Meet the Editor
We have said good-bye to 2009, and I have to say that I haven’t met too many folks in this industry (or in any industry for that matter) who were sorry to see it go. There seems to be a new air of optimism as we begin 2010, and here at Convention Forum™, we are ready to help you create your best year ever.A great way to plan for success is to create checklists for the things you need or want to do. We can help with that! Will you have a booth at one or more trade shows this year? Does your organization sponsor a trade show? If so, you’ll want to save Robert Byhre’s “Top 10 Tips for Success for Maximizing Trade Show Effectiveness.” You can use these tips yourself and/or pass them along to your exhibitors. Robert is president of Hollenbeck Exhibits, and he has 25 years of experience to back up his tips for success. You’ll find them on page 6. We have another great guest feature article in this edition of Convention Forum™. David Gabri, president and CEO of Associated Luxury Hotels International, has done the research for us and provides us with 20 ways to save money on food and beverage functions. These are time-tested tips that will stretch your budget, “wow” your attendees and keep your boss or client happy. David’s “Cost-Saving Tips for F&B Functions—Now That’s Sweet” is on page 10. Are you looking for a great venue for your next meeting or event? As always, we have plenty of information to point you in the right direction.
This edition of Convention Forum™ includes information on properties in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. There is something for everyone in these 12 states, ranging from big-city convention centers to beach resorts to casinos and even museums. The perfect venue for your next meeting is within the pages of this magazine, so why not get that item checked off your to-do list right now? Our venue listings begin on page 11. Rounding out this edition of Convention Forum™ is the latest news from our readers and our state societies of association executives. If you haven’t joined your state’s society, let me encourage you to look into it. These groups provide valuable networking opportunities for anyone within the hospitality industry and their events are lots of fun, too! Here’s to a Terrific 2010!
Michelle M. Lock
Maverick Marketing LLC
P.S. Don’t miss our “Faces and Places”
feature on page 5. Do you have something
to share? Send your photos and captions to
Convention Forum™today!