Meeting News - January 7, 2008 - (Page 1)

NEWSMAKER Terri Breining gives back p. 10 TRANSPORTATION & SVCS Carlson divests cruise line p. 18 INCENTIVE INSIDER What’s hot across Florida p. 38 MeetingNews w w w. M e e t i n g N e w s . c o m January 16,2008 July 7, 2007 Mixed Bag for Planners PricewaterhouseCoopers report indicates hotel supply conditions will remain tough By William Ng Hotels/Resorts AH&LA LOOKS TO REPEL DIRT DISHED BY REPORT Hotel association tells its members to clean up their act after Fox News exposé on unsanitary practices. see page 11 CVBs DALLAS CHIEF: WE NEED CONVENTION HOTEL BAD Phillip Jones warns of lost business if the city doesn’t move on securing an anchor hotel. see page 14 New York—Despite plenty of hotel construction activity and business moves in 2007, PricewaterhouseCoopers delivered mixed results for the U.S. hotel industry—and lukewarm news for meeting planners—in its annual hotel industry report. While the number of 2007 room starts was above PwC’s calculated longterm average for the second straight year, U.S. hotel occupancy this past October continued on page 49 LE MERIDIEN SEEKS OUT GUEST IMPROVEMENTS Starwood Hotels chain enlists advisors on cuisine, design, and other aspects. see page 11 TRIO OF SECOND-TIERS FORMS CVB ALLIANCE Hartford, CT; Spokane, WA; and Madison, WI, go after rotating association groups. see page 14 Coming To America U.S. version of the EIBTM show is arriving in Miami in 2009 ning to create a new trade show, AmericBy Leo Jakobson New York—There were a lot of interest- as IBTM, in the summer of 2009. ing stories on the floor of the EIBTM, the While Reed isn’t talking on the record, meetings and incentives exhibition trade a large number of credible sources called show in Barcelona at the end of Novem- AIBTM “an open secret.” The show, ber. But by far the most interesting news which will be held in Miami in July, will was that Reed Travel Exhibitions is plan- feature hosted buyers and organizers continued on page 48 JW MARRIOTT BUCKHEAD MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA RAISES UP THE PHOENIX ON CONSERVATION PATH Atlanta hotel caps off big renovation to its 9,000-sf Phoenix ballroom. see page 12 Bureau stages climate-neutral holiday celebration. see page 14 Convention Centers New York city and state officials say soaring costs force cancellation of plan; repairs now eyed. see page 16 International MOROCCO GETS INFLUX OF FOREIGN INVESTMENT Wyndham and Raffles resorts beginning in 2009. see page 22 MeetingNews Exclusive Research It will be a hassle but will not change meeting plans 85.1% 80.0% 81.2% 13.7% It will cause groups to look for alternate destinations The United States and countries such as Japan have recently stepped up airport screening for incoming international travelers, including such measures as fingerprinting and photographing. How do you expect the increased security to affect group travelers? JAVITS EXPANSION PLAN IS DEEP-SIXED BY COSTS African country will get its first 20.0% 12.5% Corporate Planners Association Planners Both Getting Through While tougher border-crossing restrictions won’t affect most existing meeting plans, they are making planners rethink their see page 24 future events. SMG IS TAPPED TO RUN CHINA’S NEW CENTER Facilities management firm will head Beijing’s China National Centre, launching for Olympics. see page 16 BARCELÓ HAS TEMPLATE FOR FUTURE BUSINESS Spanish hotelier reveals strategies and development plans, in an interview with its co-president. see page 23 It will cause groups to cancel 0.0% their programs 0% 1.2% 6.2% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Source: MeetingNews survey of 300 meeting planners TORONTO PUMPS UP THE ENERGY ON VENUE City will redevelop Direct Energy Centre’s Automotive Building into the ‘Conference Centre.’ see page 16 Destination Insider L.A. & THE BEACHES Full-scale report covers Los Angeles, Long Beach, Huntington Beach, and Newport Beach. see page 27 Volume 32/Number 1/$10.00 NORTH CAROLINA Latest news on Raleigh, Charlotte, Greensboro, and more. see page 34 http://www.visitgreensboronc.com http://www.MeetingNews.com

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Meeting News - January 7, 2008 Contents What’s Up @ MeetingNews.com Inside the Meetings Industry Successful Meetings University MN Webcast Report Reed Cancels China Show Advertisers Index Live from the Forum

Meeting News - January 7, 2008

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