A Magazine for Meeting Professionals Vol. XII Number 2 Summer 2015

DISTINCTIVELY DIFFERENT BY DESIGN

AN IN-DEPTH FIRST LOOK The Newly Designed Guest Rooms of EXCLUSIVE The Swan And Dolphin PUERTO RICO

Governors Suite Parlor

FAST FACTS • 240 guest rooms featuring Sheraton’s Sweet Sleeper® Beds • Located in the heart of Old San Juan, close to popular shops, restaurants, art galleries, museums, and nightlife • Short 20 minute ride from airport • Over 9,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space Rest assured, we’ll help you put your • Beautiful ballroom, offering spacious pre-function area meeting planning needs to bed! • Nine meeting and breakout rooms • Link@Sheraton Internet lounge Book your next meeting with us by August 31, 2015 and consume by • Palio Restaurant with bayfront terrace March 31, 2016 and receive any combination of the following based • Burger Company with bayfront views upon the size of your program: • Thrilling on-site casino • Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Pillows • Rooftop pool and fitness center • Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Sheet Sets • Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed • Up to 100,000 Starpoints® Signing Bonus No U.S. Passport Required!

800.746.1561 *For new business only. Must consume by March 31, 2016. Based upon availability and may not be combined with any other offer. Restrictions apply. www.SheratonOldSanJuan.com The five meeting hotels and resorts featured throughout this issue of Meeting Excellence have joined together to give VIP Values – unique booking bonuses when you reserve your meeting or event during specified value dates.

The VIP Values are good for special discounts on amenities and services specific to each destination. Great Hotels Look for the VIP Values throughout this issue of Meeting Excellence. & Destinations Call 800.746.1561 and book your meeting today!

CONTENTS A Full-Scale Renovation of Epic Proportions www.SheratonOldSanJuan.com Bringing Guests The Best of Broadway Better By Design: A Brand New Room

An Interview With Derek Stockton: Re:Think Now www.SheratonChicago.com Joe O’Donnell, National Convention Services Manager Of The Year Transformed With You in Mind www.WestinNY.com Tishman Hotels Takes the Triple Crown Meet Our Newest Movers & Shakers

www.SwanDolphinMeetings.com ON THE COVER The newly designed guest rooms of The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin www.WestinChicago.com

LET US KNOW

We print this publication using recycled materials. If you would rather receive an electronic version of Meeting Excellence in the future, we’d like to know. Please call Roslyn at 800.746.1561 or e-mail [email protected]. 3 CHICAGO

Fountainview

FAST FACTS • 1,218 guest rooms & suites featuring Sheraton’s Sweet Sleeper® Beds • Located in the heart of downtown, just minutes from McCormick Place • 125,000 sq. ft. of flexible function space • 43 meeting & breakout rooms Rest assured, we’ll help you put your • 40,000 sq. ft. Sheraton Chicago Ballroom, the largest hotel meeting planning needs to bed! ballroom in Chicago • 35,000 sq. ft. Riverwalk Exhibit & Event Space Book your next meeting with us by August 31, 2015 and consume by • Five distinctive restaurants & bars, including Shula’s Steak House March 31, 2016 and receive any combination of the following based • LB Bistro & Pâtisserie upon the size of your program: • Full-service FedEx business center • Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Pillows • Complimentary 24-Hour Sheraton Fitness Center • Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Sheet Sets • Exclusive bi-level Sheraton Club Lounge, featuring stunning • Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed views of the Chicago skyline • Indoor pool, sun deck, & sauna • Up to 100,000 Starpoints® Signing Bonus

800.746.1561 *For new business only. Must consume by March 31, 2016. Based upon availability and may not be combined with any other offer. Restrictions apply. www.SheratonChicago.com Sheraton Chicago Ballroom A FULL-SCALE RENOVATION OF

heratonEPIC Chicago Hotel & and The PROPORTIONS Loop business district, Towers, a premier hotel with has long been a Windy City favorite a prime waterfront location in based on its location alone. the heart of downtown Chicago, The hotel’s 1,218 renovated Shas undergone a complete, multi- guest rooms and suites, boast phase renovation totaling $25 spectacular river, lake, and million. Now with all 1,200-plus skyline views. Sheraton’s ultra- guest rooms and suites complete, comfortable Sweet Sleeper® a new lobby, a popular Executive bed is part of the outstanding Club Lounge, expanded fitness accommodations to compliment center, outdoor waterfront lounge the hotel’s location. and incredible environmental practices in place, the Sheraton With a strong following of business Chicago is a “new” hotel from top and leisure travelers alike, and to bottom. The final piece of the a rich history of being one of massive undertaking, additional Chicago’s premier hotels for and renovated meeting rooms, meetings and conferences, one will be unveiled this summer. of the most popular features of This conference center space the hotel is the new Executive will be ideal for small groups Club Lounge. The bi-level lounge that are looking for high-touch, serves complimentary continental Executive Club Lounge personalized service. breakfast, evening hors d’oeuvres, as well as light snacks throughout A wonderful place to toast, panoramic views of the Chicago The Sheraton Chicago, which is the day. The panoramic views of unwind, or gather with friends River, Lake Michigan and city ideally situated on the Chicago the city skyline make this a fantastic and family is the new CBC skyline through floor-to-ceiling River within walking distance of setting for business meetings or Lounge. Complementing the windows. Also featuring amazing Navy Pier, fabulous Michigan gatherings with friends and family. existing Chicago Burger Company views, a new health club offers the Avenue shopping, Millennium Park, restaurant, this seasonal, outdoor latest equipment and weights and lounge is one of the few riverfront is adjacent to the hotel’s indoor, venues in the city! The unique heated pool. The complimentary waterfront location offers an fitness center is open 24 hours. extensive cocktail menu, light An important part of the renovation snacks and an incredible view of was the implementation of many the Chicago River. energy conservation initiatives Additional phases of the $25 million to help protect and preserve the project included public spaces, environment. The seven-figure most noteworthy being the investment encompassed lighting, residential-minded lobby that recycling and a number of other offers many cozy seating options systems and modifications to as well as tables and plug-ins for make sure the hotel is doing its those who enjoy working in the best with environmentally-friendly heart of it all. Also in the midst of practices. Retrofit Chicago the action is ChiBar, where guests honored the hotel team with can enjoy their favorite libation, the “Most Valuable Engineer” catch sporting events on the big distinction for all that has been Waterfront Lounge TV screens, all while enjoying the done in the way of conservation. 5

Presidential Suite

FAST FACTS • 873 luxurious guest rooms and suites, featuring Westin Heavenly® Beds and Westin Heavenly® Baths • 126 Grand Deluxe rooms and suites • 34,000 sq. ft. of newly designed flexible meeting space One complimentary per attendee • 32 meeting and breakout rooms WICKEDTINI • Located in the heart of the Broadway District, within walking at opening or closing reception, plus... distance of 40 theatres • Easy access to all of ’s airports and Weekday Meetings Offer: major transportation • 10% discount on A/V • 15% discount on meeting room internet • Bar 10 Lounge • 1/40 complimentary room nights • 5% discount on catered food and beverage • Full-service FedEx business center ® • Up to 25,000 Starwood Starpoints®* bonus • Complimentary 24-hour WestinWORKOUT Health Club

Weekend Meetings Offer • 15% discount on A/V • 20% discount on meeting room internet • 1/35 complimentary room nights • 10% discount on catered food and beverage • Up to 50,000 Starwood Starpoints®* bonus 800.746.1561 *For new business only. Must book by August 31, 2015 and consume by March 31, 2016. Based upon availability and may not be combined with any other offer. Restrictions apply. www.WestinNY.com Lobby Performance of Wicked at The Westin New York at Times Square BRINGING GUESTS THE

BEST OF BROADWAYAll 34,000 square feet of meeting active participant in preserving and and pre-function space has been protecting the environment; and is totally renovated. The ballrooms part of the Green Hotels Association. now feature expanded ceiling The Westin New York at Times heights, lending themselves to a Square, the first hotel in New York bright, open feel. In the meeting State to receive a Silver Green and pre-function space, the Seal, remains committed to lighting was completely designed, sustainability and environmentally- using all LED fixtures. Much of friendly practices. For example, the group function space utilizes Jim Trombino Executive Director/CEO (L), Metal Powder Industries Federation, thousands of LED bulbs were recycled materials, keeping with Jim Mooney, Dir. Of Sales & Marketing at The Westin New York at Times Square (R) & the cast Of Wicked installed translating into an overall the hotel’s strong environmentally- reduction of energy consumption friendly values. hen Broadway’s biggest Guest rooms have fully designed by over 30%. Additionally, the guest blockbuster comes bathrooms offering a warmer, WICKED and The Westin New rooms and meeting space feature together with a newly more residential feel with a new York at Times Square share a love water saving fixtures, dramatically renovated $33 million Westin vanity providing additional counter of green… and we’re not talking reducing water consumption. NewW York at Times Square, a space, superior lighting and the about just the color (although the ® Tishman Hotel Corporation, WICKED experience is born. Westin Heavenly Shower II. This lead character is a lovely shade of owners of the iconic property, are The Westin New York at Times new shower brings a spa-like the hue). Both are highly focused particularly proud of the fact that Square is bringing guests the best feature into every guest room, on the environment, with WICKED 70% of the new materials used of Broadway offering meeting while dramatically reducing water being the pioneer of the Broadway in the large scale renovation are planners a WICKED group offer. and energy usage (by at least half Green Alliance. The Westin New American made. This supports the of its predecessor). York has long been an advocate and The Westin is sporting all-new US economy while reducing the guest rooms and corridors, carbon foot print associated with featuring custom-designed shipping goods from overseas. elements and artwork. Renovated meeting space and expanded The Westin New York at Times energy conservation practices were also part of this extensive redesign. Square has been a key part and performer within our All guest rooms and suites have portfolio since its inception. We a completely new look and feel are committed to continuous with custom-designed furniture, improvements and investments. new carpeting, wall coverings and upgraded bathrooms. The new We are thrilled with the results and accommodations have a crisp, have already received tremendous fresh, more modern look with, feedback from our guests. of course, the signature Westin - Robert Snyder, President, Heavenly® Bed as the centerpiece. Deluxe King Guest Room Tishman Hotel Corporation

Currently the 11th longest-running musical in Broadway history, the international blockbuster WICKED celebrated its 11th Anniversary on October 30, 2014. Winner of over 100 international awards including the Grammy Award and three Tony Awards, WICKED is the untold story of the witches of Oz. WICKED is performed just steps away from the Westin New York at Times Square at the Gershwin Theatre, 222 West 51st Street, between Broadway and 8th Avenue. 7 ORLANDO

Newly Designed Guest Room

FAST FACTS • 2,267 guest rooms featuring Westin Heavenly® Beds • 329,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, including four ballrooms • 110,500 sq. ft. of contiguous but divisible indoor exhibit space • Pacific Hall, 50,000 sq. ft. of open space with 26-ft-high ceilings Rest assured, we’ll help you put your • 84 meeting & breakout rooms • The Balinese-Inspired Mandara Spa meeting planning needs to bed! • 17 restaurants & lounges, including Todd English’s bluezoo, Shula’s Steak House, Il Mulino New York Trattoria Book your next meeting with us by August 31, 2015 and consume by • -inspired Cabana Bar & Beach Club March 31, 2016 and receive any combination of the following based • Tropical outdoor venues for themed parties & events upon the size of your program: • Online group reservations system ® • Westin Heavenly Robes • Two business centers ® • Westin Heavenly Pillows • On-site AV and DMC ® • Westin Heavenly Sheet Sets • Kids Camp, featuring video games & supervised activities • Westin Heavenly® Bed • WestinWORKOUT® Health Club • Up to 100,000 Starpoints® Signing Bonus 800.746.1561 *For new business only. Must consume by March 31, 2016. Based upon availability and may not be combined with any other offer. Restrictions apply. www.SwanDolphinMeetings.com The Walt Disney World Swan BETTER BY DESIGN

he WaltA Disney WorldBRAND Swan Garcia Stromberg/GS4 Studios, NEW ROOM and Dolphin Hotel is getting created the concept for the new the largest makeover in its rooms. The design is inspired by the history! The hotel has launched resort’s water-themed architecture. aT multi-phase, multi-year, $125 The goal was to create a serene million redesign project that will and sophisticated atmosphere. transform every guest room in the The guest room features upgraded 758-room Swan Hotel and the furniture and the latest technology Q &WITH A 1,509-room Dolphin Hotel. including large HD TVs. Additional The transformation will occur power outlets provide convenient FREDGM SAWYERS OF THE with the majority of guest rooms options for personal electronics. available throughout the process. Blending an artistic combination WALT DISNEY WORLD The hotel’s public spaces, of whites, blues and grays, the SWAN AND DOLPHIN restaurants, meeting rooms, shops, design creates a tasteful ambiance pools and recreational areas will that appeals to adults while not be impacted and remain fully playfully delighting children as well. operational during the renovation. The centerpiece of the room is the ME: What can we expect with the new renovation? Noted hotel and condominium famous Westin Heavenly® Bed with interior design and architecture firm, FS: Each room will be completely reimagined and include all new its all-white custom-designed pillow- top mattress set, cozy down blanket, furniture, the latest technology, and a serene and sophisticated As we celebrate the hotel’s a trio of crisp sheets, goose down atmosphere inspired by our water-themed architecture. There 25th anniversary, it is comforter and over-stuffed pillows. are also plans to refresh much of our public and meeting space, the details of which we will reveal soon. appropriate that we mark the The design continues into a completely new bathroom, occasion with a renaissance ME: How will it compare to the hotel’s original concept? of our room product,” said featuring a back-lit mirror mounted on iridescent glass tiles above the FS: We’ve come a long way from the original, whimsical nature of General Manager Fred new residential style vanity. the hotel when it was first opened in 1989. This latest redesign Sawyers. “Our guests will The project is successfully underway offers a modern atmosphere that can be appreciated by continue to receive the level at the Swan Hotel, with approximately meeting attendees as well as our leisure guests. Although of service and hospitality that 500 rooms completed. The first we are located in the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, comes with a quarter century phase of the Dolphin Hotel rooms we realize that the hotel is a place where our clients are of experience while enjoying will begin soon with the project conducting significant business. It was our intention to create a modern new guest room. scheduled for completion in 2017. an environment that balances the fun and the serious.

ME: What does this mean for future meetings at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin? FS: This renovation represents the next chapter for us. We offer meeting professionals an ideal location, 25 years of industry experience, and now the very best and newest room product. We expect more groups and a greater variety of groups will be eager to host their meetings with us. During the renovation, the hotel and Night time on the Causeway all of our public and meeting space will remain fully operational. 9 A Performance By "The Cover Girls" At Starwood Sales Kickoff AN INTERVIEW WITH DEREK STOCKTON RE:THINK NOW

Betty Wilson, VP Div. Sales (2nd from left) & Mary Casey Derek Stockton Gladys O'Mahony, Div. Director of Group Sales (R) enjoying time with colleagues SVP Sales, NA ecently, Meeting Excellence sat ME: Why is Sales Kickoff ME: Why is this event important ME: Was there an environmental down with Derek Stockton, important to Starwood? to Starwood Hotels of Chicago? or community service project? Complex Director of Sales and Marketing at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel DS: It is important because it not only DS: Kickoff provides great exposure for DS: Absolutely – global citizenship is a R& Towers and the Westin Chicago River gives our Starwood leadership team all of our Chicago hotels as attendees get cornerstone of Starwood’s business, North, to talk about hosting the opportunity to communicate the to experience the incredible renovations which strengthens our resilience in Starwood Hotels and Resorts' 2015 vision for the coming year but it also at every one of our Downtown hotels. We an age of continuous global change. Annual Sales Kickoff event. gives our teams the opportunity to also get to show off our incredibly vibrant In lieu of a welcome amenity, each interact and learn, share best practices city that continues to be a top destination attendee was asked to contribute ME: What is Sales Kickoff? and to have some fun. for meetings. the value of their amenity to one of four local Chicago charities. We also DS: Sales Kickoff brings our Sales, ME: Who attends? ME: What business trends did encouraged our attendees to Make Catering, Event and Revenue teams a Green Choice, which is Starwood’s together to celebrate our successes DS: Approximately 2,600 associates you find particularly interesting? sustainability program designed to help from last year and to educate our from Starwood’s Americas Division DS: The overall message was very reduce our environmental footprint. teams on the innovative Starwood that includes North America and motivating – it was about Rethinking programs and tools that are available Latin America. how we do business and taking a to us and our customers. It is truly look at both traditional and new ways motivational and inspiring! in this constantly changing global environment. Challenging ourselves to grow our business is the key to our long term success! We recognize how critical it is that Starwood offers innovative products and programs to meet the needs of our customers.

Mark Lauer GM, Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers

Event photos courtesy of The Sales and Marketing Team Bob Hermany Leslie Sargent, Starwood Sales Org. Elizabeth Fraiberg | e3 Photography Westin New York At Times Square Chief of Operations & Global Initiatives, NA Hilary Rosenthal, SCHT www.photographye3.com Hemispheres Ballroom JOE O’DONNELL, NATIONAL CONVENTION SERVICES MANAGER OF THE YEAR alt Disney World Swan and Dolphin's Associate Director of Event Management, Joseph O’Donnell, CMP,W was named the 2014 Convention Services Manager of the Year for hotels by the Event Service Professionals Association and national trade publication, Successful Meetings. The prestigious national award honors individuals who have done an outstanding job of servicing meetings and conventions. Candidates are nominated by meeting planners and are evaluated Aerial View Of Outdoor Function Space on their service mentality, their effectiveness as a meeting partner, the Walt Disney World Swan located in the heart of Walt Disney and how much their performance and Dolphin Hotel. He manages World Resort, the hotel offers 2,267 exceeded expectations. numerous events at the hotel guest rooms and over 329,000 O’Donnell is the second person including major conferences with square feet of meeting space. Joe O'Donnell, CMP to be awarded this honor from more than 10,000 attendees. Features consist of 84 meeting Associate Director Of Events the Walt Disney World Swan and The Walt Disney World Swan rooms, including two executive Dolphin Hotel. He has 20 years and Dolphin Hotel is a nationally boardrooms, four ballroom options, of experience in the hospitality respected and recognized leader in 110,500 square feet of contiguous He knew my program by heart, industry, including 11 years with the convention hotel arena. Ideally convention/exhibit space, outdoor he knew my VIPs by sight, he function areas, two business centers and complimentary transportation was always a step ahead on throughout the Walt Disney World our potential hot-button issues, Resort and the Extra Magic Hours and he was there at every meal benefit at the Walt Disney World and special event we had. theme parks. Groups also enjoy He is the perfect zen to any new, sophisticated guest rooms featuring Westin Heavenly® Beds, meeting planner's frenzy. the luxurious Mandara Spa and 17 - Jessica Schade Tamasi, world-class restaurants and lounges. Metal Powder Industries Federation

Eagle Boardroom Exhibits In The Pacific Hall CHICAGO

Astor Pre-function Space

FAST FACTS • 429 elegant guest rooms & suites featuring Westin Heavenly® Beds & Westin Heavenly® Baths • Westin Executive Club Lounge & accommodations • Located on the Chicago River, in the heart of the business & theatre districts Rest assured, we’ll help you put your • 30,000 sq. ft. of beautiful function space meeting planning needs to bed! • 19 meeting rooms & three conference parlors • 8,400 sq. ft. Grand Ballroom Book your next meeting with us by August 31, 2015 and consume by • Full-service business center March 31, 2016 and receive any combination of the following based • Dining at Hana Lounge, & Kamehachi Sushi Bar upon the size of your program: • WestinWORKOUT® Health Club • Westin Heavenly® Robes • Massage therapy • Westin Heavenly® Pillows • Nearby jogging, walking, & bicycle paths • Westin Heavenly® Sheet Sets • Westin Heavenly® Bed • Up to 100,000 Starpoints® Signing Bonus 800.746.1561 *For new business only. Must consume by March 31, 2016. Based upon availability and may not be combined with any other offer. Restrictions apply. www.WestinChicago.com Astor Ballroom TRANSFORMED WITH

n the battleYOU to be the best IN MIND among leading hotels in Chicago, the Westin Chicago River North revealed its latest Iredesign. Known for standing fresh and offering sophisticated accommodations the new redesign reinforces the properties position as one of the most luxurious and contemporary choices. Every aspect keeps the guests' needs top of mind.

The Westin Chicago River North is a premier downtown hotel offering a full spectrum of services in the heart of the city. This remarkable hotel redefines service that ensures a truly unforgettable experience. Hana Garden Terrace The Westin Chicago River North Also, be sure to take advantage provides just what you need for of the WestinWORKOUT® Fitness a great experience. Awake from Studio, offering massage therapy a restful sleep in the AAA Four and a very personable, certified Diamond Award winning hotel personal trainer. featuring the signature Westin Heavenly® Bed and enjoy an Throughout the redesign, the invigorating shower in the Westin Westin Chicago River North Heavenly® Bath. There are, of will continue to push modern course, exclusive privileges and technology, explore new energy amenities on the Westin Executive sources and fresh ideas to help Club level. customers improve their world.

Newly Designed Guest Room We are proud to offer travelers the opportunity to revitalize at our Discover the newly renovated The hotel is excited to announce a accommodations offering recent renovation which refreshes freshly renovated hotel in Chicago’s magnificent views of the majestic the iconic hotel making it an even bustling Near North neighborhood, Chicago River, city skyline, and better place to get back to your just steps from the world-famous more that will leave you inspired best self. The hotel completely to explore the Windy City. This transformed all guest rooms, suites, Magnificent Mile shopping district. and the Club Lounge to create an River North hotel is nestled in the - Brent Menzel, General Manager heart of the business and theatre even more inviting atmosphere for district, trendy restaurants, and art relaxing or connecting with friends, galleries. You’ll find plenty of things family and colleagues. to do in downtown Chicago. 13 TISHMAN HOTELS TAKE THE TRIPLE CROWN

STARWOOD HOTELS AND RESORTS SALES TEAM OF THE YEAR • WESTIN NEW YORK AT TIMES SQUARE

STARWOOD HOTELS AND RESORTS CATERING & EVENT MANAGEMENT TEAM OF THE YEAR • SHERATON CHICAGO HOTEL & TOWERS

STARWOOD HOTELS AND RESORTS SALES PERSON OF THE YEAR • PAUL COULTER • WALT DISNEY WORLD SWAN AND DOLPHIN MEET OUR NEWEST MOVERS & SHAKERS

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin The Westin New York at Times Square MITCH JORDAN - DIRECTOR OF SALES DAWNA NAYLOR - DIRECTOR OF SALES

With more than 10 years of hospitality experience, he is With over 12 years of experience, Naylor leads the charge for responsible for managing the group sales team at the group, leisure and corporate sales at the 873-room luxury hotel. 2,267-room hotel. She oversees the team responsible for business development of groups, banquets, city-wide conferences, and domestic and Jordan has been with the hotel’s sales department for international markets. nine years, consistently performing as one of the top sales associates and working his way from executive meetings Naylor was previously the Director of Group Sales for the Westin manager to account director. As Account Director, Jordan Waltham Hotel in . She took her first Starwood consistently exceeded sales goals, and in 2013, he was post at the Sheraton Braintree and was quickly advanced into the named the property’s Sales Executive of Year. Director of Catering and Convention Services role. Due to her hard work and passion for the hospitality industry, she was promoted Jordan holds a degree in business from Middle Tennessee to Director of Group Sales. State University. “Dawna’s tenacity and depth of sales experience will surely serve The Westin New York at Times Square well,” said Sean Verney, General Manager. “We are thrilled to have her on board and look forward to having her be part of the hotel’s continued success.”

ANNU TH AL 6

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW! Friday, October 30th & Saturday, October 31st www.swandolphinfoodandwineclassic.com Tishman Hotel Corporation PRSRT STD 1200 Epcot Resorts Blvd. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 Orlando, FL Permit No. 1979

The fiber in this product was sourced from well managed forests and contains 10% post consumer waste.

GREAT HOTELS & DESTINATIONS

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers www.SwanDolphinMeetings.com www.SheratonChicago.com

The Westin New York at Times Square Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel and Casino The Westin Chicago River North www.WestinNY.com www.SheratonOldSanJuan.com www.WestinChicago.com