�We�ve put together a superior program lead by expert speakers who will share their valuable insight and experiences with an audience of international meeting planners and hospitality industry buyers,� said Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHA, president and CEO of HSMAI.

The confirmed line-up of speakers for the World Quest conference is as follows:

• Dr. John Min, Director of U.S. Sales Operations, Ruesch International
• Cynthia Lett, Director & CEO, CPP, CTT, The Lett Group; Executive Director, International Society of Protocol and Etiquette Professionals
• Paul Griggs, Director of Sales and Marketing, Events on the Move Customs and Freight
• Craig Fitzpatrick, Relationship Manager, Ruesch International
• Betsy Bair, Editorial Director, The Meetings Group Magazines and Beyond Borders
• Angie Kappel, Sales Executive, Ruesch International
• Gloria Petersen, CPP, President, Global Protocol

Agenda topics for the 2005 World Quest program are outlined below:

Topic One: International Protocol
The highest rated topic of the inaugural World Quest is back and ready to tackle a variety of tricky subjects including: international meetings, appropriate protocol and expectations of a different culture; good resources for protocol in specific countries; and the essentials of providing proper protocol.

Topic Two: Freight Forwarding and VAT Reimbursement
As time goes by, shipping becomes a more complex process.  In this seminar, forwarders and custom brokers provide assistance and extensive knowledge regarding the subject of worldwide shipping and transit.  Information on choosing a professional service and receiving value-added tax reimbursement will also be presented.

Topic Three: Currency and Financial Transactions
Meeting planners often face challenges when using foreign currency where poor decisions can offset profits, squeeze budgets and lower earnings.  This seminar will teach protection and risk management strategies for planning international events with foreign currency.

Topic Four: The Latest Trends in Planning International Meetings
Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss the issues regarding planning international meetings.  Resources from the most recent surveys and reports will be reviewed, with copies available for all participants.

As an added incentive for attending the conference, participants in World Quest can earn points towards CMP certification or recertification.

The World Quest events will be held as follows: 

• July 22, 2005 � Washington, DC at the JW Marriott Pennsylvania Avenue

• July 25, 2005 � New York, NY at the Millennium Broadway Hotel

• July 29, 2005 � Chicago, IL at the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel

HSMAI World Quest would like to recognize the following companies:  Business Partners � Aberdeen Exhibition & Conference Center, German Convention Bureau, InterContinental Hotels, Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions, Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau, Amsterdam RAI, Marriott International, Las Brisas Hotels & Resorts (Velorum Group), Toronto Convention & Visitors Association/Tourism Toronto, Loews Le Concorde/Vogue, Monaco Government Tourist Office, Shangri-la Hotels, Mexico Tourism Board, Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, Tourism Malaysia, Bahamas Tourist Office, Belgian Tourist Office, Singapore Tourism Board and Marketing Challenges Intl. Inc.; Sponsors � Toronto Convention & Visitors Association/Tourism Toronto and the Canadian Embassy Office of Tourism.

Opening the door to education and networking, HSMAI World Quest, a partnership between HSMAI and Association Management Group and its division Meetings Management Group, brings qualified corporate, association and government international planners together with international hospitality industry business partners for a day of learning, roundtable discussions and networking.

Connecting meeting professionals to the international business partners with whom they conduct business, World Quest presents a unique format designed for intensive education and learning.  Attendees will find a wealth of information, including new business strategies, best practices and provocative presentations of hot topics important to the arena of international meetings, followed by interactive roundtable topic discussions with planners and international business partners.

HSMAI is an organization of sales and marketing professionals representing all segments of the hospitality industry.  With a strong focus on education, HSMAI has become the industry champion in identifying and communicating trends in the hospitality industry, and bringing together customers and members at 15 annual events, including HSMAI�s Affordable Meetings, HSMAI�s Meeting Quest shows and the HSMAI World Quest events.  Founded in 1927, HSMAI is an individual membership organization comprising nearly 7,000 members worldwide, with 38 chapters in the Americas region.

HSMAI World Quest
Derek Jenks
(703) 610-0223
www.hsmaiworldquest.com

HSMAI
8201 Greensboro Drive, Suite 300
McLean, VA 22102, 
phone (703) 610-9024
www.hsmai.org