Meeting News - September 8, 2008 - (Page 6)

Letters to the Editor Progress Over Protest: MPI Is Forging Ahead with Meetings In Destinations That Raise Human Rights Questions Thank you for your cover story on the Aug. 11 issue. I have always been fascinated by the Middle East. However, I am not Jewish and therefore do not know what it is like to be a Jew in that part of the world. But, I am a woman. It bothers me that these countries are gorgeous yet treat women, homosexuals, and Jews differently. MPI doesn’t seem to be all that sympathetic about the issue. This topic should definitely be reported on in the future. Thank you! will result in a more unified, seamless partnership with our customers. The Times Picayune and New Orleans City Business coverage cited in your article was based on incomplete, confidential information that was leaked to the media before details had been finalized. We sincerely hope that in the future you allow us the opportunity to speak with you so that we can shed full light on the actions of the NOMCVB, as we lead the city’s most important industry— tourism. industry needs a stronger voice in Washington. Enter the tireless Roger Dow, formerly of Marriott and now with the Travel Industry Association. Since 2006, the Dow-led TIA, along with partner Travel Business Roundtable, has been championing the industry’s cause with policymakers, highlighting the importance of business travel on the economy; lobbying for reform of the maligned border, transportation, and homeland security agencies; and pushing for legislation that would create a national travel affairs agency in the form of the Travel Promotion Act. Pending before Congress, the legislation—which would also create a program for improving the image of U.S. travel and making visitor entry more efficient—now has the support of 235 U.S. representatives and 48 senators. Thank you for your kind note and towel. In reality, I’m that nerd in the Verizon Wireless commercials with lots of great folks behind me. Carmela DiPalma Meeting and Incentive Planner New Orleans Heads Up Mexico Mission Amid Merger Report & Funding Setback I just read your article on the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau (Aug. 11 MN, p. 24). You concluded the story by using a statement attributed to me stating that the potential funding would have been used toward more planner and media site inspections. In fact, this is just a small portion of what the CVB would have used that funding for, and had I been given the opportunity to speak with you I would have been able to explain in depth what we had planned to do with this vital funding. By referencing one small example, you mislead your readers of our intentions as we continue the most important job of increasing confidence in New Orleans. Media fam trips and site inspections have proven tremendously useful, as we have found that the adage “Seeing is believing” can truly be applied to New Orleans. But our marketing efforts have gone far beyond site inspections, and we had hoped that with additional funding we would have been able to continue our efforts during this critical time in our city’s recovery. As well, the Mexican mission you wrote about was held in collaboration with the Louisiana Office of Tourism. “New Orleans and Company” represents a new, best-practices model and 6 MeetingNews September 8, 2008 Mary Beth Romig Director of Communications and Public Relations New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau The 25 Most Powerful Thank you for including me in your 25 Most Powerful (July 21 MN, cover)—a very impressive group!! I thoroughly enjoy your publication. The beach towel was unexpected. . .very creative. Roger Dow Thank you for the beach towel. It’s a beautiful day in Brighton, and I was thinking of going to the beach. I am honored to be one of the MeetingNews 25 Most Powerful. Deborah Sexton President and CEO Professional Convention Management Association Chicago I noticed a small typo in the blurb about Roger Dow, and I have an update regarding support of the Travel Promotion Act. Is it possible for you to correct it? Ray Bloom Chairman of IMEX East Sussex, England DMAI’s CVB Accreditation Program Is Steadily Gaining Steam The article in the July 21 issue is very well written. Thank you for the accuracy in which you conveyed our conversation. It was a pleasure talking with you. Cathy Keefe Manager of Media Relations Travel Industry Association Washington, DC Editor’s note: For you, anything. Corrected version below. Roger Dow, President and CEO, Travel Industry Association, Washington, DC What with the airline industry’s implosion and U.S. border crossing woes constantly threatening group travel, the Doug Price Senior Vice President of Professional Development Destination Marketing Association International Washington, DC www.meetingnews.com http://www.meetingnews.com

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Meeting News - September 8, 2008 Contents Letters to the Editor What's Up @ MeetingNews.com Social Scene People Making News Hotels & Resorts Convention Centers CVBs International Green Beat Insider Report: Golf Destination Insider MN Webcast Report Advertisers Index Live from the Forum Mexico Hawaii

Meeting News - September 8, 2008

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