Meeting News - March 24, 2008 - (Page 24)

Conference Centers Setting A New Benchmark for Japan Benchmark Hospitality enters into joint venture to extend portfolio into Far East nation The Woodlands, TX—Last month, Burt Cabanas, chairof Tokyo Conference Center Shinagawa’s meeting faciliman and CEO of Benchmark Hospitality International, ties and services. We look forward to expanding Benchannounced the launch of Benchmark Hospitality Intermark Japan to better serve existing customers and intronational Japan (Benchmark Japan), a joint partnership duce the conference center concept to other Japanese with Hiromi Takagi and Kozue Honda, both of Tokyo. cities and clients.” Takago and Honda have been affiliated Benchmark Japan isn’t wasting any with the conference center firm for severtime in expanding its reach. Cabanas also al years through Benchmark Tech, the announced that the hospitality firm has company’s Japanese affiliate, with Takago been awarded the development rights to a serving as president and COO, and mixed-use office project in the Ariake Honda as VP and GM. area of Tokyo. The project is a 20-story Benchmark Japan has acquired 100 office tower that will include a nonpercent of Benchmark Tech from Tech residential conference center. It is schedR&DS, a wholly-owned subsidiary of uled for completion in 2010. Daiwa House, a leading Japanese compaIn addition, Benchmark Japan is ny in residential and commercial coninvolved in a hotel/conference center struction. The rebranding to Benchmark development in the city of Nagoya’s Hospitality International Japan followed. “Sasashima Live 24” area slated for comBenchmark Tech operated the Tokyo pletion in 2013. Conference Center Shinagawa, which “I am extremely pleased to make this includes 20,000 sf of International Assoannouncement,” said Cabanas.“With this — Burt Cabanas, president & ciation of Conference Centers-certified acquisition, we expand our strong relaCEO, Benchmark Hospitality conference space. The property joins the tionship with our business partners… Benchmark portfolio. and enhance our opportunities for future “We are very excited to officially join Benchmark Hosgrowth in Japan.” In an interview with MeetingNews last pitality,” Takagi and Honda said in a joint statement. Takmonth, Cabanas indicated that there were additional agi added,“We believe that the conference center concept projects under way with Benchmark Japan, but that he in day centers…as well as in hotels and resorts has signifi- could not go into detail (see Feb. 11 MN, p. 12). cant opportunity to expand and grow in Japan. Honda To read the full interview, on the Web, go to concurred, saying,“Our clients recognize the advantages www.meetingnews.com/Cabanas31008. Edited by Elizabeth West elizabeth.west@nielsen.com IACC Looks to Close Up the Generation Gap Conference center association extends role of Generation Y in board activities St. Louis—The International Association of Conference Centers announced in January that it has expanded the role of Generation Y in its organizational initiatives. The organization has appointed 24year-old Melissa Bell, conference manager for Dolce International’s BMO Financial Group Institute for Learning, in Toronto, as board associate. It is the second Melissa Bell such position joins IACC as created by board associate. IACC for the specific purpose of “identifying and advising the board of directors on emerging trends from the perspective of Millennials and Generations X and Y,” said Neil Pompan, president of the North American chapter of IACC. In her new role, Bell joins 26year-old Emily Heckaman, conference planner for the University Place Conference Center and Hotel, in Indianapolis, to provide ideas about how IACC and its members can participate in trends that are important to younger generations and provide information and services to meet their unique siteresearch styles and booking habits. “I definitely became known as the one who’s not shy,” said Bell about her first board meeting. “I’ve learned a lot about the differences continued on page 26 www.meetingnews.com expand our strong relationship with our business partners and enhance future growth in Japan. “With thewe acquisition, ” Dolce Wants to Bask in Glow Of NJ Property’s Upgrade Montvale, NJ—Dolce International has begun the first phase of an $8million renovation on Dolce Basking Ridge Conference Center, in Basking Ridge, NJ, less than an hour’s drive from New York City. Phase I of the project will redo the property’s 171 guest rooms with new furniture, luxury bedding and soft goods, and 32inch flat televisions. Phases two and three of the project will address public areas, meeting space, food and beverage outlets, the 24 MeetingNews March 24, 2008 fitness center, and courtyard. Plans are under way to redesign the lobby to include a new coffee and wine bar, while the property’s restaurant and lounge will be redesigned to feature an open kitchen. The 20,000-sf, IACC-certified conference center, which includes 25 meeting rooms and a 4,700-sf ballroom, will receive cosmetic enhancements, and outdoor event spaces will be redesigned. “The property’s new look and improved facilities will allow us to deliver a complete experience to our guests with brand-new guest rooms, public space, and new amenities for groups,” said Geoff Lawson, general manager. Phase one of the renovation is expected to be completed by May. Walden Inn & Conf. Center Gets a Thorough Renovation Walden, NY—The Walden Inn and Conference Center has completed the first phase of a major renovation that will ultimately include guest rooms, conference rooms, the fitness center, and all public spaces. Guest continued on page 26 http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/mn021108/index.php?startid=12 http://www.meetingnews.com/Cabanas31008 http://www.meetingnews.com

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Meeting News - March 24, 2008

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