A COASTAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION PUBLICATION MARCH/APRIL 2013 VOL. 20 NO. 2 $10.00

Las Vegas The Odds-On-Favorite for Meeting Success

Photo courtesy of Las Vegas News Bureau News Vegas Photo courtesy of Las Page 36

Spa Resorts Page 14 Tech Update Page 18 CSR Page 22 Florida Page 28 ISSN 1095-9726...... USPS 012-991

A COASTAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION PUBLICATION

MARCH/APRIL 2013 Vol. 20 No. 2 Photo by Belinda Serata Photography Belinda Serata Photo by Page 28 FEATURES Teambuilding challenges arranged by Miami’s Vibe Agency under Florida’s sunny skies and balmy breezes kept 14 The Wellness Prescription these financial firm’s attendees fully Meetings + Spa Resorts = Smart Business energized and engaged. By Stella Johnson

A wellness visit to the 18 High-Tech Tools G Spa at Foxwoods Resort Casino, a premiere Connecticut for Managing meeting property, is Meetings always welcome. And Proving Their Value By George Seli DEPARTMENTS 22 The Greater Good 4 PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE How CSR Adds Value to the 6 INDUSTRY NEWS Community and the Company By John Buchanan 7 SNAPSHOTS Page 14 Photo courtesy of Foxwoods Resort Casino Photo courtesy of Foxwoods 10 Facebook…or Face Time? Why Business Relationships Take More Than Texting, Friending and Online Connecting DESTINATIONS By Michael Houlihan 12 Presentations 28 Florida 8 Ways to Increase and Sustain Audience Participation The Dream Destination By Scott Steinberg By Derek Reveron 50 CORPORATE LADDER Page 22 Photo courtesy of PwC 50 READER SERVICE CSR at work.Winners of PwC’s High 36 Las Vegas School Business Challenge received The Odds-On-Favorite $40,000 from the PwC Charitable for Meeting Success Foundation Inc. to help benefit By Karen Brost financial education at their school.

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 copies $10.00 U.S.A.; back copies $12. Yearly subscription price is $65.00 in the U.S.A.; $135.00 in Canada. 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. © 2013 www.themeetingmagazines.com

INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT MARCH/APRIL 2013 3 Publisher’s Message A COASTAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION PUBLICATION PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Harvey Grotsky [email protected] GROUP PUBLISHER New Solutions Arthur Hyman For the first time, the Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Business [email protected] Barometer reveals significant, uplifting shifts in the meeting and event indus- CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mitch D. Miller try. During the economic uncertainty and budget cuts, savvy meeting profes- [email protected] sionals learned how to adapt and persevere. After a three-year battle, they MANAGING EDITORS emerged leaner, meaner and equipped with “new expectations, new tools Susan W. Fell at their disposal and new opportunities to address the strengthening meet- [email protected] ing and event market,” according to the February 2013 survey. In addition, Susan S. Gregg “technology, budgets, lead times, risk manage- [email protected] ment, employment levels and fluctuating prices CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Mike Bassett continue to be significant factors, but these chal- Karen Brost lenges have new solutions.” John Buchanan Timothy Herrick Chief among these “new solutions” is how Stella Johnson meeting professionals combine new technology Derek Reveron George Seli with the old-fashioned, trustworthy face-to-face approach to achieve the best outcomes. PRESIDENT & CEO In Jason Hensel’s blog* “MPI TechCon Balances Harvey Grotsky Technology and Humanity,” we learn how Kyle VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS David A. Middlebrook Hillman, co-chair of the MPI Chicago Area [email protected] Chapter’s popular, three-year-old TechCon used ADVERTISING SALES OFFICES fresh, new influential speakers and innovative 2700 N. Military Trail, Suite 120 Boca Raton, FL 33431-6394 venue modifications to wow attendees. The event featured an “interactive 561-989-0600 Fax: 561-989-9509 club-like exhibitor showcase.” According to Hillman, the new concept worked NORTHEAST very well: “The lounge design created paths, not aisles, forcing attendees to Jeffrey Posner 516-594-2820 · Fax: 516-594-2826 mingle and walk around people and furniture, not past them. It also created [email protected] lasting touch points for vendors in a more relaxed networking approach rather FLORIDA/CARIBBEAN than a hard sell. A lot of suppliers have lost the art of connecting with buyers Arthur Hyman 561-989-0600, ext. 108 · Fax: 561-989-9509 — we created an atmosphere that brought that back.” [email protected] I wholeheartedly concur with Hensel’s conclusion: “Yes, technology may SOUTHWEST draw you there and may help with that first step, but it’s the face-to-face 561-989-0600, ext. 114 · Fax: 561-989-9509 connection that seals the deal. The MPI Chicago Area Chapter realizes that, [email protected] and TechCon was a great success because of the balance between technol- SOUTHEAST 561-989-0600, ext. 114 · Fax: 561-989-9509 ogy and humanity.” [email protected] This month’s issue is chock full of “new solutions” to help you meet new LOUISIANA/TEXAS challenges. Check out “The Wellness Prescription (page 14), “High-Tech Tools Arthur Hyman 561-989-0600, ext. 108 · Fax: 561-989-9509 for Managing Meetings” (page 18); and “The Greater Good” (page 22), as well [email protected] as the destination reports on Florida (page 28) and Las Vegas (page 36). MIDWEST *Find Hensel’s blog at www.mpiweb.org/blog/events 561-989-0600, ext. 114 · Fax: 561-989-9509 [email protected] WEST Marshall Rubin 818-888-2407 · Fax: 818-888-4907 mrubin@westworld.com HAWAII 561-989-0600, ext. 114 · Fax: 561-989-9509 Harvey Grotsky [email protected] So someone tried to tell you why meeting in Miami’s so inspiring, so exciting and so productive. Know this. No tweet, snapshot or posting will ever be enough. You so have to meet here to get it.MiamiMeetings.com 502,000 Sq.Ft. of Exhibit Space • 70 Flexible Meeting Rooms • 100,000 Sq.Ft. of Pre-Function Space © Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau – The Official Destination Marketing Organization for Greater Miami and the Beaches. 4 MARCH/APRIL 2013 INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT

GMCVB-05827_Insurance Financial Meetings Mgmt Mar-April 2013_1A.indd 1 1/31/13 6:30:20 PM Industry News SnapShots Site Index: Motivational Events Industry on the Upswing CHICAGO, IL — The Site Interna- programs to elevate future perfor- A significant majority of respon- tional Foundation released results mance.” Key observations: dents say that the inclusion of corpo- of the latest Site Index Annual Respondents (86 percent) indicate rate social responsibility and green Survey. The third year of the study that the use of motivational travel initiatives in motivational events will measures movement in key indices will increase or substantially increase continue to increase. as well as introduces new topics of in the next one to three years, with More respondents (58 percent) are discussion. “The Site Index results respondents significantly more posi- asking for or providing more site se- confirm that the overall use of moti- tive about the short term (the next six lection/hotel placement-only services vational travel continues to be on an months) than in previous years. than in previous years. upswing,” said Stephen Powell, pres- A majority of respondents continue As evidenced in the Site Index: 2 ident of the Site International Foun- to believe that the requirement to Focus on Technology and Social Me- dation and senior vice president of measure ROI or ROO, although still dia, the use of mobile technology is Worldwide Sales for InterContinental important, has stabilized. increasing in importance. Hotels Group. “After several years While the convergence of meetings Data for the Site Index are derived of intense scrutiny, companies are and incentives is slowing, inclusion of from the collective experiences and recognizing the role incentive travel business meetings and similar com- perspectives of a global group of in- programs played in their past suc- ponents in motivational events will centive travel and motivational event cess and are implementing new continue to experience some growth. users and providers. For this survey, responses were received from 112 people in 22 countries. The survey Disney Receives Destination & was supervised by Scott A. Jeffrey, 1 3 4 Ph.D., Monmouth University, and Mar- Travel Foundation Hospitality Award ion Joppe, Ph.D., University of Guelph, WASHINGTON, DC — On March and was sponsored by the InterConti- 13, The Destination & Travel Founda- nental Hotels Group. To obtain a copy tion honored Walt Disney Parks and of the Executive Summary of the Site Resorts with the Spirit of Hospitality Index annual survey, go to Site Index Award, recognizing Disney’s longtime at www.siteglobal.com. advocacy for travel and tourism and its commitment to social responsibility. Disney Unveils Vision Craig Davis, president and CEO of Visit 5 Pittsburgh and chair of the Destination for Disney Springs Belgium (streetevent.be) Antwerp, 2013, Site EMEA Forum 6. GBTA; 5. Bureau; Visitors & Boston Convention Greater 4. Association International; Destination Marketing 1–3. Photo credits: & Travel Foundation, presented the ORLANDO, FL — Walt Disney World 1 Michael Gehrisch, president and Spirit of Hospitality Award to Randy A. Resort recently announced the CEO of Destination Marketing As- Garfield, CTC, executive vice president, multiyear transformation of Down- sociation International (DMAI), wel­ Worldwide Sales & Travel Operations, town Disney into Disney Springs, a comed nearly 1,000 industry pro- Disney Destinations, and president, unique destination that will double fessionals to the nation’s capital for its renowned Week in Washington. Walt Disney Travel Company. Destina- the number of shops, restaurants and The 20th anniversary of the Annual tion & Travel Foundation, formerly DMAI other venues for guests to explore, Destination & Travel Foundation 6 Foundation, is a combined effort of the resulting in more than 150 estab- Dinner & Dream Auction was held U.S. Travel Association and Destination lishments. Drawing inspiration from March 13 and Destinations Showcase, DMAI’s largest face-to-face gatherings connecting DMOs and meetings professionals, took place providing meetings planners the opportunity to find the perfect destinations for their upcoming meetings, conventions or trade Marketing Association International. Florida’s waterfront towns and natural Craig Davis (left), president and CEO of shows — in just one afternoon on March 14. 2 San Francisco Travel Association was represented at Destinations Showcase by John The mission of the Destination & Travel beauty, Disney Springs will include Visit Pittsburgh and chair of the Des- Reyes, executive vice president/chief customer officer and Sarah Smith, senior associate, convention sales, Eastern region. 3 Palm Foundation is to enhance the destina- four outdoor neighborhoods intercon- Beach County CVB staffers dressed in colorful, matching outfits greeted Destinations Showcase attendees. 4 In Boston, Massachu- tination & Travel Foundation, presents tion marketing and travel professions nected by a flowing spring and vibrant setts Lodging Association (MLA) Board Chair Adam Sperling presents Beth Stehley, vice president of convention services and sales the Spirit of Hospitality Award to Randy for the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau with the Massachusetts Lodging Association Industry Partner of the Year Award through research, education, vision- A. Garfield, CTC, executive vice presi- lakefront. Construction is slated to at the Colonnade Hotel at the 2012 Stars of the Industry Awards Gala. 5 Mastercard’s Paulo Fernandez addresses the participants ing and development of resources dent, Worldwide Sales & Travel Opera- begin soon with new areas opening in at the Conferencia GBTA Mexico 2013, which was held in Mexico City, March 6–8. 6 Hosted by Site Belgium, the Site EMEA Forum and partnerships for those efforts. tions, Disney Destinations, and presi- phases. Disney Springs is expected 2013 was held March 11–13 at Radisson Blu Astrid Hotel, Antwerp. Site members and motivational events industry professionals www.destinationtravel.org dent, Walt Disney Travel Company. to be complete in 2016. hailed from all over Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

6 MARCH/APRIL 2013 INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT MARCH/APRIL 2013 7 For over 25 years, ALHI has provided meeting professionals with Global Sales services dedicated exclusively and authorized Four- and Five-Diamond Consistency. specifically by our distinctive worldwide portfolio of hotels and resorts. ARIZONA UTAH Arizona Grand Resort Little America Hotel Enchantment Resort ILLINOIS The Grand America Hotel Over 140 Options. One Solution. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Eaglewood Resort & Spa Loews Ventana Canyon Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park VERMONT Montelucia Resort & Spa InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile Stowe Mountain Lodge Royal Palms Resort and Spa Sofitel Chicago Water Tower The Peninsula Chicago VIRGINIA The Wigwam Colonial Williamsburg Hotels CALIFORNIA LOUISIANA Lansdowne Resort Casa PalmeroTM Loews New Orleans Hotel Salamander Resort & Spa Hard Rock Hotel San Diego MARYLAND WASHINGTON Hotel del Coronado Loews Annapolis Hotel Pan Pacific Hotel Seattle Hotel Nikko Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore Hotel Valencia Santana Row WASHINGTON, D.C. InterContinental Mark Hopkins MASSACHUSETTS Loews Madison Hotel InterContinental San Francisco InterContinental Boston Mandarin Oriental Island Hotel Newport Beach Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club The Washington Court Hotel La Costa Seaport Hotel & Seaport World Trade Center Willard InterContinental Loews Coronado Bay The Langham Boston Loews Hollywood Hotel WEST VIRGINIA Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel MICHIGAN The Greenbrier Miramonte Resort & Spa Amway Grand Plaza Ojai Valley Inn & Spa MGM Grand Detroit WISCONSIN The American Club Resort Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa MISSISSIPPI Resort at Squaw Creek Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Surf & Sand Resort DESTINATIONS OUTSIDE THE USA Terranea Resort NEVADA The Grand Del Mar ARIA Resort & Casino AUSTRALIA The Inn at Spanish BayTM Melbourne Bellagio Sydney The Langham Huntington Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino TM The Lodge at Pebble Beach Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas BAHAMAS The Meritage Resort and Spa Monte Carlo Resort and Casino Paradise Island - Atlantis The Resort at Pelican Hill MGM Grand Hotel & Casino Ravella at Lake Las Vegas CANADA COLORADO Skylofts at MGM Montreal Keystone Resort & Conference Center THEhotel at Mandalay Bay Quebec The Broadmoor The Mirage Vancouver The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa The Signature at MGM Grand Vdara Hotel & Spa CHINA CONNECTICUT Beijiing MGM Grand at Foxwoods NEW MEXICO Hong Kong (2) Mohegan Sun La Posada de Santa Fe Resort & Spa Shanghai (2) Shenzher FLORIDA NEW YORK Biltmore InterContinental New York Times Square CZECH REPUBLIC Doral Golf Resort & Spa Loews Regency Hotel Prague Fontainebleau The New York Palace InterContinental Miami DOMINICAN REPUBLIC InterContinental Tampa NORTH CAROLINA Cap Cana (3) Loews Don CeSar Hotel Pinehurst Punta Cana (2) Loews Miami Beach Hotel The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando® Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club ENGLAND Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando® London Ocean Reef Club OREGON Sunriver Resort JAMAICA One Ocean Resort Hotel & Spa Montego Bay PGA National Resort & Spa PENNSYLVANIA Ponte Vedra Inn & Club Loews Philadelphia Hotel MEXICO Rosen Shingle Creek Cancun (2) Saddlebrook Resort PUERTO RICO Los Cabos The Breakers Gran Melia Golf Resort Playa Del Carmen (2) The Lodge & Club The Peabody Orlando SOUTH CAROLINA NEW ZEALAND Charleston Place Hotel Aukland GEORGIA Château Élan TENNESSEE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Loews Atlanta Hotel Loews Vanderbilt Hotel Dubai - Atlantis The Palm The Cloister at Sea Island The Peabody Memphis The Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club STRATEGIC GLOBAL ALHI Global Sales brings it all together with a perfect fit for your next program. TEXAS ALLIANCE MEMBERS HAWAII Barton Creek Resort & Spa Consistency, quality and reliability are important to your success. Associated Luxury Hotels International Halekulani Hotel Sorella CITYCENTER Delta Air Lines The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows Hotel Valencia Riverwalk (ALHI) assists planners to find the perfect fit for their events. ALHI’s Global Sales services are The Modern Honolulu InterContinental Dallas Turtle Bay Resort The Adolphus funded by our prestigious members’ dues and provided cost-free to you. Experience the confidence, The Driskill IDAHO The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa first-hand knowledge and time-saving guidance the ALHI Global Sales Organization offers you with Sun Valley Resort this incredible portfolio of hotels and resorts each specializing in meetings and incentive programs. The Coeur d’Alene Allow ALHI to find the right solution to fit your program objectives. VisitALHI.com today One click, one call to your ALHI GSO professional brings you a world of options. to view our entire portfolio and contact the ALHI Global Sales professional nearest you. ALHI.com • Luxury Group Desk 866-303-2544

ALH35494 InsFinanMtgAD.indd 1 2/6/13 12:06 PM Facebook…or Face Time? By Michael Houlihan

below for more information on each), you’ll usually the other person can see you in 3-D and observe your find out more than just the basics when you have a dynamic, spontaneous behavior including tone of voice, Why Business Relationships Take More Than verbal conversation. In fact, if you’re really observant, expression, dress and body language. The other party you may notice things about the other company or sees your human imperfections and is aware that you Texting, Friending and Online Connecting clients that they themselves aren’t even aware of. are vulnerable to potential personal rejection. 4. Facial expressions help get your message across. t’s official: Email, texting and social media are no longer are expensive. When clients, vendors and even employees Did you know that the human face has at least 20 How to Use Tech Tools just helpful supplemental business tools. They’ve taken are on the other side of the world, it’s not economically muscles that work in concert to create a myriad of Despite my belief that people want in-person attention, Iover the whole game. Yes, technology has made many feasible to hop on a plane every time a meeting is needed. telling facial expressions? When you put it that way, the Barefoot didn’t avoid technology as it developed — far from aspects of modern living more convenient and connected, In these cases, Skype is the next best thing to being there. process sounds complex, but amazingly (as you know!) it. What’s important is to use these tools appropriately and but the pendulum has swung too far. Now, people are re- We accomplish so much more when we become more than we don’t have to consciously think about forming those not let them become crutches. luctant to do something as simple as picking up the phone, just an email address or a disembodied voice to one another. expressions at all. This is a powerful argument for face- A relationship can start through text, email or social me- preferring to shoot off an email instead. And face-to-face If you make the time necessary for personal meetings — if to-face meetings, whether they’re in person or via Skype. dia; in fact, I encourage entrepreneurs and other business- meetings — well, we sure could use a lot more of them. not in person, then via Skype or, at the very least, on the 5. Observing those expressions during verbal people to utilize those resources. But in order to be lasting This “technology takeover” is not without consequence. phone — others will not only remember you, but they will communication can give you instant feedback and dependable, a relationship has to grow in person. Misunderstandings abound. Relationships stagnate. Trust is appreciate the effort you put forth. about how your message is being received. You at an all-time low. And all of these issues are at least partially Read on for seven specific advantages of real-time, in- can quickly adjust your message on the spot to due to the fact that genuine human connections have been person, face-to-face relationship-building: make it more meaningful or agreeable, and avoid replaced by mouse-clicks and keystrokes. 1. The time investment shows you really care. It’s possible misunderstandings. Being face-to-face with Social media and technology do have their place, but a fairly universal truth that human beings want to be 6. So does your body language. Unlike looking at a they are not, and never will be, a substitute for in-person valued and appreciated. Spending time with someone posed profile shot or any still image sent over email, interaction. Your physical presence — or at least the sound else, whether that’s in person, face-to-face on a being face-to-face with another person gives you another person gives of your voice — builds trust you can’t even approach with computer screen, or, if all else fails, via a phone call, is the opportunity to see the other person’s dynamic a keyboard, screen or profile image. one of the best ways to convey these things. In essence, reaction and make adjustments to your own message. you the opportunity to Having boot-strapped a business from the ground up, I an investment of time says, “While there are many Real-time body language provides tons of non- know what I’m talking about. Bonnie Harvey and I are the other things I could be doing, I’m choosing to spend my verbal cues that are impossible to convey in a text or see the other person’s founders of Barefoot Cellars, the company that transformed time with you. That’s how important I think you are!” email. For instance, if you know that hands in one’s the image of American wine from staid and unimaginative to Minutes and hours spent with another person have the pockets indicate boredom or disinterest, whereas dynamic reaction and fun, lighthearted and hip. When we started our company in power to create a bond that money can’t buy. leaning slightly forward indicates interest, you’ll be the laundry room of a rented Sonoma County farmhouse, we 2. You’re better able to give personalized attention. able to respond more accurately to others and avoid knew almost nothing about winemaking or the wine busi- This is perhaps the biggest key to successful sales sending messages you don’t mean to...and so does make adjustments to ness. Our new book, The Barefoot Spirit, tells our California- and the establishment of any long-term relationship. your tonality. It’s happened to everyone: You send an style rags-to-riches story in compelling and colorful fashion, Think about it: It’s hard to multitask on something email that’s laced with sarcasm or humor, which the your own message. and reveals just what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur. unrelated when someone is physically planted in front recipient totally fails to pick up on. Oops! Now you’re I can’t tell you how many retailers, suppliers and potential of you, demanding your attention. Unless you have no left frantically doing damage control. That’s one major customers I visited in person during those early years. What problem with blatant rudeness, you’re focusing on the reason why texting, emailing and friending can be A good way to start is to eliminate virtual communica- I can tell you is that I would have never gotten satisfactory other person, responding not only to what they say, great ways to communicate while failing to succeed at tion when in-person communication is possible or more ef- results if I had tried to build those relationships via email but also to their mood, movements and many other relationship-building. fective. So shake hands and come out a winner! High touch and social media. The Barefoot brand would never have non-verbal signals. You will read these signs and adjust 7. Your vulnerability shows (and that’s a good thing). beats high tech every time. I&FMM become a national best-seller without meetings, phone calls your behavior accordingly. In the virtual world, you can almost totally control and recurring personal visits that kept relationships all over 3. You’re more effective in general. When you’re the image you show to other people. You choose Michael Houlihan, author along with Bonnie Harvey of The the country healthy and up-to-date. talking to someone else in real time, you can make the pictures you post on your profile. You censor the Barefoot Spirit: How Hardship, Hustle, and Heart Built a Bestsell- progress in real time and solve problems in real time. information you do and don’t want to share in your ing Wine, Evolve Publishing, May 21, 2013, started the Barefoot Face-to-Face Meetings (Believe it or not, lobbing emails back and forth isn’t messages, posts and updates. And usually, you can think Wine brand in their laundry room in 1986, made it a nationwide People don’t just buy your product; they buy you. always the most efficient method!) Thanks to facial about and edit what you want to say before pressing best-seller, and successfully sold the brand to E&J Gallo in 2005. Of course, in a global economy, face-to-face meetings expressions, body language and tone of voice (see “send.” But in a real-time, face-to-face relationship, To learn more, visit www.thebarefootspirit.com.

10 MARCH/APRIL 2013 INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT MARCH/APRIL 2013 11 Presentations By Scott Steinberg

unexpected visits that keep viewers on the edge of reactions, a video camera can be an event planner’s their seats. Similarly, you also can beam in thoughts, best friend — always keep one handy. Make a point 8 Ways to Increase and Sustain opinions and live updates from events occurring of interviewing attendees to get their thoughts on simultaneously in other parts of the world. The next programs or key takeaways, and setting aside space time international sales, marketing or management where they can share stories or expert tips, hints Audience Participation teams convene at distant locations, consider using lanning and orchestrating a successful event is hard national ad spot!” Not only can such techniques these platforms to bring all closer together — and enough without having to worry about how pre- improve contribution rates — they also can ensure illustrate your organization’s global impact. Psenters are going to consistently sustain interest and that messages resonate better and hit closer to home, 6. Promote running commentary. Courtesy of Rather than delivering buzz for large and often diverse audiences over extended coming straight from an audience’s peers. online connectivity, every smartphone-, tablet- and time-frames. Thankfully, you don’t have to schedule 87 3. Crunch the numbers. Partner with your speakers laptop-wielding audience member is now a potential networking breaks, provide each registered guest a cus- and/or sponsors to conduct surveys, polls and studies, broadcast announcer or program participant. Running canned 60-minute tom coffee IV drip, or hire fire-eaters and dancing horses or provide audience questionnaires, both prior to and streams of questions and feedback from viewers can to keep attention and conversation levels consistently high during your event — not just after presentations are be projected live on screens for speakers and viewers speeches, consider throughout any program. delivered. Research and input can be used to craft to see throughout events, courtesy of Twitter and Here’s how to drive more audience interest, enthusiasm more insightful programs, incorporated into call- other services, helping guide ongoing discussion. stopping at regular, and participation around special occasions while keeping and-response segments, or potentially debuted as Attendees also can be given tools, links and access viewers both engaged and glued to the edge of their seats. part of special onsite announcements. Findings may to share live blog streams, chats and event highlights 1. Invite advance contributions. Long before delivering even be used as unique value-adds: “All who attend via their own websites or social channels, helping all preset intervals during live programs, invite observers to participate via will receive a copy of our 2013 industry awareness promote and drive conversation around presentations online channels such as via the Web and social media survey!” Data collected prior to, at or following your as they unfold — and allowing your efforts to reach presentations to invite by submitting questions, suggestions, comments or event can further be used as part of press releases, a wider target audience. Invite sharing, streaming and feedback prior to your occasion. Submissions can white papers and other novel takeaways — all built ongoing online discussion, and you instantly boost audience questions, be used to shape event programming (e.g. when by and for attendees with their active input. interactivity and impact. weighing trending topics to feature), incorporated 4. Surprise and engage. Since when in the 7. Better leverage speakers. With so many hard- conduct informal polls into presentations (i.e., by putting queries that connected age does conversation work one way? to-pin-down experts onsite and available for participants have sent to featured experts), and Rather than delivering canned 60-minute speeches, audiences to engage with, why limit their exchanges used in supporting materials (e.g., video reels filled consider stopping at regular, preset intervals to cookie-cutter keynotes alone? Question-and- or source offstage input. with testimonials, insights and real-world frontline during presentations to invite audience questions, answer sessions, meet-and-greets, book signings, commentary). Each presents a great way to heighten conduct informal polls or source offstage input breakout sessions and panel appearances can empathy, boost audience attachment and ultimately — all techniques that can help re-ignite interest all help attendees enjoy further access to these and advice on primary event topics. Material can make attendee voices heard. and discussion. Reaching out to known experts in luminaries. Have a smartphone or spare audio then be edited into standalone segments or short 2. Request creative input. Want to better underscore attendance (“I see marketing V.P. Jane Smith is here recorder handy as well? You know what they say packages (“5 Reasons Great Customer Service organization-wide support for various initiatives today: Jane, what challenges do you see this trend about free press — make a point of creating and Matters”) for sharing during or after the gathering via and programs? Ask participants to share their presenting?”) also can help heighten programs’ archiving film or podcast clips with them on topics YouTube, DVD or video learning archives. Alternately, enthusiasm by submitting photos, slideshows, video sense of dynamism and engagement. Talking with of interest for sharing online via your website, social contributions can be transcribed and used in commentary and more — all of which are easily an audience, not simply at it, makes for more or digital channels to boot. Consider asking speakers newsletters, eBooks or blog posts that help highlight posted to your event’s website, social network page must-see sessions, and helps enhance participation, to share each of these assets, and additional insights, your community all year long. I&FMM or online community to raise audience interest engagement and retention rates. with their own audiences, too. The practice can and involvement. Crowdsourcing (read: requesting 5. Add guest appearances. Want to really shake things help increase your reach, add value for viewers no Scott Steinberg, a top-ranked international event speaker on creative contributions from your community) can also up? Use videoconferencing services (see: Google matter which channel they discover you through, the lecture circuit, is a best-selling expert on leadership and be a powerful way to invite attendee participation, Plus’ excellent Hangouts feature) to source live input and potentially generate more publicity ops for your innovation, and the head of strategic consultancy TechSavvy bolster internal resources, and heighten contributors’ from surprise guests wherever high-speed Internet event or organization. Global. Steinberg is listed among today’s most well-known pro- emotional investment and takeaway. Consider this: connections are available. Via these platforms, top 8. Create unique takeaways. Everyone loves seeing viders of keynote speeches, training workshops and seminars, “Submit your best designs for our new fundraising authorities including notable community members his/her name in lights. Letting you capture and as seen in 600+ outlets from CNN to NPR. Contact Steinberg at campaign’s logo: Winners will be featured in our and organizational leadership can pay events record onsite learning as well as audience insights or his website www.akeynotespeaker.com.

12 MARCH/APRIL 2013 INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT MARCH/APRIL 2013 13 Healthy + Hotels = Top Trend of jetlag; EMF protection from electri- day, a weekend or a week for healthy Heading the list of SpaFinder’s Top cal equipment, which emanates sleep- lifestyle education,” said Mackey in 10 Spa Predictions for 2013 is Healthy disruptive electromagnetic fields; and USA Today. The Wellness Hotels (visit blog.spafinder.comfor the an air purification system that reduces other nine predictions). “Expect cor- allergens, toxins and pathogens. East + West = Wellness porate wellness and wellness tourism The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Sometimes “the spa” encompass- to become huge,” Ellis says. “In 2013 recently introduced new spa offerings es an entire center devoted to more and beyond, what constitutes a true designed for groups at its 44,000-sf healthful lifestyle choices. Deepak Prescription vacation will be redefined, and hospi- Well & Being at Willow Stream Spa. Chopra, M.D. and David Simon, tality will be rewritten. We’ll see an ex- The new offerings are specifically de- M.D. opened the Chopra Center for plosion of new wellness-everywhere signed to reduce stress and increase Wellbeing in 1996. Located at the hotel chains and spa environments be- productivity, not to mention overall newly renovated La Costa Resort coming more mainstream. In the past, health, and can be customized for and Spa (611 guest rooms and gyms and spas have been positioned groups of all sizes with a variety of 110,000 sf of indoor-outdoor space) as mere amenities, but now these options — from teambuilding ac- in Carlsbad, CA, the Chopra Center walls are being conceptually and liter- tivities to group workouts, and from offers a wide variety of programs and ally broken down. Established hotel classes to workshops. Another corpo- retreats that integrate the healing arts chains are rebranding around well- rate-style program at the resort is “The of the East with the best in modern ness, and it’s not just about fitness.” Healthy Executive.” Designed for in- Western medicine. Anna Bjurstam, CEO and owner dividuals, this is an exclusive full-day Recently added is the center’s new of Stockholm, Sweden-based Raison plan that includes private consulta- Workplace Wellbeing curriculum of d’Etre, a full-service spa management tions with the spa’s on-staff physician, pick-and-choose workshops designed company, is a spa consultant who has nutritionist, and an exercise physiolo- to enhance any group meeting in the worked with more than 100 spas in gist among other options. form of half-day, full-day and multi- 60 different countries, created eight The goal at Westin Hotels & Resorts day retreats. of the world’s most well-known spa is to feel better when you leave than According to Chopra, “Research brands and helped educate more than when you arrived, and its Westin shows that approximately 15 per- 150 spa managers. Essence program is designed to do cent of the work force in the U.S. As a research presenter at the 2012 just that. Since Westin’s signature is ‘actively disengaged.’ The cost of International Spa Association (ISPA) Heavenly Bed was first introduced actively disengaged workers in the Conference & Expo held in October in 1999, Westin has broadened its American work force is about $350 at Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention base of health and wellness options billion a year. There are another 57 Center near Orlando, Bjurstam notes, with a variety of amenities including percent of people who are not ac- “The concept of the vacation and busi- SuperFoodsRX dishes for nutrient- tively disengaged, but they’re dis- ness traveler is being rewritten. It’s not rich but flavorful meals when away engaged, which means they’re just just about experiencing the hotel, but from home; exercise studios and run- punching the clock, just ‘getting being well in it, meaning eating well, ning maps; Gear-Lending, a special through the day’ without achieving Meetings + Spa Resorts = Smart Business sleeping well and training well.” program that allows guests to travel anywhere near their true potential. By Stella Johnson Like Ellis, Bjurstam says that the light by renting exercise clothing and That leaves only about 28 percent of hen employees need more stressed out than ever, and profession- Association (ISPA), there exists today wellness-everywhere hotel trend is sneakers freshly provided onsite by workers who are actively engaged.” than a hearty belly laugh to als at spas are dedicated to caring and approximately 20,000 various types of taking place around the world as New Balance; clutter-free meetings Monica Graves, program manag- Wlessen stress-related work- nurturing guests who are seeking what spa facilities across the country. ISPA’s evidenced among such major hotel with fully equipped and streamlined er at the Workplace Wellness Center place issues, a suitable antidote is a spas offer,” she says. “While a visit to most recent U.S. Spa Industry Study, brands as Westin Hotels & Resorts, workstations; and a customized in- states that last year a worldwide, visit to a spa for an hour, a day or a spa or wellness destination may not released in 2012, reported that con- Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and MGM room spa basket, with everything industry-leading financial institu- many days. magically turn someone from unhealthy sumers spent $13.4 billion on a wide Resorts International, among others. from flowers to music and aroma- tion elicited the help of the center’s Spa treatments such as hot stone to healthy, it can certainly help people range of traditional and cutting-edge For instance, at MGM Grand Las therapy oils. Workplace Wellbeing programs to cre- massage, aromatherapy, exercise, deep change directions in their lifestyles,” spa treatments and services in 2011, as Vegas, 42 Stay Well guest rooms were Even Whole Foods is talking ate a customized wellness incentive breathing, warm baths, mindfulness Ellis adds. “Stress is at an all-time high. compared to $12.8 billion in 2010 — an recently introduced. Each one offers about developing a new health re- retreat for 50 of their top-performing massage, meditation and the like all less- Spas reduce stress. Most people who increase of 4.5 percent. And, spa visits more than 12 health and wellness sort in Austin, TX — the company’s financial advisors. en stress, according to Susie Ellis, presi- have been to a spa (25 percent of the jumped from 150 million to 156 million features including vitamin C-infused headquarters and the home of the “The group demographics consisted dent of SpaFinder, one of the largest U.S. population) would agree with — an increase of 4.1 percent. shower water, which neutralizes chlo- first Whole Foods. The new project of 90 percent men with an average age spa marketing companies in the world. those statements,” says Ellis. Experts tell us that happy, engaged rine for healthier hair and skin; vari- will focus on healthy lifestyle educa- of 65. The participants experienced Ellis explains in her blog (blog.spafinder. Ellis has a point: The industry employees mean greater productivity ous advanced lighting features that tion, according to Whole Foods co- three days of balance, transformation com) that increases in spa visitations are is growing by leaps and bounds. and improved ROI. Even hotels are can regulate sleep/wake cycles or in- founder John Mackey. “Think of it as and inspiration through a thought- due to the fact that “people are more According to the International Spa getting on the wellness bandwagon. crease energy and reverse the effects a center where people would go for a ful modernization of the ancient

14 MARCH/APRIL 2013 INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT MARCH/APRIL 2013 15 techniques of yoga, meditation and cording to Rod Provart, consultant for Provart’s group, a leadership meet- productive meeting when it comes One more benefit of meeting at nature treatments including Tropical Ayurveda, a 5,000-year-old healing Provart Global Event Marketing LLC in ing, numbers about 45 attendees but time to get down to the meeting itself.” a world-class spa resort, according Journey — a steamed compress and arts philosophy,” she says. Hopkins, MN. Provart says that many does not include either spouses or to Post, is that “the group is content body massage using coconut and According to Graves, The Chopra of his clients prefer a resort with golf guests. Attendees use the spa on an Creativity + Interactivity to stay on the property because the ginger oil, and Xtremities Indulgence, Center educators taught the group and spa, as does one client who regu- individual basis. = Great Networking whole spa philosophy saturates the which targets the head, hands and feet. practical and powerful tools for stress larly books The Sanctuary at Kiawah “The spa director works with us Jim Post, partner and vice president premises and makes the stay so plea- Meanwhile, The Spa at Encore, management, work-life balance, in- Island Golf Resort, Kiawah Island, to schedule individual spa appoint- of operations at Advantage Destination surable and rewarding.” Wynn’s sister property with 51 treat- spirational leadership and successful SC (255 guest rooms and 35,000 sf of ments based on attendees’ schedules. Management Services in Miami, FL, ment rooms, has added two new collaboration in the workplace. Also, meeting space). She also designs personalized spa gift used his creativity to come up with Newsworthy spa experiences: Nalu Body Ritual, a the attendees had a “rejuvenating ex- Provart’s choice of The Sanctuary baskets for each guest that books the a solution to meet his client’s needs. The G Spa at Foxwoods Resort Polynesian fusion massage, body ex- perience through the Ayurvedic meals, was easy as “several of the firm’s top spa, which rounds out the whole spa Post needed a specific spa-related pro- Casino, Mashantucket, CT, recently foliation and coconut oil scalp treat- spa treatments, beach excursions and managers actually have homes on experience and provides something to gram that fostered networking among received TripAdvisor’s Certificate of ment; and Fire and Ice Stone Ritual, leisure time in the beautiful setting of Kiawah Island,” he relates. “The event take back home,” Provart says. the attendees — a must-have ingredi- Excellence for 2012. The spa special- an infusion of heat with cool stones the La Costa Resort and Spa,” she says. has been very successful because of “While the resort provides a re- ent for his meeting customer. izes in Native American-inspired spe- for contrast. “It was so successful that an alumni the casual opportunities for discussion laxed environment in which to con- Because the spa resort did not cialties including moisturizing wraps, program is now in development for and work, and the opportunity to re- duct business, it also fosters camara- offer such programs, Post chartered massages and mani-pedis that utilize Final Thoughts some time this year.” lax and enjoy some golf or spa activi- derie amongst the attendees who, in a yacht for an afternoon cruise that milk and honey, chamomile extract, Wellness is certainly catching on ties as many do.” this case, were from top management. included sightseeing as well as basic sea minerals, essential oils, red clay, in the workplace, which is a good Golf + Spa = Perfect Combo Choices abound at Kiawah Island They love the beautiful golf and the spa services on the deck provided by vitamins A and E, grape seed extract for all concerned. As Deepak Chopra Many planners seek out resorts that Golf Resort, home to five champion- spectacular spa offerings. And, al- certified technicians. Afterwards, at- and more. reminds us, “Once people begin par- combine golf and spa, which provides ship golf courses including the fa- though our selected spa treatments are tendees were treated to a simple spa In Las Vegas last fall, The Spa at ticipating in a healthy, balanced life- attendees with the best of both worlds. mous Ocean Course, site of the 2012 the standard facials and mas­sages, I menu of mimosas, tea sandwiches, Wynn Las Vegas reopened with new- style, they suddenly feel quite good. That combination works very well ac- PGA Championship. do believe they help make for a more fruit and yogurt. ly designed interiors that promote a Well-being is actually addictive, but Noting that there was something feeling of health, wellness and a sense it’s a healthy addiction that benefits for everyone, Post adds, “Some of relaxation. With 45 renovated treat- individuals, companies, the commu- guests were there for the sightseeing, ment rooms, the spa sports new sig- nity and the world.” I&FMM some for the spa treatments and spa Spa + Resorts = Self-Improvement menu, and some for the luxury of the A Q&A with Steve Auer, CEO of Cadence Inc. then influence their approach to business and cruise experience.” Based in Chicago, with offices in New York and encourage them to engage more, listen more Post believes that “spa activities Los Angeles, Cadence plans and produces a or make more connections. are great when they are interactive wide array of meetings for both internal and IFMM Is there a fear that attendees might with the entire group so that they can external business groups. get too relaxed at a spa resort to want to get still network and get to know each IFMM Why are spa resorts great choices for down to business? other. Spas are just coming on board insurance and financial meetings? AUER If you look at the top creative agen- with that idea; but they need to have AUER A spa resort adds a deeper layer of net- cies and design firms, you’ll notice that their the right person in place, someone Memorable meetings made lakeside. working and socialization for attendees and offices are all designed to be conducive to who’s bubbly and knows how to work their guests. They also make a great incentive creativity and openness. This same idea and with the group.” Orchestrate an unforgettable event – leave a lasting impression! reward for achieving sales quotas. And, if the Auer design principle applies to meeting environ- For another client, Post arranged • Group events for 10 to 1,000 guests spa menu has a health and wellness angle, ments. There is an intrinsic link between the a meeting in Palm Beach that also • Nearly 17,000 square feet of flexible event space that’s even better. If the entire resort is designed to pro- context of the environment and the flow of communica- featured a full day of spa activities by • Grand Ballroom divisible into seven private rooms • Coordinated events including unique team-building options, golf, geo-caching, go-kart vide a holistic experience, this creates a serene environ- tion, productivity and creativity. The key is to not look at the resort’s swimming pool. “We had racing, charter fishing, color tours, star-gazing, art gallery tours and more ment for attendees where it is easier to concentrate, relax spa resorts from a luxury angle, but rather as a backdrop cabanas set up as day spas with an ar- • Special group dining options including locale fare and interactive chef’s table and focus on the purpose of the meeting. for self-improvement that is conducive to the business ray of spa treatments. Everyone signed • Customized group meeting packages for every budget IFMM How do you select the right spa resort for the group? mission of the event. up for at least one or two sessions,” Visit our newly renovated resort – a fresh touch of sophistication! AUER We judge a spa resort by how it actually adds to IFMM What about optics? How does a meeting at a spa says Post. “It was very well received, • Beautifully remodeled grand lobby the event. Hosting a meeting at a spa puts an emphasis resort avoid being perceived incorrectly? especially after a few days of being • Deluxe rooms, restaurants and patio dining on self-improvement and this often parallels the business AUER In this economy and climate, there’s an amount in workshops and attending seminars.” • Outdoor entertainment including lawn games, bonfires, spectacular sunsets, shoreline walks and more objective of the meeting. of fiduciary responsibility that we have to be cognizant of. For his corporate groups, Post is • Breaker Bay Indoor Waterpark IFMM In what other ways does a spa resort influence From a business perspective, we use resort destinations in favor of arranging 30- to 45-min- • Reflections Spa, a full-service escape the success of a meeting? within the context of learning and personal development. ute spa breaks rather than coffee AUER The resort environment encourages attendees to The spa is just a piece of the destination, not the destina- breaks. Chair massages and hand- make healthy decisions by bringing the tools to do it to tion itself. The spa component at a resort should parallel wrist massages get the blood flow- their doorstep. An attendee may think, “Oh, here’s this the purpose of the meeting and enhance what the attend- ing and make attendees more alert Blue Harbor Resort | 725 Blue Harbor Dr. • Sheboygan, WI 53081 (866) 701-2583 | BlueHarborResort.com nice walking path, I’ll go for a run today.” This mindset can ees are learning and experiencing. — SJ at meetings, Post notes. Email [email protected] for your customized quote!

16 MARCH/APRIL 2013 INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT MARCH/APRIL 2013 17 ings spend and savings by depart- ure was 0.5 to 1 percent. So it’s not our product,” reports Sherman. “The ment, with particular hotel chains, by that much more money is being spent industry is really driven by compliance category (e.g., sleeping rooms, F&B), on meetings; rather, organizations are and duty of care, which makes an en- across certain time frames, and so on. now doing a much better job of track- terprise application around strategic High-Tech Tools for “I suppose you could do the track- ing that spend,” Sherman says. “There meetings management really critical to ing and reporting ‘old school’ with is a lot more transparency now, and I be able to track the spend associated Excel spreadsheets,” Harris adds. “But think technology has played a big role with customers.” the time it would take you to do it in that. And as soon as CFOs start real- would be ridiculous.” Just how long izing the amount of money being put New Solutions for Managing Meetings it would take depends on the amount into meetings and events, Big and Small of meetings activity, of it’s going to become critical About 15 months ago, Active Net­ course, but it’s surely time that the company buys a work launched its Business Solutions And Proving that could be better spent system that can track that.” division and acquired StarCite. Sher­ on other tasks. Especially at insurance man explains the motivation for the Their Value Tim Brown, CEO of Irvine, CA-based Meeting By George Seli Sites Resource, which li- “Technology does not make your he functionality of today’s meet- censes Meeting Evolution SMMP, but it certainly is necessary ings management tech tools is technology, notes, “Some of to keep it all in motion.” Tquite robust, making them more our customers are very decen- like “tool belts” that typically include tralized, but procurement still Amy Harris, SMMC, Vice President, Enterprise Marketing and Activation modules for meeting registration, ho- has their finger in the pie. They said SunTrust Banks Inc., Atlanta, GA tel sourcing, budgeting, generating it was taking them between eight and reports, surveying internal clients and 20 hours to do that reporting because and financial firms, and especially in acquisition: “Coming out of the re- more. A planner can certainly use they were dealing with data spread a post-recession world, the careful cession and trying to prove more of some or all of these features without in so many different places.” An SMM tracking and reporting of meetings the value of meetings and events, having a strategic meetings manage- tech tool essentially brings it all into spend is de rigueur. But not all firms we realized there was a big piece ment program (SMMP) in place at his one place, and outputs it quickly in a accomplish that via an SMMP. “The of the events industry that we were or her firm. But the converse is not digestible format. adoption of SMMPs has been more not touching. And that was the pro- so certain. limited in the insurance and financial curement-driven side of meetings and More Transparency industry than in others,” observes Issa events, or strategic meetings manage- Automation and Efficiency Tracking meetings-related spend Jouaneh, vice president and general ment. That led us down the path of If a planner is working within an has certainly improved in recent years, manager, American Express Meet­ adding StarCite to the family.” Since SMMP, it is very difficult to do it prop- thanks in large part to such tools. JR ings & Events. “We see that then, Active Network has tried to tar- erly without using a tool like Cvent Sherman, senior vice president of more companies in the sec- get StarCite to midmarket or StarCite, simply because an SMMP business solutions for Active Network tor have a meetings policy, companies as well as the requires company-wide tracking and big firms. “StarCite was control of meetings activity. That’s “Some of our customers are very traditionally seen as an en- often a tall order to fill, and many terprise solution, and what planners feel it calls for a system that decentralized. ...It was taking them we have done is added the centralizes and automates the various between eight and 20 hours to do that ability to have a much more planning processes, from site sourcing reporting because they were dealing with self-service, simplified, low- to expense reports on the tail end. data spread in so many different places.” cost user interface for small “Technology does not make your businesses, while still giving SMMP, but it certainly is necessary Tim Brown, CEO them access to tools like RFP to keep it all in motion,” asserts Amy Meeting Sites Resource, Irvine, CA outsourcing and expense track- Harris, SMMC, vice president, enter- ing. The real advantage of StarCite is prise marketing and activation, with and based in Wilton, CT, cites an and some form of reporting on meet- its robust global platform, and now Atlanta-based SunTrust Banks Inc. In Aberdeen Group study stating that on ing spend, but the level of strategic we are working to try to bring that particular, a meetings management the average, 9 percent of an organiza- management of the spend varies from functionality to the midmarket clients.” tech tool “allows you to consolidate tion’s budget is spent on meetings and company to company.” More recently, in October, American and slice and dice the meetings data, events, and the figure will rise to 20 Still, many of the larger firms in Express Meetings & Events partnered and customize reports for the internal percent in the next couple of years. that sector are indeed using SMM tech with Cvent. “The client reaction has stakeholders,” she says. The custom- “Just two years ago the estimates in tools. “We have 10 of the top 15 fi- been very positive,” says Jouaneh. ized reports can break down meet- the marketplace were saying the fig- nancial institutions currently using “Since the partnership launch, we have

18 MARCH/APRIL 2013 INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT MARCH/APRIL 2013 19 implemented Cvent across a number “enlighten” users about their com- if you can meet our terms and condi- Mobile- and Social-Enabled As to the first, “consider what your rector of global accounts at Confer­ of geographic regions, and over the pany’s meetings activity, the prod- tions, we will elevate you to the top of Sherman identifies two other company’s needs may be three years enceDirect in Littleton, CO, partici- next few months we will complete uct has features like My Dashboard, our search list,” Harris adds. cutting-edge features, exemplified from now, and choose a platform that pated in a Cvent focus group. She the global rollout.” American Express where users can access all reports by StarCite: First, one-to-one meet- can scale to those needs,” Sherman notes that Cvent continues to add in- Meetings & Events’ existing Meetings and What’s Happening Now from Customized Contracts ing capabilities allowing individuals advises. Globalization is an important ternational hotels into their supplier Expert solution was enhanced by the a single page; a meetings calendar; The contracting process itself to “book” meetings with other indi- trend in this regard. Companies that network in response to client demand. relationship with Cvent, which added and a report generator. Also is greatly facilitated by meetings viduals within a larger conference; are global or moving in that direc- “They do not have all the hotels in the a new meetings portal included are Zentila’s stan- management tools such as Meeting and second, the integration of meet- tion will want to funnel all the meet- world in there, but if they are missing that “brings the request dard sourcing tools, such Evolution, which, Brown notes, was ing management tools with mobile ings planned internationally through one, we are able to let them know process online and pro- technologies. “For example, on our the system as well, and the system about it and they add it in,” she says. vides a seamless automat- “As soon as CFOs start realizing the supplier side, hotels can now re- must be able to handle that along Customer service and scalability, ed experience,” according ceive and review feeds from buyers with the domestic meetings. With then, should be among a planner’s to Jouaneh. The Web por- amount of money being put into via a mobile device,” he says. “So Active Network’s cloud computing “must-haves” for an event management tal’s features include a cen- meetings and events, it’s going to if they’re not in their office and an system, scaling, adding features and tech tool. “I think it’s important that tralized meetings calendar; become critical that the company RFP comes in they can actually view maintenance are all done from Active when a planner is looking at a tool a Meeting Requestor tool to buys a system that can track that.” it and reply to it, etc. And the per- Network’s end. “We don’t install soft- that they have a checklist of the func- help automate meetings sourc- son that is in the chain of command ware in our client’s offices or on their tions they need, as well as a ‘wish list’ ing; and a Request History tool, JR Sherman, Senior Vice President, Business Solutions for approving the spend can do that servers at all; it’s on our servers within of functions they want,” Borak sums which provides a database of past Active Network, Wilton, CT with our system from a mobile de- what is called the ‘cloud’ and they ac- up. One narrows down the product meeting requests. American Express vice, so that it doesn’t hold up the cess it via the Internet. That makes it choices to those that meet the check- Meetings & Events clients also will as the eRFP Genie and hotel search the first APEX-compliant system and decision process for the meeting. much easier to enhance the applica- list, and then decides between the have limited-time exclusive access to engine, along with new features such just last month integrated APEX’s Post- With everything we are doing we are tions,” Sherman explains. remaining few based on the wish list. Cvent’s Meeting Cost Estimator. as Preferred Hotels and pre-populat- Event Report. APEX is the Accepted making sure that mobile is a critical Or the decision might be between While Cvent and StarCite have long ed meeting concessions. Practices Exchange, a voluntary meet- way to access that information.” Service and Responsiveness different products offered by the same been the big players in this arena, “Supplier network is key,” says ings industry compliance initiative Norwalk, CT-based etouches is As to service, it’s not just about company. For instance, etouches of- there are other formidable contenders Harris, whose company has been us- of the Convention Industry Council another meeting management soft- how easy it is to adopt the fers a “Quad” package, which includes that are continually ramping up their ing Cvent for more than two years. promoting the use of standardized ware company that is system, but how respon- basic features such as eReg (registra- offerings. In February, San Francisco- “They’re starting to add alternate ven- tools to facilitate the exchange of in- immersed in the mo- sive and accommodating tion), eMarket and eSurvey;­ a “Pro” based Certain Inc. launched the ues, not just hotels but also restaurants formation. “We can put our different bile app and social me- Certain Certified Meeting Management and other offsite venues, which is a customer contracts in the system, al- dia spaces with its eMo- “I think it’s important that when a Program, a new partner program that good resource.” She notes that the lowing us to customize a contract in bile and eSocial solutions. enables meeting management compa- Cvent site search mechanism imple- minutes for a specific meeting,” says And last summer, Atlanta- planner is looking at a tool that they nies to deliver differentiated and more ments two valuable cost- and time- Brown. “It auto-populates all perfor- based SignUp4 acquired have a checklist of the functions profitable services. The program pro- saving criteria: first, hotels mance clauses based on lost profit, RappidApp, a leading soft- they need, as well as a ‘wish vides access to Certain’s award-win- in the search area with not lost revenue. Then ware company specializing list’ of functions they want.” ning technology platform, certified cancelled space, where a we can easily prepare in the user-driven creation of a cost savings and con- mobile applications, expand- Deborah Borak, CDS, SMMC, Director of Global Accounts “More companies in the (insurance and tract risk-reduction report ing SignUp4’s current suite of event, ConferenceDirect, Littleton, CO by meeting,” he explains. travel and spend management prod- financial) sector have...some form of The company’s new Event ucts to include mobile platforms. the tech company is to a customer’s package that subsumes the Quad fea- reporting on meeting spend, but the level Workspace module allows According to James Spellos, CMP, needs. “What I like about Cvent is tures and adds eProject, eScheduler, of strategic management of the spend collaboration between plan- president of Meeting U., “To say that that if you ask if some feature can be eBudget and eWiki (for collaboration varies from company to company.” ners as well as suppliers with- functions like registration and attend- added, they will immediately escalate between event teams); and “Plus+” in the system. “It takes your ee management are the only part of it to their engineering team and put which adds further functions to Quad Issa Jouaneh, Vice President and General Manager counter-signed contract, with meeting management technology is it into a queue,” Harris says. “If it’s or Pro, such as eMobile, eScan (badge American Express Meetings and Events, Toronto, ON all your details of the meeting includ- to miss a huge revolution that started something other people have asked scanning) and eRFP. ing your agenda, functions and space, in the past seven years with social for, it goes higher in the queue, and Products like these are practically training and support, marketing and booking would absorb monies due to and drops it down into a BEO (ban- media and mobility.” even if it’s something no one else has “build your own” tools, and a plan- sales opportunities, and early access the hotelier as a result of SunTrust’s quet event order). There will be hotel asked for they will take a look at it to ner must really put some thought into to new features. cancellation (per the company’s con- access to it when you’re adding table Scalability see if it improves functionality. I feel what features are essential (perhaps And Zentila, the first online sourc- tract rider); and second, hotels known settings, floral and other aspects of Now, a planner may decide he like they really listen.” The company because they support an SMMP) and ing and booking solution for meet- to accept the rider, which expedites production, and it expedites the en- or she doesn’t need a given feature is also regularly in touch with Harris which can be eschewed to bring down ing planners, has entered the SMM the booking process and is especially tire process to manage the logistics of in a meeting management tool, but about updates and offering training if cost. Improving ROI for the event is space with its recently launched helpful for short-term meetings. “It the meeting and have real-time cost two criteria are always important to desired, she adds. key, but so is improving ROI for the Enlightenment tool. Designed to also helps us tell a hotel property that analysis at every phase.” keep in mind: scalability and service. Deborah Borak, CDS, SMMC, di- event management software. I&FMM

20 MARCH/APRIL 2013 INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT MARCH/APRIL 2013 21 people, and by doing that it strength- a key element of many meetings. “It’s lars to do a CSR activity. It is more ac- ens the commitments of our people to becoming an easier sell to manage- ceptable, whereas before the thought the company. And it also enhances our ment executives,” she says, “because was sort of, ‘We should be doing this ability to recruit and retain employees.” it’s more common and also more ex- before or after normal business hours.’ Over the last few years, Lindenberg pected now that you take time out Now we realize that by adding value has observed an ongoing change that from a business agenda that is bud- to the community, we’re also adding The Greater Good will lead to even more CSR activity as geted and paid for with company dol- value to the company.” PwC’s CSR How CSR Adds Value to the A recent blog post on Causecast.com by Ryan Scott pro- vided an example of how extending a corporate identity and mission into the community yields a greater good all around. Financial services giant PwC is engaging employees through Community and the Company its newly launched financial literacy program “Earn Your By John Buchanan Future.” The program is a $160 million total investment in youth education, combining $60 million in cash donations and s companies strive to earn a bigger return on investment from their 1 million service hours. The effort, launched last summer, will meetings and events, more and more are discovering the power of a reach more than 2.5 million students and educators in the Asimple formula: the combination of Corporate Social Responsibility United States over the next five years, according to PwC. (CSR) or community service-related activities with teambuilding. And insur- Among the range of projects planned to support the ance and financial services companies are leading the way when it comes commmitment, Scott noted in his blog that on Martin Luther to innovation and creativity. King Jr. day recently PwC employees spent the “national day “Of all the industries we work with, financial and insurance conference of service” teaching financial literacy modules in schools planners have really been drawn to these types of activities,” says Alan Ranzer, and hosting career exploration programs for youth organiza- co-founder and managing partner of Florham Park, NJ-based Impact 4 Good, tions. In the fall, the Earn Your Future effort partnered with an eight-year-old company that specializes in tying CSR projects into meetings Knowledge@Wharton High School in Philadelphia to offer a and events. “And that just makes sense when you think of insurance compa- three-day, all-expenses-paid financial literacy training seminar nies, for example, because of their traditional ties to the community. But it’s for 150 educators — the first in a series of seminars. Heather Wright, corporate responsibility director at PwC also very true of financial services companies today. And when you think told Scott, “It’s a shared value concept. PwC is helping our about it, both industries are largely based on trust, so there’s nothing surpris- youth develop strong financial foundations that enable them to ing about the fact they’re increasingly drawn to these kinds of activities.” contribute to a growing workforce and healthier economy; and For Sherri Lindenberg, senior vice president of marketing at Crump Life we’re providing our partners and staff opportunities to both de- Insurance Services in Roseland, NJ, such initiatives are nothing new. “It’s velop their leadership skills and give back to our communities.” something that I’ve always felt very strongly about,” she says. “And one PwC’s national and local nonprofit partners include MIND of the things I’ve always talked about is that nobody is going to want Research Institute, Junior Achievement and DonorsChoose.org. to do business with us unless they know us, like us and trust us. PwC’s International Leadership Development Program And you’re not going to get people to trust you if they don’t targets developing countries to introduce financial literacy and know you and like you. And the best way to accomplish entrepreneurship into public school curriculum. Since 2008, those things is to get out into your community and do good the annual Project Belize effort involving more than 760 PwC things. And when you do that, business opportunities just interns, partners and staff has donated 15 tons of school seem to follow. So I’ve brought that philosophy to every supplies, granted 600 high school equivalent scholarships organization I’ve ever worked for.” and delivered PwC’s financial literacy curriculum to more than Lindenberg and her fellow executives have a clear un- 3,000 students. C&IT derstanding of the business benefits they get from such activity. “It strengthens the bonds our people feel for each other, because it helps them get to know, like and trust each other,” she says. “It also helps them feel good about one another as human beings, in addition to just feeling good about one another as professionals. The second thing is it strengthens the bonds between the company and our

Since 2008, through Project Belize, more than 760 interns, partners and staff of PwC have delivered its financial literacy curriculum to more than 3,000 students. Photo courtesy of PwC

22 MARCH/APRIL 2013 INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS “Everyone feels energized A Growing Trend A perfect example of how Farmers The First Tee, a school-related program Hillary Smith, CMP, CSEP, a part- creates a high-profile CSR program for young golfers,” Chisholm says. “In and motivated to go back ner at independent meeting and event and then integrates it into the culture essence, they become brand to their offices planning company Koncept Events in of the company is the annual Farmers ambassadors for us by talk- and do an even Fort Lauderdale, FL, is another long- Insurance Open golf tournament, a na- ing about how we give back time champion and practitioner of tionally televised event held each year to the community. And the better job than CSR-related teambuilding. “For really at fabled Torrey Pines Golf Course in typical feedback we get is they have before. progressive companies, these kinds of San Diego. Tiger Woods won the 2013 that they’ve never been to And it enhances activities have been around for years,” event in January. anything like this before. their pride in Smith says. “But their use has also ac- “It’s an event that builds a lot of Everyone feels energized celerated over the last three years or awareness for the company, but also and motivated to go back to being part of the so. It’s been particularly true since the a lot of enthusiasm and pride among their offices and do an even Farmers brand.” recession. More and more companies our employees,” Chisholm says. better job than they have John Chisholm have felt the need to give back to their That’s because the well-planned before. And it enhances their pride in Director of Operations communities. And they’ve also found and expertly executed event is far being part of the Farmers brand.” Farmers Insurance that such activity adds a different kind more than just a golf tournament. As a result, the company recently Westlake Village, CA of value to their meetings and events.” Photo courtesy of Impact 4 Good It’s a company-wide and very public launched a new recruitment website, A corporate group’s incentive event in Hawaii organized by Impact 4 Good resulted And an increasing number of insur- CSR juggernaut. BeAFarmersAgent.com, which promi- ing focus is a key to success. “We en- in the donation of 56 bookshelves, 560 school supply backpacks and a 448-panel ance and financial companies are em- mural to schools on the Big Island. For example, the tournament is nently highlights its CSR activities. courage our local offices to do CSR bracing that unique value proposition designed to raise $2.5 million that is activities, and we do recognize them because it can improve the connection these activities don’t just make a dif- grating CSR into its brand image and donated to 200 charities in the San Extending the Impact each quarter,” she says. “Our president between the company and third-party ference in the local community. They some of its most important meetings Diego area. Although not all companies aspire does a quarterly business update we- agents and brokers. also make a difference in the lives of and events is Farmers Insurance. Farmers also hosts a special incen- to the heights achieved by Farmers, or binar and includes that kind of rec- Ranzer agrees that there has been a the attendees at the meeting.” “As a company, we feel that it’s im- tive program that brings the top 100 have the resource to get there even if ognition for our local offices in them. marked increase in such activity over At the same time, many planners portant to give back to the communi- performers from its 15,000 nationwide they want to, every organization can We also highlight the activities in our the last few years. “And a lot of that has are realizing that it’s possible to extend ties where we do business and where agents to the event, where they par- learn a fundamental lesson from the corporate newsletter.” the impact of teambuilding activities by our people live and work,” says John ticipate in a meeting that highlights the way the company does what it does. Smith cautions, however, that too giving them more social significance. Chisholm, the company’s Westlake company’s CSR program for the year And that is to take a long view of how many companies new to the practice “You’re not going to get “The other important thing that’s Village, CA-based director of opera- and individual activities. CSR activities can be leveraged, as op- still make the mistake of perceiving people to trust you if they happening now is that more and more tions. “And that’s because we want to “The agents that earn that trip posed to treating them as an isolated a meeting-related CSR activity as “a don’t know you and like companies are learning that just going feel very connected to our communi- are the best of the best, and they’re incident related only to a particular four-hour slot in the meeting agenda,” out and having the same old kind of ties and have that be something that being recognized for their perfor- meeting or event. as opposed to something designed to you. And the best way to traditional teambuilding activity that differentiates us as a company.” mance,” Chisholm says. “But they’re “For example,” Smith says, “a lot of have enduring resonance. accomplish those everyone has been doing Farmers has a formal CSR outreach also being given the opportunity to companies now focus on this kind of “Too many planners get stuck things is to get out forever does not deliver program that is based on three care- participate in a special weekend that activity throughout the course of the thinking only in terms of blocks of into your community the same ROI from the fully built pillars: education, public really celebrates the CSR activities of meeting as doing a CSR- safety and civics. Company-wide ac- the company.” and do good things. type activity,” Smith says. tivities that stretch from headquarters The highlight of the weekend is a And when you “You can host an event to regional and local offices are geared Saturday morning meeting attended do that, business at a local restaurant and around those three foundational ele- by company executives, district man- have everyone go around ments, which in turn often drive meet- agers from across the U.S. and the 100 opportunities just and play a ‘Minute to Win ing- and event-related programs. incentive-recognition winners. It was seem to follow.” It’ game as a way of get- “For example,” Chisholm says, “we held this year at the Hilton La Jolla Sherri Lindenberg ting to know one another and inter- are the No. 2 national contributor to Torrey Pines. “And that helps strength- Senior Vice President, Marketing act. But that doesn’t really deliver any March of Dimes. And as part of that, en the relationships we have with our Crump Life Insurance Services kind of real personal satisfaction. It’s we stage our own fund-raising ‘tele- top producers,” Chisholm says. Roseland, NJ an entirely different thing to be part thon’ event. In turn, that trickles down In turn, that benefit is extended

of building prosthetic limbs for people to our regional and local offices, and when the winners return to their lo- courtesy of Farmers Getty Images; Photo by to do with all the talk about perception in Cambodia who are still stepping on to some of our meetings and events, cal offices and talk about the experi- PGA Tour pro Ricky Fowler tees off at the 2013 annual Farmers Open at Torrey Pines in San Diego. The tournament raises millions of dollars for 200 San Diego charities. in the meetings industry since 2008,” land mines. That gives you a chance to because we take a very integrated ap- ence they have just had. “As a result he says. “So more and more compa- really change people’s lives.” proach to doing what we do. And dis- of that, they also get very involved in year so that it has longevity and last- time, because that’s how their brains nies are now saying, ‘We’re going to trict managers, agents and other em- the activities in their local communi- ing impact. It’s no longer about saying work when they’re doing their job,” have this meeting in such and such a Setting an Example ployees have been very creative about ties that are related to the national you have 2½ hours to do something she says. “But when they really un- location. But we’re also going to make A current exemplar of a company the ways in which they integrate these charities that we support, such as the and make a difference.” derstand the value they can get out of a difference while we’re there.’ And that has mastered the practice of inte- activities into their operations.” (American) Red Cross, Food Share and Lindenberg agrees that an endur- these kinds of activities, it’s like they

24 MARCH/APRIL 2013 INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT MARCH/APRIL 2013 25 today’s agenda “More and more companies what they’ve done and the difference The other key thing Lindenberg has have felt the need they’ve made,” Smith says. learned, she says, is to listen to your “In that example, they have employees. “You have to know the serioustoday’s agenda Business. to give back to their literally changed some- kinds of things they are involved with communities. And one’s life for the better. and the things they feel passionately serious Value. they’ve also found And seeing that play out about,” she says. “And if you do, that serious Fun.Business. that such activity is a very powerful experi- makes it much easier to do things they ence that you don’t forget.” will really get excited about.” serious Value. adds a different The overarching consideration, kind of value to their Lessons Learned however, is that CSR-related activities serious Fun. meetings and events.” Despite her three de- and projects can deliver a tangible, cades of experience in- powerful benefit not generated by tra- Hillary Smith, CMP, CSEP corporating CSR activities into her ditional teambuilding activities. Partner meetings and events, Lindenberg has “It’s something that fuels people Koncept Events recently learned that such practices internally, so in that sense, you can’t Fort Lauderdale, FL can always be improved upon. do anything that delivers more ROI,” have a ‘eureka!’ moment. Then they “One thing I’ve learned lately is Smith says. “These kinds of activities start to think differently about how to that there are some great third-party are things that people don’t forget do it and have the impact last over vendors out there that can help you about. It’s something they’re proud of. time. And that’s when they really start do this,” she says. “We used Impact So that means the activity continues to to get the ROI from doing it.” 4 Good to help us create the CSR have impact within the organization. Once a company understand that, activity we did on behalf of a local And for a lot of companies today, that carniVal is the perFect choice Ranzer says, they start to develop children’s hospital at our annual sales impact continues year after year.” For your next corporate eVent ways to extend the activity beyond a meeting in Atlanta earlier this year, Given that, Ranzer says, the practice particular meeting and keep it alive at and that was a really positive experi- has gone far beyond a trend, to be- orcarni incentiVal isV thee program perFect choice a local level year-round. For example, ence,” she says. “Impact 4 Good han- come a next-generation best practice. For your next corporate eVent he says, a CSR project staged at an an- We offer you the greatest choice and selection. nual meeting to benefit a major char- nor 24 fabulousincenti floatingVe resorts program are perfect venues ity can easily be extended into a year- n A choice of 3-day, 4-day, 5-day, 6-day, 7-days, or longer long campaign that, in turn, recognizes nWe Popular offer destinations you the greatest including choice The Bahamas, and selection. Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Bermuda, Canada & the most productive participants with n 24 fabulous floating resorts are perfect venues New England and Europe a special event at next year’s meeting. n A choice of 3-day, 4-day, 5-day, 6-day, 7-days, or longer n 16 convenient U.S. domestic departure ports “And I’m even seeing vendors begin to n Popular destinations including The Bahamas, Caribbean, get involved in these kinds of activi- We’reHawaii, serious Mexican about Riviera, our Alaska, commitment Bermuda, Canadato you &and ties,” he says, “as a result of going to a yourNew program. England and Europe n meeting where it’s being done. So that n Guest16 convenient satisfaction U.S. ratings domestic of 98% departure ports is another way the impact and benefit nWe’re Unbeatable serious value about — with our just commitment about everything to you included! and to the company can be extended.” yourSpacious program. accommodations, all onboard meals, onboard And, says Smith, “in instances activities and entertainment, complimentary meeting n space Guest satisfactionand venues, ratings plus a/v of 98%equipment where regional or local offices, or indi- n n CarnivalUnbeatable Corporate value — University with just about— creative everything team-building included! vidual business units, compete against Spacious accommodations, all onboard meals, onboard n Flexible value-added amenity program one another to see who can produce activities and entertainment, complimentary meeting the biggest results, that makes it even space and venues, plus a/v equipment more of a teambuilding activity. And it n Carnival Corporate University — creative team-building

Photo courtesy of Koncept Events Photo courtesy of Koncept A program with Carnival offers far greater value, is much n keeps the momentum going.” Flexible value-added amenity program A corporate client of Koncept Events participated in a CSR teambuilding program in For example, Koncept Events used easier to plan and is less expensive than a land-based which artifical limbs were assembled for donation to Cambodian land mine victims. a philanthropic teambuilding program program. Plus, you can be confident in recommending ® for a client, developed by Odyssey dled everything for us, and that made “If this kind of activity was just a “TheA program World’s with Most Carnival Popular offers Cruise far greater Line value,” due isto much our Teams Inc., in which participants as- it easier on me and my team to do trend,” he says, “it would have gone excellenteasier to reputationplan and isand less guest expensive satisfaction than ratings a land-based of 98%. sembled artificial limbs for victims of this kind of thing, because...we didn’t away by now. But it’s something program. Plus, you can be confident in recommending We invite you to make the comparison for® yourself by land mines in Cambodia. Event or- know much about a local community that planners now really know can “The World’s Most Popular Cruise Line ” due to our Accepting Appointments ganizers make sure that participants and had to do a lot of homework to bring a lot of value to their events. includingexcellent usreputation on your andnext guestRFP. Oursatisfaction Corporate ratings and Incentive of 98%. for IMEX America October 9-11, 2012 at imexamerica.com later see a video in which people are find out about the kinds of things we It’s really something that can set the team looks forward to assisting you in planning a program actually receiving their new limbs. could do. Impact 4 Good has that in- tone for a meeting and help make it thatWe invitemeets you all of to your make needs the comparisonand your budget. for yourself by Call 800-519-4574Accepting | Visit Appointments www.carnivalmeetings.com “It’s a way of reminding people of formation at their fingertips.” more successful.” I&FMM including us on your next RFP. Our Corporate and Incentive for IMEX America October 9-11, 2012 at imexamerica.com team looks forward to assisting you in planning a program that meets all of your needs and your budget. Call 800-519-4574 | Visit www.carnivalmeetings.com 26 MARCH/APRIL 2013 INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT ©2013©2012 Carnival Cruise Lines. All rights reserved. Ships’ Registry: The Bahamas, Panama and Malta

©2012 Carnival Cruise Lines. All rights reserved. Ships’ Registry: The Bahamas, Panama and Malta that I’m working on. Some are held day meeting last year for 50 account- suddenly in May 2012. Sain had led in Jacksonville because we have an ing managers at the Renaissance the agency since 2007, bringing about 11,000-sf conference center there. We Orlando at SeaWorld. reorganization, a new vision and a also have met in St. Petersburg and name change to CVB. Construction of other parts of the state,” says Zwart. New and Renovated the $1.5 million bridge will be funded Orlando, the nation’s second by Rosen Hotels & Resorts, complet- Orlando largest hotel market, continues to ing the final link in connecting OCCC No other destination offers so increase its supply of more than with adjacent International Drive ho- many hotel and resort rooms located 120,000 guest rooms and suites. tels. “I am honored to dedicate this so closely to one of the world’s great Rosen Hotels & Resorts is constantly project to my friend and colleague collections of theme parks. Groups improving every aspect of services Gary Sain,” said Rosen in a statement. enjoy Orlando so much that they re- and amenities. The company owns “It is entirely fitting that this pedes- turn year after year, sometimes mov- seven properties in the Orlando area trian skybridge named in his honor ing from one property to another. including three convention hotels: will be used to benefit thousands For example, Brown & Brown Inc., Rosen Centre Hotel, Rosen Shingle of visitors to Orlando, a destination a Daytona-based insurance company Creek and Rosen Plaza Hotel. he worked tirelessly to build and with offices nationwide, held its an- Rosen Plaza Hotel (800 guest strengthen during his time with us. nual sales incentive at the Gaylord rooms; 60,000 sf of meeting space) Rest assured, Gary’s legacy continues Palms Resort & Convention Center for has renovated its guest rooms with here today.” the last seven years before moving to new furnishings, carpeting, crown Rosen Shingle Creek (1,500 the Hilton Orlando, which is connect- molding, TVs and 32-inch flat-screen guest rooms; 445,000 sf of meeting ed to the Orange County Convention TVs. The Rosen Centre Hotel space) recently enhanced its 50,000 sf Center (OCCC). Both hotels offer top (1,334 guest rooms; 124,000 sf of of outdoor meeting space with an ad- services and value, says Diane Jones, meeting space) has renovated ditional 16,000 sf. Brown & Brown executive assistant its guest rooms, Grand In other hotel news, Wyndham and meeting planner. Lobby, hospitality suites Orlando Resort (613 guest Brown & Brown’s three-day incen- and three Presidential “We can rooms; 60,000 sf of meeting tive honors the company’s 1,500 top Suites. Meeting at- go all over space) launched a multi- producers. During the incentive, at- tendees can walk the state and million-dollar renovation lorida is a huge destination For example, every year Florida Blue says Zwart. “We can go all over the tendees get plenty of rest and relax- present them scheduled for comple- variety package filled with all (the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plan state and present them with different ation and enjoy Orlando at their lei- tion in May 2013. The with different Fthe attributes necessary for for Floridians) holds 50 to 75 meetings options every year. There are dream sure. “We used to offer them buses to project includes a successful meetings and incentive throughout Florida that last at least locations whether your business is the theme parks and a mall for their options every year. makeover of all guest programs. An extensive choice of two days and have 10 to 300 attendees. located inside or outside of Florida.” leisure time. But we found that what There are dream rooms and suites, and premier meeting hotels, re- In addition, Florida is a they mostly want to do is lie by the locations whether an additional 25,000 sf sorts, unique venues and at- popular destination for meet- pool and relax or golf. Every year, we of meeting space that tractions located along two ings held by Blue Cross Blue have a general session, black-tie din- your business is brings the total to coasts and in cities brimming Shield companies in other ner and costume theme party. Last year, located inside 60,000 sf. with history, culture and cui- The Dream states. Every year, employees the theme was superheroes and every- The Omni Orlando or outside of sine awaits planners. Attrac- in similar departments from body dressed up as one. This year, the Resort at Cham­pionsGate Kathleen Zwart, CMP Florida.” tions range from Orlando’s the “Blues” in other states theme is rock stars,” says Jones. Corporate Meeting and (720 guest rooms; 128,000 sf of famous theme parks and Destination hold two- or three-day meet- In addition, for the last five years Travel Services Manager meeting space) recently added the historic Castillo de San Mar- ings in various locations na- Brown & Brown has held its annual Florida Blue 46,000-sf Osceola Convention Center cos in St. Augustine to the fascinat- By Derek Reveron tionwide to compare practices and leadership meeting for 200 manag- Jacksonville, FL and Ballroom bringing total meet- ing Kennedy Space Center and the do benchmarking, says Zwart. The ers at the Hyatt Regency Orlando ing and banquet space to 128,000 sf. subtropical Everglades National Park. According to Kathleen Zwart, Blues hold dozens of such meetings International Airport. “We used to to the nearby OCCC via the covered The venue also features eight meet- Beach life includes peaceful days on CMP, corporate meeting and travel annually ranging in attendance from have them fly into Orlando and Rosen Centre Skywalk. ing rooms, each equipped with the the white-sand beaches of Pensacola services manager for Jacksonville- 30 to about 100 attendees. drive to our headquarters in Daytona Harris Rosen, president and COO latest audio-visual equipment, and a to the energetic vibes of South Beach based Florida Blue, these meetings Three to five of the meetings are and have the meeting there. But we of Rosen Hotels & Resorts, announced 30,000-sf exhibit hall. in Miami. No wonder the Sunshine also include two annual incentives held in Florida every year. “They all found that we can save money by plans to build a skybridge connect- State attracts corporate groups from for approximately 100 attendees. “We want to come here, especially in the having them land in Orlando and ing the Rosen Plaza Hotel with the Attraction Updates all around the world. are lucky because we have so many winter. These meetings are always meet there instead of renting cars to OCCC. The pedestrian skybridge will SeaWorld Orlando’s largest ex- Florida also is home to many large places that we can choose from in better attended when they are held in drive to Daytona and stay there. And be named the Gary Sain Memorial pansion ever will debut with the businesses that hold countless meet- Florida that gives the reward we want Florida. I have one that wants to meet the Hyatt gives us a good rate,” says Bridge in honor of the Visit Orlando spring opening of Antarctica-Empire ings of all sizes throughout the state. to provide without leaving the state,” in August of this year and another one Jones. The company also held a two- president and CEO who passed away of the Penguin. The new theme

28 MARCH/APRIL 2013 INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT MARCH/APRIL 2013 29 park will include a penguin habitat front gym, four restaurants, three that you would necessarily go to for and an interactive ride that journeys lounges, eight shops and boutiques, a vacation but for a business meeting, through the Antarctic and mimics a and four heated pools in a beach- and for a good price and good value,” penguin’s life. front setting. says Bihet. This summer, Universal Orlando The Omni Amelia Island Plan­ The bank’s three-day strategic Resort will premier Transformers: tation Resort (404 guest rooms; planning meeting for 50 top manag- The Ride – 3D. The attraction will fea- 80,000 sf of meeting space) recently ers included a unique teambuilding ture characters from the Transformers completed an extensive $85 million activity. Attendees were divided into movie series in HD CGI media with re-imagination. From the new lobby groups to use Miami as a backdrop special effects. located in the new Oceanside wing to for making a movie to identify issues Walt Disney World Resort con- the new outdoor area with the largest with the bank’s business model. “They tinues the expansion of Fantasyland pool deck in Northeast Florida, spec- all assumed different roles of actors, with the opening later this year of tacular Atlantic Ocean views abound. producers, writers, camera operator Princess Fairytale Hall, where visi- and lighting people. They made a tors can interact with characters Miami movie to explain problems and find such as Cinderella and Aurora in Chic hotels, a cosmopolitan me- solutions. Instead of being in a plain Fantasyland’s Castle Courtyard. tropolis, pulsing nightlife and a true meeting room in front of a flip chart, On Florida’s Space Coast, in July tropical climate make the Miami area we decided to do it outside in a dif- the Kennedy Space Center Visitor one of the world’s top meeting desti- ferent environment. They did team- Complex will open a 90,000-sf facil- nations says Valerie Bihet, owner of building and got to see Miami at the ity that will house the Space Shuttle the Vibe Agency, a corporate meet- same time. At a gala dinner, we did YOU’LL FEEL A UNIQUE SENSE HERE. Atlantis, which was retired in 2011. ing and event planning firm with of- an Oscar-like ceremony and reviewed Visitors can view the shuttle and en- fices in Miami and New York. “Miami the movie,” says Bihet. joy interactive exhibits highlighting is a great destination because it’s a Miami is full of unique team- W a i elng. accomplishments of the spacecraft, vibrant city with a lot of culture, great building possibilities. Bihet offers the International Space Station and weather and friendly people,” Bihet another example: “Last year, we Hubble Space Telescope. says. “Miami has an air of intrigue had another bank that met at a ho- to it. It also encourages attendees to tel in downtown Miami. We went Jacksonville be happier, more creative and recep- to the Biltmore Hotel (275 guest The state’s largest city is becoming tive. There is a certain vibe that you rooms;75,000 sf of meeting space) in a more popular meeting destination. don’t necessarily get in other cities,” Coral Gables for a three-hour cook- Jacksonville books more than 400 Bihet adds. ing class,” says Bihet. “We divided meetings, conventions, trade shows Many groups choose trendy and people into teams to prepare differ- and sports tournaments every year, ever-popular Miami Beach. However, ent parts of the meal like entrée, des- Here, seaside life is at its finest. Endless horizons punctuated by mangrove islands and coral reefs. Where privacy according to Visit Jacksonville, the some insurance firms and financial sert and appetizers. We mixed up the is honored and everyone is made to feel special. The pace is tranquil yet engaging with unsurpassed amenities, and city’s convention and visitors bureau. companies prefer to meet out of the teams so they included people who attentive service that treats our guests as if they were members. What makes “The Reef” truly exceptional, however, Jacksonville offers more than limelight. “Some companies want to didn’t work together often. After pre- is not the myriad things to do, but the common belief in authenticity and tradition that is shared by all who visit. 18,000 guest rooms at several meet- keep a low profile and not have a lei- paring the dinner, they ate together ing properties, including the Omni sure image,” says Bihet. “I had that is- and discussed business issues.” Put this unique environment to work for your company. Jacksonville Hotel (354 guest sue with a bank that I was planning a Bihet’s clients also enjoy many rooms; 14,000 sf of meeting space). meeting for recently, so I advised the only-in-Miami extra touches that can The property has renovated its lobby company not to stay on Miami Beach. bring a meeting alive. For example, Register today at www.meetings.oceanreef.com. Not only will you receive our and restaurant, and plans to renovate I told the client that Coral Gables, she brought in the Miami Heat cheer- all guest rooms in 2014. Coconut Grove and the downtown leaders for a three-day incentive meet- entertaining and informative newsletter, if you also provide us with an RFP we will send you Golfers will love Jacksonville, Bayside area of Miami are considered ing for an international financial firm our new 80-page coffee table book Flavors of the Reef featuring the favorite recipes which offers more than 70 golf to be more business-driven.” with operations in the United States. of our master chefs! courses. Just south of Jacksonville The bank took Bihet’s advice “We had one meeting with lot of finan- in Ponte Vedra Beach is the famed and met at the Four Seasons Hotel cial numbers, reports and announce- Ponte Vedra Inn & Club (250 guest Miami (221 guest rooms; 14,931 sf ments, and we needed to provide Scan here to register for your rooms; 25,000 sf meeting space). of indoor meeting space), located in a different rhythm. So we used the Flavors of The Reef recipe book. The AAA Five Diamond property’s the Brickell Avenue financial district Miami Heat cheerleaders. They did amenities include the largest spa in located downtown near Biscayne periodic cheers individually and as a north Florida at 30,000 sf, 36 holes of Bay. “It suited the client because it group. They also cheered during the golf, including links-style with ocean wasn’t too bling-bling. It was very awards ceremony. This kind of thing breezes, 15 tennis courts, an ocean- business-oriented. It’s not a hotel is very memorable for guests. The Ocean Reef Club • 35 Ocean Reef Dr, Suite 200 • Key Largo, FL 33037 • www.oceanreef.com

30 MARCH/APRIL 2013 INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT tBC_insfinancialmeetings_insurance & finance meetings 3/21/13 2:19 pm page 1

group also did a city tour of Miami boat regattas and beach olympics to PGA Tour Honda Classic. The three- and a dinner cruise in Biscayne Bay. name a few. day meeting included planning edu- They want to come back to Miami for The 8,000-sf Spa at Ocean Reef cation sessions on Florida attractions, When Casual eleganCe is imperative... another meeting,” says Bihet. just completed its own multimillion- contract negotiation strategies, golf dollar makeover in December. tournament planning and teambuild- hold your next meeting at... Hotel Update ing. Planners also became more famil- Miami properties continue to im- Palm Beach County iar with Palm Beach County’s meeting prove their facilities and amenities. More than 38 municipalities are facilities, venues and attractions. The Doral Golf Resort & Spa (700 located in Palm Beach County, PGA National Resort has finished guest rooms; 86,000 sf of meeting which is larger than the a four-year, $100 million make- space), now part of the Trump Hotel state of Rhode Island. “Miami over that includes new fur- Collection, is undergoing a $200 mil- The county offers nishings, carpet and bed- lion transformation starting with the has an air of ding for all 397 guest Creating unique and memorable experiences...one meeting at a time redesign of the resort’s guest rooms. intrigue to it. It rooms and suites. In New room furnishings, colors and also encourages addition, each of the art work will reflect the sport of golf. resort’s five champi- Renovations also will include confer- attendees to be onship golf courses ence space, the main building, pools, happier, more received new ir- clubhouse and all four golf courses. creative and rigation and turf Upon completion in 2014, the resort receptive. There is a systems, expanded will be renamed Trump Doral. tee and green facili- The Sheraton Miami Airport certain vibe that you ties and rebuilt bun- Hotel & Executive Meeting Center don’t necessarily kers. Meeting facilities (405 guest rooms; 20,000 sf of meeting Valerie Bihet include the 39,000-sf Owner get in other space), formerly a Wyndham hotel, Meetings & Conference Vibe Agency boats a 17,000-sf Executive Meeting cities.” Center. Amenities include Miami Beach, FL Center certified by the International nine restaurants, bars and lounges; Association of Conference Centers. 47 miles of beaches, more than 170 the 33,000-sf Health & Racquet Center; In downtown Miami, the JW private and public golf courses and and the 40,000-sf Spa at PGA National. Marriott Marquis (313 guest rooms; about 200 theaters, museums, art Looking for a perfect site for a small 80,000 sf of meeting space) reopened centers and other cultural venues. meeting, executive retreat or buyout? after a development project that in- The county is well known for Palm Consider this gem in downtown Palm cludes retail outlets, condos and of- Beach’s Worth Avenue — a high-end Beach: The landmark, award-winning fices. The hotel also has a 50,000-sf shopping area known as the “Rodeo Brazilian Court Hotel (80 guest sports and entertainment facility. Drive of the East Coast.” rooms), a historic Florida resort of- Palm Beach County offers more fering completely renovated studios, The Upper Keys than 16,000 guest rooms and is one-, two- and three-bedroom suites The Ocean Reef Club (175 inn home to some of the finest prop- as well as flexible indoor and outdoor rooms, 100 one-, two- and three- erties in Florida. More are on the meeting space. The Brazilian Court bedroom villas, and private homes; way, including a 400-room Hilton, Pavilion is an executive meeting facil- 30,000 sf of meeting space) is lo- which is scheduled to open in 2015 ity, offering a state-of-the-art confer- cated in Key Largo, in the Upper next to the Palm Beach County ence room.

Keys about an hour south of Miami Convention Center. The 350,000-sf g International Airport. center features a 100,000-sf exhib- Paradise Coast the eleganCe of a landmark hot el disCreet serviCe and exceptional Comfort The club, a private, member- it hall, a 22,000-sf ballroom and Naples, Marco Island and the enjoy the finest of everything g cuisine from CafÉ Boulud owned property, features more than 21,000 sf of flexible breakout space Everglades, collectively known as g a dozen restaurants, a 175-slip ma- divisible into 19 rooms. the Paradise Coast, offer world-class styling by frÉdÉriC fekkai salon & spa Worth avenue shopping and art rina, a private airport, 54 holes of Eager to show off all that Palm accommodations for groups of 20 to golf, a shopping village, tennis courts, Beach County offers, in December the 2,000 people or more. The Paradise World's 500 Best hotels - travel + leisure magazine 2013, 2012, 2010 g CondÉ nast gold list - 2013, 2011, 2010, 2008 salt water lagoon, beach, pools and Palm Beach County Convention and Coast features a laidback setting with more. Group activities can include Visitors Bureau facilitated a meeting posh shopping boutiques, nearly 90 chartered yacht dinners, beachside for 30 meeting planners at the PGA golf courses, fine dining and tours of 301 AUSTRALIAN AVENUE, PALM BEACH, FLORIDA 33480 events, eco-tours, and teambuilding National Resort & Spa (379 guest the Everglades. 561.655.7740 | 800.552.0335 | WWW.THEBRAZILIANCOURT.COM programs such as cooking school, rooms; 39,000 sf of meeting space) in The Paradise Coast’s top hotels of- golf cart scavenger hunts, cardboard Palm Beach Gardens, FL, home to the fer sparkling renovations. The land-

32 MARCH/APRIL 2013 INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT mark Naples Beach Hotel & Golf 12,000 guest rooms including those agement in December. The renova- Club (317 guest rooms; 34,000 sf of at The Shores Resort & Spa (212 tion is scheduled for completion by meeting space) has completed the lat- guest rooms; 20,000 sf of indoor-out- the first quarter of 2014. The project est phase of its renovations and re- door meeting-event space) located in includes guest rooms, meeting space modeling, including a makeover of Daytona Beach Shores, just a short and a Starbucks outlet. guest rooms in the resort’s Florida drive from Daytona Beach. The guest Wing; the new 5,000-sf Everglades rooms at the AAA Four Diamond Emerald Coast Room, a ballroom with views of the oceanfront resort offer views of the Located in the Florida Panhandle, Gulf through a wall of windows; and Atlantic Ocean or the Intracoastal planners will find the Emerald Coast renovation of two meeting rooms and Waterway. The hotel’s many ameni- communities of Destin, Fort Walton adjacent prefunction space on the ties include fine dining, an upscale Beach and Okaloosa Island, each of- property’s Gulf side. With the com- spa, poolside cabanas and oceanside fering Southern flavor and hospital- pletion of this latest phase, all guest fire pits. ity. TripAdvisor named the Emerald rooms and suites have been renovat- The value offered by The Shores Coast one of the nation’s Top 25 ed over the last three years. There also has encouraged many companies, Destinations because of its features is an onsite championship golf course. including some based in Florida, to such as 24 miles of pure white-sand Last year, a regional bank held an regularly hold their board meetings at beaches and more than 400 restau- An amazing meeting you can incentive for 350 employees at Marco the property. For example, Brown & rants. Golfers and fishing fans appreci- Island Marriott Beach Resort, Golf Brown held its board meeting at the ate the region’s more than 1,080 holes Club and Spa (727 guest rooms; property for at least the last 19 years, of golf and one of the state’s largest 65,000 sf of meeting space.) The says Jones. Currently, the 10-member fleet of charter boats. bank’s meeting planner was im- board convenes four times a year. “We The area’s main meeting and AFFORD pressed by the property’s size and like The Shores because it’s the nicest convention facility, the Emerald to do anything. amenities, which include two private hotel in Daytona. We like the services, Coast Convention Center (ECCC) ABLE golf courses, eight restaurants and a the quality of food, the meeting space (35,000 sf of meeting space), is locat- full-service spa. and the price,” says Jones. ed on picturesque Okaloosa Island. “It had everything we needed,” the Facilities include 12 breakout rooms planner says. “It had the ballroom Tampa, St. Petersburg, and a 21,000-sf ballroom. The ECCC space, and the sleeping rooms had a Clearwater accommodates 1,400 people for ban- great feel to them with views of the The Tampa Bay area is known for quet seating and 2,350 people for a water and island. Throughout the its quality hotels, theme parks, sce- theater layout. planning process, the hotel confer- nic Gulf views and beaches. Popular The Emerald Coast offers more ence person was on top of everything. activities include visits to Busch than 16,000 hotel rooms including Many times the conference people are Gardens, Ybor City’s Latin Quarter, those at the Hilton Sandestin Beach on their toes with planners but not museums and golf at more than 76 Golf Resort & Spa (598 guest rooms; always with guests. But I had so many courses in the area. more than 32,000 sf of meeting space), guests tell me how great the service The Tampa area is home to more which has completed a $6.5 million was. I don’t normally repeat proper- than 70 hotels and resorts with more renovation. The project included ties, but we would certainly consider than 20,000 guest rooms. Here’s the 17,000 sf of new outdoor deck areas repeating this property at some point.” latest news on properties in the area: with ocean views. While the resort at- Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & tracts meetings held by corporations Daytona Beach Casino in Tampa has finished a $75 based nationwide, it also is very pop- Every Florida destination is associ- million expansion. The hotel’s casino ular among companies headquartered ated with at least one world-famous floor now has more space than five in the South. attraction and in Daytona Beach it is football fields and offers 110 table Florida has more top meeting des- Daytona International Speedway, a games, 50 poker tables and 5,000 slot tinations than some countries. That’s magnet for corporate incentive groups. machines. The project also includes a why planners repeatedly turn to the Daytona Beach boasts 23 miles of new pool area. Sunshine State to find the perfect beaches, some of Florida’s best deep- The Hyatt Regency Tampa is destination match for meetings and sea fishing and several golf courses undergoing a renovation and will incentives of all sizes. There is no designed by some of the sport’s great- be reflagged as the Hilton Hotel doubt that Florida can host produc- est stars such as Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Downtown­ Tampa (521 guest tive meetings that align perfectly with From pre-planning to final send off, we’ll take care of every detail, customizing your own Palmer, Gary Player and others. rooms; 30,000 sf of meeting space) corporate goals, lead to satisfied at- unique experience in Jacksonville. From large riverfront convention hotels to beautiful Planners have a choice of more later this year following an acquisi- tendees and produce excellent ROI oceanfront resorts, we have whatever you need! Plus, meeting in Jacksonville is a great value than 200 hotels offering more than tion by Driftwood Hospitality Man­ time after time. I&FMM in any economy. In the end, we’ll make our city feel like it’s yours! Let our team of experienced sales representatives and planners help you make your next meeting the most memorable ever. Go to visitjacksonville.com/meetings or call 800-340-4444 for more information.

34 MARCH/APRIL 2013 INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT BEAUTY MEETS BUSINESS AD – INSUANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MAGAZINE Bleed: 8.375" W x 11.125" H • Trim: 8.125" W x 10.875" H • Live: 7.125" W x 9.875" H Las Vegas

Action and entertainment are 24/7 on The Las Vegas Strip. Photo courtesy of Las Vegas News Bureau News Vegas Photo courtesy of Las The Odds-On-Favorite for Meeting Success ennifer Miller, DMCP, general man- By Karen Brost very well — The Palms Hotel and the ager of Access Destination Services, Hard Rock Hotel. You’re using space Jhas definitely seen that times have and financial services clients. One at their pool and three or four of their changed — in a good way. “I think concept is an internal block party. signature restaurants and maybe one back 10 years to where people would “It’s for the larger groups that don’t of their nightclubs. It’s actually buy- never do a meeting in Las Vegas and want to be in a ballroom and really ing out different venues. Within one now everybody does things there,” want to get the flavor of Las Vegas, venue, you get different experiences. she says. “Probably about 40 percent and maybe experience something If you have a group of 500, you might of the business that we do in Las outside of their hotels.” She explains have two of those, if you have 4,000 Vegas is for the financial and insur- that depending on the size of the you might buy six or eight different ance industry. Last year, it was higher group, they can buy out several res- venues depending on the cost and BEAUTY MEETS BUSINESS. than we’ve ever seen it. We’re excited taurants and nightclubs within a ho- the price point. about that. We’re Emerald Level spon- tel. “We’ve done this for groups from “We’ve worked really closely with Discover the style that sets us apart. sors with FICP (Financial and Insur- 500 to 4,000.” the hotels to develop this over the ance Conference Planners), so we’ve Miller describes the concept’s ap- past two years. They bring in staff that made a big investment in that market.” peal. “There’s a whole culinary world really helps direct people to where Miller, who is based in San Diego, there. A lot of chefs have these amaz- they need to go. It’s very user-friend- CA, describes some of the events her ing restaurants in Las Vegas. There ly. The guests can go from venue to company has planned for insurance are two venues that we think do this venue. We get such great feedback.” 866.770.7106 I wynnmeetings.com 36 MARCH/APRIL 2013 INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT Miller continues, “Another venue that we’re really excited about is at- The Difference is in The Details. tached to the MGM (Grand) hotel, which is undergoing a major, ma- jor renovation right now. It’s called Hakkasan. It’s a multilevel venue that is being built on the outside of the MGM Grand to face The Strip. That is an awesome venue that’s coming online, and we’re really excited about that. It will give us a lot of opportu- nities. When people go to Las Vegas, they really want to experience The Strip and there’s not a lot of outdoor space. There are really only three or Photo courtesy of MGM Resorts International four venues that have indoor and out- MGM Grand soon will debut Hakkasan, a new venue overlooking The Strip. door space that overlook The Strip.” Choosing what’s right for your business and your meeting guests is Hakkasan Las Vegas Restaurant and of the resort’s 3,570 Grand King and sponsible side to meetings that com- more than the square feet of the convention center or the view Nightclub will include approximately Queen guest rooms and 642 suites. panies want and need to project, from the rooms. The M Resort service team is there from start to 75,000 sf of space over five levels. MGM Resorts International has especially in a destination with the fi nish and creatively delivers the maximum experience–even with The nightclub debuts April 18 and the partnered with Cisco Systems to glitzy rep of a Las Vegas. Says Joshua your “revised” budget. restaurant opens May 3. create what they describe as “the Jones, DMCP, vice president of Hosts Las Vegas, “A lot of the events that we’re doing now need to tie-in some The M Difference “Probably about 40 percent of sort of educational element, so even • Forbes Four Star Resort – Every year since opening the business that we do in Las when we’re doing your standard re- • No Resort Fees ception that we’ve done for a million Vegas is for the financial and • Built with environmental sustainability in mind years, now, it’s ‘How do we tie-in insurance industry. Last year, it something educational?’ It may be • More than 92,000 sf of open, dynamic and was higher than we’ve ever seen bringing in somebody who can speak fl exible spaces including a 25,000 sf pavilion it. We’re excited about that.” on the future and what’s happening • A built in business to business atmosphere in those industries. Jennifer Miller, General Manager • Exceptionally appointed guest rooms “The other thing we’re seeing is Access DMC, San Diego, CA • A portfolio of dining options teambuilding or some sort of corpo- • Forbes Four Star Spa rate social responsibility event,” he The new project follows on the highest-performing wireless LAN in adds. “It seems like a lot of those • One point of contact for combined Catering and Convention Services heels of the resort’s recently complet- the industry” to allow guests to en- groups, I would say, almost all, have ed $160 million “Grand Renovation” joy quality Wi-Fi on multiple wireless implemented some sort of...CSR • Non-exclusive In house Audio Visual offerings project that included a remodel of all devices. The rollout of the new ser- event. They want to try to come • Shuttle transportation vice in low-rise public spaces in and make some sort of positive • On the famous Las Vegas Strip, just 10 minutes from was completed at the Bellagio, impact on the communities where McCarran International Airport MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay they’re meeting.” and The Mirage late last year, Aubrie Jones, DMCP, director of Speak with an M Resort Sales Professional and the Monte Carlo, New sales for Hosts Las Vegas, describes to customize your M Resort meeting. York-New York, Luxor and two local nonprofit organizations Excalibur will receive the new where groups can volunteer. One is 1-866-551-1540 service this year. The rollout of the Three Square Food Bank. “They the new service in guest rooms have a really amazing program called also has begun. the backpack program. What they do is deliver food to children in regular Meaningful Content grocery store bags on Friday because There’s also a serious, re- the food they get at school is the

Hosts Las Vegas can arrange CSR activities such as “Operation Impact,” where attendees play games for points and then purchase items, box them and send them to troops overseas. Here, servicemen receive a shipment of the supplies. Photo courtesy of Hosts Las Vegas

38 MARCH/APRIL 2013 INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT www.theMresort.com only food they get for the week, so it allows them to get substan- “A lot of the events that we’re tial meals through the weekend. doing now need to tie-in some sort We’ve had groups go in and help. “You would be blown away if of educational element. ...It may you saw this,” she continues. “I’ve be bringing in somebody who can never seen anything so organized speak on the future and what’s in my life. It’s like an assembly happening in those industries.” line. At the same time there are people packing the completed Joshua Jones, DMCP, Vice President bags into crates. There’s also a Hosts Las Vegas Your meeting team of people that are breaking down boxes and refilling the stock days.” Aubrie says that incorporat- the farthest. We’re seeing a lot more for people that are coming in the fol- ing a CSR component into a pro- interest with that.” lowing week. gram requires approximately three IS ONLY “Another one we’ve done is St. to four hours, including travel time. Unique Venues and Jude’s,” she adds. Not affiliated with St. “As far as teambuilding,” she con- Incentives AS INSPIRATIONAL Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in tinues, “it’s more of a collaboration Joshua noted that Las Vegas now Memphis, St. Jude’s Ranch is a cam- of people who have never met one has several interesting choices for AS WHERE pus for abused, abandoned and ne- another. For example, we have one groups in search of a museum type glected kids. “It’s a really nice facility called catapult construction. We di- of venue for their events. “The Smith because it allows for larger groups. vide them into teams, and as a team Center for the Performing Arts has you have it. been a big coup for us. It has given us an out-of-the-casino, more tradi- tional style of a real high-end event.” The Smith Center offers a choice of multiple venues, including a 2,050- seat theater, a dramatic Grand Lobby and some more intimate spaces. Aubrie explains that another popular venue is located at the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. “Part of the donation for the rental fee goes to the Ruvo Brain Center. The venue is called Keep Memory Alive Event Center. It was designed by Frank Geary. It’s an amazing ar- chitectural wonder. They built an en- tire, separate venue just to host fun-

Photo by Matthew Carbone,Photographer LLC Carbone,Photographer Matthew Photo by draisers and events with a big portion of the proceeds going back to the center to help fur- Portions of proceeds from event ther the cause of brain diseases. rentals at the striking Frank Geary- It’s wonderful. We always try to designed Keep Memory Alive Event steer any clients we can in that Center are donated to the Lou Ruvo direction because it’s for such Center for Brain Health. a good cause.” We split up (to do tasks like) Kellie Hanley, vice presi- cleaning the chapel. They have dent of special events for a store that people donate things AWG Destination Management

Photo © RD/ Erik Kabik/ Retna DigitalPhoto © RD/ Erik Kabik/ Redesigned Rooms and suites | oveR 602,000 squaRe feet of flexible meeting space | WoRld-class dining and enteRtainment to. People will go through the Services adds, “We also have unpaRalleled seRvice fRom ouR ceRtified meeting pRofessionals | sustainable business pRactices items and put them on hangers and they put a marketing campaign to- some new things in Las Vegas that are price them. It’s a really nice give-back gether and they build this catapult. proving to be popular right now that For more reasons to choose MGM Grand, call 1-800-929-1112 | [email protected] situation. We’re seeing a lot more of There’s a competition at the end of focus on our history and Las Vegas that being tied-in to programs these the day to see whose catapult shoots days gone by,” she continues. “One

mgmgrand.com/meetings 40 MARCH/APRIL 2013 INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT

130132_Insur_Finance_Mtgs_Mgmt_MarApri_2013

Bleed: 8.375"x11.125" Insert Date: Mar|Apr 2013 Publication: Insurance & Financial Meetings Management Trim: 8.125"x10.875" Page Size: FP Headline: Your meeting is only as inspirational as where you have it. Live: 7.125"x9.875" Release: PDFx-4:2008 via [email protected] Color: 4c # Proofs: – Date: February 15, 2013 5:06 PM Other: Indicate publication and month in body of email. 13-0083P Insurance & Financial Meetings_Layout 1 2/15/13 10:08 AM Page 1

of them is the Mob Museum, which is downtown. It’s a great new venue. It’s educational and entertaining at the same time. It’s in our old post of- fice, so it has a lot of historical value as a building and it has a lot of inter- active memorabilia having to do with Let’s Get to the Point! the mob era here in Las Vegas. “We’ll do mobster lookalikes for A N D D O W N T O B U S I N E S S lots of photo opportunities, and we usually do a play on words with the foods and the cocktails to amp it up. I’m working with a client who is car- Your Convention, Trade Show, rying the mob theme through the Conference, Seminar, Board whole conference with characters

coming in a couple of times to Motor Speedway Vegas Photos courtesy of Las Meeting and Events Belong at do a surprise ‘raid’ during one of Groups can test their off-road the South Point. the general sessions. It’s funny driving skills in modified trucks on a challenging dirt track at the how executives get into it. What Las Vegas Motor Speedway. N Meeting/Function Space to Accommodate from guy doesn’t want to be a boss? Everybody does. put their driving skills to the test 25 to 4,000 People “Sort of in conjunction with in the Dodge Challenger SRT8 (the Mob Museum) is the Neon 392, Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 N 500 Exhibit Spaces in our 80,000 sq. ft. Pavilion Museum,” Hanley continues. and Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. “They’ve taken our old marquees Hanley noted that insurance N 4,400 Seat Arena like the Stardust, the Sands, the Silver Vegas Motor Speedway and drive groups often can express concerns Slipper, and they’ve put them into a a race car, and while that’s still a over safety with this type of incen- N 2,163 Well Appointed Guest Rooms and Suites museum atmosphere in an outdoor popular option, a lot of our incen- tive experience. “We take that very venue. We’re able to use that during tive guests have had that experience. seriously as well,” she explains, “and N11 Restaurants–From Steak House, Sushi, the day for city tours or at night for So the way that they’ve taken that to we work really hard to make sure the Italian, Mexican, Buffet, Oyster Bar and More small gatherings like VIP dinners. It’s the next level is that you actually get suggestions we make to any of our a really great way to use that space. into modified trucks and do an off- clients are safe and sound and are run (At night) we bring in a lighting pack- road course that is quite exhilarating by reputable, well-insured companies N 4 Cocktail Lounges and 3 Bars age to focus on the individual pieces, with a lot of peaks and valleys. You that have safety at the top of their list. and it’s really fun to have an edu- can either drive or ride. You can do “We’re happy to say to say that a N 64 Lane Bowling Center cated docent around to answer any it during the day or night. That’s cur- lot of our customers...understand that we do that due diligence in advance N Movie Theater with 16 Screens “The way that we have worked to create so some things that might at first glance appear to be out of their realm N Costa del Sur Spa & Salon/Fitness Center sort of a personalized spin on (shows of options, and if they take a second at night) for our guests is to create an look at it, they realize they can really N Lagoon-Style Pool entertaining pre-show in a ballroom.” entertain their guests with something exciting without putting themselves Kellie Hanley, Vice President of Special Events in a negative situation. (For the off- AWG Destination Management Services, Las Vegas road truck experience) there is a sigh Contact the Sales Department of relief at the end, realizing that 702-797-8053 of the guest questions and explain to rently one of the most popular op- there was very little opportunity for www.southpointmeetings.com them what the history is behind each tions for our guests because it’s new any danger.” [email protected] of the marquees. It’s great. and exciting for the guests that want Hanley continues, “As far as night- “There are also a couple of ac- that adrenaline rush.” time events, we have such amazing tivities that we’ve just rolled out in The Las Vegas Motor Speedway de- entertainment, and just about all of the past couple of months that have buted in March the American Muscle our groups want to take advantage proven to be popular,” Hanley de- Car Challenge by Richard Petty of the shows at night,” Hanley says. scribes. “For years and years, every- Driving Experience, which is custom- “The way that we have worked to For All Your Business Needs, Get to the one has wanted to go out to the Las ized for corporate groups. Participants create sort of a personalized spin on Las Vegas

42 MARCH/APRIL 2013 INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT that for our guests is to down to service. “We create an entertaining “Let’s face it. None of always talk about the pre-show in a ballroom.” these guys have to importance of relation- She used “Love,” the ships,” Byrd explains. Beatles-themed Cirque attend our conference. “Taking that one step du Soleil show, as an Bellagio in Las Vegas further, it’s an issue of example. “We spin off gives us an edge.” trust. I can’t overempha- that with characters and size that. As much as we fun colorful décor and Max Byrd, Co-founder plan, as much as we an- The Global Advisory Council some custom entertain- ticipate, as much as we Palm Beach Gardens, FL ment that sort of gets do our due diligence on everybody ready for the making sure we’re doing evening ahead. We have Cirque char- looking at, and if one is in a destina- everything possible, something’s go- acters in vibrant costumes. Sometimes tion that may be nice, but it’s hard ing to happen. It could be a million they do set entertainment, but more to get to, they look at the amount of things. It may be self-inflicted. It may often, it’s more of a walkaround time they’ll be out of the office. Las be something we forgot. We have a meet-and-greet photo opportunity.” Vegas is one of the easiest places to very high level of trust in Bellagio get to, and once you’re there, it’s only that when something does happen, Drawing Them In a 15-minute ride to The Strip (from that they’re going to be our allies. Max Byrd, co-founder of the the airport).” They’re going to do whatever they third-party planning firm The Global can to fix it.” Advisory Council, brings groups to Stellar Service Byrd also says that the staff at the Las Vegas several times each year. He explained why the Bellagio Bellagio gives as much attention to a In May, he planned an event at the was a good fit for this high-profile small meeting as a large one. “Even meet and Bellagio for 225–250 guests for a ma- group. “The facilities are just stunning. for a group of 50, that event is the jor credit reporting company. “It was The guest room product is excellent. most important event that person is probably the highest profile event It’s a great representation of who this going to do, and they get that. A lot of they do,” he notes. “It was called the customer is. They have exceptional hotels turn their noses up at smaller financial services conference. restaurants, they have the casino, groups, even a group of 250 or 300.” retreat. “Their customers are the financial they have the spa, they have the “O” Like many planners, Byrd just institutions,” he explains. “These guys (Cirque du Soleil) show. There’s so knows when a property is a good fit. get millions of invitations every single much there within walking distance. “I feel at home at Bellagio. As soon as day. Everybody and their brother is Let’s face it. None of these guys have I walk in the door, I’m just relaxed.” after these same people to attend to attend our conference. Bellagio in their conference. We always look Las Vegas gives us an edge.” Endless Array of Hotels for the edge. What’s going to make Ultimately, however, it all comes To be sure, Las Vegas has a diz- our event different? The curriculum, which is our responsibility, has to be timely. It has to be appropriate. It has to be attractive. The destination has to be attractive, too.” He explained that the destina- An exceptional destination for meetings and events, Vdara is a non-gaming, smoke-free, eco-friendly, all-suite hotel. tion also has to be easily accessible. Ideally situated between Bellagio® and ARIA Resort & Casino™ on the Las Vegas Strip, it’s the perfect host for up “These guys are very, very busy, so to 300 guests with 10,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. Offering a spacious rooftop pool for private events, we look for places that are easy to get on-site audiovisual experts and full-service catering, Vdara will leave you experiencing success like never before. to. With the airlines cutting back ca- pacity, cutting back on routes, reduc- ing the number of people they can take to a certain area, it’s more vital now that the ease of access is good. People’s time is very, very valuable. “If you look at the whole competi- tive side of getting people to come to your conference,” he continues, “if Photo courtesy of Wynn Las Vegas Las Wynn Photo courtesy of they have two on their desk they’re Wynn’s aqua theater-in-the-round showcases “Le Reve – The Dream.”

Live the M life at this MGM Resorts International ® Destination 44 MARCH/APRIL 2013 INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT zying array of hotels, restaurants, special event venues, entertainment and activities to choose from. Kellie Hanley listed a few of the high-end hotels that she finds are popular with incentive groups: Wynn, Encore, Aria Resort & Casino, and The Venetian You + Us Resort Hotel Casino. “Even the Four Seasons for the smaller groups. Those types of properties seem to appeal to them,” she says. But if you think the hotels and this city are just going The Venetian® The Palazzo® to sit back and rest on their laurels, Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas, NV think again. For example, collectively, Wynn Resorts boasts 40 Forbes Stars in the Five Star category and 16 stars in the Four Star category, more Photos courtesy of MGM Resorts International than any other independent ho- Aria Resort & Casino and the non- tel company in the world. Wynn gaming Vdara Hotel & Spa are part and Encore together offer 4,750 of CityCenter. Aria’s Sky Villas (in- guest rooms, suites and villas in set) range from 2,000 to 7,000 sf. two luxury hotel towers; 186,000 sf of casino space; 32 F&B out- with 40-foot ceilings and 25,000 lets featuring signature chefs; sf of function space; and LUX, a two award-winning spas; an on- 16th-floor restaurant featuring a site 18-hole golf course; 260,000 7,200-sf event space with expan- sf of meeting space; a Ferrari and Aria Resort & Casino’s exclusive sive views of The Strip. In total, M Maserati dealership; approximately Sky Suites, the luxurious hotel- Resort offers 85,000 sf of meeting and 94,000 sf of retail space as well as within-a-hotel with views of Las event space. two showrooms; three nightclubs; Vegas, also has earned Forbes Five Comprising one of the largest MAKE IT EXCEPTIONAL and a beach club. Wynn’s signature Star distinction for their 442 one-, LEED-certified meeting complexes in SANDS® MEETINGS VENETIAN | PALAZZO LAS VEGAS show is “Le Reve – The Dream”, per- two- and three-bedroom suites as the world, the 4,000-suite Venetian formed in a circular theater with a well as the 16 Sky Villas, which are Resort Hotel Casino — the largest The Venetian, The Palazzo and Sands® Expo and Convention Center – three renowned Make it pool in the center. single and two-story retreats. The AAA Five Diamond property in the venues together form the ultimate destination for business and pleasure. 4,004-room Aria, the centerpiece to U.S. — the 3,000-suite Palazzo and the Happen. the CityCenter multiuse complex, adjacent Sands Expo and Convention Sands Meetings Venetian | Palazzo Las Vegas has hosted everything from the has 300,000 sf of high-tech meeting Center offer a combined 2.25 million biggest trade shows to the most private boardroom meetings, and earned Meetings and convention space. Planners like sf of function space, including the & Conventions magazine’s Gold Key Elite and Gold Platter Elite awards year after the fact that the convention space is 85,000-sf Venetian Ballroom. year. The Venetian and Sands Expo are LEED Gold Existing Buildings and The Palazzo stacked on three levels, reducing the The 2,163-room South Point Hotel is LEED Silver New Construction. Our Las Vegas master-planned development holds time it takes to walk from one meet- & Spa is located just off The Strip, the distinction of being the largest ‘green’ building on the planet. ing to another. Also in CityCenter offering a self-contained meetings is Vdara Hotel & Spa, the nongam- and entertainment destination with With 2.25 million square feet of flexible exhibition and meeting space, 7,000 ing, smoke-free 1,495-suite luxury 165,000 sf of exhibit, meeting and suites and the world’s most celebrated restaurants, shows, shops, casinos and property, which offers 10,000 sf of banquet space, as well as a 4,400- nightlife, you’ll instantly realize why your event belongs with Sands Meetings ground-level meeting space plus a seat arena, 64-lane bowling center, Venetian | Palazzo Las Vegas. rooftop pool area for special events. 16-screen movie complex and Costa Vdara specializes in groups ranging del Sur Spa, which recently complet- from 10 to 300 people. ed a total makeover of its facilities The 390-room M Resort Spa Casino and services. The hotel also offers BUSINESS DONE RIGHT. — which is available for buyouts by shuttle service to The Strip. Photo courtesy of M Resort Spa Casino Private dining options at M Resort groups — has added two new meet- Located a 20-minute shuttle ride Gold Platter Gold Key Elite Spa Casino include Marinelli’s Italian ing and event venues to the property from The Strip is the AAA Four Elite restaurant. in the recent past: the M Pavilion, Diamond Red Rock Casino Resort & 888.283.6384 | venetian.com

46 MARCH/APRIL 2013 INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT Spa, which has 800 guest guest rooms and suites in rooms, 94,000 sf of meeting its Spa Tower, marking the space and a 72-lane bowl- conclusion of the hotel’s ing center. Sister property redesign of all 3,387 Resort Green Valley Ranch Resort, Rooms. Additionally, the Spa & Casino in Henderson, resort introduced three NV, about 10 miles from new 2,500-sf executive The Strip, is one of the first parlor suites, which feature luxury boutique hotels built a billiards lounge and in the Las Vegas Valley, of- separate high-tech home fering 79,000 sf of meetings theater living area. space plus a poolside event The world’s first Nobu space accommodating up to Hotel Restaurant and 4,500 attendees. Lounge Caesars Palace Las Vegas welcomed its first What’s New and official guests on February Upcoming 4, 2013. The boutique hotel The Las Vegas Review- features 181 guest rooms

Journal recently reported Venetian/Palazzo Photo courtesy of including 18 suites, which that a group of gaming in- The Palazzo, The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino and the Sands range from a 1,000-sf one- dustry analysts and brokers Expo offer a combined 2.25 million sf of function space. bedroom to a 3,500-sf five- are predicting that more than $1.5 The LVCVA has confidence in bedroom configuration and are avail- billion is going to be invested in the a growing meetings and conven- able as premium accommodations or Las Vegas gaming real estate market tion demand to justify the massive a stunning venue to host a special in the next two years. Included in this new development: Las Vegas host- event. The 12,775-sf, 327-seat Nobu figure is the $500 million being spent ed 21,615 meetings, trade shows or Restaurant and Lounge is the world’s to convert the former Sahara into conventions in 2012, up 13.6 percent largest Nobu Restaurant. the SLS Las Vegas and another $750 from the 2011 total of 19,029. The The New Tropicana Las Vegas million being invested to transform 2012 total is the highest number of completed a $200 million renovation the Imperial Palace into The Quad meetings and conventions held in including guest rooms, casino and Resort & Casino. Las Vegas since 2008. conference center; and the 1,045- But probably the biggest news And the beat goes on... seat Tropicana Theater reopened in THE NEW GOLD STANDARD IN VEGAS MEETINGS. to break recently is the Las Vegas The Genting Group has announced February after a complete makeover. Convention and Visitors Authority’s plans to develop Resorts World Las Meeting attendees who are adren- (LVCVA) plan to develop a $2.5 billion Vegas on the 87-acre site of Boyd aline junkies will soon have a new Las Vegas Global Business District, Gaming’s abandoned Echelon proj- thrill. Fremont Street Experience is which will encompass major renova- ect. The first phase of the project will slated to introduce SlotZilla, the tions of the Las Vegas Convention build 3,500 guest rooms, 175,000 sf world’s first powered-launch zipline Center, creation of a World Trade of gaming space and several luxury attraction, later this year. The two-lev- Center facility and the development dining and retail amenities. The resort el ride will feature four upper ziplines of a centralized transportation hub. also will have convention space. and four lower ziplines. The major project will be completed Bellagio recently completed in three phases over several years. the $40 million remodel of all 928 Deal Me In Byrd summed up the reason why Las Vegas has such broad appeal. Book a meeting at ARIA Resort & Casino and experience innovation upon arrival. As a resort with “There’s something there for every- body. No matter what market you’re LEED® Gold certification, ARIA allows your group to enjoy clean air and beautiful natural lighting in, in terms of what type of property throughout three levels of flexible convention space. In addition, an enticing array of acclaimed dining, that you’re looking for, Vegas has it all. shopping and entertainment options is trumped only by an unrivaled commitment to individually If you need something inexpensive, tailored service and the utmost personal attention. Ensure your meeting is an absolute success at they have inexpensive. If you need the five-star type of hotel, they have this AAA Five Diamond destination. those, too. That’s what makes it really appealing. Seriously, it’s hard to screw Photo courtesy of South Point Hotel & Spa Photo courtesy of South Point South Point Hotel & Spa boasts 165,000 sf of meeting, exhibit and banquet space. up a meeting in Las Vegas.” I&FMM Contact us at 866.718.2489 or [email protected]. 48 MARCH/APRIL 2013 INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT Corporate Ladder

LANE BALL WARNER WILCOTT BARNES

Scott Lane was named director of sales wide sales for Hyatt Hotels in the The Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas has at Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Washington, DC, and Southeast U.S. named Randolph Wilcott as direc- Convention Center and Grand Hyatt markets. Warner, who is responsible tor of sales and marketing. Prior to Denver. He formerly served as director for Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan and this appointment, he served as di- of sales at Hyatt Regency San Antonio Wisconsin, was director of operations rector of sales and marketing at the and Grand Hyatt San Antonio. for Maxvantage. Mandarin Oriental’s Elbow Beach Bermuda resort. Melia Hotels International has named La Costa Resort and Spa, Carlsbad, Caroline Ball and Ron Warner as CA, has named Ryan Buzzard as The Singapore Tourism Board has directors of group sales. Ball, who Northeast sales manager. He most named Tara Barnes as MICE manag- is responsible for the Delaware, recently served as associate direc- er, based in New York City. She previ- Maryland, Virginia and Washington, tor of sales at the Hyatt Regency San ously was with Horst Schulze’s West DC, areas, was director of world- Francisco Airport. Paces Hotel Group. C&IT

Reader Services / Ad Index PAGE ADVERTISER PHONE NO. WEB SITE CONTACT E-MAIL 49 ARIA Resort & Casino 866-718-2489 www.arialasvegas.com Tony Yousfi [email protected] 8–9 Associated Luxury Hotels International 866-303-2544 www.alhi.com Group Sales [email protected] www.blueharborresort.com/groups-and- 17 Blue Harbor Resort & Spa 866-701-2583 Mary Kruse [email protected] meetings/ 33 The Brazilian Court Hotel 561-655-7740 www.thebraziliancourt.com Ian Black [email protected] 27 Carnival Cruise Lines 877-278-0388 www.carnivalmeetings.com Ann Sedgwick [email protected] 5 Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau 800-933-8448 www.miamimeetings.com Ileana Castillo [email protected] 39 M Resort Spa Casino 866-551-1540 www.themresort.com Gabe Kuti [email protected] 41 MGM Grand Las Vegas 800-929-1112 www.mgmgrand.com/meetings Brian Keenan [email protected] 31 Ocean Reef Club 800-843-2730 www.oceanreef.com Richard Weinstein [email protected] COV II The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel 949-240-5003 www.ritzcarlton.com/lagunameetings Shannon Gilbert [email protected] 43 South Point Hotel & Spa 702-797-8050 www.southpointmeetings.com Maureen Robinson [email protected] COV III Universal Orlando Resort 888-322-5531 www.uomeetingsandevents.com Group Sales [email protected] 45 Vdara Hotel & Spa 702-590-7171 www.vdara.com Tony Yousfi [email protected] 47 The Venetian/The Palazzo 702-414-4202 www,venetian.com Chandra Allison [email protected] COV IV Visit Baltimore 914-337-3886 www.visitbaltimore.org/meetings Elizabeth Yienger [email protected] 35 Visit Jacksonville 800-340-4444 www.visitjacksonville.com/meetings Dennis Tracy [email protected] 37 Wynn/Encore 888-320-7117 www.wynnmeetings.com Hotel Sales [email protected] www.themeetingmagazines.com

50 MARCH/APRIL 2013 INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT baltimoreWhere you’re just thing! two feet away from every to hold your next convention. Baltimore is the easiest city in America Easy to get to. Easy to get around. And nearly all of our experiences are just two feet away from the Baltimore Convention Center and the famed Inner Harbor. We’ve spent years making our city a great convention destination. Discover it today.

More than 8,500 hotel rooms. 300,000 square feet of exhibit Culinary accolades in Food & Wine space, 50 meeting rooms and a and Bon Appétit. 36,000-square-foot ballroom.

World-renowned attractions, Bars and clubs, lounges and pubs all Friendly people and inviting places. museums and historical sites. grouped together for an easy crawl.

For a site visit or more information, call Visit Baltimore at 800.343.3468 or go to www.baltimore.org/meetings.

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