Successful Meetings - May 2008 - (Page 20)

News & Analysis > Destination News such as maps and schedules. The planner also selects a color scheme for the site. “The launch of Personalized Group Web Pages underscores our philosophy of putting even more choice and control into our customers’ hands by uniting around-the-clock online event planning with creative customization,” said Bob Brooks, vice president of eSales for Hilton. “With event planners juggling their business, social, and family lives, the Hilton Family of Hotels e-Events makes it easier for them to take control of their event booking at their convenience.” The first part of Hilton’s e-Events, introduced in March of last year, is the online booking tool for planners needing 25 rooms or less. —Rayna Katz Second Tier— Not Second Rate According to American Express and other hospitality industry analysts, hotel prices in first-tier meeting markets are rising quickly, thanks to high meetings demand and increased leisure business. Planners looking to save money without scrimping on amenities should consider some upand-coming, second-tier cities that offer diverse and affordable options for accommodations, venues, and recreation. Norfolk The Waterside Convention Connection provides planners with more than 1,200 first-class hotel rooms, 55 meeting rooms, and 121,000 square feet of event space in the heart of downtown. Southern charm permeates Norfolk’s big city amenities, including high-end shopping, museums, and historic sites. Raleigh Raleigh is in the midst of a $3 billion renaissance, anchored by a new convention center and headquarters hotel opening in the fall. The city currently offers 14,000 hotel rooms, mild year-round weather, and a variety of indoor and outdoor attractions. Providence An intimate locale IF YOU HAVEN’T SEEN KANSAS CITY LATELY, YOU HAVEN’T SEEN KANSAS CITY. Discover a new walkable convention district at the heart of Kansas City’s vibrant urban renaissance. A surprisingly cosmopolitan city with legendary hospitality, aﬀordability and accessibility is now blended with a convention package that’s hard to overlook. Learn more about what’s new in Kansas City at VisitKC.com/meetings or call 877-528-4748 today. http://VisitKC.com/meetings http://VisitKC.com/meetings

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Successful Meetings - May 2008

Successful Meetings - May 2008
Contents
Editor's Note
Industry Trends
Destination News
Destination News
Suppliers
Destination News
Calendar
On the Record
Websites of the Month
Management Matters
Mouth for Sale
Meetings Law
Planner's Spotlight
Pre-Event
On Site
Tools of the Trade
Pre-Event
Counting Change
Giving Them the Business
The Magnificent Seven
All-American Gift Guide
Green Lights
Places & Spaces
Anaheim & Orange County
Upstate New York
Cincinnati
Detroit
San Diego
Phoenix
Gurus

Successful Meetings - May 2008