Meeting News - February 11, 2008 - (Page 11)

Inside the Meetings Industry I M E X i s C o u r ting American Buyers International study shows market is ripe to target American meeting planners Frankfurt—Ten weeks before International Meetings Exchange (IMEX), show organizers are making a strong push in America to lure hosted buyers. Set for Apr. 22-24 in Frankfurt, IMEX had 3,500 hosted buyers from almost 60 cities worldwide in 2007, plus nearly 5,000 paid attendees from organizations around Europe. The impetus for a greater focus on the United States stems from findings in the August 2007 North American Outlook Survey by IMEX. It showed nearly 50 percent of respondents expect to organize more international events in 2008 (the 2006 figure was 27 percent), and a higher proportion of planners said their 2008 events will be larger than 2007 events. In response, the general hostedbuyer program has been expanded, with long-haul and European-based planners being sought. Further, a corporate buyer program has been expanded beyond planners from the United Kingdom to worldwide buyers. And, with the event’s Association Day becoming stronger, IMEX and its organizing partner, the International Congress & Convention Association, has increased marketing to American buyers. The American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and the Association Management Company (AMC) Institute has pledged to bring larger contingents to Association Day. IMEX also has strengthened links with Destination Marketing Association International, the Professional Convention Management Association, and ASAE. Lastly, American attendance may be boosted by the 2008 MPI European Meetings and Events Conference in London two days before IMEX; the hosted buyer programs may allow planners to attend both. r —Section written by Robert Carey www.meetingnews.com Social Scene Congrats, G’Day, Good Cause HOTEL HERSHEY CELEBRATES 75 YEARS: “I am of the opinion that there will be a need for this hotel someday, although the prospects do not look very encouraging at the present time.” So said Milton Hershey at a dinner with friends upon the completion of his hotel in 1933, widely considered as the worst of year of the Great Depression, which might’ve explained his words. He would be happy to know that his hopes for the property have been realized many times over. This year marks the property’s 75th anniversary. Congratulations, Hershey! G’DAY USA IN NYC: On Jan. 26, the American Australian Association threw a bash at the Waldorf=Astoria in New York City to celebrate Australia Day. Part of a weeklong celebration that also made stops in Los Angeles and Washington, DC, the Merino 200 Jacob’s Creek Australia Day Black Tie Gala featured Australian actor Julian McMahon and a fashion show. Tim Sullivan, director of government and strategic partnerships for the Melbourne Convention & Visitors Bureau (left), and Sandra Chipchase, CEO of the Melbourne CVB (right), pose for the camera with a guest. LOEWS VENTANA CANYON RESORT HELPS RAISE $$ FOR MODEST NEEDS FOUNDATION: Tucson Lifestyle magazine helped raise over $27,000 for Modest Needs during its 25th Anniversary party at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort. “We have a great partnership with Tucson Lifestyle. The party. . .was a great way to introduce this new nonprofit to the movers and shakers in our community,” said Brian Johnson, managing director at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort. Loews Ventana Canyon Resort has a Modest Needs Council, made up of a cross-section of employees from the hotel, including Gail Seawright, director of national accounts; Sheila Bourque, director of national accounts; and Jennifer Duffy, public relations manager. February 11, 2008 MeetingNews 11 http://www.meetingnews.com

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Meeting News - February 11, 2008 Contents What’s Up @ MeetingNews.com Convention Centers Insider Report: Insurance Meetings MN Webcast Report Successful Meetings University Colin Rorrie to Temporarily Lead CIC Advertisers Index Live from the Forum

Meeting News - February 11, 2008

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