November 3, 2010

Feds to Establish Virtual Meeting Centers

Meetings Focus - the Destination Experts

NOVEMBER 3, 2010


Feds to Establish Virtual Meeting Centers The U.S. General Services Administration announced it will establish virtual meeting centers at federal buildings across the U.S. Read more »
Miami's Fontainebleau Debuts Lavish Lounge The Fontainebleau Miami Beach opened Arkadia, a new lounge and pool deck with indoor and outdoor party space for up to 300 people. Read more »
Industry Survey Shows Meetings Optimism Positive responses to a meetings industry survey of buyers and suppliers in North America suggest returning levels of confidence and rising business expectations. Read more »
University Conference Center Opens in Va. The Mason Inn, a 179,000-square-foot conference center and hotel on the Fairfax, Va.,campus of George Mason University, is up and running. Read more »

Sheraton Puerto Rico Convention Center Hotel and Casino
	Plan your event in paradise. Superbly situated amidst the Puerto Rico Convention Center District facing the Bay of San Juan, the 503-room Sheraton Puerto Rico Convention Center Hotel and Casino is a truly remarkable landmark in the district. The hotel is just 10 minutes from the international airport and five minutes from historic Old San Juan. The Convention Center is immediately adjacent and the San Juan Marina is easily accessible.
For more information, visit www.sheratonpuertoricohotelcasino.com.

Puerto Rico

Captivating Caribbean

By MARLENE GOLDMAN

Whether meeting at a beachside casino or hosting a cocktail reception in a historic prison, it's easy to mix business with pleasure in Puerto Rico. On the outside, the island's hundreds of beaches, nearly 15 championship golf courses and wealth of high-end resorts make it seem like a pure leisure destination. But scratch the surface and there is business being tended to all over the island.

"There are almost 150 Fortune 500 companies operating in Puerto Rico," says Ramon Sanchez, executive vice president and COO of the Puerto Rico Convention Bureau. "That tells a lot about our infrastructure."

Read more about Puerto Rico...

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Adventure Abounds

From the heights of zip lining to the depths of scuba diving, Puerto Rico serves up a smorgasbord of adventure activities for groups.

One of the island's most popular DMCs, Destination Puerto Rico (787.982.1200), can organize everything from ATV tours to surf lessons. Many adventures are hosted at Hacienda Campo Rico (787.523.2001), where groups can head out horseback riding or zip lining, among other options.

Read more Adventure Abounds »

Short Takes

Museums & Attractions

The legendary Saenger Theatre in New Orleans is undergoing an extensive makeover. The 2,700-seat Canal Street theater, which originally opened in 1927, is in the middle of a $38.8 million restoration and is scheduled for completion in late 2011. The Saenger Theatre features an approximately 2,000-pipe organ. For more information, call 504.525.1052.

Read more Short Takes »

Plans Set for Nashville Convention Hotel - 10/26/2010
Sea Island Sold to Coalition of Investors - 10/19/2010
White House Plan Includes Gulf Tourism Support - 10/12/2010
Omni Launches Boutique Brand in Texas - 10/05/2010
Peabody Orlando Unveils Major Expansion - 9/29/2010
Plans Launched for CC Hotel in Biloxi - 9/22/2010
Beach Centre Planned in Virginia Beach, Va. - 9/15/2010
Omni to Acquire Florida Resort - 9/08/2010
Houston Gets First LEED Hotel in Texas - 9/01/2010
SLS Hotel Planned in Miami - 8/24/2010

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Meetings in a Minute Tip

Beau Ballin, Director of Marketing, MotivAction: Make sure that you offer a multilingual staff and signage when you have international incentive attendees.

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ROI: Navigating the
'New Normal'

Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Accountability and proving the return on an organization's meeting or event investment is now standard operating procedure. Discover exactly how to demonstrate both the value of your meetings and of your contribution.

Sponsored by: Maui Visitors Bureau, Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, Las Vegas Hlton, Hyatt Regency Dallas, Greater Raleigh Visitors Bureau, Loews Philadelphia Hotel, Hershey Meetings, North Lake Tahoe VCB, Myrtle Beach Convention Center, Sonesta Bayfront Hotel Coconut Grove, The Chattanoogan, Chesapeake VCB and Visit Charlotte.

Visit our webinar page to register or learn more.

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