Category Archives: Meetings

Latino Food Trade Show is On!

Meetings

The Latino Food Trade Show, branded as the World of the Latino Cuisine, will present its 4th edition with a dynamic program on its exhibit floor, culinary demonstrations by celebrity chefs, informative workshops/educational sessions, and great tastings during the Latin Food and Wine Festival on the evening of August 23rd.

This food and beverage show, annually held at the Meadowlands Expo Center, New Jersey/New York Metro Area, features the participation of the largest food and beverage distributors active in the Latino market in the United States, mainstream marketers, domestic producers, and international exhibitors from the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Peru, Dominican Republic, Panama, Spain, and other countries.

It also includes the participation of domestic and foreign buyers.

“The Latino market continues to grow. It has a purchasing power of well over $1.5 trillion dollars,’ explained Bill Colón, lead officer of the World of the Latino Cuisine organization. “Our food and beverage expenditures are close to $180 billion dollars and growing, so it behooves all savvy marketers to participate in the show and take full advantage of their exposure,” added Mr. Colón.

This year the event will also feature the 2nd Annual Latin Food & Wine Festival, as part of the trade show.
The festival will be held after 5:00 p.m. at the same location, on Wednesday, August 23rd, and will include networking, food tastings of all the various Latino cuisines, wine and spirits, and cultural presentations. This section of the show is open to the general public.

This is the largest B2B show for the Latino market anywhere in the U.S. Hundreds of exhibitors and thousands in attendance. It is the only authentic and largest show of this nature in the United States.

If you would like to exhibit, contact Angie Viviel at 973-273-0273.

SOURCE Latino Food Trade Show

THE KIMBELL ART MUSEUM DEBUTS NEW SPANISH-LANGUAGE AUDIO TOUR AND VISITOR INFORMATION ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2, DURING FIESTA DE LA FAMILIA.

Meetings

On Sunday, October 2, the Kimbell Art Museum will officially debut new Spanish-language audio tours and visitor information during the free Fiesta de la Familia.

A recent Pew Research Center Study cited Dallas-Fort Worth as having the sixth-largest Hispanic and Latino population in the United States. Recognizing the changing demographic that the Museum now serves, the Kimbell applied for and received a generous grant from The Hearst Foundation in support of expanding the Museum’s Spanish-language offerings to this important, growing audience. Led by Fort Worth City Councilman and former Mayor Pro Tem, Sal Espino, a volunteer committee of local Latino leaders is assisting the Museum’s staff with navigating the planning and production of the initiative, which they affectionately named “Nuestro Kimbell” (Our Kimbell).

“The Kimbell is renowned around the world for the quality of its art and architecture, and from its inception, the board of directors have emphasized the importance of providing free admission so that all may enjoy its treasures,” commented Eric M. Lee, director of the Kimbell Art Museum. “The ‘Nuestro Kimbell’ Initiative allows us to effectively engage with a broader, vital audience. We’re eternally grateful to The Hearst Foundation, Councilman Espino and the members of the ‘Nuestro Kimbell’ committee for their support.”

Several of the Museum’s free resources have been translated for “Nuestro Kimbell.” The Kimbell’s permanent collection audio tours, for both adults and families, are now available in both English and Spanish on the Museum’s new Acoustiguide Opus listening devices. The recordings are also available for free on personal smart devices via the Kimbell Audio Tour app available in the Apple App Store and Google Play. The permanent collection wall labels describing the works on display have also been translated and are available on the Kimbell App. In addition, the Kimbell’s website,kimbellart.org, now includes kimbellart.org/visita, which provides Spanish translations of the entire “Visit” section. Lastly, the Museum has translated, redesigned and printed Spanish versions of the Museum’s visitor brochures, as well as family gallery guides that facilitate observation and discussion of the art in the galleries. Six gallery guides are provided, with topics including Hispanic Heritage Month, Animals Features, Landscape Details, Sculpture, Portrait Stories and Dia de los Muertos.

Many of the Museum’s visitors’ services staff members are bilingual or are learning basic Spanish to communicate more effectively, and Spanish-language docent-led tours of the permanent collection are available with advanced registration. A new Spanish-language “Nuestro Kimbell”facebook page has launched and will provide updated information about events and Museum information.

Fiesta de la Familia
On Sunday, October 2, 2016, from noon to 5 p.m., during Hispanic Heritage Month, the Kimbell will host an exciting afternoon featuring Latino music and dance performances, face painting, gallery story time, children’s films and art activities. Admission is free.

Kimbell Art Museum
The Kimbell Art Museum, owned and operated by the Kimbell Art Foundation, is internationally renowned for both its collections and for its architecture. The Kimbell’s collections range in period from antiquity to the 20th century and include European masterpieces by artists such as Fra Angelico, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Poussin, Velázquez, Monet, Picasso and Matisse; important collections of Egyptian and classical antiquities; and Asian, African art and the art of the ancient Americas.

The Museum’s 1972 building, designed by the American architect Louis I. Kahn, is widely regarded as one of the outstanding architectural achievements of the modern era. A second building, designed by world-renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano, opened in 2013 and now provides space for special exhibitions, dedicated classrooms and a 289-seat auditorium with excellent acoustics for music.

LOTTE NEW YORK PALACE APPOINTS REBECCA HUBBARD AS NEW GENERAL MANAGER

Meetings

Former Hotel Manager to Lead Iconic Luxury New York City Hotel Under New Ownership by Lotte Hotels & Resorts

Lotte New York Palace announced today the appointment of long time hotel manager, Rebecca Hubbard, as the new General Manager. Hubbard, approaching her five-year anniversary with the property, has established herself as a leading force in maintaining and growing the property’s esteemed reputation through her true passion and extreme dedication.

Hubbard joined the Lotte New York Palace team in 2011, bringing with her an extensive background of over 20 years of experience in the industry. Her roots began in guest service with managerial roles at Manhattan East Suite Hotels, Sheraton New York, Sheraton Manhattan, and The Essex House. At the latter, she served as the Director of Reception, where she led all front office departments, implemented training and orientation programs for all new managers, and was responsible for all financial planning of the reception department. She has since held the prestigious managerial roles of Assistant Rooms Executive and Front Office Manager at The Ritz-Carlton hotels of New York, where she was a leader of all rooms departments, including front of the house, housekeeping, guest recognition, club lounge, spa, and PBX. She also served on the Rooms Advisory Board for Ritz-Carlton for the New York and Boston regions.

Prior to her position at Lotte New York Palace, Hubbard opened Trump SoHo as the Executive Assistant Manager, overseeing the daily operations and budget of the rooms department. This experience helped her to forge a longstanding reputation for exceptional quality and impeccable service, creating a name for herself as she stepped through the doors of Lotte New York Palace.

Hubbard holds a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management from SUNY Plattsburgh in Plattsburgh, New York, and currently resides on the Upper East Side with her husband and two daughters. In her spare time, she enjoys being with her family and exploring museums, restaurants and other cultural offerings in New York City.

About Lotte New York Palace
Lotte New York Palace, a luxury midtown hotel on the corner of 50th & Madison, was acquired by Lotte Hotels & Resorts on August 28, 2015. Previously, the property completed a $140 million redesign in the fall of 2013. The renovation transformed the property’s premier rooms and suites in The Towers, a hotel-within-a-hotel. Additional upgrades included new lobbies, specialty suites and restaurants and bars including Trouble’s Trust, The Lobby Lounge, Tavern on 51, Rarities and Pomme Palais. In addition to 30,000 square feet of updated event space, The Palace is home to private spaces located in the historic Villard Mansion that feature 19th century interiors and are ideal for lavish weddings, events and dinners. With 909 rooms and suites, The Palace is known for unparalleled splendor, spectacular views, spacious rooms and exquisite service. Located across the street from St. Patrick’s Cathedral and only steps from Rockefeller Center — the hotel’s world-renowned courtyard incorporates motifs from several 15th-century Italian cathedrals and has served as the entranceway to the historic Villard Mansion since 1882. Lotte New York Palace gracefully blends the landmark Villard Mansion with a contemporary 55-story tower. Guests can reserve accommodations online at www.lottenypalace.com or contact reservations at (1-800-697-252) or via email:reservations@lottenypalace.com

SW AIR And HACU Now Accepting Applications For The Lanzate Travel Award Program

Meetings

Southwest Airlines, in conjunction with the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), announced that they are accepting applications for the 11th annual “¡Lánzate!/Take Off!” Travel Award program. Online applications will be accepted through May 15, 2015, at www.hacu.net. The program is geared toward Hispanic college students with economic need who pursue higher education at least 200 miles away from home. All applicants must complete an online application including an essay describing their inspiration to pursue a college degree.

 

Educators and education advocates from around the country will form a diverse judging panel this summer to select the 2015 Travel Award recipients. To view the criteria for the 2015 award program, please visit:SWAmedia. Each selected student winner is eligible for up to four roundtrip tickets for use by the student and/or a family member traveling to/from the university.

 

“Over the last 11 years, we have seen more than 700 inspirational students reach their dreams through their pursuit of higher education,” said Christine Ortega, Southwest Airlines Manager of Community Affairs & Grassroots. “We are proud and excited to once again offer this award to encourage the dreams of Hispanic students.”

 

“The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities is proud of its continued partnership with Southwest Airlines ¡Lánzate! Travel Award Program,” said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. “The compelling essays of more than 4,500 students received through the years underline the importance for our students of balancing their education and their families. Through HACU’s partnership with Southwest Airlines, the cost for these students of traveling back home is eliminated, and countless families have received a way to stay connected during their higher education journey.”
More than 1,500 roundtrip tickets on Southwest Airlines have been awarded to students across the nation since the program’s inception in 2005. Learn more at NUTS About Southwest.
ABOUT HACU
The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities represents approximately 450 colleges and universities committed to Hispanic higher education success in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Latin America and Spain. HACU is the only national association representing existing and emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). Information is available at www.hacu.net.
ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
In its 44th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than 46,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually. Southwest operates more than 3,400 flights a day, serving 94 destinations acrossthe United States and six additional countries. Southwest service to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, begins in June 2015; and subject to government approvals, service to Belize City, Belize begins in October 2015.
Based on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s most recent data, Southwest Airlines is the nation’s largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded. The Company operates the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in the world, the majority of which are equipped with satellite-based WiFi providing gate-to-gate connectivity while over the United States. That connectivity enables Customers to use their personal devices to access streaming music provided by Beats Music or to view video on-demand movies and television shows, as well as nearly 20 channels of free, live TV compliments of our valued Partners. Southwest is the only major U.S. airline to offer bags fly free® (first and second checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply), and there are never reservation change fees, although fare differences might apply. In 2014, the airline proudly unveiled a bold new look: Heart. The new aircraft livery, airport experience, and logo, showcase the dedication of Southwest Employees to connect Customers with what’s important in their lives.

 

From its first flights on June 18, 1971, Southwest Airlines launched an era of unprecedented affordability in air travel described by the U.S. Department of Transportation as “The Southwest Effect,” a lowering of fares and increase in passenger traffic whenever the carrier enters new markets. With 42 consecutive years of profitability, Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for a triple bottom line approach that contributes to the carrier’s performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the communities they serve, and an overall commitment to efficiency and the planet. The 2013 Southwest Airlines One Report™ can be found at Southwest.com/citizenship.
Book Southwest Airlines’ low fares online at Southwest.com or by phone at 800-I-FLY-SWA.

Washington, DC Area Hotels Win Five Awards Among Over 100 Hotels Throughout North America

Meetings

Crescent Hotels & Resorts, held its Annual Leadership Conference at the Sheraton Tysons Hotel which concluded with an awards gala celebrating individuals and hotel teams among the over 100 managed properties that excel in guest service, community outreach and financial performance. Of the 31 awards given out, five were presented to hotels in the Washington, DC area.

The Community Outreach Award was given to the Sheraton Reston Hotel and Westin Reston Heights. These two hotels, adjacent to each other, are just minutes from the new Silver Line Metrorail via complimentary shuttle. “We are honored to receive this award, as it not only speaks to the culture of our hotels, but our company as well,” said Claudia Eggspuhler, Complex General Manager, who oversees both locations. “We feel it’s so important to give back to the local community and be a strong community leader.” The hotels participated in a fundraiser event nearly every month of 2014 with hotel team members volunteering their time. The nonprofit charities that the hotels assisted included: American Heart Association, Ronald McDonald Charity Homes, Brides Against Breast Cancer, Locks of Love Hair Donation, Backpack Drive, Wounded Warrior Project, Yellow Ribbon Fund, Toys for Tots and Katherine Hanley Family Shelter.

Harold Bassler, General Manger of the Hilton Crystal City at Washington Reagan National Airport received the General Manager Excellence in Sales Award. “We are particularly proud of this award because it truly showcases our commitment to our customers,” said Tim Bowes, Vice President of Sales. “With our well-known brands and ideal locations throughout the Washington, DC area, it’s easy for our sales teams to bring groups and corporate travelers to our hotels. However, it’s the strong dedication from our general managers that insure the highest level of service is given to our guests once they arrive, and that’s what keep our clients, groups and individual travelers, coming back to our hotels year after year.”

The 2014 Crescent Brightest Star for Leader of the Year Award was given to Butch Tamayo, Banquet Manager at the Sheraton Reston Hotel. “Butch has been with the hotel for over ten years and works closely with all departments of the property to be sure every catering event guest receives the utmost in service, “said Eggspuhler. “He is always going the extra mile. Many of our business and social events come back to the hotel because of Butch.” When given his award, it was noted that while Tamayo’s responsibility is at the Sheraton Reston, he is always the first to volunteer to assist at the hotel’s sister property, The Westin Reston Height, whenever needed – even on his days off.

Marje Jones, also a member of the Reston hotel complex, received an award thanking her for her two years of service on the Sales Marketing And Revenue Team (SMART) Council. Jones holds the position of Complex Director of Sales and Marketing, managing the sales team members for both locations. “The fact that Marje has her hands full, but is still willing to volunteer her time so that all our hotels can benefit from her hospitality expertise shows the kind of person she is,” said Lovell Casiero, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Crescent Hotels & Resorts, who credits the growth of the management company in large part to the high level of talent the company attracts. “I’ve never worked for a company where so many people are willing to work beyond the scope of their own positions, to help their colleagues and the company be successful,” added Casiero.

The last award of the night given to a Washington, DC area hotel was Most Improved Guest Service Score, presented to the Hilton Crystal City at Washington Reagan National Airport team and accepted by Harold Bassler. Less than a year ago, the hotel completed a $12M renovation, including a dramatic refurbishment of the hotel’s 393 guest rooms, convention and meeting space, lobby level as well as having introduced a new food and beverage concept, Oasis, geared to exceeding the needs of today’s traveler. “While our guests love the new look of the hotel, located just over the river from Washington, DC,” stated Sami Zeitoun, Vice President of Operations, “behind the scenes, our team at the Hilton worked diligently to transition the hotel to the gem it is today. We are all very proud of how hard the hotel team worked to usher in an even higher level of guest service for the hotel to match the exciting major physical enhancements of the property.”

Crescent Hotels & Resorts operates over 100 hotels throughout North America, including 15 hotels in the Washington, DC area.

ABOUT STAY IN WASHINGTON DC

Stay in Washington DC includes Crescent Hotels & Resorts’ hotels located in and around Washington, DC. These properties are internationally recognized brands including, Hilton, Hyatt, Sheraton, Westin, Wingate by Wyndham, Radisson, Cambria Hotels & Suites and Best Western. Most hotels are in walking distance to a Metrorail or offer complimentary shuttle service that links guests to the city’s world renowned Metrorail network. All locations offer various dining, shopping and entertainment options just minutes away via walking, complimentary shuttle or Metrorail. Several locations offer award winning restaurants right inside the hotels. For more information, visitwww.stayinwashingtondc.com, like on Facebook.com, follow on www.twitter.com, follow on Instagram, subscribe on YouTube and connect on Google+. #StayinWashDC

ABOUT CRESCENT HOTELS & RESORTS

Crescent Hotels & Resorts is a nationally recognized, top-5 operator of hotels and resorts. Crescent currently operates over 100 hotels and resorts in 36 states in the US and 4 provinces in Canada. Crescent is one of the few elite management companies approved to operate upper-upscale and luxury hotels under the brand families of Marriott, Hilton, Starwood, Hyatt and IHG. Crescent also operates a collection of legendary independent hotels and resorts. Crescent’s clients are made up of hotel REITs, private equity firms and major developers. For more information, please visit www.chrco.com.

The Convention Industry Council (CIC) responds to Governor Mike Pence in response to Indiana’s RFRA law

Meetings

Dear Governor Pence:

On behalf of the Convention Industry Council, I respectfully request that your office continue to work with the general assembly and the hospitality community in the state to adopt corrective language that clarifies that the law does not allow discrimination of any kind against any segment of the population. The Convention Industry Council represents 33 associations in the meetings, conventions, exhibitions and travel industry who collectively represent more than 103,500 individuals and 19,500 firms and properties involved in the meetings, conventions and exhibitions industry.

An unintended consequence of this law has been the reaction of many businesses who are considering not holding future meetings and events in Indiana. Not only would this be harmful to economic well-being of the state, but it would injure the very people who are employed by the hospitality industry and who may be subject to discrimination due to this legislation.

Meeting destinations in Indiana have a reputation for delivering world-class hospitality and service to all visitors and meeting attendees. This legislation does much to harm the view of Indiana as an inclusive and welcoming community.

Thank you for your immediate attention to this important matter.

Regards,

Karen Kotowski, CAE, CMP
Chief Executive Officer

Hispanic Dental Association and MassMutual Team Up to Help Hispanic Oral Care Professionals Reach Economic Success

Meetings

MassMutual collaboration provides financial education to HDA members and Hispanic community across the country

The Hispanic Dental Association (HDA) is pleased to announce the launch of a key strategic collaboration with Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual). The yearlong partnership will allow the HDA to further its mission of providing service, education, advocacy, and leadership intended to eliminate oral health disparities in the Hispanic community. At the same time, this collaboration will allow MassMutual to help raise financial acumen among dental professionals as well as the Hispanic community.

“This collaboration brings key support to dentists and members of the Oral Health Team across the country,” noted David Pena, Jr, Executive Director, Hispanic Dental Association. “We are confident that our partnership with MassMutual will bring valuable information and services to our Members and the Hispanic community across the country.”

As part of this collaboration, MassMutual will provide much-needed support to HDA chapters across the country including Houston, San Antonio, Northern Texas, Los Angeles and Chicago. The strategic collaboration will provide support in the form of financial education via seminars, scholarships for oral care students, recruitment at the professional and student levels via networking events, and community engagement via oral care screenings.

“We are proud to collaborate with the HDA to help Hispanic dental professionals obtain the resources needed to succeed at the personal and professional levels,” said Dr. Chris Mendoza, Vice President, Multicultural Market Development. “At MassMutual, we care about improving the financial literacy of our communities and this collaboration does just that. It not only helps educate Hispanic professionals about finances but also brings much needed oral care support to local Hispanic communities.”

MassMutual’s collaboration with the HDA is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to empower Hispanic consumers by helping them take positive steps toward financial security for themselves and their families.

DoubleTree by Hilton Expands Presence in Jacksonville

Meetings, Travel

DoubleTree by Hilton Jacksonville Airport Opens Following Multi-Million Dollar Transformation

DoubleTree by Hilton announced the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Jacksonville Airport, conveniently located just 200 yards from the main terminal of Jacksonville International Airport. Formerly an independent hotel, the property reopens to guests following a dramatic multi-million dollar renovation that includes modern design updates throughout the lobby, guest rooms, meeting spaces and restaurant. DoubleTree by Hilton Jacksonville Airport is owned by Jax Airport Hotel, LLC and managed by Pyramid Hotel Group.

“As one of the fastest growing hotel brands in the upscale, full service hotel category, expanding our offering in key business and leisure markets like Jacksonville is a priority for DoubleTree by Hilton,” said John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton. “Our second hotel in Jacksonville, DoubleTree by Hilton Jacksonville Airport offers business and leisure travelers a freshly renovated hotel, the little things that mean everything and proximity to the airport and numerous attractions. We look forward to delighting guests with the award-winning DoubleTree by Hilton service culture, which starts with our iconic warm chocolate chip cookie welcome for every guest at check-in.”

The stylish and contemporary 201-room hotel creates a comfortable oasis for business and leisure travelers. The property-wide design updates reflect the region’s contemporary coastal flair, complemented by bright color themes and dark wood accents. In-room and lobby artwork is all custom-made and highlights the area’s beaches and attractions. Unique views of the nearby airport’s runways may also be seen throughout the property.

“This has been an exciting time of transition as we reimage and reintroduce the hotel in the market, while also creating 100 new jobs for the community,” said Robert Atkinson, general manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Jacksonville Airport. “Our dedicated team members look forward to greeting guests at the gateway to Jacksonville, serving our community, and delivering the high-quality services and amenities that have earned the brand a global reputation for excellence.”

During their stay, guests will enjoy all modern amenities, including LCD HDTVs, the inviting Sweet Dreams bed experience and complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel’s public areas and guest rooms. Additional complimentary offerings include a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, 24-hour fitness center with state-of-the-art Precor equipment, 24-hour business center, on-site parking and 24-hour shuttle service to and from the airport.

An enticing menu of American cuisine is served all day long at the contemporary Frequency Restaurant, with signature dishes such as Southern Style Shrimp and Grits and Braised Lamb Shanks. Restaurant guests can enjoy lake and water fountain views, as well as outside patio dining. Guests can also relax with a cocktail before or after dinner at the Frequency Lounge, or enjoy a variety of in-room dining options.

With 11,000 square feet of function space covering three levels of the hotel, DoubleTree by Hilton Jacksonville Airport is an ideal venue for meetings, conferences, weddings, banquets and other business or social events. Two ballrooms, two board rooms and four breakout rooms are suitable for a wide range of audiences and purposes. For smaller group meetings, the hotel offers the Meetings Simplified by DoubleTree by Hilton package from $15.00 per person, which includes the meeting room, basic meeting WiFi, meeting room supplies including a flipchart, markers, extension and power cord, and all day non-alcoholic beverage service.

DoubleTree by Hilton Jacksonville Airport is located close to Interstates 95, 295 and 10, making it easily accessible to numerous Jacksonville attractions, such as the beaches of Amelia Island, bustling River City Marketplace, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, the Anheuser Busch Brewery and Northeast Florida’s more than 70 golf courses. Nearby businesses include the distribution centers for Mercedes Benz, Coach and Jacksonville Aviation Authority.

In addition to the warm chocolate chip cookie welcome, guests will enjoy other DoubleTree by Hilton brand amenities, including an assortment of gourmet in-room tea and coffee choices from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®, the refreshing new Aroma Actives natural skin and body care line, and an industry-recognized service culture built around the idea of CARE, which stands for Create a Rewarding Experience for guests, team members and the community.

As a participant in the Hilton HHonors guest loyalty program, Hilton HHonors members will be able to earn and redeem points with their stay at DoubleTree by Hilton Jacksonville Airport. To mark the opening, the hotel is participating in a Hilton HHonors promotion offering Hilton HHonors members 1,000 bonus points per night for a maximum of 5,000 bonus points for stays completed through April 30, 2015. Based on availability, Gold and Diamond members will enjoy upgrades to the hotel’s exclusive Hilton HHonors floor. Additionally, Diamond Hilton HHonors guests will enjoy complimentary continental breakfasts and bonus Hilton HHonors points during stays and Gold Hilton HHonors guests will have the option of complimentary breakfast or bonus Hilton HHonors points.
DoubleTree by Hilton Jacksonville Airport is located at 2101 Dixie Clipper Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32218. For more information, or to make a reservation, travelers may visit www.jacksonvilleairport.doubletree.com.

About DoubleTree By Hilton
With a fast-growing, global collection of more than 400 upscale hotels in gateway cities, metropolitan areas and vacation destinations across six continents, every little thing we do at DoubleTree by Hilton inspires us to create a rewarding experience for our hotel guests, our team members and the communities we proudly serve. Our hospitality begins with a warm chocolate chip cookie welcome upon arrival and continues with the award-winning Hilton HHonors guest loyalty program, an array of fine services and amenities and our longstanding CARE Culture tradition that empowers team members to provide the special comforts and acts of kindness that make the traveler feel human again.

To make reservations at any DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, travelers may visit our brand website at www.doubletree.com. Social media users may connect with us at www.facebook.com/doubletree, www.twitter.com/doubletree and www.youtube.com/doubletreehotels.

About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxury and full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and focused-service hotels. For 95 years, Hilton Worldwide has been dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences. The company’s portfolio of twelve world-class global brands is comprised of more than 4,250 managed, franchised, owned and leased hotels and timeshare properties, with more than 700,000 rooms in 93 countries and territories, including Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Curio – A Collection by Hilton, Canopy by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages an award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton HHonors®.

About Pyramid Hotel Group
Pyramid Hotel Group is a privately held, Boston-based hotel company with over 55 hotels and resorts under hotel management and asset management, comprising more than 22,000-plus rooms and approximately 8,900 employees. Pyramid Hotel Group, ranked among the largest U.S. hotel management company by independent sources, provides hotel management, asset management and project management services to a broad array of hotel assets ranging from a 90- room select-service hotel to world-class properties with more than 1,000 rooms. Pyramid Hotel Group is a franchisee of all major hotel brand companies and an operator of independent four- and five-star hotels and resorts. Additional information is available at www.pyramidhotelgroup.com.

Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Hosts Hundreds of Athletes For On Island Sporting Events

Meetings

Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa, the only luxury hotel on the Mexican Caribbean Island of Cozumel, welcomed hundreds of athletes in November coming from the U.S., Mexico and abroad to compete in the November 23 GFNY Cozumel and November 30 Ford Ironman Cozumel competitions. The hotel strongly supported both events by hosting seminars for all participants and providing specialized training areas, equipment maintenance and nutritional stations for athletes staying on property.

GFNY Cozumel was a sold-out event with over 1,100 participants from all over the world. More than $50,000 in prizes were awarded among the top men and women’s competitors, which included for men, Yayir de Jesus Jimenez Godinez in first place, Manuel Ayala Balam in second place and Ezra Ward Packard in third place; and for women, Michelle Plipo in first place, Anahi Leon Becerril in second place, and Lisa Mangus in third place. Other prizes awarded included four Cervelo S3 road bikes valued at $5,000 U.S. each, two seven-day Royal Caribbean cruises, helmets by Limar and jewelry from Diamond International.

Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa, a member of Leading Hotels of the World and Virtuoso, offers breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and is located on a half mile of white, sandy beach, surrounded by green vegetation and just steps from one of the world’s largest coral reef systems. Resort amenities include four restaurants and three bars, a world-class spa, 24-hour fitness center, tennis, Scuba Du in-house PADI dive shop and Chiqui Club year-round children’s program. Guests can also enjoy swimming with the dolphins at Chankanaab National Park or golf at the nearby Nicklaus-designed Cozumel Country Club.

For hotel reservations and information, visithttp://www.intercontinentalcozumel.com, or call toll free from the USA (800) 327-0200.

Puerto Vallarta Ready to Host NATJA 2015

Meetings

The Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board, which will host the 2015 North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) 2015 Conference & Marketplace, has confirmed its activities and destination tours agenda for the conference. Designed to showcase the latest in the destination’s infrastructure and tourism offerings, the itinerary will also allow participants to experience the trend-setting adventure and cultural activities that have made the city an international destination and a source of continuous editorial stimulus.

The conference will take place from May 5 to 9, 2015 and is expected to bring over 100 travel industry leaders to Puerto Vallarta, including active journalists and editors from across Canada, the United States and Mexico. Representatives from international destinations and tourism leaders will also participate in the conference.

Register to participate at http://natja.org/conference/ and follow the conference at #NATJAPV15

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