Mean Serious Business Page 18

A COASTAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION PUBLICATION MAY/JUNE 2011 VOL. 18 NO. 3 $9.00 www.TheMeetingMagazines.com

THE EXECUTIVE SOURCE FOR PLANNING MEETINGS & INCENTIVES Golf Resorts Mean Serious Business Page 18

Ken A. Crerar, President of The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers, holds his annual leadership forums at The Broadmoor (pictured) — the venerable Colorado Springs resort featuring three championship golf courses.

Photo courtesy of The Broadmoor

Small Meetings Page 10 Cruise Meetings Page 24 Arizona Page 28 ISSN 1095-9726...... USPS 012-991

Tapatio Cliffs A COASTAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION PUBLICATION

THE EXECUTIVE SOURCE FOR PLANNING MEETINGS & INCENTIVES MAY/JUNE 2011 Vol. 18 No. 3 Photo courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises Seven Photo courtesy of Regent Page 24 FEATURES Seven Seas Navigator features 490 suites with ocean views — the majority with private balconies. The luxury ship 10 Small Meetings sails to the Tropics, Alaska, Are a Big Priority Canada and New England. By Derek Reveron

Squaw Peak

18 Golf Resorts Page 10 Mean Business Dunes Photo courtesy of Marina Inn at Grande DEPARTMENTS By Steve Winston The Sand Dollar Boardroom at Marina Inn at Grande Dunes, Myrtle 4 PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE Beach, SC, is 600 sf and offers a distinctive, comfortable environment 6 INDUSTRY NEWS 24 Smooth Sailing for executive and small meetings. All-Inclusive Cruise 6 VALUE LINE Meetings Keep Budgets On an Even Keel 7 EVENTS By John Buchanan 8 MANAGING PEOPLE How to Overcome the Evils of Micromanaging By Laura Stack DESTINATION 34 CORPORATE LADDER 35 READER SERVICES 28 Arizona A Meetings Oasis Elevate your meetings By Stella Johnson At Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain, exciting new venues for Scottsdale luxury Page 28 dining include Praying Monk (left) and XII. Photo courtesy of the Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain

Insurance & Financial Meetings Management is published bi-monthly by Coastal Communications Corporation, 2700 N. Military Trail, Ste. 120, Boca Raton, FL 33431-6394; 561-989-0600. Single Phoenix, Arizona copies $9.00 U.S.A.; back copies $10. Yearly subscription price is $60.00 in the U.S.A.; $125.00 elsewhere. Distributed without charge to qualified personnel. Periodicals Postage Paid at Boca Raton, FL, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Insurance & Financial Meetings Management, 2700 N. Military Trail, Ste. 120, Boca Raton, FL 33431-6394. Nothing contained in this publication shall constitute an endorsement by Coastal Communications Corporation (Insurance & Financial Meetings Management), and the publication disclaims any liability with respect to the use of reliance on any such information. The information contained in this publication is no way to be construed as a recommendation by I&FMM of any industry standard, or as a recommendation of any kind to be adopted by or binding upon any corporate/incentive travel planner or agent. Reproduction of any portion of this publication by any means is strictly forbidden. Editorial contributions must be accompanied by return postage and will be handled with reasonable care. However, the publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited photographs or manuscripts. Subscriber: Send subscription inquiries and address changes to: Circulation Dept., Insurance & Financial Meetings Management, 2700 N. Military Trail, Ste. 120, Boca Raton, FL 33431-6394. Give old and new addresses including zip codes. Enclose address label from most recent issue and allow five weeks for change to become effective. Printed in U.S.A. © 2011 Phone: 1-800-685-0550 | www.pointehilton.com www.themeetingmagazines.com

INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT MAY/JUNE 2011 3 Publisher’s Message A COASTAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION PUBLICATION WEBSITE www.themeetingmagazines.com PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Harvey Grotsky THE WORLD’S MOST INNOVATIVE CRUISE LINE. Today Looks Bright, Tomorrow Looks Brighter [email protected] I borrowed this sunny headline from the fourth annual American Express/ CREATIVE DIRECTOR THE WORLD’S BEST MEETING & INCENTIVE OPTION. CFO Research Global Business & Spending Monitor, which surveyed 665 se- Mitch D. Miller [email protected] nior finance executives from the U.S., Europe, Canada, Latin America, Asia MANAGING EDITORS and Australia. It’s but one of many positive reports to cross my desk in the Susan W. Fell last few weeks. [email protected] The survey says: “Optimism has continued to increase among the world’s Susan S. Gregg finance executives, with three in four (75 percent) reporting expectations for [email protected] modest to strong economic expansion over the CONTRIBUTING EDITORS John Buchanan next 12 months — up from 71 percent in 2010. In Karen Brost the U.S., the figure was even higher at 79 percent, Harvey Chipkin Stella Johnson although most predict modest growth.” Andrea Montello Derek Reveron The best news for the insurance and financial George Seli meetings business, as outlined in the survey, is Steve Winston that nearly 41 percent of finance executives plan PRESIDENT & CEO to spend more on travel this year (up from 26 per- Harvey Grotsky cent in 2010). In addition, 64 percent will spend VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS David A. Middlebrook the same or more on business travel in 2011; one [email protected] in 10 expect spending to increase by 10 percent or ADVERTISING SALES OFFICES more; and 34 percent plan to increase spending on 2700 N. Military Trail, Suite 120 Boca Raton, FL 33431-6394 meetings with new or potential clients. 561-989-0600 Fax: 561-989-9509 Golf resorts also reveal an uptick in new and return business. In our cover NEW YORK & MID-ATLANTIC STATES story, “Golf Resorts Mean Serious Business” on page 18, sales directors report a 561-989-0600, ext. 114 • Fax: 561-989-9509 return to business meetings that include golf programs: “Golf is still No. 1 with [email protected] alot of meeting planners,” says Andy Radovic, vice president of sales and market- NEW ENGLAND Jody Estabrook ing for the Ponte Vedra Inn and Club. “Despite the austerity of the last few years, 774-283-4528 • Fax: 774-283-4527 we find that meeting groups — and meeting planners — still gravitate toward [email protected] golf. It’s such a long tradition that it’s really part of the DNA of meetings. And, FLORIDA/CARIBBEAN 561-989-0600, ext. 114 • Fax: 561-989-9509 in contrast to some of the outdated perceptions, we find that meetings at golf [email protected] resorts are increasingly being perceived as serious business meetings…because SOUTHWEST they offer more chances for networking, and they tend to increase attendance.” 561-989-0600, ext. 114 • Fax: 561-989-9509 [email protected] Ken A. Crerar, president of The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers, who SOUTHEAST graces our cover, chooses to hold his organization’s high-level leadership forums 561-989-0600, ext. 114 • Fax: 561-989-9509 at The Broadmoor. Crerar agrees with Jack Gage, the director of insurance and [email protected] incentive sales for The Broadmoor, who says, “Golf by itself is not enough to MIDWEST Jim Kingwill attract meetings. Most golf resorts also now have state-of-the-art meeting facili- 847-537-9196 • Fax: 847-537-6519 ties, and staffs that are experienced in staging productive meetings. Golf resorts [email protected] Barry Kingwill really understand the value of hosting business meetings.” 847-537-9196 • Fax: 847-537-6519 [email protected] WEST Why not host your next Marshall Rubin 818-888-2407 • Fax: 818-888-4907 Corporate Meeting or Incentive Event at sea? [email protected] CANADA Royal Caribbean International® o ers value, ease of planning and a 561-989-0600, ext. 114 • Fax: 561-989-9509 unique experience. We provide everything a land-based resort does, Harvey Grotsky [email protected] plus so much more. Exhilarating onboard activities, a variety of dining HAWAII options, Broadway-style shows, complimentary function space and A/V 561-989-0600, ext. 114 • Fax: 561-989-9509 [email protected] equipment, event customization options, and spacious accommodations 1-800-762-0458 all included for one great price – we are the ‘Ultimate O -Site Destination’. RoyalCaribbeanIncentives.com

June 15–17, 2011 Caesars Hyatt Regency Atlanta Midway FICP EDUCATION FORUM Entertainment Through Major Transformation Grand Del Mar Launches Meetings ATLANTA, GA — The Hyatt Regency Atlanta is at the halfway point in a $65 San Diego, CA million transformation. The 1,260-unit downtown Atlanta hotel began mod- Contact: 312-245-1023 Rewards Program ernizing its Centennial Ballroom — the largest hotel ballroom in the Atlanta www.ficpnet.com LAS VEGAS, NV — Caesars En- market — in April. That work follows months-long updates to the atrium lobby, tertainment Corporation announced entryway, and food and beverage concepts. Other renovations, including up- JUNE 21–23, 2011 the launch of Total Rewards Meet- dates to all 737 guest rooms in the hotel’s atrium tower, will begin this fall. THE AMERICAS MEETINGS & EVENTS EXHIBITION (AIBTM) ings & Events, the “The design and facilities transformation, expected to be completed in Baltimore Convention Center gaming industry’s December 2011, was initiated to meet the new demands of today’s group Baltimore, MD first-ever reward attendee,” says Joe Hindsley, Hyatt Regency Atlanta’s general manager Contact: 203-840-5975 and loyalty program and current president of the Atlanta Hotel Council. “That’s why we’ve de- www.aibtm.com targeted specifi- signed Hyatt Regency Atlanta’s public spaces to be more accommodating Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & cally to meeting and for business and networking. We’ve made our check-in more intimate and Spa, Scottsdale, AZ. The On the House promotion, available event clients. The user-friendly, and our new food and beverage concepts are designed to help JULY 23–26, 2011 MPI World Education through September 14, 2011, grants meeting groups of 40 or more rooms program allows guests work, meet and network before and after their event.” Key to this Massari congress staying for two or more consecutive nights with a complimentary private meeting and event strategy is Hyatt Regency Atlanta’s new lobby bar Twenty-Two Storys, which Orange County Convention Center home during their event. Savings are valued at more than $3,500 per customers to earn Total Rewards provides a comfortable space for guests to work, get a bite to eat and meet Orlando, FL night for Mountainside Estates homes ranging in size up to 5,500 square credits for the business they bring with associates and clients. The hotel will remain open for business through- Contact: 972-702-3053 feet. 480-607-2350, www.sanctuaryaz.com to Caesars Entertainment proper- out the project; the transformation was strategically planned in stages as to www.mpiweb.org ties across North America. not disrupt guests’ experiences. www.hyatt.com/gallery/atlrarenovation Skamania Lodge, Stevenson, offered a special 50th Anniversary “We are excited to be the first WA. Planners are offered 5 percent package rate of $173/person for company to offer a fully integrated off the master bill and 1/25 comp groups that book a total of 50 room gaming and meeting rewards pro- New Disney room for new meetings booked by nights or more. Package includes gram to our guests,” said Michael June 30, 2011 and actualized by two suite upgrades; waived meet- Massari, vice president of meeting Hawaii Resort’s December 31, 2011. Summer rates ing room rental and resort fees; sales and operations. “Caesars First Guests start at $129 (available through parking, Internet, coffee and more. Entertainment is known for providing September 30, 2011); winter Attendees receive bottle of Arnold differentiated service and innova- Arrive in August rates start at $109 (available from Palmer Wine, breakfast buffet tive options to our Total Rewards KO OLINA, HI — In April, in a cere-

October 1, 2011 through December and choice of round of golf or members. Now we will be able to mony on the lagoon fronting the site © BMP / PHOTO BY JAMES PORTO 31, 2011). For more information, call spa. Meeting must be booked in include meetings and events clients, of Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko 509-427-7700. www.skamania.com 2011 and consumed between now an important part of our business, in Olina, Hawaii, Disney cast members and January 15, 2012. Contact our Total Rewards program.” (employees) and local crew members Club Med. Meeting groups with Roy Schindele at 407-876-8001, Total Rewards credits may be from Hawaiian Dredging Construction 20 or more adults are offered all- [email protected]. earned for every dollar paid by the Company Inc. celebrated the comple- inclusive meeting and incentive master account with no limit on the tion of major structural work on the package rates from $119/person/ Rancho Valencia, an Auberge number of credits that can be earned. Disney resort, assembling in Mickey night at Cancun Yucatan, Mexico; Resort, Rancho Santa Fe, CA. Total Rewards credits will be earned Mouse formation on the beach. SucceSS StartS with inSpiration Ixtapa Pacific, Mexico; Punta Cana, Planners who book a new meet- at the rate of one base credit for The event was a symbolic rep- Dominican Republic; Sandpiper Bay, ing of 40 room nights or more every $1 paid by the master account. resentation of the shared efforts For years, corporate events have been drawn to Blue Man Group’s unique form of entertainment. Exploring themes of community, collaboration Florida; Turkoise, Turks and Caicos; to operate in 2011 receive the Tier credits will be earned at the rate of Disney and Hawaiian Dredging and creativity, corporate groups have left our theatres feeling connected and Columbus Isle, Bahamas. same group rate for a group book- of one tier credit for every $5 paid by in building the new resort. Upon and energized by their shared Blue Man experience. Whether you’re Meetings must be booked by July ing that takes place in the first the master account. Cardholders then completion in August, Aulani will looking to book a corporate event or a large group, Blue Man Group can 11, 2011 and consumed by April six months of 2013. The 2013 redeem the credits for room stays, offer 830 rooms and villas. Groups accommodate all of your needs. 30, 2012. Call 800-453-2582 or group must be of equal or greater spa treatments, dining, merchan- will also have access to more than customized performances • priority Seating • Group Discounts visit www.clubmedgroups.com. size and must be contracted by dise from the Total Rewards catalog 50,000 sf of ballroom, meeting September 30, 2012. Contact and future meetings and events at and outdoor function space, includ- new YorK BoSton chicaGo LaS VeGaS orLanDo nationaL tour Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Brooke Lazarski at 858-759-6219, Caesars Entertainment properties. ing a 15,000-sf conference center. 1.800.BLueMan Appearing exclusively at sea onboard BLueMan.coM Lodge, Orlando, FL. Planners are [email protected]. www.totalrewards.com/meetings www.disneymeetings.com

6 MAY/JUNE 2011 INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT MAY/JUNE 2011 7 Managing People By Laura Stack How to Overcome the Evils of Micromanaging

eeting planners who work solo often not that the micromanager is necessarily on a contributions, and then develop an action plan Ultimately, your true talent as a leader lies in depend on others in different depart- power kick; it’s more likely that they just mis- to do whatever’s necessary to train or coach that your ability to recognize what you need to do to Mments to pitch in, and other meeting trust everyone, and are afraid that if they don’t individual to increase their productivity. encourage, support and motivate your employ- professionals oversee large staffs. No matter ride their team members, everyone will make As long as you delegate responsibilities ap- ees to achieve the results you’re after — with- what type of arrangement you have, to be suc- catastrophic mistakes. propriately, prepare employees for their jobs and out strangling their initiative or engagement in cessful, you have to manage others well. Honest The impact of micromanaging is detrimental provide them with everything they need to do it, the process. Find the right people, trust them answers to the following questions is a good right up and down the line, not just to individu- you won’t need to ride them. Show them that to do their work, and check in occasionally to place to start. als but to the corporate culture. Not only is it you have faith in their abilities. If they turn out • Do you often find yourself standing over sub- exhausting (emotionally and physically) to all in- to be unworthy of your faith, then yes, you’ll ordinates’ shoulders, directing their work? volved, it’s ultimately counterproductive, and it have to bring the ax down on them. Rely upon • Do you regularly redo your employees’ ends up driving away the best employees. your folks, and prove that you can be relied Micromanaging drives a work, even as a form of instruction? Furthermore, micromanaging is an interrup- upon to back them to the hilt, and you’ll estab- • Do you second-guess employees on a tive process. If you poke people a half-dozen lish a level of loyalty and productivity that can stake through the heart daily basis? times a day and ask how far they’ve gotten on be truly astonishing. • Do you require sign-off on every task, no an assignment, you can’t expect them to get So establish your mission and vision and make of employee productivity. matter how minor? very far; after all, they have to answer your mes- sure that it’s clear to everyone. Set some basic • Are you convinced of the truth of the old sages, which wastes their time and drags them ground rules, determine who reports to whom saying, “If you want something done right, out of their focus. and how, and then turn your attention to your verify. That’s how you achieve true, long-term you’ve got to do it yourself”? own tasks. If you hire capable, engaged people productivity: not by standing over their shoul- • Do you work 12-plus hours a day, trying Trust Is the Answer you can trust to do their jobs, then you’ve got ders, counting paperclips. I&FMM to put out brush fires and rechecking When a manager surrounds him- or herself the enviable position of being a hands-off man- everything you’re responsible for? with competent, well-supported people and ager. Like the savvy lieutenant, you can just point Laura Stack is a personal productivity expert, author, • Do you have a hard time focusing on the trusts them to do their jobs, micromanaging is your soldiers at a task and say, “Get that done.” and professional speaker who is dedicated to big picture? never a problem. If your organization is suffering It’s not that you’re abdicating your responsi- building high-performance SuperCompetent cultures If you answered “yes” to more than a couple from low productivity, don’t automatically blame bilities when you do this; you’re just using other by creating Maximum Results in Minimum Time of these questions, you’ve got micromanage- the workers; take a look at yourself first. If you people’s talents to get things done. Your func- through increased productivity. She is the president rial tendencies, and you’ll need to actively fight don’t trust your people to do their jobs well, why tion is to direct and expedite the workflow, and of The Productivity Pro Inc., a time management them. If you answered “yes” to most or all, then is that? Did you make poor choices when you to provide any necessary resources to stimulate training firm specializing in productivity you are a micromanager. hired them, or is it that you inherited them from performance in any way you can. improvement in high-stress organizations. Since So who cares? What does micromanaging someone else and haven’t bothered to learn Give your team objectives and guidance 1992, Stack has presented keynotes and seminars hurt? Simply put, micromanaging drives a stake how to maximize their skills and abilities? when needed (and only then), and offer them on improving output, lowering stress and saving through the heart of employee productivity. So in ridding yourself of your micromanag- the opportunity to improve their skills to the time in today’s workplaces. Her books include Most of this article is based on extensive ing tendencies and bringing your organization betterment of the organization. Once trust be- SuperCompetent (Wiley, 2010); The Exhaustion Cure commentaries I’ve received after I ran a brief tip up to snuff, your first task (ironically) may be to comes a permanent part of your methodology, (Broadway Books, 2008); Find More Time (2006); about the evils of micromanaging in my month- take an even closer look at your team members your biggest obstacle will be how to clearly com- and Leave the Office Earlier (2004). Call 303-471- ly newsletter. Many said that micromanaging is and their abilities. Assess how each is contribut- municate to the individuals on your team pre- 7401 or visit www.theproductivitypro.com to sign as much about fear as it is about control. It’s ing, and what can be done to maximize those cisely what needs to be done. up for her free monthly productivity newsletter.

8 MAY/JUNE 2011 INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT MAY/JUNE 2011 9 of a seller’s market, according to industry. It may be a small meeting meeting planners. However, with the right now but I might have a partner “We are dealing with number of large meetings below their in New York that will be doing a big shorter lead times for all-time high numbers, hotels value one. Hotels tend to look at the big small meetings because small meetings as important sources picture,” says the planner. companies Small Meetings of revenue. She plans about 25 For groups, small meetings are im- 100-attendee meetings an- are...waiting to portant because they provide intimate nually for a five-state re- see what will training, educational and networking gion. “We do a lot of leader- happen...they don’t settings. It’s also easier to focus the ship and strategy meetings. want to commit agenda and amenities of small meet- Sometimes we have sales Are A ings on the needs of the attendees. and training meetings. We to spending The growing importance of small have been known to have money until they meetings is eroding the traditional road shows where we do absolutely have to.” perception that some properties view multiple meetings in differ- them as less important than large ent states,” she says. Louann Cashill, CMP, CMM Manager of Special Projects meetings. Such a perception hard- The planner carefully monitors StarCite ly exists for small meetings held by small meeting budgets and makes Philadelphia, PA large financial firms, says a veteran economically sound hotel choices. CMP for a regional office of one of the “With small meetings, transportation choosing a venue, we try to stay close world’s largest insurance companies. has been a large line item for us. The to the airport for transportation and BIG “I have never felt like our small meet- purpose of the meeting determines budget reasons. When you are not in ings have come in second to anything. where we hold them, whether we the main area of downtown, you get a We are well respected because we are are doing something completely busi- better value,” the planner says. national. I think most hotels recog- ness-oriented or whether we want to One property where the insur- nize us as a player in the meetings say to our salespeople ‘good job.’ In ance company meeting specialist Photo courtesy of Tulalip Resort Casino Tulalip Photo courtesy of The Birch Room at Tulalip Resort Casino is ideal for a smaller meetingPriority — everything from theater-style breakouts to a working luncheon or a 50-person reception. By Derek Reveron

mall meetings are nothing to gets. Corporations are shrinking the financial oversight of small meetings, sneeze at. As large meetings are size of meetings, holding more of including some that previously have Sreduced in size and frequency, them closer to headquarters and re- been managed by various departments, small meetings are growing in num- gional offices, and tightening quali- regions and professionals other than ber and importance. “We are seeing fications for attendance. Businesses meeting planners, such as administra- more RFPs go through our pipeline are also holding more in-house small tive assistants, says Cashill. “Since the and, of course, green chile. than ever, but the size of meetings is meetings as well as hybrid meetings, economic crash of 2008, companies reducing. I see this as a major trend which combine face-to-face and vir- are being more strategic about what that is going to evolve further as orga- tual participation. meetings take place and the number submit an rfp nizations continue to go through the Such trends have grown due to of people they send. Companies look to win pecking order of who really needs to the economic crisis and the adop- at national meetings and say that they a free ipad. go to meetings,” says Louann Cashill, tion of the U.S. Treasury department’s are somewhat impersonal, that attend- CMP, CMM, manager of special proj- Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), ees hesitate to ask questions, and that ects for Philadelphia-based StarCite, which established policies on luxury they leave unable to retain and use a provider of meetings management expenses for meetings, events and much of what they learned. So they technology solutions for corporations, travel. TARP rules require corpora- slice it into maybe four regional meet- A Rocky MountAin destinAtion celebRAted foR cultuRe, ARt And oRiginAlity. including several Fortune 1000 finan- tions to create policies to identify and ings or six business-unit meetings,” With 40,000 feet of event space, gatherings ranging from 1,000-person conventions to 20-person cial services companies. About 70 per- approve meeting expenses, and estab- says Cashill. brainstorming sessions fit right in. stunning ballrooms and cozy breakout rooms service everything cent of corporate meetings have 50 or lish internal processes to track expens- from banquets to workshops. beautiful adobe architecture, green design, and state-of-the-art fewer attendees, according to Price- es and ensure accountability. TARP is The Value of Small Meetings technology ensure an authentic experience that makes business feel a lot like pleasure. waterhouseCoopers. one of the factors that has prompted The SMMP approach to small foR A liMited tiMe, Receive fRee spAce With 500 RooM nights. vAlid JAn - feb 2012 And 2013. SANTA FE CONVENTION Financial services and insurance corporations to use strategic meetings meetings aims to help meeting plan- AND VISITORS BUREAU companies, have hundreds of small management programs (SMMP) to ners leverage small-meeting volume ensures your next meeting meetings annually. The number of track, manage and consolidate spend- to obtain value when negotiating with Historic plaza, galleries travel + leisure magazine Call 800.984.9984 or visit and world-famous dining is a work of art santafe.org/meetings small meetings is on the rise mostly ing on small meetings. hotels. That’s somewhat of a chal- due to tighter corporate meeting bud- Corporations are centralizing the lenge these days because it’s more

10 MAY/JUNE 2011 INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT MAY/JUNE 2011 11 finds value is Tulalip Resort Casino in service. “We want a high-level, high- Ranked “Highest in Guest Satisfaction Among Upscale Hotel Chains” by J.D. Power and Associates Tulalip, WA, where she holds a few touch service with more onsite as- leadership meetings each year. “They sistance. Depending on the level of are combination business meetings attendees, we may have an extra per- as well as recognition for a job well son onsite to work with the hotel to done. We can get a good price and prearrange, make sure everything is it’s a 45-minute drive from the airport. set up and respond to the needs of We can hold half-day sessions during executives. When they enter a room, the meeting and give our upper sales all they should have to do is sit down,” people time to enjoy the hotel and go says Barbiero-Lisi. dancing,” the planner notes. Providing top service and ameni- The insurance company has held ties for small meetings and executive meetings at Tulalip for the last few retreats is certainly a priority at The years. At first, the company was con- Marina Inn at Grande Dunes, Myrtle cerned about the public perception of Beach, SC, a premier resort tucked Tom J. Tolvé, CMP holding meetings at a casino. “But we away amid 2,220 acres between the Senior Manager, Meeting Operations found that the meeting area is so Novo Nordisk business or separated from the casino, you don’t realize it’s a casino. And it pleasure? is geographically in an area that’s convenient. They go above and beyond to help us get the meet- yes. ing space the way we want it, and the staff remembers us by name. Also, the audio-visual system is top notch, and that’s a huge weight off my shoulders,” says the planner. Dunes Photo courtesy of Marina Inn at Grande Omni Marina Inn at Grande Dunes, which is ideal for small meetings and retreats, is located in Venue Selection Myrtle Beach — home to 102 golf courses. Omni understands understands Some meeting planners prefer smaller hotels for small meetings and Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal You need a resort that has executive retreats. Michelle Barbiero- Waterway. Every one of the resort’s When you’re planning an event, you have a number of things on your plate. And time usually isn’t one of them. That’s why Omni offers Rapid RFP Response. Simply it all, and Omni delivers. We Lisi, senior planner for Minneapolis- 200 guest rooms and suites provides submit your RFP, and Omni will get back to you within two hours. It’s available now, offer 70,000 square feet of based Carlson Wagonlit Travel spacious accommodations in warm, and it’s only from Omni. event space. Plus golf, spa Meetings & Events North America, cozy surroundings, including a ter- services and a 15-acre pool takes great care when selecting ven- race with water views, high-speed 800-788-6664 omniunderstands.com complex. All just minutes ues for small meetings. “Typically, we Internet access and much more. try to gauge properties that can com- Dining options include WaterScapes, from the action in Orlando. fortably accommodate small groups. the Marina Inn’s signature restaurant, Call today to learn more. For instance, I’ve never had a small offering local, fresh sustainable din- group in Las Vegas. The properties are ing; Reflections, Marina Inn’s Lobby 407-238-6526 way too big. When you have a group Bar overlooking the marina; the wa- omniunderstands.com/ of only 10–50 people, you need some- terfront Anchor Café, serving up suc- orlando thing more conducive to what their culent burgers; and an onsite Ruth’s needs are. We wouldn’t turn down Chris Steakhouse. Las Vegas if a client requests it. But In addition to beach activities, ten- we might recommend alternative lo- nis and a 126-slip marina, golf is king Omni Bedford Springs Omni Mount Washington Resort Omni Tucson National Resort cations that are smaller and not right here as Myrtle Beach is known as Resort on The Strip,” says Barbiero-Lisi, who America’s golf capital with 10 of the top- plans 40–50 small meetings annually, 100 courses in the U.S. Surrounded by many of which are financial firms. 90 golf courses, the Marina Grande’s When planning executive retreats, onsite courses include the Resort Club

©2011 Omni Hotels & Resorts Barbiero-Lisi typically seeks small to at Grande Dunes, which overlooks the mid-sized properties that provide top Intracoastal Waterway and was named Omni Hotels received the highest numerical score among upscale hotels in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2010 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index StudySM. Study based on responses from 53,174 guests measuring 15 upscale hotels and measures opinions of guests who stayed in a hotel May 2009–June 2010. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed June 2009–June 2010. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com. ©2011 Omni Hotels & Resorts

OMOR-1250D12 MAY/JUNE Meeting Planner Ad_F.indd2011 1INSURANCE4/15/11 5:11 & PMFINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT

OMNI-1200B Ins&FinMP_Tom_8.125x10.875.indd 1 4/6/11 9:45 AM the 2009 National Golf Course of the conference rooms and an executive Small Meeting Specialists the property’s group 70,000 sf of meeting space and 33 Year by the National Golf Course boardroom. The oceanfront Ocean The trend nowadays is for all sizes bookings. While the meeting rooms, is a popular resort Association, and the Members Club at Club at Grande Dunes can handle of hotels and resorts to market them- Gaylord Texan offers for small groups and executive re- Grande Dunes, a private course with up to 250 attendees, and the Private selves as small meeting specialists. For 1,511 guest rooms and treats. The resort has two ballrooms, natural terrain designed by Nick Price. Member’s Club at Grande Dunes will example, Las Vegas’ emphasis on small more than 400,000 sf a full business center and high-speed The Golf Academy at Grande Dunes accommodate up to 125 participants. meetings represents a shift over the of meeting space, the Internet access and Wi-Fi in all meet- features golf instruction and clinics Conveniently located, Myrtle Beach years. Cashill says, “Several years ago, property also offers ing spaces and public areas. from top golf professionals. International Airport is just 10 min- if you didn’t have at least hundreds small groups a dedi- The property boasts 36 holes of The resort offers 15,000 sf of meet- utes north of the Marina Inn, and is of room nights, they weren’t as inter- cated meeting manager Greg Norman-designed golf, a par-3 ing space that accommodates up to serviced by 10 airlines and more than ested in talking to you. Now, the ho- to assist with logistical nine-hole course and the world head- 400 guests, eight rooms including two 20 direct flights. tels have teams of sales managers that at ChampionsGate Photo courtesy of Omni Orlando preplanning needs, and quarters of the David Leadbetter Golf After the business meeting, attendees relax at Omni are focused on booking small meet- a conference coordina- Academy. The ChampionsGate Golf Orlando at ChampionsGate’s beautiful pool areas — ings business. Technology has made from private cabanas to fun and frolic on the Lazy River. tor to meet onsite needs. Club, an impressive clubhouse, res- it much easier for huge properties to The Hotel Plaza Real taurant and banquet facility, handles respond to RFPs for small groups. Ten tendees. Planners can select meeting in Santa Fe, NM, located less than a golf tournaments year-round. or 15 years ago, they just couldn’t re- venues, order food and beverage and block from historic Santa Fe Plaza’s The full-service European-style SET FOR ply to all the calls and faxes.” reserve audio-visual equipment online. museums and restaurants, offers 56 Serenity Spa offers an array of treat- SUCCESS Associated Luxury Hotels Interna Planners can also create a Web page rooms and meeting space for up to 50 ments and services. Dining options tional (AHLI) last year launched the showcasing meeting agendas. The attendees. The property’s Santa Clara include several fine eateries such as It’s the little things that add up to a great “ALHI U-200 Gems” collection, which hotel offers more than 150,000 sf of meeting room is designed to meet the David’s Club, an upscale sports bar, an meeting. From inspiring spaces and healthful is a new speciality segment consisting meeting space and 2,860 guest rooms. needs of small meetings and execu- Italian restaurant and Zen, which of- menus to thoughtful attention to details, of ALHI members with 200 rooms or Other resorts that cater to small tive retreats. The hotel also features fers Pan-Asian gourmet fare. under that specialize in serving meet- meetings include the Gaylord Texan a theater-style venue that accommo- Several pools and an 850-foot Lazy we’ll set you up for clear-thinking productivity. ing and incentive programs. Resort & Convention Center, located dates 40 people. River with rapids and splash surprises David Gabri, president and CEO in Grapevine, TX. Small, executive- The 720-room Omni Orlando Re provide fun for attendees and their FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION, PLEASE VISIT of ALHI, says, “We created the ‘U- sized meetings account for most of sort at ChampionsGate, which offers families. The luxury resort received WESTIN.COM/LASVEGAS OR CALL 702-836-5900 200 Gems’ collection so that meeting planners and incentive/ recognition specialists who are seeking an exclusive, smaller venue for their specific programs can easily access the range of options available to them. These gems can provide a wonderful seclud- ed atmosphere for your group, which can be particularly appealing if you have a very tight-knit group, one that requires privacy or total confidential- ity, or one that wishes to utilize the property’s beautiful public spaces for private functions. These hotels and resorts also enable smaller groups to be the ‘main program’ at their property, F INER IN CAROLINA! which can have its benefits too.” Some hotel brands have dedi- Experience Carolina at its fi nest at the AAA four diamond Marina Inn at Grande Dunes! cated websites for small meetings. Groups up to 400 will discover our style of gracious ambience Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, for and charm providing 15,000 square feet of unique event space example, says small business meetings are a big priority and encourag- off ering a peaceful setting for your meeting or special event! es meeting planners to submit RFPs Ask about our by calling or go to online for individual and multiple Value Dates 866.913.7015 small meetings. www.marinainnatgrandedunes.com/ifmm The Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach ©2011 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Resort & Spa in Honolulu permits SPG, Preferred Guest, Westin and their logos are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates. online one-stop shopping for room blocks for meetings of five to 25 at- 8121 Amalfi Place Myrtle Beach, SC 29572

14 MAY/JUNE 2011 INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT MAY/JUNE 2011 15 the Orlando Business Journal’s 2009 meetings. “They are good opportuni- can’t start major renovation six months UNIQUELY Reader’s Choice Award for “Best ties for planners to hone in on book- prior to the meeting. With small meet- Meeting Spot for Small Gatherings.” ing hotels that have gaps between large ings, it’s basically a few weeks. In terms Another gem suited for small to meetings or conventions and take ad- of force majeure, sometimes you have mid-sized meetings is the 826-room vantage of some of the concessions that a little more leverage in terms of how Westin Casuarina Las Vegas Hotel, might be offered to fill that space. The to define it in large contracts because Casino & Spa, offering a tranquil retreat trick there is flexibility. Ask the group if people are coming from so many dif- from The Las Vegas Strip’s non-stop ac- its dates are flexible. The first response ferent places and countries. With small tion a block away. Relaxation comes at is typically “no,” but if you talk further meetings, you don’t have that advan- The Hibiscus Spa, the outdoor heated and let them know that if they are flex- tage,” Cashill adds. pool and the WestinWorkout gym. The ible you can probably find something hotel has 20,000 sf of meeting space in the location within budget, then they Points to Remember including 15 meeting rooms and two start to come around,” Cashill advises. Meeting planners offer the follow- ballrooms. A 2,000-sf theater with stage In order to maximize negotiating ing tips when it comes to planning and offers seating for 175. clout, corporations and planners must negotiating small meetings and execu- track aggregate spending on small tive retreats: When It’s Time to Negotiate meetings. “In the past, nobody was • Target properties that received Small-meeting deals are available tracking it. Nobody ever really looked good feedback from attendees for those who know how to negoti- at how many businesses had small during previous small meetings. T N E R E F F I D meetings and what the total Also consider hotels that are spending was and how much part of the company’s corporate revenue they were giving to ho- travel program. teliers. Part of negotiating means • If possible, book small meetings knowing exactly how much during slower periods — typically small meeting business you are Monday through Thursday. Book actually giving a specific client,” meetings during seasonally slow says Barbiero-Lisi. She uses periods, which vary according to Carlson Wagonlit’s in-house the destination. tools to track the spending of • For executive retreats, ask for small business clients and ne- complimentary upgrades to gotiate with industry suppliers. suites for VIPs, especially if “I have one client that has been the meeting occurs during the Photo courtesy of The Westin Casuarina Hotel Casino & Spa Westin The Photo courtesy of middle of the week. The Westin Casuarina Hotel Casino & Spa, lo- running the same small meeting cated one block from The Las Vegas Strip, fea- for five years now. I have all • Attempt to include a clause that tures ideal meeting rooms for small events. the statistics on those meetings, provides credit for cancellations. including spend and what they It’s easier for companies to cancel ate with properties, but there are three got from each property they’ve used,” the smallest of small meetings. things to keep in mind, according to says Barbiero-Lisi. • Keep in mind that many meeting planners: Hotels typically Groups that hold several small properties hope that hosting a hesitate to book small meetings sev- meetings a year have a better chance large corporation’s small meetings eral months in advance, although that of getting at least some concessions. will help them eventually attract is starting to change. It’s a challenge However, don’t expect deals similar to its larger meetings. for hotels to find space amid more those offered to large meetings, says • Consider second- and third-tier profitable large meetings. And more Cashill. “In terms of attrition, they destinations, properties outside corporations are waiting until the last won’t give you as large of a slide. For a the downtown and popular minute to book meetings. “Generally, large meeting they might give 20 per- resort areas. “They can be less we are dealing with shorter lead times cent. For a small meeting, they might expensive because the hotels are for small meetings because companies give 10 percent, but you try to settle at more willing to negotiate for small Where Else Can You meet in spaces so inviting are kind of hanging back and waiting 15. With small meetings, especially with meetings,” says Barbiero-Lisi. to see what will happen in their indus- a short lead time like 30 days or less, Small meetings are important rev- you won’t want to adjourn.. Only at Tulalip. try, and they don’t want to commit to a hotel may give you more leeway on enue sources for hotels and valuable spending money until they absolutely cancellations,” she says. resources for attendees. Let’s hope AAA Four Diamond | Condé Nast Top Rated Resort have to,” says Cashill. Other contract clauses are more dif- this is one trend born from the reces- She offers the following advice on ficult to negotiate. “With large meetings, sion that grows stronger as the econ- dealing with short lead times for small you can get a clause that says the hotel omy improves. I&FMM

16 MAY/JUNE 2011 INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT Sales & Catering: (888) 272-1111 | www.tulalipresort.com | 10200 Quil Ceda Blvd. | Tulalip, WA 98271 | I-5. Exit 200 between Seattle & Vancouver BC GolfMean Resorts Serious Business By Steve Winston Photo courtesy of Kiawah Island Golf Resort The famed Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort.

eetings at golf resorts, on the changes in the meetings industry, one host meetings that include a golf pro- looking the Kiawah River. In addition, “Kiawah’s (The Sanctuary) only The Broadmoor Sets critical list only a year or two thing hasn’t changed. Many business- gram are dotted all over the country. there are 11 restaurants, ranging from about six years old,” she says, “and it the Standard Mago, have emerged from the people still see a golf course as a Here is a sampling of some of the best Italian to Low Country seafood. was designed with very modern meet- In Colorado Springs, the legendary recent economic trauma with a rein- good place to conduct business. To from coast to coast. Kiawah Island has five champion- ing spaces. Meetings are actually en- Broadmoor maintains its stellar repu- vigorated presence. network. To exchange best practices. ship golf courses, designed by lumi- hanced by Old South ambience. For tation for service and amenities. The Insurance and financial meetings To generate fresh new thinking. And The Sea and the South naries such as Tom Fazio, Pete Dye example, we had a very successful iconic resort has received the Forbes at golf resorts are no longer consid- to encourage people to speak more Situated in a beautiful slice of the and Jack Nicklaus. Kiawah has host- breakfast meeting outside by the pool. (formerly Mobil) Travel Guide Five ered merely “fun” getaways. For one freely than they might in a standard South Carolina Low Country, Kiawah ed on The Ocean Course the 2007 In contrast to more traditional break- Star Award for a record consecutive thing, golf meetings generally attract meeting format. Island Golf Resort exudes a distinct Senior PGA, the 1991 Ryder Cup, two fast spaces, where everyone bolts for 50 years. Its Penrose Restaurant and more attendees. For another, they Golf resorts that are equipped to Old South charm, and yet, at the same World Cups, the 2001 UBS Cup and the door as soon as they’re finished, The Spa at The Broadmoor are five- tend to enhance productiv- time, a serious business face. the 2005 PGA Professional National our attendees stayed around longer to star rated as well. ity at the meeting, because There are 255 guest rooms in Championship. In 2012, Kiawah talk and to network. And that enabled The resort is evocative of the grand attendees know they’re go- the Five Star, Five Diamond Island Golf Resort will host the 94th us to segue seamlessly into the sched- old hotels of Europe, with 700 rooms ing to have a break later in Sanctuary, constructed in PGA Championship, only the fourth uled meetings.” and suites, 44 cottage guest rooms, the day. In addition, they’re the style of an old planta- golf course to host each of the PGA of Gaugler says her company’s golf and 24 retail shops. Meeting spaces seen by employees — who tion home, and almost every America’s major championships. Golf pairings are never random. She are a wonderful blend of techno- have been spending the past one of them faces the ocean. World readers selected Kiawah Island makes sure there’s a senior manager logical advancement and creative few years working harder There are also 450 villas Golf Resort as the No. 1 public golf in every foursome, because it builds comfort. The Colorado Conference and longer than ever before (one to four bedrooms) and resort in the magazine’s “2010 Golf better relationships. Center offers 185,000 sf for meetings, — as a sign of appreciation 90 luxurious private homes. World Readers’ Choice Awards.” “Golf has always been a big busi- in 60 rooms; its Broadmoor Hall can by the company. There’s 35,000 sf of space Bonnie Gaugler, senior meeting ness-driver,” Gaugler says. “But it’s just accommodate 650 people and 350 Insurance and financial for meetings here, as well, and event planner for Philadelphia- a part of the package. I usually know booths. After the meetings, attendees planners believe these meet- and that doesn’t include based Harleysville Insurance, one of within 15 minutes of walking into a have their pick of 18 restaurants, cafés ings also help alleviate burn- the beautiful outdoor ter- the top 60 property/casualty insurance property whether or not it will work and lounges. out, so that attendees may re- races and lawns, or Mingle groups in America, recently brought a for us. But it didn’t even take me that Golf has been paramount at The Photo courtesy of Scottsdale CVB turn to their jobs re-energized The Scottsdale area is replete with championship golf courses Point, which can accommo- group of 65 people to Kiawah Island long with Kiawah. I knew as soon as I Broadmoor since master golf course and reinvigorated. such as The Boulders Club, which features two courses con- date 1,000 people for a Low Golf Resort for the Annual National walked in that this was a place that spe- architect Donald Ross designed the Throughout all the recent sidered the most demanding and beautiful in the Southwest. Country Oyster Roast over- Agents Advisory Council. cializes in serious business meetings.” original Broadmoor Golf Club, which

18 MAY/JUNE 2011 INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT MAY/JUNE 2011 19 Lucky in Las Vegas of Encore, which has not marked its Las Vegas, of course, has always third birthday, is next. Not only that, been known for both meetings and Wynn and Encore boast more Forbes golf. Both can be experienced at Five Star awards than any other ca- Wynn Las Vegas and The Encore, sino resort in the world. sister properties under the stew- The Wynn Golf Club champion- ardship of renowned hotelier Steve ship course was designed by Tom Wynn. The Wynn Las Vegas has Fazio and Steve Wynn, with dra- 2,716 guest rooms and 200,000 sf for matic elevations in the heart of The meetings, and The Encore has 2,034 Strip, along with waterfalls, streams guest rooms and 60,000 sf of meet- and forest. This course is hallowed ing space. Both hotels boast meeting ground, as it’s played host to 50 spaces with sophisticated technology, years of championship PGA and floor-to-ceiling windows, and great LPGA events. Resort Bay Turtle Photo courtesy of Turtle Bay Resort, located on the north views as well as private Meeting “There are few better places than a shore of Oahu, HI, features a number Concierges, who will provide per- golf course to get to know your col- of oceanside holes along the Arnold sonalized onsite support. leagues or your clients,” says Chris Ken A. Crerar, President The Broadmoor Photo courtesy of Palmer and George Fazio golf courses. The Council of The Broadmoor features three championship golf courses: Donald Ross designed the Both properties feature a variety Flatt, executive vice president of ho- Insurance Agents & Brokers original Broadmoor Golf Club — now the East Course — which opened with the of upscale dining, shopping and en- tel sales and marketing at Wynn Las species during the depths of the re- Washington, DC hotel in 1918. The West and then the Nicklaus-designed Mountain Course followed. tertainment options — with the ex- Vegas. “And you can also learn a lot cession, but are now making a come- citement of The Strip right outside about a person by the way they play, back, because companies are seeing “The Broadmoor productive meetings. Golf resorts “The companies that attend our the door. In addition, ownership is whether they display patience or in- the benefits. provides exceptional really understand the value of hosting meetings run their own individual spending some $250 million on up- tegrity. It’s always been a great way “Golf resorts offer a unique op- service, professional business meetings.” meetings and events under the um- grades and renovations. Guest rooms to build business relationships.” portunity for meeting planners,” Flatt meeting space and a The Council of Insurance Agents & brella of our overall event,” Karchner in the Wynn Las Vegas have already Flatt says meetings at golf resorts says, “because the courses are right Brokers brings 400 to 800 attendees to continues. “We max out all meeting been refurbished and the refreshing seemed something of an endangered on the premise. You don’t have to unique opportunity The Broadmoor twice a year for the and function rooms during our time at transport people offsite. And there’s for our meeting organization’s leadership forums. Ken The Broadmoor, with different types so much to do that they’ll never want attendees to...build A. Crerar, president of The Council, of programs occurring simultaneously. to leave, anyway.” new relationships.” notes, “The Broadmoor provides ex- In a post-meeting survey of attendees Flatt learned the game because ceptional service, professional meet- following our fall meeting last year, an she recognized how much business ing space and a unique opportunity overwhelming 98 percent said they ac- is conducted on golf courses. opened with the hotel in 1918. Today, for our meeting attendees to network complished their business goals at the “I took it up because of the busi- the famed East Course, the West with other attendees and build new meeting. We work hard to ensure that ness I’m in,” she says. “What a great Course and the Mountain Course, a relationships — during business hours our attendees successfully meet their way to get to know people...and what Jack Nicklaus design, offer golf at its and while relaxing on the golf course. objectives at our meetings, and we they require in a meeting.” best under the shadow of Cheyenne Simple, excellent setting. Excellent take pride in statistics like that.” Mountain. The best female golfers service. Incredible golf.” For a meeting planner, The Broad Aloha Meetings in the world will join honorary chair The discriminating industry leaders moor’s level of service is “priceless,” On the North Shore of the island Annika Sorenstam as they compete for and executives who attend the forums Karchner adds. “No other hotel can of Oahu, Mike Wilkins, director of the U.S. Women’s Open title on the expect no less, and they expect a pro- match the level of service that The sales and marketing at Turtle Bay East Course in July. ductive environment in which to ac- Broadmoor provides. Whether you are Resort, reports record-breaking at- Jack Gage, director of insur- complish business goals by meeting’s attending a meeting, playing a round tendance, especially for its insurance ance and incentive sales for The end. Paula Karchner, vice president of golf or enjoying a social visit, you and financial sector meetings. Broadmoor, says that insurance and of meetings for The Council, explains, cannot help but appreciate how well “Meetings in Hawaii just seem to financial groups are finding increased “The objective of our meetings is to The Broadmoor staff runs each and generate better attendance,” says value when they meet at golf resorts bring together industry leaders to dis- every facet of their business.” Wilkins. “People who’ve never been — because the golf course often serves cuss current and prospective industry As a result, The Council has just here always want to come. And peo- as an extension of the boardroom or issues, and how any potential changes signed another five-year contract with ple who have been here always want

meeting hall. and/or challenges may yield opportu- the resort. “We have hosted four meet- Vegas Las Wynn Photos courtesy of to come back.” “But golf by itself is not enough nities for each attendee’s specific area ings at The Broadmoor over the past The only golf course on The Las Vegas The 900-acre resort features 400 to attract meetings,” he says. “Most of expertise. We strive to provide our two years,” Karchner concludes, “and Strip, Wynn Golf Club, designed by Tom hotel rooms, 40 beachfront cot- golf resorts also now have state-of- attendees exceptional opportunities to we are looking forward to continuing Fazio and Steve Wynn, boasts a storied tages, 25 villas as well as the new- the-art meeting facilities, and staffs expand their business networks and our partnership with The Broadmoor 60-year history (originally The Desert ly refreshed 28,000-sf Pacific Rim that are experienced in staging improve their bottom lines. for years to come.” Inn) and a waterfall on the 18th hole. Conference Center. A Benchmark

20 MAY/JUNE 2011 INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT MAY/JUNE 2011 21 cant others who had to Golf Goes With Florida reminiscent of a “Golden Era” course. — and meeting planners — still put up with our peo- Two premier golf resorts that mean The Lagoon Course winds through gravitate toward golf. It’s such a long ple’s long hours. And serious business can be found in lagoons and old oak trees, and has tradition that it’s really part of the the third was training Florida: Reunion Resort in the Orlando water hazards on 12 different holes. DNA of meetings. And, in contrast and education. And we area and Ponte Vedra Inn & Club near “Golf is still No. 1 with a lot to some of the outdated perceptions, found that holding our Jacksonville. of meeting planners,” says Andy we find that meetings at golf resorts meetings at a golf resort Even though Reunion Resort is in Radovic, vice president of sales and are increasingly being perceived accomplished all three.” the heart of the world’s largest group marketing for the Ponte Vedra Inn as serious business meetings…

He believes it’s im- of attractions, it’s a place of peace- ChampionsGate at Orlando Omni of courtesy Photo and Club and The Lodge & Club. because they offer more chances portant to create ex- ful, beautiful grounds, away from The World Headquarters for the David “Despite the austerity of the last few for networking, and they tend to Photo courtesy of Reunion Resort traordinary experiences the crowds. Meeting planners can Leadbetter Golf Academy, located at years, we find that meeting groups increase attendance.” I&FMM Reunion Resort, near Orlando, FL, features Signature Omni Orlando at ChampionsGate, in- to show your apprecia- avail themselves of 25,000 sf of meet- Design championship golf courses by Jack Nicklaus, cludes a 4-acre practice area ideal for Tom Watson and Arnold Palmer — three of golf’s tion for your team and ing space — an ideal size for insur- groups of all sizes. greatest legends. their spouses, and that ance or financial company meetings. the Hawaii experience Attendees will enjoy their stay in one Lynette Owens & Associates, a meet- Hospitality property, Turtle Bay is clearly extraordinary. And he adds of the 350 luxurious villas and single- ing-planning firm in Rancho Santa Fe, Resort has a fine reputation for qual- that, if your only concern is doing family homes, or the crown jewel of CA. She’s held three meetings for in- ity service and productive meetings. meetings “on the cheap,” you won’t the resort — the Reunion Grande, surance company clients at Reunion Most of the meeting rooms boast get production out of people who which features luxurious one- and in the past few months. She believes breathtaking water views — whale have given up so much of their per- two-bedroom Estate Villas. that if you’re going to play golf at your sightings included at no extra charge. sonal lives to work. Reunion Resort is the only place meeting, your meeting should be held Because the temperature rarely varies “I’ve found,” he says, “that a meet- with Signature Design courses by at a golf resort. more than 4–5 degrees, planners also ing at a golf resort is an incredible three of golf’s greatest legends: Jack “When you go offsite to play golf,” have the option of holding events motivator to our people. It’s just Nicklaus, Tom Watson and Arnold she says, “there are all kinds of logis- outdoors. The resort is experiencing plain good business. We establish Palmer. In addition, the resort is also tics involved in moving your group. a boost in meetings not only from goals in advance, and we tell our home to the only Annika Academy in The courses are not necessarily cham- Pacific Rim clients, but also from people that if the goals are met, then the world, run by LPGA star Annika pionship caliber. And there are any groups that are adding golf programs our meeting will be held in a special Sorenstam. And there are 10 pools, number of things that can go wrong. back into their events. place. It motivates people to achieve the Spa at Reunion Resort, a water Golfers don’t want long drives or bad Turtle Bay Resort features two cham- their goals. And the more you can park and several restaurants. Planners box lunches.” pionship golf courses that rank among reinforce the achievement of goals, (and attendees) also like the no-cash, She, too, notes that meetings at golf ©GREATER MIAMI CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU the top courses in Hawaii. The Arnold the better off you are. no-tipping, all-inclusive policy here; it resorts tend to spark larger attendance. Palmer and George Fazio courses have “Golf course resorts,” he adds, “are makes budgeting a lot easier. “I think people are more likely to hosted prestigious PGA Champions unique business-drivers.” Lynette Owens is president of attend these meetings, as opposed Tour and LPGA tournaments. to meetings in cities,” Owens says. “We all know how hard it’s been “Golf resorts don’t only offer golf; the past few years — particularly there’s a wide array of things to do for insurance and financial meeting after your meeting. planners,” Wilkins says. “Holding “And if perception is a problem,” your meeting at a golf resort says to she adds, “you can always schedule your people, ‘We appreciate what the golf for the days before or after you do. And if you do the job you’re the meeting starts.” supposed to do, and meet the goals Just south of Jacksonville, FL, you’re supposed to meet, we’re going planners can choose The Ponte to reward you.’ ” Vedra Inn & Club, with 250 guest The CEO/president of a large fi- rooms and 17,000 sf of meeting nancial services company held three space, or The Ponte Vedra Lodge The number one asset every meeting planner looks for is location. Guest room locations? We’ve got 46,365. Convention center locations? Over meetings at Turtle Bay Resort over & Beach Club, with 66 guest rooms 650,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space right on Miami Beach. the past couple of years, each with and 6,000 sf of meeting space. The Dining locations? We’ve got over 5,000 restaurants to choose from. Attendance? We’ve enjoyed record-breaking participation for meetings about 250 attendees. signature restaurant is the Seahorse small and large. Miami’s got so many location options for your next meeting “We had three objectives for our Grille, with dramatic views overlook- or convention we have to say it three times: location, location, location. meetings,” he says. “One was recog- ing the Atlantic Ocean. The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau can help manage your Photo courtesy of Ponte Vedra Inn & Club Vedra Photo courtesy of Ponte event. Learn more at MiamiMeetings.com or 800.933.8448 x3071. nition for business goals achieved. Hole 16 at the renowned Ocean Golf Course at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club near The renowned Ocean Golf Course The second was to express appre- Jacksonville, FL, is reminiscent of a “Golden Era” course. The Lagoon Course winds has been around since the Inn & ciation for the spouses and signifi- through lagoons and old oak trees, and has water hazards on 12 different holes. Club was founded in 1928, and is

22 MAY/JUNE 2011 INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT MAY/JUNE 2011 23 son basis that includes transportation, want to do and when they want to do accommodations, food and beverage, it,” she says. “A cruise gives our at- Insider Tips entertainment and activities. And gen- tendees that kind of choice. And that Barry Maher, a Corona, CA-based erally speaking, a cruise ship charter — plethora of options is something that speaker, has worked cruise meetings particularly if you can actually fill the we consistently see noted in our post- for the past 15 years. His clients in- entire ship — on a per-person basis is a conference reviews.” clude AT&T, Budget Rent-A-Car and better value than a land-based program. The value proposition offered by Hewlett-Packard. He has seen a par- mooth And that’s primarily because your food cruising has allowed Kerr to upgrade. ticular uptick in cruise bookings over and beverage, entertainment, activi- “For our incentive programs, we like to the last 12–18 months. He’s also ties and meeting services are all built bring in a certain caliber of entertain- observed some common pitfalls that in. And we find both value and con- ment for our gala night,” she says. “And can challenge a meeting planner not venience in that. In most land-based any planner will tell you that name en- versed in the differences between a programs, you have to pull all those tertainment can get very costly. When cruise ship and a hotel. elements in from various sources.” we use a cruise program, we take the Pay careful attention to the Patricia Kerr, CMP, director, distri- money we have saved over a land- meeting space. “Planners need to ailing bution and sales support, at Manulife based program and apply it toward question the cruise line in detail Financial in Waterloo, Ontario, our entertainment thereby increasing about the meeting facilities and ser- Canada, used her first cruise a decade the value of the entertainment we’re vices available on the ship,” Maher says. “The newer ships have great ago. She has used full-charter cruises achieving on the same total budget.” S meeting space, but most of the older three times since, and in 2013 will For a fairly large program, she says, ships do not. If possible, once you host a Mediterranean cruise, aboard that increment of reinvestment — in know what’s available, you should Celebrity Solstice, for approximately a direct comparison to a like-sized lock in your meeting space before 1,400 incentive program qualifiers She land-based program — can result in a the cruise. Onboard, cruise directors agrees that bottom-line cost savings is $600,000 entertainment budget instead Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean International will sometimes move a scheduled the most alluring aspect of a cruise of the usual $400,000 because she meeting to a less desirable location meeting. However, she finds motiva- saved $200,000 on basic costs upfront. — sometimes in a spot where pedes- tional value, too. Royal Caribbean International’s newest ship Allure of the Seas at anchor in Nassau, The Bahamas. trian foot traffic will be passing by “We look for experiences that pro- Charters and More Choices during your meeting. I’ve seen meet- vide a motivational incentive that will Regardless of group size, the best ing sessions done in hallways, bars, All-Inclusive Cruise Meetings Keep Budgets On an Even Keel drive sales,” says Kerr, who plans more way to optimize a cruise meeting is to dining rooms, and in giant theaters here weren’t many bright spots By John Buchanan compared to a land-based resort, is than 300 meetings a year with her team. do a full-ship charter, advises Landry. that dwarf the tiny group of meeting on the meetings industry hori- value,” he says. The meetings that take place on “A charter just takes the cruise meeting participants. The key to success is T zon last year. But one of them plete with state-of-the-art auditoriums Landry agrees. “A cruise offers a lot cruise ships are also better attended, experience to the next level,” she says. detailed homework and planning.” was the cruise industry and its increas- and meeting rooms.” of amenities and activities that are in- says Nelson. “When you plan a busi- “It takes something that is already very Keep attendees focused on the ing popularity and almost endless array And despite a still-common notion cluded in the per-person cost,” she says. ness session or have a speaker or experiential and unique and makes it meeting. “If the scenery outside the of ships, itineraries and experiences for that there are only a handful of major “Once everybody is onboard, everything host a seminar, you hope people will exclusive. On a charter, the planner can meeting room windows is more com- corporate groups. While hotel book- cruise operators, the roster of options is included. And that typically includes actually attend,” he says. “And on a work with the cruise line to work on pelling than the content of the meetings were still down, cruise meeting is almost endless today. meeting space, as well as AV and other cruise ship, out in the middle of the every detail, from the food to the en- ing session, a good set of blinds business was up — at the tail end of “There are as many kinds of cruise meeting services. And because of the ocean, you have the benefit of a truly tertainment. The entire ship becomes can be your most important piece one of the worst economic slumps in ship experiences as there are hotel all-inclusive pricing, planners also save captive audience.” your customized environment for that of equipment,” says Maher. “If the more than 75 years — according to a experiences,” says Joyce Landry, CEO on things like spouse programs, be- Staging the meeting is easier on a particular meeting.” content is highly technical and boring, report earlier this year from travel re- of Coral Gables, FL-based Landry & cause there are lots of things to do, like ship, too, says Landry. “For example, At the same time, she says, the and it just goes on and on, there are just too many easy diversions on a searchers PhoCusWright. Kling Cruise Event Services, a 30-year- go to the spa or a lecture on art.” if you’re in a hotel and you want to menu of choices — all offering some cruise ship, and you’re going to lose A reflection on the growing trend, old pioneer in the use of cruise ships bring entertainment into a ballroom kind of exotic destination and ex- your audience.” for the first time ever in March, ma- for meetings. In effect, the company Value and Convenience and create staging and décor, you perience — grows every year now. Understand that you will not be jor cruise lines — Royal Caribbean functions like a DMC for the high seas, David Nelson, vice president of trav- have to scramble to do all of those “Because there are so many new ships,” a priority with the cruise director. International, Costa Cruises, Silversea Landry says. el, meetings and incentives at Aflac in Landry says, “the cruise lines are really things,” she says. “On a ship, it’s there “Cruise directors are great,” says Cruises and MSC Cruises — participated John Diulus, managing director, Columbus, GA, has used cruise meet- because of the built-in infrastructure experimenting with itineraries as they Maher. “They’re really extraordinary in the Gulf Incentive, Business Travel strategic partnerships, charters, meetings every few years for two decades. they have for their own entertainment. try to spread them around. So they’re at what they do. But they also have and Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM) in ings and incentives at Carnival Cruise He concurs that the ability to save So, you don’t have to do anything.” now doing shorter itineraries in more a million things going on every min- Abu Dhabi. Lines in Miami says that in addition money on a cruise is a specific lure for Kerr values the extraordinary range places. And that’s great news for meet- ute. So it’s important to make sure Says GIBTM’s Exhibition Manager to an ever-increasing variety of itin- some programs. “Cost is always at the of dining and entertainment options on ing planners because it gives them a you’ve worked everything out with Lloyd Kenyon, meeting planners eraries, cruises also offer another key forefront as a factor,” says Nelson, who a cruise ship. “One thing that is par- lot more options.” your sales rep before you ever get should now think of major cruise ships benefit to meeting groups. “The most oversees 200 meetings a year. “We al- ticularly important to us at Manulife is And those increased options on the ship.” — JB as “floating conference centers, com- obvious benefit that a cruise presents, ways measure things on a cost-per-per- allowing people to choose what they include an ever-expanding list of U.S.

24 MAY/JUNE 2011 INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT MAY/JUNE 2011 25 cruise ports, says Dwain Wall, senior the smaller ports in the Caribbean, latest from Norwegian Cruise Line is The 3,600-passenger ship also is the have to make sure that the ship has ex- tion that we could have the experience vice president of Fort Lauderdale, FL- Mediterranean and Europe. the Epic. “It has fantastic entertainment 100th ship in the Carnival Corporation’s actly the meeting space you need.” that they (Landry & Kling) do. So, to headquartered Cruise One, a large Seabourn features a five-ship, ul- onboard that includes a production of family of cruise brands. The Magic’s sis- To help with that homework, Landry mitigate risk and ensure that we are cruise travel agency and meeting tra-luxury fleet with capacities from Blue Man Group and a Cirque du Soleil ter ship, Carnival Breeze, will make its & Kling Cruise Event Services realizing the best value for our dollar, consultant with 700 offices across the 208 to 450 passengers. In June, it will show,” says Landry. Blue Man Group debut in June 2012. offers Seasite.com, an online we decided back at the beginning to U.S. “Logistically, cruises are a lot easier launch its sixth ship, the Seabourn performs in the 685-seat Epic Theater, Also in 2012, Crystal portal for the cruise meeting work with someone whose specific ex- for meeting planners to do today,” Wall Quest. Tanya Barnette, the company’s and the Cirque Dreams and Dinner in Cruises, an acclaimed lux- says. “That’s because there are cruises Chicago-based director of business de- the Spiegel Tent venue can be reserved ury line, will go all-inclusive “One thing that is particularly important out of so many places — New York, velopment, says, “One advantage of for groups. The 4,100-passenger Epic aboard its Crystal Symphony to us at Manulife is allowing people New Jersey, Baltimore, Philadelphia, a small-ship line like Seabourn is that also accommodates smaller incentive and Crystal Serenity with fine Virginia Beach, Charleston, Jacksonville, we’re able to get into smaller ports that groups in its luxury Villas suite com- wines and premium spirits. to choose what they want to do and Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, large ships can’t get into,” Barnette plex, comprising 60 suites and villas on Disney Cruise Line when they want to do it. A cruise gives Tampa, Galveston, San Diego, Seattle says. “For example, we offer a Balkans two private decks at the top of the ship. launched the 4,000-passenger our attendees that kind of choice.” — on and on. That makes things very cruise from Copenhagen to NCL has two 4,000-passenger vessels Disney Dream in January, sail- convenient for meeting Stockholm that includes St. on order for delivery in spring 2013 ing from Port Canaveral, FL, to Patricia Kerr, CMP, Director, Distribution, Sales Support planners and attendees.” Petersburg, Russia. And we and spring 2014. the Bahamas and Disney’s private is- Manulife Financial, Canadian Division, Waterloo, ON Just as hotel brands land Castaway Cay. Its sister ship, the now cater to a carefully “Because there are so many new ships, Disney Fantasy, is scheduled to launch and incentive market that delivers com- pertise was the cruise market. And we targeted demographic, so the cruise lines are really experimenting in 2012. prehensive information on every cruise looked at a number of organizations do cruise lines. For ex- Celebrity Cruises welcomes line and ship. Planners can submit RFPs before we selected Landry & Kling as ample, explains Landry, with itineraries. ...So they’re now doing its fourth Solstice Class ship in July, directly to cruise lines via Seasite and our cruise partner.” Carnival ships are geared shorter itineraries in more places. And when the 2,886-passenger Celebrity get direct responses. Planners also can Nelson has collaborated with Landry toward an active, slightly that’s great news for meeting planners.” Silhouette is officially named in receive consulting services from Landry & Kling for 20 years. “Planning a cruise younger audience that wants Hamburg, Germany. Beginning this & Kling, as well as cruise-specialist meeting is different from planning a to do a lot of things — day Joyce Landry, CEO November, Celebrity Silhouette will be agencies such as Cruise One. land-based meeting,” Nelson says. “The and night. “It’s the equivalent of a Landry & Kling Cruise Event Services, Fort Lauderdale, FL the first Solstice Class ship to present Such expert consultation is crucial, terminology is different. The contracts trip to Las Vegas, because there is a cruises from Cape Liberty (Bayonne), say Kerr and Nelson. “I’ve been in the that have to be executed are different lot of stimulation, especially at night,” go right up the Neva River, to the city Royal Caribbean International’s New Jersey, within the greater New meeting business a long time,” says from a hotel contract, especially in the she says. On the other hand, Royal center. You can’t do that on a big ship. (RCI) newest ship, the 5,400-passenger York City area. Kerr, who has worked with Landry & force majeure provision. So, as a plan- Caribbean has created a more laid- We also go to other interesting small Allure of the Seas — sister ship to the Kling for more than 10 years. “And I ner, you need someone who has the back ‘family’ ambience. ports like Portofino and Sardinia.” equally mega-sized Oasis of the Seas Essential Considerations learned very early on that the cruise expertise and experience to address Lindblad Expeditions offers a — launched last December. It spans For planners new to cruise meetings, business and the hotel business are those kinds of issues.” Smaller Luxury Lines cruise to the Galapagos Islands. “It’s 16 decks and features seven themed the most important factor is “knowing two truly different entities, with differ- Nelson recently has become a fan Meanwhile, smaller luxury lines more of an ‘adventure’ experience that neighborhoods including Central Park, that you’re picking the right vessel,” ent nuances. And while my team and of Seasite, too. “I use it to see who has have carved out their own niche. planners use as a form of teambuilding Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade. says Landry. “No two cruise lines are I might be booking 300 meetings at new ships and who’s going where. If Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ luxuri- because it’s so unique,” says Landry. “I DreamWorks Animation provides on- alike, and within individual cruise lines, 300 different hotels every year, we only I’m interested in researching a cruise in ous six-star ships are sized right for went on it last year and it was fantastic.” board entertainment spectaculars such no two ships are alike. You have to book five cruises over a 10-year pe- Europe, for example, I don’t have to incentive groups, with capacities rang- Another smaller, more exotic choice as a water acrobatic show in the open- do your homework. For example, you riod. So there’s no way as an organiza- go to every cruise line’s website to find ing from 490 to 700 passengers. The that Landry likes is Miami-based air AquaTheater. The Allure also fea- out who’s got what. Everything is right staterooms are all oceanview suites, French cruise operator Compagnie tures the first at-sea Broadway produc- there at Seasite.” most of which offer balconies, and du Ponant. “They have a fleet of tion of “Chicago: The Musical.” Landry says planners who have there is an onboard Canyon Ranch beautiful ships in Europe that do itin- RCI recently announced that it will Top 10 Ships for Meetings had to scale back during the recession Spa. Regent Seven Seas recently was eraries like the Mediterranean,” Landry build a new class of ships under the Cruise meeting and incentive specialist Landry & Kling recently are looking for ways to deliver the released their picks for the top 10 ships for meetings in 2011–2013: voted “world’s best cruise line” by says. “And they have very specialized “Project Sunshine” code name. The first, traditional wow factor for less. “Some • SeaDream II — SeaDream Yacht Club Condé Nast Traveler readers. The itineraries that go into small ports and a 4,100-passenger ship, is slated for planners are cutting out entertainment, • Liberty of the Seas — Royal Caribbean Regent Seven Seas fleet of all-suite even harbors.” delivery in 2014. Said Richard D. Fain, while others are putting out fewer • Celebrity Millennium — Celebrity Cruises vessels — Voyager, Mariner and Viking River Cruises offers sce- chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean shrimp and hoping no one will notice,” • Silver Spirit — Silversea Cruises Navigator — are undergoing a mul- nic cruising along the rivers of Europe, Cruises Ltd., “Project Sunshine builds • Pride of America — Norwegian Cruise Line she says. “But when you do a cruise, tiphase, multimillion-dollar enhance- Russia, China, Southeast Asia and Egypt. on the best ideas of our existing ships • Seven Seas Navigator — Regent Seven Seas you can give attendees that feeling of ment program dubbed the “Seven Viking is undergoing a major fleet ex- and adds exciting new activities and en- • MSC Splendida — MSC Cruises pre-recession abundance again. You Seas Signature” initiative. pansion of 10 new ships in three years. tertainment concepts.” • Allure of the Seas — Royal Caribbean International can make them feel pampered again Windstar Cruises’ three luxury In May, Carnival Cruise Lines, • Carnival Dream — Carnival Cruise Lines because there’s no scrimping going motor sail yachts accommodate from More Cruise News which now has 23 ships and operates • National Geographic Endeavor — Lindblad Expeditions on. On a ship, you can give attendees 148 to 312 passengers, ideally suited Meanwhile, new ships continue to out of more U.S. ports than any other A slideshow is available at www.landrykling.com. a great experience. And you can do it for charter, with the ability to explore launch from the major cruise lines. The line, debuted its new Carnival Magic. at a lower cost.” I&FMM

26 MAY/JUNE 2011 INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT MAY/JUNE 2011 27 and climaxing in February 14, 2012, short walk from the convention cen- to any special needs. There were a the date that marks Arizona’s official ter, is the right kind of atmosphere for number of freebies, and new meeting 100th year of statehood, there will be smaller groups with modest needs for chairs proved extremely comfortable national, regional, state and lo- conference space. for three days of meetings. cal observances with “sig- “My Larger groups find a fit But the hotel also scored on other nature projects, events operations at the expanded Marriott, counts as well. “The Clarendon is lo- and promotions to ap- which now claims as cally owned, so they buy local, organ- preciate our state’s counterpart and much as 240,000 sf of ic produce for their restaurant. In fact, rich past, celebrate I plan all of our its own indoor/out- everything is so fresh, we joke that the present and to- meetings to exceed door meeting space, they don’t even need a freezer,” says gether create a vi- our team members’ and a recent make- Folkert. “In addition, it has a wonder- brant and sustain- over of all guest ful rooftop venue with great views of able future,” posts expectations by booking rooms, suites and the city, and rooms are of the same the Centennial and creating just the corridors, adorned quality as other places in town that Advisory Council. right atmosphere with a new array of charge much higher rates but with Expect much colors to match the less value. It’s also independently enthusiasm that for our events.” property’s unique owned and fuels the local economy will not be curbed Paul Folkert, Area V.P. desert surroundings. which means a lot to us as a way of as Arizona ushers in Gentiva But small groups giving back to the community.” a whole new era in Atlanta, GA find a great fit in Phoenix, Fresh off a three-year makeover, meetings and hospitality. too, something to which Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort is a Paul Folkert can testify. As area mountainside Spanish-Mediterranean Phoenix vice president for Rehab Without haven in Phoenix, offering 563 suites Photo courtesy of Scottsdale CVB Located in central Arizona, Walls, a division of Gentiva, a home and 48,000 sf of flexible meeting and Phoenix is the seat of government health-care insurance provider head- event space. Attendees can enjoy Arizona Tourism Office (ATO). For and the state’s largest city. Folks in quartered in Atlanta, GA, Folkert says, championship golf at nearby sister instance, according to the ATO’s Phoenix are particularly upbeat about “My operations counterpart and I plan property Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Lodging Accommodations Report for the city’s future, especially since the all of our meetings to exceed our Resort’s Lookout Mountain Golf Club. March 2011, the occupancy rate was downtown has been transformed with team members’ expectations by book- More R&R is available at Squaw Peak’s up by 3 percent this year over 2010 the advent of CityScape, a major mul- ing and creating just the right atmo- Tocasierra Spa & Salon and Hole-in- throughout the state, with demand for tipurpose attraction with dozens of sphere for our events. The last time the-Wall River Ranch, with more than rooms up by 4.1 percent and supply retailers, businesses, shops, sources we met in Phoenix was very recent, three acres of waterslides, pools, spas of rooms up by 1 percent. Year-to- of entertainment and more. The dis- in February (2011).” and a lazy river. ARIZONA date data reveals occupancy up by 5.8 trict also is in close proximity to the The Clarendon Hotel in down- Twenty minutes from downtown percent, demand 6.7 percent and sup- new Metro Light Rail system and has town Phoenix was selected A ply up by .09 percent. unique event space for hire. Three of for the intimate meeting As charmed as Arizona might these include Patriot’s Square (50,000 of about 20 executives. Its seem, it is not without its trials, sf for up to 10,000 people), Mesa (an meeting and event facilities Meetings from the tragic shooting of U.S. outdoor space with 20,000 sf of space include a boardroom, sev- By Stella Johnson Congresswoman Gabby Giffords in for up to 5,000 people) and Central eral meeting rooms and a Tucson earlier this year to the con- Avenue which, in partnership with the rooftop SkyDeck. “Our first Oasis troversial immigration bill, aimed at city, can be closed for group events. goal is to make sure we ou would be hard-pressed to and incentive groups. Although it’s identifying, prosecuting and deport- In addition to the expanded show our leadership team find another state that matches been reported that convention and ing illegal immigrants. Attacked on Phoenix Convention Center, which that we appreciate their YArizona’s extraordinary sense meetings business has suffered greatly many fronts, the bill was blocked by now offers 900,000 sf of meeting and dedication, passion and of place. It distinguishes itself with in recent years, like everywhere else, a lower court — a ruling that recent- event space, two hotel giants have re- commitment to the com- a spectacular and divergent mix of meeting planners who book any of ly was upheld by a federal appeals cently completed some major projects, pany. The second goal is scenery and environments, from al- Arizona’s legendary resorts and hotels court. The bill’s bad press burdened including: the recent opening of the to improve team and indi- pine forests to desert cactus, from the are reporting greater value and flex- local economies with business losses 242-room Westin Phoenix Downtown vidual skills in an effective Grand Canyon to Camelback Moun- ibility than they find in other desti- running into millions of dollars. and the multimillion-dollar expansion execution of strategies to tain, and from crimson sunsets over nations. They are also experiencing But like the proverbial Phoenix ris- of one of the largest hotels in town, achieve key goals,” he says. Resort & Spa Starr Photo courtesyPass of JW Marrott JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa in Tucson ancient red rock formations to bright an extremely high standard of service ing from the ashes, the ever-resilient the 950-room JW Marriott Desert The Clarendon provid- features the Audubon-certified, 27-hole Arnold lights in revitalized cities. and professionalism. state looks forward to celebrating its Ridge Resort & Spa. The Westin, ed the Gentiva group with Palmer Signature golf facility, 575 guest rooms and Arizona has a sense of purpose, too, Supporting evidence can be found upcoming Centennial (1912–2012). which has 15,000 sf of multipurpose great rates, super service 88,000 sf of meeting space including the 20,000-sf in exceeding expectations of meeting in monthly reports produced by the Starting in September of this year meeting space, and which is also a and an immediate response Arizona Ballroom.

28 MAY/JUNE 2011 INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT MAY/JUNE 2011 29 shopping independently owned shops high-tech kitchen and innovative eight dining establishments, and court- city. We recognize that even our larger and dining at some of the city’s top es- menu with locally sourced foods. And yards and event space for themed events are small in comparison to oth- tablishments, one of which, The Chef’s XII is a new private dining room with parties such as cowboy cookouts and er groups, but we never felt that way Loft, hosts a culinary school with class- views of a working kitchen. There are Western-style barbecues. when working with the staff at the es headed by national chefs. 105 luxury casitas, seven mountainside Scottsdale CVB. That rarely happens Among the new and newsworthy estates and 9,000 sf of indoor/outdoor First-Class Bureau with other bureaus who often seem Talking Stick items in Scottsdale’s resorts and hotels meeting space, which features floor- “I believe the meeting experience in suited to just forwarding requests for Resort’s Orange is the Talking Stick Resort. Only a year to-ceiling windows. The Views is a Scottsdale begins when one first con- quotes to their participating members. Sky venue on old, Talking Stick is already the talk of 3,500-sf venue with a panoramic vista tacts the Scottsdale CVB,” says Jesse Scottsdale’s staff really takes the time the rooftop offers the town, especially with its recently of Mummy Mountain; and Praying Slome, who was formerly a director to understand our unique needs and panoramic achieved AAA Four Diamond award. Monk is a new all-weather patio with of marketing at Transamerica and a then tries to match those needs with views of Located amidst the art and culture of retractable glass walls. general manager at Aetna. He now suitable partners. I would assume they stunning desert the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Meanwhile, the golfing experience is executive director for three insur- do this for everyone.” landscape. Photo courtesy of Talking Stick Resort Talking Photo courtesy of community, the sprawling resort has at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa ance trade organizations — including Slome, author of numerous articles Phoenix is the historic resort The Scottsdale 497 accommodations, a 13,000-sf is above par with its three nine-hole the American Association for Long- and books on various insurance and Wigwam, which opened for business Scottsdale’s downtown area has open-air spa on the 14th floor and championship golf courses, covered Term Care Insurance — that focus financial topics, says that the three or- in 1929. The 440-acre, Litchfield Park recently experienced a multimillion- 240,000-sf casino that is separately driving range and climate-controlled on Medicare supplement and critical ganizations each run conferences that property recently completed a mul- dollar renaissance and is increasingly located from the building’s 100,000-sf golf carts. The 732-room resort, which illness insurance, and long-term care range in size from 200 to as many as timillion-dollar renovation project, popular with visitors for its blend of of indoor/outdoor meeting and con- also features the Agave Spa and a insurance. He is responsible for site 700 attendees, from CEOs to indepen- which refreshed its 331 rooms and Old West and contemporary design, ference space, which includes the 9,000-sf adventure water park, is in selection and planning of all the de- dent brokers. added a new outdoor event plaza, as well as its eclectic mix of art gal- 25,000-sf Salt River Grand Ballroom. close proximity to Kierland Commons tails of an event, “from promotion to “For the money, nothing beats and new lobby and reception area. leries, nightclubs, shops and restau- Meetings on the green take place next for upscale retail shopping and program,” he adds. Scottsdale, and the conference com- The Wigwam has 100,000 sf of indoor/ rants. Three of the newest restaurants door at Talking Stick Golf Club, man- Scottsdale Quarter for more shopping, “We hold conferences across the mittee chose to have this meeting in outdoor meeting space and Sunset are Citizen Public House, Big Earl’s aged by Troon Golf. dining and nightlife. United States and no other bureau Scottsdale for the second year in a Point, a signature venue for groups. and Mabel on Main, a speakeasy-style Of its five restaurants and lounges, Onsite is approximately 183,000 comes anywhere close to their com- row,” states Slome. “We look less for Located in Greater Phoenix is the establishment with a private dining Orange Sky offers the ultimate din- sf of indoor/outdoor meeting space, mitment to bringing business to the special incentives and more for value 600-square-mile Gila River Indian room for small groups. ing experience, not just because of its Community, which consists of two More recent highlights include the fine steak-and-seafood menu but also tribes that form Gila River Gaming waterfront and Southbridge. Newly because it is on the top floor (15th). Enterprises, a three-casino empire. christened, the Scottsdale That means dazzling panoramic views One of them, Wild Horse Pass Hotel Waterfront along the of the McDowell Mountains by and Casino, was recently awarded the Arizona Canal now day and exquisite sunsets at prestigious AAA Four Diamond rating, includes everything “Scottsdale’s day’s end. Onsite entertain- and also received the “Best Casino in staff really ment is offered in the 750- Arizona” kudos. Located in Chandler, takes the time to seat Showroom featuring just 15 minutes from Phoenix Sky top performers. Harbor Airport, the 242-room property understand our Just across the ex- touts that it offers “Las Vegas entertain- unique needs and pressway from the ment but without the crowds.” then tries to match resort is the new Salt Wild Horse Pass offers approxi- those needs with River Fields at Talking TURN YOUR BUSINESS mately 12,000 sf of meeting space, as Stick, the spring well as the 1,400-seat Ovations LIVE! suitable partners. training home of the MEETING INTO AN EVENT AT TSR. Showroom, which can be reserved I would assume Colorado Rockies and for group events. Amenities include Arizona Diamondbacks Jesse Slome they do this for a 100,000-sf casino, retail shops, an baseball teams. The facil- 100,000+ square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting space. State-of-the-art A/V capabilities. Flexible accommodations Executive Director everyone.” outdoor pool with cabanas, a health ity offers event space year- for groups up to 2000. Five dining venues. Entertainment for every taste, including a thrilling casino, world-class AALTCI club and the Whirlwind Golf Club at round for up to 400 people. spa and two championship golf courses. Put it all together, and you’ll see Talking Stick Resort sets the stage for your West Lake Village, CA Wild Horse Pass, which features 36 The 53-acre Sanctuary on successful meeting. holes of Troon-managed champion- from residences to retail shops, restau- Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa, Proudly owned and operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. ship golf. There are eight dining op- rants to recreation, art plazas to public overlooking Paradise Valley, complet- tions including Arizona’s first Shula’s event space and even an amphitheater. ed a $3 million renovation last year All American Steak House, four Southbridge is a pedestrian-friendly that included new décor, new venues lounges including Encore with live entertainment district that meanders and more. For instance, “elements,” music, plus the “high energy” AiRIA along the south bank of the canal headed by chef and Food Network talkingstickresort.com | 866.877.9897 | SCOTTSDALE Night Club. providing additional opportunities for star Beau MacMillan, features a new

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30 MAY/JUNE 2011 INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT MAY/JUNE 2011 31 and flexibility. The Scottsdale Bordered by a national hotels allowed us to contract park, a state park and a 3 for a smaller than anticipated million-acre reservation number of attendees with called the Tohono-Oodham room to grow. Since we were Nation (home to Desert flexible with meeting dates, Diamond Casino), Tucson is they were able to offer highly easy to access, with the in- competitive room rates.” ternational airport situated From his perspective, the just minutes from down- goal was to find an outstand- town. Tucson’s also home ing venue that would work to a growing number of ho- ARE YOU

within set limits and param- Hotel & Casino Horse Pass Wild Photo courtesy of tels and resorts, including eters. “That is, we needed The AAA Four Diamond Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino in the new Ritz-Carlton, Dove TO READY a hotel that would provide Chandler has garnered “Best Casino in Arizona” honors. Mountain with 253 accom- meeting space in excess of modations, 44,000 sf of in- WILD? what the initial room block guarantee including The Boulder House, the door/outdoor meeting space and two RUN AMENITIES might permit, along with the ability architectural masterpiece was pur- championship golf courses. to grow our block,” he says. “In terms chased by Fort McDowell in 2005 and And, late this year, the Casino Del • 242 Rooms & Suites • 1,400 seat showroom of room rate, while a low-cost room is now utilized as a high-end group Sol Resort, Spa & Conference Center often means a low-quality facility or dining venue. will make its debut as the city’s new- • 12,000 Sq. Ft. of meeting space • Nightclub poor service, both times in Scottsdale Finally, don’t leave town without est casino property. It will offer 215 we were able to secure highly attrac- checking out the 40-acre Scottsdale rooms, approximately 65,000 sf of • 100,000 Sq. Ft. Vegas-Style Casino • Outdoor pool with cabanas tive rates with very high levels of Plaza Resort “located in the midst of meeting space and an outdoor con- quality and service,” says Slome. a golfer’s paradise.” Renowned for cert venue with 5,000 seats, among • 8 Restaurants • Free wireless internet its high level of service to corporate other features and highlights. Return to FireSky groups, The Scottsdale Plaza offers Established meeting-friendly • 4 Lounges • Whirlwind Golf Club Travel and Convention Coordinator 404 rooms and suites and 30,000 sf Tucson resorts include Loews Ventana Jennifer Meyer says the insurance of meeting space. Amenities include Canyon Resort, JW Marriott Starr Pass company she works for, RWAM pools and tennis courts, a salon and Resort & Spa and the Hilton Tucson Insurance Administrators, schedules day spa, a fitness center and more. El Conquistador Golf & Tennis Resort. three divisions, each with one main Nearby are a wide range of area Unique venues for offsite events convention per year, and each with attractions including the Arizona are plentiful and one of the most pop- about 100 attendees. “My job is to Science Center, Ballet Arizona, ular is the Arizona Historical Society, find the location or sell it to the CEO. the Challenger Space Center and located on the edge of Papago Park. Then, I do all the negotiating and Kierland Commons, among many The facility is available to groups of handling of contracts, plan all aspects other points of interest. all types and sizes, from small confer- of the convention and, finally, assist ences to exhibitions, as well as trade in hosting the convention.” Tucson shows and corporate training retreats. Meyer has used FireSky Resort and The Tucson CVB has always been Spa in Scottsdale repeatedly, with the on top of its game with aggressive Parting Words most recent visit taking place a little and innovative marketing campaigns Will Rogers once said, “The trip over a year ago. It was an incentive to fuel its meetings and hospitality across Arizona is just one oasis after trip primarily for insurance brokers, trade. So much so, that they garnered another. You can throw just about with management and guests in at- the prestigious “Best Idea Award” at anything out and it will grow there.” tendance. “It was the best one yet!” the 2010 Western Association of Meeting planners know that if they she enthuses. Convention and Visitors Bureaus “plant” a meeting in Arizona, it will For offsite venues, the group used Annual Conference held in Salt Lake grow in more ways than one, too, with The Boulder House. “An incredible City, UT, last October. energy, ideas and productivity. Or, as property,” she adds, “with interior The Tucson CVB was recognized Jesse Slome states, there isn’t any one and exterior walls actually built from for its current $30,000 sales incentive particular highlight when meeting in granite boulders.” According to Fort program, which offers groups that Arizona, but rather a series of plea- McDowell Adventures, an outdoor book meetings for three consecutive surable experiences like “smelling the activities and event venues company years credits of from $1,000–$30,000 dew while listening to a keynote ad- representing the Sonoran Adventure to the master account depending dress; and the evening receptions at Center and several unique facilities upon the number of peak room nights. an Arizona sunset.” I&FMM 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd. Chandler, AZ

32 MAY/JUNE 2011 INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT Corporate Reader Services Ladder Listed below is up-to-date contact information on hotels, resorts, CVBs, plus suppliers who can make your job easier, whether it be site selection, travel planning, event organization, or budgeting. www.themeetingmagazines.com

ADVERTISER PHONE NO. WEB SITE CONTACT E-MAIL ARIA Resort & Casino 866-718-2489 www.arialasvegas.com Stephanie Windham [email protected] Blue Man Group 800-blueman www.blueman.com Group Sales [email protected] Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa 800-998-6338 www.eagleridge.com Randy Whiteside [email protected] Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau 800-933-8448 www.miamimeetings.com Ita Moriarity [email protected] Hammock Beach Resort 888-696-6730 www.hammockbeach.com Jason Kern [email protected] Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa 850-267-9600 www.hiltonsandestinbeach.com Matthew Price [email protected] Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino 800-545-6040 www.innofthemountaingods.com Jo Kazhe [email protected] MCLACHLAN MUSHTAQ THEVENET COOMBS PETERSON Kalahari Resort, Sandusky, OH 419-433-7759 www.kalahariresorts.com Maris Brenner [email protected] Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells, WI 608-254-3314 www.kalahariresorts.com Kevin Shanley [email protected] The Gaylord National Resort & office. She most recently served as rector of sales after spending two Las Vegas Meetings by Caesars Entertainment 877-MEET-702 www.lvmeetingsbycaesars.com Group Sales [email protected] Convention Center, National Harbor, regional director of sales and market- years as the bureau’s East Coast sales Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando 407-224-6229 www.uomeetingsandevents.com Kathy Cattoor [email protected] MD, has named Michael Snapkoski ing in Mexico for Capella Hotels and representative. Long Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau 800-452-7829 www.visitlongbeach.com Iris Himert [email protected] as vice president of sales and Jim Resorts. M Resort Spa and Casino 866-551-1540 www.themresort.com Drew Varga [email protected] Hipp as director of sales. Snapkoski Cheyenne Mountain Resort, Colorado Marina Inn at Grande Dunes 843- 913-9472 www.marinainnatgrandedunes.com/ifmm Group Sales [email protected] most recently served as the hotel’s Visit Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL, Springs, CO, has named Darla Cook Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa & Convention Center 409-741-8484 www.moodygardens.org Jamie Weir [email protected] director of sales. Hipp previously has named Dennis Tracy as senior as sales manager for the Southeast Ocean Reef Club 800-843-2730 www.oceanreef.com Richard Weinstein [email protected] served as director of sales for the vice president, destination sales and territory. With more than 22 years Omni Hotels & Resorts 972-871-5623 www.omnihotels.com Mark Wykes [email protected] Canyons Resort, Park City, UT. marketing. He most recently served of experience in corporate sales and www.omnihotels.com/findahotel/orland- Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate 407-238-6526 Group Sales [email protected] as director of sales and marketing for conference management, Cook most ochampionsgate/meetingfacilities.aspx The Walt Disney World Swan and the Little Rock (AR) Convention and recently served as group sales manag- Palm Beach County Convention & Visitors Bureau 561-329-3753 www.palmbeachfl.com Donna Del Gallo [email protected] Dolphin Resort, Orlando, FL, has Visitors Bureau. er for DoubleTree World Arena Hotel, Pointe Hilton Resorts 602-870-8188 www.pointehilton.com Staci Valentino [email protected] named Jared McLachlan as direc- Colorado Springs, CO. I&FMM Ponte Vedra Inn & Club 800-234-7842 www.pontevedra.com Tony Fitzjohn [email protected] tor of sales. He formerly served Conrad Miami, Miami, FL, has named Regent Seven Seas Cruises 800-477-7500 www.rssc.com Mario Villalobos [email protected] as the director of operations for Philippe Thevenet as director of Reunion Resort 888-418-9614 www.reunionresort.com Jean Spaulding [email protected] Riverwalk Jacksonville Development, sales and marketing. He was director Rosen Centre Hotel 407-996-9939 www.rosencentre.com Todd Frappier [email protected] Jacksonville, FL. of sales and marketing at the Conrad Ad Index Rosen Plaza Hotel 407-996-9939 www.rosenplaza.com Victoria Hall [email protected] Indianapolis in Indiana. ADVERTISER PAGE NO. Rosen Shingle Creek 407-996-9939 www.rosenshinglecreek.com Leslie Menichini [email protected] Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa, Blue Man Group...... 7 Royal Caribbean International 800 762-0458 www.royalcaribbeanincentives.com Lori Cassidy [email protected] Rancho Mirage, CA, has named The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, Greater Miami Santa Fe Convention & Visitors Bureau 505-955-6210 www.santafe.org Mary Pat Kloenne [email protected] Ty Brassie as director of sales and CO, has named Rori Coombs as di- Convention & Visitors Bureau...... 23 The Shores Resort & Spa 386-322-7262 www.shoresresort.com Group Sales [email protected] marketing. He most recently served rector of national sales responsible M Resort Spa and Casino...... COV IV South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa 702-797-8050 www.southpointcasino.com Maureen Robinson [email protected] as director of sales and market- for the Southeast and Northeast re- Marina Inn at Grande Dunes...... 15 Talking Stick Resort 480-850-7777 www.talkingstickresort.com Group Sales [email protected] ing for Riviera Palm Springs, Palm gions. She most recently worked as a Omni Hotels & Resorts...... 12, 13 Tourism Australia 310-695-3207 www.events.australia.com Samantha Holmes [email protected] Springs, CA. meeting planner for the Northeastern Pointe Hilton Resorts...... COV II Tulalip Resort Casino 360-716-6500 www.tulalipresort.com Troy Longwith [email protected] Association of Equine Practitioners, Universal Orlando Resort 888-322-5531 www.uomeetingsandevents.com Group Sales [email protected] Javaud Mushtaq was named direc- Lockport, NY. Royal Caribbean International...... 5 The Venetian/The Palazzo 702-414-4202 www.venetianpalazzomeetings.com Chandra Allison [email protected] tor of sales for Loews Coronado Bay, Santa Fe Convention & Visitors Bureau...... 11 Visit Orlando 800-662-2825 www.orlandomeeting.com Karen Harrington [email protected] San Diego, CA. He was previously di- Mark Peterson was promoted to se- Talking Stick Resort...... 31 Walt Disney World Resort 321-939-7112 www.disneymeetings.com Anne Hamilton [email protected] rector of national accounts for Loews nior sales manager at Beau Rivage, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort 800-524-4939 www.swandolphinmeetings.com Eric Opron [email protected] Coronado Bay. Biloxi, MS. He formerly served as Tulalip Resort Casino...... 17 convention sales manager. The Westin Casuarina Las Vegas Washington Hilton 202-328-2080 www.hiltonsofdc.com Group Sales [email protected] Hotel, Casino & Spa...... 14 One&Only Pamilla, Los Cabos, Mexico, Washington State Convention & Trade Center 206-694-5030 www.wsctc.com Michael T. McQuade [email protected] Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino...... 33 has named Cristina Romero-Peri as Christine Madden has returned to The Westin Casuarina Las Vegas Hotel, Casino & Spa 702-836-5934 www.westin.com/lasvegas Sandra Horvath [email protected] The Westin La Cantera Resort 210-558-2229 www.westinlacantera.com Patty Pedraza [email protected] executive director of sales and mar- the Santa Fe Convention & Visitors Visit www.themeetingmagazines.com for keting, based in the Los Angeles sales Bureau in her former position as di- more information on our advertisers. Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino 520-796-4923 www.wingilariver.com Denise Heintz [email protected] Wynn Las Vegas 888-320-7117 www.wynnmeetings.com Steve Blanner [email protected]

34 MAY/JUNE 2011 INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT MAY/JUNE 2011 35 FOURSTAR

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