Meeting News - November 19, 2007 - (Page 10)

Inside the Meetings Industry continued from page 8 ices. “We will aggressively oppose these measures,” said Richard Crum, ACTE’s president, who stressed that the business travel industry is already far ahead of other industries in adopting green practices. Besides delivering 26 educational sessions, the association introduced ACTE Interactive, a tool that allows members to create their own individual peer networks based on professional profiles. “The ability to configure unique communities based on experience levels, industry issues, or other criteria is invaluable,” said Crum.“From sharing of best practices and experiences to simplifying the benchmarking process, it provides a direct line to solutions.” And, ACTE has chosen Doug Weeks, senior manager of strategic sourcing and global travel for Booz Allen Hamilton, as its 2008 president. Weeks oversees sourcing and contract management of his firm’s nearly $200 million in travel spending. Social Scene Cakes, Cowboy Boots, & Sneakers FAIRMONT BASH TAKES THE CAKE: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts in late October celebrated its 100th birthday in grand style with the blackand-white themed Century of Distinction event. Complete with a 10-foot-tall birthday cake (background in photo), the centennial, which took place at The Fairmont Washington D.C., treated over 230 association executives— among them SmithBucklin members—to a reception, dinner, and live entertainment. C E I R : S h o w N u m b e r s A r e Up Dallas—The Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s annual CEIR Index report revealed solid show revenues for the second quarter of 2007. Year-to-date revenues rose to $2.65 billion, an 11.3-percent jump compared with Q2 2006. Also, attendance across 11 measured industry segments grew 13.5 percent. Other improvements versus 2006 were net square feet, up 3 percent, and number of exhibitors, up 4.5 percent. “The exhibition industry is healthy, vibrant, and growing,” said CEIR President Doug Ducate. THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR EATING: Rosen Shingle Creek’s executive pastry chef, David Ramirez (below, center), and his team of Holly Stone (below, left) and Christina Donafrio won an award for best buffet presentation at Girl Scouts of Citrus Council’s recent Chefs Gone Wild West charity event in Orlando. The Western-themed presentation—of a cowgirl (far l.), boots, and a pastry chef (far r.)—was created entirely of chocolate. Latin Market Show in U.S. Now Par t of Overseas’ MITM Bahia, Brazil—After five years in Las Vegas, the Latin America-focused Meetings & Incentive Trade Market Americas show will be incorporated into the eight-year-old MITM Latin America Show traditionally held outside the United States. The first combined show, MITM Americas, will be held at the Pestana Hotel in Salvador, Brazil, Dec. 13-14. Meeting, convention, and incentive buyers from around the world will each set up to 20 individual meetings with exhibiting Latin American suppliers. Brazilian airline TAM is offering delegates a 10-percent discount on airfares from New York and Miami to Salvador, while GOL Airlines is offering a 9-percent discount from any destination. The Pestana Hotel is offering a discounted room rate to attendees. H —Section written by Robert Carey 10 MeetingNews November 19, 2007 RUNNING MATES: On the eve of the Chicago Marathon in October, Global Hyatt President/CEO Mark Hoplamazian (right) presented a $100,000 donation to Make-AWish Foundation Vice Chair Gary Graves and Make-A-Wish Illinois President/CEO Stephanie Springs. Under the hotel company’s Team Stay Fit initiative, more than 100 employees and their families and friends ran to raise money for the charitable institution. www.meetingnews.com http://www.meetingnews.com

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Meeting News - November 19, 2007

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