Former U.S. HUD Secretary Julian Castro to keynote Hispanicize Event

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The organizers of Hispanicize Event, the annual Latino trends event for advertising, social media, film and music, announced today that former U.S. HUD Secretary Julián Castro will serve as keynote speaker of its annual Positive Impact Awards program at the 2018 Hispanicize Event taking place in Miami April 17 -19, 2018.

Now in its fifth year, the Positive Impact Awards is the premier VIP gala event during Hispanicize week celebrating community heroes who have done extraordinary work and championed issues in their communities and nationwide.

Through his lifelong commitment to public service, Secretary Julián Castro embodies the spirit of the Positive Impact Awards. As former U.S. HUD Secretary, it was Castro’s mission to ensure that the department offered everyone new opportunities to thrive in their communities, regardless of their social or economic standing. Previously, Castro served as the Mayor of the City of San Antonio, during which he demonstrated his commitment to improving quality of life through the creation and implementation of SA2020, a community-wide visioning effort that sought to improve housing, health, and environment for the residents of San Antonio with the goal of becoming a world class city by the goal date of 2020. Castro also invested in the future of the community through educational programs, including College Cafe, which offers college guidance to San Antonio Students, and expanded the offering of Pre-K education in the city.

All Suites Brands by Hilton Tri-Brand Conference

Meetings

The three award-winning brands that are part of the All Suites portfolio by Hilton –Embassy Suites by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton andHome2 Suites by Hilton – recognized top hotels and team members as best-in-class performers during the recent All Suites hotel leadership conference held in New Orleans. This marked a significant milestone for the All Suites brands by Hilton, as it was their first joint conference since the creation of the category in 2015.

Additionally, as the first in the hotel industry to implement a soap-recycling brand standard through its Clean the World partnership, the All Suites brands hosted the largest kit-building event during the conference. More than 50,000 kits, consisting of recycled soaps and amenities, were packed and will be distributed to local non-profit charities including Travelers Aid Society of Greater New Orleans, Salvation Army, New Orleans Women’s Shelter, New Orleans Mission and Second Harvest Food Bank.

Over 2,200 attendees participated in the All Suites hotel leadership conference. Embassy Suites by Hilton Springfield, Homewood Suites by Hilton North Houston/Spring, and Home2 Suites by Hilton Milwaukee Airport were awarded the prestigious Connie Award as the top performing hotels for their respective brand. The Connie Award, named after Hilton founder Conrad Hilton, is awarded based on three key components: quality assurance audits measuring cleanliness, condition and brand standards; customer satisfaction scores rating staff service; and the quality of the hotel’s physical accommodations. Each winning hotel will receive a monetary award and a recognition trophy to display on property.

General Manager of the Year and Director of Sales of the Year awards were also presented. Nominated by their colleagues, these individuals were recognized for their exceptional leadership and passionate dedication to achieving the highest level of operational excellence. The winners are:

Embassy Suites by Hilton
General Manager of the Year – Marisol Colon, Embassy Suites by Hilton San Juan Hotel & Casino/Embassy Suites by Hilton Dorado del Mar Beach Resort
Director of Sales of the Year – Michael Spilman, Embassy Suites by Hilton Saratoga Springs

Homewood Suites by Hilton
General Manager of the Year – Jennifer Ross, Homewood Suites by Hilton Plano-Richardson
Director of Sales of the Year – Laureen Cooney, Homewood Suites by Hilton Raleigh/Cary

Home2 Suites by Hilton
General Manager of the Year – David Bohac, Home2 Suites by Hilton Austin North/Near the Domain
Director of the Sales of the Year – Emily Tittle, Home2 Suites by Hilton Austin North/Near the Domain

“Our stellar Team Members go above and beyond to deliver for our guests every day,” said Dianna Vaughan, global head, All Suites brands by Hilton. “These hotels and their staff embody the Hilton vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, and are integral to what has made each of our All Suite brands category leaders.”

With more than 120,000 rooms in its portfolio, the All Suites brands continue to expand their footprint with more than 850 hotels opened domestically and internationally. The brand has 192 owners who have two or more All Suites brands in their portfolio, compared to 118 when the category was launched.

Other top brand recognition awards included Top New Hotel Performance, Excellence in Sales Leadership Award, and Excellence in Operational Leadership. For a complete list of 2017 award winners for each brand, visit the Embassy Suites by Hilton Media Center, Homewood Suites by Hilton Media Center and the Home2 Suites by Hilton Media Center.

16th Annual Hispanic Television Summit returns home to New York Marriott Marquis

Meetings

On Thursday, October 4, 2018, the Annual Hispanic Television Summit will return to the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square, where it was first presented and called home for many years. This will be the sixteenth consecutive year the Summit has been presented by Broadcasting & Cable and Multichannel News, two leading business publications serving the television and video industry. Likewise, the summit has consistently been produced for all 16 years by Schramm Marketing Group, on behalf of these publications. This unique long-standing partnership has earned the annual Hispanic Television Summit a reputation as the leading and most reliable conference for those in the business of providing television and video content to Hispanic audiences domestically, and around the world.

“We are excited to bring the annual Hispanic Television Summit back to where it was first presented in 2002, and where it continued to be presented for much of its history,” said Charlie Weiss, VP, Market Expert – Broadcast, Cable, and Broadband Television NewBay. He continued, “We heard our many sponsors, hundreds of attendees and noted speakers, panelists and celebrity talent who have expressed an interest in seeing the summit return to its roots. We are happy to announce that we are going home.”

The 16th Annual Hispanic Television Summit is expected to include an exciting focus on advertising and digital video distribution, as well as new programming production and audience metrics. The Awards ceremony during the luncheon will again honor corporate and executive leadership as well as present the distinguished Award for Outstanding Achievement in Hispanic Television that honors a leading on-air talent or content creator. Past recipients of these varied awards have included noted personalities like Host, Singer & Actress Lucero; Rafael Amaya; boxing champion and entrepreneur Oscar De La Hoya; Lili Estefan and Raúl De Molina, co-hosts of Univision Network’s “El Gordo y la Flaca”; soccer sportscaster Andrés Cantor; talk show hostess Cristina Saralegui, long-time Sábado Gigante host, Don Francisco; Univision news anchors Jorge Ramos and María Elena Salinas, Telemundo / MSNBC news anchor José Díaz-Balart; news journalist Maria Celeste Arrarás, and advertising executives like Starcom Mediavest Group’s Monica Gadsby and P&G’s Edgar Sandoval, and corporations or organizations including Major League Soccer, Altice USA, Comcast Cable, Verizon, Time Warner Cable (now Spectrum), DISH and AT&T/DIRECTV to name a few.

According to Joe Schramm, the summit’s producer, “This summit is a one-of-a-kind gathering of those in the business of reaching Hispanic viewers and consumers. Past sponsors, speakers and attendees can count on us to once again deliver a valuable and informative event.” Schramm continued, “We already have sponsors committed to this year’s event, and we are now accepting submissions for speakers and panelists.”

For information on the 16th Annual Hispanic Television Summit partnerships and sponsorship opportunities, contact Charlie Weiss at 212-378-0478 or cweiss@nbmedia.com.

SOURCE Broadcasting & Cable and Multichannel News

United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce names Fernand Fernandez interim CEO and President

Meetings, Travel

The Board of Directors of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has named Fernand “Fern” Fernandez interim CEO and President. Mr. Fernandez, former Vice President Global Marketing for American Airlines, was supported unanimously for this interim position.

“I’m humbled by this opportunity and look forward to working with the talented staff, partners and chambers who tirelessly foster Hispanic development,” said Mr. Fernandez. “The USHCC is moving ahead and intends to be stronger than ever, while building trust among our constituents. As an organization we will be inclusive, transparent, and have zero tolerance for sexual misconduct or financial impropriety. The USHCC board and staff is committed to strengthening our partnership with local chambers and our members, and help unite the communities that we serve.”

The USHCC Board of Directors has also established a Governance Committee that together will work with Mr. Fernandez to conduct a national search for a new, permanent CEO and President. “Our goal is to have a transparent and methodical process to ensure that the new CEO and President is representative of the countless Hispanic owned businesses and local chambers that the USHCC represents,” said Mr. Fernandez.

“The USHCC appreciates the overwhelming support we have received from our members and sponsors during this transition,” said Don Salazar, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “We recognize the importance of moving expeditiously to safeguard the credibility and integrity of our organization.”

The U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce serves more than 4.4 million Hispanic businesses and is the voice of the Hispanic business community.

Source: USHCOC

Disney Chairman Bob Chapek announced plans for new attractions around the world

Meetings, Travel

Celebrated stories are coming to life – from a new Marvel-themed attraction set for Disneyland Paris, to Star Wars and Pixar encounters around the world

Today at D23 Expo Japan 2018, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek shared exciting new details about the many ambitious projects underway around the world, from reimagined favorites to entirely new ways that guests can encounter Super Heroes, Jedi, classic characters and life-long Pixar pals.

Building on the tremendous excitement from D23 Expo in Anaheim last July, Chapek welcomed more than 2000 fans to learn more about some of the most anticipated projects in development for guests all over the world. D23 Expo Japan guests were the first to hear that the Marvel Super Hero Universe will come to Disneyland Paris. Guests were also treated to a sneak peek at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land at Walt Disney World Resort and Shanghai Disney Resort, and more.

“We are hard at work creating even more ways to experience Disney magic at our parks and resorts around the world,” said Bob Chapek, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “And with our incredible library of beloved stories and characters, we know exciting adventures and magical memories are in store for all our guests.”

Larger Than Life Super Heroes
Following the news that Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is preparing to incorporate popular stories and characters into Disneyland Paris, Chapek shared that the Marvel Super Hero universe will come to Walt Disney Studios Park, and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will be totally reimagined as a high-speed, hyper-kinetic adventure where guests will team up with Iron Man and their favorite Avengers.

Fans also got a peek into one of the rooms that will open at Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel in 2020. And for those guests who just can’t wait to encounter Marvel at Disneyland Paris, starting this June, Marvel Summer of Super Heroes will bring guests face-to-face with Captain America, Spider-Man, Star-Lord and Black Widow.

Super Heroes have already descended on Hong Kong Disneyland with Iron Man Experience, the most popular attraction at the resort, and more is soon to come with an entire Marvel-themed area underway. Today, Chapek shared new details about the second new Marvel attraction set for Hong Kong Disneyland, where guests will be invited to team up with Ant-Man and The Wasp to fight Arnim Zola and his army of Hydra swarm bots in a thrilling new adventure.

Buzz is also building around Star-Lord and his fellow Guardians of the Galaxy coming to Epcot, where the real becomes fantastic and the fantastic becomes real. This one-of-a-kind family attraction will feature a brand-new, innovative ride system – and will be one of the longest enclosed roller coasters in the world!

Star Wars Comes to Life
After a groundbreaking Star Wars-themed hotel concept was announced last year, fans have been eager to hear more. It will combine a luxury resort with complete immersion into an authentic Star Wars story at Walt Disney World Resort. From the moment guests arrive, their journey through space will begin as everyone boards a starship and departs together for a multi-day Star Wars adventure. Today, Chapek announced it will be seamlessly connected to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Chapek also shared details on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge as it comes to life at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. Fans caught a glimpse of the Millennium Falcon and an impressive fleet of life-size X-wing star fighters, which are being created for the opening of these jaw-dropping new lands. Imagineers are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible as they prepare to place fans in the middle of the action where they can live their own Star Wars stories next year.
Twenty Years of Pixar
For 20 years, Pixar has entertained guests at Disney parks all over the world – from the introduction of It’s Tough to be a Bug! and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Walt Disney World in 1998, to Cars Land at Disney California Adventure in 2012 – Pixar’s iconic storytelling has been a long-time favorite.

This year will surely be the “Year of Pixar” at Disney parks, with Toy Story Land opening at Shanghai Disney Resort in April, and at Walt Disney World Resort this summer. Today, fans were thrilled to learn the highly-anticipated Pixar Pier will open at Disney California Adventure on June 23, including the Incredicoaster and a future attraction themed to Disney•Pixar’s “Inside Out.” Fans also learned that a new Incredibles float will join Paint the Night this June. The popular parade returns to the Disneyland Resort – this time to Disney California Adventure – when Pixar Fest launches on April 13.

Just in time for the 20th Anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, fans also learned that a new, family-friendly show will debut April 22, featuring Russell and Dug from Disney•Pixar’s “Up,” as they discover species of birds from around the world.

Celebrating Classic Disney Stories
Soon, fans will be able to celebrate the mouse that started it all when Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway opens in 2019 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The first-ever ride-through attraction themed to Mickey Mouse will feature a new original story and lovable theme song as it takes guests on a journey inside the wacky and unpredictable world of Disney Channel’s Emmy Award-winning “Mickey Mouse” cartoon shorts using new technologies that transform the two-dimensional cartoon world into an incredible multi-dimensional experience.

Even More Disney Magic Coming to Japan
Chapek shared that starting next year, Adventures by Disney will take guests to the beautiful and storied country of Japan. Guests are also excited about the new experiences coming to Tokyo Disney Resort as part of the biggest expansion since the opening of Tokyo DisneySea. The first-ever attraction inspired by “Big Hero 6” is coming to Tomorrowland at Tokyo Disneyland, where guests will ride around with Baymax. There will also be an entirely new area in Fantasyland themed to “Beauty and the Beast,” with an attraction set to the award-winning music guests know and love. The Fantasyland expansion will also include the first full-scale, live entertainment theatre at Tokyo Disneyland, and Toontown will see a new design studio where guests can meet the one-and-only Minnie Mouse. At Tokyo DisneySea, guests will soon be able to experience a version of Soarin’, one of the most popular attractions across all Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

With so much underway, Disney Parks all over the world continue to elevate the guest experience with one-of-a-kind attractions, lands, entertainment and lodging. For more information, please visit http://aboutdisneyparks.com.

SOURCE: WALT DISNEY

Omni Hotels & Resorts Announces The Opening Of Omni Hotel At The Battery Atlanta

Travel

Omni Hotels & Resorts announces the opening of its newest property, Omni Hotel at The Battery Atlanta. As the official hotel of the Atlanta Braves, the property is located in The Battery Atlanta, the city’s newest mixed-use development and home to SunTrust Park, the Coca-Cola Roxy music venue, shopping, dining and premier office space.

“The Omni Hotel at The Battery Atlanta is our latest partnership in a series of distinct collaborations with high-profile developments adjacent to iconic attractions,” said Jim Caldwell, chief executive officer of Omni Hotels & Resorts. “The Battery Atlanta has established itself as one the South’s most dynamic destinations, and we are honored to join this rich community alongside our world-class partner, the Atlanta Braves.”

Omni Hotel at The Battery Atlanta features 264 well-appointed guest rooms including 28 suites. All suites on the 16th floor, including the Presidential, have private terraces. To complement the endless culinary options within The Battery Atlanta, the hotel will be anchored by Achie’s restaurant from acclaimed Chef Hugh Acheson. As a regional epicenter for meetings and social events, there is more than 20,000 square feet of meeting and event space, including a grand ballroom. Unique amenities also include a pool deck steps from SunTrust Park home plate and a modern retail store featuring fashion and locally-curated art.

“We are thrilled to join an evolving neighborhood and are thankful for the warm welcome we’ve received from the local community and the Atlanta Braves,” said Ramon Reyes, general manager of Omni Hotel at The Battery Atlanta. “Our new Omni associates look forward to welcoming our first guests.”

Omni Hotel at The Battery Atlanta subtly captures the essence of the city of Atlanta and the traditions of the Braves. Shades of red, white and blue inspired by Braves colors accompany custom artwork throughout the hotel. Guest room numbers branded into wood paneling (reminiscent of a baseball bat) and framed antique scouting reports are a few of the details that reflect the local color. Sophisticated design pairs with state-of-the-art technology, as the area is powered by an all-fiber network with the highest-capacity serving any mixed-use community or ballpark in the nation.

The hotel debuts Achie’s, its highly anticipated partnership with James Beard Foundation Award-winning Chef Hugh Acheson. This signature restaurant offers Southern-inspired dishes with locally sourced ingredients. Guests can also enjoy 582 Waterside Lounge & Bar for classic American light bites and handcrafted cocktails. Located 582 feet away from home plate, this fifth-floor pool deck provides the most coveted views of The Battery Atlanta. The plaza level features the hotel’s Lobby Bar, which serves local coffee, cocktails and wine in a social atmosphere for guests and locals alike.

Additionally, Omni Hotel at The Battery Atlanta unveils a distinct retail shop that goes well beyond traditional gift shop selections. South End Trading Company showcases a curated collection of American craft art installations, retro Americana, whimsical baseball items, local art and fashion, a collection of music records and items inspired by the neighboring Coca-Cola Roxy music venue.

For more information, reservations or details on opening travel packages, visit www.omnihotels.com/hotels/atlanta-battery or call (678) 567-7327.

CES 2018: New Technology to Take Your Event to Another Level

Meetings

CES is the world’s largest technology show, if not the largest trade show across the globe. More than 180,000 industry professionals visited last year’s CES in Las Vegas for the annual unveiling of all the latest tech products, from voice-controlled smart homes to transparent trucks. They toss around fancy words like “futurism” and “pioneering thinkers” to describe world-changing innovations. Did we mention the Sony robot dog?

 

While the show always impresses the average consumer, there is incredible new technology that can change the landscape of how you exhibit at your next show or how you engage your audience at your next event.

Here Are A Few Things To Look Out For:

LG 90-Foot OLED Canyon

Massive screens arranged in concave and convex configurations? Yes, please! New commercial display technology creates eye-popping immersive installations, allowing attendees to walk through the experience of waterfalls, blizzards and more, complete with state-of-the-art audio accompaniment.

 

Square-Shaped Light Panels

Enhance your space with touch-controlled square panels

Nanoleaf is announcing its touch-sensitive surface, which you adjust by simply tapping or sliding your finger across the surface. Not only does it create a beautiful backdrop, the panels work with voice and motion sensors to create an immersive sight and sound explosion for your attendees.

 

Virtual And Augmented Reality (VR & AR) Hardware & Software

These technologies remain cutting-edge even in the consumer space, as the tech is so new that it has yet to find any real foothold in the workplace. However, falling costs and increased processing and graphics muscle built into new headsets may well make this area more compelling in the future.

 

Sony 4K OLED TV

The Mother of all projections screens has arrived. If you are a fan of your own living room projection experience, then Sony has you covered with its new 4K projector.

 

Dell Experience

Dell, CES® 2018 Innovation Award recipient, transformed Yardbird restaurant at the Venetian into a product demo showcase that allowed attendees to take a peek at their latest technologies, test their skills at some incredible games and enter a whole new dimension through amazing VR demos. Guests were also invited to step into Dell Cinema via an augmented reality experience.

 

Bell Air Taxis

Talk about future tech, the Bell Air Taxi is debuting at CES this year, showcasing the evolvement of robotic flights.

 

Source: GES

Visit Baltimore Hires Industry Executive as New Chief Operating Officer

Meetings, Travel

Visit Baltimore, the official sales and marketing organization for Baltimore, today announced that destination marketing veteran Charles Jeffers II has joined the organization as chief operating officer.

Jeffers brings more than 20 years of hospitality and destination marketing experience industry to Baltimore, having most recently served as an industry advisor to destination marketing organizations and associations throughout the United States as principal of his own consulting firm The Jeffers Group. Through his previous roles as COO and SVP of Operations at Destinations International and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, respectively, Jeffers possesses a wealth of leadership experience in all aspects of operations, technology, membership, strategic planning, and budget management.

While with the Atlanta CVB, Jeffers led dynamic projects helping to transform the city into an international destination through efforts surrounding the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games inclusive of implementing international exhibits at the city’s welcome center. Understanding the importance of a honed organizational mission, Jeffers led the development of a new strategic “innovation” plan during his tenure with Destinations International while also providing leadership through its CEO transition.

“Visit Baltimore is thrilled to welcome a well-known and respected member of our industry to the team,” said President and CEO Al Hutchinson. “We are confident in his proven ability to steer the operational side of a destination marketing organization, while innovating and creating tailored solutions specific to Baltimore. Charles will be a driving force as we look to expand our international presence, Visitor Center event capabilities, Certified Tourism Ambassador program, and membership growth.”

As COO of Visit Baltimore, Jeffers will lead and manage the Operations and Finance Departments, where he will oversee the operation of the administrative, information technology, research, human resources, accounting, finance and hospitality functions of Visit Baltimore. Jeffers will direct the company’s financial planning, treasury, accounting practices and internal control systems; as well as its relationships with lending institutions, stakeholders and the financial community. He will also be responsible for overseeing the annual Visit Baltimore and City budgets as a major tool of financial and performance management, and for the monthly preparation and analysis of financial reports.

“My new role with Visit Baltimore presents an exciting opportunity to put my personal and professionals passion to work for a bureau and community positioned for growth,’ said Jeffers. “I am honored to join this passionate team in their pursuit to positively impact Baltimore through economic growth generated from the city’s strong tourism portfolio.”

In his career, Jeffers has served on more than nine industry boards including the Meetings Mean Business Coalition, National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners and Destination Marketing Accreditation Program to name a few. He was named one of the ‘Most Influential African Americans in the Meetings/Tourism Industry’ by Black Meetings & Tourism magazine from 2012-2016 consecutively. Jeffers is also a strong civic steward, lending his talents to numerous organizations such as the Meetings Industry Fund, Theater of the Stars, Alpha Pi Alpha Fraternity, the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church and more.

Jeffers earned a Masters of Public Administration from Georgia State University, and a Bachelor of Science in psychology and criminal justice from the American International College.

About Visit Baltimore
Visit Baltimore is the official sales and marketing organization for Baltimore that generates economic benefits for stakeholders through the attraction of convention, group and leisure visitors. For more information, please visit www.baltimore.org.

Source: Visit Baltimore » Read more

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