Hyatt Place Macae, Brazil, to open February 2018

Elandis, an international hospitality and real estate ownership, development and property management subsidiary of the Libra Group, announced today that it has completed the structure of Hyatt Place Macaé Hotel in Brazil. The 141-guestroom hotel is a joint project development with an affiliate of Hyatt, and will be located 110 miles northeast of Rio de Janeiro. The oceanfront hotel is slated to open in February 2018.

Hyatt Place Macaé is part of a large master development agreement between an affiliate of Hyatt and Elandis, to develop a total of nine Hyatt Place hotels throughout Brazil. Hyatt Place Macaé is set to be the second Hyatt Place hotel opening, joining Hyatt Place São José do Rio Preto, which opened in November 2016.

“We are excited to be completing the building’s highest floor marking a significant accomplishment in our industry. It is rewarding to reach this milestone within the predefined timeframe,” said Alexandros Kallantzis, Head of Brazil of Elandis. “This hotel will both address the robust business segment of the area, as well as leisure travelers. We see a lot of potential for weekends as well as it is an appealing area that will likely expand in the short-term as a destination.”

Construction of this project commenced in December 2015. With the finalized structure in place and more than half of the construction activities completed, the hotel development is on track.

Centrally located in Cavaleiros, a vibrant beachfront neighborhood, the new ocean-facing Hyatt Place Macaé will additionally feature a rooftop swimming pool with snack bar, a fitness center, more than 1,700 square feet of flexible meeting space, a lobby lounge and restaurant.

Known as an economic hub for the petroleum industry, the city of Macaé services the majority of Brazil’s off-shore oil platforms and serves as the location for numerous global corporations to establish their headquarters.

THE RESORT AT PEDREGAL APPOINTS NEW CHEF DE CUISINES AT TWO PREMIER DINING EXPERIENCES, DON MANUEL’S AND EL FARALLON

The Resort at Pedregal, Los Cabos’ premier Five Diamond and Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star destination resort, is pleased to announce the appointment of two new Chef de Cuisines; Devadip Zahar at Don Manuel’s and Miriam Jimenez Tapia at El Farallon. Known for her fresh, crisp culinary style, Chef Miriam will continue to drive El Farallon’s coastal-inspired, yet elevated menu, while Chef Devadip will bring his culinary talent and knowledge to the table at the resort’s standout restaurant, Don Manuel’s.

El Farallon
Jimenez Tapia, Chef de Cuisine, El Farallon

Devadip Zahar
Devadip Zahar, Chef de Cuisine, Don Manuel’s

“We’re welcoming not one, but two highly regarded Chef de Cuisines to our dynamic culinary team,” said Fernando Flores, general manager. “Chef Devadip’s innovative nature and passion for service sets the stage for Don Manuel’s, which is entrusted with elevating the Los Cabos dining experience. Meanwhile,Chef Miriam’s fresh perspective and superior attention to detail is the ultimate pairing for El Farallon’s ocean-to-table ethos. Together, these top toques embody The Resort at Pedregal’s spirit of unprecedented luxury, sophistication and personalized service.”

With more than nine years of industry talent and culinary expertise, Zahar will be at the helm of the kitchen at Don Manuel’s. He trained at the Superior School of Gastronomy in Mexico City, while dually working at Restaurant Bakéa, and has since worked his way through EUHT St. Pol de Mar school in Barcelona, the MB restaurant at the Live Aqua Resort, Restaurante Oca and more, providing him with a diverse culinary style that melds global cuisine influences with local ingredients. His extensive and notable background has allowed him to share the kitchen and work with prominent chefs, including Chef Vincent Torres, Chef Michelle Bernstein, Michelin-star Chef Mario Gamba and more. Originally from Mexico City, Chef Devadip’s dual passions include experimenting with global techniques and influences and providing exceptional and personalized service to guests.

Tapia started her culinary career at the Universidad Iberoamericana’s culinary arts program in Mexico City, and has since rose through the ranks from a kitchen assistant to the opening teams of Rosewood Mayakoba and Nizuc Resort and Spa’s Terra Nosta. A native of Mexico City, she developed her passion for traveling and discovering new cooking techniques, flavors and smells from her mother and grandfather at a young age. Her diversified culinary style and dedication to creating simple yet elegant cuisine reinforces El Farallon’s commitment to showcasing the freshest and finest locally-sourced ingredients that Los Cabos has to offer.

For more information on The Resort at Pedregal, please visit www.theresortatpedregal.com.

About The Resort at Pedregal, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
The majestic Resort at Pedregal lies on Cabo San Lucas’ most coveted parcel of land – an extraordinary, 24-acre site at the southernmost tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula. The exclusive haven, accessible only by the private Dos Mares tunnel, is just minutes from bustling downtown Cabo San Lucas, yet seemingly worlds apart. The Resort at Pedregal offers unprecedented luxury, sophistication and personalized service from a team of Personal Concierges who are available around- the-clock to assist guests with their requests. The property boasts 113 rooms, suites and multi-bedroom residential style villas including the Dos Mares suites, two beachfront villas, Casa Bella Vista, and the presidential villa. The resort also features an award-winning signature spa, Luna y Mar, in addition to a distinctive dining program with culinary offerings including Don Manuel’s, El Farallon, Crudo and Beach Club.

INTRODUCING CAMP NAVARRO, A HERITAGE EVENT SPACE NESTLED IN THE REDWOODS OF MENDOCINO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

Discover Northern California’s Premier ‘Back to Nature’ Event Facility, a Private 200-acre Property Available for Retreats, Weddings, Festivals, Camps and Creative Events

Under a canopy of centuries old trees, discover a secret hideaway that evokes an idyllic summer camp. Camp Navarro (which operates year round) offers gourmet cuisine, a staff that caters to your every need, and a selection of accommodations—including Teepee Tents, Cabins and Adirondacks, and Campsites—allowing you to be as rustic as you choose while communing with nature in its purest form.

Situated in the lush wine country of Northern California’s Anderson Valley, Camp Navarro comprises over 200 acres of old growth forest nestled along the north fork of the Navarro River. A private camp for more than 100 years, in 2013 it was reborn as a nature retreat and unique event destination. Today, Camp Navarro welcomes groups to enjoy the great outdoors in an unspoiled setting that is not too far removed from civilization and less than a three hour drive from San Francisco.

Owner Dan Braun, an adventure travel guru with more than thirty years of experience in environmental hospitality, explains why he bought the camp, “I was deeply influenced by my fifteen years at a summer camp near Yosemite. Camp Navarro is the dream—a legacy campsite that is blessed with an extraordinary setting in an ancient forest on a river. Guests tell me that sleeping in this expansive yet intimate piece of nature has transformed them forever.”

The campground, which was previously owned by the Boy Scouts, among others, has been upgraded to offer the most complete group camp experience. Everything radiates out from a 10,000 square foot Main Lodge (with a restaurant-quality kitchen that can provide up to 500 dinners at a time). Recent additions to the lodge include a new old growth redwood floor, new bathrooms with hand carved wood sinks, reclaimed redwood railings, a professional sound system and enhanced lighting inside and out. Most immediately noticeable are the new main door to the Lodge and a new massive stairwell, both hand carved by renowned eco-artist Tonu Shane. Other spots for holding events in the camp include an amphitheater and natural gathering places in the redwoods, riverfront meadows and oak-studded grasslands. There is power, Wifi, and event infrastructure throughout the property. Their skilled personnel, including onsite Property Manager Skip Bell, ensure everything runs to perfection.

More than 350 people can sleep in beds, and there are several charming lodging options to pick from, including upscale Teepees and East Coast-style Adirondack cabins that are open to the woods on one side—some of which have been recently converted to four season cabins. Or, fall asleep listening to the river or creek in one of the property’s traditional cabins. Event attendees can also camp on their own within the confines of this redwood Shangri-la, bringing the capacity of the camp up to 1,500 people for larger festivals and events.

Guests will enjoy the woods in comfort, as all beds have upscale memory-foam mattresses and many now have innovative and cozy Rumpl bedding. Meticulous and plentiful restrooms optimize the experience, including 10 new outdoor showers built from repurposed redwood from the property.

On the culinary front, the food is a delightful surprise. Camp Navarro’s Executive Chef and Chef de Cuisine are both veterans of Michelin-starred restaurants. The chefs have fresh produce to work with, supplied by the camp’s new ¼ acre farm that yields vegetables, herbs and flowers. Their 1,800 square foot professional kitchen and catering operation now boasts a large portable BBQ and a convection oven, and outdoors, guest will find a Mugnaini wood-fired pizza oven. When visitors are not picnicking by the river, dining in the Great Hall of the main lodge or barbecuing at their campsite or at one of the many attractive spots around camp, they can drop by the Trading Post Café for a light meal, snack, or cup of artisanal coffee.

No camp would be complete without activities, and Camp Navarro embraces this notion to the fullest. Bonfires, arts and crafts, tug-of-war, volleyball and swimming holes are the expected, but Camp Navarro takes outdoor adventure to the next level. On offer is everything from archery on their private range to yoga and mediation sessions in the most peaceful, earth-connected setting possible, as well as spirit pole carving, outdoor movie screenings, foraging hikes and much more. The Camp Navarro team custom designs the perfect experience for each group, whether the goal is team building or just having a rollicking time. Self-guided hikes through the deep forest, along creeks, and through meadows and grassland are one of the many perks of this magnificent property.

“We have welcomed everything from corporate retreats for the likes of Google and LinkedIn to family-friendly music festivals such as Camp Deep End and Redwood Ramble, and we are the original home of Camp Grounded, the tech free Summer camp that started the Digital Detox movement,” continues Braun. “We also host specialty camps and smaller gatherings, and our weddings are particularly distinctive, given the magical setting and our staff’s attention to detail.”

Minutes from winetasting and close to all that Mendocino County has to offer, including charming boutiques and restaurants, breathtaking beaches and stunning coastline, Camp Navarro’s guests experience California the way it used to be, while their staff’s sensitive stewardship of the land ensures that Camp Navarro will provide that same authentic experience to generations to come.

The rate for a buyout of Camp Navarro differs based upon the time of year. During the low season (December – April), rates run from $5,000 to $20,000+. During the high season (May – November), rates run from $15,000 to $75,000+.

Along the scenic Highway 128 in the heart of Mendocino County’s Anderson Valley Wine Country, the property is a two and a half hour drive from San Francisco and SFO, a three and a half hour drive from Sacramento and SMF airport, and a one and a half hour drive from Santa Rosa and STS airport. There is ample parking for buses, large groups, and trucks, with easy access on and off the highway.

THE RESORT AT PEDREGAL APPOINTS JORGE VILLARREAL AS NEW DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING

The Resort at Pedregal, Los Cabos’ premier Five Diamond, Five Star destination resort, is pleased to welcome Director of Sales and Marketing Jorge Villarreal to the team. In his new role, Villarreal will be responsible for the continued success of the resort where he will oversee all hotel sales, marketing and communication initiatives, directing group sales strategies and implementing target marketing initiatives in order to maximize revenue opportunities and property goals.

“Behind every great resort is a dynamic leader, and Jorge brings unparalleled dedication coupled with his years of industry experience to The Resort at Pedregal,” said General Manager Fernando Flores. “His enthusiasm is contagious and together with our team, he will bring vibrancy to the destination’s leading resort.”

With 20 years of experience in sales director and management roles, Villarreal brings a comprehensive knowledge of the luxury hospitality industry acquired through his extensive background at an assortment of luxury resorts. Most recently, Jorge was the opening director of sales and marketing at The Cape, a Thompson Hotel in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, which under his leadership received various prestigious awards and accolades upon opening. After launching his career at the Hyatt Continental in Acapulco, Mexico, he spent most of his career in Los Cabos, having held various director of sales roles at Villa La Estancia Resorts & Spas, Los Cabos, Presidente InterContinental, Los Cabos, and One&Only Palmilla where he learned from the late visionary hotelier Edward Steiner. Villarreal has a terrific overview of the Mexican hospitality market, having also worked as the director of sales at Villa La Estancia Resorts & Spas, Riviera Nayarit, and Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Cancun.

“I am honored for the opportunity to shine a light on this alluring property that’s such a standout in Los Cabos,” said Jorge. “I look forward to continuing the resort’s success by ushering in a new class of luxury leisure, business and group travelers.”

Villarreal graduated from the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City where he received his degree in Hospitality Management. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf, long-distance running, and exploring new places to travel with his wife, Lupita, and two daughters.

For more information on The Resort at Pedregal, please visit www.theresortatpedregal.com.

MOODY GARDENS REVEALS NEW TREASURES IN AQUARIUM PYRAMID WITH $37 MILLION RENOVATION

Hidden behind the doors of Moody Gardens’ Aquarium Pyramid awaits an awe-inspiring underwater experience that includes a new Humboldt Penguin Habitat, a Mangrove Lagoon touch tank that is home to stingrays and sharks and a multi-level 30,000 gallon Oil Rig Tank.

But, these new treasures won’t remain hidden for much longer. Moody Gardens will host a Grand Reveal May 27, 2017, giving guests their first glimpse into the completed multi-phased $37 million renovation project at the Aquarium Pyramid.

Guests will journey to new depths this summer, exploring the Gulf of Mexico, South Atlantic, South Pacific, North Pacific and the Caribbean. Each ocean exhibit highlights different marine sanctuaries and relationship aspects to the seas with conservation messages that underscore the vital importance of the oceans.

Meet the new Humboldt penguins
Moody Gardens is thrilled to introduce these unique warm-climate penguins that hail from Southern Hemisphere waters from the Antarctic Pole to the Equator. This is the second penguin exhibit at Moody Gardens and the Humboldts are right next door to the South Atlantic Penguin Habitat, home to the King, Gentoo, Chinstrap, Rockhopper and Macaroni penguins. As part of the recent renovations, the South Atlantic Penguin Habitat is newly enhanced to better benefit guests and the health and livelihood of the penguins within.

Gulf of Mexico Rig Exhibit
See the balance of technology and nature through this impressive 30,000 gallon, two-story, 23-foot scale model oil production platform aquarium. These manmade islands provide valuable attachment surfaces for a variety of encrusting organisms to create an entire reef ecosystem found throughout the Gulf of Mexico. This new exhibit includes diver communication for presentations and interaction, further engaging guests in their underwater experience.

The Caribbean
Journeys to the Caribbean begin with the new Mangrove Lagoon. Touch Cownose Stingrays and Bonnethead Sharks as they swim lazily around the jungle of stilt roots that most of the region’s fish call home. Naturalists are on hand to help guests learn more about these important ecosystems. A second touch tank features small fish, Sea Stars, Hermit Crabs, Pencil Urchins and other invertebrates allowing guests to cross the water/air border.

Moody Gardens is highlighting a hidden gem from the Gulf of Mexico. The new Flower Garden Banks Exhibit brings attention to the unique tropical coral reef system found just 115 miles offshore.

With help from the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, guests experience the East Flower Garden Bank, West Flower Garden Bank and Stetson Bank up close and personal. The exhibit includes examples of Brain, Star and Elkhorn coral, to name a few, all of which can be seen on the banks. The Flower Garden Banks reef system is one of the healthiest in the Gulf and Caribbean regions.

Guests are completely immersed in the Caribbean Exhibit with breathtaking views as Sharks, Rays and other tropical fish swim overhead while they walk through the tunnel in this one million-gallon exhibit, giving them the sense of diving in the Caribbean.

New to the exhibit is The Pride, a 19th century rum-runner shipwreck replica, loosely based on the vessel sailed by famed Galveston pirate Jean Lafitte. Divers spent a total of 68.5 hours underwater putting together the ship, which arrived in about 75 individual pieces.

Also new are in-water presentations by Moody Gardens divers. With additions to the exhibit, guests are bound to have questions. Divers are now able to take and answers questions while in the exhibit.

North Pacific Gallery
This exhibit focuses on the high-energy coastline to the west. Seals and Sea Lions are featured prominently alongside other kelp forest inhabitants including Leopard Sharks and the long-lived Rockfish. Jewel aquariums highlight the coastal surge zone, ingenious Giant Pacific Octopus and the relatively unknown deep water coral communities that act as nursery habitat for many commercial fisheries.

And, that’s not all
Don’t miss out on the whimsical and colorful array of soft-bodied predators inside the new Jellyfish Gallery. Lights, sounds and textures further enhance the display of these free swimming coral relatives.

There’s also the South Pacific Biome that showcases the tremendous diversity that is found in the epicenter of the coral reef evolution. Colorful corals, invertebrates, fishes and sharks fill the niche habitats highlighted in the large and small aquarium features.

Guests are able to engage with aquarium staff as they perform essential functions in the working conservation lab. Watch and ask questions as they work in the nursery, perform aquarium water quality tests, necropsies, grow algae as a food source and other functions in their daily lab work.

New exhibits will not only inspire visitor interest and empathy, but also connect visitors to specific ocean habitats, further establishing the Moody Gardens Aquarium Pyramid as the largest and most diverse aquarium in the southwest.

DoubleTree by Hilton Opens in Times Square West

DoubleTree by Hilton, announced the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel New York Times Square West, located in the heart of bustling Manhattan.
The newly-built high-rise hotel is just steps from the Broadway theater district, The Jacob Javits Convention Center, dozens of shops and restaurants, the Empire State Building and many other New York attractions. The 37-story property features 612 modern rooms, each with Theater District-inspired artwork and many offering stunning views of the city or the Hudson River.

“Times Square is the heartbeat of New York City, offering travelers a convenient respite between their business meetings and a thrilling destination to enjoy the theater district, shopping and diverse cuisine options,” said Dianna Vaughan, senior vice president and global head, DoubleTree by Hilton. “We’re delighted to now open this amazing Times Square location, welcoming guests with our signature, warm DoubleTree Cookie and delivering award-winning service throughout their stay.”

Breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline are on the menu at Lovage Rooftop & Indoor Lounge, which offers unique cocktails, light fare and nightly live music until 2 a.m. Delectable dining – for breakfast, lunch and dinner – is available at Magnolia Restaurant, an American Bistro with menu items curated by Executive Chef Brian Pancir, a longtime chef for the New York Yankees and New York Giants. A rarity for a Manhattan hotel, outdoor seating is also available on the patio in front of and behind the hotel.

Beginning with the brand’s warm DoubleTree Cookie welcome, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel New York Times Square West provides guests with stylish décor and thoughtful amenities to make them feel at home. Each guest room features DoubleTree Sweet Dreams® Sleep Experience beds, a work desk with WiFi access and an adjustable desk chair, coffeemaker and a large window that opens. Guests may also order room service; or pick up snacks, sandwiches, salads, beer and wine in the convenient onsite 24-hour Made Market Pantry.

Business meetings and events accommodating up to 75 guests may be held in the hotel’s 1,000 square feet of meeting and banquet facilities. A state-of-the-art sound system and A/V equipment are also available, as is a fully-equipped 24-hour business center.

The hotel also provides a full complement of services and DoubleTree by Hilton brand amenities, including an assortment of gourmet in-room tea and coffee offerings by The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®, and a refreshing array of the Crabtree & Evelyn natural skin and body care line.

“This beautiful new hotel blends the finest, modern features with the caring service and thoughtful touches that will make their stay in New York great,” said Richard Hotter, general manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel New York Times Square West. “Our entire staff is excited to welcome our guests with the simple acts of kindness DoubleTree by Hilton is known for worldwide.”

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel New York Times Square West is part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 14 distinct hotel brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels save time and money and gain instant access to the benefits they care about most, such as an exclusive member discount, free Wi-Fi and a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay. Members can also redeem their Points for free nights, to gain access to unique events through the Hilton Honors auction platform.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel New York Times Square West is located at 350 West 40th Street, New York, New York 10018.
For more information, or to make a reservation, travelers may visit www.newyorktimessquarewest.doubletreebyhilton.com or call 845 732 6466. The property is owned by McSam Hotel Group and managed by Crescent Hotel & Resorts.

Sheraton Miami Airport Hotel Completes $10 Million Renovation

The Sheraton Miami Airport Hotel & Executive Meeting Center, a leading hotel managed by Hersha Hospitality Management, announces completion of an expansive 10 million dollar transformation.  Led by the internationally-recognized hospitality design firm, Puccini Group, these transformational enhancements include; all 405 guestrooms, lobby and outdoor pool as well as the entryway of the property. 

“We believe that this fresh new look will elevate the guest experience at every touch point of our hotel, far above and beyond the convenience of being the closest hotel to the airport and a number of Miami’s most popular attractions,” says Dan McDermott, General Manager of the property.  “This thoughtful and seamless redesign caters to the needs and necessities that are important to the diverse group of travelers we welcome each day at our hotel and Executive Meeting Center.”

The hotel’s transformation blends a modern tropical resort-like experience with the signature Sheraton comfort and convenience that guests have come to find synonymous with the brand. Perfectly located at the gateway of Miami, the 405-room hotel is the closest hotel to Miami Airport, which serves as the largest gateway for Latin America and the Caribbean.  The hotel has direct pedestrian access to both the airport and the Miami Intermodal Center (MIC), which provides direct connections to South Beach and Brickell.  This exciting renovation highlights the property’s sophisticated design, award-winning service, and world-class amenities setting the stage for a unique and memorable hospitality experience that does not just meet but exceeds expectations for business and leisure travelers, alike.

The arrival experience at the hotel begins with a refreshed entryway and porte corche leading into a chic redesigned lobby.  The space is brought to life through the incorporation of striking geometric shapes, colorful aft work and lush greenery.  Plush, contemporary lounge seating is sprinkled throughout, partly screened by partial link walls creating a space that can be both social and semi private in nature. A striking overhead lighting feature opens up the space by drawing attention upward and complementing the vertically integrated greenery.

Stepping outside the rear of the lobby into the outdoor pool area, guests will be immersed in a resort-like experience.  Adjacent to the Miami River and Melreese Golf Course, the hotel’s pool has been transformed into a tropical paradise with indigenous plants, luxurious fabrics and a range of statement seating options.   A unique white sandy beach installation allows guests the opportunity to get a taste of the quintessential south Florida beach experience as they swim, sun and dip their toes in the sand with a cocktail in hand.  Adjacent to this poolside paradise, guests can dine al fresco on the patio of the Rickenbacker, the hotel’s flagship restaurant that serves up a comprehensive menu of creative cocktails and seasonally artisanal cuisine.  Additional indoor dining options include MbarK, where vintage chic meets contemporary design and cocktails can be enjoyed over bistro-style fare. 

Each spacious guestroom has been transformed into a welcoming oasis through modern, clean, and relaxing design elements.  A primarily neutral palette is paired with eclectic furniture pieces and patterns in the form of a custom textile headboard and carefully placed touches of color that add personality and infuse a sense of space that is authentic to Miami.  Each room also features updated bathrooms and signature Sheraton sleep experience alongside additional amenities to the likes of; 37″ flat-screen TV’s, high speed internet, oversized work desk with a Herman Miller ergonomic chair and conveniently placed electrical outlets.  A number of guestrooms also boast sweeping views of Miami.

These transformational property enhancements also include 17,000 square feet of recently renovated, custom-built event space that can cater to groups of 30 to 300 and is conveniently located on a single floor.  As the only International Association of Conference Centers certified hotel in South Florida, meeting planners and business travelers can rest assured in the hands of the hotel’s dedicated IACC-trained staff, including an Executive Meeting Center Concierge.  Additional perks include a 24-hour Club Lounge, fitness center, preferred rates at the renowned Melreese Golf course and complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle.  

NYC SKYLINE TO BE LIT BLUE IN CELEBRATION OF GLOBAL MEETINGS INDUSTRY DAY

NYC & Company, New York City’s official destination marketing organization, is proud to support the Meetings Mean Business Coalition during its second annual Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) on Thursday, April 6. Tomorrow evening in advance of GMID, several spires across the City’s skyline will shine blue, the color of the Meetings Mean Business Coalition, to send a message about the importance of the meetings industry to New York City. In addition, NYC & Company will host a special NYC Talks panel discussion with its membership on Global Meetings Industry Day.

“NYC & Company recognizes the profound impact that face-to-face meetings have on New York City’s five boroughs every year,” said Fred Dixon, NYC & Company’s president and CEO. “With safety a new top priority for planners, we are looking forward to our GMID panel discussion on meeting and event security, reassuring planners and businesses that New York City remains the country’s safest large city to host a meeting or event.”

Tomorrow, NYC & Company will kick off lighting activations on the eve of Global Meetings Industry Day. The spires of the Empire State Building, Four Times Square and One Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan will be lit blue, along with One World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan. This Thursday for Global Meetings Industry Day, NYC & Company will convene its membership for a NYC Talks: Improving Security, Ensuring Success panel at Manhattan Center. In partnership with event security firm T&M Protection Resources, the panel discussion will focus on security strategies and best practices for public and private meetings and events of all sizes.
 
“New York City continues to lead the way in new development that amplifies the delegate experience, from the 1.2 million square-foot Javits Center expansion to an additional 25,000 hotel rooms expected by 2019,” said Jerry Cito, NYC & Company’s Senior Vice President of Convention Development. “As a founding industry supporter of the Meetings Mean Business Coalition, we thank the more than 6 million delegates that choose to Make It NYC each year.”

Additionally, Vornado Realty Trust’s Times Square billboard, the largest digital billboard in the City located on Broadway between 45th and 46th Streets outside the New York Marriott Marquis, will display NYC & Company’s Make It NYC meetings campaign and GMID logos on Thursday. NYC & Company has also provided a social media toolkit to its member base and clients to join the conversation about the meetings industry. To follow and join the conversation about the importance of face-to-face meetings, supporters can use the hashtags #MMBNYC, #GMID17 and #MakeItNYC on Twitter and Instagram.
For more information on planning a meeting or event in New York City, go to nycgo.com/makeitnyc. To learn more about Meetings Mean Business, visitmeetingsmeanbusiness.com.\

Source: NYC & Company

Latino Food Trade Show is On!

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

Virgin Hotels plans New Orleans Hotel

Virgin Hotels, the lifestyle hotel brand by Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson, has announced plans to open and operate a new hotel in the Warehouse District of New Orleans. Expected to break ground in April 2017 and open its doors in early 2019, Virgin Hotels New Orleans will be developed by Dallas-based Gatehouse Capital.

Raul Leal, CEO of Virgin Hotels, commented, “New Orleans is an incredibly special city and one Virgin Hotels has had an eye on from the beginning. The history, the food, the music, the spirit – they all work together to make it a one-of-a-kind destination for both business and leisure travelers. We’re excited to bring the Virgin experience to the Big Easy because it’s a perfect fit in terms of our values and our emphasis on creating unique and immersive experiences for our guests.”

Virgin Hotels New Orleans is situated in the city’s Warehouse District at 550 Baronne Street. The up-and-coming area sits directly next to the Central Business District and is home to a growing number of new restaurants, galleries and shops. The new-build hotel will feature 225 chambers, the brand’s flagship space, The Commons Club, a rooftop pool and lounge, gym, and dedicated meeting and event spaces.

Gatehouse Capital has chosen RTKL Architects, Mathes Brierre Architects, and Broadmoor Construction to complete the hotel. Virgin Hotels’ Vice President of Design Teddy Mayer has also tapped a local design firm to bring an authentic New Orleans flair to the project.

“Gatehouse Capital, whom we are currently working with to develop our Virgin Hotels Dallas property, is an outstanding example of a partner that understands the Virgin vision and can help bring it to life,” said Leal.
Adds Marty Collins, CEO of Gatehouse Capital: “This is the second Virgin Hotel development within our lifestyle platform; and we hope to announce others in the very near future. We look forward to being an even more significant part of Virgin Hotel’s brand expansion.”

Virgin Hotels Chicago is now open and accepting reservations at virginhotels.com, with Nashville, Dallas, Palm Springs, New York, Silicon Valley and others to follow. Virgin Hotels continues to explore hotel and office conversions as well as ground-up development in cities such as Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, Austin, Seattle, San Francisco, Washington DC, and London.

About Virgin Hotels:
Virgin Hotels is a lifestyle hospitality brand that combines heartfelt service, straightforward value and a seamless, personalized hotel experience with the track record of innovation and smart disruption that Sir Richard Branson’s global Virgin Group has pioneered for over 40 years. Each property will intermix a passion for food and beverage with music and culture, fusing with the local landscape and providing a vibrant and inclusive environment for travelers and locals alike. For more information, please visit www.virginhotels.com.

About Gatehouse Capital:
Founded in 1997, Gatehouse Capital is a national real estate investment and development firm that has launched major mixed-use lifestyle developments such as the W Hollywood Hotel and Residences, W Dallas Victory Hotel and Residences, as well as hotels among the Hilton, Marriott and Starwood brands totaling more than $1 billion in development. Gatehouse Capital has a reputation for elevating brands and creating hospitality projects that resonate with their guests and their communities. By partnering with industry leaders and visionaries, Gatehouse continually validates its core mission: to deliver extraordinary projects in every sense, beginning with economic return. More information is available at gatehousecapital.com.

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