Come join us in Atlantic City!
20TH CONFERENCE ANNIVERSARY
“Promoting Diversity in the Meetings & Hospitality Industry” Register for the conference at www.IAHMP.org
October 20-24, 2015 Tropicana Casino & Resort - Atlantic City
• U.S. Hispanic Meetings Market update • Diversity issues in the industry
• One on one appointments with national meeting planners
• Certified Diversity Meeting Professional (CDMP) course offered
• Meeting Planner Hosted Buyer Program includes complimentary 4 night accommodations, R/T airfare, all F&B
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
This year is shaping up to be an exciting one for the travel and meetings industry. Virgin Hotels has opened its first hotel in the world in our very own windy city, Chicago. The unique brand that is Virgin will definitely revolutionize the hospitality industry with its vivacious use of color and style. Our feature on this new hotel begins on page 8 and I think you will agree with me in thinking of heading to Chi town to check out this awesome looking property.
There is also a new direction in the wind when it comes to travel in the Caribbean thanks to the new diplomatic direction the U.S. has taken with Cuba. Even though the rush of Corporate America into that island nation may still be years away, the Hiltons, Starbucks and Southwest Airlines of the
CONTENTS
industry are salivating with the mere thought of possibility to put their mark on this new travel market. Current opportunity is being carved into travel websites, phone service and insurance industries. See who is taking advantage of the Cuban horizon on page 10.
A major industry celebration is taking place in 2015 with the 20th Conference Anniversary of the International Association of Hispanic Meeting Professionals (IAHMP). This dynamic group is celebrating in Atlantic City in October with a program that is sure to knock the socks off meeting planners and suppliers alike. Hope to see you there. ¡Felicidades IAHMP!
María de la Luz González Publisher and Editor
SPRING
2015
COVER STORY
I
VOL 17
I
NO 1
16
12 ....................Florida Meeting Destinations
FEATURES 08....................New & Renovated Properties 10 ......................Spotlight Destination: CUBA 16 ......................................East Coast Meetings 22 ..........................Hispanic SUMMER Travel
22
DEPARTMENTS 03 ..........................................Publisher’s Letter 04 ..............Contributing Editor’s Comments 04 ................................................................Credits 06 ................................................Industry Briefs 11 ....................................................Techno Savvy 21..........................................Calendar of Events Cover Photo: Jacksonville Skyline with St. Johns River. Credit: Ken McCray (VISIT FLORIDA).
In the Next Issue SUMMER 2015 • Texas Meeting Destinations • Convention & Visitor Bureaus • Gulf Coast Destinations • Hispanic Associations Update
Diversity Initiatives in the Hospitality Industry: Setting Priorities
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR’S COMMENTS
Hospitality, The Travel and Tourism industry is one of our nation’s most important industries and Hispanics could play an important role if diversity initiatives included Hispanics.
Most Hispanics who will talk about diversity issues in the meetings and hospitality industry will tell you that in their opinion companies do not manage diversity very effectively. In fact, it has been stated that less than 10% of Fortune 1000 companies manage diversity effectively and many don’t manage it at all.
Hispanics appear to get lost in the “diversity equation” as they continue to be underrepresented among the executive ranks of the industry. Whether at convention and visitors bureaus, hotel corporate offices, and just about any other company in this industry, very few Hispanics can be seen in executive positions. Hispanics can be found in the sales positions targeting Mexico and other Latin countries, but it is rare to find a Hispanic heading up a Bureau or a corporate position even in cities where Hispanics are the majority population.
Setting diversity priorities that include Hispanics could help companies achieve needed change and allow for the inclusion of this diverse group within the corporate ranks of the industry. Hispanics need to be recognized for the value they bring, which may include the Spanish language, cultural awareness of the diversity within the Hispanic community and knowledge on how to reach and market to this important market.
Successful diversity programs should be both visible and measurable and should include Hispanics. “Diversity” without Hispanics is not true diversity.
Companies dedicated to fostering and
4 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
HispanicMeetingsTravel.com PUBLISHER Gonzalez Global Media, LLC. EDITOR María de la Luz González mdgonzalez@hispanicmeetingstravel.com FOUNDER & CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Margaret Gonzalez mgonzalez@hispanicmeetingstravel.com DESIGN & PRODUCTION BAY AREA MEDIA SERVICES / SCENE MEDIA CREATIVE & PRODUCTION DIRECTOR - John Ennis www.bams.us / www.thescenemagazine.com ADVERTISING STEVEN GONZALEZ sgonzalez@hispanicmeetingstravel.com
facilitating diversity initiatives that include Hispanics should be recognized for their achievements. On October 2024, 2015 the International Association of Hispanic Meeting Professionals and Hispanic Meetings & Travel magazine will present the industry’s first diversity awards program in Atlantic City at the IAHMP Annual Conference. The awards will recognize industry professionals and corporations for their vision, commitment and leadership to diversity initiatives that include Hispanics.
For additional information on the diversity awards see www.iahmp.org and www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com to see how to have your company recognized for their diversity commitment to hiring, retaining and promoting Hispanics to executive positions within the industry.
The IAHMP Annual Conference will once again feature the Certified Diversity Meeting Professional (CDMP) program. You can obtain your CDMP Certification at the conference and join professionals in the United States, Mexico and Europe who have already been certified. Learn more by visiting the web site and clicking on the education icon. Register to get your study materials to be ready for the intensive 2-day training sessions at the conference. Saludos to all our readers,
Margaret Gonzalez Founder & Contributing Editor
MARIA GONZALEZ mdgonzalez@hispanicmeetingstravel.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Aeromexico, Choice Hotels International, Inc., Crescent Hotels & Resorts, Margaret Gonzalez, Maria Gonzalez, Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB, InsureMyTrip, Just Ahead, KAYAK, Marriott International, Inc., National Park Foundation, OneSimCard, St. Augustine 450th Commemoration Project, St. Augustine Distillery, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, & The Beaches VCB, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., United Airlines, Virgin Hotels Chicago, Visit Jacksonville, Visit Norfolk
PHOTOGR APHY DigPicPhoto, Hyatt Corporation, International Association of Hispanic Meeting Professionals, Ken McCray, Rachot Moragraan, Jarle Naustvik (Wikipedia.org), Sheraton Reston, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., Virgin Hotels Chicago, VISIT FLORIDA, Westin Playa Conchal Golf Resort and Spa Wikimedia Commons
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industrybriefs
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N E W * F R E S H * P R O G R E S S I V E
LATINA Style Magazine Ranks Marriott International #9
or the 15th year in a row, Marriott International is on the LATINA Style 50 list for best companies for Latinas. The company ranked #9 and this year is the only hotel company in the top 10. Violeta Seidell, Marriott International Vice president of Project Services, accepted the award.
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Choice Hotels International and Rebuilding Together Join Forces to Rejuvenate a Phoenix Nonprofit
hoice Hotels International, Inc., a leading worldwide lodging company, worked with Rebuilding Together, a national nonprofit, to give a much needed face lift to the apartments of De Colores, a program of Chicano Por La Causa (CPLC) that offers a safe home for women and children who have been forced to flee their homes due to domestic violence.
Rebuilding Together Valley of the Sun and Choice Hotels volunteers provided free critical repairs to six apartments, the transitional housing facility and facility grounds.
"Providing support to local communities that Choice Hotels has close ties to such as Phoenix is a big priority for our associates. Our work with Rebuilding Together continues to be a humbling experience, and we are looking forward to lending a helping hand to those in need at De Colores," said Steve Joyce, president and CEO, Choice Hotels International.
The CPLC De Colores program is comprised of five components that offer bilingual support, counseling and housing assistance as families begin their journey towards a violent-free life. Currently, the program is the only domestic violence shelter in Phoenix to exclusively offer a bilingual and bicultural environment. These critical repairs help create a safe and healthy transitional home for the individuals that benefit from this initiative.
"Rebuilding Together is honored to work with Choice Hotels International to provide these critical updates to the De Colores program facility," said Sandra Henriquez, chief operating officer, Rebuilding Together. "We appreciate the support of Choice Hotels International and its employee volunteers to make this community safe and healthy."
A
Aeromexico Announces Service on the New Monterrey Miami Nonstop Route
eromexico, Mexico's global airline, announced the beginning of its new, nonstop daily flight service from Terminal B at the Monterrey International Airport in northern Mexico, to Miami, Florida in the United States as of March 26th, 2015. This new service will offer passengers the possibility of taking a daily flight between these two cities on board a 76-seat Embraer 170 airliner from one of Aeromexico's major hubs in northern Mexico.
Anko van der Werff - Aeromexico's Chief Revenue Officer, said "The launch of operations from Monterrey to Miami is an integral part of the plan to strengthen our second largest hub in Mexico during 2015. Miami will thus become our ninth international destination served by this airport, making us the number one choice for customers requiring a quick and easy connection to the United States.�
Monterrey now serves 25 domestic and international destinations, including new routes recently announced to Torreon in Mexico, Tokyo in Asia, and Houston and New York City in the United States.
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E
President Obama Announces Effort To Welcome 4 Million Kids In Parks arlier this year, President Obama announced “Every Kid in a Park,” a new initiative geared toward introducing America’s youth and their families to public lands and waters. The national program seeks to connect four million fourth graders with these treasured places in the 2015-16 academic year, coinciding with the National Park Service Centennial celebration.
The National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks and nonprofit partner to the National Park Service, will lead the on-the-grounds efforts. Currently, the National Park Foundation’s Open Outdoors for Kids initiative supports Every Kid in a Park by eliminating barriers that prevent America’s youth from visiting their national parks. The National Park Foundation does this by providing the muchneeded funds to make national park field trips, citizen science projects, Junior Ranger activities, experiential learning opportunities, and more possible. Over the last three years, National Park Foundation grants have made it possible for more than 200,000 students to visit their national parks. “Thanks to our public-private partnerships, we are able to open up a world of experiential learning in our nation’s largest classrooms – our national parks. Every Kid in a Park will enhance this important work and will give many youth and their families the opportunity to explore our national parks for the first time. This aligns perfectly with our mission as we focus on engaging the next generation of park stewards as well as those who already know and love the parks,” said Dan Wenk, president of the National Park Foundation. “We applaud President Obama on his commitment to this initiative and we’re thrilled to work with all of our partners, including the National Park Service, local Friends Groups, various youth organizations, philanthropists, and foundations to connect kids to America’s magnificent national parks, inspiring their natural curiosity and love of these special places.” This initiative advances the National Park Foundation and National Park Service’s centennial goal of connecting with and creating the next generation of national park visitors, supporters, and advocates. Find out more and become a part of the national park community at www.nationalparks.org
www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 7
industrybriefs
“Every Kid In A Park”
NEW AND RENOVATED PROPERTIES
Virgin Hotels Makes Its Debut In Chicago
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World's first Virgin hotel rolls out the red carpet for guests his year marks a milestone in the history of the Virgin brand with Virgin Hotels opening the doors to its first property, Virgin Hotels Chicago. The new hotel brand will join a stellar portfolio of hospitality companies led by Virgin Group and its founder Sir Richard Branson, and offer the same excitement, heartfelt service and smart innovation that Virgin is known for.
"It's been a long held dream to start beautiful, comfortable, fun hotels for guests and give them what they want and need while being gentle on their wallets," said Richard Branson, Virgin Group Founder. "I'm tremendously proud of the brilliant Virgin Hotels team, and I look forward to hosting our fans and spending more time in Chicago." Since the brand's inception, eliminating fees and surcharges have been top priority, along with creating an experience that allows guests to feel that Virgin Hotels is their place in the city. A champion of the customer, the hotel brand offers free Wi-Fi (at unlimited bandwidth) and has eliminated early check-in fees, late check-out fees, room service delivery charges, business center transactions, and other services that have caused frustration for travelers. "Chicago is an exhilarating and historic city, and a place we're happy to call home for the first-ever Virgin Hotel," said Raul Leal, CEO of Virgin Hotels. "It's an exciting time for our team 8 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
as we get to unveil our new approach to room design, service, and entertainment within the hotel industry. We hope our fans recognize the subtle yet authentic Chicago touches throughout the hotel, and come to think of us as their place away from home whether they're traveling or a local." Virgin Hotels Chicago is located in the heart of Chicago's Loop district in the historic Old Dearborn Bank Building at 203 N. Wabash Ave. The 26-story Art Deco building, a Chicago landmark, offers 250 guest rooms, including 40 one-bedroom suites and two Penthouse Suites.
NEW AND RENOVATED PROPERTIES
Several of the building's original features remain intact and are showcased throughout, like a beautiful 1920s oak Cigar Bar that serves as the hotel's front desk, ornate brass elevator doors, and the original mail slot and chute serving all floors.
Poliform. Slide open the privacy door and guests will enter the lounge with a red SMEG mini-fridge, LG Smart TV, custom designed table that swivels and a Poltrona Frau task chair. Tired
At the heart of Virgin Hotels Chicago is The Commons Club, a dynamic space where guests can dine, drink, work and mingle, as well as attend the nightly hosted Social Hour. The vibe is one of a private members club, without the fees, where guests and locals alike are welcome. The two-story space it occupies was the original bank floor with its beautiful coffered plaster ceiling. The Commons Club menu, created by Chef Rick Gresh, features a variety of internationally influenced small plates, from Stuffed Potato Tots to a Cauliflower Caesar to Cider Mussels to a Lobster Flatbread. The dinner menus Large Plate options also embody unique and flavorful compositions, like the Fatty Noodles, a delectable combination of lobster, udon noodles, Sriracha, furi spice and rapini or the Eye of the Ribeye, Chef Gresh's one-of-a-kind black truffle tattoo technique adorned on a Ribeye served with bone marrow mac n cheese. The Commons Club is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The hotel will have four additional dining options, including Miss Ricky's, a 23-hour, All-American diner and a rooftop bar and lounge. Seating from 12 to 108, Virgin Hotels Chicago has three modular spaces on the third floor to accompany any type of social event, dinner or meeting. Virgin Hotels Chicago will feature a two-chamber room layout, with small touches that make traveling for business or leisure an easier experience. All guest rooms are divided into two spaces by sliding doors, complete with a peephole. The dressing room includes a full vanity, make-up desk and mirror, an extra-large shower with a bench, and his and hers closets designed by
of searching for an outlet, guests can look no further than their bedside to find ample outlets for their smartphone, computer or other electronic devices. Virgin Hotels has also taken working from bed to another level. The brand's patent pending, ergonomically designed bed is the ideal space for setting up shop while on a long business trip, or to pop open your computer and stream a movie. Plush bedding rounds out the experience creating ultimate comfort whether guests are working, recharging or playing. What's next? Virgin Hotels has plans to open a second location in Nashville in the summer of 2016 and a third property in New York City in the fall of 2017. The team will announce two additional locations by the end of 2016, as well, with the brand hoping to have 20 locations by 2025. For more information, please visit www.virginhotels.com. www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 9
Spotlight Destination
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The Newest Caribbean Hotspot: ince President Obama announced the United States would be “Charting a new course on Cuba” developments in the hospitality and travel industries have been focused on providing services for this new Caribbean destination. Here are a few of these developments. --------------------------------------
Cuba Flight and Travel Info Is Now On KAYAK
KAYAK users can now search hotel and flight information for Cuba. KAYAK is the first of the major online travel agencies and travel search engines to show comprehensive flight and hotel search information for Cuba. More than 300 hotels in Cuba will be searchable on the site as well as flights to Cuba that are offered outside of the U.S. Travel to Cuba cannot be booked on KAYAK and there will be no booking links offered in the search results – the results are informational only.
"We have seen significant interest in travel to Cuba," said Steve Hafner, chief executive officer and co-founder, KAYAK. "Our goal is to provide comprehensive information for travelers – whether they are planning a trip to Cuba or anywhere else in the world."
There are currently 12 existing categories of travel to Cuba authorized by law. For more information about permissible travel from the U.S. to Cuba visit the Department of State website. --------------------------------------
OneSimCard Announces Low Cost Roaming in Cuba
OneSimCard, a leading global provider of low cost international mobile roaming services for businesses and leisure travelers, has announced the availability of low cost voice roaming and text messaging in Cuba.
Standard Latin American roaming rates offered by the major
10 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
CUBA
domestic telecoms carriers are exorbitantly high and most do not offer any roaming service at all in Cuba. In Cuba, OneSimCard Plus offers FREE incoming text messaging, incoming mobile calling for $0.65 per minute and outgoing calling for $1.25 per minute. OneSimCard works worldwide in unlocked GSM devices and phones. The user simply replaces their domestic carriers' SIM card with OneSimCard when traveling internationally. All users can replace their own SIM cards in just a few seconds. For more information visit: www.onesimcard.com. --------------------------------------
Travel Insurance Policies Available for Cuba Through InsureMyTrip
Travelers can now search travel insurance policies for Cuba on InsureMyTrip, the largest travel insurance comparison site.
Fourteen top-rated insurance providers on InsureMyTrip extend plans to the nation of Cuba, with more expected to be added soon. All include medical coverage.
Travel to Cuba is still highly monitored and regulated by both the United States and Cuban government. You must provide proper documentation with your application for travel to the United States government; and the Cuban government must be notified of your travel plans, visa information and requires you to purchase travel insurance, with medical coverage, prior to visiting the nation. For a list of providers now offering plans to Cuba visit www.insuremytrip.com.
TechnoSavvy
Mobile Event Management
Starwood Hotels Launches “ProMeetings” App – A Mobile Solution for Planners on the Go
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Latest in a Series of Innovative New B2B Technologies, ProMeetings Makes It Easy to Manage Events in Real-Time from the Palm of Your Hand
eeting planners can now manage events on-site, right from the palm of their hand, thanks to a powerful new app recently launched by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. Through ProMeetings planners who are SPG or SPG Pro members, can submit on-property requests – from an extension cord, to coffee service, to a change in lighting and everything in between – directly to associates who can fulfill requests in real time.
“Like our guests, our meeting planners and SPG Pro members are inherently mobile and want solutions that match the way they live their lives today,” said Chris Holdren, Senior Vice President, Starwood Preferred Guest & Digital. “Our new ProMeetings app gives them the personalization and flexibility they need to deliver flawless experiences for their attendees.” ProMeetings is in pilot at several Starwood hotels around the world, including W Singapore - Sentosa Cove, The Westin Singapore, Sheraton Atlanta Airport, W Atlanta Midtown, and The Westin Charlotte. Starwood will take key learnings from the pilot to enhance the offering before a full global rollout, which is expected in 2016. “The ProMeetings app provides a faster
and more efficient way for our properties to receive and complete on-property requests,” said Jonathan Kaplan, Starwood’s Director, New Business Development and Prospecting. “More importantly, it gives valuable time back to meeting planners so they can focus on the content of their meeting while our hotel teams can deliver better service.” About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 1,200 properties in nearly 100 countries and over 180,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following interna-
tionally renowned brands: St. Regis®,
The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le
Méridien®,
Sheraton®,
Four
Points® by Sheraton, Aloft®, and Ele-
ment®. The Company boasts one of the
industry’s leading loyalty programs,
Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG®),
allowing members to earn and redeem points for room stays, room upgrades and flights, with no blackout dates. Star-
wood also owns Starwood Vacation
Ownership, Inc., a premier provider of world-class
vacation
experiences
through villa-style resorts and privileged
access to Starwood brands. For more information, please visit www.star-
woodhotels.com.
www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 11
Florida Meeting Destinations
WHAT’S NEW IN JAX?
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New Events, Attractions, Meeting Venues and Hotel Renovations in Jacksonville
acksonville is coming into the new year extra hot! From new dining options, new festivals, new hotels, new meeting venues, and a major revitalizing of the Downtown district, 2015 is shaping up to be quite the year to visit Jacksonville!
Hotel Renovations:
• Embassy Suites is undergoing a full renovation of guest suites, meeting space and conversion for a new restaurant.
• Renovations are currently underway at the Crowne Plaza Jacksonville Riverfront which will become a Doubletree Hilton by August 2015.
• At the popular intersection of Beach and Hodges boulevards, in Jacksonville’s Southside, developer Kirit Patidar is planning an 88-room TownPlace Suites by Marriott. The new hotel will be located next to a Hampton Inn & Suites.
• Courtyard by Marriott is expected to open late 2016 in Downtown Jacksonville’s Laura Street Trio. The owner of the Trio has signed a contract with Winegardner & Hammons of Cincinnati to manage the Courtyard by Marriott hotel planned for the buildings.
• In Jacksonville’s Arlington neighborhood, a 70-room La Quinta is being developed. The hotel will be located near Merrill Road and the Southside Connector. The 1.2-acre site is next to a Candlewood Suites.
• Renovations have been completed on the new Doubletree Hilton at the Jacksonville International Airport.
New Meeting Venues & Meeting Venues Renovations:
• The Jessie Ball DuPont Center (formerly the Haydon Burns Library) in Downtown Jacksonville is expected to open in June 2015 as a nonprofit hub. After $21M in renovations, the building will also house a conference center, a lecture hall, 12 meeting rooms, reception spaces, a catering kitchen and more, including plans for a green roof garden that will be available for special events.
• Meet where the NFL action takes place! EverBank Field, in Jacksonville’s Sports Complex, now has a unique feature no other NFL stadium has. EverBank Field’s pool cabanas are available to use as meeting space. Book them during a game day for an incredible team building experience, or rent the space when the team is away and own the stadium. Your choice.
• Sweet Pete’s, Jacksonville’s own Candy Factory, has a new Downtown location in the completely renovated historic Seminole Club. The new Factory offers flexible event space on the top two floors, perfect for a board meeting, after-hours event, or group candy-making class. There is also a restaurant on site, The Candy Apple Café on the first floor and candy shops on the first and second level.
• BestBet Poker, located in Jacksonville’s Arlington neighborhood, now offers free flexible meeting space, with onsite food and group programs available.
Things to Do in Jax:
• The Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville (MOCA) is now offering free Thursday evening admission and tours throughout 2015.
• Jacksonville’s new soccer team, The Jacksonville Armada, played its inaugural game on February 7 at EverBank Field. The Armada will also be playing at the Baseball Fields of Jacksonville which will be converted into a soccer field for the team. • Unity Plaza, an urban park and public amphitheater opened in February in the new 220 Riverside development in the revitalized Brooklyn section of Downtown. Unity Plaza already has a packed daily event calendar including concerts, festivals and live music performances.
• The Jacksonville Ale Trail Craft Beer Passport is a hit! Jacksonville’s eight local breweries have partnered with Visit Jacksonville to launch the Jax Ale Trail, turning Jacksonville’s hopping beer scene into an attraction in its own right. Visitors can pick up a passport at any of the local breweries and collect a stamp from each one to win prizes. For a closer look at all there is to see and do in Jacksonville, go to www.VisitJacksonville.com or contact 1-800-733-2668. 12 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
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Florida Meeting Destinations
Celebrating St. Augustine, Florida in 2015!
he oldest city in America is celebrating the big 450 this year which makes it a great time to visit this charming spot on Florida’s Historic Coast. With celebrations throughout the whole year, St. Augustine is a premier spot for a weekend getaway, family vacation, a fabulous meeting or event! Here are some new developments to consider in St. Augustine.
St. Augustine Distillery – Opened in 2014, the Distillery is housed in Florida’s first ice manufacturing plant, built in 1917. The Distillery offers free tours and tastings 6 days a week that includes a museum, theatre, working distillery and tasting room. The St. Augustine Distillery Museum features Florida’s distilling heritage, the building’s former life as an ice plant, info about how spirits are made, and their quest to produce the country’s best farm to bottle artisan spirits including super premium whisky, gin, rum and vodka. It is a perfect location for an unforgettable event such as community events, private events and corporate events. Visit www.staugaugustinedistillery.com for more information. Frontier Airlines recently expanded its low-fare service non-stop service between Trenton-Mercer Airport, in Ewing, N.J. to North-
east Florida Regional Airport in St. Augustine, FL. Frontier is the only airline to provide service to the St. Augustine airport, a convenient alternative to larger, more expensive airports. More information can be found at: www.FlyFrontier.com.
Tapestry: The Cultural Threads of First America is a signature St. Augustine 450th Commemoration exhibition that showcases authentic objects, original documents, powerful photographs and interactive elements that share the story of how three intertwining cultures – Spanish, African and Native American – came together to form the foundation of the American culture and create the blended society of today’s St. Augustine. Beyond exploring St. Augustine’s historical roots, the exhibition also features the people who have shaped the city’s cultural landscape throughout four and a half centuries. The histories and contemporary cultural expressions of the Menorcans, Greeks, British and others who are part of St. Augustine’s rich cultural fabric are woven into the exhibition. The exhibition is open from April 4 to Sept. 20, 2015 at the Visitor Information Center in downtown St. Augustine. The exhibition is free and open to the public. Learn more at: www.staugustine450.com/tapestry.
Florida Meeting Destinations
BROWARD COUNTY IS CELEBRATING ITS
“SUN”TENNIAL
BROWARD 100: Broward County is celebrating its 100 year “sun”tennial in 2015, with year round events and activities that highlight the “art of community,” including Inside Out, VisualEYES, Calendar 100 and a grand finale event, “Duende,” October 2-4, 2015, that will showcase Greater Fort Lauderdale’s diverse talent in an exciting way. Visit broward100.org for details, and to wish Broward County a happy birthday. HOTEL REFRESH: With more than $725 million in new development, and $222 million in reinvestment and renovations, the Greater Fort Lauderdale hotel landscape is undergoing an exciting metamorphosis. HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2015 INCLUDE: • The 290-room, $34 million beachfront Conrad Fort Lauderdale Resort and Residences will feature a Conrad Spa, signature oceanfront restaurant and 15,000 square feet of event space with ocean views. A five-story, glass-enclosed “Jewel Box” connects east and west towers and will include 20,000 square feet of ballroom, event and meeting space. Expected opening late Fall 2015.
• The new $147 million, 349-room Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort opens Summer 2015 on the Broadwalk as one of the first resorts to span the Intracoastal Waterway and the beach. It will feature seven restaurants/bars, multiple pools, full-service St. Somewhere Spa, double surf wave rider and 30,000 sq. ft. of flexible function space.
• The former B Ocean Fort Lauderdale is now officially Sonesta Fort Lauderdale, the first in Fort Lauderdale; and the Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, reflagged in December as the B Ocean Fort Lauderdale, with a multi-million six month revitalization project including the addition of a beachfront terrace, reconfigured health club and reception area.
• Beachwalk Resort opens May/June 2015 along the Intracoastal Waterway in Hallandale Beach, with 216 resort units, infinity pool and restaurant. Its beachfront sister property, HYDE Resort will feature 367 resort units with pool with sweeping ocean views, spa, restaurant and access to the shared new Beach Club located on Hollywood beach.
Photos courtesy of VISIT FLORIDA
• The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale, a five-diamond resort, will undergo an extensive renovation to its guestrooms and public spaces in Summer 2015.
• The 998-room Westin Diplomat Resort, was acquired by Thayer Lodging Group and reopened as the Diplomat Resort & Spa Hollywood, Curio Collection by Hilton, with a $100 million enhancement on tap.
• A $5 million renovation for the Pelican Grand Beach Resort is underway, adding a new penthouse with 65 ft. oceanview terrace, new full-service oceanfront spa and new 1,400 sq. ft. Atlantic Ballroom, and 2,055 sq. ft. Ocean View Ballroom. For more information on Greater Fort Lauderdale (Meet Sunny) visit www.Sunny.org or call 954-765-4466. 14 HM&T | Hispanic Meetings & Travel
East Coast Meetings
THE WESTIN PHILADELPHIA CELEBRATES COMPLETION OF $10 MILLION RENOVATION
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ICONIC PROPERTY NOW BOASTS STYLISH NEW GUEST ROOMS, SUITES, RESTAURANT AND LOBBY BAR IN HEART OF HISTORIC CITY
he Westin Philadelphia, with its desirable Rittenhouse Square address in the historic city center, and steps from upscale shopping, award-winning restaurants and attractions, has completed an exciting $10 million renovation. The hotel has enhanced all of its 294 guestrooms, including 19 suites, making this transformation part of the Westin brand’s efforts to continuously refresh its rapidly growing global portfolio, which topped 200 hotels worldwide in 2014.
The hotel’s fully renovated guestrooms and suites boast new furniture, carpeting, paint and wall coverings, plus a fresh, new decor of soft, muted colors and warm wood tones to create a soothing, yet sophisticated environment. All rooms feature the world-renowned Westin Heavenly® Bed – featuring lush sheets, down cushioning and a patented pillow-top mattress, which cradles and contours to the body for complete comfort. Refreshed bathrooms offer the Heavenly® Bath enhanced with the brand’s Heavenly® Shower, Heavenly® Robe and White Tea
Aloe bath amenities. Additionally guests enjoy in-room, highspeed Internet access, 55” flat screen televisions and environmentally-friendly climate controls. The Westin brand’s innovative programs and instinctive service transform every aspect of a guest’s stay into a revitalizing experience, focusing on the six pillars of well-being. Late last year, The Westin Philadelphia’s main restaurant, Winthorpe & Valentine and The Lobby Bar were given dramatic facelifts. The venues have quickly become popular gathering places for guests and locals who seek a sophisticated, yet contemporary atmosphere. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to better delight our guests with these remarkable upgrades,” says Ryan Sistare, General Manager, The Westin Philadelphia. “We look forward to welcoming guests to our renovated hotel, where they will enjoy all the Westin brand’s signature services and amenities designed to inspire wellbeing.”
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The Westin Philadelphia offers meeting planners and event organizers more than 17,000 square feet of premium meeting space for meetings, conferences, social events and weddings for up to 700 guests. The Westin Philadelphia is located five minutes from the main Amtrak train station and fifteen minutes from the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). For more information and to book online please visit www.westin.com/philadelphia or to speak directly to the hotel to start planning an event or meeting, please call (215) 563-1600.
About Westin Hotels & Resorts
Westin Hotels & Resorts has been a leader in wellness and hospitality for more than a decade. Today, Westin has more than 200 hotels and resorts in nearly 40 countries and territories, and is owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 1,200 properties in 100 countries and over 180,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, Aloft®, and Element®. The Company boasts one of the industry’s leading loyalty programs, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG®), allowing members to earn and redeem points for room stays, room upgrades and flights, with no blackout dates. Starwood also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., a premier provider of world-class vacation experiences through villa-style resorts and privileged access to Starwood brands. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com. www.hispanicmeetingstravel.com | HM&T 17
East Coast Meetings
The Sheraton Reston Hotel Delivers Brand Promise, Receives Outstanding Guest Experience Score
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he Sheraton Reston Hotel was recently ranked #2 in Guest Experience Index in all the Starwood Sheratons Brand. A cornerstone of the Reston community for over 40 years, the hotel continues to take pride in helping each guest enjoy Sheraton’s signature amenities and services to provide a differentiated, exceptional guest experience.
“Personal attention to every guest experience is part of the reason The Sheraton Reston Hotel continues to receive outstanding guest experience scores,” stated Claudia Eggspuhler, General Manager. “Our building doesn’t create an experience, our associates do. It gives me a great sense of pride and gratification to have fulfilled the Starwood brand promise - connect with every guest.” Throughout the growth of Reston, VA, one of Washington, DC largest growing suburbs, the 298 room hotel has evolved as well. In 2014, the hotel received a major guest room renovation along with a refresh of it’s over 20,000 sq. ft. of meeting and function space. The Sheraton Reston, located in one of the region’s largest hi-tech corridors continually elevates its services to meet the ever changing needs of today’s savvy traveler, adding hi-tech amenities such as wi/fi throughout the hotel, SheratonLink® (a state-of-the art business center), all while balancing technically travelers crave with what keeps guests coming back – the human touch. The Sheraton Reston Hotel also keeps guest satisfaction scores well above the national average by constant renovation and updates to the hotel and its services as the guest needs evolve. The hotel completed the final phase of an $8 million dollar renovation in 2014. The renovation included a re-designed of the lobby and check-in area and refresh of Syrah Restaurant and Cosmopolitan Lounge. Additionally, guest rooms have been updated, including new furniture, eco-friendly heating/air conditioning units, cabinets, lighting,
carpets, wall paper, Sweet Sleeper® bedding, and in-room safes. Special attention has been paid to the needs of meeting planners and their attendees as well. The 20,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space, including hallways and prefunction area, all received new carpeting, giving a more contemporary feel. “We have received extraordinary feedback from our clients regarding our refresh of our meeting space,’ said Eggspuhler. “They particularly like the fact that we have such an expansive amount of space, and it’s all located together on one floor. Most hotels that offer this amount of space require meeting attendees to toggle between floors to get to their various meetings. Having all space together gives our meeting attendees more time to connect with each other during meeting breaks. This is important because connecting is one of the core philosophies of our brand.” The hotel also added three new suites to Sheraton Club Level and SPG Floors as well as a new Club Lounge for exclusive use of Starwood Preferred Guests.® “One of the most important ratings a hotel receives is that which comes from its guests “added Eggspuhler. “Our dedicated, friendly staff at the Sheraton Reston Hotel provides outstanding guest services for those who select this recently renovated hotel for business travel, a vacation destination, wedding venue or conference.” The 298 room Sheraton Reston Hotel, located in an affluent suburb of Washington, DC overlooks a golf course, and is just minutes from Reston Town Center via complimentary shuttle, offering countless dining and shopping options. The hotel also offers complimentary shuttle to Dulles International Airport as well as the Silver Line Metrorail, giving guests a quick easy and fast connection to downtown Washington, DC. After a busy day of work or play guests can rejuvenate in the fitness center and seasonal outdoor swimming pool. Then perhaps enjoy a drink at the Cosmopolitan Lounge then dinner at the Syrah Restaurant. For more information on the Sheraton Reston Hotel, please visit www.sheratonreston.com or call 703-620-9000.
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ELSIE JEAN RODRIGUEZ
National Sales Manager Visit Huntington Beach
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East Coast Meetings
Norfolk Gains Momentum as the Urban Epicentre of Coastal Virginia
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xpanding on its vibrant downtown location surrounded on three sides by water, tourists and residents in the surrounding areas find a cultural haven in Norfolk with its fast-growing and continually evolving selection of things to see, taste, and experience:
SEE: While the city once anchored its
artistic roots in the famed Chrysler Museum of Art, grassroots programs and public art displays have emerged and popularized in recent years. Local artists turn public spaces, restaurants, and shops into living art through window displays and more during Art|Everywhere. The cultural movement that debuted three years ago transforms the face of Downtown Norfolk into a widespread interactive art gallery for six weeks each spring into early summer.
Adjacent to the famed museum, The Chrysler Museum Glass Studio debuted in November 2011 in a 7,000 square foot modern facility. With the guidance of Chief Curator Charlotte Potter, the studio
features public glassblowing demonstrations, classes, and a Visiting Artist Series and an Artist in Residence Program.
TASTE: Norfolk’s “restaurant row,” Granby Street, is teeming with talented chefs and ambitious restaurateurs. While intricate architecture mingles with 21st Century skyscrapers, restaurants serve everything from traditional coastal dishes to modern, ethnic and sustainable cuisine.
Norfolk is swiftly becoming a major player in the vegan scene with more than 10 restaurants in the downtown area catering specifically to the vegan crowd.
A nod to poets and musicians of the past, the coffee house experience is more present than ever with places like Bean There Café, Crema, Café Stella, Elliott’s Fair Grounds Coffee House, Chocollage, and aLatté Café lining the downtown district. Many Norfolk coffeehouses feature regular musical performances and serve as a meeting point for local artists.
EXPERIENCE: Norfolk has worked
to create a hassle-free, eco-friendly transit system allowing for a pleasurable commute easy access to its most popular attractions for visitors. Capitalizing on the trend of biking as a form of commute in cities like New York, Paris, and London, the Downtown Norfolk Council public art display project debuted five bike racks throughout prominent areas in the downtown district.
Downtown Norfolk launched its first Light Rail system known as ‘The Tide Light Rail’ in August 2011, taking commuters from Fort Norfolk Station, near the historic Ghent district, to the Newtown Road Park & Ride Station at the Norfolk / Virginia Beach city line, making stops near the Chrysler Museum of Art, The MacArthur Memorial, and Harbor Park Minor League Baseball Stadium. More information can be found at www.visitnorfolktoday.com or by calling 757-664-6620.
eventscalendar April Mexican American Legal Defense & Educational Fund MALDEF’S Washington DC Awards Gala The Mayflower Renaissance Washington, DC April 15, 2015 National Association for Chicana and Chicano Studies NACCS XLII Conference Parc 55 Wyndham Hotel San Francisco, CA April 15-18, 2015 HACR Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility 23rd Annual Symposium The Ritz-Carlton Buckhead Atlanta, GA April 26-28, 2015 Association of Hispanic Advertising Agencies Annual Conference Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach Hotel • South Beach Miami, FL April 27-29, 2015 Hispanic Evangelical Assoc. National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference Board Convention Crowne Plaza Houston Houston, TX April 28-30, 2015
May Hispanic IT Executive Council Q2 Leadership Summit Miami, FL May 4-5, 2015
SER – Jobs for Progress, Inc. 51st Annual Conference Omni Mandalay Hotel at Las Colinas • Irving, TX May 26-28, 2015
m e e t i n g s
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c o n f e r e n c e s
June Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund MALDEF’S Chicago Awards Gala The Hyatt Regency Chicago Chicago, IL June 3, 2015 National Assoc. of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals Corporate Board of Governors Retreat ANDAZ San Diego San Diego, CA June 15-16, 2015 National Association of Latino Elected Officials 32nd Annual Conference Aria Resort & Casino Las Vegas, NV June 17-19, 2015 National Association of Latino Independent Producers NALIP Media Summit W Hollywood Hotel Los Angeles, CA June 25-28, 2015 McDonald’s Hispanic OwnerOperators Association 2015 Biennal MHOA Marketing Symposium Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa • Lahaina, HI June 30 – July 2, 2015
Tortilla Industry Association 26th Annual Convention & Trade Exposition Paris, Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV May 5-6, 2015
July
Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute Annual Gala & Leadership Awards Mandarin Oriental Hotel Washington, D.C. May 13, 2015
League of United Latin American Citizens 86th National Convention & Exposition - Salt Palace Convention Center • Hilton Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City, UT July 7-11, 2015
National Association of Hispanic Nurses 40th Annual Conference Hyatt Regency • Anaheim, CA July 7-10, 2015
Photo above: The McDonald's Hispanic Owner-Operators Association will meet at the Hyatt Regency Maui in summer 2015. National Council of La Raza Annual Conference & Latino Family Expo Kansas City Convention Center Crowne Plaza Kansas City Downtown • Kansas City, MO July 11-15, 2015 Society for the Advancement of Chicanos & Native Americans in Science Summer Leadership Institute Marriott Metro Centre Washington, DC July 20-24, 2015 National Hispanic Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees 2015 NHCFAE Annual Conference
Crowne Plaza Atlanta – Airport Hotel • Atlanta, GA July 28-30, 2015
August Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting 43rd Annual Convention New York Hilton Midtown New York City, NY August 6-10, 2015 Hispanic Dental Association 25th Conference & Expo Marriott San Antonio Rivercenter • San Antonio, TX August 14-16, 2015
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Hispanic SUMMER Travel
4 Environmentally Friendly Resorts in Costa Rica Now Available Through United Airlines' Eco-Skies Vacations
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arlier this year United Airlines announced the launch of United Eco-Skies速 Vacations, a new travel program that provides United customers with vacation options that incorporate sustainability and environmental responsibility into their getaways. The airline is working with The Mark Travel Corporation, exclusive tour operator for United Vacations, and long-time partner and global nonprofit organization Sustainable Travel International to launch the vacation program. The program is being piloted in Costa Rica, a destination known for its stunning beaches and breathtaking rain forests, as well as its commitment to sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship.
"United understands the importance of protecting the cultural, economic and environmental integrity of the destinations we serve," says Angela Foster-Rice, United's managing director of global environmental affairs and sustainability. "We're committed to long-term environmental stewardship, and this program encourages and promotes responsible travel to ensure these destinations remain attractive places to live, work and visit for generations."
can select "Sustainable travel" under the "Specialty vacations" section. From there customers can choose from four resort properties that have been evaluated by Sustainable Travel International as maintaining environmentally sustainable practices in accordance with recognized standards. Customers will also have the option to purchase CarbonChoice carbon offsets associated with their travel. After the initial pilot program, United, Sustainable Travel International and The Mark Travel Corporation plan to expand Eco-Skies Vacations to more ecofriendly destinations outside of Costa Rica.
Featured Eco-Skies Vacation Resorts
The Westin Playa Conchal Golf Resort and Spa, situated on Costa Rica's magnificent North Pacific Riviera, boasts 99 acres of dry forest dedicated to protection of the local environment and is ISO (International Organization for Standardization) certified.
The Tabacon Grand Spa, nestled in a lush Costa Rican rainforest that has been described as "the eighth wonder of the How to book a United Eco-Skies Vacation world," has achieved the Luxury Eco Certification Standard Customers can visit the United Vacations website where they and offers flora and fauna protection, wastewater treatment Tamarindo Beach, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. and workshops on the natural surroundings. Costa Rica's Barcelo Langosta Beach Hotel in Tamarindo is located on a stunning beach and surrounded by natural beauty in the northwest part of the country. Some of the resort's sustainability highlights include tree planting, programs for saving water and electricity and communal infrastructure projects.
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Westin Playa Conchal Golf Resort and Spa
For more information on United's Eco-Skies Vacations, visit www.vacations.united.com/specials/ecoskies.aspx.
About United: United Airlines and United Express operate an average of 5,055 flights a day to 373 airports across six continents. In 2014, United and United Express operated nearly two million flights carrying 138 million customers. United is proud to have the world's most comprehensive route network, including U.S. mainland hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit united.com.
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Just Ahead’s Innovative GPS-Driven Smartphone App Turns Road Trip Into Richly Narrated Journey
hanks to a new travel app from Just Ahead, smartphone technology can now play a vital role on a vacation into America’s national parks. In fact, it may be just the thing to turn heads away from games, music, and texting and into nature while cruising park roads this summer.
New to the market for 2015, the GPS-powered mobile app turns smartphones into hands-free audio tour guides of the most beautiful places on earth.
Just Ahead’s app and audio guides work even where cell phones, Internet, and Wi-Fi won’t, to stream fun and interesting stories spliced with geography, history, and even driving directions while cruising through a national park.
“Our aim is to give travelers and their families an entertaining and educational travel experience,” underscored Just Ahead founder Gregory Morse. “We think the Just Ahead app and audio guides encourage exploring and getting off the beaten track. You’re engaged at the same time you’re learning.”
Just Ahead utilizes GPS technology to know exactly where drivers are on the road, and delivers stories and maps relevant to their location. Just Ahead also helps drivers avoid getting lost by providing helpful suggested directions. Just Ahead tells drivers why they should turn or not, what they should do after a turn, and recommends the best direction to take if there are multiple route options. Just Ahead started with US national parks because they are
Just Ahead apps are available for Death Valley National Park. Photo credit: Rachot Moragraan. treasured natural assets that are visited each year by 292 million people from around the world (2014 set a record for national park visitation). But the company intends to go beyond the parks. In the future, Just Ahead will offer guides for other major road trip destinations, including California Highway 1, Route 66, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Hawaiian Islands, and many others.
The Just Ahead app is a free download, and each destination guide is available as an in-app purchase. Guides range from $7.99 – $9.99 and include a free trial and free guide updates. For more information, visit: www.justahead.com.
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Hispanic SUMMER Travel
The Flamingo Beach Resort and Spa, located in the province of Guanacaste, puts guests in a perfect spot for exploring and offers products for purchase to support the local economy and educational programs that support and protect the local ecosystem. Both hotels are certified by the Certification for Sustainable Tourism Program.
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 www.IAHMP.org.
Carole Copeland Thomas
Multiculturalism, Global Diversity & Leadership Training
CDMP USA Trainer
Julia So, Ph.D.
Principal So Garcia Associates, LLC CDMP USA Trainer
Linda Pereira
Executive Director CPL Events CDMP European Trainer
Angela GonzalezRowe
President & CEO, AGR Hospitality Solutions, LLC CDMP USA Trainer
Terry Singleton, CSEP, CDMP President CCP Events CDMP USA Trainer