Meeting News - February 11, 2008 - (Page 20)

Transportation & Services Another Blow for Identity Thieves US Airways’ frequent-flier program participants are offered additional identity protection by third-party Tempe, AZ—Members of US Airways’ Dividend Miles program will soon get access to protection from identity theft. Tempe, AZ-based LifeLock announced in January a partnership with the airline to provide a leading identity theft prevention tool at a 10-percent discount to members of the frequent-flier program. When activated, the tool enables “locks” by setting and automatically renewing fraud alerts with major credit bureaus and removing members’ names from junk mail lists. LifeLock is also offering a $1-million guarantee, and, as an added incentive, will also provide free of charge the WalletLock service, a program that helps cancel and replace personal identity documents typically kept in a wallet. Participating members will also receive 1,000 bonus Dividend Miles from US Airways. “The safety and satisfaction of our customers is a top priority for our airline,” said Fernand Fernandez, director of customer loyalty and marketing programs for US Airways. “LifeLock is a simple and effective preventative tool. Our Dividend Miles members will appreciate this added security.” According to a report released by the Federal Trade Commission last year, identity theft cost Americans $1.1 million in losses in 2006—the highest amount to date. Identity theft continues to be the numberone consumer complaint registered to the FTC. Speedy Security Checks At Two DC-Area Airports Washington, DC—Reagan National Airport and Dulles International Airport will soon offer frequent travelers a quicker route through security gates. Recently approved was the U.S. Registered Traveler (RT) program at both hubs, according to a recent article in the Washington Business Journal. Plans are in place to draft and submit a proposal on program operation at the two Washington, DCarea airports; 13 others already feature the RT program, including San Francisco International Airport, Orlando International Airport, and some terminals at New York’s JFK International Airport. RT participants receive such benefits as priority attention at security gates, airport concierge services, and parking privileges. Interested travelers must pass extensive background Holland America’s Menu Makeovers Reflect Ports of Call checks and submit compulsory biometric information, as well as pay a registration fee, to receive the program’s Clear Membership cards. For meeting planners, who frequently find themselves among the jet set, this program has good potential, although some admit there’s a long way to go before it becomes a real advantage for industry players. “It is not widely available at this point, and the benefits have yet to be shown as valuable—so most people who plan meetings do not yet have this on their radars,” said veteran planner and meetings industry consultant Joan Eisenstodt, of Washington, DC-based Eisenstodt Associates. “However, as it develops it would be of real interest to planners, for themselves as well as for their staffs, any speaker, and association board, for example.” The RT program at Reagan National and Dulles International airports will be designed and operated by New York-based company Verified Identity Pass. T here are new tastes in store for groups that take to the seas with Holland America this year: The cruise line has announced a menu makeover aboard all its ships that will better reflect each voyage’s travel itinerary, with fresh ingredients brought aboard at each stop. Travelers to a Mexican destination, for example, might savor chicken mole and guava-inspired desserts, while prosciutto and Norwegian salmon might be key offerings on Europe-bound cruises. Meeting and incentive planners can work with their ships’ staffs to tap into local flavors for their groups’ private onboard events, too. “This is the type of detail that would be noticed by planners, especially if they’ve cruised before. They will appreciate the difference,” said Joyce Landry, CEO of Landry & Kling, the Coral Gables, FL-based cruise event services company. “This is the first time we have heard of a premium [cruise] line—with larger vessels— offering this, and it’s a definite competitive advantage. Also, it makes the planner’s job a little easier when it comes to adding special touches to a gala dinner or the like.” The first regionally inspired menus that debuted aboard Holland America vessels were those for Mexico and the Caribbean; the cruise line is currently working on revamped menus for the rest of its routes. Experient, Home Builders Erect Deal Through 2012 Twinsburg, OH—A multi-year service agreement has been signed between Experient, the integrated meetings and event solutions provider, and the International Builders’ Show (IBS), a yearly, 100,000-attendee event with 1,800-plus exhibitors that is produced by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). IBS, which alternates between Orlando and Las Vegas, utilizes more than 1 million sf of exhibition space. The agreement, which lasts through 2012, requires Experient to provide registration, lead retrieval, and housing services for the event each year. But for the organizations, working together is nothing new: NAHB has tapped into Experient’s services since 1995 for both its annual trade show as well as its 1,200-attendee spring and fall board meetings. r —Section written by Emily Carrus www.meetingnews.com 20 MeetingNews February 11, 2008 http://www.meetingnews.com

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Meeting News - February 11, 2008

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