The site was created by Elite Meetings International specifically for Starwood Convention Collection and was inspired by its own user-friendly, meetings-focused site (www.EliteMeetings.com). Starwood launches the redesign as an important resource for meeting planners allowing them to research key properties, book promotions and bring added value to their clients. The site includes cost-saving offers and rebates such as Hot Dates and Starwood Promotions, Featured Properties with new and updated information, and Starpoint signing bonus opportunities through the Starwood Preferred Planner program. 

The most unique feature on the site is the new RFP engine, being used exclusively by Starwood Convention Collection and Elite Meetings International. The RFP engine allows planners to create and submit RFPs online directly through the site, creating onepoint of contact that helps planners research and book group business. 

�The new Starwood Convention Collection website will bring ease and value to our planners who are booking important group, meeting and incentive travel business for Starwood,� said Scott Hermes, Senior Vice President of Field Sales & Marketing for Starwood Hotels & Resorts. �We saw the versatility and success of Elite Meetings� website and were delighted to work with them on our redesigned site. The SCC is dedicated to providing premier locations and promotions to our group business, and the redesign of the site offers a more efficient process.� 

Kelly Foy, CEO of Elite Meetings, said, �We are pleased to unveil this new website for Starwood, and appreciate the opportunity to partner to bring significant value to their convention hotels, as well as meeting planners.� He concluded, �We anticipate additional announcements in the weeks ahead, and look forward to further enhancing our suite of services that serve the meeting professional and hotel communities.� 

The Starwood Convention Collection includes 32 premier Westin and Sheraton convention properties throughout North America. Together they comprise  over 30,000 guestrooms, 1,000 meeting rooms and more than 3 million square feet of meeting space to cater to small and large-scale group business, as well as multi-year programs. For more information on Starwood Convention Collection, new promotions or specific properties, please visit StarwoodConventionCollection.com. 

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts 
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 960 properties in 97 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft®, and Element(SM). Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com. 

About Elite Meetings International 
Based in Santa Barbara, Elite Meetings International (EMI) provides integrated solutions to enhance the performance of meeting and hospitality professionals. EMI supports this community through a combination of innovative technology, direct sales support, customized marketing programs and face-to-face business-building events. Additionally, the company�s Web site serves as a commission-free RFP-generating tool and a comprehensive vehicle for sourcing luxury properties. For additional information, please visit www.EliteMeetings.com or call 805-730-1000. 

Erin Maxwell
Starwood Hotels & Resorts 
914-640-8408 

Michael Frenkel
212-808-6556 
for Elite Meetings International 
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