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Marketers Report Increased Allocations, Lower Budgets for Trade Show Exhibits Although marketing budgets have contracted, marketing executives have expanded their allocations to trade show exhibits, finds a new study from the Center for Exhibition Industry Research. DMAI Announces Education Program for 26th Annual Destinations Showcase Destination Marketing Association International will host nearly 1,000 meeting professionals for an expanded education program at its 26th annual Destinations Showcase Conference & Expo. Marriott, Disney, Best Western Invest in Brand USA Marriott International, the Walt Disney Company and Best Western International have each donated $1 million to Brand USA to market the United States to international travelers. Cvent Upgrades Web Survey Solution Meetings technology company Cvent has updated its web survey solution with several new features. New Orleans Hotel Courts a Different Breed of Group Inside New Orleans' 316-room Windsor Court Hotel. Interviewing for That Next Opportunity The president of Meetingjobs.com offers her tips for acing your next job interview. Reporting Guidelines Released for Green Events The Global Reporting Initiative has issued new sustainability reporting guidance for meetings and events. Travel Buyers Still Not Using Strategic Meetings Management A recent survey by Europe's Business Travel Show found that more than half of corporate travel buyers still do not have a strategic meetings management policy in place. Makena Beach & Golf Resort Unveils Nearly $50 Million Rehab Makena Beach & Golf Resort's multi-phase, multi-million-dollar renovation beautified all aspects of its 1,800 majestic acres. Study: Travel, Tourism Promote World Peace A new study by Marriott International shows that travel not only boosts the economy, but also breaks down cultural barriers. Experient Expands Reach to Association, Government Markets Event management company Experient has taken steps to enhance its offerings for association and government meetings. 3 Days in Hong Kong Here's how to have a perfect three days in beautiful Hong Kong. Aruba: Of Business and Beaches Aruba's meetings properties freshen up and highlight their oceanside allure. Keep the Networking Momentum Going In business, making a connection isn't enough—you have to nurture it. A Closer Look at Citywide Meetings For some meetings, the city is the medium. Eastern Excitement: New Developments in Florida  Leo Jakobson The biggest development news on Florida’s East Coast, and really in the whole state, is the Genting Group’s plan for a $3.8-billion casino complex on Miami Beach, but that is far from the only thing happening on the Sunshine State’s Atlantic seaboard.  From the plethora of Art Deco prope Maui, The Magic Isle Honolulu and the island of Oahu might be the most talked-about among meetings stakeholders, but Maui, the second largest of the Hawaiian islands and known as the Magic Isle to many, increasingly is getting its share of attention. Social Compliance: How Pharma Companies Approach Social Media Pharma companies are finding both challenges and opportunities in the brave new world of social networking. PwC: Indianapolis Can Expect Super Bowl Windfall Super Bowl XLVI will generate approximately $150 million in spending for Indianapolis. Kansas City Marriott Downtown Commences Lobby Renovation The Kansas City Marriott Downtown is converting its lobby into Marriott's new "great room" concept, which is expected to improve interaction among meeting attendees. Detroit to Host Sports Event Planners for 2012 TEAMS Conference Detroit will host the next Travel, Events and Management in Sports (TEAMS) Conference & Expo in fall 2012. Westin Plans Cleveland Debut Adjacent to New Convention Center The Crowne Plaza Hotel Cleveland City Centre in downtown Cleveland will re-open in summer 2013 as the Westin Cleveland Convention Center. Milwaukee's Potawatomi Casino Plans 20-Story Hotel The Potawatomi Bingo Casino in Milwaukee plans to begin construction this spring on a $97.5 million hotel. IACC Announces New Vision, Mission Statements The International Association of Conference Centers has created new vision and mission statements that expand the role of its member conference centers. Cvent Introduces Mobile-Friendly Online Registration, Event Websites Meetings technology company Cvent has made several mobile-friendly enhancements to its event management software. 25 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry Join us in recognizing the 25 most influential people in the meetings industry. U.S. Travel Association Launches 'Vote Travel' Campaign for 2012 Election The U.S. Travel Association has launched a year-long initiative intended to raise the travel industry's profile during the 2012 election campaign season. ASAE Launches New Global Associations Committee ASAE has launched a new committee that's dedicated to discussing and advancing the international expansion of American associations. PCMA Confirms Record Attendance at 2012 Annual Meeting Its 2012 annual meeting achieved record attendance, according to the Professional Convention Management Association. Report: Meetings, Events Are Top Priority for Travel Managers in 2012 Meetings and events are a top priority for nearly a quarter of travel managers, finds a new survey by Carlson Wagonlit Travel. QR Codes By the Bay How one San Diego hotel steered city-wide convention attendees to its sales lounge with QR codes. South America to Welcome Site Executive Summit The upcoming Site Executive Summit will take place in Argentina, marking the first time the event has taken place in South America. Obama's Priorities Aid Meetings Industry Geoff Freeman, chief operating officer for the U.S. Travel Association, discusses the president's national travel and tourism strategy. Exhibition Leaders Plan Second All-Industry Summit On Feb. 24, leaders from 17 trade associations will convene in Atlanta for what will be their second all-exhibition-industry summit. Scoping Out Miami's New Museum Park Miami's new 29-acre Museum Park, overlooking Biscayne Bay, will soon be worth a look. A Snapshot of Eastern Florida's Best Beaches Find the right beach for your event. The Pharma Perspective: What Pharmaceutical Companies Think of Social Media Social media poses an interesting challenge for pharma meetings, but that doesn't mean it isn't on planners' radars. 3 Days in Maui Hawaii's Magic Isle offers visitors heavenly beaches, scenic natural wonders, and sweeping vistas. Meetings-Industry Employment Up, MPI Reports Meetings-industry employment is up sharply in the United States and Europe, according to the latest MPI Business Barometer. ALHI Expands to Asia, Adds Six New Members in China Associated Luxury Hotels International has expanded into Asia with the addition of six hotels in China. CORT's Top Event Design Trends of 2012 Designer Richard Carbotti and CORT Event Furnishings have developed a list of the top event design trends for 2012. IAEE Public Events Council Names New Chair The co-owner of Fast Forward Event Productions has been named the 2012 chair of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events' Public Events Council. Copper Services Launches 'YouTube' for Meeting Content Copper Services has launched a "business content catalog" that allows meeting planners to access and monetize meeting content. Marriott, Schrager Announce New Edition Hotels Despite a slow start, Marriott's Edition brand is getting a second chance with five new hotels opening by 2015. TripAdvisor Names Best Hotels of 2012 TripAdvisor has announced the recipients of its 2012 Travelers' Choice awards. President Obama Announces First National Strategy on Travel, Tourism President Barack Obama has announced the United States' first-ever national strategy on travel and tourism. Methods to Maintain Job Security in Insecure Times The president of Meetingjobs.com offers her tips for improving your job security in 2012. International Tourism to Top One Billion in 2012, United Nations Reports International tourism reached record levels in 2011, and is expected to continue growing in 2012, according to a new report from the United Nations' World Tourism Council. IMEX Launches Student Essay Contest for Future Planners Students around the world have been invited to submit their visions for the future of meetings in exchange for a free trip to IMEX in Frankfurt. U.S. Travel Association: U.S. Travel Exports Up 13.5 Percent in 2011 Travel exports were up overall in the first 11 months of the year, according to the U.S. Travel Association. Survey: Travelers Demand Free Hotel Wi-Fi, Complimentary Food and Beverages A new survey from Hotels.com shows that many travelers choose hotels based on their amenities. Iowa Events Center Completes Renovation, Name Change The Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, Iowa, has completed a renovation of its convention center and re-named it in honor of Iowa veterans. Dolce Names New Indy Business Hotel Dolce Hotels and Resorts has named its new downtown Indianapolis hotel The Alexander. Cobo Center Earns Green Venue Certification The Cobo Conference & Exhibition Center in downtown Detroit has earned Green Venues Michigan Steward certification from the Michigan Energy Office. Chicago Hikes Hotel Tax by 1% Chicago has raised its hotel occupancy tax from 15.4 percent to 16.4 percent. Site International Foundation Announces 2012 Leadership The Site International Foundation has named its 2012 International Board of Trustees, including its new president. IACC's Tom Bolman Announces Retirement The International Association of Conference Centers' longtime chief executive will retire at the end of 2012. 2012 Consumer Electronics Show Largest Ever The 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show celebrated a record number of exhibitors and a record number of exhibition space. IACC Appoints Gen Y Board Member The International Association of Conference Centers has appointed a new member to its board of directors to represent the interests of Generations X and Y. Study: Event Attendees Use Social Media for Information, Not Engagement A new survey by Event Survey Group shows that event-specific social networking pages have limited reach. PCMA Reports Record Membership During First Town Hall Meeting The Professional Convention Management Association reached a record level of membership in 2011, it reported at its first-ever Town Hall Meeting with members. Forecast: Group Travel Grew in 2011, Will Slow in 2012 Group travel had a strong 2011, but will be "hard-pressed" to continue growing at high levels in 2012, according to the latest outlook from the Global Business Travel Association. HSMAI Names Top 25 Minds in Hospitality Sales and Marketing The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International has released its ninth annual list of the "Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in Sales and Marketing." Atlanta Finishes 2011 Strong, Books Major Meetings Business Atlanta rung in the New Year by celebrating a significant amount of new meetings business, according to the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau. Former New Orleans Convention Center Chief Dies Ray Liuzza, former chief executive of the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, died on Dec. 24 at the age of 83. Charlotte Hotel Rates Soar in Advance of Democratic National Convention Hotel rates in Charlotte, N.C., have in some cases quadrupled during the Democratic National Convention, according to local media reports. QuickMobile Names PhoCusWright Founder Philip C. Wolf Chairman of the Board The travel industry visionary joins QuickMobile's leadership team as the company focuses on expansion. White Lodging Planning Second Nashville Hotel? White Lodging Services Corp. of Merrillville, Ind., is rumored to be exploring plans to build a new four-star hotel in downtown Nashville. Spirit Airlines Expands Discount Service From Dallas/Fort Worth Beginning this winter, discount carrier Spirit Airlines will service four new markets from Dallas/Fort Worth. PCMA Gives Donald S. Freeman Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award The Professional Convention Management Association has honored Donald S. Freeman Jr. with the PCMA Lifetime Achievement Award. EventMobi Launches Mobile Gaming App for Events Industry EventMobi has launched what it claims is the world's first smartphone-based gaming app designed exclusively for event professionals. Kalahari Resort Unveils Its Newly Expanded Convention Center in Sandusky, Ohio A $22 million expansion doubles size of convention center.  Travel Employment Ends 2011 on High Note Employment in the travel industry rebounded in December, rising by 7,000 to 7.5 million, according to the U.S. Travel Association. Cvent Helps Drive Meetings Business to Mexico Meetings technology company Cvent says its year-long partnership with Mexico Meetings Network has helped increase the flow of meetings and events south of the border. Legendary Entertainment Producer Larry Lee Passes Lee was a noted leader in the Las Vegas entertainment and business community. Virtual Edge Institute Releases Top 7 Predictions for Virtual Meeting Technology in 2012 "The New Year brings new possibilities for virtual meeting technologies and virtual meeting organizers," reports the Virtual Edge Institute. DMAI to Launch New Destination Marketing Website Destination Marketing Association International has selected Miles Media to design a new website for the organization and its DMO membership. Active Network Acquires StarCite Meetings technology company StarCite has been acquired by Active Network, a San Diego-based provider of cloud-based event management applications. Eved Raises $9.5 Million to Expand Web-Based Meetings Marketplace Eved has raised $9.5 million in venture capital to fund an expansion of its web-based meetings marketplace. Loews Hotels Names New President and CEO Effective Jan. 17, Paul W. Whetsell will join Loews Hotels as its new president and CEO. Sabre Partners With Glowpoint to Offer Cloud-Based Videoconferencing Sabre Travel Network has partnered with Glowpoint Inc. to integrate cloud-based videoconferencing into Sabre Virtual Meetings, its videoconferencing booking platform. Hyatt Donates to Kansas City Skywalk Memorial Hyatt Hotels & Resorts has donated $25,000 toward the construction of a memorial at the site of the infamous 1981 skywalk collapse in Kansas City, Mo. Detroit's Cobo Center Adopts Construction Mascot: COBOTRON The Cobo Conference & Exhibition Center in downtown Detroit has a new construction mascot that will present the facility's renovations to visitors. Carlson's Minneapolis Headquarters Earns LEED Certification The world headquarters of hospitality giant Carlson, located in Minneapolis, has earned LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Kansas City CVA Names New Vice President of Convention Sales The Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association in Kansas City, Mo., has hired John Heeney as its new vice president of convention sales. New Ballroom Planned for Historic Fort Wayne Hotel Owners of the historic Embassy Theatre in downtown Fort Wayne, Ind., plan to build a new two-story ballroom at the adjacent hotel. Jan. 24: Airlines Required to Include Taxes, Fees in Advertised Fares Beginning Jan. 24, U.S. airlines will be required to include all government taxes and fees in advertised airfares. HSMAI Announces Dates, Locations for 2012 'MEET' Events The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International has released the 2012 dates and locations of its "MEET" series of events for meeting planners. Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Awarded Four Green Keys For the second year in a row the hotel has achieved this recognition. Virtual Event Trends for 2012 Here's what's in and what's out in the world of virtual meetings. Convention Services Managers of the Year They are your partners, your logistics experts, your go-to people, and here are ?the three best of 2011. Portland and Seattle Are Ramping Up for 2012 The cities of the Pacific Northwest are getting 2012 off to an exciting start. Sustainability, Tar-Heel Style Going green in the land of Carolina blue. Long Beach: A Downtown Anchor Long Beach, CA has been steadily improving the area around the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center for years. 3 Days in Detroit Detroit, no stranger to bootstrapping, is once again carving out a dynamic identity for itself. Contracting for Trouble: What We Can Learn From Muffingate The Muffingate scandal last fall demonstrates the need for clearer meetings contracts. SMMP: An Entry- to Mid-Level Planner's Guide A step-by-step guide to setting up a strategic meetings management program. The Case for Smaller Room Blocks In many cases, the room block stated in the contract is not a hard ceiling on the number of rooms that is available to your group. The Seniority Situation With the majority of workers now retiring later in life and others returning to the workplace after a hiatus, conventional leadership roles often are reversed. Resort Makeovers New builds have stalled, but properties are pumping funds into branded spas, celebrity-chef restaurants, and high-end in-room amenities.