Caribbean Meetings, 2009

Although sunny skies still prevail across the Caribbean, like much of the world this region is undergoing stormy times thanks to global economic woes. Most islands were impacted by a downturn in arrivals in 2008  and preliminary tourism numbers coming in for this year also show a decline in travelers. There were bright spots in [...]

Mexico Meetings, 2009

A year made difficult by recession has been complicated in Mexico by violence and the H1N1 virus. However, Mexico is presently undergoing a comprehensive campaign to emphasize the many assets available for group meetings south of the border. Extensive promotion and marketing efforts—plus exceptional packages and concessions—are refocusing the attention of meeting executives on the [...]

Distance Learning for Meeting Groups, 2001

Lights, cameras, action! Looking for a way to bring the meeting to the masses? Or to bring a headline speaker to the meeting? Distance learning may just be the answer. Through traditional technologies such as videocassette, CD-Rom, audiotape, videoconferencing, and audioconferencing, as well as state of the art technologies such as Internet-based programming, you can [...]

Bermuda Meetings, 2002

Association planners might worry about the possibility of hurricanes during a September meeting in the islands but last year the Society of American Travel Writers faced not only a storm but disruptions caused by September 11th. “The amazing job the Bermudians did was incredible,” notes Michigan-based Cynthia Boal Janssens, past president of the association who [...]

Caribbean Meetings, 2001

The sand and surf which are an added bonus for many Caribbean meetings were the chief draw for the DAN Festival, an annual event of the Divers Alert Network (DAN), the world’s largest association of recreational divers. The conference, planned by executive vice president Dan Orr, was held at Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort and [...]

Bermuda Meetings, 2000

When George Meeker looked for a site for his group of 75 attendees to take Harvard continuing medical education courses, he turned to Bermuda for several reasons. “The main reason is the proximity to the East Coast and the fact that it is simple for Canadians to get in and out,” explained the New Hampshire-based [...]

Airport Hotels Ticket to Successful Meetings, 2001

AIRPORT HOTELS TICKET TO SUCCESSFUL MEETINGS by Paris Permenter and John Bigley Location, location, location. The common real estate axiom is no truer than when applied to airport hotels. This network of properties across North America, some located within airport terminals themselves and some within just a few miles of the facilities, offer meeting planners [...]

West Texas Meetings 2003

WEST TEXAS by Paris Permenter & John Bigley Offering Texas’s only mountain range, the country’s second largest canyon, and views that span uninterrupted to the horizon, West Texas is a favorite with groups looking for a getaway that combines convenience and a unique setting. This expansive region–including the cities of El Paso, Odessa, Midland, Abilene, [...]

West Texas Meetings 2007

WEST TEXAS by Paris Permenter & John Bigley Recall the Texas of the big screen and you just might picture West Texas. Miles of rugged plains. Oil derricks on the horizon. Tumblin’ tumbleweeds rolling across a quiet highway. But there’s another side to West Texas as well, one that includes museums, cultural events, an international [...]

West Texas Meetings 2002

WEST TEXAS by Paris Permenter & John Bigley Mention Texas and many attendees picture oil derricks, roads that stretch to the horizon, boundless plains, and rugged terrain. Although that view of the Lone State can’t be seen in many regions of the expansive state, it does accurately describe West Texas, a region that stretches from [...]