Successful Meetings - March 2008 - (Page 48F)

Big Island Heritage Site, is one of the island’s most prominent attractions. Within its 333,086 acres, which extend from sea level to 13,677 feet, lie the summits and rift zones of two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa; significant archeological sites; and endangered plant, bird, bat, and sea turtle species. Groups can choose to explore on their own, or they can participate in tours like the Bike Kilauea Volcano & Wine Tasting Tour, which allows them to experience a variety of microclimates, see huge craters, walk through a lava tube, and maybe even see lava flows pouring into the Pacific Ocean. The tour ends with a wine tasting session at the Volcano Winery, where the wines are inspired by volcanic fire and the bounty of the island. HOME GROWN Grapes are not the only things being harvested on the Big Island, where cocoa, coffee, honey, and vanilla farms provide lessons attendees can actually taste. Hawaii AgVentures, created by the Big Island Farm Bureau, works with farmers to offer small group tours through working farms and plantations. At Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation, groups can enroll in the new Roastmaster Course, where they will learn the coffee-making process and take home bags of 100 percent Kona coffee personalized with the group’s picture or company logo. The Big Island also features working ranches, where the destination’s cowboy culture has been going strong for more than 200 years. The paniolo legacy dates back to 1792, when Captain George Vancouver brought cattle to Hawaii as a gift to King Kamehameha and Mexican cowboys were brought in to teach Hawaiians how to ride horses and raise cattle (paniolo comes from the word Espanola). These ranches not only provide choice beef, but can also make for great events and excursions. Wendy Ottinger often takes her groups to Parker Ranch (for groups of up to 700 people) and Kahua Ranch (up to 350 people), where activities THE ART OF IT ALL Groups can take advantage of the amazing talents of the Big Island’s arts community. Ottinger likes to bring in ukulele choirs from local schools and set up interactive craft stations at her receptions and events. Stations can include traditional woodcarving, “spirit carvers” who cut spirit faces into wood or coral for attendees, and stringing puka shells. According to Kimo Jenkins, a high percentage of Hawaii’s “masters” live on the Big Island, and he often invites them to teach a variety of lessons, whether its making leis, weaving, learning hula, or using kapa, a Hawaiian bark cloth. Attendees don’t simply receive instructions; they learn about the customs and deeper meanings behind what they are creating and how they can be used in an authentic way. “I’ve found that people like to be educated to do things the right way,” says Jenkins. This Hawaiian idea of pono—doing things correctly to maintain the integrity of the purpose— is what takes a simple lesson or event and turns it into a truly cultural experience. include ATV tours, roping lessons, and horseback riding, and most days are capped off by a barbecue dinner and a night of music and dancing. With all of this food available locally, its no wonder the Big Island is known for its fresh and innovative cuisine. James Babian, executive chef at the exclusive Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, describes the island’s food as going “from the plant to the plate,” with a cooking philosophy that’s “seasonal, regional, and artisanal.” For the upcoming Mastercard Tournament, Babian is putting together cooking demos that will include an interactive discussion of the Big Island’s local and sustainable agriculture, along with a presentation about the evolution of the island’s fare (Polynesian to Pacific Rim to Hawaiian Regional to Big Island cuisine). Many other hotels, such as Hilton Waikoloa Village, will organize cook-offs as a teambuilding event. AN ALOHA WELCOME A welcome basket that introduces attendees to the Big Island’s best treats is sure to get the meeting or incentive trip off to a great start. Some items to include: • KONA and/or HAMAKUA coffee • Sweets from the KAILUA CANDY COMPANY or Hilo’s BIG ISLAND CANDY COMPANY • Goods made from KOA WOOD, "the wood of royalty," including picture frames or keepsake boxes • COLORFUL ORCHIDS and other locally grown plants from Akatsuka Orchid Gardens; These can also be sent to the attendees’ homes post-trip to remind them of their wonderful Big Island experience • LAVENDER AND VANILLA PRODUCTS, such as soaps and lotions • LOCALLY MADE HONEY (this can be hard to get, so order well in advance) • Products from Hawaiian Body Products' new OLA NATURAL SPA LINE, based in Hilo 4 MEET.BIGISLAND.ORG http://MEET.BIGISLAND.ORG

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Successful Meetings - March 2008

Successful Meetings - March 2008 Contents Editor's Note Suppliers On the Record Research Associations Planner's Spotlight Management Matters Mouth for Sale Meetings Law Pre-Event Pre-Event Tools of the Trade On Site Quick Tip Critical Conditions A Family Affair Conference Centers We Love CSM of the Year Places & Spaces Luxury Las Vegas New York CIty Houston New Orleans Quebec Bahamas Oahu & Big Island Florida Keys Gurus

Successful Meetings - March 2008

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