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AT HSMAI’s AFFORDABLE MEETINGS® Mid-America
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News for the Hospitality Executive |
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MCLEAN,
VA (April 16, 2009) –
Feedback at the Ninth Annual Hospitality Sales & Marketing
Association International’s (HSMAI) Affordable Meetings®
Mid-America Exhibition and Conference at Chicago’s Navy Pier April 1-2
was upbeat despite the current economic climate. “We
heard from both exhibitors and meeting planners that there was a lot of
quality business conducted on the show floor,” said Robert A. Gilbert,
CHME, CHA, president and CEO of HSMAI. “It’s no secret that the travel
community has been hit particularly hard during the current economic
downturn. But we had a very positive show, and our attendees are
hopeful that a turnaround is coming soon.” Planners
representing corporate, association and independent sectors visited 250
exhibitors representing hotels, resorts, CVBs, convention centers,
airlines, conference centers, transportation companies, trade
publications, DMC companies, unique meeting sites, software providers,
entertainment companies, event rental companies, audio visual companies
and other suppliers who service the industry. “This
year we scanned more people in one day than we did in two days last
year,” said Jill Brown of Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater. “We have
qualified leads and we reconnected with some old clients as well.” The estimated 800 meeting planners that attended were still looking for reliable and affordable partners to help them produce high-quality events while working with smaller budgets. Many were searching for partners that could help them be more efficient in their own operations while seeking venues that offered value to their clients and delivered on customer service. Attendees also benefited from the 25 educational sessions, many of which focused on budgeting issues, such as “Champagne on a Beer Budget: Food and Beverage Cost Cutting Techniques” or “Negotiating in Turbulent Times.” In addition, all attendees were treated to a surprise appearance by Chicago Barack Obama impersonator Reggie Brown, who walked into Festival Hall to the tune of “Hail to the Chief” in the last few minutes of the networking luncheon Wednesday and then strolled the show floor meeting and greeting exhibitors. As in years past, HSMAI also honored exhibitors with Affordable Meetings’ Booth Awards: Best
Booth Overall (for the
outstanding creation of an effective, attractive environment that
communicates their message.) Peoria
Area CVB – Best Single Booth Visit
St. Petersburg/Clearwater – Best Multiple Booth
Arlington
Park Racecourse – Best Single Booth Hilton
Head Island Visitor and Convention Bureau – Best Multiple Booth Other
HSMAI Affordable Meetings® for 2009 include HSMAI’s
Affordable Meetings® West, scheduled for June 10-11 at
San Jose McEnery Convention Center in San Jose, Calif., and HSMAI’s
Affordable Meetings® National and Event Technology Expo,
set for Sept. 9-10 at Walter E. Washington Convention Center in
Washington, D.C. HSMAI’s Affordable Meetings® remains a top exposition and conference for meeting planners to attend each year. For additional information and a complete program schedule, visit www.affordablemeetings.com. About HSMAI’s Affordable
Meetings® Mid-America
HSMAI’s
Affordable Meetings® Mid-America once again offered
attendees the opportunity to meet and do business with more than 250
exhibiting companies during a unique exposition that will showcase
venues, products and services to help produce various types of meetings
and events. Year-after-year, the highly-acclaimed trade
exposition is a main attraction for attendees looking to meet and
network with knowledgeable suppliers who are determined to help produce
valuable meetings and assist with purchasing decisions.
Exhibitors represent hotels and resorts, university conference centers,
unique meeting sites, convention and visitor bureaus, transportation
companies, trade publications, software and audio/visual businesses,
and other meeting and convention suppliers. HSMAI’s Affordable Meetings®
is owned and presented by the Hospitality Sales & Marketing
Association International Americas region and managed by J. Spargo
& Associates, Inc. Visit www.affordablemeetings.com
for more information. HSMAI is
the hospitality industry source for knowledge, community, and
recognition for leaders committed to professional development, sales
growth, revenue optimization, marketing, and branding. 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 annual events, including
HSMAI's Affordable Meetings®. Founded in 1927, HSMAI is
an individual membership organization comprising more than 7,000
members worldwide, with 40 chapters in the Americas Region. For more
information on HSMAI, contact the Hospitality Sales & Marketing
Association International, 1760 Old Meadow Road, Suite 500, McLean, Va.
22102; (703) 506-3280; fax (703) 506-3266, or visit the website at www.hsmai.org. |
Media
Contacts: Rachel
Rosenberg, Edelman Atlanta, 404-832-7711, [email protected]
Harper
Cornell, Edelman Atlanta, 404-460-9661, [email protected]
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