HM&T 2009 Summer by Hispanic Meetings & Travel

You're Invited To Attend the International Association of Hispanic Meeting Professionals 14th Annual Educational Conference and Trade Expo! Special Promotion for Meeting Planners If you are a meeting planner or the decision maker in site selection for your next conference or convention, you may qualify to attend the annual conference as a Hosted Meeting Planner. If qualified you will get a three (3) night stay at the Conference Hotel, in Denver, Colorado. This offer is good for the first 30 meeting planners who submit their membership application form and pay $175 dues. New meeting planner members must attend the conference and Trade Show on Dec. 6-9, 2009 in Denver, Colorado. CO N F E R E N C E H OT E L

Trade Expo : Tabletop exhibits are available for members and non-members. To participate in the Trade Show please contact IAHMP at (281) 333-1552 or visit us online at www.IAHMP.org to reserve your exhibit space. IAHMP has a variety of unique sponsorship opportunities available. Just complete the online form at www.IAHMP.org. A staff member will contact you to tailor a sponsorship package that works best for you and will afford your company to maximize your visibility at the annual conference. Call us at 281-333-1552 or visit www.IAHMP.org to register for the conference and the Trade Show. CALL FOR NOMINATIONS 2009 DIVERSITY AWARDS IN THE MEETINGS & HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

Hyatt Regency Tech Center

We invite you to nominate diversity leaders in the industry! The 2009 Award recipients will be honored at the IAHMP Annual Conference, December 6-11, 2009 in Denver, Colorado. The IAHMP Diversity Awards is sponsored by the International Association of Hispanic Meeting Professionals and Hispanic Meetings & Travel magazine.

7800 East Tufts Avenue, Denver, Colorado, USA 80237 Tel: 303 779 1234 | Fax: 303 850 7164

IAHMP, 1322 Space Park Drive, Suite C 199 - Houston, Texas 77058 Telephone: 281-333-1552 www.IAHMP.org

Meeting Planner

PROFILE

"Since obtaining the CDMP I have found my dream job and have traveled the world as a meeting planner for SYNAXIS Meetings &Events Inc. I encourage all Meeting Industry professionals to take this excellent certification and I am sure that it can improve your career."

The Certified Diversity Meeting Professional Training will be offered at the conference in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, December 6, 2009. Sign up online at www.IAHMP.org or call 281-333-1552 to register. How to Become a CDMP 1.

Attend the Day-long seminar prior to the IAHMP Annual Conference.

Complete the CDMP online Application and submit by the application deadline November 14, 2009 and include the $275 member submission fee or non-member fee of $400. This will entitle you to attend the full-day seminar and sit the exam. Fee is non-refundable.

- Miguel Neves, CDMP

Following notification of successful application, CDMP candidates will receive a list of

CDMP Student Wins Promising Young Professional Award at IMEX iguel Neves, a University of Westminster Masters student in London, a former intern of CPL Events in Lisbon, Portugal and recipient of the Certified Diversity Meeting Professional (CDMP), was judged an outstanding winner of this year's IMEX- MPI Foundation Student Scholarship Award. The final "challenge" took place at the IMEX Future Leaders Forum held in Frankfort, Germany. The Certified Diversity Meeting Professional (CDMP) is a program of the International Association of Hispanic Meeting Professionals developed by Margaret Gonzalez, an IAHMP Founder and President and the staff at GVR Public Relations Agency, Houston, Texas. Linda Pereira is the founder and president of the IAHMP Iberian Chapter and the principal at CPL Events, a meetings and events planning company. She is also a professor at the University in Lisbon, Portugal where she has incorporated the CDMP into a Master's level program. Ms. Pereira taught the first CDMP class in the USA at the 2008 IAHMP Annual Conference held in San Diego, California.

recommended study topics. 4.

Successfully complete the CDMP Examination at the Annual Conference.

If successful you will be honored at the Diversity Gala Dinner during the conference.

Since it's founding in 1995, IAHMP membership has grown throughout the USA, Puerto Rico, Mex-

Miguel Neves on the CDMP

ico, and Portugal. This year, professional chapters

"Obtaining the CDMP certification was hard work but was definitely very worthwhile. A week of training and coaching of Strategic Planning & Management of Congresses and Events by my dear mentor Linda Pereira preceded the examination." "The CDMP exam is my first meeting planner certification and I hope it will not be my last. Ms. Pereira was able to give me a glimpse of the Meetings Industry and opened my mind to the world of a PCO when I was certain that I wanted to be a DMC in my home country of Portugal." "Since obtaining the CDMP I have found my dream job and have traveled the world as a meeting planner for SYNAXIS Meetings & Events Inc. I encourage all Meeting Industry professionals to take this excellent certification and I am sure that it can improve your career." "I am close to completing a masters degree and I now have a job that I love which involves planning meetings and events on both sides of the Atlantic."

will be established in Costa Rica, Panama, Guatemala and Spain. In the USA, IAHMP is establishing chapters in the states and major cities where Hispanics are in the majority. The IAHMP Annual Conference is a training ground to help groom young professionals to become the future leaders in the industry. The educational programs at the conference are designed to accomplish the goal of empowering our community to succeed as executives within the meetings and hospitality industry. The Certified Diversity Meeting Professional (CDMP) is a program for industry professionals who recognize the values of diversity. The CDMP is the industry's only certification program which focuses diversity and sustainability issues as key skills and attributes in meeting planning. The CDMP distinguishes holders as career professionals who have demonstrated a high level of experience, skill and knowledge in this field. In a Global

Miguel Neves, CDMP - Meeting & Event Planner, SYNAXIS Meetings & Events

Economy the CDMP skills you learn will help enhance your career goals within the industry. www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 3

contents APRIL-JUNE | SUMMER 2 0 0 9 | V O L / 1 1 | N O / 2

Features 18 | IAHMP MEXICO CHAPTER CONFERENCE The IAHMP Mexico Chapter holds it 2nd Annual Mexico Conference. The city of Zacatecas provides the backdrop for this international meeting.

44 | TEXAS MEETING DESTINATIONS Houston, Fort Worth, Austin, and Laredo are featured. With endless meeting and travel possibilities Texas is a meeting planners dream.

44 | Houston

12 | Zacatecas

Departments 3|

Cover Stories

12 | ZACATECAS Zacatecas offers you a unique experience; whatever your passion and interest in Zacatecas you can find it all. The colonial city of Zacatecas is located in the central-northern region of the Mexican Republic, 610 kilometers from Mexico City, 458 kilometers from Monterrey and 318 kilometers from Guadalajara.

32 | FLORIDA MEETINGS & TRAVEL

Greater Fort Lauderdale, Pensacola and Kissimmee are featured in this cover story on Florida meeting and travel destinations. 4 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel

Meeting Planner Profile The CDMP compliments a young meeting professional's career.

EDITOR'S COMMENTS

INDUSTRY BRIEFS

52 | ALBUQUERQUE SITE DESTINATION In Albuquerque we have a saying, nuestra casa es su casa, our home is your home. When you visit our city, we roll out the red carpet.

56 | SPEAKERS BUREAU Jose Galvez is the latest bi-lingual professional speaker to join the HM&T Speakers Bureau. Drawing on his fantastic career experience, Jose delivers an outstanding presentation.

EDITOR’S COMMENTS

HispanicMeetingsTravel.com PUBLISHER GVR Public Relations Agency, Inc. www.gvragency.com

EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Margaret Gonzalez

EDITOR Steven Gonzalez Sgonzalez@hispanicmeetingstravel.com

DESIGN & PRODUCTION MARGIL VILLARREAL DESIGN CREATIVE DIRECTOR - Margil Villarreal ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR - Iris Villarreal

ummertime and the living is easy! Taken from an old and famous song to remind us we are blessed to live in the USA. Although we face some economic challenges we Americans tend to deal with them and move forward to build an even better nation. In the meetings and hospitality industry people are busy working on meetings to add to the bottom line for everyone concerned. Meeting planners need the support of the industry to help make these meetings and events a reality. When a meeting planner asks for a sponsorship to help pay for conference expenses everyone should be involved and be supportive. Events make the meetings and hospitality industry move forward and insure "heads in beds" and bring hundreds of people to visit your destinations. In the USA and the western hemisphere, everyone who understands the economy is working harder to insure the successful recovery of our industry. The International Association of Hispanic Meeting Professionals members in the USA and Europe will travel to Zacatecas, Mexico to support the IAHMP Mexico Chapter's 2nd Annual Conference in one of Mexico's most historic and beautiful cities. In this issue we are very happy to present a Cover Story on Zacatecas and a special section on this important conference. See the Agenda and read about the speakers beginning on page 24. See the Zacatecas cover story on page 12 and the conference section on page 18. See the success story of a CDMP recipient on page 3. Later this year the organization will host their 14th Annual Conference in Denver, Colorado on December 6-9, 2009 and will present an all day training session on the Certified Diversity Meeting Professional for anyone in the industry who wants to earn their CDMP certification credentials.

6 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel

Yvonne Darby, Barona Ranch Resort and Casino, was pleased to complete the CDMP class requirements and be officially recognized at the Diversity Awards Banquet by Margaret Gonzalez and Cathy Gonzales, both IAHMP officers and Board members.

www.margilvillarreal.com

ADVERTISING STEVEN GONZALEZ sgonzalez@hispanicmeetingstravel.com

The Lone Star State is featured beginning on page 42. Texas has been blessed with a strong economy and the cities shown in this issue are great examples for using what they've got to make their destination unique and exciting for visitors. Each is a great destination for hosting small to large meetings and gives the meeting planner the added bonus of bringing an event to a unique part of the country not found anywhere but in the Lone Star State. Featured are Austin the state capital; Houston the 4th largest city in the U.S. and most modern in the Southwest; Fort Worth known as the land of the cowboys and cowgirls, and Laredo a bilingual and bicultural international meeting destination that is known for hosting an annual celebration for George Washington, the nation's first president and the annual Miss Texas competition. Shown above is a photo of Yvonne Darby taken at the IAHMP conference held in San Diego last December. The photo was wrongly identified in the last issue and we apologize to Yvonne who was a sponsor of the conference for her employer Barona Ranch Resort and Casino. Be sure to read about Photo journalist and professional speaker Jose Galvez on page 58. For over 40 years his photographs have put a face on Latinos in the United States.

Margaret González Margaret González, Founder & Editor-in-Chief

MARIA GONZALEZ mdgonzalez@hispanicmeetingstravel.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS AD 1 Partners, CHI Hotels & Resorts, Stacey Doss Doherty, Fort Lauderdale CVB, Kissimmee CVB, Cathy Gonzales, Steven Gonzalez, Joy Izay, Pensacola CVB, Margaret Rodriguez, Maria Sarabia, Wyndam Hotels, Lizbeth Zamudio

PHOTOGRAPHY AD 1 Partners, Albuquerque CVB, CHI Hotels & Resorts, Fort Lauderdale CVB, Fort Worth CVB, Jose Galvez, Houston CVB, Kissimmee CVB, Pensacola CVB, SDDPR, Margil Villarreal, Wyndam Hotels, Zacatecas CVB

ADVERTISING SALES OFFICE 1322 Space Park, Suite C199 Houston, Texas 77058 281-333-1755 / 281-333-1996 (fax)

W E B PA G E www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com WEB MASTER - Margil Villarreal Hispanic Meetings & Travel, ISSN # 1527-8387 is owned and published bi-monthly by the GVR Public Relations Agency, Inc. at 1322 Space Park, Suite C199, Houston, Texas 77058. ©1999-2008 All rights Reserved. Hispanic Meetings & Travel cannot by held responsible for unsolicited material. The publisher does not assume any responsibility for any unsolicited material and will return only those accompanied by stamped self-addressed envelope. We reserve the right to edit all copy. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior permission of the publisher. Subscription rates: $30.00 per year within the USA, $52.50 in Canada, and $75.00 elsewhere. All subscriptions must be paid in U.S. currency. Single copies: U.S. $5.00, Canada $8.75, and $12.50 elsewhere. Produced in the USA.

industrybriefs

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

TWO HOTEL GENERAL MANAGER APPOINTMENTS AT THE CORINTHIA BEACH RESORT - ST GEORGE'S BAY MALTA ounir Sami, previously general manager of the Corinthia Bab Africa Hotel in Tripoli, Libya, has been appointed general manager of the Corinthia Hotel St George's Bay Malta and joins the hotel following a long and impressive international career in senior hotel management. He was educated at the Swiss Hotel School and at the Cornell University in the United States of America. Mounir is a Canadian citizen and is fluent in English, French, German and Arabic. His career spans top executive appointments with Hilton International, the Al Baraka Group of Hotels, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Ramada Hotels International and Commonwealth Holiday Inns of Canada. During this time, he has held general management positions in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and

8 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel

Canada. Prior to joining CHI Hotels & Resorts, Mounir was the general manager of the Ramses Hilton in Cairo. Jonathan Pace, previously deputy general manager at the Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa in Attard, has been appointed general manager of the Marina Hotel at the Corinthia Beach Resort. At 27, Jonathan is CHI Hotels & Resorts' youngest ever hotel general manager. He obtained his Higher National Diploma in Hospitality Studies from ITS Malta and following a year at the famous Gleneagles Hotel and stints at the Corinthia Hotel Prague and Corinthia Bab Africa Hotel in Tripoli, joined Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa as a conference and events executive and later food and beverage manager. Jonathan was promoted to deputy general manager where, in tandem

with the hotel general manager, he was responsible for the overall operation of the hotel. Both general managers will report directly to Tony Potter, CHI Hotels & Resorts' managing director & CEO. The decision to appoint two independent general managers for the two hotels has been made in order to ensure the appropriate focus and attention to detail to each property and its customers. The overall Corinthia Beach Resort experience to the customer will continue to be a seamless operation offering one of the Mediterranean's largest resort complexes featuring a range of hotel accommodation, restaurants, lido operation, pool operations, spa facilities and extensive conference and banqueting options.

"Steve brings to the company a fundamental understanding of the hotel industry and the Wyndham brand," said Jim Alderman, Wyndham Hotel Group executive vice president of development. "His in-depth knowledge of key markets in this region combined with his established industry relationships will provide a good value added component for our owners and franchisees as he joins a team solely focused on building the Wyndham portfolio and positioning the brand as the leader in the upscale segment."

yndham Hotels and Resorts today announced the appointment of Stephen K. Miller as senior vice president of development, responsible for the growth of the Wyndham Hotels and Resorts brand's portfo-

lio through management and franchise agreements throughout the Eastern United States. The appointment marks Miller's return to the Wyndham速 brand, which he served in a senior development role for more than a decade under the former Wyndham International. While there, he was integral in expanding the brand's portfolio. In addition to his time with Wyndham International, Miller brings to the company extensive hospitality experience that includes positions with hotel companies including Strategic Hotels & Resorts Inc., Carlson Hotels Worldwide, Interstate Hotels & Resorts and Embassy Suites, now a brand of Hilton Hotels Corp. Most recently, Miller was managing director and Chicago head for DTZ Hospitality Group, a London-based real estate and investment banking firm. "Steve brings to the company a fundamen-

tal understanding of the hotel industry and the Wyndham brand," said Jim Alderman, Wyndham Hotel Group executive vice president of development. "His in-depth knowledge of key markets in this region combined with his established industry relationships will provide a good value added component for our owners and franchisees as he joins a team solely focused on building the Wyndham portfolio and positioning the brand as the leader in the upscale segment." Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, LLC and its affiliates, subsidiaries of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN), offer upscale hotel and resort accommodations throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. All Wyndham hotels are either franchised or managed by Wyndham or managed through a joint venture partner. For additional information or to make a reservation, go to www.wyndham.com.

industrybriefs

Wyndham Hotels and Resorts Expands Development Team

industrybriefs

The view of Laguna Beach's historic Main Beach from The Inn at Laguna Beach.

Inn At Laguna Beach:

Only Hotel on City's Historic Main Beach Intimate Boutique Setting Offers Location, Location, Location and an Ambiance That Keeps Guests Coming Back Year after Year he Inn at Laguna Beach is the only hotel located in the heart of the city's famed Main Beach. The boutique Inn features 52 luxurious ocean-front rooms, most with 180-degree ocean views and 18 Village view rooms that are steps from the beach and the quaint downtown Village of Laguna Beach. The Village offers specialty restaurants, unique shops, art galleries, day spas, Heisler Park and dozens of other venues, all within walking distance. The Inn is also the closest hotel to the famed Pageant of the Masters and Sawdust Festival, also just a short walk away.

10 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel

"The great thing about Laguna is it's a reasonable driving vacation from anywhere in Southern California, even from the Phoenix or Las Vegas areas," said David Shepherd, general manager of the AAA three-diamond rated Inn at Laguna Beach. "And after you drive here, we have plenty of convenient onsite parking so that guests can walk everywhere or take the local trolley." "We offer a 'home away from home' experience that only a small hotel can provide. It is the perfect setting to make memories with your loved ones with simple things like a relaxing day at the beach with kite flying and sandcastle building, dinner at a casual pizza

place, or a romantic dining experience at any of the local world class restaurants. You can create a vacation to meet your needs and your budget, and we are here to help you do that." In addition to pampering the leisure guests, the Inn at Laguna Beach also caters to smaller, executive-level meeting needs, with fullservice catering and audio visual services. The Pacific meeting room has a full ocean view and connecting terrace, a combination which is not available anywhere else in Laguna Beach. "I have been coming to the Inn at Laguna Beach for years," said Mark Billik, president of Be Core, an event marketing company in Los Angeles. "The staff is cheerful, dependable and always ready to be of service. The environment is so welcoming, with impeccably clean, refreshing and updated rooms. Free wireless in the rooms and complimentary breakfast brought to your room every morning are such wonderful added personal touches. Even if you are here on business, staying at the Inn at Laguna Beach is a beautiful little getaway. I always look forward to returning." In addition to all of the standard room amenities, unique in-room features at the Inn at Laguna Beach include a CD player, beach towels, beach chairs, umbrellas, full range of personal care products, European-style duvet, free local and 800 number telephone calls, and complimentary wireless Internet connectivity. Guests can also enjoy a 32" flat screen TV with DVD player, HBO and 77 other channels to choose from. The Inn at Laguna Beach goes that extra step to make guests feel special with complimentary continental breakfast delivery, daily newspaper delivery service, turndown service, evening beverage and cookie service in the Inn's lobby, and 24-hour front desk and concierge service. The Inn at Laguna is located at 211 North Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, California, 92651 www.innatlagunabeach.com. For reservations, please call (800) 544-4479.

First Hispanic Owned Hotel Opens in the Nation's Capital he opening of the first Hispanic owned hotel in Washington, D.C. June 3rd, 2009 was a historic day within the Hispanic business community. Adjacent to the New York Avenue Metrorail Station, five minutes from the U.S. Capitol and six miles from the Ronald Reagan

National Airport, the Courtyard Washington D.C. U.S. Capital offers guests convenient access to Union Station, the Library of Congress, the National Mall and the Verizon Center. The 212 room hotel also features a green roof. "We are very excited about the opening of this hotel and to be a part of the exciting revital-

ization of the NoMa area," said majority owner Robert Finvarb, CEO of Robert Finvarb Companies, LLC, based in Miami, FL. "I'm also proud to open the first Hispanic-owned hotel in the city and to work with Marriott." Finvarb is a Georgetown University Law Center alumnus and CEO of Robert Finvarb Companies, LLC, majority owner of the hotel. Co-owners are local investors Dave Wilmot of Harmon, Wilmot, Brown & Bagwell, LLP, Craig Welburn of Welburn Hospitality, Thomas Hopkins, and Dr. Barron Harvey Angela Gonzalez Rowe, president of the Hispanic Hotel Owners Association said "this is a historic day for Latinos in the lodging industry. This project signifies not only the hard work and dedication of Robert Finvarb and his partners, but the interest of minorities to enter into the lodging industry as owners and operators. We hope that other Hispanic and African-American business leaders will follow Robert's leadership and enter into the ownership ranks of lodging establishments where minorities have been underrepresented."

industrybriefs

Robert Finvarb, CEO of Robert Finvarb Companies, LLC and Angela Rowe, President, Hispanic Hotels Owners Association at the ribbon cutting for the Courtyard Washington DC U.S. Capitol.

COVER STORY

ZACATECAS A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE

Come and live the Zacatecas experience! acatecas offers you a unique experience; whatever your passion and interest, in Zacatecas you can find it all. The colonial city of Zacatecas is located in the central-northern region of the Mexican Republic, 610 kilometers from Mexico City, 458 kilometers from Monterrey and 318 kilometers from Guadalajara. Its annual mean temperature is 16° C. The name Zacatecas means in Nahuatl “place where the Zacate (grass) is plenty”. Between the fourth and tenth centuries, the “Altavista” and “La Quemada” cultures were developed, with characteristics of the Mesoamerican architectural pattern. The discovery of rich mineral

12 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel

deposits led to the foundation of the actual city of Zacatecas, which became one of the most important cities of New Spain. During the formative period (nineteenth century) the urban image adopted the neoclassical architecture and its French style. With the Mexican Revolution of 1910, Zacatecas became the focus of national attention as the city was taken by the troops of Francisco Villa. Although Zacatecas was plunged into a lethargic sleep after the revolution, in the mid-twentieth century its unique beauty and historical richness re-awakened, and in 1993, UNESCO recognized the historical downtown as a “Cultural Patrimony of Humanity”.

ZACATECAS

buildings of great beauty that can be covered on foot or by the cable railway. At a height of 85 meters above the city level, the cable railway departs and arrives at the small mountain of La Bufa where you will find several historic attractions. Zacatecas is one of the most important mining sites of the country; in fact, the city houses "El Eden" one of the main tourist mines that can be covered by train through a tunnel of approximately 600 meters. As a result of geographical treasures and natural resources of the city, you can do several outdoor activities in its surrounding areas. Two excellent options are Sierra de Órganos, used as a film stage of several international

Zacatecas is one of the safest cities in Mexico. The Hospitality and warmth of its people is a feature of Zacatecas. Dressed in pink quarry, Zacatecas is one of the most beautiful cities in the North of Mexico. A glance at its majestic cathedral is enough, it is considered as one of the most important expressions of baroque art in Mexico. You will find in its peculiar urban layout of small streets at different levels, alleys and squares, a great number of religious, civil and cultural

productions, and Sierra de Cardos, in Jerez. A required visit is La Quemada, the most important archeological zone of the state. There are also musuems and other points of interest, such as the museums “Pedro Coronel”; “Rafael Coronel”; Museum of Abstract Art; “Manuel Felguerez”; “Francisco Goitia”; “Guadalupe”; “Museum of Transport”; “Zacatecas Siege”; “Museum of Zacatecas”; Episcopal Gallery; University Museum of Science; Archeological Zone of “La Quemada”; and “Zig-Zag” Museum. Without any doubt, Zacatecas is a city with a heart of its own, bursting with beauty, culture and thousands of appealing attractions.

COVER STORY Connectivity

International Airport: General Leobardo C. Ruiz. Calera, ZAC, México.

Zacatecas can be quickly and easily accessed from the most important and progressive cities of the country by land on modern roads and convenient highways, such as roads 45, 49, 54 and 23, as well as by air, through its International Airport.

Has direct flights to Los Angeles, Chicago and Oakland with American Airlines, and Mexicana de Aviacion. There are direct flights to Mexico City, Leon-Bajio and Tijuana through Mexicana de Aviacion and Aeromar. Zacatecas also has a bus station, where the fol-

lowing companies operate: Ómnibus de México; Estrella Blanca; Transportes del Norte (Grupo Senda); Transportes Chihuahuenses; Expreso Futura and Turistar Ejecutivo, ETN (Enlaces Terrestres Nacionales) ; Grupo Estrella Blanca. *In general, you can easily take a taxi at hotels and main tourist attractions.

Official Name: Zacatecas Capital city: Zacatecas Territorial area: Located in the central and northern region of the Mexican Republic, it has a surface of 75,040 square kilometers, and a political division of 58 municipalities.

Weather The annual mean temperature of this region of Mexico is 16°C. The rain season goes from June to September (rainfall reaches an average lower than 800 milliliters).

Altitude The capital city of Zacatecas is 2,546 meters above sea level. The state has an average height of 2,100 meters above sea level.

Population: The total population of the State is: 1, 367,692 inhabitants, according to the census of the Inegi 2005; and the capital city has 124,000 inhabitants.

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ZACATECAS

The City of Zacatecas A) HOTEL INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE CITY OF ZACATECAS Zacatecas has an excellent offering of rooms to suit every need. It has historic and distinctive hotels and hotel chains; Zacatecas offers approximately 3,000 rooms located near the historic downtown and the main premises to hold any kind of meetings.

B) FACILITIES FOR CONGRESSES AND CONVENTIONS As a main destination to hold any kind of gathering the state of Zacatecas is well equipped to satisfy the requirements of any organization that intends to hold any kind of gathering by providing a wide range of traditional and unique premises, as well as spaces for meetings at hotels and in the new Palace of Conventions. The new Palace of Conventions (Palacio de Convenciones) of Zacatecas is conveniently located in Ciudad Argentum, and offers approximately 80,000 square meters of total surface, with a grand room of 4,470 square meters, which can be divided into 13 rooms. It also has 16 meeting rooms. Its unique architecture incorporates outstanding sights of the mountains and an open

area of 6,100 square meters that is excellent for cultural events and meals for up to 3,000 persons. The Ballroom has state-of-the-art technology, business services, a business center, food area, wireless internet connection and supplementary services.

Attractions that Make this Destination Different

buildings reflect a society that perpetuated its everyday events and development by transforming its silver resources into impressive architectural works, such as its' famous cathedral.

Must see destinations in the central city include: • La Catedral • Templo de Santo Domingo • Ex templo de San Agustín • Ex Convento de San Francisco (Museo Rafael Coronel) • Palacio de Gobierno y Plaza de Armas

From museums and theaters, gardens and galleries, Zacatecas offers a lot of options for every taste.

A) HISTORIC DOWNTOWN “CULTURAL PATRIMONY OF HUMANITY” The picture of Zacatecas evokes an aristocratic and noble city that reflects the layout of a Creole city, which harmoniously goes hand in hand with a singular Spanish and mixed-culture of beauty. Its sumptuous

• Palacio de Justicia (Palacio de la Mala Noche) • Palacio Legislativo • Teatro Calderón • Mercado González Ortega • Ex Casa de Moneda • Casa Municipal de Cultura • Acueducto “El Cubo” • Templo de Fátima • Instituto Zacatecano de Cultura • Ex Vecindad de Jobito (Hotel Mesón de Jobito)

www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 15

COVER STORY

B) CERRO DE LA BUFA The name “Bufa” is derived from a word of Aragonese origin, meaning “pig’s bladder”, so called by the first Spaniards that arrived to the region. In this mountain, part of the tribes of Zacatecos settled (from whom the name of Zacatecas was inherited). Due to its importance it was included in the Coat of Arms, granted by king Philip II of Spain. Another historical event took place there on June 23rd of 1914. when the city was taken by an army of the Revolution, headed by Francisco Villa, who conducted the so-called “Toma de Zacatecas” (Siege of Zacatecas).

C) “EL EDÉN” MINE This singular tourist attraction opened to the public in 1975 after it was thoroughly fitted out so that it would operate as one of the many attractions of this colonial city. Some adjustments were made, which include: suspension bridges, an access train, stairs, viewpoints, staging of mining activities, myths and legends, special lighting and a discotheque called “La Mina Club”, considered as the only one of its kind. It is reached by a tunnel of 600 meters through a small train that transports people to the core of the mine. 16 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel

D) CABLE CAR Begin the trip in this unique attraction through any of its two stations, although we recommend starting at the station of “El Grillo” (to the west) because it can be the continuation of the trip to the mine of “El Edén”, and thus, cross one portion of the city, approximately 650 meters, to an altitude of 85 meters, up to the final destination: “El Cerro de la Bufa”. The trip lasts approximately 7 minutes.

E) THE CATHEDRAL A masterpiece of the new Hispanic exuberant baroque art, it was built around 1731 and was partially completed around 1752, when it was solemnly dedicated to the Virgin of Asunción de María. In 1862, when the diocese of Zacatecas was created, it was deservedly granted the classification of Cathedral and, in 1959, it was raised to the classification of Cathedral-Basilica.

F) CAXCÁN PARADISE This Hotel Resort is located in the Municipality of Apozol, Zacatecas, in the town of San Miguel Atotonilco, 186 kilometers south of the city of Zacatecas heading towards Guadalajara, by federal road number 54, 131 kilometers of the latter, and 112 kilometers of the city of Aguascalientes. This Hotel Resort offers the following services: 104 rooms, 48 cabins, swimming pools

with thermal waters, wave pools, Children’s Water World (“Mundo infantil acuático”), long-distance phone services with fax, reception room, film showing room, banquet services, discotheque, video-bar, aquatic bar, amusement room, billiards, panoramic water chute 60 meters long, recreational areas, sports courts, (tennis, basketball, volleyball and table football), extensive green areas, snack-bar, selfservice store and drugstore, restaurant, coffee shop and a wide parking lot. It also has a SPA, which offers the following services: Physical therapy, gym, thermal waters, chiropractic adjustment, reflexology, aromatherapy, facial treatments, nutrition recommendations and beauty treatments. The weather of this region is characterized by a stable climate, which average temperature is of approximately 22° centigrade. This climate lets us enjoy fair weather most part of the year. Its geographical location takes advantage of all natural resources of the place, where the vegetation abounds throughout the year. One of the main attractions of the resort are the swimming pools and small water splash pools, however, if you do not intend to stay here, you can only use certain facilities such as the water chute, the wave pool and the Children's Water World. This hotel is near the cities of Aguascalientes, Guadalajara and Zacatecas.

2ND ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW

IAHMP ZACATECAS LETTER FROM THE GOVERNOR

20 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel

LETTER FROM THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM

Mr. Rafael Flores Ministry of Tourism of Zacatecas Tel: + 52 492 925 1277 Fax: + 52 492 92 4 0552 Email: eflores@mail.zacatecas.gob.mx Av. Hidalgo No. 401 Centro Hist贸rico Zacatecas, Zac. M茅xico C.P. 98000 Toll Free from USA: 1 877 297 8319

2ND ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW

IAHMP ZACATECAS

LETTER FROM THE ZACATECAS CVB

Ms. Itzel Mier Tel: + 52 492 925 1277 ext. 624 Fax: + 52 492 92 4 0552 Email: itzelmier@hotmail.com Av. Hidalgo No. 401 Centro Hist贸rico Zacatecas, Zac. M茅xico C.P. 98000 Toll Free from USA: 1 877 297 8319

22 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel

LETTER FROM IAHMP MEXICO PRESIDENT

2ND ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW

IAHMP ZACATECAS

SPEAKERS Daniel Palomo Daniel Palomo is the Deputy Director, International Tourism and Group Sales for the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau where he has implemented a business network in Mexico and Latin America and developed international group sales in the Asia Pacific and European markets to position Houston as a premier tourism and convention destination. Before joining the Bureau, Mr. Palomo worked as Marketing and Strategy Director for the State of Mexico Office for North America and tourism diplomat at the Mexico Tourism Board based at the Consulate General of Mexico in Houston. For one year he served as Board Member at the Mexican Business Council of Houston (CEMH) and currently serves on the Texas Medical Center International Affairs Advisory Committee and the International Association of Hispanic Meeting Professionals (IAHMP) Industry Advisory Council. Also he has been recently named Chairman for the US Committee at the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). DANIEL PALOMO’s main achievements include: Booked the 7th Latin American Leadership Forum for Houston; Recently named Chairman for the International Congress and Convention Associations (ICCA) US Committee; Established a successful Lead Exchange Program with Mexico.

24 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel

Monica C. Lozano Monica C. Lozano is Publisher and CEO of La Opinión, the nation's largest Spanish language daily newspaper, as well as Sr. Vice President of Newspapers for impreMedia LLC, overseeing the company's entire publications group. ImpreMedia is the No. 1 Hispanic News and Information Company in the U.S. in Online and Print with newspapers and magazines in most of the country's top Hispanic markets. In addition to the print platform, impreMedia distributes content through its online portal and newspaper sites as well as mobile. Combined total audience reach across all the platforms establishes impreMedia as Number 2 in reaching U.S. based Hispanic adults. OCTAVIO MARIN Octavio Marin is the Signature Programs Director for the National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP). As Programs Director, Octavio has developed and produced since their inception all of the NALIP Signature Programs, including the highly successful Latino Producers Academy, the Latino Media Resource Guide, the Latino Writers Lab and the Latino Media Market. In addition to running the NALIP Signature Programs, Octavio also worked as Unit Production Manager on the 2004 independent feature film How the Garcia Girls Spent Their Summer, an official selection of the 2005 Sundance Film Festival and the 2005 Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival and as Production Consultant on the Independent feature film America 101, winner of several awards including

the Audience Award at the Dances With Films Film Festival. In 2002, Octavio was Director of Development for Studio Animatics, and during 2001-2002, Octavio was the Director of Creative Affairs for Caldera/De Fanti Entertainment. Octavio has also worked as Production Associate and Production Supervisor on several features and short films including; One Man's Hero, Texas Rangers, Café Argentina and American Dream. Octavio's strong management and communication skills, bi-lingual/bi-cultural abilities, and his vast network of industry professionals have been a key factor in positioning NALIP as the premier Latino media arts organization in the country. Dr. Octavio Marin studied management and film production at UCLA and received his Doctors' Degree from the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM) in Mexico City. JUAN LUIS MARTINEZ JUAN LUIS MARTINEZ is president of Creación Nazca Saatchi & Saatchi for the past 32 years. He has also been president of the Guatemalan Public Relations Union and president of the Association of Guatemalan Publicists. He has worked nationally and internationally in both fields. He studied marketing and public relations at the University Rafael Landivar and Business at the University Mariano Galvez. He is also a graduate of the National Spanish Institute of Public Relations and the Institute of Central America in Business Administration. He is a Director of Academic Studies at the Union of Guatemalan Public Relations Agencies and has been affiliated with marketing and public relations course development at some of the most prestigious universities in Central/South America. Juan Luis Martinez is a recognized professional speaker and the first university professor in E marketing and public relations on the Internet in Central America. Under his direction Creación Nazca Saatchi & Saatchi was the first agency to win the Grand Gold Effie presented by Effie NY National Marketing Association. Currently he is developing new business ventures in Los Angeles and in New York on Multicultural Marketing.

SPEAKERS Diego Fernández de Córdoba Has developed a career of more than 40 years in the tourism industry, first as a hotel management executive with Hilton International Hotels and then as founder and Managing Director of his own companies. These include Congrexpo Internacional and Congrex Costa Rica, promoters and organizers of international congresses, conventions and exhibitions; as well as Meeting & Show Technologies, a supplier of technological support services; Metro Tours, a DMC specializing in meetings and incentive groups; and Rossana Uribe & Asociados / Porter Novelli, a public relations and marketing consulting firm. For the past 30 years, he has been professionally responsible for the planning, marketing, organization and coordination of more than 300 international congresses, conventions, expositions and trade shows in Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Peru. He is a currently the President of the Panama Convention and Visitors Bureau and has served as member of the Board of Directors of several associations including the Panama Chamber of Commerce and Industries; the Panama Association of Professional Congress Organizers and the Panama Chamber of Tourism; founder and First Vice President of the Latin American Confederation of Professional Congress Organizers COCAL; Member of the Board of Trustees of the Connected International Meeting Professionals Association - CIMPA; and past Chairman of the Institute for International Standards in the Meeting and Exhibition Industry - ISMI. After selling his company to the European Congrex Group, he became a consultant on meeting and exhibition infrastructure and services development for projects in several Lain American cities. Mr. Fernandez de Cordoba has participated as a speaker in several international meetings on topics related to his areas of expertise, in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Panama, Peru, the Dominican Republic and Venezuela, as well as in the United States. His personal achievements include being a successful entrepreneur, a leader in the industry and a teacher to younger generations. Marta Mazariegos Marta is an expert Public Relations, Integrated Mass media consultant based in Los Angeles, California. She possesses a strong expertise in Multicultural Meetings within the Hispanic Market. She is a co-founder of the group MMPR-Global, Inc. Multicultural Media PR &

Marketing Consultants which helps businesses and innovators reach the Hispanic market in the U.S. and throughout Latin America. Marta helps plan and execute “Feria Chapina Y Gran Pabellon” the most prestigious and best organized Central-American festival in the U.S. This year the festival will take place in Hollywood Park Casino, Inglewood, California, July 24 to 26. Ed Peters Ed Peters is president of the 4Profit Institute helping business clients get 100% of the business from 100% of their customers by speaking, consulting and publishing. He served for 7 years as Vice President of Marketing and International Sales & Development of America's 3rd largest travel management company making over 200 trips to exactly 50 countries. Responsible for hotel supplier program, marketing communications, group and leisure travel, international services and served on the National advisory boards for Omni, Marriott & Sheraton Hotels. He is the Winner of 2 Travel Weekly national awards: "Best Newsletter" and "Best Public Relations Campaign" for travel agencies with sales over $100 million. Ed Peters is the Author of 12 marketing manuals including Creating a Buzz…Pre-Meeting Marketing for Post-Meeting Praise & Profit. During his career he conducted tours to 2 Rose Bowls, the Gator Bowl and the Peach Bowl for 8,000 people and sponsored dozens of specials events including a pre bowl-game party for 25,000 people. He has organized tour packages for the Capital One Bowl and 3 Outback Bowls, responsible for marketing, fulfillment, transportation, and pre-game parties. Ed Peters has been a Professional speaker for 19 years; Past President of the Central Florida chapter of the National Speakers Association; Member of the Year at Central Florida and Dallas, Texas chapters and an Adjunct Professor of Speech Communication at the University of Texas at Arlington and Texas Christian University. LINDA PEREIRA Has a Masters Degree in Adult Education. Sits on the Boards of the most prestigious international Meeting Industry Associations. Is invited Lecturer in three international Universities in Portugal, the UK and the USA. Was voted one of the top 5 Tourism Professionals in Portugal and one of the top 100 meeting planners worldwide. Has received numerous awards and is the CEO of the L&I Communications Group. Has worked on the most important and emblematic events of our time, including EXPO '98, the Last World Exhibition of the 20th century and has

organized and coordinated meetings in over 83 countries around the world. She is also a consultant to a variety of Tourism Offices around the world for the Meeting Sector. Dr. Pereira will speak on “The European Meeting Industry - What you need to know to attract their business.” In the midst of the economic crisis, staying informed and competitive is the key to survival. Europe represents almost 60% of all world meetings and even now leads the market. With even greater competition, a growing number of markets emerging on the scene, more rules, more basic requirements, a shift in focus to creativity and innovation, the face of the meeting industry is changing, just as the way we do business is changing. If we want to keep our market in the picture we have to understand the needs of our clients, how they buy, what they buy and why they buy. This session will cover all those topics providing an insight into the major trends in our industry and where we will be tomorrow. Having organized meetings in over 83 countries worldwide this speaker has accumulated an unequalled knowledge and insight into the industry, the clients and the shift in market needs. Eduardo Chaillo, CMP, CMM Eduardo Chaillo is director of the Mexico Tourism Board's (MTB's) Strategic Business Unit for the U.S. in Washington, D.C., which develops alliances in all tourism segments with a particular emphasis on meetings and conventions. He serves as regional director for North America, supervising the activities of the MTB's marketing offices in Chicago, New York, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami and New York. Danielle Pellat Thomé Danielle is the Executive Director of the Eurocentro Nafin Mexico. She holds a Master's Degree in International Management from the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México. The Eurocentro NAFIN Mexico Trust Fund was created on January 1st, 1995 by Nacional Financiera and the European Commission in order to foster specialized assistance to advise, promote and strengthen business between small and medium size companies from Mexico and Europe.

www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 25

2ND ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW

IAHMP ZACATECAS

AGENDA Thursday, July 9th 2009 07:30 am - 08:00 am 08:00 am - 09:00 am 09:00 am

09:00 am - 09:30 am

Palacio de Convenciones de Zacatecas Transportation to Palacio de Convenciones de Zacatecas from Hotels Registration and Continental Breakfast Master of Ceremonies: Mr. Daniel Palomo Deputy Director of International Tourism and Group Sales Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau. Official opening by Mexican Authorities and IAHMP Board of Directors Mr. Rodolfo Elizondo, Ministry of Tourism of Mexico Ms. Amalia Garcia, Governor of Zacatecas Mr. Rafael Flores, Ministry of Tourism of Zacatecas Ms. Margaret Gonzalez, IAHMP International Ms. Lizbeth Zamudio,IAHMP Mexico Chapter Mr. Oscar Fitch, Tourism Board of Mexico

09.30 am - 10:30 am

Why Zacatecas? Mr. Rafael Flores, Ministry of Tourism of Zacatecas

10:30 am - 11:30 am

The Multicultural Meetings as a potential market (Market size, trends) Ms. Monica Lozano, Publisher & CEO La Opinion Newspaper

11:30 am - 11:45 am

Coffee Break sponsored by Corporativo Turístico de Zacatecas

11:45 am - 12:45 pm

Mexican Migration advantages for MICE Industry Mr. Carlos Escudero, Migration and MICE Officer Secretaría de Gobernación, Mexico. Lic. Ricardo Koller Revueltas Custom Requirements and Benefits

12:45 pm - 14:15 pm

Requirements to attract Multicultural Meetings to Mexico Meeting Planners Panel Mr. Octavio Marin, NALIP President, Santa Monica California Mr. Juan Luis Martinez, Creacion Saatchi & Saatchi Guatemala Mr. Diego Fernandez de Córdoba, Panamá DFC Consulting Ms. Marta Mazariegos, MMPR Global USA, Los Angeles, California Moderator Speaker: Eduardo Chaillo, Tourism Board of Mexico

14:15 pm – 15:30 pm

Luncheon sponsored by Zacatecas CVB

15:30 pm – 16:00 pm

The Film Maker Industry in Zacatecas Mr. José Esteban Martínez Director of Festival de Cine Zacatecas

16:00 pm – 17:00 pm

Chambers of Commerce Zacatecas Panel Meetings Industry Presentation CANIRAC (Camara Nacional de la Industria Restaurantera y de Alimentos Condimentados) Mr. Marcelo Windler CEMIC(Camara Mexicana de la Industria de la Construcción) Mr. Victoriano Maldonado CANACINTRA (Camara Nacional de la Industria de la Transformación) Mr. David Solis Cerna AMHM (Asociación Mexicana de Hoteles y Moteles) Mr. José Antonio Batuki Mabarak

17:30 pm – 18:00 pm 18:00 pm – 19:00 pm 19:00 pm – 19:30 pm 19:30 pm – 21:45 pm

Return to Hotels Spare Time Transportation to Alameda Garcia Salinas “Callejoneada Zacatecana” Welcome Reception at Mina del Eden Mina del Edén Dovalí Jaime S/N Col. Centro, CP 98000 Zacatecas, Zac. México

22:00 pm - 24:00 am

24:00 am - 24:30 am 28 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel

Welcome Reception Cocktail at Mina del Eden Sponsored by Ministry of Tourism of Zacatecas Mr. Rafael Flores, Ministry of Tourism of Zacatecas Ms. Margaret Gonzalez, President of IAHMP Ms. Lizbeth Zamudio, President of IAHMP Mexico Chapter Return to Hotels

AGENDA Friday, July 10th 2009 08:00 am – 08:30 am

Transportation to Palacio de Convenciones de Zacatecas from Hotels

08:30 am – 09:00 am

Continental Breakfast Sponsored by Zacatecas

09:00 am – 10:00 am

Diversity & Sustainability - The Two Major Winds of Change in the Meeting Industry The Value of the European Meeting Industry - what you need to know to attract their business. Dr. Linda Pereira Executive Director, CPL EVENTS, Lisbon, Portugal, Founder/President, IAHMP Iberian Chapter.

10:00 am – 11:00 am

Marketing Strategies to increase the attendance at Meetings Mr. Ed Peters 4 Profit Institute, Founder and President.

11:00 am – 11:30 am

Tourism Board of Mexico attracting US Hispanic Meetings Mr. Eduardo Chaillo Tourism Board of Mexico US Office Director

11:30 am – 12:30 pm 12:30 pm – 13:30 pm 12:30 am – 14:00 pm 14:00 pm – 15:30 pm

Workshop with Meeting Planners and Ministry of Tourism of Zacatecas SECTUR & CPTM Coffee Break Sponsored by Corporativo Turístico de Zacatecas TRADE SHOW and Tour of Palacio de Convenciones de Zacatecas Luncheon Sponsored by Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau Marketing Strategies and Success Story, Houston CVB Mr. Daniel Palomo

15:30 pm – 16:30 pm

IAHMP Next Steps Margaret Gonzalez, IAHMP Founder and President Lizbeth Zamudio, IAHMP Mexico Chapter and Committee International Board of Directors

16:30 pm – 17:00 pm

Programa All Invest IV Ms. Danielle Pellat Thomé Executive Director Eurocentro Nafin Mexico

17:30 pm – 18:00 pm 18:00 pm – 19:00 pm 19:00 pm – 19:45 pm 20:00 pm – 22:00 pm

Return to Hotels Spare Time Transportation to Cerro de la Bufa Cocktail Reception sponsored by Ministry of Tourism of Zacatecas

22:00 pm

Return to hotels

Saturday, July 11th 2009 09:00 am – 10:00 am

Breakfast sponsored by Guanajuato Centro Platero de Bernadez Mr. Sergio Rodriguez Ministry of Tourism of Guanajuato IAHMP Closing Ceremony

10:00 am – 13:00 pm

Site Inspection Tour and Shopping Museo de Guadalupe Tour

13:00 pm

Lunch at Quinta Real sponsored by Zacatecas CVB Return to Hotels END of the Conference

2ND ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW

IAHMP ZACATECAS

PARTICIPANTS & SPONSORS PARTICIPANTS 4 Profit Institute Aguilera & Associates AMHM AMHM Coahuila Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce Artist & Meeting Planners Art Expo Barona Resort & Casino California Special Occasions CANACINTRA CANIRAC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CEMIC CIMPA Corporativo Turístico de Zacatecas Creacion Saatchi & Saatchi Guatemala CPL Events Design Travel De la O Tours DB Registro DFC Consulting Don Miguel Hotel El Aviso Magazine Enlaces de Negocios Ethics and Rules Office The Navajo Nation Ethnic Marketing Solutions Expo New Mexico Eurocenro Nafin Mexico Festival de Cine de Zacatecas Gestión de Destinos Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau Giuriato & Associates Government of Zacatecas

Great San Jose Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Grupo Fidalex GVR Public Relations Agency Hispanic Heritage Foundation Hispanic Hotel Owners Association Hispanic Meetings & Travel Magazine IAHMP International IAHMP Iberian Chapter IAHMP Mexico Chapter Independent Meeting Planners Insurance and Financial Services Integrity People Invent Meetings L&I communications La Opinion Leon CVB Mas Expos Meson del Jobito Meson de la Merced Hotel Ministry of Tourism of Guanajuato Ministry of Tourism of Mexico Ministry of Tourism of Zacatecas Monclova CVB MMPR Global Europe MMPR Global Guatemala MMPR Global USA MyEvents NALIP National Association of Hispanic Publications National Lime Association National Society of Hispanic MBA's Nuestro Mundo Global Media Operadora Silla de Cortez Palace Convention Center Zacatecas Piedras Negras CVB Pinnacle Meetings & Events Poliforum Leon Prensa Libre de Guatemala Pueblo of Pojoaque 10-A Cities of Gold Road Quinta Real Hotel Secretaría de Gobernación Santa Rita Hotel SAT Strategy & Events Solis and Associates SRA International

Travel & Business Contact Center The Navajo Nation Tourism Board of Mexico Univision Los Angeles TV W Radio 690 Writers Guild of America Zacatecas CVB

SPONSORS 4 Profit Institute AMHM Coahuila Art Expo Barona Resort & Casino Corporativo Turístico de Zacatecas Creacion Saatchi & Saatchi Guatemala De la O Tours DB Registro Don Miguel Hotel Enlaces de Negocios Gestion de Destinos Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau Government of Guanajuato Government of Zacatecas Grupo Fidalex GVR Public Relations Agency Hispanic Meetings & Travel Magazine IAHMP International IAHMP Mexico Chapter Integrity People Leon CVB Mas Expos Meson del Jobito Meson de la Merced Hotel Ministry of Tourism of Guanajuato Ministry of Tourism of Mexico Ministry of Tourism of Zacatecas MMPR Global Europe MMPR Global Guatemala MMPR Global USA Nuestro Mundo Global Media Palace Convention Center Zacatecas Poliforum Leon Strategy & Events Travel & Business Contact Center Tourism Board of Mexico

30 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel

OFF SITE EVENTS

A) Night party in the city alleys ("Callejoneadas") A visit to Zacatecas without "Andanzas" is like walking through the city without seeing the face of its inhabitants. "Andanzas" or "Tamborazo Zacatecano" is a musical route at nighttime that goes through downtown streets and alleys. The "Tamborazo" in Zacatecas is equal to the "Estudiantinas" (student music groups) in Guanajuato and the "Tuna de Antequera" of Oaxaca. People gather around the band, regularly of eight and 10 musicians that start their nighttime party with tunes of the region. Beforehand, the persons who participate are given "jarritos" (small clay mugs) with a ribbon tied to the handle, to wear the "jarrito" around the neck throughout the route so as not to lose it and to taste the mining "mezcal" (an alcoholic drink similar to tequila) that one of the band's members carries to pour in each one of the "rests".

D) CERRO DE LA BUFA The name of "Bufa" derives from a word of Aragonese origin, meaning: "pig's bladder", so called by the first Spaniards that arrived to the region. In this mountain, part of the tribes of Zacatecos settled (from whom the name of Zacatecas was inherited). Due to its importance, it was included in the Coat of Arms, granted by king Philip II of Spain. Another historical event took place on June 23rd of 1914, when the city was taken by an army of the Revolution, headed by Francisco Villa, who conducted the so-called "Toma de Zacatecas" (Siege of Zacatecas). E) CENTRO PLATERO DE ZACATECAS Settled on a former state building of the XVIII century, this crafting center has the priority of rescuing the Zacatecan silvermithery tradition which was unattended for so many years and has been recovered again with the same beauty and quality.

F) TEMPLE OF GUADALUPE Was founded in 1891 by José Anastacio Diaz López and in 1938 was declared a Diocesan Shrine. This temple is also a valuable gallery of colonial art which is a reflection of the hard work of selflessness Zacatecans dedicated to rescue of the regional history and culture. G) CONVENTION PALACE As a main destination to hold any kind of gathering, with a wide range of traditional and unique premises, as well as spaces for meetings at hotels and in the new Palace of Conventions, the state of Zacatecas is wellequipped to satisfy the requirements of any organization that intends to hold any kind of gathering. The new Palace of Conventions (Palacio de Convenciones) of Zacatecas is conveniently located in Ciudad Argentum, Its unique architecture incorporates outstanding sights of the mountains. The BallRoom has state-of-the-art technology, business services, business center, food area, wireless internet connection and supplementary services.

B) "EL EDÉN" MINE This singular tourist attraction opened to the public in 1975 after it was thoroughly fitted out so that it would operate as one of the many attractions of this colonial city. Some adjustments were made, which include: suspension bridges, an access train, stairs, viewpoints, staging of mining activities, myths and legends, special lighting and a discotheque called "La Mina Club", considered as the only one of its kind, reached by a tunnel of 600 meters through a small train that transports people to the core of the mine. C) CABLE CAR We can start the trip in this unique attraction through any of its two stations, although we recommend starting at the station of "El Grillo" (to the west) because it can be the continuation of the trip to the mine of "El Edén", and thus, cross one portion of the city, approximately 650 meters, to an altitude of 85 meters, up to the final destination: "El Cerro de la Bufa". The trip lasts approximately 7 minutes. www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 31

COVER STORY | FLORIDA MEETINGS & TRAVEL

Fort Lauderdale Skyline at Dusk.

GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE INVITES MEETING PLANNERS TO MEET CHIC WITH NEW INTEGRATED MEETINGS PROGRAM Convention & Visitors Bureau Introduces New Meetings E-Guide, E-Newsletter and Destination Guide reater Fort Lauderdale is inviting meeting planners and groups to "Meet Chic" with the introduction of its new integrated meetings program. Featuring a new, ecofriendly e-guide, a large format destination guide and an email newsletter, Greater Fort Lauderdale makes meetings easy. With 80% of meeting professionals conducting research and planning online, the GFLCVB meets the needs of planners with the webcentric "Meet Chic" program at www.sunny.org/meetings. The "Meet Chic" program e-guide gives organizers access to information on diverse meeting hotels, the 600,000 sq. ft. Broward County Convention Center, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Plan.It.Greenâ&#x20AC;? initiatives, images, sports, event venues and suppliers, all in one place. The meetings area of the Greater Fort Lauderdale website, www.sunny.org/meetings gives planners the opportunity to search hotels by specific criteria; map hotels and venues; and create and submit RFPs.

32 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel

To provide meeting professionals with a true sense of the many opportunities for meetings in Greater Fort Lauderdale, the GFLCVB has integrated a large format (11" x 11") destination guide into this program. "This colorful guide, published by Miles Media, is intended to entice and visually showcase the destination to planners who may not be familiar with the area and reinvigorate those who haven't visited in a while, providing the perfect introduction to the new Greater Fort Lauderdale experience," said Nicki E. Grossman, President, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. Designed to give busy organizers quick access to the information most important to them, a new e-newsletter will be distributed quarterly. This informative e-newsletter will keep planners informed about destination news while also providing information on special values for groups both large and small. For more information about Greater Fort Lauderdale and the Meet Chic program please visit www.sunny.org/meetings.

DOUBLE YOUR PLEASURE DOUBLE YOUR SUN, GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE OFFERS SUMMER SAVINGS 2-For-1 Deals Available Throughout the Destination From Kayaking to Everglades Airboat Rides As Americans plan their upcoming summer vacations, the Gre a t e r Fo r t L a u d e rd ale C o n v e n tio n & Vis itors B ure a u invites visitors to enjoy the destination's best attractions with special 2-for-1 offers, available June 1- September 30, 2009. Available on www.sunny.org/summer, the twice as nice deals help create perfect getaway experiences for travelers whose interests range from outdoor recreation to spa treatments and sunset cruises. More than 30 offers await visitors looking to take advantage of Greater Fort Lauderdale's low summer hotel rates and non-stop air service from over 50 U.S. destinations. But with so many 2-for-1 deals to choose from, where should travelers start? Take Greater Fort Lauderdale's Beach Personality Quiz on www.sunny.org/win to get a couple helpful hints on which type of vacation is right for your personality type (family-oriented, beach sophisticate, action seeker, or looking for R&R) and to enter to win a free summer beach vacation. The following represents a sampling of 2-for-1 offers fitting of the four Beach Personality Quiz personas:

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Butterfly World - www.butterflyworld.com North America's largest butterfly aviary with thousands of butterflies and birds surrounding visitors in a tropical rainforest setting. 2-for-1 Offer - One free admission when a second admission of equal or lesser value is purchased.

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Flamingo Gardens - www.flamingogardens.org A botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary, Flamingo Gardens features wetland and tropical rainforest tours and native wildlife such as bobcats, panthers, and of course, flamingos. 2-for-1 Offer - Buy one full price adult admission, get one free.

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M. Cruz Rentals - www.mcruzrentals.com Experience Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and Fort Lauderdale gliding on a battery powered segway. 2-for-1 Offer - Buy one hour segway tour and get one hour free.

Family Fun What better way for families to enjoy Greater Fort Lauderdale than by experiencing attractions that are not only entertaining, but educational too! From learning about the local wildlife to discovering outer space, the following are some of the 2-for-1 offers fit for a family 'fun-cation': •

Billie Swamp Safari - www.semtribe.com/safari Explore 2,200 untamed acres of Florida Everglades via airboat and swamp buggy eco-tours. 2-for-1 Offer - For every paid adult ticket for a swamp buggy tour, a child can ride free.

•

Museum of Discovery and Science - www.mods.org Get hands-on with hundreds of interactive exhibits studying subjects from the tiniest of critters to the largest planets. 2-for-1 Offer - Purchase one exhibit ticket and get the second of equal or lesser value free.

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Fort Lauderdale Duck Tours - www.fortlauderdaleducktours.com Cruising on land and sea, this amphibious narrated tour of Fort Lauderdale is bound to keep kids engaged as it includes historic Fort Lauderdale, Las Olas Boulevard and the city's Millionaire's Row. 2-for-1 Offer - Buy one tour, get one free.

Beach-Chic With 23 miles of sun-kissed Blue Wave beaches, a scenic Intracoastal waterway system and rich cultural options, Greater Fort Lauderdale helps visitors kickback in style. The following are some of the 2-for-1 offerings ideal for the casually sophisticated and discerning traveler: •

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The Spa on the Broadwalk @ Hollywood Beach Marriott www.hollywoodbeachmarriott.com A boutique spa with a quaint charm for those searching for a peaceful state of bliss. 2-for-1 Offer - Purchase one spa treatment (including facial, manicure or pedicure) and get the second treatment of equal or lesser value free. Planet Massage - www.planetmassage.com Specialists in pain and stress relief, Planet Massage is a tranquil oasis on trendy boutique and restaurant lined Las Olas Boulevard. 2-for-1 Offer - Receive two Stress Away Massages for the price of one. Tropical Sailing Catamaran Charters - www.tropicalsailing.com Aboard Spirit of Lauderdale, travelers can enjoy the gentle breezes of the Atlantic as they take-in the Fort Lauderdale beachfront skyline. 2-for-1 Offer - Purchase two Champagne Sunset Cruises, including a toast, for the price of one. Museum of Art, Fort Lauderdale - www.moafl.org Set in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, the Museum of Art, Fort Lauderdale features a spectrum of artists and critically renowned exhibits such as its latest addition "With You I Want To Live." 2-for-1 Offer- Buy one admission, receive the second free.

Ready for Action Options abound for active types who want to try diving, deep-sea fishing or exploring nature by water in Greater Fort Lauderdale: •

South Florida Diving Headquarters - www.southfloridadiving.com Travelers can enjoy a snorkeling trip which visits a living coral reef as well as the Copenhagen ship wreck. 2-for-1 Offer - Two-for-one admission for a snorkel or glassbottom boat trip.

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PrivateScubaLessons.com - www.privatescubalessons.com Featuring over 100 dive sites, Greater Fort Lauderdale has a three-tiered coral reef systems filled with a varied array of marine wildlife and deep-sea wrecks. 2-for-1 Offer - Travelers can receive two training certifications for the price of one.

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IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame - www.igfa.org Paying homage to anglers who have reeled in the "big one," the IGFA hall of fame lets visitors have their own deep-sea fishing experience with virtual fishing and interactive displays. 2-for-1 Offer - Purchase one adult admission and get one of equal or lesser value free.

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Atlantic Coast Kayaks - www.atlanticoastkayak.com Explore 300 miles of waterways from idyllic mangrove estuaries to the downtown Greater Fort Lauderdale skyline on guided or independent tours 2-for-1 Offer - Purchase one guided kayak tour or half-day rental and a companion can kayak for no additional charge.

Low Key and Free to Be Aimed at the traveler who looks to disconnect from a busy schedule and appreciates a vacation at their own relaxed pace, the following activities are bound to show off Greater Fort Lauderdale's natural beauty and tranquility: •

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens - www.bonnethouse.org A historic Caribbean plantation-style 1920s home featuring Chicago artist Frederic Bartlett's private art collection and lush gardens. Managed by the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation. 2-for-1 Offer - Purchase one ticket and receive a second free.

For a complete listing of all 2-for-1 offers available in Greater Fort Lauderdale this summer, please visit www.sunny.org/summer.

www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 33

COVER STORY | FLORIDA MEETINGS & TRAVEL

Jackson's Bar and Grill is Jack Jackson's (Jackson's Steakhouse on Las Olas) latest venture. Located on the 17th Street Causeway, adjacent to the Convention Center, Jackson's Bar and Grille is a casual, contemporary restaurant. The interior design is warm, and a dynamic bar features a water wall and wine room. The menu is a combination of eclectic comfort.

6. The 8,600 square-foot Morton's The Steakhouse in downtown Fort Lauderdale is located on the ground level of the Broward Financial Center. The restaurant includes Morton's exclusive private boardrooms and Bar 12-21, the place for specialty cocktails and Morton's appetizing Bar Bites menu. The restaurant features an outdoor patio with seating for approximately 55 guests and serves all the Morton's classics. Shopping on Los Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale.

GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE'S CHIC DININGSCENE Twelve New Restaurants Add to Culinary Offerings Having recently expanded its culinary scene, Greater Fort Lauderdale can now tantalize visitor taste buds with a dozen new dining options. Restaurants such as Morton's The Steakhouse (downtown Fort Lauderdale), da Campo Osteria, a Todd English restaurant at il Lugano Suite Hotel along the Intracoastal Waterway, and China Grill Fort Lauderdale in the Fort Lauderdale Grande Hotel, also along the waterway, are just a few of the options making stomachs rumble. The following is a list of 12 new and soon-to-be open restaurants destined to claim a coveted spot within the destination's top ten restaurants: 1.

The newest "kid on the Boulevard" is Bova Prime, located on East Las Olas Boulevard. This Italian Steakhouse has sex appeal with flowing white drapery and a menu with everything from meats to pastas. Signature plates include grilled langostinos (Sicilian style 'charcoal grilled' prawns, baby mache salad and fries) or the steak and lobster (filet mignon and Maine lobster tail Oreganata served with asparagus risotto). China Grill Fort Lauderdale in the Fort Lauderdale Grande Hotel is set to impress with its Asian-inspired world cuisine and unmatched views of the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway. With the talents of Chef Keyvan Behnam, diners can delight in delicious menu items including lobster pancakes, stir-fried with red chili coconut milk and scallions; lamb spareribs, with a plum sesame glaze; and grilled Szechuan beef, infused with sake, soy, shallots, and cilantro. In November 2008, internationally renowned chef and restaurateur, Todd English opened his newest restaurant, da Campo Osteria, located in the il Lugano Suite Hotel, a trendy boutique hotel along the Intracoastal at Oakland Park Boulevard. Designed by distinguished architect and restaurant designer, Bob Puccini, da Campo Osteria features panoramic views of the Intracoastal Waterway as well as Northern Italian fare that pays homage to English's Tuscan roots. Water, water everywhere, helps this seaside place live up to its name. A hot casual eatery along the Fort Lauderdale beachfront, H2O evokes a watery theme throughout and draws an eclectic crowd that ranges from chic professionals to bathing suit-clad beachgoers. Avant-garde metal sculptures of fish continue the watery associations. Pizzas, pastas, burgers, salads and similarly light fare are the order of the day and you can also have breakfast here in sight of the sea. H2O's menu is rich in Italian flavors, but does mix it up with a few items like the fish taco appetizer.

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7. After nearly 18 years of success in Fort Lauderdale with The Sage French-American Restaurant, restaurateur and chef Laurent Tasic - who has owned restaurants in Paris, Monaco and in the French Antilles opened the 5,000 sq. ft. Sage Oyster Bar in Hollywood along Harrison Street. The restaurant's menu features some of Chef Tasic's signature creations, such as pistachio brie with raspberry sauce, escargot with garlic butter, roast duck and the bouillabaisse, and includes American favorites such as ground veal and beef tenderloin meatloaf, steak au poivre and Steak Maurice, a 10 oz. rib eye served with asparagus, mushrooms, brie cheese and fresh raspberry sauce. 8.

The perfect place for a casual weekend night, Smith and Jones from Chef Johnny Vinczencz (Johnny V), features live music and dancing, and affordable comfort food (pulled pork, macaroni and cheese, hot dogs, meatloaf). As great food and outstanding service blend with a cool rock/jazz club vibe, Smith and Jones is a great addition to Las Olas Boulevard.

9. "You Only Live Once," that is the motto at YOLO, a hip addition to the Las Olas dining scene. Diners will find YOLO to be more than just a restaurant, it is an experience, a place to dine, lounge and meet up with friends. It features seating for 300, an open kitchen, two bars and a garden patio with an open fire pit. The separate O Lounge is relaxing and comfortable for drinks. Menu highlights include starters such as chorizo queso fundido and Szechuan calamari, and main plates include cedar-roasted salmon and bourbon mustard glazed pork chop. 10. Set to open in late spring in the new W Fort Lauderdale is Steak 954 from renowned restaurateur Stephen Starr, owner of several restaurants in New York and Philadelphia including Buddakan and Morimoto. A "modern boutique steakhouse," Steak 954 won't be modeled after any of the others in the Starr empire and will be his first South Florida venture. 11. Arriving at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort in late spring will be Aquaknox. Serving global water cuisine along the oceanfront, Aquaknox will greet diners with the vibrancy of the cool ocean waters with its contemporary dĂŠcor and the freshest of seafood. 12. Trulucks, a fish restaurant specializing in the freshest seafood, especially the succulent Florida stone crab, will be opening this summer at The Galleria, between Blue Martini and Red Door Spa. Greater Fort Lauderdale The new Greater Fort Lauderdale is a vibrant, "beach chic" destination offering more than 33,000 hotel rooms at a variety of hotels, resorts, and Superior Small Lodgings, plus new high-end, luxury resorts and more to come. Nearly 11 million annual visitors enjoy Greater Fort Lauderdale's 23 miles of Blue Wave Beaches, 300+ miles of inland waterways that run from the Intracoastal to the Everglades, more than 4,000 restaurants, top shopping, and a thriving arts and culture scene. For more information, contact the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 22-SUNNY or visit http://www.sunny.org/.

COVER STORY | FLORIDA MEETINGS & TRAVEL

What's New in the Pensacola Bay Area Waterslides and water trampolines for kids, 450th anniversary events, and a Bay-side inn and restaurant are just a few of the new offerings visitors can enjoy in the Pensacola Bay Area.

CVB News • The Pensacola Bay Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce the addition of Roberta Ramsey as convention and corporate sales manager. Ramsey joins the CVB with a 20-year career in sales. Ramsey will recruit meetings and conventions from across the country to the Pensacola Bay Area. • The Pensacola Bay Area has received kudos from readers of Southern Living and TripAdvisor®. Pensacola Beach was selected a favorite beach in Southern Living's 2009 Readers Choice Awards, and TripAdvisor® readers named Pensacola among the "Best Family Friendly Vacations" in the United States and Canada.

Restaurants and Attractions • Crab Trap has opened on Main Street on Pensacola Bay. The seafood restaurant offers sweeping water views from its open deck along with a large selection of fresh seafood options, with of course, crabs. The Crab Trap serves lunch and dinner daily. (850) 912-8775. • Kids will love the waterslide on Santa Rosa Sound. The 36-foot-high, 175foot-long slide will be inflated each morning by Tiki Island. $3 per slide or an all-day pass including mini-golf for $30. (850) 932-1550, www.tikiislandgolfandgames.com. • Artissimo will open this month on Palafox Place, just steps away from the Saenger Theatre. The chic café offers an artsy atmosphere serving Italian-inspired fare from expresso and pastries to wine and tapas. The restaurant will feature art-deco serving ware with lush, red couches, fine art and Murano glass. Wireless Internet is also available. Open Monday through Saturday with live jazz on weekends. (850) 341-0579. • Brides-to-be can now shop David's Bridal on Davis Highway. The store offers a large selection of gowns for brides and her bridal party. Shoppers can also find prom dresses, Mardi Gras ball gowns and dresses for other special occasions. (877) 926-2743, www.davidsbridal.com. • Terracotta Restaurant at Portofino Island Resort & Spa welcomes Chef Robert Theriot from New Orleans, who is updating the menu to feature European coastal cuisine. Central to Chef Theriot's menu is using the freshest local ingredients. (850) 916-5000, www.portofinoisland.com. • Red Robin will open in mid-March near Cordova Mall. The casual, familyfriendly restaurant will feature burgers, salads and specialty entrées. (850) 471-0610.

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• The Pensacola Junior College Culinary and Hospitality Management program features a la carte dinners on Mondays, banquet-style international cuisine lunches on Wednesdays, and a la carte lunches on Thursdays. Lunches are $8 and dinners are $15. www.itech.pjc.edu/therr. • Five Sisters Blues Café is planned for the up-and-coming Belmont-Devillers neighborhood. The $1.3 million investment will transform a warehouse space into the Southern-style restaurant and music venue. The café will also offer a courtyard with outside seating.

Accommodations and Banquet Facilities • Lee House Bed & Breakfast Inn opened in historic Downtown Pensacola featuring stunning views of Pensacola Bay and Seville Square from its Southern-style wrap-around porches. Eight unique suites are appointed with luxurious bedding and bathrooms. The inn features a gourmet kitchen with spacious sitting rooms, a courtyard, meeting space and bicycles for guests. (850) 912-8770, www.leehousepensacola.com. • Portofino Island Resort & Spa is adding more amenities for its guests. Their premier club provides complimentary passes for the fitness center, Emerald Coast Golf Trail, ferry service and deep sea fishing trips. Children can enjoy the Hide Tide Kids Club, Adventure Cove with waterslides and trampolines and Adventure Beach with paddle boarding, surf boards, kayaks, sailing and floating islands. (850) 916-5000, www.portofinoisland.com. • Hyatt Place Hotel will be built at the Pensacola Gulf Coast Regional Airport. Property manager Innisfree Hotels also owns the Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front and the Hampton Inn Pensacola Beach along with the Innisfree Jet Center. The 127-room Hyatt Place will be the anchor of a $24 million development that will include offices, restaurants and retail shops. The project should be complete in 2011. • The New World Landing Banquet Facility includes a spacious ballroom with additional space that can host up to 1,000 guests. Receptions range from a menu of butler-passed hors 'd oeuvres to a formal seven-course dinner. Banquet facilities have just been renovated including new carpet, paint, refurbished ceilings, lighting and entry ways. The adjacent New World Inn has also completed renovations. With 14 uniquely decorated rooms and one suite, the cozy boutique hotel is walking distance to downtown attractions. (850) 434-7736, www.newworldlanding.com. • Construction has begun on the Island Empress Resort, a new familyfriendly resort on Pensacola Beach offering a five-star fractional ownership opportunity. Once complete, the resort will be managed by LaTour Signature Group. (850) 932-3529, www.theislandempress.com.

Summer Events & Travel Deals • Bands on the Beach. Tuesdays, May-Sept. (800) 635-4803, (850) 932-1500, www.visitpensacolabeach.com.

The Juan Sebastian de Elcano, the world’s third largest tall ship, will commemorate the 450th anniversary of the discovery of Pensacola.

• Evenings in Olde Seville Square. Thursdays, May-Aug. (850) 438-6505. • Sounds of Summer. Most Sundays, June-Sept. (800) 635-4803, (850) 932-1500, www.visitpensacolabeach.com. • 39th annual Pensacola International Billfish Tournament. July. (850) 453-4638, www.pbgfc.com. • Sertoma's Fourth of July Celebration. July 4. (850) 433-9866, www.pensacolasertomajuly4th.org. • Gallery Night. July 10. (850) 432-9906, www.artsnwfl.org. • Pensacola Beach Air Show. July 11. (850) 9321500, www.visitpensacolabeach.com.

Travel Deals • Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front manager's special: $129 per night. (850) 916-2999. • JME Vacations dinner on us: book a one-week stay in a beach house or condo and receive a $100 gift card to a local restaurant. (800) 5543695. • Meyer Real Estate 20 percent discount on a three-night stay. (866) 590-5061. • Paradise Inn half-price Sundays: stay Friday and Saturday night and get Sunday half price. (850) 932-2319. • TownePlace Suites Gas and Go: Receive a $25 Sam's Club gas card at check-out for each paid night of stay. (850) 484-7022.

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COVER STORY | FLORIDA MEETINGS & TRAVEL

New Tours in the Pensacola Bay Area Bring Groups Close to Natureand History New group tours in the Pensacola Bay Area give travelers access to some of the region's hottest destinations, from the acclaimed National Naval Aviation Museum and quaint historic districts to secluded beaches and forts on Gulf Islands National Seashore. Walking tours start at $10, and deluxe tours, including transportation and lunch, start at $45. Groups can experience Pensacola' colorful history during the First Settlement Tour highlighting Seville Square, Victorian-era North Hill and the restored downtown area including Historic Pensacola Village. At the T.T. Wentworth, Jr. Florida State Museum, groups can learn about the history of Pensacola through thousands of artifacts. Walking tours are also available with an expertly trained historical guide. The Santa Rosa Island History and Birding Tour combines nature and history on one of the country's longest barrier islands. Groups visit Pensacola Beach, Naval Live Oaks Reservation and Fort Pickens, a pre-Civil War brick fortress that once housed Native American legend Geronimo. Plus, avid birdwatchers will love Gulf Islands National Seashore and Project GreenShores, which attract 200 species of birds each year. The History of Flight Tour allows groups to enjoy the best the National Naval Aviation Museum has to offer. Within the museum are more than 150 aircraft and 4,000 artifacts. The tour includes lunch in the authentic Cubi Bar Café and IMAX® Theatre tickets. For groups who love digging up the past, the Archaeology of Northwest Florida Tour includes stops at the T.T. Wentworth, Jr. Florida State Museum, the Colonial Archaeological Trail, Arcadia Mills Archaeological Site and the University of West Florida's Archaeology Institute. The Architectural History Tour showcases the treasures of Historic Pensacola Village, Downtown Pensacola, North Hill Preservation District and the East Hill Historic District. Take the Royal tour, and follow in the footsteps of the King & Queen of Spain. The royal tour is featured in a brochure provided by the Pensacola CVB. The self guided tour includes the area’s beautiful beaches, the Galvez monument at Fort George, Plaza de Luna and Plaza Ferdinand, the T.T. Wentworth, Jr. Florida State Museum, Pensacola Historic Village and the National Naval Aviation Museum. For more information about the Pensacola Bay Area or to request a Visitor Guide or a group lodging rate, call Lori Coppels at the Pensacola Bay Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 874-1234 or go online to www.TourPensacola.com.

Green Meadows Petting Farm.

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SummerVacations are Better in the Heartof Florida: Kissimmee When visitors look for the perfect location to take a summer vacation, they recognize that there is no better place to be than the heart of Florida: Kissimmee. Its close proximity to Orlando's world famous theme parks, Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando, is just one reason. Kissimmee's accessibility to a variety of authentic Florida attractions, to its natural diversions and its golf courses and more, also make Kissimmee the best choice for summer 2009.

Where to Play in Kissimmee For thrill seekers and nature lovers, Florida Eco-Safaris at Forever Florida added a Zipline Safari to its menu of options in January. Joining the horseback and coach safaris, this new experience elevates guests 55 feet above the ground for a tree-top nature tour. Guests enjoy the sensation of flight as they zipline over natural streams, wetlands and through an ancient cypress forest at speeds up to 20 miles per hour. The new Zipline Safari takes guests on a two-and-a-half hour adventure beginning with a short hike along a scenic section of the Florida Trail, one of only eight National Scenic Trails in the US, as they head toward the launching point of the zipline course. Led by an expert guide, guests "zip" among the trees from platform to platform along a system of seven high-tension cables. The breathtaking aerial view of the wilderness is the perfect vantage point to spot wildlife and learn about Florida's ecology and history. Adding to the adventure, the course also includes two sky-bridges passing over otherwise inaccessible areas of wetland and scrub. Advance reservations are recommended and can be made by calling toll free 1-866-85-4EVER. For more information visit FloridaEcoSafaris.com. Four giant white alligators originally found deep in the swamps of Louisiana will call Gatorland home for a limited time beginning in February through September, making it the largest collection of white alligators in the world. Ivory in color, the reptiles are each 10- to 11plus feet in length, weigh more than 500 pounds, making them the world's largest white alligators known to roam the planet. They also have reflective blue eyes that are believed to have the ability to command good fortune to those lucky enough to make eye contact. A 2,500-square-foot exhibit allows guests the opportunity to view the creatures from just a few feet away. Newly opened to the public, Shingle Creek Regional Park is an important wildlife corridor that provides ample opportunity to view birds and other animals in their native habitat by boat or on dry land, including Bald Eagles and wood ducks. It will offer birders 1.5 miles of accessible walking trails and boardwalks, picnic areas, a canoe and kayak launch area, and a four-mile paddling trail. The Shingle Creek watershed is the headwaters of the Florida Everglades.

COVER STORY | FLORIDA MEETINGS & TRAVEL

Where to Stay in Kissimmee

Gatorland Trainer at pit.

Theme Park news Of course, the area's world famous theme parks also are gearing up for a great 2009, with specials and new attractions that are sure to entice visitors this spring. At Walt Disney World, anyone who visits on their birthday will receive free admission on that day to one of the resort's four parks throughout 2009. Once inside, guests will enjoy a slate of new adventures at several of the resort's parks. Foremost among them is an American Idol attraction that closely simulates the thrill of judging performances and the challenge of auditioning for the high-energy show. Debuting in February, the interactive experience allows guests to register to audition for a Disney's Hollywood Studios producer for the chance to be cast in a theme park show. After that screening, the guest works with a vocal coach, hair and make-up artists before performing in front of a live theme park audience and a panel of judges. High performers compete in an end-of-the-day Grand Finale for a shot at a guaranteed reservation for the American Idol TV auditions. At Epcot, guests of all ages will become secret agents to save the world at the new Disney's Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure, scheduled for a late January opening and represented in seven of the World Showcase countries. It's party time at the Magic Kingdom, where the "Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It! Street Party" will be in full swing in mid-February. A cast of Disney characters, stilt walkers and others dance down the street along with five floats decked out as gift-wrapped packages during a 12-15 minute party to take place three times daily. There also are lots of changes to enjoy at Downtown Disney this spring, including a new waterfront dining spot featuring Mexican and South American cuisine, an international wine bar and a tequila bar. The entertainment district also gets its own iconic attraction in the form of a giant tethered balloon that will take guests 300 feet in the air. The 72foot-diameter balloon can lift up to 30 guests at a time on a six-minute trip, offering a spectacular 360-degree view of up to 10 miles.

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Kissimmee has long been known for its accommodations to fit any size budget, offering more than 45,000 total lodging options from well-known chain hotels and motels to vacation homes and villas and campgrounds. Many are opening their doors with savings this summer to entice visitors to make Kissimmee their vacation base. Among them is Royale Parc Suites, which is offering its newly redesigned suites with kitchenettes from $99 per night, including a free breakfast, and a free evening cocktail reception. In addition, visitors who decide to celebrate their birthdays at Walt Disney World should consider staying at the Holiday Inn Maingate East, which is offering a free stay on a guest's birthday night when they ask for the "Celebrate" rate. Seralago Hotel also wants guests to celebrate their big day, offering a fourth night's stay after three nights, plus a birthday cake and other birthday amenities. FunSpots Hotel also will host guests for the night of their birthday. If visitors have discovered the convenience of staying in a vacation home or condominium, they'll appreciate deals on that lodging type. Hayes Vacation Homes is providing vouchers for $100 toward attraction tickets for guests staying five nights in one of their homes by using the promotional code HVHKISS. For more deals on accommodations this summer , as well as full vacation packages and other specials, visit the Travel Deals section of FloridaKiss.com. The weather is beautiful and the attractions are gearing up for a brand new year to bring fun and excitement to visitors, making spring one of the best times to visit Kissimmee, the heart of Florida. Choosing from among Kissimmee's more than 45,000 diverse accommodations will put guests right in the middle of the action. For more information about planning a trip to Kissimmee, visit FloridaKiss.com or call 800-333-KISS. Airboat ride at dusk.

COVER STORY | FLORIDA MEETINGS & TRAVEL

New and Existing Shopping Options Make Finding Deals and Treasures a Pleasure in Kissimmee Kissimmee is seeing exciting retail, dining and entertainment development recently, bringing even more fabulous options to the impressive line up of stores, outlet centers and boutiques already found in the popular vacation destination. The Loop West joined its sister shopping complex, The Loop, in Kissimmee this year. Its offerings include familiar department stores JC Penney -- featuring the Kissimmee area's first Sephora beauty boutique - as well as Belk, Babies R Us and more. The 400,000-square-foot retail and dining complex, also offers DSW Shoes, New York & Co., Tilly's and Christopher and Banks. The Loop offers a mix of favorite anchor retailers, a multiplex theater, a variety of restaurants and cafes, as well as specialty and boutique stores in a casual environment with wide sidewalks, street lamps, benches and a distinctive streetscape design. Located at the corner of John Young and Osceola Parkways just a few miles east of Walt Disney World, development of The Loop is hailed by area leaders and tourism officials as a welcome addition to the growing list of options available for visitors and residents alike.

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Among the tenants at the original the 440,000-square-foot complex are Kohl's, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Old Navy, The Sports Authority, Pier 1 imports, ABC Fine Wine and Spirits, Kay Jewelers, Michaels, Famous Footwear, Ross Dress for Less and Claire's Accessories. Besides the shopping opportunities, visitors will find rest and respite from a long day at the theme park and attractions at one of the eateries that have stepped forward to serve customers at The Loop and Loop West, including Romano's Macaroni Grill, Panera Bread, Barnie's Coffee and Tea Company, Bonefish Grille and BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse. The new offerings at The Loop are more reason for travelers to build in some time for shopping while visiting Kissimmee. Manufacturer-direct prices on designer and familiar brands at a number of outlet complexes are another. Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores houses nearly 40 outlet shops such as Nike, Carter's, Converse, Gap, Liz Claiborne, Wilson's Leather Outlet, as well as Old Navy Outlet, Oshkosh B'gosh Superstore, Haggar's Menswear Outlet, Eddie Bauer, Hard Rock CafĂŠ Outlet Store and Izod. The Reese Food Court at the outlet mall is the perfect place to recharge after all that bargain hunting. The search for designer clothing at factory-direct prices can certainly begin at Orlando Premium Outlets, where savings of 25 percent to 65 percent can be found among such high-end tenants as Tommy Hilfiger, Burberry, Anne Klein, Barney's New York Outlet, Bebe, Giorgio A/X Armani Exchange, Levi's/Docker's Outlet, BCBG Max Azria, Polo Ralph Lauren, Salvatore Ferragamo, Kenneth Cole, La Perla, and Coach. If that's merely an appetizer for a shopper on the hunt for the biggest names in fashion, the Mall at Millenia is the place to be. Located just minutes from Kissimmee, Millenia has become a shopping mecca for fashionistas who enjoy browsing through anchor stores such as Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's and Macy's, as well as specialty stores with prestigious names like Tiffany & Co., Jimmy Choo, Gucci and Cartier.

The Florida Mall is a shopping destination that has been a favorite of visitors for a long time. Its anchors are a mix of American classics and upper-scale department stores, such as Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Sears, Nordstrom and Lord & Taylor, and the mall houses more than 250 specialty stores, many of them unique in Central Florida. For those interested in finding a one-of-a-kind and special item in a quiet setting would do well to stroll the downtown areas in Kissimmee and St. Cloud. Historic Downtown Kissimmee offers boutiques and independent clothing stores for men and ladies, western wear, casual dining, collectibles and antiques in a quaint atmosphere that evokes the town's cowboy heritage. St. Cloud is Osceola County's antique capital, with more than 15 antique and collectibles stores, craft shops, restaurants and two historic hotels lining the main street in a true small town atmosphere. A new co-op art gallery is scheduled to open this spring on Pennsylvania Avenue in St. Cloud, featuring beautiful works by local artists. Rounding out the eclectic mix of shopping options that visitors enjoy are the shops at Market Street at Celebration, Downtown Disney. The choices are endless and the diversity unmatched for avid shoppers in Kissimmee. Choose Kissimmee for more than 45,000 choice accommodations that put you right in the middle of the action. To begin planning a stay in Kissimmee, simply call 800-333-KISS to request a free Kissimmee Visitors Guide or log onto www.FloridaKiss.com.

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TEXAS DESTINATIONS

he Lone Star State represents

every-

thing that's great about

America.

Houston

with

its

modern skyline, world-renowned medical center is also home to NASA and the country's space program that took us to the moon. Fort Worth, the land of the Cowboys and Cowgirls has modern museums and the famous Cattleman's Steak House but it's the Stockyards that are recognized as a National Historical District. Laredo shares its border with its sister city La-re-do, Mexico. It is perhaps the most multicultural and bilingual city in the Southwest. Austin, the State Capital is home to the University of Texas, the Lyndon Johnson Library, the famed Driskill Hotel and entry to the Texas Hill Country. These Texas cities attract tourists and meetings due to their historical, cultural and natural beauty. They represent the Best of the Southwest! www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 45

TEXAS DESTINATIONS

HOUSTON

ouston is listed as one of the top 25 cities for convention, conference and seminar travelers, according to the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA). TIA also ranks Houston as a top city for general business travelers.

Houston's Largest Meeting and Convention Facilities include:

Reliant Park - 1.6 million square feet of total meeting space George R. Brown Convention Center - 1.2 million square feet of total meeting space The Lone Star Convention & Expo Center and The Montgomery County Fairgrounds - 191,000 square feet of total meeting space Galveston Island Convention Center at the San Luis Resort 105,000 square feet of total meeting space Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center - 100,000 square feet of total meeting space Hilton Americas-Houston - 92,000 square feet of total meeting space Pasadena Convention Center and Municipal Fairgrounds - 86,200 square feet of total meeting space The Westin Galleria and Westin Oaks - 75,742 square feet of total meeting space The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center 70,000 square feet of total meeting space. Hyatt Regency Houston - 64,000 square feet of total meeting space.

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Houston's City Pass - Designed for visitors City Pass is giving tourists a new incentive to consider Houston for their next vacation. The Bayou City has become the 11th city in the nation -and the first in Texas -- to offer City Pass, a booklet that, among other things, provides visitors with discounted admission to a slew of local attractions. Houston City Pass will contain tickets for Space Center Houston, the downtown Aquarium, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Houston Zoo and a choice of the Health Museum or George Ranch Historical Park and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston or The Children's Museum of Houston. City Pass is available for purchase at visitor's centers, at each of the included attractions and online at www.citypass .com and www.visithoustontexas.com. Good for nine days from the date of purchase, the Houston CityPass will cost $34 for adults and $24 for children ages 4 to 11.

TEXAS DESTINATIONS

When you go to Houston be sure to try some of the great restaurants found throughout the city. Two establishments bringing great reviews are:

REEF - This new restaurant has been included in: Travel + Leisure's list of the 50 Best New U.S. Restaurants (2009). *Chef Bryan Caswell named one of Food & Wine's best new chefs of 2009. *Named the No. 1 seafood restaurant in America by bon appetit (2008). *Sriracha Remoulade was featured in Garden & Gun's list of 100 Things You Simply Must Eat Before You Die (2008). *Included in Continental Magazine's list of Five to Try (2007). http://www.reefhouston.com

Catalan Food and Wine - This Spanish restaurant has been *Named one of the top 100 restaurants in the world in Robb Report, based on recommendations from vintners around the country (2008). *Included on Food and Wine's Best New Wine Lists in 2007 *Included on Esquire's Best New Restaurants in America in 2007 http://catalanfoodandwine.com/

Want to impress your friends. Take them to some of the destinations and restaurants frequented by some of its top residents and celebrities. Hilary Duff Entertainer One of my favorite Houston memories would be when I visited the Butterfly Museum [at the Houston Museum of Natural Science]. I remember the butterflies would come right up and land on your shoulders. I also liked to go to the Children's Museum. I LOVE to eat at James Coney Island and eat chili dogs and Frito pies. I love Shipley's donutsthey have Kolaches, and they are to die for! I love Mexican food at Escalante's. I like to shop at the Galleria, particularly Neiman's and the David Yurman store.

Clay Walker Entertainer There are some great places to visit when you go there. The Houston Zoo is one of the best zoos in America. The Theater District is awesome. There is some really cool architecture. One of the places I find really cool is the Museum of Natural Science-we became lifetime members this year. They have an IMAX theater, incredible dinosaurs and a lot of different things to learn for adults and kids. They have a safari exhibit-I haven't seen one that good anywhere. There are some unbelievable places to eat. If you want to entertain someone, the Downtown Aquarium is great. The Rainforest CafĂŠ is another amazing place in Galveston. When you go to Houston be prepared to see a dynamic city. Houston is America's 4th largest City! Beautiful skyline, great shopping, great sports events, great universities and great people. And don't forget to visit NASA to experience first hand the history of the nation's space industry. In the past few years, Houston got a $1 billion make over! From a 12acre downtown park adjacent to the George Brown Convention Center, the Hilton America's and the Toyota Center. You can also enjoy upscale entertainment and luxury shopping districts, and an expanding museum district, new cruise terminal and so much more - its time to rethink Houston for your conventions and meetings. For the latest information be sure to see www.VisitHoustonTexas.com Ken Middleton, Vice President of Convention Sales Phone: 713-437-5215 kmiddleton@ghcvb.org Jorge Franz, Vice President of Tourism Phone: 713-437-5267 jfranz@ghcvb.org Daniel Palomo, Deputy Director Phone: 713-437-5291 ddpalomo@ghcvb.org

Beyonce Knowles Entertainer When I come home to Houston, I go straight to my mom's house to eat some home cooked food. I love to go to my church St. John's on West Gray and go up to my management company Music World Entertainment. I always come back during Thanksgiving, Christmas and the Houston Rodeo. My favorite places to eat are Frenchy's Chicken, This Is It and Pappadeaux. I shop at The Galleria. I love Houston. Some of the best moments of my life took place there. This will always be home to me!

Billy F. Gibbons Musician, ZZ Top Houston's music scene is an interesting fabric-it goes way, way back. It's a fascinating musical place. Ray Charles once said, "If you want to put a great band together, go to Houston, Texas." Plenty of our songs were inspired by things that happened in Houston or, as I like to call it, "H-town." The Texas Medical Center is pretty amazing. It's the biggest in the world. No matter where I am, conversations on Houston always seem to come back to music and Mexican food. www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 47

TEXAS DESTINATIONS

FORT WORTH CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU TREATS MEETING PROFESSIONALS WITH A NEW COST-SAVINGS PROMOTION "Meal Deal" Puts Money Back Into Meetings Budgets

he Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau and the City's hospitality partners have teamed together to serve up the "Fort Worth Meal Deal," a new money-savings offer for meeting professionals where Fort Worth will share the cost of a meal function and pass the savings back to qualifying groups. Meeting professionals that take advantage of the "Meal Deal" can also save up to 60 percent on zone fares to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport through a special partnership with American Airlines Group & Meeting Travel Department. "Fort Worth is an affordable destination that offers great value in relation to meeting costs," said David DuBois, CMP, CAE, president and CEO of the Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau. "This special promotion will assist meeting planners with an expense directly associated with meetings - food and beverage costs - and provide more dollars to put back into meeting programs or even reduce fees for attendees. We look forward to extending this special offer for meetings in Fort Worth." The 17th-largest city in the United States and still growing rapidly, Fort Worth continues to be one of the premier meeting destinations in the nation. One of the biggest reasons is the transformation of the city's accommodations in its pedestrian-friendly and safe downtown. The number of guest rooms has doubled thanks to new and renovated hotels, which allows the city to host larger meetings. The recently-opened Omni Fort Worth Hotel is the new convention center headquarters facility. This luxury property features 614 rooms and nearly 68,000 square feet of meeting space. The 294-room Hilton Fort Worth and 504-room Renaissance Worthington Hotel have both completed extensive renovations. The Embassy Suites Hotel Fort WorthDowntown offers 156 two-room suites along with meeting spaces that are ideal for smaller events. Now open less than a block from the convention center, the Sheraton Fort Worth Hotel and Spa offers 430 guest rooms and 22,000 square feet of meeting space. In addition to new hotel rooms, Fort Worth has added 1,500 new restaurant seats downtown. Recently opened restaurants include Shula's 347 Grill (Sheraton); Ruth's Chris Steak House (Hilton); The Vault (The Tower); Bob's Steak & Chop House (Omni) and Grace (Carter & Burgess building). The "Fort Worth Meal Deal" is good only for organizations that have not previously booked a large event or meeting in Fort Worth. This offer 48 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel

cannot be used in conjunction with another offer. Not applicable for business booked prior to this promotion. The program is for meetings with 75 room nights or more actualized on a total room night basis. Business must be secured and booked on or before December 31, 2009. The meeting must take place on or before June 30, 2010. Cash refund is not applicable. This promotion can only apply to a food and beverage function, excluding alcoholic beverages. The Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau will share the cost of the meal. Rates negotiated through this program are non-commissionable. About the Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau The Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization of the 17th-largest city in the United States. The organization is dedicated to promoting Fort Worth as a premier business and leisure destination, with thriving centers of culture and commerce. For more information, visit www.fortworth.com.

TEXAS DESTINATIONS

Austin onveniently located in the center of the great state of Texas, the city of Austin offers a unique and interesting meeting experience that begins as soon as you arrive in this distinct city. Recently named "Best Domestic Airport" in the U.S., Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) is a mere 7.5 miles from downtown. Passengers who travel in and out of ABIA each year have a unique story to tell - ABIA represents the first conversion of a U.S. Air Force Base to commercial airport since the end of the Cold War. And right in the middle of the airport, a live music stage with local performers provides a warm welcome and a happy send-off. Once downtown the Austin Convention Center is the city's premiere meeting space. The center consists of five contiguous and column-free exhibit halls comprising 246,097 gross square feet. These halls feature a 43,300-square-foot Grand Ballroom, 1,500 retractable auditorium-style seats and 54,730 square feet of meeting rooms and offices along with complementary wireless internet service. The Austin Convention Center is just steps from much of what makes this city dynamic and engaging. Austin boasts with more than 5,500 rooms in the downtown area, all within close proximity to the convention center which allows for meeting attendees to relax, refresh and re-fuel for the day's events. By 2011 the downtown hotel capacity is projected to accommodate 7,000 guests. Across the city, Austin offers more than 26,000 hotel rooms citywide

with a wide range of price points and perspectives. A very important feature about Austin that distinguishes it from other meeting destinations is its safe and walkable downtown. Meeting attendees staying downtown can easily walk to hundreds of restaurants, major entertainment districts such as the famed Sixth Street district as well as many of the over 200 live music venues that Austin has to offer which have earned the city the title of "Live Music Capital of the World". Austin's centralized location, state of the art convention center and immense hotel options offer the essential meeting must-haves that all meetings require. However, it is Austin's downtown flare and abundant after business hours activities that are the key elements in helping meetings and conventions go above and beyond their attendee's expectations. Austin, Texas - not just a meeting destination, a meeting experience. Information provided by the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau, www.austintexas.org. Austin, the State Capital is home to the University of Texas, the Lyndon Johnson Library, the famed Driskill Hotel and entry to the Texas Hill Country.

50 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel

TEXAS DESTINATIONS

Laredo aredo is a historic border town that values its history, heritage and traditions. The people in Laredo flaunt their bilingual and bicultural skills and wonder why the rest of the USA does not. The beauty of Laredo is its people. Celebrations include an elaborate celebration honoring America's first president and the Miss Texas USA Pageant. These events bring thousands of people from both sides of the border to join together to rejoice in being Americans and Mexicans who share a lot in common on both sides of the US and Mexico border. For hundreds of years the people of this border town have maintained close relationships with their neighbors to the South and internationally by establishing Sister Cities. Laredo's sister cities include:

L 1.

Laredo Nuevo Santander, Cantabria, Spain February 21, 1978

2. 3.

Murray Bridge South Australia June 5, 1984 Tainan Hsien Taiwan, Republic of China October 12, 1985

Nuevo Laredo Tamaulipas, Mexico October 6, 1986

Jerez De Garcia Salinas Zacatecas, Mexico March 30, 1987

Laredo kicks off the new year by hosting an annual Sister Cities Festival that begins with a splendid bi-lingual opening ceremony at the Laredo Civic Center auditorium. The three-day event features free admission and the products and cultural offerings of its Sisters and other communities from across the nation of Mexico. Close to 140 exhibitors and nearly 400 participants participate at the tourism, trade, business, arts & cultural exposition that is for the entire family. Recognizing the importance of the Festival and the opportunity for exposure in a U.S. market, many Sister Cities always attend in full regalia and bring in large delegations that include: Mexico, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Jalisco, Morelos, Queretaro and San Luis Potosi among others. The George Washington Birthday Celebration, founded in 1898, is the largest Celebration of its kind in the United States. The month-long celebration includes parades, a carnival, an air show, fireworks, live concerts and many other fun and exciting events for every member of the family. The Washington's Birthday Celebration Association (WBCA) combined events attract nearly 500,000 residents and visitors, and yearly contributes an estimated $14 million to the local economy. WBCA also works closely with Affiliate Organizations who contribute to the Celebration by bringing additional unique events to the festivities. WBCA Affiliate Organizations include: The Society of Martha Washington, Princess Pocahontas Council, LULAC Council #12, LULAC Council #7, Caballeros de la Republica Del Rio Grande, International Good Neighbor Council, Streets of Laredo Urban Mall, STARS, Laredo Entertainment Center, Laredo Little Theater, and the Boys and Girls Club of Laredo.

Cienega de Flores Nuevo Leon, Mexico June 1, 1987

Tlahualilo Durango, Mexico January 4, 1988

Veracruz Veracruz, Mexico February 3, 1992

Guadalupe Nuevo Leon, Mexico March 20, 2000

10.

Lampazos Nuevo Leon, Mexico October 2, 2000

11.

Chenzhou Hunan Providence, China May 7, 2001

12.

San Antonio de Areco Provincia de Buenos

13.

San Miguel de Allende Guanajuato,

Aires, Argentina July 2, 2001 Mexico September 21, 2001 14.

Mexticacan Jalisco, Mexico May 20, 2002

15.

Zixing Hunan Province,

16.

Monclova Coahuila,

17.

Acambaro Guanajuato,

China August 19, 2002 Mexico January 31, 2003 Mexico February 1, 2004 18. 19.

Torreon Coahuila, Mexico April 19, 2004 Wuwei Gansu Province, China September 17, 2004

20.

Leon Guanajuato, Mexico January 29, 2005

21.

Montemorelos Nuevo Leon,

22.

Tonala Jalisco, Mexico January 27, 2006

Mexico January 29, 2005 23.

Tepatitlan Jalisco, Mexico January 27, 2007

24.

Guadalajara Jalisco, Mexico January 28, 2006

25.

Tijuana Baja California, Mexico April 28,2007

26.

Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico June 16, 2007 www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 51

S I T E

destinations

BIENVENIDOS WELCOME TO ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO Article written by Jo Izay and Cathy Gonzales

52 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel

n Albuquerque we have a saying, nuestra casa es su casa, our home is your home. When you visit our city, we roll out the red carpet. Upon arrival to the Duke City, look to the east. Those are the majestic Sandia Mountains extending her glorious welcoming arms. Also featuring the longest aerial tram in North America where you will delight in a spiritual glide along Albuquerque's gentle air currents. The Rio Grande River begins in southern Colorado, crossing all of New Mexico and ends at the Mexican border. Albuquerque's Old Town is nestled between the Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande. Its waters flow gently and are rich in history. We have four seasons each with friendly interchanging temperatures. You can ski in the winter and on the same day play golf down below. Our spectacular sunsets to the west are awesome with every shade of red imaginable. The reflection of those colors bounces off the Sandia Mountains thus creating a watermelon-like effect. Hence, the name Sandia Mountains. If only the Rio Grande could talk we would learn all it's secrets for it is historically and culturally rich. Nineteen Indian Pueblos sit all along our great river. Our Native Americans were here before the Spanish Europeans arrived in NM in 1598. The blood of Old Town colonizers flows deep in the Rio Grande. Albuquerque was founded in 1706 by Don Francisco Cuervo y Valdez. It has been recorded that Don Francisco did not have permission from the King of Spain to establish a settlement. In order to get away with such boldness, he named it after the Duke of Alburquerque of Spain. The clever name worked. When the iron horse came to New Mexico, they built a railroad station. The sign painter left out one letter "r" over the entrance and wrote Albuquerque. Nobody bothered to correct it and it remained misspelled. The station has welcomed great stars and politicians of yester-year; and continues to welcome the rich and the poor world-wide.

sitedestinations The people settled in and around Old Town. Old Town is today a Mecca for quaint shops, galleries and eateries and the old charm remains. The old San Felipe de Neri Church reigns supreme amid the hubbub. Built in 1706, one gets a chill because it has survived the centuries. It is not built out of marble, brick or lumber, instead, it's a humble mud and straw adobe church that captures the ages of Old Town. The ambience here is alive with quaint galleries, territorial style buildings that takes you back to early settlement to the present and surrounding museums that tell the history since the time of the dinosaurs and beyond. The Gazebo situated in the heart of the plaza features summer entertainment on weekends and special occasions. The famous San Felipe De Neri annual Fiesta is always the last weekend of June. The NM Museum of Natural His-

tory And Science is within walking distance from the Old Town Plaza. ยกExplora! is located right around the corner from there. This Science Center offers a truly learning experience. No matter how young or old, folks will learn art, science, technology, culture and fun. It's bilingual, too! Other nearby attractions: The Rio Grande Zoological Park, The Albuquerque Aquarium, The Rio Grande Botanic Garden and Aquarium, The Rattle Snake Museum, The Turquoise Museum, The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, (which depicts the 19 Indian Pueblos), The National Atomic Museum, The Rio Grande Nature Center, The Petroglyph National Park Museum (where you will look into the past completely captivated and intrigued), Tingley Park Beach (four small man-made lakes for fishing) and the National Hispanic Cultural Center that features the largest center of its kind in the U.S. Within a 15 minute drive, you can also see the Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum, where the galleries unfold the story of ballooning from 1783 to present. www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 53

sitedestinations This summer we are showcasing the Albuquerque Museum. When you visit our city please take time to step back in history, for it is truly fascinating and it gives you a sense of Albuquerque's beginnings. The museum houses a special exhibit given to Albuquerque from Spain with special armors, swords, tapestry and other exhibits depicting life in early Spanish villages. The Museum has three divisions: The History Division, The Arts Division and the Education Division. All three Divisions are truly instruments of learning. The Arts Division features regional, national and international artists. The museum showcases performances on weekends and on special occasions featuring local and state per54 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel

forming artists. The Educational Division offers extensive opportunities for enhancement, self-direction in all areas for formal and informal learning. This is a great opportunity for visitors. Furthermore, the Albuquerque Museum offers public tours, lectures, demonstrations, workshops and classes as outreach programs for visitors young and old. Nearby and within walking distance for you joggers, Downtown Albuquerque awaits you with restaurants, clubs, movies, galleries, museums, more shops and the famous Pueblo Deco architecture of the Historic Kimo Theatre. The Albuquerque Convention Center as well as many hotels are all located on the famous Route 66 which is now Central Avenue.

The City of Albuquerque together with the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce Convention and Tourism Department and Industry partners welcome you during your meetings or vacation. Our staff of professionals can assist meeting planners with a wide range of complimentary specialized services to assure a successful meeting or convention such as hotel competitive bids, logistical planning, tourism guidance and transportation, trade shows, and meeting space booking at our state of the art Convention Center. Please contact us at (505) 842-9003, 1-888-451-7824 or visit our website at www.ahcnm.org , or e-mail at ABQtourism @ahcnm.org to assure your meeting or vacation is a wonderful experience! Cathy Gonzales Vice President, AHCC T&C

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56 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel

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Photographing Latino Life for Forty Years The first Pulitzer Prize ever awarded to Mexican-American journalists son - his home - and the people who lived, worked, and loved there. He had his first professional exhibition when he was just 22 years old. At about the same time, José's participation in the Chicano Movement led him to see his work as more than a passion: he had a responsibility to capture the history of his people.

The first Pulitzer Prize ever awarded to Mexican-American journalists

or over 40 years, José Galvez has used black and white film to create a powerful and unparalleled historical record of the Latino experience in America. His compelling work, done with respect, pride and no pretense, captures the beauty of daily life. For José, photographing the lives of Latinos is not a one-time project or "current passion" but a lifelong commitment. As an artist, he photographs nothing else. His personal history, love of family, and cultural knowledge enable him to pursue his work with a reverent understanding of the stories behind the images.

Humble beginnings When Galvez was 10, he carried his shoeshine box into the building of the Arizona Daily Star. After that night, he was a permanent fixture in the newsroom. He bought a camera at a pawn shop in high school and inspired by his mentors at the paper, went on to major in journalism at the University of Arizona. Upon graduation he became a staff photographer at the Star. No matter what his assignments were, José always focused his lens on the barrios of Tuc-

(NALAC) through the support of the Ford Foundation and JP Morgan Chase awarded him and his wife, Anne, partial funding to create the photography/oral history project "Land of Opportunity: Latino Entrepreneurs of North Carolina." Today, José tours the country with his work, inspiring audiences with his life stories with

Galvez moved on to the Los Angeles Times, becoming the first Mexican-American photographer on staff. In 1984, he was on a team of reporters and photographers that won a Pulitzer Prize for a series on Latino life in southern California: the first Chicanos to win the Prize. He left the Times in 1992 after winning many other awards for his photographs.

"Shine", a presentation that evokes his begin-

The work goes on: books, exhibits, grants and studies

sionals and has gained knowledge of these

Galvez has never stopped photographing Latino life in the U.S., reaching into new areas and new pursuits. He served as senior photo editor for Americanos, a multi-media exhibition led by Edward James Olmos. In 2000, he published his first solo book, Vatos, a collaboration with esteemed poet Luis Alberto Urrea. Then, in Beloved Land, he and oral historian Patricia Martin explored the lives of Mexican pioneer ranchers in the American Southwest. In the last 40 years, Galvez's photographs have been exhibited in museums and galleries here and abroad, including the Smithsonian. But more often, you'll find him toting portable exhibits to schools, libraries, fiestas, lowrider shows, and rodeos. In 2004, José and his family moved to North Carolina to photograph Hispanic immigration in the South. In 2005, the National Association of Latino Arts and Culture

nings as a shoeshine boy. Adelante! José Galvez uses his powerful photos to make presentations on Hispanics in the United States. He has photographed many of the annual conferences including the International Association of Hispanic Meeting Profesevents through his photo lens.

Beyond the usual PowerPoint lecture Over many years Galvez has delighted audiences with his stories of struggle and triumph. He now debuts a new presentation of image and word perfect for keynotes. In SHINE, Galvez's stunning photographs complement a talk that encourages listeners to: 1.

unlock potential

overcome obstacles

pursue new ventures

mentor the next generation

He may be contacted at Jose@JoseGalvez.com or call the HM&T Speakers Bureau at 281-333-1881. www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 57

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