May 26, 2011

Schrager Launches Hotel Brand in Chicago

Meetings Focus - the Destination Experts

MAY 26, 2011


Schrager Launches Hotel Brand in Chicago Hotelier Ian Schrager announced plans for Public, a new luxury hotel brand that will have its first location in Chicago's iconic Ambassador East. Read more »
Hotel Profits Rose in 2010 After two years of declining profits, U.S. hotels enjoyed a 9.8 percent bottom line increase in 2010, according to a new report from PKF Hospitality Research. Read more »
U.S. Chamber Supports Travel Coalition The U.S. Chamber of Commerce announced its support for the Discover America Partnership, a new coalition of industry organizations, including U.S. Travel Association and American Hotel and Lodgin Association, designed to advance visa and entry reforms for international travelers. Read more »
Rising Costs Drive Up Biz Travel Budgets Rising airfares and hotel rates are leading to an increase in corporate travel budgets, according to a recent survey of North American travel buyers by the GBTA Research Foundation. Read more »

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Central Illinois

Cultural and Compelling

By KATIE MORELL

With everything from Abraham Lincoln sights to Chicago's world-renowned architecture, Illinois is one of the Midwest's most intriguing destinations when it comes to history and culture.

The central part of the state is no exception, with a wealth of off-site venues for groups seeking unique places to convene. From Springfield to Decatur and Peoria to Bloomington, groups are sure to find a venue to suit their tastes. Following are 10 great choices for discovering a bit of Illinois history and culture.

Read more about Central Illinois…

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Going Green

"R" You Saving Green?

By NANCY J. ZAVADA

Sustainable meeting strategies are just another filter for decision-making—strategies that can save you valuable time, money and human resources. Purchasing is at the heart of your ability to successfully produce a green meeting that will save you money, so using the framework of rethink, reduce, reuse and recycle in a methodical approach will maximize results. Let's take a look at each of what I call the "4 R's."

1. Rethink
Haven't we all been rethinking our events lately? We still need to connect, educate and inform our participants—but what is the best way given current economic, societal and environmental considerations? Whether or not you have been using green practices, you have most likely been very strategic in your development of meetings. Rethinking is key because if there is a way to eliminate it from the beginning there will be no need to reduce, reuse or recycle it!