Cost Cutting Expected for McCormick Place

Resorts and Spas
Spa Buffet

by MARLENE GOLDMAN

· In response to lingering concerns over meeting costs, destination resort spas are creating new programs and value-add options for groups.  

According to the 2010 International Spa Association (ISPA) Trend Watch, a study produced by ISPA, a leading voice of the spa industry, a number of efforts are under way that are favorable for meetings.

"One trend we’ve seen are more 30-minute treatment offerings," says ISPA President Lynne McNees. "According to an ISPA member survey, 46 percent of member spas saw an increase in the number of shorter treatments booked. This makes it easy to get a relaxing service on a lunch break or before a meeting."

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Sponsor

Pheasant Run Resort & Spa

At Pheasant Run Resort, we’re committed to making your meeting a success. Whatever your group’s needs, we are ready to say “yes” and assist you in creating the meeting you have imagined. We offer over 100,000 square feet of meeting space that includes four ballrooms, 39 breakout rooms, an IACC conference center, outdoor venues, and two expo centers. These comprehensive facilities feature the latest technology. Experienced staff and managers are ready to coordinate all the details. Schedule your meeting today!

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Agricultural Meetings
Harvest Time

by KATIE MORELL

· With its wealth of farms and fairgrounds just outside most metro centers, the Midwest is fertile ground for agricultural meetings and related events—everything from farm equipment exhibitions to cattle shows and horse competitions.

Not surprisingly, agriculture is an important target market for Midwestern cities, particularly those that are home base for ag-related companies. Here’s a look at what some of them are doing to strengthen their position in the market.

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Sponsor

Starwood Hotels & Resorts

Get more for your meeting. Give more to your community. Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Pepsi have teamed up to provide more value for your meeting and an opportunity to give back to your community. Book your meeting by July 31, 2010, for a 4 percent credit to the master, a complimentary food & beverage break, bonus Starpoints^® and a chance to win one of four $50,000 charitable grants to be donated to your favorite local cause.

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Site Scene

Illinois

· Kimpton’s art-themed Hotel Palomar Chicago, located in the city’s River North neighborhood, opened recently. The property features an indoor rooftop pool with views of the city’s southeast landscape. The 17-story hotel offers 261 guest rooms, including 23 suites, all featuring high-definition televisions and complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access. For meetings and events, the hotel offers 5,800 square feet of space, including a 2,400-square-foot ballroom and a separate prefunction area. The hotel also features a green roof and operates with more than 70 eco-friendly practices as part of Kimpton’s brand-wide EarthCare program. For more information, call 312.755.9703 or visit www.hotelpalomar-chicago.com.

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Avoiding the Top Meeting Mistakes (or How to Fix Them!) Webinar

Wenesday, May 26, 2010

Planning meetings is an exercise fraught with potential catastrophe: Losing thousands of dollars due to attrition, controlling alcohol consumption and food and beverage costs, avoiding lawsuits from your attendees, facilities and other parties who might not be on your radar, and transportation nightmares. In this webinar, three veteran meeting planners from the (VIP) Vintage Industry Professionals Network—Mimi Almeida, Jan Hennessey and Jackie Klein will help you learn how to avoid the most common meeting mistakes.

Join Meetings Media for this free webinar Wednesday, March 26, and learn how to stop the bleeding if a negative chain of events has already been set in motion! There is no fee to register.

Visit MeetingsFocus.com/webinars to register or learn more.

Sponsored by: Beau Rivage Resort & Casino