Is The Art Of Live Socializing Dead?

Jeff De Cagna doesn’t think so. De Cagna is an authority on the subject. He is the chief strategist and founder of Principled Innovation, LLC, in Reston, VA. Although the way in which social networking has changed with the utilization of sites like facebook and Twitter, one-on-one interaction has not been taken over completely by on-line networking he said. De Cagna suggests that meeting planners look for reasons why on-line networking seems to be stronger at some events rather than others. He said that we should look for the culprits such as a weak platform or presentations that bore attendees. To overcome this happening at your event, focus on ensuring the presentation is worthy of in-person attendance and networking. For the entire article visit: http://tinyurl.com/yata7u9

W Hotel says Bonjour to Paris Fashion Week!

For the first time, W hotel will be packing their bags in New York City this October, and heading to France to participate in the world renowned Paris Fashion Week. With their W Paris-Opera scheduled to open in 2010, W hotels are taking this opportunity to introduce their brand to the Parisians as well as continue their ongoing project for global expansion. The company will be designing event space in the chic Bastille neighborhood, where various high-profile celebrities and fashion designers will enjoy special performances in-between fashion shows. With the hotel’s prestige reputation of innovative design and passion for fashion, Paris could not have picked a more suitable company to create upscale lounges for their elite.
For more information on W hotel’s involvement in Paris Fashion Week as well as other W hotel properties in the Paris area visit: http://tinyurl.com/o2geeh
Bon Voyage!

The Cure for the Common Hotel

Since 1963, the cure for the common hotel may lie in The Boulder Outlook Hotel & Suites. This independent, mid-to-low priced, full service hotel offers something for the corporate/business and leisure traveler. They provide unique amenities that quench your thirst for adventure with an on-property one-of-a-kind cascading waterfall and bouldering rocks for climbing. In addition to being fun, this hotel is environmentally responsible and is being billed as Colorado’s first ‘zero-waste hotel’ using packaging that can be utilized as compost later, utilizing low-energy lighting, and using recyclable paper keys for the hotel doors. To learn more about this unique venue, go to http://tinyurl.com/lwlrun

Hilton Waikoloa Village - WOW

This island is an exotic haven that caters to the leisure traveler as well as group business. With great hotels and many activities, there is something here for everyone. The Hilton Waikoloa Village offers outstanding service that is warm and friendly has large sleeping rooms, and great meeting space located all together on one level. While they offer snorkeling and many other water sports, they offer a very unique activity allowing guests to swim with their dolphins. This property is also conveniently located near shopping and restaurants. http://tinyurl.com/mfwagw

So Much Beauty In One Place

From the soaring cliffs of the Napoli Coast to the vast chasms of Waimea Canyon, Kauai enchants the senses. Recently we stayed at the Grand Hyatt Kauai and had an incredible experience. With 602 classic Hawaiian guestrooms with balcony’s and over 65,000 sq ft of indoor meeting facilities and 40,000 sq ft of outdoor venues; this property is the perfect meeting location. The Anara Spa and golf facilities are first class. Don’t take my word for it… check it out for yourself! http://tinyurl.com/yc3nfa

The Big Island: Hawaii

This island is an exotic haven that caters to the leisure traveler as well as group business. With great hotels and many activities, there is something here for everyone. The Hilton Waikoloa Village offers a unique activity of swimming with their dolphins, the Fairmont Orchid offers great food & beverage, and the Four Seasons Resort Kailua-Kona is in a class of its own; unbelievable! There is a property to fit every budget on the Big Island and it is meeting friendly! When planning your next meeting or incentive trip, call the pro’s at Meeting Sites Pro. www.meetingsitespro.com

Magic gets a Makeover

Disneyland Hotel undergoes a three year makeover with construction beginning last week. The reason for this transformation is to have guests feel the Disney magic even when they return to their room after visiting the Disneyland parks. The new features in the hotel include a pair of Mickey Mouse hands holding the lights in the dressing rooms and hidden Mickeys in the carpeting. You can also hunt for Tinker Bell as she will be hiding in your room, while your bed headboard lights up giving you the experience of the world-famous Disneyland fireworks above Sleeping Beauty Castle. This makeover is being done in segments, with Dream Tower expected to be completed in June of 2010, jumping to the Magic Tower and over to the Wonder Tower with a total completion in 2012. Former Disneyland Hotel furniture will be sold and the proceeds will be donated to local charities. For more magical details visit http://tinyurl.com/krxzpt

Attractive Marketing Strategy for Thailand

The Tourism Authority of Thailand is hosting a social networking competition to increase Thailand’s global online presence. They are inviting adventurous couples to recite their experiences via social networking sites as well as blogosphere, focusing on what they enjoy about the Thai culture. The five couples chosen will have an all expense paid trip to Thailand. For more information visit http://tinyurl.com/lcp8n2

Thousands Left With No Job

6,000 people lost their jobs after a contract expired between 30 hotels late Monday. “Layoffs” and “overtime” continue to be an on-going concern for the hotel industry. One of the hotels laid off 19% of its staff from November 2008 and March 2009. During this time, a striking 46% of the remaining staff had to work overtime. The union is now asking the hotel to restore the much needed jobs.
http://tinyurl.com/llzw4r

Hay-cations! The latest craze in lodging

In times of recession, the latest trend for lodging in Europe is sleeping on beds of hay. The Zum Alten Marstall in Neckarmülbach, Germany is a Medieval ambience hotel where its staff addresses its male guests as “Knights”. The farm setting allows you to enjoy fresh meats and cheeses. You can also enjoy many outdoor activities such as horse riding, canoeing, mountain biking and even archery! For more information on this Heuhotel (“heu” is German for hay) visit http://tinyurl.com/mcaneq

Business Travelers Give Up Amenities to Cut Costs

According to the New York Times, as the recession unfolds, budget-minded business travelers are shifting to lower-price hotels. The biggest beneficiaries of the shift, are hotels that keep prices down by not offering many extra amenities. This is great news for corporate travel managers trying to hold the line on lodging expenses in a tough economy. http://tinyurl.com/nyd7on