited locations annually. Sara Melendez, is a member of the Industry Advisory Council for the International Association of Hispanic Meeting Professionals.
Julie CharrosBetancor of the Woodlands Resort Julie Charros-Betancor has been named Sales Manager for The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center’s Mexico and Latin America markets where she oversees group, leisure, and corporate travel from these regions. Emerging as a one-of-a-kind destination, jet-setters from Mexico and Latin America are discovering the newest Texas destination for shopping, entertainment and healthcare—The Woodlands. Nestled among 28,000 acres of forest preserves and located just minutes from world-class shopping and entertainment, The Woodlands Resort offers two on-property championship golf courses. Visit www.woodlandsresort.com or call 866-361-5674.
Arturo Escaip Manzur Named General Director of Cancun Convention and Visitors Bureau
A
rturo Escaip Manzur, the former President of COPARMEX Cancun, has been appointed by the Governor of Quinta Roo, Felix Gonzalez, to serve as the new General Director of the Cancun Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). "It is a great honor, and the challenges are exciting," said Escaip, who was appointed to the position. He added that, among his main duties, he plans on implementing a strong marketing campaign aimed at tourists in the U.S. and Canada. Escaip served COPARMEX from 2004 to 2006, a union that represents industrial workers in the Mexican Republic. He also serves as President of the Chamber of Commerce for the Mexico-United States Chapter in Quintana Roo. Additionally, Escaip Manzur is a professor at LaSalle University and a member of the Board of Directors of the University of Quintana Roo. He graduated with a degree in economics from Athe Autonomous National University of Mexico and received a Master's of Economics as well as a Master's in Public Administration from Harvard University. Escaip has lived in Cancun for 24 years and is married with two children. As Escaip Manzur takes on his new position at the CVB, past General Director Artemio Santos Santos, who led the Bureau for almost two years, will settle into his new role as the Assistant Director of Tourism Operations for the Mexico Tourism Board. Escaip Manzur underlined that it is a great benefit to
have Santos Santos as an ally in the Mexico Tourism Board and that the Cancun CVB will continue to build upon the solid foundation of Santos's work. ABOUT CANCUN www.cancun.info www.ikalcancun.com Cancun is situated on the northeastern tip of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, uniquely bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the tranquil Nichupte Lagoon.
The destination is renowned for its 16-mile stretch of white sandy beaches, world-class hotels, exceptional recreation features and proximity to historic Mayan archeological sites. Visitors to Cancun can enjoy the Mesoamerican Reef, the second largest coral reef in the world and action-packed participatory sports activities that capitalize on Cancun's exceptionally clear, blue waters.
www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 11
Associations|Update
:: HOTEL INVESTMENT SEMINAR
Twice as Nice
Hispanic Hotel Owners Association’s First Hotel Investment Seminar for High Net-worth Latinos Attracts Twice the Expected Attendance Event’s Success Prompts Brands to Increase Funding for Future Events
H
ispanic Hotel Owners Association (HHOA), a recently-formed and rapidly growing non-profit organization, announced that attendance of more than 65 participants at its first Hotel Investment Series doubled the initial projections. The seminar’s success prompted sponsoring brands to increase their current level of investment to fund more events. A second seminar is in the preliminary planning stages for the West Coast before the end of summer. “The rapidly growing interest in our Hotel Investment Series and in HHOA’s mission is not a surprise,” said Angela Gonzalez-Rowe, president and founder of Hispanic Hotel Own12 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
ers Association. “It demonstrates the very clear need for a Latino entry point into an industry where they are grossly underrepresented among the management and ownership ranks. Attendees were high-net worth Hispanics with the means to invest in the hotel industry, from the U.S., as well as from Argentina, Aruba and Colombia. The international participation, the high-profile speakers and the increased commitment of funds by sponsors indicate that HHOA has struck a responsive chord in this industry.” The session also served as a backdrop for the introduction of the hotel industry’s first handbook created specifically for minority
owner/developer/operators. Entitled Hotel Investment 101, the reference book was created by the American Hotel & Lodging Education Institute in conjunction with HHOA to correspond with its educational program the Hotel Investment Series. HHOA plans to fully integrate Hotel Investments 201 and 301 into the series by the end of the year. “We were the first major hotel corporation to fund HHOA and have already seen the very positive impact the organization has had on both the industry and our company,” said Floyd Pitts, senior director, diversity programs for Hilton Hotels Corporation. “HHOA has engaged the Hispanic community in a compelling fashion and generated significant interest in investing in the hotel industry.” “The caliber and breadth of attendees at this event was impressive,” said Marco Roca, Senior Vice President, Franchise Sales and Development , of Wyndham Hotel Group. “HHOA has built a remarkable bridge between the hotel industry and the Hispanic community, which will help diversify the ownership base both here and internationally.”
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Associations|Update
The Miami seminar featured 15 speakers, including keynote speakers Carlos Rodriguez, partner and executive vice president of acquisitions/development for Driftwood Hospitality Management and Pedro Mandoki, President and CEO, Mandoki Hospitality Inc. Joseph West, dean of the Florida International School of Hospitality Management, the largest Hispanic student-serving organization in the United States, acted as moderator for a number of the panels. Senior representatives from Hilton Hotels Corporation, Marriott International, InterContinental Hotels Group and Wyndham Worldwide Corporation served as speakers. Other hotel sponsors included Global Hyatt Corporation, Carlson Hotels Worldwide and Choice Hotels International. Topics included an overview of the hotel industry; a discussion of brands; development versus acquisition; why invest in the hotel industry, investment strategies; capital sources and financing; and operations management. Speakers came from all sectors of the industry, including finance companies, management firms, law firms, industry consultants and hotel brands. “Hotels are a complex investment,” said Guillermo Perales, principal, DFW Holdings . “What makes this program interesting and informative is that it provided real nuts-andbolts financial and operations information, rather than a sales show. I have had an interest in investing in hotels for some time but was unable to get a good, fact-based overview unless I was willing to make a major time commitment. This program has certainly increased my interest in the hotel industry, and I am now actively investigating investment alternatives.” The next hotel Investment Series is scheduled for August 28-29, 2007 in San Diego, California. The host hotel is owned by Hispanic hotelier, Michael Gallegos, HHOA member. HHOA will also host its inaugural conference on December 2-4, 2007 in Scottsdale, AZ at the Scottsdale Resort and Conference Center.
Marco Roca, SVP Franchise Sales and
About HHOA
Development, Wyndham Worldwide address series participants.
Headquartered in Washington, D.C., HHOA is a non-profit organization whose mission is to increase the number of Hispanic-owned, developed and operated hotels, further the participation of Hispanic-owned suppliers serving the hotel industry and increase executive level employment opportunities for Hispanics within the lodging industry. The industry’s leading brands, including Hilton Hotels Corporation, Marriott International, Choice Hotels International, InterContinental Hotels
Group, Wyndham Worldwide Corporation and Global Hyatt Corporation have joined the organization and have become major corporate sponsors. HHOA membership is open to hotel owners, developers, investors, financiers, real estate executives, investment bankers, professional advisors, analysts, franchisors, management company executives, industry product and service providers, hotel general man-
14 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
Raul Leal, President & Partner of Tecton Hospitality, Angela Gonzalez-Rowe, President HHOA and Richard Millard, Chairman & CEO of Tecton Hospitality.
Juan Carlos Contalba, Director International Development, Benchmark Hospitality International - Hotel Investment Series participant. agers, hotel sales and marketing managers, government agencies for tourism and development, hospitality schools, hospitality students or anyone seeking to do business within the Hispanic market. Additional information about HHOA is available at the association’s Web site, www.hhoa.org. To learn more about the Hotel Investment Series, contact Angela Gonzalez-Rowe at 202-587-5707, or www.hhoa.org.
Associations|Update
Lizbeth Zamudio
T
IAHMP Capítulo México Hispanidad Global, AC
he International Association of Hispanic Meeting Professionals, Capítulo México Hispanidad Global, AC, was inaugurated in Mexico City
on June 27, 2007, by Lic. Francisco López Mena, Director General, Consejo de Promoción Turística de México. Joining Lic. Francisco López Mena, Director General, Consejo de Promoción Turística de México was René R. Rivera Lozano, Director General de Desarrollo de Productos Turísticos México Secretaria de Turismo. The inaugural ceremony was held in México City’s Museo de Arte Popular located in an outstanding Art deco building which dates
Francisco Lopez-Mena
back to 1928. The museum features significant expressions of Mexican Popular Art from throughout the country. Many of the exhibits showcase the cultural traditions unique to Mexico making it a very attractive destination for all age groups to enjoy. Welcome Remarks were made by Walther Boelsterly Urrutia, Director General, for the Museo de Arte Popular and Sonya Santos de Arredondo, Asociacion de Amigos for the museum. “This is the most elegant event ever held in the museum” stated Sonya Santos who is also the development officer for the museum.
16 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
Margaret Gonzalez, founder and president of IAHMP in the United States is shown with Lizbeth Zamudio, founder and president of IAHMP Mexico.
Board members Cathy Gonzales and Ralph Gonzalez are pictured with IAHMP Capitulo Mexico officers and guests during the elegant event in Mexico City.
Taking the oath as the governing board of IAHMP México are Lizbeth Zamudio, Presidenta de la International Asociación of Hispanic Meeting Professionals, Capítulo Méx-
Officers take oath to IAHMP Mexico to help promote tourism, meetings and events between US and Mexico.
ico Hispanidad Global, AC., Jorge Flores, Vicepresidente de Membrecías, Jorge Cruz, Vicepresidente de Programas, Angélica Rivera, Secretaria and Elda Laura Cerda, Coordinadora
de Asuntos
Interinstitu-
cionales. Attending the event from the United States was IAHMP founder and president, Margaret Gonzalez, Cathy Gonzales, Vice President Tourism, Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce and IAHMP founder, Rafael Gonzalez, retired aeronautical engineer and Space Shuttle Manager from the NASA Space Program. www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 17
Associations|Update
Sponsors for the elegant affair included, Las Vegas, Convention &Visitors Authority represented by Rafael Villanueva, Sales Executive for Diversity Marketing in Las Vegas and Marco Aguilar L. and Alejandro Flores, who represent Las Vegas in Mexico City. The Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau was represented by Daniel R. Palomo, Deputy Director of Tourism and the Houston Image Group and Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce was represented by Catherine Gonzales, Vice President of Tourism. Banquet tables were covered in linen with handcut lace and the chairs were covered in matching fabric with large bows tied to the back. Centerpieces included clear glass round bowls with twinkling lights that guests could take home as a momento. Tall magnificent Palm Trees and special lighting created an elegant ambiance for guests to enjoy Mexican traditional foods and drinks. Entertainment included traditional music, a Mexican comic, Spanish dancers and a beautiful Spanish singer. Margaret Gonzalez, founder and president of IAHMP in the United states and Lizbeth Zamudio, founder and president of IAHMP Mexico worked very closely together to make the establishment of the association possible in Mexico. Both worked closely together to make the establishment of IAHMP a reality in Mexico. Several hundred professionals from Mexico City’s tourism, hospitality and meetings community attended the inaugural of the IAHMP Mexico chapter. Jorge Flores, Vicepresidente de Membresias for IAHMP Mexico served as Master of Ceremonies during the program for the inaugural event.
Jorge Flores, Elda Laura Cerda, Lizbeth Zamudio, Angelica Rivera and Jorge Cruz
Rafael Villanueva, Marco Aguilar, Alejandro Flores and Daniel Palomo
Actreess: Carmen Delgado, Actor: Eligio JimĂŠnez Directed by: Graciela Orozco.
Welcome Remarks were made by Walther Boelsterly Urrutia, Director General, for the Museo de Arte Popular and Sonya Santos de Arredondo, Asociacion de Amigos for the museum.
Attendees at Museo de Arte Popular, Mexico City
Margaret Gonzalez meets entertainer Carmen Delgado who performed following the inauguration of IAHMP Mexico at the Museum of Arte Popular in Mexico City.
Board members meet with Mexican colleagues over breakfast at Mexico City's modern Convention Center.
www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 19
Cover Story
What's new in
Greaterphoenix? July signals the beginning of Monsoon season in the Sonoran Desert, a time when dark clouds creep across the evening sky, bright bolts of lightning electrify the horizon and dry riverbeds flood with mountain runoff. It’s a spectacular show, and summer visitors can watch it from the top of a new rooftop deck at Midtown’s hippest hotel, escape it inside a candle-filled room at a luxury resort, or celebrate it with a spa treatment inspired by the season’s torrential nature.
RESORT NEWS The Claredon Hotel + Suites, a boutique hotel in midtown Phoenix, is making multiple improvements this summer to raise it profile in the local resort community. The improvements include and new restaurant featuring Japanese cuisine with a Southwestern twist; a two-story, 60-foot-wide waterfall and new furnishings for the pool area; and a rooftop deck that will offer stunning views of the Scottsdale and Phoenix skylines. The legendary Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa is offering a mouthwatering VIP package for the third annual Phoenix Cooks! event this Labor Day weekend. As the host resort for Arizona’s premier culinary event, the Arizona Biltmore has cooked up an exceptional two-night, three-day package (Aug. 31-Sept. 2) for food and wine aficionados who want to indulge in a weekend full of culinary adventures. The Phoenix Cooks! Package includes a luxuriously appointed room and a VIP chef’s amenity, as well as admission to the Parade of Chef’s Reception, the Gourmet Food & Kitchen Show, the Wine Maker Dinner and the Chef’s Champagne Brunch. The package is $399 per person for double occupancy or $499 for single occupancy. Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa received the “Hotel of the Year” Award for the Sheraton Brands in North America. The resort beat out more than 430 of its North American peers within the Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. family to win this prestigious honor for the first time in its four-year history. After researching the U.S. and Canada high and low, travel writer Patricia Shultz included The Wigwam Golf Resort & Spa in her new book, The Wigwam joins experiences such as Windjammer Cruises in Maine, gold-mining trails in Alaska, barbecue tours of Kansas City and the ice hotel in Quebec. The honor comes on the heels of The Wigwam being recognized as one of “10 Great Places to Link Up with Your Family” in USA Today and Travel + Leisure Golf. The AAA Five Diamond Camelback Inn is celebrating its 70th 20 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
birthday by breaking ground on a $45 million renovation that will revitalize the main lobby, meeting spaces and public areas. Plans include opening the property to its inspiring desert surroundings while preserving its history and Southwestern charm. Families and Harry Potter enthusiasts are invited to take advantage of the “Stay for a Spell” Harry Potter Package at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa. The package includes one-or two-night accommodations, Harry Potter dive-in movies, a costume contest, and a special dining menu to give guests the opportunity to eat and drink like Harry Potter and the gang. Also included is a special “Hogwarts Express” shuttle to take guests to Barnes & Noble bookstore at Kierland Commons for the midnight release of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows". Books go on sale at 12:01 a.m. on July 21. Rates start from $179 per night. Stay a second night for just $99. The Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North will break ground on a series of significant property enhancements on July 9. The approximately $14 million project at the Five Diamond resort includes a complete casita and suite makeover, as well as a transformation of the lobby, Lobby Lounge and Acacia restaurant. The resort’s 210 guest rooms and suites will get custom furnishings and a complete soft-goods makeover. The Hotel Valley Ho has created the ultimate package for swinging bachelors and men suffering from mid-life crises with its Scottsdale in Style package. This weekend getaway includes a Studio Residence guest room, a one-day car rental of a 2007 Bentley GT, premium cigars, a one-fifth bottle of bourbon, a spa treatment and VIP passes to two of Scottsdale’s hottest nightclubs, e4 & Six. The package costs $3,200. For more information contact the Phoenix CVB online at http://www.visitphoenix.com.
Cover Story
Tucson. Real. Natural. Arizona. Tucson’s a meeting planner’s dream. With our mild climate, spectacular natural beauty, challenging golf, unparalleled dining, fun shopping and world-famous attractions, Tucson is a favorite destination. The pace is relaxed, the dress casual and with more than 350 warm and sunny days annually, Tucson’s ideal anytime of the year. Tucson’s a great value with meeting spaces like the expensive destinations, but at a fraction of the cost. We have hundreds of venues of every size and type. The Tucson Convention Center boasts more than 205,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space, including more than 123,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space. Our resorts offer deluxe accommodations and state-of-the-art meeting facilities. And there are hundreds of other venues from ballrooms to cozy retreats, lush outdoor gardens to Old West towns. There is no shortage of great places to stay. Tucson has a huge variety of lodging for every budget and need. Choose affordable hotels convenient to your venues. Enjoy the luxury of a fine resort with exceptional meeting spaces, a secluded desert retreat or authentic Western ranch. And Tucson is home to two of the top destination spas in the world. Named one of the ‘Top 10 Cities for Hispanics’ by Hispanic Magazine, Tucson is an exceptional Southwestern getaway. Explore mile after mile of lush, pristine desert surrounded by a spectacular backdrop of mountains. The area’s unique culture, history and true Old West legends provide extraordinary entertainment. There are exciting world-famous attractions and the indulgence of world-class spas. Tucson’s delicious cuisine of every style and description satisfies every taste. Golfers can play the same courses the PGA pros do and experience exciting target golf, or enjoy the more traditional links-style layout. Planners have the support of the award-winning Metropolitan Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau. They provide free assistance that makes meeting and staying in Tucson a breeze. You’ll get expert help with travel, accommodations, itineraries and tours throughout Southern Arizona. At events, the MTCVB can provide convention registration assistance, make restaurant reservations for attendees and help with transportation and tours. Once you come and see everything Tucson has to offer, you’ll want to book your next meeting here. So, the MTCVB is flying qualified meeting professionals to Tucson for a personalized site visit. Go to www.TucsonOnUs.com for details or call Toby Parks at 1-800-638-8350 ext. 174 to discover the real desert destination in person. 22 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
Southwest Meeting Destinations
Albuquerque Outdoor and Recreational Sports
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lbuquerque’s year round weather makes it a great destination for not only scenic and historical vistas but activities throughout the year for all types of sports enthusiasts. Albuquerque has an interconnected trail system throughout the city as well as miles of open road for bikers and cyclists. For those more adventuresome, Albuquerque has a mountainous terrain, the Sandia and Manzano Mountains that are a paradise for hikers and bikers. Because Albuquerque provides attractive high desert conditions for athletes, many elite athletes come from round the world to train here and Olympic distance runners take advantage of the benefits of altitude training in Albuquerque in particularly the “La Luz” Trail that takes them to the top of Sandia Peak where you can return on the longest Aerial Tram in North American. Sandia Peak also offers skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing during the winter months. You can either ride the tram to the ski basin or travel within 45 minutes from Albuquerque to the base of the Sandia Mountains. Albuquerque is also a major destination for bicyclists and one of our newest sporting facilities is the Albuquerque VeloPort, offering a BMX track for training and competition. Also an upcoming expansion will include an indoor Velodrome for cycling training and competition events. Whether summer or winter, Albuquerque has the perfect venue to place tennis or golf all year round with plenty of courts and golf courses both private and public. Other outdoor sports include horseback riding due to the many rural lands within the city, rock climbing, in-line skating, geocaching and disc golf, hang gliding, paragliding, and ballooning in the wee hours of the morning. Albuquerque is home to the Baseball team of the Isotopes, NBA development league match-up featuring the Albuquerque Thunderbirds, the New Mexico Scorpions Hockey Team. One can also enjoy whitewater rafting in the Rio Grande River certain times of the year. For those who love to hike, and take in the scenary or fish, the 15 mile route Paseo Del Bosque Bike Trail is enjoyed by walkers, runners, cyclists, etc. Hikers can also take a historic hike through Petroglyph National Monument on the west side of the city where there are over 15,000 prehistoric and historic Native American and Hispanic Petroglyphs.
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Southwest Meeting Destinations
The newly revitalization of Tingley Beach located at the Albuquerque Biological Park has three lakes, one which is dedicated to children, a model boating pond and a train station whereby a small train travels to and from the Albuquerque Zoo to the Botanic Gardens and Aquarium.
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also houses a gift shop and food service. In the summer, visitors can rent pedal boats bicycles and model boats. If you decide to travel by train to the Aquarium, Old town is within walking distance with many museums, and a Mecca for shopping and dining with a variety of New Mexican and Continental cuisine.
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Nearby to the south of Tingley Beach is the National Hispanic Cultural Center where it offers a variety of programs and activities throughout the year. The center conducts programs in the visual arts, performing arts, history and literary arts, media arts and education. To the north of Old Town and Tingley Beach is the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center which is the gateway to the 19 Indian Pueblos of New Mexico. The museum depicts the history, arts, jewelry, architecture and many features of the 19 pueblos. It also has a gift shop, hands-on children’s museum and art gallery that hosts many Native American Art Exhibitions. Come an experience many outdoor activities as well as many historical and educational facilities while you walk through ancient and modern times. You will experience the magic of our land.
Southwest Meeting Destinations
La Cocina Unites Us B Y
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oodies and others interested in making the Alamo City known for far more than Tex-Mex cuisine welcomed news that the Culinary Institute of America's third campus will be in San Antonio. Those behind the Center for Foods of the Americas at the Pearl Brewery long have seen the potential of San Antonio as a gateway to Latin American culture, business and cuisine. As the U.S. Senate begins consideration of controversial immigration reform and as the fencing issue heats up on the Texas-Mexico border, an announcement about bridging the Americas came as great news. Building bridges across languages, cultures and artificial boundaries can only help people overcome differences — and there's no better way than in breaking bread together. People may disagree about immigration, but they would be hard pressed to turn away nachos and margaritas. They may have a hard time understanding Latinos who support bilingual education in public schools, but they can understand the glory in a gordita.
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And though some may fear separatism where Latinos only see cultural unity, everyone appreciates good salsa. Last month, another momentous event involving food offered more hope. It happened April 2 at Yankee Stadium. Along with hot dogs and beer, fans were able to consume beef empanadas, rice and beans, Cuban sandwiches and papas rellenas. (Nachos have been served there for years.) The Salsa on the Go concession is the team's way of appealing to Latino fans, but it also may introduce a new cuisine and culture to nonLatinos. As the culinary institute works on encouraging Latinos to become chefs and restaurant owners, its work will be felt well beyond the kitchen. With its growth, it is building San Antonio's reputation as a cultural and culinary destination. It is elevating Latin cuisine. And it could bring people together that otherwise wouldn't.
Copyright 2007 San Antonio Express-News, reprinted with permission. www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 29
Southwest Meeting Destinations
Austin the Capital City of Texas Each year, some 17 million people visit the Austin area—enjoying live music, staying in hotels, dining at local restaurants, swimming in Barton Springs Pool, visiting museums and shopping at large retailers and small boutiques alike. Their spending generates a $2.45 billion economic impact for the local economy. The population for the City of Austin is 718,900 residents and 888,185 live in Travis County. The Austin/San Marcos Metro Area has a population of 1.3 million people making it one of the fastest growing in the state. The area's major industries include State Government and University Education, High-Tech Manufacturing and Software & Information Services. Much of the city’s most recent growth is a result of a technology boom first started when Tracor Industries setup shop in far northwest Austin. Others followed including IBM, Texas Instruments, 3M, Motorola, Advance Micro Devices, Samsung and Dell Computers making Austin the Silicon Valley of the South. Austin is also called the Live Music Capital of the WorldŽ. With 30 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
nearly 200 venues, the city has more live music entertainment per capita than any other U.S. city. The South by Southwest Music, Film and Multimedia Conference and Festival brings bands and fans from all over the world to Austin for 10 days each March. September became another big music month for the city when the Austin City Limits Music Festival started in 2002. The three-day outdoor music extravaganza spreads over 16 acres in Zilker Park and features some 130 of the best music acts in the world. Austin is one of only a few U.S. cities with professional ballet, symphony, opera and theater companies. With 20 museums, dozens of galleries and as many as 60 performance companies, the city is experiencing a cultural renaissance. Often referred to as the "Third Coast" Austin has topped Texas cities in film and television total production budgets for five consecutive years, and MovieMaker magazine consistently places the Capital City on its "Top 10 Cities For Movie Makers" list. In addition, the annual Austin Film Festival, one of the top film festivals in the country, shines the spotlight on the screenwriters and top-billed films.
When planning a meeting or trip to Austin you may want to include a visit to some of the city’s top attractions: The University of Texas Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library- The life and legacy of LBJ are on exhibit at the nation's most visited presidential library. University of Texas, 2313 Red River Street, 512-916-5137; http://www.lbjlib.utexas.edu/ For history buffs include a visit to the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum- From rare artifacts to interactive displays, the Bob Bullock Museum creatively tells the story of Texas. 1800 N. Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701, 1-866-369-7108 http://www.thestoryoftexas.com/ The Texas State Capitol - With more than one million visitors per year, the Texas State Capitol ranks as one of Austin's most popular attractions. Completed in 1886, the Texas State Capitol is the largest in square footage of all state capitols and surpasses the national Capitol in height by 14 feet. 1100 Congress Ave. Austin, TX 78701. http://www.tspb.state.tx.us/spb/plan/tours.htm For outdoor enthusiasts the Town Lake Hike & Bike Trail offers ten miles of trails bordering Town Lake in downtown Austin and serves as a social hub for runners, walkers and cyclists. The Highland Lakes area stands as the gateway to seven Lakes that stair step 100 miles through the Central Texas Hill Country. Offering a variety of aquatic adventures, from sailing on Lake Travis to water-skiing on Lake Austin and canoeing along Town Lake.
No trip to Austin is complete without a trip to Barton Springs, three acres in size, the pool is fed from underground springs and water temperatures remain a constant, cool 68 degrees year-round. 2101 Barton Springs Road (located in Zilker Park) Austin, TX 78704, 512-476-9044 http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/bartonsprings.htm Congress Avenue Bats - Only in Austin will you find millions of bats and thousands of humans all hanging out under the same bridge every night. Austin boasts the largest urban colony of Mexican free-tail bats in North America with a population of 1.5 million. The sunset exodus of the bats creates a nightly spectacle from March through October with onlookers watching as the nocturnal creatures emerge from beneath the Congress Avenue Bridge. First Street & Congress Avenue; Bat Conservation International, 512-327-9721; http://www.batcon.org/ SOCO is one of the hippest Austin hangouts on a colorful stretch of Congress Avenue lined with funky shops, trendy dining spots, unique accommodations, art galleries and music venues. On the first Thursday of each month, merchants keep their doors open until 10 p.m., playing host to an array of events and activities. South of the Congress Avenue Bridge; http://www.firstthursday.info/ The Warehouse and Sixth Street Entertainment District includes four blocks of Fourth and Fifth Streets that comprise the Warehouse District. The buildings have been renovated from warehouses to trendy, distinctive hot spots. Austin's Sixth Street is widely known for its unique blend of dance clubs, live music venues, restaurants and bars.
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Southwest Meeting Destinations
Café, and a basket of homemade chips and signature salsa delivered to the room. A special tour of La India Factory is also available as part of the package. Rates start at $139 per night. • Laredo Country Club Golf Lovers Package includes deluxe accommodations; complimentary full American breakfast for two; a day of golf for two at the celebrated Laredo Country Club with 18 holes on the "Laredo" Joe Finger-designed championship course, and use of Country Club amenities. Rates start at $319 per night. • Salsa Lovers Package includes deluxe accom modations in a king bedded room; two welcome Mexican beers; basket of homemade chips and two types of signature salsas delivered to the room, and complimentary full American breakfast. Rates begin at $119 per night. • Anniversary Celebration includes accommodations in a one-bedroom junior suite, complimentary full American breakfast, and a bottle of chilled Chilean white wine and chocolate covered strawberries delivered to the room. Rates begin at $159 per night. • Veterans Package proudly welcomes our nation's veterans with deluxe king bedded accommodations; two iced coronas with salsa and homemade chips delivered upon arrival, and complimentary full American breakfast. Rates begin at $109 per night and are valid Friday, Saturday and Sunday only; veteran's identification required upon check-in.
Laredo’s Historic
La Posada Hotel celebrates $15 Million Dollar Make Over! The historic, resort-like La Posada Hotel on the banks of the Rio Grande in Laredo, Texas is offering several new packages from now through the end of the year. The specials celebrate La Posada's $15 million makeover that combines the hotel's historic Spanish influence and colonial architecture with floor-to-ceiling renovations. La Posada offers old-world charm, comfortable style, and excellent value with package rates from as low as $109 per night, single or double occupancy. Following are highlights: • Taste of Laredo includes deluxe accommodations in a king bedded room; a special gift from La India, Packing Co., the 100-year old spice company, of Mexican chocolate and herbal teas; complimentary full American breakfast in el 32 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
All rates are valid through December 31, 2007 and include complimentary valet parking. Blackout dates may apply. Offers are based on availability and do not include tax. For reservations, contact the hotel directly at 956-722-1701 or toll-free at 800-4442099. For additional information or to book online, visit http://www.laposadahotel.com. La Posada, located at 1000 Zaragoza Street in the historic district of downtown Laredo and within walking distance of the Mexico border, offers 206 spacious guestrooms - including 58 suites and 22 Concierge Club rooms- with authentic Spanish contemporary design, furniture by local artisans, fine artwork, and luxurious finishes throughout. While the original 1916 façade remains the same, the hotel's reconstruction runs the gamut from a newly designed lobby and contemporary Spanish public spaces, to beautifullyrestored guestrooms with elegant interiors, spectacular courtyards and grounds, and updated technology throughout. The hotel offers three restaurants and three lounges; a new full-service complimentary business center; a new, fully-equipped fitness center, two renovated swimming pools, one with the resort's famous Bougainvillea swim-up bar, and 15,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. Complimentary airport shuttle is available. La Posada was recently named "Best Hotel" by the Texas Department of Transportation's travel counselors as a result of their Texas Travel Industry Association (TTIA)-sponsored study tour to South Texas. The hotel also earned TTIA's "Best Dinner" award for its elegant Tesoro Club restaurant.
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the Gore Range and Vail Mountain serving as backdrops, is a must-do,” said general manager Ed Moulton. “Additionally, we’re proud to be the home this summer to the accomplished musicians of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.” The Ford Amphitheater and its adjacent Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is only a five minute walk from the Tivoli. With 1,260 fixed seats available within the amphitheater, a grassy hillside also provides room for 1,240 general admission seats that offer excellent views of the stage and a perfect picnic venue.
A Summer Stay at the Tivoli Lodge at Vail…Music to Your Ears
The two-night stay is priced at $425 plus tax for a Village View room and $600 plus tax for a Mountain View room. Package is based on double occupancy and in addition to two general admission tickets the stay also includes complimentary parking and a continental breakfast prepared fresh each morning. For a complete concert schedule, visit www.vailmusicfestival.org.
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ivoli and Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival team up to share beautiful music, accommodations. This summer, the Tivoli Lodge at Vail, located in the heart of Vail Village and within walking distance of the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, offers lodging packages that will be music to your ears. A two-night stay at the Tivoli includes two general admission tickets for the Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival concert of your choice, based upon ticket availability. Bravo!, celebrating its 20th anniversary season June 24 – Aug. 2, will present three outstanding resident orchestras: the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, The Philadelphia Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic, and three Pops concerts. The Tivoli Lodge boasts 62 luxurious new hotel rooms offering a choice of mountain or village views and includes all the fine amenities a posh, European-style resort has to offer. Leather furnishings, granite countertops, custom furniture, flat-screen televisions, DVD players, down pillows, luxury linens and Turkish bath towels and robes can all be 34 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
Bravo! Lodging at Tivoli Package
About the Tivoli Lodge at Vail
expected when staying at this Vail landmark. “Attending a Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival concert at the Ford Amphitheater, with
The Tivoli Lodge at Vail, among Vail’s first great European-style lodges in the 1960s, has been reinvented from the ground up as an ultra-modern model of boutique luxury but is still steeped in old-world charm and suffused with Tyrolean tradition, ambiance and hospitality. The Tivoli, featuring 62 oversized guest rooms, is located at 386 Hanson Ranch Rd. in Vail Village at the base of Vail Mountain. The Tivoli is replete with other amenities, including the Brown Hound Lounge, a meeting room, a library, a fully-equipped fitness room, two outdoor hot tubs, and underground parking and ski storage. Please call (800) 4514756 or (970) 476-5615 for reservations or more information; email reservations@tivo-
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WORLD WIDE WEB
Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau Web site Increases Economic Impact of Visitors and sets site Visitation Record
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ccording to Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB), Atlanta.net and network sites received a record of 738,253 visitors in March. The number of visitors to Atlanta’s official visitor Web sites was 174,000 more than the busiest month to-date in January 2007, and reflected a 42 percent increase over the first quarter of 2006. Atlanta.net’s visitor numbers increased significantly during March while hosting the official fan information Web site for the NCAA Men’s Final Four, March 30-April 2. Atlanta.net/finalfour hosted 232,935 visits in March alone and a total of 357,159 for the first quarter of 2007. Without Final Four visitation, first quarter traffic increased 14 percent over 2006. According to a 2006 survey to gauge the effectiveness of Atlanta.net, an estimated 56 percent of visitors to the Web site traveled to Atlanta and spent a collective $1.9 billion during their stay. Of the individuals surveyed, about 16 percent decided to visit Atlanta after using Atlanta.net, indicating that the Web site was instrumental in their decision. As a result, Atlanta.net generated approximately $300 million dollars of economic impact in 2006. Atlanta.net users who visited Atlanta reported an average party size of 2.7 individuals with an average stay of 2.51 nights and a median trip expenditure of $978. The report is based on 2,763 survey responses received from 63,247 registered users of Atlanta.net that were emailed the survey by USDM.net®. The response data was analyzed and projections calculated by Majority Opinion Research of Atlanta. The sampling error for this report is +/- 1.68 percent.
• Expenditures from Web site visitors returned more than $6,400 for every dollar ACVB invested with USDM.net® for interactive marketing in 2006 “Since ACVB launched our Web initiative in 1995, the program has grown to include nine sites dedicated to niche markets for both leisure and group travel, said Gregory Pierce, executive vice president of ACVB. “Today, the majority of travelers now look to the Web for guidance on where to go, how to plan their trip and where to spend their money.” The comprehensive Web strategy for marketing Atlanta as a destination now includes robust search engine optimization, key word buys and pay per clicks, monthly e-newsletters to registered users, targeted online media
campaigns and ad buys, targeted micro-site strategy, link popularity, alignment with traditional media campaigns and an annual site visitation survey. The 2007 strategy includes an entire rebuild and rollout of Atlanta.net and anticipates more than six million visitors by the end of 2007. According to the Travel Industry Association of America’s 2005 report, Travelers' Use of the Internet, a majority of online travelers (78 percent or 79 million Americans) turned to the Internet for travel or destination information in 2005, a significant increase from 65 percent of online travelers in 2004. Almost half of online travel planners use destination Web sites, such as those maintained by convention and visitor bureaus, to plan trips. Established in 1913, ACVB is a private, nonprofit organization created exclusively to market metro Atlanta and Georgia as a premier convention, meeting and leisure destination in the regional, national and international marketplace and to favorably impact the Atlanta economy through conventions and tourism. www.atlanta.net
Other key findings from the survey: • Total Web site visitors, expenditures and average party size have consistently increased over the past four years • 58 percent of respondents who visited Atlanta stated they are likely to visit again in the next 12 months (projects $1.1 billion additional revenue to be realized in 2007) • 33 percent of respondents who did not visit Atlanta in 2006 stated they are likely to visit Atlanta in 2007 (projects $486 million additional revenue realized in 2006) www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 35
Multicultural Initiatives in the Industry Meetings & Travel Industry Leadersadvance businesses and communities.
Greater Phoenix Attracts Prominent Multi-Cultural Conference Annual National Conference and Career Fair in Phoenix for first time in over two decades
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he American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) have chosen Phoenix as its destination to host the Annual National Conference and Career Fair. Scheduled from October 31- November 4, 2007, this is AISES’ first conference in Phoenix since 1979. The American Indian Science & Engineering Society is a national, nonprofit organization, which nurtures building of community by bridging science and technology with traditional Native values. The conference is projected to bring a total of $3.9 million of local spending and more than 2000 delegates to the valley. The conference will be held at the Civic Plaza Convention Center in downtown Phoenix using a total of 2,755 rooms, 850 of which are peak rooms, for the national conference. The GPCVB employs a dedicated sales staff for the African-American, Asian American, Hispanic and Native American meetings markets. The GPCVB’s strong commitment to these markets is also apparent in several educational and marketing programs, such as: the B.E.S.T.™ College Program, which expose students to employment 36 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
opportunities within the visitor industry; and departmental publications such as a quarterly newsletter and multi-cultural brochure. The Multi-Cultural & Arts Foundation Board, as well as many of the GPCVB’s multi-cultural members, provides assistance to groups in developing local business relationships and sponsorships. The Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau is a non-profit organization that markets Greater Phoenix as a year-round convention and visitor destination. More than 13 million people visit Phoenix annually, contributing more than $6 billion to the area's economy. Tourism in Greater Phoenix also accounts for approximately 225,000 jobs. For additional information on the Phoenix area, log onto the Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau website at: website at www.visitphoenix.com.
B.E.S.T.™ College Program Visitor Industry Career Exploration The B.E.S.T.™ (Bureau Excellence in Student Training) college program is designed to provide a pipeline for college students to enter the visitor industry as skilled and knowledgeable workers and allow for organizations within the industry the ability to recruit, reengage, employ and retain these trained professionals. Through the B.E.S.T.™ college program students at the university level will apply their understanding of coursework to hands on activities and job related experience. The program aims to provide networking opportunities for multi-ethnic students and encourages participation in professional associations.
Marc Garcia Vice President of Community Affairs. Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau
During the last 20 years, the demand for skilled, knowledgeable and professional visitor industry employees has grown in conjunction with the rapid expansion of the visitor industry. In recognition of the increasing economic impact of the visitor industry to the Valley and State, the Greater Phoenix Multi-Cultural and Arts Foundation (MCAF), a subsidiary of the Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau (GPCVB) introduces B.E.S.T.™ college, a yearlong tourism internship program to students at a university level. Contributing over 6 billion dollars to Greater Phoenix alone, the visitor industry accounts for approximately 225,000 jobs. As the region’s 2nd largest industry, tourism has an enormous impact on the Greater Phoenix economy. The expansion of Phoenix Civic Plaza and the addition of a new 1,000-room hotel in Downtown Phoenix will undoubtedly bring even more business to the valley. As leisure travel and convention business booms, the demand for qualified, trained professionals is ever increasing, along with the desire for a more multicultural workforce. The B.E.S.T.™ program, designed as a career exploration and industry-training program, is intended to supply college students with the resources necessary to make informed career decisions, while gaining hands-on experience in the field. In the fall of 2006, ten students will be admitted into the B.E.S.T.™ program. Students will be required to apply at the end of the Spring 2006 semester. The MCAF Board of Directors, in conjunction with the program’s partners, will select the participants based on a detailed application, letters of recommendation, 3.0 minimum grade point average, an essay and additional criteria.
MGM Mirage Presents its Annual Diversity Report in Biloxi, Mississippi Companyannounces a total of $200,000 to bedistributed to four local organizations MGM MIRAGE executives presented the company’s Annual Diversity Report at its Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi. For the last six years, the company has annually reported its diversity performance at its headquarters in Las Vegas, Nevada, to demonstrate transparency and accountability in the key areas of construction, human resources, procurement and philanthropy. This marks the first time the report has been presented in Mississippi. “A hallmark of diversity is the opportunity it creates for success that transforms the lives of our employees, our suppliers, our business partners, and our communities,” said MGM MIRAGE Chairman and CEO Terry Lanni. “Our success in inclusion of minority-owned, womenowned and disadvantaged business enterprises (MWDBEs) in the rebuilding of Beau Rivage is a powerful example of our Diversity Initiative at work.” As part of its ongoing commitment to the Biloxi community, the employee-funded MGM MIRAGE Voice Foundation presented $100,000 to four Mississippi non-profit organizations to close out its www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 37
Multicultural Initiatives
Punam Mathur Senior Vice President, Corporate Diversity & Community Affairs
Katrina Recovery Fund, which raised $4.1 million dollars for those affected by Hurricane Katrina. City Team Ministries; Rebuild Jackson County; Mississippi Protection & Advocacy System, Katrina Aid Today; and Hands on USA each received $25,000. At the end of the presentation, Lanni committed an additional $100,000 on behalf of MGM MIRAGE to be distributed to the same organizations. “MGM MIRAGE is not only committed to Beau Rivage and our employees, it is also committed to our community and its well being,” said George Corchis, President and Chief Operating Officer of MGM MIRAGE’s Mississippi resorts. “We remain committed to uplifting lives through the engagement of our employees in volunteer activities and our contributions to deserving organizations across the Gulf Coast.”
Immediately following the presentation, prospective vendors and suppliers were invited to the Diversity Business Expo which included booths staffed by company executives from MGM MIRAGE’s Mississippi-based properties, Beau Rivage and the Gold Strike Casino and Resort in Tunica. More than 200 suppliers, contractors, and business leaders from around the U.S. registered to participate in the Expo. Ms. Punam Mathur serves as Senior Vice President of Corporate Diversity and Community Affairs and a Corporate Officer for MGM MIRAGE (NYSE: MGM), one of the world’s leading hotel and gaming companies that is headquartered in Las Vegas. She was promoted to his position in May 2004 and began her career with Mirage Resorts, Inc. in April 1996. In this capacity, she is responsible for the oversight and implementation of the company’s Diversity Initiative, as well as for government affairs, diversity relations, and community affairs, including corporate philanthropy and the employee-funded Voice Foundation. Prior to joining the hospitality industry, she held the position of Senior Vice President for the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Mathur worked for the LVCC for six years. She has also owned and operated small businesses. Active in the community, Ms. Mathur currently is a member of the United Way of Southern Nevada Board of Directors and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Liberal Arts Advisory Group, and a board member of the Las Vegas After School All-Stars. Ms. Mathur was nominated by Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn to serve as a commissioner for the Nevada Commission on Tourism. She was also appointed by former Governor Bob Miller to serve on the Governor’s Task Force on Welfare Reform. Additionally, she serves as CoChair of the American Gaming Association’s Diversity Task Force, in 2004 was named to the Board of Directors of the National Minority Supplier Diversity Council, and is Co-Chair of the Clark County Regional Business Development Advisory Council. She is the proud mother of two amazing sons and a spectacular daughter.
Philadelphia MultiCultural Affairs Congress In 1987, A. Bruce Crawley and State Representative Dwight Evans, two African American men serving on the board of directors of the Philadelphia Convention &Visitors Bureau (PCVB), realized that Philadelphia was missing opportunities in the minority meetings, conventions and tourism market. Acknowledging that Philadelphia, a city rich in multicultural history, could benefit from this overlooked segment of the population, the PCVB created the Minority Advisory Council (MAC). MAC immediately commissioned a study and found the existence of a large African American market across the nation that booked conventions and meetings annually. A later study found that African American conventions and tourists represent a $25-35 billion market. Three years after the creation of MAC, the U.S. Department of Commerce, Travel and Tourism Administration, designated Philadelphia the Number one city for minority tourism. Other cities, seeing Philadelphia's success reaching a previously untapped market, wanted to learn how it was done. In the next few years, Philadelphia demonstrated how to market to minority populations to a number of cities. In 1994 MAC changed its name to the Multicultural Affairs Congress to reflect its new goals, focus and a more comprehensive marketing strategy. In the 14 years since its inception, MAC has managed to market Philadelphia successfully as a multicultural destination. Beyond the large African-American market that was tapped, MAC has extended its reach to include the Latino market for meetings, conventions and tourism. MAC's increased efforts to reach the Latino market resulted in Philadelphia being named one of the top 10 cities for Hispanic travelers. In addition to MAC's work in the meetings and conventions market, MAC has also worked closely with the Asian American community to promote Chinatown, one of Philadelphia's most historic neighborhoods, to visitors. Philadelphia's Native American organizations work closely with MAC to promote its history, annual festivals and educational programs.
MAC is celebrating its 20th Anniversary in 2007. As the mission of MAC has evolved, so has its programing. MAC's mission is to increase Philadelphia's share of the multicultural meetings and tourism markets. MAC maximizes opportunities for the region by promoting Philadelphia as an ethnically diverse visitor destination, encouraging multicultural business and social responsibility that contributes to and benefits from the varying multicultural communities that enhance our region's hospitality and tourism industry. MAC has worked with key industry figures to help increase the presence of people of color in the industry with events including its annual career fair which serves hospitality high school and adult students to receive training and information direct from people working in the industry; seminars, that include information on marketing to people of color and business opportunities for MAC members and community organizations and networking events that can highlight partnerships, membership initiatives and educational programs. Philadelphia has experienced a boom of 4,000 additional hotel rooms in the last two years, bringing the total number of rooms in the region to more than 30,000. MAC has worked to emphasize to the hotel industry the need for Philadelphia to have a diverse workforce and supplier base.
Multicultural Initiatives
Tommie Monroe Vice President of Corporate Affairs Adam’s Mark Hotels
Equality in Guest Service Adam's Mark has implemented one of the most far-reaching policies in the hospitality industry to assure equal, high-quality treatment for all guests, regardless of race, gender, religion or ethnicity. This includes diversity training for all Adam's Mark employees nationwide, an independent monitoring program to ensure that all guests are treated equally, and a means to rapidly investigate and resolve any discrimination complaints.
Community Outreach
Adam's Mark Hotels & Resorts: A Diversity Leaderinthe Hospitality Industry Adam's Mark Hotels & Resorts is well known within the hospitality industry for award-winning guest service and amenities. We're equally proud to be a leader in the area of diversity -- especially with regard to minority employee development and community outreach. Since our first Adam's Mark property debuted in 1973, we have grown to become one of the industry's highest rated hotel chains with respect to guest service. One reason for this success is the talent and dedication of our diverse workforce, as well as our commitment to provide fair, equal, top-quality treatment to all guests. Walk into any Adam's Mark Hotel, and this diversity is immediately apparent. From the front desk to our fine dining facilities, from our hotel management to the housekeeping staff, guests will get a true appreciation of the diverse racial and cultural makeup of our staff. Minorities account for 64% of the 8,500 Adam's Mark employees and also comprise 34% of the company's supervisory and management staff. African-Americans represent over 34% of the company's total workforce, and over 19% of the supervisory and management staff. Our diversity record is equally strong with regard to Hispanic employees who represent over 25% of our total workforce and nearly 10% of managers. Even though these figures place Adam's Mark at the forefront of our industry, we are committed to further improving on this performance. Among other things, we have dramatically expanded our minority management and professional staff over the past three years and established a Manager-In-Training Program. 40 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
Adam's Mark is also proud to support organizations that improve the quality of life within the communities served by our hotels. We have contributed generously to initiatives that benefit local and national community efforts. The company provides significant financial support for numerous African-American and Hispanic organizations and other minority programs. At the national level, Adam's Mark has provided support for organizations such as the Urban League, the NAACP, the National Black MBA's and Bethune-Cookman College. Adam's Mark has also sponsored Pathfinder Magazine's national tour to preserve African-American historical sites. Adam's Mark has also funded scholarship programs for minority students through partnerships with Sigma Gamma Rho sorority, the Jack and Jill Foundation, the National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners, the International Association of Hispanic Meeting Professionals and the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality. It is through efforts like these that Adam's Mark cultivates key relationships within the community, which we consider a rewarding and vital component of our role as a responsible, committed corporate citizen. In addition, each of the Adam's Mark hotels supports numerous minority organizations and programs in its local markets.
Minority Purchasing Adam's Mark is committed to supporting minority owned businesses. A minority business development manager was recently hired in order to steadily increase spending with minority vendors and suppliers. As a result, spending with minority and women-owned businesses has increased from just over $1 million in 1999 to a combined $23 million in 2001-2002. Adam's Mark has set a goal of having 5% of all purchases come from minority vendors, and to continue building that level to more closely reflect the percentage of minority businesses in the workplace.
speakersbureau Victor Gonzalez
Manuel Medrano
Ruben Gonzalez
Carlos Conejo
Franco Soldi
Bobby González
Dr. Camilo Cruz
Daniel Gutierrez
Charles Garcia
HISPANIC VOICES
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Pegine Echevarria
Jimmy Cabrera, CSP
42 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
Julia Muguerza
Patsy Cisneros
Deborah Deras
Xavier Cortada
Dr. Jo Ann Piña
Yasmin Davidds
Joachim de Posada
Dr. Ana Nogales
T
hroughout her professional life, Dr. Ana Nogales has been more than a psychologist; those who turn to her discover a wise friend and a compassionate confidante. Originally from Argentina, Dr. Nogales is one of the most well-known and respected Latinas in the United States. Through her private practice, her media presence, her books, and her organizational leadership, she is dedicated to ensuring the mental health and success of women, Latinos, and others who struggle with cultural and personal issues, victimization and inequality. Immigrating to the United States in 1979, Dr. Nogales completed her doctorate degree in psychology at the United States International University, San Diego and opened her private practice in 1982 in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. She currently supervises a clinical staff of fifteen mental health professionals. As a clinical psychologist and founder of Nogales Psychological Counseling, Inc., she is deeply committed to helping members of the Latino community improve their personal relationships and emotional health, as well as adjust to and thrive in the complex multi-cultural environment in which they live. Dr. Nogales is the founder and Clinical Director of the nonprofit organization, Casa de la Familia, established for victims of crimes, including rape, sexual assault, child sexual and physical abuse, and domestic violence. She is also the President of the Association for Latino Mental Health Awareness (ALMA) in Orange County, California, which is dedicated to eradicating the stigma of mental illness. And she is the President of the board of the California Women's Commission on Addictions, as well as a board member of Las Comadres para las Americas. Dr. Nogales began her career in media in 1980, at Univision, Channel 34, with a regular weekly segment entitled "Ella y Él" on Mundo Latino. Her own radio talk show, “La Voz” (8.30 AM) and television talk show, "Aquí Entre Nos"/"Just Between Us" (Channel 22, Los Angeles) established her as a household name throughout the Latino community. She had a regular segment, "Solo Para Adultos", on the Univision Channel 34 News, on Telemundo-LA’s evening news, and on KLVE Radio. She has appeared on numerous radio and TV programs, including "The Cristina
Show", "Despierta America", and other toprated national talk shows on Spanish language television. A frequent guest on CNN en Español, Univision and Telemundo news programs, Dr. Nogales also appears on such local southern California programs as "La Corte Familiar" and "De Buen Humor / De Todo un Poco con Omar Fierro". She is a regular on national radio programs for Radio Bilingüe and Radio Única and is frequently interviewed for local radio programs in New York City, Chicago, Miami, San Antonio, San José and other cities. In addition to the weekly column she has written for the last sixteen years in La Opinión (Los Angeles), the country's #1 Spanish language newspaper, as well as columns in La Raza (Chicago) and La Prensa (New York), and her bi-monthly column in the magazine Para Todos, Dr. Nogales was an online columnist for the international Spanish-Language Salud.Com as well as Solo Ellas.com a bilingual Spanish/English website for Latinas. The overwhelming popularity and success of Dr. Nogales' radio and television shows inspired her to produce a series of self-help audio cassettes entitled Auto-Ayuda Psicológica. The tapes address many of the topics discussed during her radio and television appearances, such as "Combating Depression", "Managing Anxiety", and "Understanding the Opposite Sex". Dr. Nogales is the author of Dr. Ana Nogales' Book of Love, Sex and Relationships: A Guide for Latino Couples (Broadway Books/Bantam Doubleday Dell), the first book to address the specific concerns of Latino couples; as well as Latina Power! Using the Seven Strengths You Already Have to Create the Success You Deserve (Simon & Schuster, USA and Puerto Rico; Grijalbo, Latin America). She has written for the Pfizer Laboratories Newsletter about intimacy and relationship issues and has been interviewed by the Los Angeles Times, the Orange County Register, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Latina, Latina Style, Estylo, People en Español, and other notable periodicals. She participated on a panel of ten prominent relationship experts in Redbook magazine's special feature on "Marriage and the Family for the New Millennium".
Dr. Nogales has been featured at workshops and conferences throughout the United States, including at the Omega Institute and The Women's Foundation, as well as at conferences in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Buenos Aires. In recognition of the critical role she has played in California, her life story and her varied accomplishments are featured in the exhibit entitled Latinas: The Spirit of California at the California Museum for History, Women, and the Arts, in Sacramento. Dr. Nogales was honored in 2006 with SOKA GAKKAI INTERNATIONAL and SGI-USA Humanitarian Award; in 2004 with the Future Leaders of America’s Paloma Award for her "Inspirational Leadership in Serving the Community"; and the Dialogue on Diversity’s Mentorship Award for "Career Contributions, through Writing, Teaching, and Counseling". Dr. Nogales is committed to condemning racism and discrimination and has been appointed to the APA (American Psychological Association) Presidential Virtual Working Group on Anti-Semitic, Anti-Jewish and Other Religions, Religion-Related and/or Religion Derived Prejudice and Discrimination Task Force. Through her insightful and compassionate writings, appearances, organizational leadership, and psychological counseling, Dr. Nogales has strived to make a difference in the lives of women and men from diverse class and ethnic backgrounds. She is passionately dedicated to furthering this important work. www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 43
internationaldestinations
THE WESTIN ROCO KI BEACH & GOLF RESORT: THE CARIBBEAN’S NEWEST MEETING DESTINATION OPENS MAY 2008 With 2009 Availability Going Quickly, Double Starwood Preferred Planner Points Offered for 2008 Meetings PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic – With meeting and incentive bookings coming in quickly, management at the spectacular new The Westin Roco Ki Beach & Golf Resort in Punta Macao, Dominican Republic, on schedule to open in May 2008, is urging planners to act fast. Attracted by the challenging Nick Faldo-designed championship golf course, 20,000 square foot conference center, a world class spa, fine dining in seven restaurants and a setting of unparalleled beauty, incentive planners have created a “limited availability” situation for peak periods of 2009, signifying that Roco Ki is destined to be one of the finest destinations in the Caribbean for meetings, conventions and incentives, with an on-site capacity up to 700 guests. “Planners will find that The Westin Roco Ki Beach & Golf Resort already has become one of the most sought-after new destinations in the Caribbean. With its pristine four-mile white sand beach framed by dramatic rocky cliffs and natural tropical vegetation our 2,700 acre property is one of the most beautiful and diverse in the world. And few resorts can offer such outstanding state-of-the-art meeting facilities complemented by the very best in amenities, 44 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
recreational options and professional service,” said David H. Krech, director of sales and marketing. “We urge planners to book with us while there is still space available because every indication suggests that The Westin Roco Ki is becoming enormously popular with a variety of groups ranging from exclusive corporate meetings and top level incentives to destination weddings.” Trish Adams, director of industry relations for Maritz, agrees: “Unbelievable Spot, Gorgeous Setting, Breathtaking Views, and Crashing Waves - those are the first four descriptions that I wrote down after visiting the Westin Roco Ki! It really is going to be something special,” she said. To further entice meeting planners, The Westin Roco Ki Beach & Golf Resort is offering Double Starwood Preferred Planner Points
for holding a meeting in 2008! Book by December 15, 2007 for a meeting held between August 1 and December 15, 2008 and receive up to 100,000 bonus Starpoints.® For meetings in 2009, planners may take advantage of a Starwood Preferred Planner Signing Bonus by booking a meeting by December 15, 2007 that will be held Jan 1-December 15, 2009 and earn up to 50,000 Starpoints.® The Westin Roco Ki’s 20,000-square foot Meeting and Conference Center can accommodate up to 700 guests and features 14 stylish and flexible salons, all equipped with wireless Internet and other state-of-the-art amenities. The self-contained Center features five primary meeting rooms, each of which can be sub-divided in smaller units. Spacious prefunction areas surround the central meeting space. In addition, there are numerous outdoor venues throughout the 2,700 acre property with stunning views of the ocean, golf course and landscaped grounds for receptions, dinners, weddings and social events. One of the most spectacular sites features a natural rock porthole to the sea, ideal for receptions, wedding ceremonies and memorable photographs. The 337-room Westin Roco Ki Beach & Golf Resort, a Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide property, is situated on 2,700 acres along a four-mile dedicated stretch of white sand beach in Punta Macao, Dominican Republic. The first U.S.-branded resort in the region, it will open in 2008 with a challenging and dramatic Nick Faldo-designed championship golf course, an 18,000-sqaure foot world-class spa with 15 treatment rooms, a choice of seven restaurants and four bars. Recreational choices include tennis courts, four swimming pools, a Westin Kids Club® and an aquatic sports complex offering, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, sailing and deep-sea fishing. The wildlife sanctuary will showcase the spectrum of flora and fauna on the property. Accommodations will include spacious guest rooms and suites, 32 sensational Jungle Luxe® bungalows, two- and three-bedroom resort condominiums and 20 cliff-side villas. All rooms will be equipped with the signature Westin Heavenly Bed®, the Westin Heavenly Bath®, amenities, flat screen televisions and the latest communications technology. To learn more about The Westin Roco Ki Beach & Golf Resort, please visit www.westin.com/rocoki.
eventscalendar m e e t i n g s
JULY Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce 34th Annual Conference & Expo www.tamacc.org San Antonio, Texas July 27- July 31
AUGUST National Hispanic Medical Association 2007 Minority Women's Health Summit www.nhmamd.org Washington, DC August 23 - August 26
SEPTEMBER Latina Style Magazine National Latina Symposium www.latinastyle.com Washington, DC September 06 Hispanic Heritage Foundation Annual Hispanic Heritage Awards www.hispanicheritage.org Washington, DC September 07 Minority Business Development Agency MED Week 2007 Conference www.medweek.gov Washington, DC September 13 - September 14 Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund 23rd Annual Texas Dinner www.maldef.org San Antonio, Texas September 14 National Alliance for Hispanic Health Salud Con Sabor www.hispanichealth.org Chicago, Illinois September 14 - September 16 National Association Hispanic Real Estate Professionals 2007 Hispanic Marketing Convention & Expo www.nahrep.org Lake Buena Vista, Florida September 16 - September 20 United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 28th Annual Convention www.ushcc.com San Juan, Puerto Rico September 19 - September 22
Dialogue on Diversity Entrepreneurial Excellence and International Awards www.dialogueondiversity.org Washington, DC September 26
OCTOBER Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Public Policy Conference and Gala www.chci.org Washington, DC October 01 - October 03 National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts 11th Annual Noche de Gala www.hispanicarts.org Washington, DC October 02 Texas Association for Bilingual Education 2007 Annual Conference www.tabe.org San Antonio, Texas October 03 - October 06 Hispanic National Bar Association 2007 Annual Convention www.hnba.com Puerto Rico October 03 - October 07 National Society of Hispanic MBAs 2007 Annual Conference www.nshmba.org Houston, Texas October 04 - October 06 Texas Conference for Women 2007 Annual Texas Conference for Women www.txconferenceforwomen.org Austin, Texas October 04 National Association of Hispanic Journalists Annual Noche de Triunfos Journalism Awards Gala www.nahj.org Washington, DC October 05 United States Hispanic Leadership Institute 9th Annual Midwest Hispanic Student Leadership Conference www.ushli.org Chicago, Illinois October 08 National Association of Latino Arts and Culture 7th National Conference www.nalac.org San Antonio, Texas October 11 - October 15
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c o n f e r e n c e s
Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Award Conference 2007 Career Conference and Awards Show www.henaac.org San Diego, California October 11 - October 13 Hispanic Council for Reform and Educational Options 2007 Conference www.hcreo.org Dallas, Texas October 13 - October 15
Hispanic American Police Command Officers Association 2007 National Training Conference www.hapcoa.com Las Vegas, Nevada October 23 - October 26 Hispanic Dental Association 2007 Annual Meeting www.hdassoc.org Miami, Florida October 25 - October 27
Hispanic Women's Corporation 22nd National Hispanic Women's Conference - Latinas: Legacies in Leadership www.hispanicwomen.org Phoenix, Arizona October 13 - October 14
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers 31st Annual Conference www.shpe.org Philadelphia, Pennsylvania October 31 - November 04 Association of Hispanic Advertising
United States Hispanic Leadership Institute 7th Annual Northeast Latino Student Leadership Conference www.ushli.org Philadelphia, Pennsylvania October 14 - October 15 SER-Jobs for Progress National, Inc. 42nd Annual Conference www.ser-national.org Austin, Texas October 15 - October 18
Agencies 23rdSemi Annual Conference www.ahaa.org New York, New York October 31 - November 02
NOVEMBER National Hispanic Business Association 2007 Leadership Conference www.nhba.org Chicago, Illinois November 01 - November 03
Tomas Rivera Policy Institute 4th Annual Education Conference www.trpi.org Long Beach, California October 15 - October 15
National Hispana Leadership Institute 2007 Executive Leadership Training and Mujer Awards Conference www.nhli.org Denver, Colorado
National Latino Peace Officers Association 2007 Annual National Training Institute and Convention www.nlpoa.org San Juan, Puerto Rico October 17 - October 20
November 08 - November 09 Hispanic Contractors Association de Tejas 12th Annual State Conference and Expo www.hcadetejas.org Dallas, Texas November 10 - November 11
Hispanic Scholarship Fund 2007 Alumni Hall of Fame Gala www.hsf.net Washington, DC October 17
DECEMBER ASPIRA Association, Inc. 2007 Annual Technology Tools
Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities 21st Annual Conference www.hacu.net Chicago, Illinois October 20 - October 22
Conference www.aspira.org San Juan, Puerto Rico December 03 - December 06 International Association of Hispanic
National Hispanic Corporate Council Membership Meeting Conference www.nhcc-hq.org Chicago, Illinois October 22 - October 24
Meeting Professionals 12th Annual Conference & Tradeshow www.iahmp.org Albuquerque, New Mexico December 06 – December 09
www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 45
Cuisine
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FOXWOODS RESORT
Thierry Debailleul, Foxwoods Resort Casino
kitchens of the Orchid Restaurant at Mauna Lani Resort in Hawaii and the French Quarter Sheraton Hotel in New Orleans where he adopted the culinary influences of the Pacific Rim and Deep South. Before moving to the United States, he spent five years on the Caribbean island of St. Martin where he prepared regional and French gourmet cuisine at the luxury resort-casino, Port de Plaisance. A native of France, Debailleul received his culinary education at the prestigious Ferrandi Ecole Superieure De Cuisine Française in Paris. Upon graduating, he worked in various upscale restaurants in and around France’s capitol city before moving to the west coast to cook at the Rochevilaine Aqua Phenicia, a luxury spa hotel in Brittany. Debailleul eventually left Europe and traveled to South America where he spent a year in the Amazon jungle preparing delicious cuisine for military personnel stationed in the area.
About Foxwoods
Chef Thierry Thierry Debailleul is appointed executive chef at Foxwoods Resort Casino.
F
oxwoods Resort Casino, the world’s largest casino, has appointed veteran chef Thierry Debailleul as the property’s new executive chef. He oversees the culinary team operating the multiple restaurants on property including Paragon, Al Dente, Cedars Steak House, Golden Dragon and more. Debailleul formally joined the Foxwoods team on June 30, 2007. “Chef Thierry’s worldly cooking style will bring amazing depth to our award-winning restaurants,” said Dennis Khanh, vice president of food and beverage at Foxwoods Resort 46 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
Casino. “We’re looking forward to the contributions he will make to our culinary profile, especially given his diverse experience preparing food in kitchens all over the world.” Debailleul most recently worked as executive chef of the Pointe South Mountain Resort in Phoenix, Arizona where he was responsible for three restaurants located within the 220acre resort. Prior to that, he opened the Westin Stonebriar Resort in Frisco, Texas as executive chef of the Legacy Grill restaurant, the poolside Acqua Bar and Grill and Ernie’s Bar. Elsewhere in the U.S., Debailleul helmed the
Foxwoods Resort Casino®, the world’s largest casino, owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, is the ultimate casino resort destination on the East Coast, offering over 7,200 slots, 380 table games, the only WPT World Poker Room™, High Stakes Bingo and Ultimate Racebook all conveniently located under one roof. With 1,400 luxurious hotel rooms and suites, over 50 sumptuous restaurants and retail outlets, a 1,400 seat theater and 55,000 square feet of superior meeting space, Foxwoods is the premiere destination for the business or leisure traveler. Lake of Isles™, rated America’s Best New Golf Course by Golf Digest, is located directly adjacent to the property. The highly anticipated MGM Grand at Foxwoods® will open Spring of 2008 and feature 826 ultramodern, technologically advanced hotel rooms with world class amenities reminiscent of the Las Vegas style landmark, including 115,000 additional square feet of meeting space, cutting–edge business communications capabilities, a state-of-the-art 4,000 seat Performing Arts Theater and exciting new dining, retail, gaming and luxurious spa facilities. HM&T Foxwoods is easily accessible from Boston, New York, Hartford and Providence and only minutes away from Mystic and Long Island Sound. For more information call 1-800FOXWOODS or visit us at www.FOXWOODS.com.