Meeting News - March 23, 2009 - (Page 27)

Insider Report: Conference Centers Hyatt Bonaventure: ‘We’re Right for Times’ As the meetings industry continues to fend off negative publicity, the Hyatt Regency Bonaventure Conference Center & Spa believes it is in a relatively insulated position in Weston, FL, compared with resort properties in high-profile locales. “Our location is our advantage right now, not being on the beach and being much more a business hotel,” said Linda Wilcox, sales and marketing director for the Bonaventure. During a recent MeetingNews property visit, Wilcox acknowledged that in better times groups might look at beach properties first, but the current climate is making meetings less leisurely and more intensive. That plays into the 501-room Bonaventure, which Wilcox described as a business property “with a resort feel.” Twenty minutes from Fort Lauderdale International Airport, the Bonaventure is close enough to town yet secluded enough for business-focused groups, Wilcox noted. The property’s current incarnation, borne from a $100 million renovation in fall 2006, provides high-end amenities, both AAA Four Diamond suites and dining, and a 48,000-sf Elizabeth Arden Red Door Lifestyle Spa. A recent group, Washington, DC-based Airport Council International North America (ACINA) used one of the three ballrooms in the Bonaventure’s conference center (60,000 sf of meeting space) for its general session of 102 U.S. and Canadian airport directors and CEOs of airport supply firms. ACI-NA’s board also held pre- and post-meetings in three of Bonaventure’s 12 boardrooms and breakout rooms. “The meeting space was very clean, very open, with good flow,” said ACI-NA conference manager Amy Peters, who also complimented the tucked-away environment—for which conference centers are known. “And I can’t say enough good things about [Bonaventure’s] staff.” With unseasonably cool weather, a planned outdoor Caribbean-theme reception was quickly moved inside, with Bonaventure staff working with a DMC to create an indoor decor package. While the ACI-NA group chose nearby golf for entertainment, the Bonaventure is close to the 300-store Sawgrass Mills mall, the sixth-largest in the U.S. Besides its 30-room spa, the Bonaventure entertains attendees with Society Lounge, an “old-time bar” that doubles as private group space, adorned with classic Hollywood photos. H —William Ng Be creative at Wyndham Princeton Forrestal Hotel & Conference Center, conveniently located on a 27- acre, campus-like setting near Princeton University. Recently renovated and fully certified to IACC standards, Wyndham Princeton’s “Worry Free” meeting environment ensures your team stays focused on the business at hand. Our 364-room hotel provides a tranquil setting that is ideal for professional development, strategic planning and social celebrations. At Wyndham Princeton you will be well prepared, well treated and well rested. Be Well. CALL 1-609-936-6512 OR VISIT WYNDHAMPRINCETONFORRESTAL.COM PRINCETON, NJ www.meetingnews.com March 23, 2009 MeetingNews 27 http://www.WYNDHAMPRINCETONFORRESTAL.COM http://www.WYNDHAMPRINCETONFORRESTAL.COM http://www.meetingnews.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Meeting News - March 23, 2009

Meeting News - March 23, 2009 Contents What’s Up @ MeetingNews.com Meetings Mean Business As 'Meeting Matter' Marriott Unveils Promo Columbus, OH, Addresses Convention Hotel Issues People Making News Orlando Strives for Cost Transparency Is Biz-Class Air Travel Dead? Greenest Planner Awards Mid America Insider Report: Conference Centers Destination Insider: Mississippi Gulf Coast Las Vegas Destination Insider: Cleveland Ad Index Live from the Forum

Meeting News - March 23, 2009

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