contents SUMMER 2011 | VOL 13 | NO 2
COVER STORY 10 | TEXAS MEETINGS There’s a new Pulse Deep in the Heart of Texas! 4 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
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38 FEATURES 16
INDUSTRY CHAMPION OF EDUCATION Battle of the Brands Fighter Rajiv Trivedi
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INDUSTRY PROFILES HM&T profiles top industry executives who understand the value of the Hispanic Meetings Market
24 IAHMP/CIMPA CONFERENCE PROSPECTUS
30
30 International Destination MEXICO 36 Gulf Coast Vacations: PENSACOLA 40 QUINCE MAGAZINE Featuring Verizon’s My Fabulous Quince Contest
DEPARTMENTS 06 Publisher's Letter 08 Editor’s Comment 08 Credits 09 Industry Briefs 28 Site Destination ALBUQUERQUE 34 Meeting Planner Tips 35 Techno Savvy NORFOLK 38 Entertainment SHAYLA RIVERA 39 Events Calendar
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PUBLISHER'S LETTER
A
new report shows that the U.S. meetings business supports 1.7 million jobs and generates $263 billion in spending annually. The report commissioned by the Convention Industry Council along with 14 other industry associations concludes for the first time ever the value of the industry to the U.S. economy. The landmark project reveals that meetings in the U.S. generate $263 billion in direct spending and contributed $106 billion to the country’s gross domestic product. Adding it up the meetings industry generated $907 billion in spending in 2009. Robert Canton, director of the U.S. conventions and tourism practice at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) who conducted the study stated “its almost $1trillion in economic output” which is huge especially since the study was done in 2009 considered a down year due to the economy. If the same report were done today it would be over $1 trillion he surmised. Robert Canton is currently doing a study for Mexico Tourism and the results are expected before the end of the year when he will be the featured keynote speaker at the annual conference of the International Association of Hispanic Meeting Professionals on December 8, 2011 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Canton is a native of Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico so speaking at this conference will be like returning to his roots. Jim Evans has been selected to head the Corporation for Travel Promotion which is the new government agency created by the passage of the Travel Promotion Act in 2010. Evans' has more than 30 years of executive leadership experience in the hospitality 6 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
Margaret Gonzalez, IAHMP President, and Lida Peterson, CIMPA President have joined forces to implement a joint International Conference and Trade Show Expo in Albuquerque, New Mexico, December 7 -11, 2011. See page 24 for details.
cent of the population growth between the
The top 10 industries in which jobs are direct- ages of 18-49, is significant to the U.S. econly supported by the meetings industry are: omy. 1. Food and beverage: 478,000 jobs 2. Accommodation: 334,000 jobs 3. Recreation and entertainment: 94,600 jobs 4. Meeting organizers: 64,200 jobs 5. Air transportation: 59,700 jobs 6. Retail: 49,100 jobs 7. Urban transit: 35,400 jobs 8. Meeting venues: 31,000 jobs 9. Car rentals: 27,700 jobs 10. Other transportation: 19,800 jobs industry and will lead efforts to attract international travelers from around the world to the United States.
Important facts on the Hispanic demographic…
According to the U.S. Census Bureau there are more than 50 million Hispanics living in the United States, making them the single largest ethnic group in the country. If U.S. Hispanics were a country they would be the 24th largest nation in the world after Italy – larger than Spain and more than twice the size of Australia. Hispanics also rank as the 12th largest global economy, somewhere between Mexico and Australia, commanding more than $1 trillion in purchasing power. The fact that U.S. Hispanics represent more than half (56%) of net population growth from 2000 to 2010 and are projected to contribute 100 per-
The Nielson Company reports that Hispanic consumers demonstrate the greatest potential for sustained growth in the U.S. today. And at the current rate of expansion, Hispanics will continue to drive population growth and in turn consumption in the U.S. for the next generation. Reaching Hispanics effectively should be at the top of every marketer’s to-do list. Margaret Rodríguez de González Publisher mgonzalez@HispanicMeetingsTravel.com
In the Next Issue __________________________________________
FALL 2011 • Hispanics in the Industry: “Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month” • Hispanic Association Report • Southwest Meetings Destinations • Navajo Nation & Native American Casinos __________________________________________
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EDITOR’S COMMENT ing hotels in Austin, Dallas and Galveston. I
must stop here and describe this great state in other terms: Rockets…Spurs…Mavericks –
all NBA Champs, all Texas. Congratulations to the City of Dallas on their newly crowned championship sports team, the Dallas Maver-
icks!
Hispanic Meetings & Travel continues to
profile industry leaders in the Lodging Indus-
try and Convention and Visitors Bureaus with 4 dynamic Hispanic professionals (pages 18 to 23). We also continue our exclusive cover-
age of everything related to the International
Summer is upon us and it is time to have some fun! Unless of course you are helping to
plan 2 conferences, a family summer vacation
Association of Hispanic Meeting Professionals (IAHMP).
This year’s Conference
Prospectus can be found at the center of this
issue and the association’s industry certifica-
and a 40th birthday celebration along with
tion, the Certified Diversity Meeting Profes-
particular situation in which I currently find
cover. Our international feature focuses on
projects at once that we forget to stop, breathe
on some amazing resorts and the lure of the
performing your everyday job. That is the
myself. Often times we are juggling so many and enjoy the laziest time of year – SUM-
MER.
It’s the time of year to go to a ball game,
get to the pool, take a road trip or attend a
Hispanic Conference. With kids out of school, summer is the most desirable time of
year for Hispanic organizations to hold their conferences because our community tends to
bring our extended families along with us
sional or CDMP is advertised on the back our southern neighbor, Mexico, with editorial
2012 Mayan phenomenon (pages 30 to 33). Back in the states we feature Gulf Coast
Vacations (page 36) profiling one of the most
beautiful spots on the Gulf Coast – Pensacola, Florida.
Our second issue of Quince magazine fea-
tures a heart-warming story from Mrs. Dalia Rojas
who
describes
her
daughter’s
quinceañera experience and gives our readers
when we attend business meetings. Spouses,
valuable tips on how to pick a theme for a
ferences and meetings therefore we like to
zon “My Fabulous Quince” contest (pages 46
children, even parents tag along to our con-
arrive at a meeting destination early or pro-
long our stay in order to fit in a family vaca-
tion. ATTENTION CVBs – this is a key and
distinctive feature of the Hispanic Meetings
quince fiesta. We are also featuring the Veri-
& 47). I have also shared with you my quince
memories…25 years after my quinceañera.
As you can guess now, the 40th birthday par-
Antonio Convention and Visitor’s Bureau,
make new summer memories – deadlines will
ciously granted us an interview to discuss her
a few precious months. ¡Que se diviertan este
(pages 10 to 12). Other Texas Meetings Destinations profiled in this issue are some amaz-
8 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
mgonzalez@hispanicmeetingstravel.com
EDITOR María de la Luz González mdgonzalez@hispanicmeetingstravel.com
DESIGN & PRODUCTION BAY AREA MEDIA SERVICES / SCENE MEDIA CREATIVE DIRECTOR - John Ennis ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR - Betsey Ennis www.bams.us / www.scenelive.net
ADVERTISING STEVEN GONZALEZ sgonzalez@hispanicmeetingstravel.com
MARIA GONZALEZ mdgonzalez@hispanicmeetingstravel.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Albuquerque Convention Center, Associated Luxury Hotels International, Casa Colina, Patsy Cisneros, Congress of State of Yucatan, Dallas CVB, Lucy Galnares, Marĺa de la Luz González, Margaret Gonzalez, Steven Gonzalez, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, La Quinta Inns & Suites, Latino Hotel Association, Loews Hotels, Meliá Hotels International, Pensacola CVB, Shayla Rivera, Dalia Rojas, San Antonio CVB, San Diego CVB, M. Grace Trevino, Verizon Wireless, Visit Denver, Visit Norfolk
PHOTOGRAPHY Albuquerque Convention Center, Barton Creek Resort & Spa, Casa Colina, CIMPA, Corporate Icon, DigPicPhoto, Funny Rocket, Scientist Inc., Marĺa de la Luz González, Hotel Galvez, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, La Quinta Inns & Suites, Loews Hotels, Meliá Hotels International, Pensacola CVB, Dalia Rojas, San Antonio CVB, San Diego CVB, Verizon Wireless, Visit Denver
ADVERTISING SALES OFFICE GVR Public Relations Agency
Fax - 281-668-9199
step away from my computer and go out and
the city that lies “Deep in the Heart of Texas”
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Margaret Gonzalez
I experienced 25 years ago makes me want to
el the newly appointed President of the San
vision for the CVB and her tourism goals for
www.gvragency.com
ty I am planning is my own which occurs lat-
er this summer! Thinking of the fun summer
Casandra Matej, graces the cover. She gra-
PUBLISHER GVR Public Relations Agency, Inc.
2600 South Shore Harbor Blvd., Suite 300
Market.
In this issue of Hispanic Meetings & Trav-
HispanicMeetingsTravel.com
always exist but our summers, they only last
verano!
María de la Luz González Editor
League City, Texas 77573 Telephone - 281-245-3330
W E B PA G E www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com WEB MASTER - Margil Villarreal Hispanic Meetings & Travel ISSN #1527-8387 is owned and published by the GVR Public Relations Agency, Inc., at 2600 South Shore Harbor Blvd., Suite 300, League City, Texas 77573 C 19992010 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
MELIÁ HOTELS INTERNATIONAL: A new era for one of the world’s largest resort hotel chains
S
The leading Spanish hotel company changes its corporate name to compete with the largest international chains
ol Meliá, Spain’s leading hotel chain, has changed its name to Meliá Hotels International. This new corporate name marks the start of a new future for the company which has emerged from the economic crisis even stronger than before and now embarks on a journey to achieve unprecedented globalization on par with the most important multinational hotel chains. Gabriel Escarrer, the company’s Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman, unveiled the new corporate name Friday (6/3/11) at the Palacio de la Bolsa de Madrid (Madrid Stock Exchange), opening trading by ringing the bell on the first day of trading for the new Meliá Hotels International. In an event which brought together investors, stakeholders and the media, the company’s senior executive revealed the process of adapting to the new international stage. After successfully navigating through the economic crisis, the hotel company has defined a new Strategic Plan for the 20122014 period with a clear focus on globalization, the development of its hotel management capacity and its commitment to sustainability. To develop the new Strategic Plan, the com-
pany has also adapted its internal structure, enhancing strategic areas and creating two new business areas: Asia Pacific and Real Estate, which will lead the growth in the region and maximize returns on company assets, respectively. This new stage is also accompanied by a renewal of the company’s mission, culture and values, which are defined as Vocation for Service, Excellence, Innovation, Proximity and Consistency, the main attributes of the new Meliá Hotels International. During his speech, Mr. Escarrer explained the company’s evolution since its foundation in 1956, reviewing the company’s growth in the different markets where it now operates, as well as the acquisition and creation of the hotel brands which today make up its portfolio. The company’s Executive Vice President Marketing, Luis del Olmo, and the Managing Director of the consultancy firm Future Brand, Ignacio Linares, described the process behind the definition of the new name, which selected the company’s most international and recognized brand - Meliá Hotels & Resorts – and added the word “International” to emphasize the diversity of business and brands as well as its global nature. According to Luis del Olmo, “The revitalization of the corporate name will be a catalyst towards a new era for one of the world’s largest resort hotel chains, helping us strengthen our growth plans and achieve greater international recognition.” “With this new name,” added Mr. Escarrer “we will combine the legacy of Sol Meliá, including its portfolio of brands, its know-how, its service culture and its talented employees, with the aspiration of becoming a point of reference for international tourism; one which is global in its outlook, efficient, reliable, responsible and able to compete amongst the largest multinational groups.” The Vice Chairman and CEO of Meliá Hotels International ended his speech describing the vision of the future to which the company
aspires, involving, amongst other objectives, “earning a position amongst the world's leading hotel companies and being seen as a world leader in excellence, responsibility and sustainability.” About MELIÁ HOTELS INTERNATIONAL Meliá Hotels International was founded in 1956 in Palma de Mallorca (Spain) and is one of the world’s largest resort hotel chains, as well as Spain’s leading hotel chain. It currently provides more than 350 hotels and 87,000 rooms in 35 countries on 4 continents under its brands: Gran Meliá, Meliá, ME, Innside, Tryp by Wyndham, Sol and Paradisus. Its product and service portfolio is complemented by Meliá Club, the only vacation club operated by a Spanish company. In 2011, the family company founded by Gabriel Escarrer Juliá, which operated under the name “Sol Meliá” for decades, initiated a new stage in its development under the brand name that represents its present and its future: Meliá Hotels International. www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 9
COVER STORY
TEXAS MEETINGS
Meet the San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau’s New Executive Director The San Antonio City Manager, Sheryl Sculley, recently appointed Casandra Brown Matej as the Executive Director of the San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau. Ms. Matej comes to the City with more than 15 years of experience in the Convention and Visitors Bureau, Hotel, and Leisure industries. Prior to her appointment, she served as the Senior Vice President of Sales and Services for the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau for the past three years. During her tenure, she was instrumental in implementing the restructuring of sales and resource allocations for the Dallas CVB, which resulted in a 40 percent growth of convention room night sales. Matej holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Speech Communications with a concentration in Organizational Communications from the University of Texas at Austin. “Casandra Matej is an outstanding addition to our City of San Antonio team,” said City Manager Sheryl Sculley. “The programs and services that the Convention & Visitors Bureau provides are vital to the San Antonio economy. I am confident that her wealth of experience and leadership skills will help San Antonio excel in hospitality.” One week prior to beginning her new position Ms. Matej agreed to a telephone interview with Hispanic Meetings & Travel where we spoke about the City of San Antonio, the CVB and the Hispanic Meetings Market. How many conventions does the San Antonio CVB host or is a part of in one year? The San Antonio CVB along with the Sports Foundation host on
average about 543 groups which equal to 499,324 attendees per year. This is a portion of all the meetings and conventions that are held in San Antonio every year since many groups book their meetings directly with hotels throughout the city. When does your high volume of meetings occur? The first half of the year is our busiest season, January thru July, mainly because of our great weather. What time of the year is least in demand for meeting space in San Antonio, if any? August & September are our slowest months. The (end of year) holidays are also slow but I would like to see that change. San Antonio is such a beautiful city during the holiday season especially with the Riverwalk all lit up. This is something I would like for the bureau to focus on, marketing this time of year for meetings in San Antonio. What parts of the city are considered conference hubs? Is it mainly downtown? Downtown San Antonio is the meetings center of San Antonio mainly due to the huge number of hotel rooms available and the easy accessibility of the Riverwalk. The second biggest meetings area in San Antonio is the Hill Country area due to all the resorts, golf courses and beautiful landscape. We also have the airport area located in the north side of the city. This is a great area to hold meetings because it takes less than ten minutes to get to downtown and only fifteen minutes to reach the Hill Country.
Because of the city’s history, culture, cuisine and demographics San Antonio has always been a desirable meetings destination for the Hispanic community. How do you aim to keep the city’s image fresh in the minds of Hispanic meeting planners and associations? The key to keeping San Antonio fresh on the minds of Hispanic associations is to always have something new to offer. We must market everything that San Antonio is doing and all the new developments. At the moment, for example, the Riverwalk is going through a major expansion. San Antonio has also become 1 of 3 cities with a Culinary Institute of America (CIA) that focuses on Latin American cuisine. The CIA San Antonio is housed in the newly developed Pearl grounds where the old Pearly Brewery once existed. The new Pearl provides new meeting venues, housing, retail, and is a great destination for meetings. There are many developments going on in San Antonio right now. 10 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
Does the San Antonio CVB have a team dedicated just to the Hispanic market? Yes we do, we have two convention sales team members dedicated to the Hispanic market. Tanya Espalin and Nestor Nuñez can help any Hispanic organization with their RFP and meeting needs. Hispanic meetings and conventions are unique from other groups because Hispanics tend to travel with family members to these business events. How does the San Antonio CVB address these “family” issues when working with Hispanic groups and associations? Are there any types of incentives, programs or discounts geared towards activities that attendees’ family members can partake in? The bureau tries to make it clear to groups that San Antonio is a year round retreat destination and offers lots of family opportunities. As a result our city offers conference attendees who bring their families along with them a wide array of attractions to enjoy while the meetings are going on. I feel that we can learn from the Hispanic meeting market and show other groups that San Antonio is a great meeting destination that lends itself to bringing your family along. I understand that you went to school at the University of Texas at Austin and that your previous position was at the Dallas CVB. Are you a Texas native? Yes, I am a native Texan. I went to work for the Dallas CVB right out of college. After moving to Washington D.C. and working in the hotel industries I returned to Texas. I went straight back to the Dallas CVB where I have worked for the past 6 ½ years. Now I am very excited to join the San Antonio CVB. What does the future hold for the city and meeting associations? I believe the key to the future is about everyone understanding where San Antonio is going. From bureau team members to every association out there we at the bureau must focus on getting the word out about San Antonio and all its’ new endeavors. I also want the bureau to focus on the international component of the meetings market, especially to those associations with international attendees, and sell San Antonio as an international destination. I want groups and associations to always remember that the mere destination of San Antonio alone can increase your meetings attendance. Who doesn’t want that?
At the time the magazine went to press Ms. Matej had already began her new role as Executive Director of the San Antonio CVB. To book your next meeting in San Antonio, please call or visit online:
SAN ANTONIO CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 203 S. St. Mary's Street · Suite 200 · San Antonio, TX 78205 P: 210.207.6708· F: 210.207.6843 · 866.517.7779 VISITSANANTONIO.COM
Texas Meetings - San Antonio
What’s New in Sunny San Antonio?
It’s an exciting time for San Antonio! Here are just a few of the city’s recent and upcoming projects. For more of what’s new in San Antonio, explore visitsanantonio.com.
San Antonio Celebrates 175th Anniversary of the Battle of The Alamo (2011) 2011 marks 175 years since the famed battle for Texas independence. This iconic last stand has inspired a battle cry recognized throughout the world, “Remember the Alamo.” In 2011, San Antonio remembers the Alamo with reenactments, special events and hotel packages.
First Phase of River Walk Expansion is a Success and There’s More to Come: The famous San Antonio River Walk added an additional 1.3 miles in May 2009, bringing the park up to approximately four stunning miles and connecting the original River Walk to San Antonio’s museums, the historic Pearl Brewery and cultural attractions to the north. The River Walk will eventually extend to 15 miles when the $384.5 million San Antonio River Improvements Project is completed in 2013. The latest phase of the extension will join the original River Walk to four of the city’s Spanish colonial missions to the south and Brackenridge Park to the north. 128-Year-Old Brewery Redeveloped into Urban River Village: Once the birthplace of Pearl Beer, this long-time staple of the San Antonio economy is being redeveloped into an art-filled urban village next to the River Walk. Preservations and additions are being made with great detail to the site’s historic character and incorporate the latest-available, eco-friendly technology including the largest solar panel system in all of Texas. Once complete, Pearl Brewery will be the city’s “it” spot to live, learn, shop, work and play. A few highlights include the Culinary Institute of America’s newest campus, which focuses on the cuisines of Latin America; the Aveda Institute; restaurants by top San Antonio chefs, and the historic Pearl Stable entertainment venue, as well as a new river theater adjacent to the River Walk.
Briscoe Western Art Museum to Open (2012): The upcoming Briscoe Western Art Museum will add a new dimension to San Antonio’s art scene along with upscale meeting space. This one-of-a-kind museum will be devoted to celebrating the art, people and history of the great American West with an emphasis on the Western art of San Antonio and the South Texas region. Included will be an arts and education center as well as an artist in residence program. A renovation of the former San Antonio Library and Hertzberg Circus Museum, to cost approximately $18 million, will provide more than 40,000 square feet of gallery and exhibition areas.
Culinary Institute of America Welcomes New San Antonio Campus: The CIA’s has opened a new 30,000-square-foot campus at San Antonio’s historic Pearl Brewery. The CIA San Antonio campus focuses on the cuisines of Latin America and takes advantage of San Antonio’s access to regional ingredients and Tex-Mex culture. Programs are offered for future chefs as well as food enthusiasts. Classes can also be arranged for small group meetings.
Tobin Center for the Performing Arts: San Antonio’s former Municipal Auditorium, an event venue built as a stunning WWI memorial, is being renovated into the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. Scheduled for completion in September 2013, this San Antonio treasure will retain its historical charm and grandeur while featuring exceptional sound, acoustics and seating arrangements. Plus, its location on the esteemed Museum Reach will make it a gateway to the cultural heart of San Antonio.
Reimagining HemisFair Park: San Antonio’s beloved HemisFair Park is located in downtown, aside the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. It features numerous water features and public art installations while also being home to the Tower of the Americas, Institute of Texan Cultures, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de México and the Instítuto de México. HemisFair originated in 1968, when San Antonio hosted the world’s fair, which brought business, development and notoriety to the city. San Antonio is looking to reimagine what this beautiful place can be by preserving its many historic buildings; maintaining the lovely green spaces and gardens; and introducing spaces to live, work and play—all in an environmentally friendly way. 12 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
Texas Meetings - Austin
Austin, Texas’ Barton Creek Resort & Spa
Located just minutes from vibrant downtown Austin, Barton Creek Resort & Spa, widely regarded as the #1 golf resort in Texas, presides over 4,000 acres of rolling hills, scenic woodland and winding creeks in the scenic Texas Hill Country. Offerings at the 312-room resort include more than 43,000 square feet of meeting space, four 18hole championship golf courses designed by masters of the game, the Barton Creek Golf Academy, the world-class Three Springs Spa, a lighted 11-court Tennis Academy, a state-of-theart fitness center, indoor and ALHI presented a plaque to the Austin, Texas resort to welcome it into the presoutdoor pools, an indoor run- tigious membership organization. ALHI’s President and CEO David Gabri (left) presented the plaque to James Walsh (middle), the resort’s Vice President and ning track, a nature trail, minia- General Manager, and John Blanton, the resort’s Director of Sales & Marketing. ture golf, and several dining options including the acclaimed Hill Country Dining Room. The resort completed an impressive two-year multi-million dollar renovation project in 2010, which included enhancements to its indoor and outdoor meeting space, guest rooms, world-class spa, clubhouse, guest floor corridors, and restaurants. A consistent recipient of the meetings industry’s highest honors, the resort is just 13 miles from Austin Bergstrom International Airport, and is convenient to the many sites of Austin, better known as the “Live Musical Capital of the World.” Barton Creek Resort & Spa recently joined Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI) as a new member. ALHI now provides authorized National Sales services and support for the resort to corporations, associations, independent planners, business executives, and incentive and product launch specialists desiring to conduct meetings, incentive/recognition programs, and conventions at the resort. The resort is ALHI’s second member in Austin and seventh member in Texas. For more information about ALHI, or to inquire about a future meeting at any of the ALHI member properties, contact your nearest ALHI National Sales Office, call the “ALHI Group Desk” toll-free at 866-303-ALHI (2544), and visit www.alhi.com. www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 13
Barton Creek Resort & Spa 8212 Barton Club Drive Austin, Texas 78735 1-866-572-7369 www.bartoncreek.com
Texas Meetings - Dallas
The Omni Dallas Convention Center Hotel
By Lucy Galnares This has been an exciting year for the city of Dallas, Texas. They began the year by hosting the NFC Champs Green Bay Packers during their Super Bowl XLV championship performance at Cowboys Stadium in February. This month they partook of the dominating performance by the Dallas Mavericks to win the franchise’s first NBA championship. 2011 has been thrilling indeed! The emotions and excitement will continue for the city of Dallas as it looks forward to the beginning of 2012 when the much anticipated Omni Dallas Convention Center Hotel will open its doors. This impressive 23-story glass building will be owned by the city of Dallas and will be managed by Omni Hotels, a privately owned company headquartered in Irving, Texas. Omni Hotels operates 45 luxury hotels and resorts across North America. With the addition of the hotel’s 1,000 guestrooms and suites to downtown Dallas the city hopes to attain conventions and conferences that would otherwise choose other cities with higher hotel room volume. The Omni Dallas Convention Center Hotel will be a sight to behold and will undoubtedly contribute to the lure of Texas meetings. Hispanic Meetings & Travel looks forward to profiling the hotel once ADDRESS: Omni Dallas Convention Center Hotel 800 Young Street Dallas, Texas 75202
LOCATION: The Omni Dallas Convention Center Hotel is located on six acres of an eight-acre site at the corner of Lamar and Young Streets in downtown Dallas and connects via a skybridge to the 2.1 million square-foot Dallas Convention Center. The remaining two acres are slated for dining, retail and other development in order to create a vibrant entertainment district to appeal to convention goers, leisure travelers and locals.
DESCRIPTION: The hotel and surrounding development marks the latest phase of the revitalization spreading across downtown. With 1,000 rooms and a minimum of 80,000 square feet of meeting space, the project also re-establishes the city as one of the premier convention destinations in the U.S.
The stylish and sophisticated design reflects the essence of Dallas and is meant to bring a new level of energy and excitement to the corridor. The 23-story, steel and glass, 14 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
it opens for business and to witness the first Hispanic organization to book its’ convention or conference in this ultra-modern hotel. In the mean time we would like to share some preliminary fun facts about the hotel:
boomerang-shaped tower and substantial entry plaza provide a visually compelling façade, yet also has an easy point of entry from the hotel to the neighborhood and from the street into the hotel creating a fun, streetlevel energy.
The transparent design on the north and east sides enables passerby’s to catch a glimpse of the activity within the hotel. The rounded ends of the sculpted tower create specialty suites with 180 degree views of North and South Dallas. Several culinary venues, including a signature restaurant, retail and a high-end spa are located on the first few levels. To further maximize accessibility to the convention center, the hotel’s meeting and event spaces are concentrated on the lower levels as well.
MEETING FACILITIES: A minimum of 80,000 square feet of flexible meeting space including: • 33,500 square-foot Grand Ballroom • 16,500 square-foot Junior Ballroom • 10,000 square feet of usable outdoor area • 30,000 sq.ft. state-of-the-art meeting rooms • Wi-Fi access throughout the entire property • Built-in audio/visual equipment • Business center
DINING & RECREATION: Guests have the following on-site dining options: • Four to five culinary venues • Full service Mokara spa • 24-hour guest room dining • State-of-the art fitness center • In-room fitness options include a complimentary Get Fit Kit or the Get Fit Room featuring a treadmill for a nominal fee • Pool deck with 1,800 square foot pool and adjacent pool bar NEARBY ATTRACTIONS: A wide variety of nearby attractions include: • Thirteen entertainment districts in and near downtown offer a wide selection of dining, shopping, cultural and entertainment options. • DART rail service is offered from the convention center through downtown to communities north and south. A future rail line connecting the center to DFW International Airport is in final discussion. • The largest urban arts district in the nation, historic Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, flagship Neiman Marcus department store, new Hard Rock Café and House of Blues in Victory Park are among the nearby venues.
Texas Meetings - Galveston
Celebrating 100 years of the Hotel Galvez
By M. Grace Trevino The Hotel Galvez & Spa on historic Galveston Island has turned 100, and the island institution pulled out all the stops for its Centennial Celebration hosted by George Mitchell and his family. The Mitchell family are a Galveston institution who have made it their mission to preserve the historic architecture of Galveston Island. The Hotel Galvez was named the Galvez, honoring Bernardo de Gálvez y Madrid, Count of Gálvez (1746-1786), for whom the city was named. Ana Lia Galvez and Jose Galvez Anguita - direct descendents of Bernardo de Galvez, the Spanish hero of the American Revolution, traveled from Macharaviaya, Spain, for the celebration. The Hotel Galvez & Spa is a vision of Victorian elegance known as the "Queen of the Gulf" on the day she opened in 1911. For nearly a century, this historic hotel has been the choice accommodation of guests as demanding and diverse as Teddy Roosevelt, Howard Hughes and Frank Sinatra. The hotel has endured several incarnations during its lifetime, from a Jazz-Age hot spot to a coast guard training facility during World War II. Throughout its many incarnations, Galvez’s regal charm has remained a constant, and a recent $9-million renovation and a 9,736 square foot, $6 million luxury spa has elevated the Galvez to its rightful place on the Galveston coast. Palm trees line the front of the property’s double doors and Mahogany beams cross the ceiling of the expansive lobby and the recently restored lobby bar. Guests can follow the long hallway known as the Loggia to the hotel’s famed restaurant, one of three meeting rooms or the veranda, which overlooks the
formal gardens and the hotel’s tropical pool. Each of the hotel’s 224 guest rooms offers ocean or island views and the seventh and eighth floors showcase seven new grand suites with sitting rooms and marble baths. No stay at the Hotel Galvez is complete without enjoying an event at the Galveston Opera House known as The Grand. The Grand is one of the few remaining theatres of its era in Texas and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Grand was built in 1897 and survived the storms of 1900 and 1915, and Hurricanes Carla, Alicia and Ike. Of these events, the greatest threat to its survival was the 1900 storm, and it remains today as a testament to the determination of the people of Galveston that The Grand was quickly repaired and reopened. Galveston Island’s excellent weather conditions allow for year-round beach activities, including sunbathing, swimming and horseback riding along the beach. Downtown Galveston, galleries, museums and the shops and restaurants of the Strand Historic District are a mere trolley ride away. The Hotel Galvez is a Wyndham Grand Hotel and listed among the Historic Hotels of America 2024 Seawall Boulevard Galveston, TX 77550 Phone: 409-765-7721 Reservations: 800-678-8946 www.galveston.com/galvez
INDUSTRY CHAMPION OF EDUCATION
Rajiv K. Trivedi Executive Vice President - Franchise & Chief Development Officer
La Quinta Inns & Suites With 21-years experience in the hospitality industry, Mr.
Trivedi joined La Quinta in 2000. He has served in a variety of key management roles in the hotel industry, including Cendant Corporation. At Cendant he served as Vice President of Franchise Operations managing Franchise
Training, Services and Regional Marketing. Mr. Trivedi
also has significant experience in franchising and development outside the hotel industry, with a number of leading
consumer brands. He is active in numerous civic and
industry organizations including the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA).
In January 2011 Mr. Trivedi was the first industry execu-
tive to become a “Champion of Education” when he
signed up to be a fighter at the upcoming Latino Hotel
Association’s signature fundraising event…Battle of the
Brands. On November 17, Mr. Trivedi will step into the ring for three one-minute rounds of live boxing to fight for
education and job training as well as the coveted “Best Brand in the Industry” prize belt. Mr. Trivedi’s Battle of the Brands La Quinta Press Conference announcing his participation as an industry fighter for education can be viewed
at www.latinohotelassociation.com under the Battle of the Brands News webpage.
16 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
Battle of the Brands is an event dedicated to raising awareness of the need for quality education by means of professional development and job training programs for Latinos in the hotel industry. This black tie event will coincide with the Latino Hotel Association’s 2011 International Conference & Expo. The night of November 17, 2011 will be filled with fine dining, live entertainment, music, live auction and the main event! Cheer on your favorite “champion of education” by securing your seats to the hottest event in town.
BE THERE!
Thursday, November 17, 2011 Tropicana Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV 6:00 PM Reception 7:00 PM Dinner 9:00 PM After Party
To purchase tickets for this event visit www.latinohotelassociation.com
BATTLE OF THE BRANDS
Latino Hotel Association's Signature Fundraiser
INDUSTRY PROFILES | HOTEL EXECUTIVES
Michael Dominquez
Vice President of Global Sales Loews Hotels
M
ichael joined Loews Hotels as the Director of
Marketing at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in
2005 and has spent his career leading successful sales and marketing teams across the Southwest
and California. His sales and marketing acumen earned him a variety of leadership roles with the Tucson community and the
hospitality industry.
Practically growing up in the hospitality industry,
Dominguez began his career in hotels as a food and beverage
manager for Hyatt Hotels and Resorts while attending the Uni-
versity of Texas, Austin.
He’s worked diligently in all aspects of the hotel industry,
including positions in catering, food and beverage and group
sales for a variety of hotel chains. His vast experience within
hotels led him to become the Vice President of Sales and Mar-
keting for the Palm Springs Desert Resorts Convention & Vis-
itor’s Authority, where he was responsible for marketing 24
major convention resorts and destination sales for over 14,000 guestrooms and 250,000 room nights annually.
In his current role as Vice President of Global Sales with
Loews Hotels, Michael oversees the global efforts of the
National Sales effort for Loews, Industry Relations and 3rd Par-
ty Meeting planning company relationships.
Michael serves on the International Board of Directors for
Meeting Professional International, Industry Issue and Trend
Task Force for PCMA, The Industry Partner Alliance for
ASAE, Advisory Board for Starcite and Immediate Past President for MPISCC.
18 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
INDUSTRY PROFILES | HOTEL EXECUTIVES
Gabriel Escarrer Jaume
Vice Chairman and CEO Meliá Hotels International
In 1993, Gabriel Escarrer Jaume graduated from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania (USA), where he specialized in “Finance & Business Management”. He then studied a personalized Postgraduate degree at ESADE, one of the top ten business schools in Europe. Prior to joining Meliá Hotels International he worked for more than three years in the Corporate Finance Department of the investment bank Salomon Brothers in New York. During this period he focused on privatisations, mergers, acquisitions and bond issues, particularly in Spanish-speaking countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Panama and Venezuela. After taking part in the Company’s IPO in July 1996, Gabriel Escarrer was named Assistant to the Vice Chairman at Inmotel Inversiones S.A., the company devoted to the management of Meliá Hotels International’s real estate assets. In January 1997 he became the Chief Executive Officer of Inmotel Inversiones S.A. Due to the situation in the international travel market of the time, with considerable merger activity, a strategic decision was made to integrate the hotel management and ownership businesses, leading to a buyout in June 1999 of Meliá Inversiones Americanas (MIA) and its merger with Inmotel Inversiones. Gabriel Escarrer Jaume played a key role in this operation, providing a strong impulse to the growth of the company and greater financial strength for Meliá Hotels International, and at the same time opening the doors to the technological transformation of the company. In December 1999 Escarrer was named CEO of the hotel chain, a position from which he successfully launched an ambitious hotel renovation programme. His main concerns are keeping up with the latest hotel trends, research and development, and a focus on placing customers at the very heart of the organization as he strives to maintain Meliá Hotels International’s position as a leading company in the hotel industry. The globalization of the company, the monitoring of the latest trends, and listening to the customer as the basic core of the organization are among his current priorities at Meliá Hotels International. His concerns also extend to other areas such as finance, and in 2010 he was appointed Chairman of the Advisory Board of BBVA - Levante region. From 2007, when the company began the succession process to bring about a change in its leadership, until April 2009 he shared the position of Co Vice Chairman and CEO with his brother Sebastián. Over this period both brothers lead an intensive reorganization and strategic reorientation of the company. Gabriel Escarrer is currently the top executive at Meliá Hotels International, holding the positions of Vice Chairman and CEO. Gabriel Escarrer has led the company's effective response against the international crisis, which has been characterized by an internal strengthening, a leading financial consolidation, and a steady growth of its brands, both in their traditional and new markets.
www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 19
INDUSTRY PROFILES | CVB EXECUTIVES
Yvonne Guzman
T
here's big news in the Mile High City: over the last sev-
eral years, Denver has emerged as a top choice among planners. With the Colorado Convention Center's
expansion, new hotels just steps from the center, including a Four
Seasons and an Embassy Suites contributing to more than 8,400
rooms downtown and 42,000 rooms metro-wide and a vibrant,
walkable downtown, Denver is the perfect location for gatherings
large and small.
Denver’s rich Hispanic/Latino, African-American and Native
American traditions mean that Denver has always been a top destination for multicultural meetings. Take a look at the meetings
that have been here recently or are soon to come:
• National Latino Peace Officers Association – 2008
• International Association of Hispanic Meeting Professional – 2009 • National Association of Latino Elected Officials – 2010 • National Association of Hispanic Journalists – 2010
• National Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc. – 2012 • Hispanic National Bar Association – 2013
• Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities – 2014 • Bureau of Indian Affair – Hosted multiple times
• Indian Health Services – Hosted multiple times
VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau has a
dedicated sales person serving the multicultural meetings market.
Yvonne Guzman has been with VISIT DENVER for over five years as a Sales Manager for the Multicultural Market and Northeast Association Market and has had the chance to develop this
niche market for our city. She is a Denver native and has a passion for the beautiful Mile High City and all of its diverse cultures.
Yvonne is of Hispanic origin who grew up with Hispanic tradi-
tions and is a very family oriented person. She is newly married to
Denver Sheriff Benito Rodriguez. She is the proud mother of two
grown sons who reside in Denver and the proud Nanita of beautiful
Ashleigh Lynne. Close to her heart are also her mother and siblings.
The multicultural market is near and dear to Yvonne because
she realizes the importance of each and every group and the special challenges they face. To Yvonne selling the Mile High City has
been the most fulfilling move in her career. You can reach Yvonne
Guzman directly by phone at 303-571-9441 or by email at yguzman@visitdenver.com. Plan your next great meeting by visiting www.visitdenver.com/conventions.
20 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
Sales Manager, Multicultural Market and Northeast Association Market VISIT DENVER
INDUSTRY PROFILES | CVB EXECUTIVES
Albuquerque Convention Center unveils
“VIRTUAL TOUR” 360-degree tour gives viewers the feeling of being there
T
he Albuquerque Convention Center (ACC) in conjunction with Doug Aurand have created a 360° Virtual Tour of New Mexico's largest meeting facility. The virtual tour lets visitors feel like they've stepped inside the Kiva Auditorium, Exhibit Halls, Ballroom and other meeting space, online. The “Virtual Tour” of the Center is now available for viewing on line at www.albuquerquecc.com. The tour uses an expanded floorplan view of the 3 levels to navigate. Scenes currently include the West Lobby on Third Street, the Atrium from the Lower Level, Ballrooms 1, 2 and 3 combined and set up for a banquet, two views inside the Kiva Auditorium, the SW Exhibit Hall, the NE Exhibit Hall, meeting rooms Ruidoso, Pecos, Mesilla & San Miguel combined, the East Complex Lobby and East Upper Lobby, the Marshaling Yard and the West Upper Foyer with a view of Civic Plaza out the window. Still to be added are the smaller meeting rooms on the lower level of the West Complex.
“MORE THAN A CHAMBER” 28 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
“The new Virtual Tour will be a great tool for our Sales & Events staff.” said Kelly Carr, Director of Sales & Event Services. “Now when speaking with a client on the phone we can get them to log on to our website and see the space we’re talking about. Seeing a venue can really help a potential client visualize their event at the Convention Center.” The Virtual Tour is powered by Adobe Flash which 99.9% of Internet users already have installed. The photography uses High Dynamic Range Imaging, a process that produces images more like what the human eye can see, even in low light like the Kiva Auditorium has. The high resolution allows Full Screen Viewing that makes meeting planners and convention organizers feel like they've stepped inside the pictures. It’s so easy to use: Touch a red dot and a text hint tells you where it goes. Click on it and the 360° spherical image of that location appears next to the floorplan. The images spin in sync with the "radar" on the floorplan so the visitor knows what direction they're looking. The visitor can take control by clicking and dragging in the image, turning left and right, looking up and down and zooming in and out. Click the "Full Screen View" button and the 360° scene pops open, filling the computer screen. The floorplan is laid over the image and can be closed with a click, offering a better view of the space.
AHCNM.ORG
505-842-9003
IBEROSTAR HOTELS & RESORTS extended three 2011 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards
I
INCLUDING #1 ALL INCLUSIVE RESORT IN THE WORLD!
BEROSTAR Grand Collection Properties in Mexico and the Dominican Republic Receive Accolades and Rave Traveler Reviews TripAdvisor, the largest and most popular online global travel community, presented two IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts Grand Collection properties with three coveted “2011 Travelers’ Choice Awards,” as rated by its members, including the coveted position of best all inclusive resort in the globe. The IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Paraíso in the Riviera Maya, Mexico was awarded the prestigious title of “Number One All-Inclusive Resort in the World,” while the IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Bávaro in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic was featured among the top ten in this category, placing at number nine. Further, the IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Paraíso was acknowl-
edged as the “Number Two Luxury Hotel in the Caribbean & Mexico.” The leading global Spanish hospitality chain’s Grand Collection provides five-star luxury in an all inclusive, adults-only setting. The brand’s commitment to providing outstanding service and amenities were reinforced by rave reviews by voters for TripAdvisor’s “Travelers’ Choice Awards.” Users of the site noted that the IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Paraíso was “about as good as it gets for an all-inclusive.” Fans of the property also noted that the hotel is “like living in a palace,” highlighting the stunning architecture and “beautiful grounds.” The Grand Hotel Bávaro also earned high praise from voters, who raved about the friendliness of the resort’s staff and the beautiful beaches available to guests at the luxury resort. Guest reviews describe the property as “heaven on earth,” extending offer-
Destination Mexico
30 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
ings and services “beyond our expectations.” John Long, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts, stated, “IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts’ prominent presence in the ‘2011 Travelers’ Choice Awards’ is a testament to the brand’s commitment to providing guests with outstanding service and memorable vacation experiences.” He added, “These prestigious awards also highlight the passion and hard work by our committed staff at our luxurious Grand Collection properties in the Caribbean.” The luxurious IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts adults-only Grand Collection properties in the Caribbean are comprised of the IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Paraíso in the Riviera Maya, Mexico, the IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Bávaro in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, and the IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Rose Hall in Montego
About IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts
IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts is a family-owned Spanish hospitality company with more than 50 years experience in the travel industry. IBEROSTAR provides unique vacation experiences, rooted in superior customer service and quality, in the world’s most popular vacation destinations. With more than 100 hotels in 14 countries, IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts is committed to offering excellence in quality and service and providing personal attention to each guest. For more information, please visit www.iberostar.com.
www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 31
CASA COLINA’S
low season rates make staying at a luxurious private villa along Mexico’s Pacific Coast affordable From May 2011 through September 2011, Guests Can Experience Casa Colina’s FiveStar Services and Amenities at Low Season Prices That Are Nearly 50 Percent Off Regular Rates Considered one of Mexico’s most stunning resort areas along the Pacific Ocean between Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco, Isla Navidad is where the rich and famous come to vacation. And this summer it’s where guests can take advantage of unbeatable low season rates at one of Mexico’s most luxurious private villas perched atop a hill overlooking the turquoisecolored waters of the Pacific Ocean. Surrounded by lush landscaped gardens with views of the blue jewel-toned ocean waters below, Casa Colina, a six-bedroom private villa with its own staff and private security entrance, is offering incredible savings off its regular rates starting May 1, 2011 through September 20, 2011. Low season rates begin at $2900 per night, nearly 50 % off Casa Colina’s high season prices of $4900. The deal gets even better: Casa Colina will also offer a 5% discount per bedroom not used during a guest’s stay. So, for example, if a guest had eight people in their party and required only four rooms, they would get a 10 % discount for not using the other two bedrooms. Rates include, airport pickup and drop off, chef, staff, and laundry but exclude food, beverages, and phone charges. Casa Colina is an idyllic location for couples, honeymooners, bridal parties, girl getaways, and family reunions. It’s located in Mexico’s safest state, Jalisco, making it a popular choice for U.S. vacationers and weddings. Casa Colina’s wedding space, which includes outdoor terraces overlooking the ocean and mountains, can accommodate up to 80 guests. Travelers rave about the private villa experience at Casa Colina because as they say, “In a private villa like Casa Colina everything is yours.” -- including the villa’s: • Expansive outdoor terrace area with infinityedge pool, blue-tiled Jacuzzi, gourmet BBQ, and plush lounge chairs and umbrellas. • Surround-sound home theatre with a 65” Panasonic plasma TV, satellite receiver, and DVD player. • Fitness center with state-of-the-art machines
and fold-back windows with views of the ocean and mountains. Chilled towels and water are also available. • Private staff, including a personal chef who creates delicious and personally tailored meals. • The chic indoor/outdoor Top of the World Palapa dining area with a custom-built Estrella chandelier, fully-stocked bar, and 250-degree views of the mountains and ocean. • Lagoon View Lounge with a hand-laid brick cathedral ceiling and Balinese furnishings. Add in a pool-side massage; tours of the surrounding areas including the quaint and romantic beaches in Barra de Navidad; the famous Playa La Audiencia on Santiago Peninsula (the beach where Bo Derek’s movie “10” was filmed); and the five million-year-old Colima volcano, which is the most active volcano in Mexico, as well as horseback riding on the beach and kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving in the Pacific Ocean and you will see why Casa Colina has set a new standard for service and privacy. Guests of Casa Colina also have access to the famous Isla Navidad Grand Bay Resort, an AAA four-diamond hotel with a 27-hole golf course; lagoon-side tennis courts; horseback riding; water sports such as kayaking and catamaran Hobie Cats; and deep-sea fishing available year-round at the Grand Bay Aquatic Club. Casa Colina’s spacious six guestrooms include impeccably designed and furnished junior and master suites with balconies, private gardens, Jacuzzi tubs, and panoramic views of the ocean and mountains. Descriptions of Casa Colina’s guestrooms include: Laguna Suite: Master bedroom suite with a California King bed, shower, Jacuzzi tub, private garden, breakfast table, and plush loungers. Sueno Suite: Master bedroom suite with a California King bed, shower, Jacuzzi tub, outdoor shower, and private garden. Oceano Suite: Master bedroom suite with a California King bed, shower, and a walkout balcony. Luna Suite: Master bedroom suite with a Cal-
Destination Mexico
32 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
ifornia King bed, shower, and a walkout balcony. Estrella Suite: Junior bedroom suite with a California Queen bed, shower, Jacuzzi tub, and walkout balcony. Vista Suite: Corner bedroom suite with two queen beds, shower, Jacuzzi tub, and a walkout balcony. Casa Colina’s low season rate of $2,900 per night is offered May 1, 2011 through September 30, 2011. Other prices include Casa Colina’s high season rate of $4,900 per night December 1, 2011 through January 31, 2012 and its mid season rate of $3,800 per night October 1, 2011 through November 20, 2011 and also February 1, 2012 through April 30, 2012. A 50% deposit is required to secure booking. Balance is payable 14 days prior to booking. Security and provisioning deposit is equivalent to one night’s rate. Rates include airport pickup and drop off, chef, staff, and laundry but exclude food, beverages, and phone. During its low season period, Casa Colina also offers a 5% discount per bedroom not used. For more information about Casa Colina, visit www.casacolinamexico.com or call 1-312961-3280. Casa Colina is luxurious private villa located along Mexico’s Pacific Coast between Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco. The intimate, upscale experience at Casa Colina includes six suites with ocean and mountain views; a private chef and staff; infinity-edge pool; fitness center; and indoor and outdoor elegant private dining areas with cathedral ceilings, fireplaces, and private bar space. Considered one of Mexico’s most stunning private villas, Casa Colina is ideal for girlfriend getaways, bridal parties, honeymoons, couples getaways, and family reunions. Rates start at $2,900 per night. Closest airports include regular domestic flights from Guadalajara (30 minutes) and Mexico City (50 minutes), and Playa de Oro International Airport is just 25 minutes away.
2012
Declared Year of Mayan Culture
The Congress of the State of Yucatán unanimously approved the decree declaring “2012 – Year of Mayan Culture”. The purpose of the decree recognizing and declaring the year 2012 as “Year of the Mayan
Culture”, is to set the basis so that this year could be identified at the national and international levels. The decree also appointed a ‘Year of Mayan Culture’ Planning, Development and Promotions Committee, which will be responsible for designing the programs through which the activities, events, actions, expressions, anniversaries and other projects will be carried out to enhance and celebrate the Mayan Culture. The Committee will be presided by the Governor of the State of Yucatan and the State Secretary of Tourism, and will promote participation by all inhabitants of the state, coordinating activities with the different municipalities, State educational and cultural institutions of the State, and the private and social sectors to assure that “2012 – Year of the Mayan Culture” is celebrated by all. This initiative will also bring more investments to Yucatan as it recognizes the Mayan Culture at world level, always considering the integration and participation of all Yucatecans. This decree also reinforces the activities of the
State Department of Tourism, carried out under its vocation as a cultural destination at the international level; sharing, contributing and coordinating strategies with its brother and neighbour states of Campeche, Chiapas, Quintana Roo and Tabasco which together form the Mundo Maya region. It also provides for the coordination of activities with the Federal Department of Tourism and the Mexican Tourism Promotional Council designed around the different expectations around the world of the true meaning of the year 2012; and above all in favor of the great Mayan culture, its vast ancestral knowledge, and the pride and dignity of its inhabitants. The Mayas, Living Culture of México “We are before the great period of our times which will reveal in all its splendor the heritage of the Mayan culture and show mankind that the men and women who live in the Mundo Maya region continue to share the wisdom of their ancestors and the time has arrived.” Source: http://yucatan.gob.mx
www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 33
Meeting Planner Tips
::
MEETING PROTOCOL
Get Off the Phone and Join the Meeting! By Patsy Cisneros, AICI CIP of Corporate Icon and session speaker at the IAHMP 2011 Annual Educational Conference & Tradeshow
Presentation: Blackberry & Meeting Etiquette for Maximum Engagement It happens all too often… we’re in a meet-
son running the meeting or a highly-respected,
and several people are staring down at their
announcement to the group. This is the time to
ing or in a program session at a conference,
mobile devices with a madly moving thumb jabbing keys or sliding the qwerty touch-
screen keyboard. If you are in a leadership
position, such as a supervisory position in the
group, or a meeting planner in charge of the
success of that particular event, you may be
high-ranking participant would make an
define the protocol and decorum expected within the meeting regarding the use of a
mobile device (the company Blackberry ®
perhaps). “In the interest of respecting the time of others in this meeting, we ask that you
please turn off your cell phone (or please put
shaking your head and wondering if there’s
it on Silent), and do not rest your phone on the
tracting behavior? Or, perhaps it’s embarrass-
last [say time-frame], and we will have a short
ticipants are witnessing some bad manners in
check & respond quickly to an urgent mes-
As a corporate image development special-
calls to go to voice mail, and wait until the
something one could do to change this dis-
ing to you that a guest speaker and guest parprogress?
ist (some of us are called image consultants and/or etiquette trainers), I’m surprised that people expect me to stand up in front of the
group, shake my head with a stern facial
expression, say “tsk, tsk,” and wag my finger.
boardroom table. This meeting is projected to
3-minute break at the half-hour for you to
& Tradeshow.
Join me in my session for more gems like
this one! In the meantime, email me your results from trying this Blackberry ® & Meeting Protocol tip: patsy@corporateicon.com
sage. Otherwise, we ask that you allow your
meeting’s completion to respond. And, one
other request is…[state another meeting pro-
tocol request here].” The body language: with a considerate facial expression, gently nod
and make eye contact around the table- this
ABOUT PATSY CISNEROS
Patsy Cisneros, AICI CIP, is an executive development specialist, co-author of “The Professional Image Toolkit- How to Look like
You Mean Business” and owner/partner at
Corporate Icon® LLC- the image develop-
Hmmm. Right now, let’s clear that up: that’s
suggests they nod too in agreement. Whether
me with this article…no hair bun and no lacey
face, start immediately with the first order of
ect the quality of their knowledge and skills,
from all present.
services through their dress, speech and
what NOT to do. (Please note the picture of high collar in sight!)
Here is a quick tip that is a sample from the
presentation at the IAHMP 2011 Annual Edu-
cation Conference & Tradeshow this December. Before starting a meeting, either the per34 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
they do or don’t nod – or make an unhappy
business with an expectation of cooperation December is around the corner, and I invite
you to try this technique prior to attending the
IAHMP 2011 Annual Educational Conference
ment company. Patsy motivates, inspires and trains individuals and business groups to proj-
and the quality of their business products and
behavior.
TechnoSavvy
VISITNORFOLK OFFERS SEVERAL ::
M O B I L E A P P L I C AT I O N S
LOCATION-BASED MOBILE GAMES
In the age of mobile apps the city of Norfolk,
Allen, vice president of sales & marketing.
ingenious fashion.
CVBs in the nation to use SCVNGR.”
Virginia embraces the technology in an VisitNorfolk has partnered with “SCVN-
We are also very proud to be one of the first To begin any one of the SCVNGR games,
GR,” a geo-gaming platform, to create three
open up the SCVNGR application from an
one on any mobile device – two walking tours
iPhone or Droid, send the text message code
interactive games that can be played by any-
iPhone or Droid.
If you are without an
inside the Chrysler Museum of Art.
Instructions on how to play SCVNGR are
located online at www.visitnorfolktoday.com or at Main Street & Ocean View Visitor Cen-
ter offices.
About Norfolk, Virginia
Considered the dynamic heart of Virginia’s storied
Hampton Roads region, Norfolk attracts thousands of travelers each year to enjoy its lively downtown
waterfront and 144 miles of shimmering coastline.
of Norfolk, including Ghent & a Granby
728647 to SCVNGR to receive further direc-
folk. This allows tourists & residents to
player a list of location-based questions, rid-
tact Jackie Lozano Payne, VisitNorfolk Sales Man-
These questions, riddles, and challenges,
toll free at 800-368-3097. Jackie is an active mem-
Street bar crawl, and one driving tour of Nor-
tions on how to play. Each game provides the
explore Norfolk’s most famous attractions &
dles, and challenges pertaining to Norfolk.
“This innovative, cutting-edge technology
which take less than six seconds to solve,
visitors & residents in a fun way, said Donna
shops & restaurants, to Granby Street, and
best hidden gems in a fun, new way.
presents a unique opportunity to connect with
exist everywhere in Norfolk; from coffee
For more information about Norfolk, visit the city on the Web at www.visitnorfolktoday.com, or con-
ager – Multicultural Markets at 757-664-6620 or ber of the International Association of Hispanic Meeting Professionals.
www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 35
Gulf Coast Vacations Pensacola, Florida What's New in Pensacola for Summer 2011 Warm water splashing, Blue Angels flying, fresh seafood cooking, live music playing, fireworks sparkling – these are the makings of summer vacation memories in the Pensacola Bay Area. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, visitors find plenty to do in the Pensacola Bay Area, whether it's delighting in the clear emerald waters, building sugar-white sand castles or participating in one of the many special events. Here's what's happening this summer in the Pensacola Bay Area:
CVB News
• Visit Pensacola has launched a mobile Web site. Visitors can access VisitPensacola.com from their smart phone for travel trips, deals, special events, nightlife, videos and more. • For updates on the status of the area beaches, visit CuriousAboutOurCoast.com
Transportation
• The Pensacola Gulf Coast Regional Airport is nearing completion of its $80 million renovation. Enhancements include an expanded rental car facility and security area, additional parking, artistic terrazzo flooring, free Fly Easy luggage carts, 10 new loading bridges, water-filling stations and double-sided restrooms with a family and nursing facility. Soon to take off this spring will be CNN TVs at each gate and the Airport & 12th hotel and retail development, Hyatt Place, to be completed in 2013. www.flypensacola.com • Vision Airlines has announced new nonstop service to the Northwest Florida Regional Airport, an hour's drive from the Pensacola Bay Area. The company offers fares as low as $49. Markets include Niagara Falls, NY; Louisville, Ky.; Chattanooga, Knoxville and Memphis, Tenn.; Charlotte and Asheville, NC; Greenville/Spartanburg and Colombia, SC; Atlanta, Macon and Savannah, GA; Huntsville and Birmingham, Ala.; Little Rock, Ark.; Shreveport and Baton 36 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
Rouge, La.; Dallas and Houston, Texas; and Orlando/Sanford, St. Petersburg/Tampa, Punta Gorda and Miami, Fla. • Sorrento Road has been renamed Perdido Key Parkway to better brand the significant business corridor that is the gateway leading into Perdido Key.
Summer Travel Deals
• PointeSouth Vacation Rentals – Save 20 percent with advanced bookings on summer vacations on Perdido Key, (866) 9212794, www.pointesouth.com • Southern Resort Vacation Rentals – Save 20 percent with advanced bookings on summer vacations on Pensacola Beach, (866) 643-0137, www.southernresorts.com
Lodging, Dining and Attractions
• The Holiday Inn Resort opened Feb. 25 on Pensacola Beach. Amenities include a cascading waterfall, lazy river pool, game room, full-service restaurant, kids activities and suites. 14 Via De Luna Drive, (850) 932-5331, www.holidayinnresorts.com/pensacolabeach • The Margaritaville Beach Hotel has just completed renovations to its restaurant and beach bar. LandShark Landing now features live entertainment nightly. Other upgrades include kids activities, a beach fire pit and outdoor eating area. Frank & Lola Love Pensacola Café has experienced a facelift with new décor. The restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serves cheeseburgers in paradise and margaritas. 165 Fort Pickens Road, (850) 9169755, www.margaritavillehotel.com • The Pensacola Courtyard by Marriott completed a full renovation. A new bistro-style restaurant offers Starbucks coffee along with a full breakfast and dinner daily. The lobby includes a station for printing boarding passes and getting directions to various attractions. The guestrooms feature new bedding, curtains, décor, carpet and granite vanities in the bathroom.
451 Creighton Road, (850) 857-7744, www.marriott.com/pnscy • Portofino Boardwalk on Santa Rosa Sound offers dining, shopping and nightlife. The boardwalk welcomes several new stores and restaurants this season. Guests will love Laguna's relaxed, open-air atmosphere and Southern tapas, comfort food and specialty tequila drinks. Beach-side service is also available. Shoppers can stop by Envie for swimwear, unique fashions and accessories for men, women and children. By day at The Fitting Room, guests can enjoy coffee, tea and pastries with their Wi-Fi and by night sip wine and beer while experiencing art exhibitions, designer trunk shows and live music. 400 Quietwater Beach, (850) 932-1500, www.visitpensacolabeach.com • On June 28, the Pensacola Celebrity Chefs will showcase Gulf Coast cuisine at New York's acclaimed James Beard House, which is considered the premier stage for America's finest chefs. The chefs include Frank Taylor of Global Grill, Dan Dunn of H2O, Irv Miller of Jackson's Steakhouse, Jim Shirley of the Fish House and Gus Silivos of Skopelos/Nancy's Haute affairs, all from Pensacola. The James Beard Foundation, established in 1986, honors James Beard, cookbook author and teacher who is considered the father of American gastronomy. Included in the menu by the Florida chefs will be signature dishes, such as asparagus-crusted soft-shell crab, fresh scamp, seared tuna and fried green tomatoes, Alligator Point clams and Andouilleencrusted Gulf oysters, that use ingredients sourced from the waters of Northwest Florida. All dishes will be paired with wine. www.PensacolaCelebrityChefs.com.
Gulf Coast Vacations|Pensacola, Florida
• Rave Motion Pictures theatre in Pensacola has added an IMAX theatre. Visitors can watch feature films such as Disney's 3-D movie "Mars Needs Moms," on the IMAX screen. The National Naval Aviation Museum also features an IMAX theatre which shows documentaries and educational features. 5149 Bayou Blvd., (850) 475-2240, www.ravemotionpictures.com
Anniversaries in 2011
• 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation – Pensacola will host numerous special events and exhibits to commemorate 100 years of naval aviation. www.celebrateflight.com. • 150th Anniversary of the Civil War – The Pensacola Bay Area played a significant role in the Civil War. Visitors can explore massive brick fortresses that once housed Union and Confederate troops and tour antebellum homes and the oldest church in Florida that survived the war. www.VisitPensacola.com
Summer Events
• Evenings in Olde Seville Square. Thursdays mid May-Aug. This well-attended summer concert series features a variety of musical styles from big band to jazz and from Broadway to modern dance. (850) 438-6505 • Bands on the Beach. Tuesdays May-Oct. Local musical favorites play at Gulfside Pavilion. (850) 932-2257, www.visitpensacolabeach.com • Sounds of Summer. June-Aug. The beat goes on with this free concert series most Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at the Portofino Boardwalk amphitheatre. (850) 932-1500, www.pensacolabeachchamber.com • Fiesta Days Celebration. June 2-10. This annual event celebrates the founding of Pensacola with a boat parade, street parade, sand-sculpting contest and more. (850) 433-6512, www.fiestaoffiveflags.org • 41st Annual Bill Hargreaves Fishing Rodeo. June 18-19. Great fishing from the Grand Lagoon Yacht Club, (850) 4924660, www.visitperdido.com • Shallow Water Slam. June 25. Redfish, flounder and speckled trout are the game in this tournament. Take-off and weigh-in will be at Flounder's Chowder House on Pensacola Beach. www.pensacolakingmack.com • Bud Light King Mackerel/Cobia Tournament. June 25. See some of the biggest king mackerel and cobia caught at the largest two-day boat event in the Gulf of
Mexico. www.pensacolakingmack.com • 41st Annual Pensacola International Billfish Tournament. June 30-July 3. The Pensacola Big Game Fishing Club hosts one of the country's largest billfish tournaments at Palafox Pier with more than $500,000 in cash prizes. (850) 453-4638, www.pbgfc.com • 4th of July Celebration. July 4. The family-oriented, patriotic event held downtown is the largest 4th of July celebration on the Gulf Coast. Fireworks displays are also on Perdido Key and Pensacola Beach. (850) 434-1234, www.visitpensacola.com • Ronald McDonald Firecracker 5K. July 4. Start the holiday with a fun run downtown. (850) 477-2273, www.rmhpensacola.org • Red, White and Blues Week. July 4-9.This week-long celebration on Pensacola Beach kicks off with a fireworks extravaganza and ends with the Blue Angels show. (850) 9321500, www.pensacolabeachchamber.com • Pensacola Beach Air Show. July 9. This must-see event features a show by the world-famous Blue Angels. (850) 9322257, www.visitpensacolabeach.com • Gallery Night. July 15. Enjoy an evening of arts and culture by touring downtown art galleries open 5-9 p.m. www.downtownpensacola.com • Bushwacker Festival and 5K. Aug. 5-7. This festival is centered around Pensacola's favorite adult beverage: the milk chocolately bushwacker. Enjoy a fun run and a celebration on the boardwalk. (850) 434-1234, www.visitpensacola.com • Restaurant Week. Aug.16-20. The Fish House, Jackson's Steakhouse and Atlas Oyster House will team up to present a three-course, fixed price dinner using the
best in local and seasonal ingredients for $33 per person, per restaurant. www.goodgrits.com • 3rd Annual Perdido Key Open. Sept. 1618. Play beach volleyball right on the Gulf of Mexico. (850) 492-4660, www.perdidokeyopen.com • Jamaican Fest. Sept. 2-4. Featuring live music, The Kids Zone, sidewalk sale and the "Anything that Floats" race and bathtub races in Santa Rosa Sound. (850) 9321500, www.pensacolabeachchamber.com
For more information on "What's New," contact Visit Pensacola at (800) 874-1234 and (850) 434-1234. Or visit us online at www.VisitPensacola.com or VisitPensacola.Blogspot.com. www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 37
Entertainers Profile
Shayla Rivera
Rivera grew up with an avid interest in science, machinery and fixing things. Rivera’s family always encouraged her to go to college and have a professional career. Rivera attended Texas A&M University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace engineering. Then she joined McDonnell-Douglas Space Systems at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, working on NASA’s shuttle and space station programs for the next eight years. Stymied by a lack of enthusiasm for her field, Rivera left to pursue her abiding interest in psychology and became a motivational speaker. It was while she was conducting stress management seminars as a corporate trainer that Rivera discovered her comedic skills. Rivera signed up for a weekend class on stand-up comedy, at the end of which she performed a five-minute routine. It was a rousing success and a personal turning point. “I knew I had found what I was looking for,” Rivera recalled. Almost immediately Rivera became a regular at the Comedy Showcase in Houston, where she honed her act for the next four years. She gave up her day job and went on the road where she continued to work widely on the comedy circuit, and in 1999 moved to Los Angeles. She used her experiences to create the hit one-woman show “Rocket Science and Salsa,” directed by Debbie Allen, in
The Funny Rocket Scientist Comedian, Host, Actor, Writer, Keynote Speaker & Geek.
Shayla Rivera has been named "Funniest Latina Comedian" by the prestigious organization "Latin 2015". Born and raised in Puerto Rico,
which Rivera earned a "Best Lead Actress" nomination by the NAACP Theater Awards. She has appeared on various television shows and was featured in the "Paul Rodriguez Latin All Stars." She has also headlined on entertainment programs for Univision, Galavision and on “The Latino Comedy Jam” for Telemundo, In 2004, Rivera received the “Mario Moreno Cantinflas Award” presented by the city of Los Angeles in recognition of entertainers who "represent the Latino Community with the same humor as the great Cantinflas did" and for her involvement in the community. Rivera continues to perform live nationwide and is very proud of her tours to entertain US troops in Iraq. In addition, she applies her expertise as a motivational speaker to help many non-profit organizations, charitable and educational programs. For booking contact: FUNNY ROCKET SCIENTIST INC. DARRYL DAUGHERTY: (818) 371-0091; darryl.j.daugherty@gmail.com Or visit www.shaylarivera.com to view clips of Shayla’s stand-up routine.
eventscalendar m e e t i n g s
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c o n f e r e n c e s
National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering National Symposium St. Paul, MN October 18-20, 2011 Hispanic Scholarship Fund • Alumni Hall of Fame & Education Summit 2011 The Plaza Hotel New York City, NY October 24, 2011 Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Annual Conference Anaheim, CA Oct. 26-30, 2011 Society for the Advancement of Chicanos & Native Americans in Science National Conference San Jose, CA October 27-30, 2011 Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities 25th Annual Conference Grand Hyatt San Antonio San Antonio, Texas October 29-31, 2011
International Association of Hispanic Meeting Professionals
National Association of Hispanic Publications October 2011 Annual Convention Las Vegas, Nevada
16th Annual Conference, Hotel Albuquerque, Albuquerque, New Mexico, December 7-10, 2011 June National Association of Latino Elected Officials 28th Annual Conference Grand Hyatt San Antonio San Antonio, Texas June 23-25, 2011 League of United Latin American Citizens National Convention & Exposition Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza Hyatt Regency Cincinnati Duke Energy Convention Center Cincinnati, OH June 27-July 2, 2011
August National Association of Hispanic Firefighters Annual Conference & Business Meeting Georgia World Congress Center Atlanta, GA August 24-25, 2011
September Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, Inc. • Public Policy Conference Embassy Suites Washington D.C. Convention Center Hotel; Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill September 11-13, 2011 Washington, D.C.
July National Association of Hispanic Nurses Annual Conference Flamingo Hotel Las Vegas, NV July 19-22, 2011
United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Fountainbleu Hotel Miami Beach, FL September 18-21, 2011
November National Society for Hispanic Professionals Diversity Job Fair Holiday Inn Decatur Conference Center Atlanta, GA September 28, 2011
October The 23rd Annual HENAAC Conference Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Lake Buena Vista, FL October 6-8, 2011 National Society of Hispanic MBA’s Conference & Career Expo Anaheim Convention Center Anaheim, CA October 13-15, 2011 Hispanic American Police Command Officers Association 38th National Training Conference Norfolk, VA Waterside Marriott October 16-20, 2011
Hispanic Dental Association 19th Annual Meeting Mission Bay Hilton Resort & Spa San Diego, CA November 3-5, 2011 Latino Hotel Association Annual Conference & Expo Tropicana Las Vegas November 16-18, 2011 Latino Hotel Association Battle of the Brands Event Tropicana Las Vegas November 17, 2011
December IAHMP/CIMPA 16th Annual Conference & Tradeshow Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town Albuquerque, New Mexico December 7-10, 2011
www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 39
Featured Quinceañera: Andrea Elizabeth Rojas Date: Saturday, January 24, 2009 Location: Clear Lake City & Seabrook, Texas, USA
Quince magazine asked Mrs. Dalia Rojas to reflect on her daughter Andrea’s quinceañera and the journey her family took to make Andrea’s quince a reality.
rom the moment our daughter, Andrea Elizabeth, was born we knew she was going to have a quinceañera. Not only did her parents know, but our entire families knew. My father was also looking forward to this event, but he passed away a year before Andrea’s celebration. I had the wonderful experience of having a quinceañera so I knew my daughter would have one also. So basically we had been waiting for her quinceañera for a very long time. I clearly remember seeing for the first time the movie, Anastasia, with my daughter Andrea and the moment I heard the song “Once Upon a December,” I knew that would be the song my daughter and my husband would waltz to given that my daughter was born in December. A year before the event, we worked on finding a church, a reception hall and most importantly a priest to help celebrate my daughter’s quinceañera. I wanted Fr. Jeff Scheeler of Cincinnati, Ohio to be the celebrant given that he married us and baptized my daughter at the Rice University Catholic Student Center. Unfortunately, given his demanding schedule he was not available. So we set out to find a church that would be supportive of this very special celebration. That church was St. Clare of Assisi in Clear Lake City. Charles Giardinia of St. Clare’s did a phenomenal job of preparing Andrea and her friends for this great celebration. He brought into focus the meaning and the focus of this celebration. Approximately six months prior to the quinceañera, we set out to Monterrey, Mexico to find the perfect dress for Andrea. In Monterrey is where I found my quinceañera dress and my wedding dress. I wanted to make sure that Andrea wore a dress that looked like a fifteen year old would wear. One of the neatest things about looking for a dress in Monterrey, is the fact that there is an area in town where there are so many shops
F
that sell quinceañera dresses that it feels as though you are walking through a catalog. Finding Andrea’s dress proved to be a little more challenging than we expected. It took us a day and a half to find the dress, but once we saw the dress in the showcase we knew we had found it. Shopping for a dress turned out to be a family event. Andrea’s grandmother, aunts, and second cousins all went along to find the perfect dress. It was great bonding time for my daughter and me. Once we found the perfect dress, we were all so very overjoyed because walking in Monterrey in July is not always a very pleasant experience due to the heat. As I talked further with my cousins, one of them mentioned having a theme for Andrea’s quinceañera. After thinking about it, we decided the theme for Andrea’s quinceañera would be butterflies, not only because it is a sign of a new beginning, but because Andrea is a competitive swimmer and her best stroke is the 100 yard butterfly. Shopping in Monterrey was a great experience because around the same area where we found Andrea’s dress, there was another section, where there was an entire block of print shops.
U.S. Quinceañeras Facts and Figures The Hispanic market today is the most rapidly expanding market in the United States In 2007, $400 million was spent on Quinceañera parties Families spend an average of $4,000 to $5,000 on a Quinceañera The U.S. Hispanic teen population will grow 18% by 2012, with 400,000 Hispanic girls turning 15 every year (Facts and figures provided by mediabuyerplanner.com and portada-online.com
Quince Magazine | 2
thing to happen to it. Shortly after Andrea was done dressing, her friends arrived as well as the limousine. They headed out to the church and soon after the ceremony began. It was a beautiful ceremony officiated by Fr. Dominic Piston. Andrea’s friends marched in and we escorted Andrea to the altar. There were several gifts that were presented to Andrea at the church. The gifts were presented by women who have had a strong influence on Andrea’s life. The gifts presented to her were a rosary, Bible, a candle, a rose, crucifix and a medallion of which each has a symbolic religious meaning. Andrea also presented a It was there that we ordered Andrea’s invitations that were printed in both English and Spanish, prayers for the church, custom napkins and custom candy boxes. We ordered everything we needed and within a month we returned to pick up our order embellished with pink butterflies.
weekend. We had the church rehearsal and a pizza party for Andrea, her friends and out of town guests at the church reception hall. Saturday morning, Andrea, Andrea’s friend Cassandra, and I headed out to the hair dresser for a 7:30a.m. appointment. My husband and a group of friends headed
bouquet of roses to the Virgin Mary and prayed for guidance and spiritual growth. As we escorted Andrea out of the church, she was greeted in true Mexican tradition with a Mariachi Band. The traditional “La Negra” song greeted our daughter as she left the church. It really is exciting to hear that song.
At first we thought that we, the family, could decorate the reception hall, but the more we thought about it, the more we knew that there would be so much going on the morning of the quinceañera that we decided to hire a professional decorator. That was probably one of the best decisions that we made. We indicated to her what we were interested in and she ran with our ideas. Two weeks before the quinceañera, we went to the reception hall to get a clear understanding of the layout of the tables and how each table was going to be decorated. The weekend of Andrea’s quinceañera was so exciting. A few days before the event, it was exciting to go to the airport and begin picking up family members that were coming to the celebration. I will never forget when one of my cousins flew in from Tampico, I was working with the printer for the church program and she called me to let me know that she was at the airport waiting for me. I had mistakenly understood that she was arriving at 9:00p.m. and not 9:00a.m.! Having family members stay with us at our home was just great! It was a reminder that you are in a celebratory mode. Two of my neighbors graciously offered their spare bedrooms to us, but we managed just fine. Friday evening, kicked off Andrea’s quinceañera 3 | Quince Magazine
to the reception hall to help the decorator set up tables. After Andrea and I finished with the hairdresser, Cassi, did our make up in our home. Once we were done, Cassi and I helped Andrea get into her beautiful quinceañera dress. I remember when we evacuated for Hurricane Ike I took her dress with us to make sure nothing happened to it. The dress had come from afar and we did not want any-
The reception did not start until late in the evening, so after the church ceremony, family and out of town guests were invited to our home for lunch. While Andrea and her friends sat down for lunch, family and out of town guests were invited to ride in the limousine which was a real special treat for them.
It was a great time to take a break and play basketball to ease the stress of the day. Following lunch, the kids went on a limousine ride around town. When the time came, they returned to be taken to the reception hall. When we all arrived at the reception, Andrea, her parents and brother walked in and again were greeted by a mariachi band. Following the grand entrance, Tom Permetti, a close family friend gave a beautiful speech and his appreciation of being part of the festivities and blessed the food so that the reception could begin. Having a bilingual Master of Ceremonies, Mike Lutomski, was also great. He truly helped organize the entire evening festivities. As the guests dined, the mariachi band continued serenading the crowd and then the crowd was treated to a violin soloist by Dr. John Romanko. That entertainment was a special treat. When the reception was ending it was time to make Andrea’s grand presentation to society. She was escorted in by her parents and her brother. Before Andrea danced a waltz with her father to the music of “Once Upon a December” her father switched her flat slippers to her new high heeled shoes as a symbol of her becoming a young lady. As a parent, standing by and watching this event, you can’t help but get a knot in your throat. It was a beautiful waltz and
Andrea really did look like Anastasia! After she
could be done better so that the next time we plan
waltzed with her Dad, her escort danced two more
a major event we know what to do.
songs with her. It was just awesome!
In true Mexican tradition, we hosted another
After the waltzes, the dance began. The kids had
reception the following day, where we served
a wonderful time with great music, balloons, silly
tamales and pozole. Family, friends and out of town
string, etc. As the night went on, the cake was sliced
guests were invited once again to come and enjoy
and everyone enjoyed a delicious piece.
the festivities. I believe that everyone who came tru-
There was a lot of planning that went into this
ly had a great time. Today, all of the memories sit in
event. There was a lot of help from family, neighbors
a curio cabinet in our formal dining room. Andrea’s
and friends to make the event as successful as it
tiara, church gifts, shoes, and bouquet are all in this
was. The whole time I was thinking what would my
curio so the day she marries and leaves our home
Dad say and that helped me plan a lot of things. A
these mementos will be given to her and the tradi-
week later our family had a debriefing meeting to
tion can be passed down.
discuss what we liked, what we didn’t like, and what
Quince Magazine | 4
Remembering my Quince … 25 years later Quince magazine’s Editor, Maria de la Luz Gonzalez, presents us with a special look back at her quinceañera. s I approach my 40th birthday I have been
A
looking back at the significant times and events throughout my life. One event in par-
ticular brings me special memories and warm feelings – my quinceañera. It took place in the summer of 1986. I remember this summer well because I had just survived my freshman year of high school, we had family visiting from Michigan, The Karate Kid Part 2 was in theaters and Ralph Macchio posters were splattered all over my bedroom walls and my father was laid off a week before my quince. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. (I find it a bit ironic that 25 years later we are in the midst of another economic slump and that Ralph Macchio is still making pop culture headlines, thanks to Dancing with the Stars.) Despite the financial blow we sustained so close to my fiesta de quince I remember lots of laughter and fun times due to my close relationship with my sister, the camaraderie among my damas and chambelanes, and all my family members descending upon our home and my aunts’ homes as the special day approached. I was surrounded by family
Quinceañera Feature: Maria de la Luz Sarabia Date: July 19, 1986 Location: Houston, Texas, USA 5 | Quince Magazine
and friends and that made the summer of ’86 so special. I was not very hands on in the planning of my quince. My mother took the lead in planning the quinceañera as most mothers do. The truth is at age 14 most girls do not feel empowered to make major decision making…. All we care about is the color scheme, who will be in the court of honor and the music. (Am I right?) I remember telling my mom I wanted a pink dress for myself and my damas. She found and bought my dress during a trip to Monterrey, Mexico. She also found the neighborhood seamstress who designed and made all the damas’ dresses. I do remember telling my mom that I wanted my damas to carry Spanish fans so I take full credit for making that decision. I also remember my decision to have the chambelanes wear grey tuxes since I loved the pink & grey combo color scheme. Looking back at the pictures of my quince I am thinking I went overboard on the pink – perhaps I should have added a little grey to the damas as well. I now realize I did make some small yet significant decisions on my quince but my mother was the one who found the church, the hall, the music, decided the menu, ordered the invitations, made
the guest list, gathered padrinos (my dad helped a lot in this area), & found the neighborhood cake making lady. I do remember my cake…it was amazing! I remember going to the cake lady’s home and the delicious samples she made for us. My mother and I made the joint decision to purchase the cake made up of individual cakes that were tiered and connected with pillars, stairs and other props. The whole cake set up took up the length of a 6 foot table with a “champagne” like fountain in the middle of it. And the best part was that each individual cake was made of different flavors. There was chocolate, vanilla, lemon, strawberry, pineapple, coconut cake…you name it - we had it! That cake was amazingly beautiful and a huge hit at the fiesta.
Want to be featured in Without a doubt the best part of my quince was my court of honor which was comprised of my sister, cousins, old friends, new friends and even people I really didn’t know – my cousin Geno’s dama was his actual girlfriend who I had never met but she wanted to be in the quinceañera so I said yes! I had a court of 23 plus my chambelan. I remember going with them to get fitted for their dresses or tuxes, rehearsing the Venetian Waltz we performed during the dance, and the closeness we all came to have by the time my quince rolled around. The ceremony took place at Annunciation Church in downtown Houston. We picked this church because after searching throughout the city it was the only one that had a date available close to my birthday of August 18. So we had to celebrate my quince a month early but we were ok with that. We had a beautiful ceremony, I loved walking down the aisle with both my parents at my sides and I remember the resounding echo due to the amazing acoustics of the church. Every time we drive by downtown or go to an Astros game (the ballpark is across the street from Annunciation) I can see the peaks of the church and it always puts a smile on my face. That church has held a special place in my heart for the past 25 years. The reception was held at a local neighborhood hall. I remember we had close to 400 people show up – way more than expected but my parents managed to seat everyone. I was pretty oblivious to the logistics of the actual fiesta. I just remember the cake, performing the waltz, the norteño band and having fun! Looking back I realize the hard work my parents did to plan, execute and pay for my quince!! As 14 and 15 year olds we do not realize the significant impact an event like a quinceañera has on a family, on finances, even on our parents’ marriage or relationship. Our parents and family go through a lot to sacrifice for us quinceañeras on this special day so we should never lose sight of that. I want to finish remembering my quinceñeara by sharing the funniest moment of my fiesta which occurred on the morning of my quince. Unbeknown to me, my dad had forgotten to buy new dress shoes and as he was getting dressed he realized how tattered his shoes actually were. My mother was mortified at the thought that my dad would have to wear them since there was no time to go shopping that day. As my parents were walking to the car to head to the church a man approached our front gate and said he was selling some
QUINCE Magazine?
Quince Magazine is currently looking for quinceañeras to feature in its upcoming issues. We want to hear from you if: You’ve had a quinceañera in the last 3 years Have a unique story to tell about your quince fiesta Are beginning your quince planning and would like for us to chronicle your journey
Contact the Editor of Quince Magazine at mdgonzalez@hispanicmeetingstravel.com to submit your name and information. A Quince Magazine staff member will follow up with you to work out the details of your feature. Placement on the magazine’s cover is the sole discretion of the editor and is not guaranteed.
shoes if anybody wanted to buy them. My dad quickly asked to see them. He couldn’t believe they were black dress shoes in his size!! “Ya la hiciste Ruben” my mom said to my dad as she paid the passing salesman. God was truly looking out for us on that special day…25 years ago.
Quince Magazine | 6
Verizon's My Fabulous Quince Contest Offers Teens the Opportunity to Win a Quinceañera of Their Dreams Latin Music Hottest New Artist, Prince Royce, to Perform at Grand Prize Winner's Party
From July 1 through August 31, teens across the United States will have the chance to enter to win the Quince of their dreams as part of Verizon's My Fabulous Quince contest. Eligible teens from 13 participating cities and surrounding areas (Los Angeles, San Diego, Fresno, El Paso, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, Tampa, Miami, Albuquerque, Secaucus, Chicago and Washington, D.C.) can participate by submitting an essay online or at Verizon Wireless My Fabulous Quince expos. For details, visit: http://www.myfabulousquince.com. Thirteen winners will receive an all-expenses-paid Quince, as well as a college scholarship and Verizon products. “At Verizon, we recognize that our customers celebrate different types of traditions. The Quince tradition marks a coming of age milestone for a young lady and has long been celebrated by Latino families across the United States. Although generally celebrated for girls, there are more 15-year-old boys celebrating this cultural event,” said Elva Lima, executive director of community relations and multicultural communications at Verizon Wireless. “This contest will give a young lady or man the Quince of their dreams. We encourage teens of all backgrounds to join us by participating in My Fabulous Quince.” Contest Entry, Selection Process and Prizes Following the contest entry phase, 20 finalists will be selected from each of the 13 participating cities. From September 8 through 22, 7 | Quince Magazine
consumers can vote online or text in their vote for their favorite finalist. The finalist with the highest number of votes will win the grand prize, consisting of an all-expenses-paid Quince for up to 200 guests, a $5,000 college scholarship, three Verizon smartphones and an exclusive performance by multi-platinum recording artist Prince Royce who will sing his greatest hits including: "Stand By Me," "Corazon Sin Cara" and "Mi Última Carta." “I'm excited to be part of Verizon's My Fabulous Quince and to be able to make one of my fan's dreams come true,” said Prince Royce. “Growing up, I enjoyed going to Quinceañeras, and this time around I'll have the chance to share that special moment with the grand prize winner.” The top finalist in each of the remaining 12 cities will receive a first prize package, which includes a Quince for 100 guests with all expenses covered by Verizon, as well as a $2,500 college scholarship and a Verizon smartphone.
Quince Expos and Prince Royce Meet & Greets Teens and their families around the country will also have the chance to get up close and personal with Prince Royce at the My Fabulous Quince expos at select Verizon Wireless stores and through the new Prince Royce app, available to Verizon Wireless customers. Quince expos and Prince Royce meet-andgreets will take place in the following cities. For times and event details, visit:
Quince Expos & Prince Royce Meet-and-Greets
Oxnard, Calif. July 9, 2011 Chula Vista, Calif. ......July 10, 2011 El Paso, Texas ..........July 16, 2011 Albuquerque, N.M. ....July 17, 2011 Houston, Texas ..........July 23, 2011 San Antonio, Texas ....July 24, 2011 Tampa, Fla. ................July 30, 2011 Hialeah, Fla. ..............July 31, 2011 Secaucus, N.J. ........August 6, 2011 Gaithersburg, M.D...August 7, 2011 Irving, Texas ..........August 13, 2011 Chicago, Ill. ..........August 20, 2011 Fresno, Calif. ........August 27, 2011
http://www.myfabulousquince.com. Expo attendees will receive tips on how to plan a Quince celebration on any budget, as well as exclusive offers from local vendors. In addition, attendees can donate no-longer-used wireless phones to HopeLine® from Verizon to help support victims of domestic violence and help protect the environment by disposing of wireless phones in an environmentally sound way.
Attendees who make a donation to HopeLine® from Verizon will receive a VIP pass, which will guarantee them access to meet Prince Royce at the My Fabulous Quince expos. The Prince Royce app with the latest Prince Royce news, audio, video and information on the My Fabulous Quince contest and expos is now available to download from Android Market™ for Verizon Wireless customers with 4G
Dioselyn Maximo is crowned the Verizon My Fabulous Quince 2010 winner.
LTE Android™ smartphones and select 3G Android mobile devices. For more information about Verizon's My Fabulous Quince, including contest rules, eligibility and Quince expos, please visit www.myfabulousquince.com. About Verizon Wireless Verizon Wireless operates the nation's fastest, most advanced 4G network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 104 million total wireless connections, including more than 88 million retail customers. Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone. For more information,
Dioselyn is surrounded by her family and friends after winning the 2010 Verizon My Fabulous Quince Con-
visit www.verizonwireless.com. About Prince Royce Breakthrough Latin recording artist Prince Royce has exploded into the mainstream with his fresh urban approach to traditional bachata music, fusing Tropical Latin with contemporary R&B and pop rhythms. Royce's selftitled debut album, released in 2010, has been certified double platinum, while garnering a 2010 Latin Grammy® nomination, three 2011 Premio Lo Nuestro Awards and four 2011 Latin Billboard Awards. "Prince Royce" became the #1 Latin album in the country, more than a year after its release, marking an unprecedented achievement for a developing Latin music artist. Royce's first single, a bilingual bachata cover of the 1961 Ben E. King classic, "Stand By Me," reached the #1 position on the Billboard Tropical Airplay chart; and his second single, "Corazon Sin Cara," written by Royce himself, fared even better, shooting up to #1 on Billboard's Latin Songs chart. The artist has had two sold-out tours in Europe, one in the U.S., and has been invited by Enrique Iglesias to be a special guest on his fall 2011 tour of North America. Royce has recently entered into an exclusive, long-term, worldwide recording deal with Atlantic Records via a joint venture with Top Stop Music to release his next albums in English and Spanish.
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Next CDMP Program and Exam
December 7, 2011 • Hotel Albuquerque in Albuquerque, New Mexico Stay ahead of the Pack - Register today and become a CDMP!
The CDMP is a globally recognized professional certification program focusing on global diversity inclusion and sustainability within the meetings and conventions industry. Certified Professionals become more culturally aware of their customer base which allows for relevance and competitiveness in a global market. To learn more about the CDMP and our expert trainers and register for the CDMP Program, visit
Carlos Conejo, CSSBB
Peak Performance Seminars & Multicultural Associates
CDMP USA Trainer
Carole Copeland Thomas
Multiculturalism, Global Diversity & Leadership Training
CDMP USA Trainer
Michael Soon Lee, MBA, CSP President EthnoConnect CDMP USA Trainer
Linda Pereira
Executive Director CPL Events CDMP European Trainer