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Anaheim Breaks Ground on New Convention Center Plaza New plaza will expand Anaheim Convention Center's outdoor space for groups. AIBTM Adds ROI, RFP Sessions to Education Program Six education sessions on measuring the value of meetings have been added to the learning lineup at the 2012 Americas Meetings & Events Exhibition. IACC White Paper Examines Future Meeting Experiences The International Association of Conference Centers has published a white paper about meetings of the future. IMEX America Survey: Meeting Planners Report Increased Business, Optimism The latest IMEX America Index of Optimism poll shows more business and a more positive outlook among North American meeting professionals. United States Ranked First in International Association Meetings, ICCA Reports The International Congress and Convention Association has released its annual rankings of the world's most popular international association meeting destinations. Obama Administration Issues New Rules for Government Conferences New rules from the White House require federal agencies to cut spending on travel and meetings. 25 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry Join us in recognizing the 25 most influential people in the meetings industry. America's First National Travel and Tourism Strategy Unveiled The Obama Administration has released the nation's first-ever national strategy on travel and tourism. Westin Launches New Business Center Concept, Caters to Small Meetings Westin Hotels & Resorts has introduced a new business center concept, called "Project Hive," for mobile and global business travelers. Three Spa Meeting Tips From Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has released its tips for meeting planners on incorporating spas in the meeting agenda. AIBTM Announces Closing Keynote Speaker Dr. Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa will deliver the closing keynote address at the 2012 Americas Meetings & Events Exhibition. New Trade Show Industry Association Plans Formational First Event The trade show industry's newest association, a merger of EACA and TSEA, will host its first annual meeting in July. IMA Releases Video Response to GSA 'Hats Off' Program The decision to release the video is part of the IMA's effort to aggressively respond to negative portrayals of incentive programs in general. 2012 National Travel & Tourism Week Biggest Ever The U.S. Travel Association's 29th annual National Travel and Tourism Week is the largest to date. ASAE: Reconfigured Spring Events 'Very Successful' Held together for the first time, ASAE's Springtime Expo and Association International Conference attracted more than 3,500 people. Swissôtel Chicago Woos Guests, Meeting Planners with New Tech Offerings A renovation at Swissôtel Chicago includes several interesting high-tech amenities. Midwest's First Five-Diamond Resort Completes Renovation The American Club Resort Hotel in Kohler, Wis., has finished an extensive, multi-phase renovation. Indianapolis Sheraton Plans Meeting Space Makeover The Sheraton Indianapolis at Keystone Crossing has announced plans for a $7 million meeting space renovation. Michigan's Four Winds Casino Announces June Opening for New Hotel Tower The Four Winds Casino Resort in New Buffalo, Mich., will open its new hotel tower on Friday, June 29. Iowa Events Center Showcases Green Thinking The Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau is singing the Iowa Events Center's sustainable praises. Travel Industry Employment Grew in April The travel industry added 7,000 new jobs in April, according to the government's latest jobs report. After Sain's Passing, Visit Orlando Names Interim CEO Following the death of its president and CEO, Visit Orlando has named a new interim leader. Industry Acts to Oppose Anti-GSA Legislation In the wake of the GSA scandal, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events has launched a grassroots campaign to oppose anti-meetings legislation in Congress. Visit Orlando's Gary Sain Dead at 61 Gary Sain, president and CEO of Visit Orlando, died on May 4 at the age of 61. Event Marketing Track Planned for MPI's WEC 2012 The Event Marketing Institute has partnered with Meeting Professionals International to deliver a dedicated event marketing track at MPI's 2012 World Education Congress. Special Events Society Establishes Middle East Chapter The International Society of Special Events has launched a new Middle East Chapter, based in Dubai. Wi-Fi Glossary for Site Inspections Our guide to helping you keep your wires uncrossed on site inspections. Marriott: Planners of Small Meetings Can Now Book Meeting Space, F&B Online Upgrades to Marriott's small meetings booking tool make it easier to plan events for small groups. Sahara Redevelopment Signals Bright Future for Vegas' Northern Strip The shuttered Sahara Hotel and Casino will re-emerge in 2014 as SLS Las Vegas. Wi-Fi Wars: What You Need to Know to Negotiate a Data Plan for Your Next Event How to select the perfect data plan for your group. A Road Warrior's Guide to Travel Tips to stay productive on the ground and in the air. For Spa Meetings, Start With the Goal Spas can be used at meetings to create real results ranging from more engaged employees to lower health care costs. London Calling London makes its final preparations for the Summer Olympics, knowing the benefits will last for years. American Safari Montana's mix of jaw-dropping scenery, unique event spaces, and surprisingly easy access make it a perfect destination for groups. Indianapolis: Walk on the Wild Side The Indy 500 may get pulses racing, but Indianapolis has invested in new green spaces and reinvigorated its hotel product to rev things up for the meetings market. The Risks and Rewards of International Meetings How to mitigate exposure and pull off a successful international program in the face of unforeseen event. A Look at Partial Force Majeure Strategies In hotel contracts in particular, the force majeure clause is a critical one because it can allow a group to completely cancel a meeting contract when an extraordinary event arises. Germany Revisited Leipzig, a trade fair center for 800 years, remains a favorite. 6 Strategies for Masterful Deal-Making Negotiation know-how is the path to success. 3 Days in Denver Here are our picks for how to spend three perfect days in Denver. Recognize and Reverse Professional Burnout Learn to recognize burnout and begin to reverse the effects. Smarter Conference Badges The wireless technology behind contactless credit cards is powering a new generation of convention and trade show credentials. 3 Days in Cincinnati Here are a few of the best ways to spend three days in Cincy. MPI Releases Sustainability Report Based on New CSR Standards for Events Meeting Professionals International has released the event industry's first report based on new corporate social responsibility standards that it helped develop. A Brief Spa 'Menu' Here's a quick guide to spa services for attendees. PCMA Announces Speakers for AIBTM 2012 The Professional Convention Management Association has released its lineup of speakers for the 2012 Americas Meetings and Events Exhibition. IMEX America Partners With MPI to Expand 'Smart Monday' Education Day This year's IMEX America trade show will feature an expanded pre-show educational event, presented by Meeting Professionals International. Pozzle Launches New Version of Event Rewards App The creators of Pozzle, a social rewards app for the events industry, have launched a new version of their software. Beijing, Shanghai Partner in Pursuit of International Meetings The Chinese cities of Beijing and Shanghai have established a strategic partnership in pursuit of meetings business. IAEE Announces Mobile Apps for Members, Meeting Attendees The International Association of Exhibitions and Events has chosen Core-Apps LLC as its exclusive mobile apps partner. Congress Moves to Cut Federal Conference Spending Both the House and the Senate have passed measures to limit federal spending on meetings. MPI Announces 2012 RISE Award Winners Meeting Professionals International has chosen the 2012 recipients of its annual Recognizing Industry Success and Excellence (RISE) Awards. AIBTM to Showcase Cutting-Edge Meetings Technology Reed Travel Exhibitions will introduce a new "Future Events Experience" at AIBTM 2012. Abu Dhabi to Host Next WTTC Global Summit Abu Dhabi will host the 13th World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit, taking place April 8-10, 2013. Business Leaders Prize In-Person Meetings, Cisco Survey Finds A new survey from Cisco shows that business executives place a premium on face-to-face interactions. Green Meeting Standards Available for Bundled Purchase The APEX/ASTM Environmentally Sustainable Meeting Standards are now available for online purchase as a complete compilation. New Association Formed for Midwest Exhibition, Event Professionals Chicago event professionals have formed a new Midwest association for trade shows and events. Art, Business Intersect at New Indianapolis Hotel A first-of-its-kind agreement between an art museum and a developer will turn Indianapolis' new conference hotel into a critically-acclaimed art destination. Cleveland Medical Mart Appoints Staff, Establishes Industry Advisory Board In advance of opening the Cleveland Medical Mart & Convention Center, Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. has hired two new staff and established an Industry Advisory Board. Hyatt Regency Minneapolis Announces Green Aspects of Renovation Its $25 million renovation, currently underway, will include many sustainable features, according to the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis. Chicago's Tasty Catering Named 'Best Place to Work' Chicago-based event planning firm Tasty Catering has been named one of the Windy City's favorite employers. Cvent Names America's Top 100 Meeting Hotels Meetings technology company Cvent has released its list of the top 100 hotels for meetings in the United States. Marriott Reports First-Quarter Increase in Group Business Overall earnings in general, and group business in particular, were up in the first quarter for Marriott International. Tanzania Strengthens Its Tourism Strategy Goal is to build new conference centers. Senate Kills House Plan to Defund Brand USA A Republican plan to strip Brand USA of its funding has failed thanks to Democrats in the U.S. Senate. Rand Paul Attacks Las Vegas Meetings Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) has asked the House of Representatives to investigate all government conferences held in Las Vegas. IMEX in Frankfurt to Include Revamped Association Day In advance of the next IMEX in Frankfurt trade show, the IMEX Group has given IMEX Association Day a makeover. EIBTM Announces Early Bird Exhibitors Although it doesn't take place until November, many exhibitors already have reserved space at EIBTM 2012. Survey: More Women Than Men Appreciate Online Meetings Women are more likely than men to embrace online meetings, finds a new survey from TeamViewer and Harris Interactive. Prime Minister at WTTC Summit: Tourism Is 'Frontier' for Japan Tourism is a key industry in post-earthquake Japan, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda told attendees of the World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit. SmithBucklin to Assist Meeting Venues with Becoming Government Contractors SmithBucklin's event management firm, Courtesy Associates, has introduced a new service to help meeting venues work with government purchasers. Constant Contact Adds Features to Event Management Product Constant Contact has enhanced its event management tool with several new features. GBTA Launches Biz Travel Certification, Includes SMM as Key Competency The Global Business Travel Association has launched the first professional certification for the business travel industry, and strategic meetings management is part of it. Travel Leads Expansion of U.S. Services Exports U.S. exports of services reached record levels in February, led by increases in travel exports. Study: Boundaries Between Work, Home Disappearing The line between work and home is blurring — and that's a good thing, according to executives surveyed in a new study by Forbes. Site Commences Global Education Week The Society of Incentive Travel Executives has launched the first ever Site Global Week of Education to promote continuing education among its members. Congressional Hearings on GSA Scandal Begin Today An April 16 congressional hearing may turn overspending at one government meeting into a high profile election-year issue. Top Productivity, Travel Apps for Overwhelmed Meeting Planners App developer Jason Kirshner has published his list of the top productivity apps, including several travel apps. Pullman Deploys MeetingMatrix Software at Convention Hotels Pullman Hotels and Resorts has deployed MeetingMatrix International's iPlan application across its convention hotels. White Paper Explores Challenges of Wi-Fi, Mobile in the Exhibition Industry A new white paper from the International Association of Exhibitions and Events explores the challenges of providing Wi-Fi at trade shows. Society of Government Meeting Professionals Responds to GSA Incident In its official response to the GSA scandal, the Society of Government Meeting Professionals cautions against a rush to judgment. Business Travel to Fully Recover by Mid-Year, GBTA Predicts Although economic challenges persist, business travel will reach its pre-recession levels by 2012, the Global Business Travel Association predicts. IMEX America Executive Forum: ROI a Top Priority for Meeting Execs Capturing return on investment is a top priority for meetings-industry executives in 2012, according to the inaugural IMEX America Executive Meeting Forum. 3 (Hotels) for the Road in Hong Kong There is never a shortage of hotels in Hong Kong. Here are three noteworthy examples offering killer locations, convenience, and top-notch amenities. AIBTM Hosted Buyer Applications Up 36 Percent Over 2011 Meeting planners are applying en masse to be hosted buyers at the 2012 AIBTM meetings-industry trade show, according to organizer Reed Travel Exhibitions. Loews Hotels Executive Next in Line to Lead MPI Board of Directors Loews Hotels' Michael Dominguez has assumed the position of chair-elect of Meeting Professionals International for the 2012-2013 term. Travel Industry Adds Jobs in March, Slower Growth Expected Ahead The travel industry continues to be a major asset to the U.S. economy, although industry employment is expected to slow in the months ahead. Report: General Business Travel Outpaces Convention Travel A new report by the U.S. Travel Association concludes that transient business travel is recovering faster than meetings and conventions. ASAE Offering New Association Management Certificate The American Society of Association Executives has introduced a "Certificate Program in Association Management" for new association professionals. IACC Awards Conference Center Scholarships to Hospitality Students The International Association of Conference Centers–Americas has awarded three scholarships to students in hospitality programs. Cleveland Announces Five-Year Plan to Improve Travel, Tourism Local tourism officials have announced a five-year plan to improve the visitor experience in Cleveland. 'Pure Michigan' Generates Record $1 Billion in Tourism Michigan's famed "Pure Michigan" advertising campaign generated a record number of visitors and visitor spending in 2011, according to a new study. Veteran Planners Flock to HSMAI's MEET Mid-America More than 800 meeting planners attended MEET Mid-America in Chicago, according to the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International. West Suburban Chicago Welcomes New Marriott A new full-service Marriott hotel has opened in the Chicago suburb of Naperville, Ill. Closed Hotel May Reopen Across from Detroit's Cobo Center Detroit's closed Hotel Pontchartrain could reopen as soon as 2013 across from the Cobo Center. Meetings Industry Responds to GSA Scandal The meetings industry is urging a measured response to reports of wasteful government spending by the General Services Administration. Dallas CVB, Convention Center Up and Running After Freak Tornadoes The meetings industry in Dallas has resumed normal operations following a series of tornadoes in North Texas. Patricia Farias-Barlow Named IAEE's 'Legend of the Industry' The International Association of Exhibitions and Events has selected the CEO of the Puerto Vallarta Convention Center as its 2012 "Legend of the Industry." Los Angeles Tourism Board Changes Name LA INC. is now the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board. Maritz Travel Buys Experient The acquisition aims to bring growth opportunities and stability.