Industry Buzz
| Read the latest news from industry trade press articles and press releases selected by industry expert Al Rickard of Association Vision, a PR/Marketing/Publishing company in the Washington, DC area. For more about Al and his company visit www.associationvision.com. |
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Berlin is 3rd Most Popular Convention Destination in the World |
Tuesday, May 14 @ 13:48:30 CDT
 "Latest ICCA statistics confirm that Berlin has overtaken Barcelona
Berlin -- Berlin has joined the ranks of the top three international conference destinations, as shown by the latest statistics published by the International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA). Having hosted 172 events held by international associations in the past year, the German capital moved up one position to become the third most popular city for conferences and conventions in the world. Berlin is behind Vienna (195 events) and Paris (181) but ahead of Madrid (164 events) and Barcelona (154).
Klaus Wowereit, Governing Mayor of Berlin, says: "Berlin is moving to the top of the international congress business. With additional event capacities, such as the new CityCube Berlin, the city is also well-positioned for the convention business for the long term and is well able to handle the diversity of the requests. Berlin is also such an attractive city that large organizations and companies like to put on their events in the German capital. Every international congress that is held in Berlin is thus also a positive testimony on the city."
This required a lot of hard work in the face of stiff competition, emphasizes Burkhard Kieker, CEO of visitBerlin: "Being so high up in the league is both an honor and an incentive to do even more, especially since we face aggressive competition from financially strong competitors in Asia and the Arab Gulf states, all vying for conventions. The fact that Berlin has moved up a position shows that it is perceived as a top convention location by international convention planners."
Since 2008, the number of organizations holding conferences in Berlin has steadily increased. The German capital has been successfully asserting its status as a top conference location for the past eight years. The ICCA ranking is an important indicator in the international congress business. It helps organizers decide where to hold their events.
Further statistics on Berlin as a convention location can be found at convention.visitBerlin.com."
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PCMA Announces Future Convening Leaders Host Cities |
Thursday, May 09 @ 15:02:58 CDT
"CHICAGO, Illinois - The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) announced today that the cities of Vancouver, British Columbia and Austin, Texas have been selected to host the 2016 and 2017 Convening Leaders annual meetings, respectively.
Convening Leaders is PCMA’s January flagship event, featuring education designed for the meeting industry’s leading meeting professionals. By annually raising their own bar, through innovation and risk taking, PCMA has grown the meeting from approximately 2900 attendees in 2006 to more than 3700 in 2011-2013, a 27% increase. Each January, participants look to Convening Leaders to fuel their own meeting innovation for the year ahead.
The January 10-13, 2016 meeting will be held at the LEED Platinum certified Vancouver Convention Centre, located on the waterfront at Canada Place in the heart of downtown Vancouver. The centre is home to largest non-industrial green roof in North America and the Olympic Legacy Display with a full set of Olympic and Paralympic medals and torches from the 2010 Games.
The January 8-11, 2017 meeting will be held at the LEED Gold certified Austin Convention Center, located in downtown Austin and steps away from the renowned entertainment district – made famous by the annual SXSW event. The center is a gigabit rated building and continues to lead the industry with high tech capabilities and services.
“Convening Leaders is the premier meeting industry event,” said Deborah Sexton, President and CEO, PCMA. “Our participants and partners attend this event to not only learn and network, but also to experience locations for their future meetings. We are excited about Convening Leaders going to Vancouver and Austin for the first time as each city has its own unique attributes and vibe and will be of extreme interest to PCMA’s diverse audiences.”
About Professional Convention Management Association
PCMA is the multi-channel professional resource and premier educator for leaders in the meetings,
conventions, events and trade show industries. PCMA provides their 6,000+ members with a community
of likeminded colleagues, innovative education and creative global solutions to enhance both their
professional development and their organization's face-to-face and virtual connections. Headquartered in
Chicago, PCMA has 17 chapters throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico with members in
more than 35 countries. For additional information, please visit the PCMA Web site at pcma.org."
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Top hotel brand for Exhibition Centre Liverpool |
Thursday, May 09 @ 14:59:49 CDT
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• Pullman Hotel brand awarded preferred status for world class exhibition centre on Liverpool’s waterfront
• £26m, 200-room hotel to provide a high quality welcome to tens of thousands of visitors
LEADING luxury hotel brand Pullman is on-board for Exhibition Centre Liverpool, with the announcement that an upscale four star hotel will be at the heart of the stunning new venue.
Pullman has hotels all over the world, including all the major European cities, but only one in the UK, in St Pancras, London. The Pullman brand is owned by international hotel company Accor.
While Pullman is selected as the hotel brand, Branded Hotel Management (BHM) has also been appointed as the preferred operator for the 200 room ‘headquarters’ hotel integrated into the £40 million exhibition centre at the Kings Dock.
Liverpool City Council and its partners can now drive forward with the design and construction of the £26 million hotel, with up to 10,500 square metres of floor space and seven storeys of rooms, above a ground floor reception, lobby, restaurant, bar, meeting rooms and gym.
A full planning application for the exhibition centre – which will form part of ACC Liverpool, home to BT Convention Centre and Echo Arena - and an outline application for the hotel, was submitted in February with a detailed application submitted on Monday (April 22). If planning permission is granted, construction of the new facilities will commence in autumn 2013, opening for business in spring 2015.
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said: “Attracting Pullman to Liverpool is a major coup for our city and another massive step forward in the delivery of our world-class exhibition centre.
“We wanted to make sure we were able to bring in a high quality hotel brand and an experienced operator to match our ambitions for the exhibition centre, and we’re confident that BHM with Pullman/Accor is the right appointment to enhance the venue’s profile to national and international visitors, as well as increasing the diversity of Liverpool’s hotel offer.
“Exhibition Centre Liverpool is one of my major priorities as Mayor. It will build on the huge success of ACC Liverpool and help put us in the premier league in terms of hosting international exhibitions. It will also boost our economy by £40 million a year.
“All of the pieces are now falling into place for this fantastic facility. With the hotel operator now recruited and the planning application in, we can look forward to things moving forward quickly.”
The selection of Pullman and BHM is another big step forward for the scheme, following the appointment of international construction company ISG - responsible for the construction of the 6,000 seat London 2012 Velodrome - and Denton Corker Marshall, who designed the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, as architect. ISG has been appointed to construct the hotel as well as the exhibition centre.
Bob Prattey, chief executive of ACC Liverpool, home to BT Convention Centre and Echo Arena, said: ''This is another significant step in enhancing ACC Liverpool's offering to all of our client groups. It is a real vote of confidence that Pullman and BHM have chosen Liverpool for their first new build hotel to carry the Pullman quality brand. The hotel development will strengthen and complement our existing hotel offering both on site and across the city to offer a complete range of star rated accommodation.
“The introduction of the 4-star headquarter hotel will undoubtedly open new markets for ACC Liverpool.''
Andrew Rouse, commercial director of BHM, said: “We are delighted to be working with Liverpool City Council and Accor to operate the first new build Pullman hotel in the UK. We are excited to be involved in such a major development in Liverpool which will also bring significant employment benefits to the city.”
Liverpool City Council is working with the Homes & Communities Agency (HCA) – the current site owners of Kings Dock – on an agreement to release the seven acres of land adjacent to the existing arena and convention centre, to facilitate the development.
Funding for the facility is being raised through borrowing supported directly from the revenue generated by the expanded ACC Liverpool, so that the project will be at no cost to tax-payers. It will be wholly owned by Liverpool City Council and the exhibition centre will be managed and operated by the existing ACC Liverpool team.
About Exhibition Centre Liverpool
• The 8,100 sq m, three-hall Exhibition Centre will include a public atrium, food and beverage outlets, meeting rooms and a business centre. The three halls will each be 2,700 sq m and will be divided by movable walls
• The facility will be capable of hosting trade and consumer exhibitions, concerts and sports events on a national and international scale
• The arrival of Exhibition Centre Liverpool will increase the existing 7,125sqm of exhibition space at ACC Liverpool to 15,225sqm of flexible event space
• In its first year of operation, Exhibition Centre Liverpool is expected to host about 50 events and attract more than 250,000 visitors
• It is estimated that the exhibition and event programme will contribute in the region of £40m per year in economic benefit to the Merseyside area
• Property advisers DTZ, working as part of a technical team led by AECOM and supported by IPW, were instrumental in the appointment of the hotel brand and operator
About Arena and Convention Centre Liverpool
• Arena and Convention Centre Liverpool (ACC Liverpool) currently comprises BT Convention Centre and Echo Arena
• ACC Liverpool is one of the greenest venues in Europe due to specialist design features from wind turbines to rainwater harvesting, which ensure it produces half the CO2 emissions it would normally
• Since opening in 2008, ACC Liverpool has contributed £620m to the local economy
• The Labour Party will return for its annual conference in 2016 and 2018
• Awards include Winner of Best UK Conference Centre at the M & IT Awards 2013 and C & IT Hot List Awards – Best Conference Venue – Gold 2012
For more information, please contact Damian Richards-Clarke, Communications Officer, on 0151 225 2464 or 07736 216434.
For the latest news from Liverpool City Council, visit www.liverpool.gov.ukorwww.twitter.com/lpoolcouncil
To find out all the good things happening in Liverpool visit www.dalestreetnews.com or follow www.twitter.com/dalestreetnews
Liverpool is the first city to negotiate a City Deal with the Government. It has seen a Mayor elected to oversee a single investment programme of public and private funds worth £130m with the potential to grow to £500m - £1bn; the first Mayoral Development Corporation outside London; chairing a new investment board bringing together all of the city’s assets and developing a new approach to welfare reform. For more information visit www.liverpool.gov.uk/mayor"
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Latest IMEX America Index of Optimism Results Announced |
Thursday, May 09 @ 14:51:57 CDT
"Majority feel optimistic; meeting & event numbers plus budgets expected to increase slightly
Keeping its finger on the pulse of the current mood and business potential within the North American meetings, events and incentive travel industry, IMEX America today announced results from its latest Index of Optimism survey.
With the show’s first principle being business generation, the Index of Optimism, which was conducted in March 2013, asked just over 400 North American respondents (70% buyers and 30% suppliers) to share how they felt about the meetings industry’s business prospects over the coming months.
Majority Feeling Positive & Expecting To See Some Growth
Asked to compare their current levels of optimism to the same period (Q1) in 2012, 67% of respondents declared themselves “more optimistic” than this time last year. Results also show that just over 58% of respondents expect to see the number of meetings and events they organize increase slightly throughout 2013 and into the first quarter of 2014. Additionally 8.5% anticipate significant increases.
When asked about budget levels, 49% have seen their 2013 budgets increase slightly compared to 2012, with nearly 8% experiencing a significant increase. Over a quarter have successfully held the line on budget levels.
Commenting on the headline figures, IMEX Group Chairman, Ray Bloom, said: “These results tell an interesting story; one that is borne out by experience and the feedback we hear from the market every day. And that is that business fundamentals in North America are strong, and gradually getting stronger, and that the overall trend is upwards, albeit gently.
“Our experience, and that of our North American partners, is that the big picture is healthy and moving in a positive direction. This is also evidenced by the increases in demand we’re already seeing from exhibitors and, importantly, from hosted buyers for IMEX America this October, for which we will be issuing a full business update soon.”
Top 5 Buying Influences
Tapping into the top five factors currently influencing buying decisions and meeting planning behavior, respondents were asked to rank their answers on a scale of 1-5. Of the 354 who responded, “pressures, needs and requests to reduce costs” continue to dominate and are the single most important factor in daily decision-making. “Complying with new company meeting and expenses policies” ranks second while “continued uncertainty about the global economic outlook” came in third. Other influences affecting decision-making and workload, such as “a need to plan green meetings” ranked in fourth place, with “concerns about being out of the office” and “incorporating social media into meetings and events” neck-and-neck in fifth place.
Other factors made a showing but none of them significantly. They included: “compliance with new meeting and events policies”; “how best to blend live and face-to-face elements at meetings and events” plus “risk management” and “rising supplier costs and fees”.
Giving Back is Industry Norm
The IMEX survey also asked if CSR programs and green meetings practices are becoming more important. Over a third, 38%, expected no change in their planning or operational practices, agreeing with the statement “it already underpins everything that we do.” Just shy of 22% confirmed that they “know it is critical and are currently developing policies and guidelines” adding further proof of the industry’s growing desire to make a shift. Another 23% of respondents admitted they “are aware it’s important but don’t yet have programs in place.”"
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The National Conference Center White Paper Encourages “Commonsensing Your Meetings” |
Thursday, May 09 @ 14:51:28 CDT
"(LEESBURG, VA) – May 2013 – The National Conference Center has released an industry white paper as part of its ongoing quarterly series, “Meeting Discoveries” which explores industry trends and advice to meeting planners on generating more productive meetings. The spring 2013 white paper (“Commonsensing Your Meetings”) posits: How do meeting planners find options to continue to hold meetings without jeopardizing employee training? The answer: simplify. Take it back to the basics.”
With insightful information from noted industry experts, author Dyanne Lagman, Marketing Manager at the National Conference Center, examines the challenges of the current economic landscape and the impact on face-to-face meetings. She notes that meeting planners comment that when forced to stretch the dollar, conducting meetings “smarter” becomes critical. The white paper theme emerged during an exchange with a current customer who noted that his company was going through a “commonsensing” of its culture. “The solution is not to cut back on face-to-face meetings altogether,” said Lagman, “but rather to employ the commonsense approach of taking it back to the basics“.
“Commonsensing Your Meetings” further examines this concept and outlines the core fundamentals of effective meetings offered by conference centers to maximize and achieve the best outcomes.
The entire white paper, “Commonsensing Your Meetings” is available for free download at: http://bit.ly/124nrYp."
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Travel Industry Urges Prompt Action on Sequestration |
Wednesday, May 01 @ 15:42:33 CDT
"Washington, D.C. – In a letter to the leadership of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA), along with the U.S. Travel Association (USTA), today urged Congress and the Administration to take immediate action to alleviate the impact of the recent FAA furloughs on consumers and the overall travel industry.
The recent furloughing of nearly 14,000 air traffic controllers will have direct and significant consequences on the U.S. travel industry as well as the economy at large. With travel and tourism as a major driver of the economy, generating nearly $2 trillion in total economic activity and supporting one out of eight American jobs, AH&LA President and CEO Katherine Lugar and USTA President and CEO Roger Dow urged Congress and the Administration to reach a quick, balanced solution.
“The most recent actions by the FAA have the potential to seriously disrupt travel for millions of Americans, thereby having dramatic and negative consequences for hoteliers throughout the country,” said Lugar. “The lodging industry in particular has been a significant driver of our economy, and the FAA furlough threatens to bring that trend to a sudden halt.”
“With the summer travel season soon upon us, it is imperative that Members of Congress and the Administration work together to implement a swift and sensible solution to this issue and head off any further damage to not only the lodging sector but the economy at large.”"
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EIBTM Announces Fresh Look for 2013 Show Floor Layout |
Wednesday, May 01 @ 15:41:12 CDT
"EIBTM (www.eibtm.com), the global hub for the meeting and events industry, which is dedicated to driving the industry forward, is working on a new look to the show floor for this year’s event. The exhibition hall in Fira Gran Via (Barcelona), will feature a new design and layout, dedicated towards giving the visitor and exhibitor experience a fresh appeal.
Jennifer Booth, Reed Travel Exhibitions, Operations Manager EIBTM commented, “As global event organisers, showcasing the best of the industry is key to everything we have set out to achieve in 2013. With the exhibition evolving at such a rapid rate and with our 10th anniversary in Barcelona ahead, we felt that it was an appropriate time to make some big changes which will enhance the experience of all of our attendees.”
Graeme Barnett, Reed Travel Exhibitions, EIBTM Event Director commented, “In addition to the core function of EIBTM, which is to facilitate optimum levels of business through matching buyers with exhibitors, we are working to update the look and feel of the event. We are all very excited about the evolving plans which will allow a greater variety of attractions on the show floor as well as more space for networking areas”.
The key driving force behind the re-design is to bring more balance to the exhibition floor and provide a better flow of visitor traffic to all areas. Framing the two ends with features to draw traffic through and creating two additional horizontal straight aisles and two central Piazzas for networking will ensure a steady movement of traffic through the aisles on the show floor.
Booth concluded, “The EIBTM main aisle has become extremely congested over the years and the so the new layout will ensure that all exhibitors have a continual flow of traffic moving past their stands and will ensure each of them gain the highest level of return on investment possible, as a result of their participation.”
Barnett continues, “We have integrated the two Piazzas onto the show floor as a direct result of feedback we received from key partners and our Advisory Board members. Both facilities will offer a new dining, meeting and networking experience and will be creatively themed.
“The new features, which have been strategically located within the exhibition hall will provide local food and drink, further enhancing the catering offering that we currently have at Fira. For example, the Piazza located in the Europe section of the hall will offer a selection of traditional Catalan tapas as part of our initiative to bring a true ‘Barcelona’ feel to the event.
“We have also made some positive changes to the new entrance area of the exhibition hall. The space has been designed to offer a more relaxed arrival experience with two new information & meeting points, lounge style seating and a central activity area,” Barnett concludes.
EIBTM 2013 will take place from 19th – 21st November, a week earlier than in previous years. The EIBTM Forum will take place the day before the exhibition on 18th November. Companies interested in exhibiting at EIBTM 2013 should contact the sales team at eibtm@reedexpo.co.uk or on +44 (0) 20 8910 7711.
Images of the new feature areas can be viewed via the EIBTM Facebook page at www.facebook.com/EIBTMevent/photos_albums - ‘EIBTM New Feature Areas’ album."
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From Sculpture to Street, South Place Hotel Advocates Local Artists |
Thursday, April 25 @ 14:12:27 CDT
"Berlin – Specially commissioned artworks by John-Vincent Aranda and Andrew Martin, a larger-than-life ceramic sculpture by up-and-coming talent Zemer Peled, photographs by Gavin Mitchell and a light installation by George Singer. Which of London’s many art galleries play host to such an exhibition, you ask? Welcome to South Place Hotel in London.
Recently opened in September 2012, South Place is a synthesis of hotel, gallery, restaurants and meeting place. Straddling the City and the East End both in location and concept, South Place is home to a remarkable art collection including several specially-commissioned pieces. As of April, the emphasis on showcasing London’s artistic talent will extend from the hotel into the surrounding neighborhood: guests will be offered street art tours by expert guides, escorting them through the urban landscape and showing them the best of what London has to offer.
www.designhotels.com/south_place_hotel
Ephemeral Art in the East End
Overnight, East London streetscapes are transformed by urban art. Facades, bridges, doors – nearly any structure can become the ‘canvas’. London’s East End is a mecca for street artists and their fans and South Place Hotel now offers guests tours with expert guides who know the best spots and give insight into the vibrant scene. The tour routes change frequently to include new works – which are unpredictable, surprising and always transient.
Opportunity Knocks
A foray through the public space of the hotel is equally rewarding with a multi-media collection spanning photos, installations, sculptures and paintings. Demonstrating its commitment to promoting young local talent, the hotel created an annual South Place Hotel Art Prize. Winners are not only awarded GBP 5,000, their piece is prominently showcased in a street-facing display window for an entire year. Currently Zelem Peled’s ceramic sculpture is on display; the next award will be announced in May, with the winning piece due for installation in early September.
London Calling
Located between Liverpool Street and Moorgate, the 80-room South Place Hotel brings together business, art, design, tradition and innovation – London’s creative energy at its best. The hotel is the first by D&D London, which has over 30 restaurants around the world. Not only did the owners bring their restaurateur expertise to the hotel, but they’ve pulled together bespoke interiors by Conran & Partners within the signature style of Allies and Morrison architects.
Rates from GBP 152"
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Malaysia's Booth-Largest for S.E.A. Region in IT&CM China |
Thursday, April 25 @ 14:11:38 CDT
"MyCEB tops chart with industry partners for highest co-exhibitors in the region
Kuala Lumpur - The Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) will be participating in the Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings China (IT&CM) for the third time. Joined by 15 industry partners including the Sabah Tourism Board, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and Reliance Conventions & Events, the Malaysian booth will have the largest booth for South East Asian (S.E.A) region and fourth largest international booth at the tradeshow.
Due to be held from 17-19 April 2013, IT&CM China will be taking place at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Centre and is expecting to receive more than 3,000 delegates and 700 exhibitors this year. The tradeshow brings together Chinese and international MICE exhibitors and buyers in one dynamic marketplace. It also acts as a platform for industry players to network, showcase and explore business opportunities.
“MyCEB is excited to once again be a part of IT&CM China as it provides Malaysia an opportunity to reach out to international buyers especially the Chinese buyers. With our booth being the largest in the tradeshow, we are confident that we will be able to showcase the best of what Malaysia has to offer when it comes to meetings and incentive. I think that Chinese market will be able to relate to Malaysia as we strike a similar chord through our Chinese heritage and ethnicity. On top of the sense of familiarity, Malaysia’s multicultural element which is unique to Malaysia will definitely interest our audience,” enthused Mr Zulkefli Hj. Sharif, Chief Executive Officer of MyCEB.
China represents a major and influential market for Malaysia. Malaysia’s statistics indicates that tourist arrival from China is top five in the country. The hike in Chinese tourist arrival to Malaysia has resulted in an increase of accessibility to the destination through direct flights from many parts of China. Malaysia is considered as a medium haul destination as most flights between Malaysia and China are about 4 – 7 hours away. The national carrier, Malaysia Airlines provides 30 flights per week to 5 cities in China whilst low-cost carrier, AirAsia/Air Asia X provides 55 flights per week to 7 cities. Recently, more flight routes were added from Guangzhou - Kota Kinabalu by China Southern Airlines and Air Asia has also added Kunming as its destination.
“Last year, we have launched our Corporate & Incentive campaign guide, ‘Malaysia-Asia like never before’ which is also available in Chinese. We have also launched the Malaysia Twin Deal Programme China twice, an indication of how well-received Malaysia is to this market. We are looking for various ways to tap into the Chinese business events market further by appointing a sales and marketing representative offfice in China by second quarter of this year. We also see great potential in clan conferences due to the existence of the strong Chinese culture in Malaysia,” commented Zulkefli.
As part of the Ministry of Tourism’s target to attract 28 million tourist to Malaysia, MyCEB is a also strong supporter of the Tourism Malaysia’s Visit Malaysia Year 2014 campaign. The Bureau hopes to leverage on the campaign as a platform to attract more business events and visitors to support the growth of the business events industry.
To find out more about the Malaysia booth at IT&CM China, visit booth no. A12 or contact MyCEB at +603-20342090 or go to www.myceb.com.my for more information. "
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Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants Brings Successful Pick Your Perks Group Program Back to Florida Hotels |
Thursday, April 25 @ 14:06:31 CDT
"A Distinctive Experience Awaits in Miami, South Beach and Vero Beach with Discounted Rates, Creative Perks, and Inspired Options and Incentives
MIAMI – Back by popular demand, Kimpton’s three Florida hotels are once again offering groups the Pick Your Perks program, helping meeting planners stage more productive meetings while capitalizing on an array of value added perks. EPIC Hotel in downtown Miami; Surfcomber Miami, South Beach; and Vero Beach Hotel & Spa on Florida’s Treasure Coast have once again raised the bar on meetings by offering more inspired options as well as newly expanded and multi-functional event space.
With a new set of offerings, each hotel is giving meeting planners the choice of added perks and incentives that will allow them to customize meetings and deliver a memorable and dynamic experience for all attendees. From yacht excursions and private wine receptions to VIP guestroom upgrades and airport group transfers, planners can choose from a variety of distinctive options, extras and upgrades.
Through the Pick Your Perks meetings program, planners will receive discounted savings based on the number of room nights booked. In addition, based on the total combined group spend, planners will also receive a gift card – ranging from $100 to $1,000. Specific perks available at each Kimpton property in Florida and details about each property’s unique meetings facilities are as follows:
EPIC Hotel, Miami
EPIC recently enhanced its meetings offering with the addition of a Mezzanine Level space that provides groups large and small, with greater choice and flexibility. Bringing the total amount of event space at the hotel to 50,000 sq. ft. with the ability to accommodate events of up to 400, EPIC’s new function space makes the hotel’s offerings among the most comprehensive in the downtown Miami area – from its executive boardrooms and indoor Metropolis ballroom, to its outdoor 16th floor pool deck and EPIC lawn. Specifically, the newly added Mezzanine Level space features four new meeting rooms designed to accommodate smaller groups of 65 to 80, as well as larger gatherings of up to 210 when four of the five rooms are combined to form the hotel’s second ballroom. The new function space also offers supplementary breakout rooms for those groups needing more flexibility, proximity and privacy.
EPIC’s Pick Your Perks meeting program offers planners up to five percent off the master account when consuming a total of 100 room nights or more. Planners can also select two perks from among the following when planning their next meeting at EPIC:
• One hour early check-in (based on availability)
• One hour later check-out (based on availability)
• 50 percent off meeting room rental
• 10 percent off audio/visual equipment
• Up to two VIP guestroom upgrades (based on availability) with welcome amenity
• Complimentary weekend stay for future use
• Complimentary 60-minute massage from Exhale spa
• Complimentary two-hour private yacht cruise departing from EPIC’s private marina
Surfcomber Miami, South Beach
Surfcomber Miami, South Beach, which recently completed a top-to-bottom renovation, offers an ideal South Beach location, ocean views and effortless style for a unique and comfortable meeting setting. With a variety of unique indoor and outdoor meeting spaces boasting natural light and scenic views, the hotel can accommodate up to 500 guests. Surfcomber’s meeting services and amenities include beachside meetings, creative team building options, comprehensive multi-media and audio-visual support, wireless Internet access and more.
Surfcomber’s Pick Your Perks meeting program offers planners five percent off the master account when consuming a total of 50 - 125 room nights and 10 percent off the master account when booking 126 or more room nights. Planners can also select two perks from the below list when planning their meeting at Surfcomber:
• One hour early check-in (meeting planner only)
• One hour later check-out (meeting planner only)
• One category room upgrade for VIP
• Extend your one-hour group cocktail reception, and the second hour of beer and wine is free
• 10 percent off published banquet menu prices
• One round trip airport transfer for VIP
• One per 40 comp policy (cumulative)
• Up to five VIP welcome culinary amenities (chef’s selections)
• Up to five VIP turn down service
• One Hospitality cabana for VIP each day with fruit, snacks, soda, water and juice
Vero Beach Hotel & Spa
Vero Beach Hotel & Spa is an intimate, luxury oceanfront hotel located on Central Florida’s Treasure Coast and surrounded by unobstructed and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel offers two elegant meeting rooms with over 1,500 square feet of meeting space, along with an oceanfront gazebo and patio to accommodate larger groups. Vero Beach Hotel & Spa is perfect for training seminars, executive meetings, social events, spectacular beachfront weddings and more. Meeting services and amenities include creative meeting and event concept consultations, meeting space with natural light, walk out patio and an onsite 24-hour business center with laptop stations and a printer, wireless Internet throughout the hotel, and more.
Vero Beach Hotel & Spa’s Pick Your Perks meeting program offers planners five percent off the master account when booking a total of 25 - 50 room nights and 10 percent off the master account when booking 51 or more room nights. The offer includes:
• One hour early check-in (up to five rooms)
• One hour later check-out (up to five rooms)
• One category room upgrade for VIP
• One hour massage for meeting planner or designee
• Daily early happy hour at Cobalt restaurant (4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.)
In addition, at Vero Beach Hotel & Spa, planners can select two perks from the following list:
• Two complimentary weeknight stays given at group’s discretion to their designee
• One weekend stay for meeting planner
• Private oceanfront wine hour
• Extended cocktail reception with complimentary second hour
• Complimentary roundtrip group transfer from Orlando International Airport
• Reduced valet rates
• 50 percent off room rental fee
The Pick Your Perks meetings offers at EPIC, Surfcomber, and Vero Beach Hotel and Spa are valid on all new group bookings and must be booked between May 1 and September 30, 2013. For full terms, conditions and details, please visit each hotel’s individual websites. For more information on booking a meeting at EPIC, please call 305-967-7337, visit www.epichotel.com or email sales@epichotel.com. To book a meeting or inquire about additional information for Surfcomber, please call 305-779-3802, visit www.surfcomber.com or email sales@surfcomberhotel.com. For more information or to book a meeting at Vero Beach Hotel & Spa, please call 772-469-1074, visit www.verobeachhotelandspa.com or email sales@verobeachhotelandspa.com. To stay up-to-date on the latest news and travel deals, become a fan of the Surfcomber, EPIC and Vero Beach Hotel & Spa Facebook pages or follow us on Twitter and Instagram @KimptonInFL.
ABOUT KIMPTON HOTELS & RESTAURANTS
San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, a collection of boutique hotels and chef-driven restaurants in the US, is an acknowledged industry pioneer and was the first to bring the boutique hotel concept to America. In 1981 Bill Kimpton founded the company that today is well-known for making travelers feel welcomed and comfortable while away from home through authentic and unscripted customer care, stylish ambience and embodying a certain playfulness in its approach to programs and amenities. Adjacent to the hotels are locally-loved, top-rated, Kimpton restaurants. Kimpton leads the hospitality industry in ecological practices through its innovative EarthCare program that spans all hotels and restaurants. Market Metrix, a recognized authority and leader in feedback solutions, consistently ranks Kimpton above other hotel companies in luxury and upper upscale segments for customer satisfaction. Privately held Kimpton was recognized by Fortune Magazine as a Best Company to Work for in 2012. The company operates 58 hotels and 67 restaurants, bars and lounges in 24 cities. For more information visit www.KimptonHotels.com or call 1-800-KIMPTON."
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