HSMAI Presents Sourcebook for Meeting Planners 2006

A Comprehensive Guide and Reference Tool Featuring Valuable Information on all Aspects of Meeting Pl

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. October 14, 2008

MCLEAN, VA, December 15, 2005. In cooperation with Ascend Media, the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) has prepared HSMAI's Sourcebook for Meeting Planners 2006, a valuable and effective resource for meeting planners.

"The Sourcebook is one of the most comprehensive guides available in the field and year-after-year proves to be extremely useful to seasoned meeting planners as well as those just getting into the industry," said Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHA, president and CEO of HSMAI.

The comprehensive Sourcebook features articles from 10 of the comprehensive educational seminars that were presented during HSMAI's Affordable Meetings(R) 2005 shows in Washington, D.C., Chicago, and San Jose, CA. The summaries are based on conversations with the expert speakers who shared their insights and ideas for generating more profitable and productive meetings.

The articles cover vital and fundamental topics for meeting planners such as tips on what to include in a contract and limiting legal liability, sharpening communication skills, creating win-win partnerships with hotels, developing strong program content, marketing meetings with powerful promotional pieces, techniques to help influence decision makers, planning successful food and beverage functions, hot technologies and other important topics.

In addition, the Sourcebook contains a listing of a variety of meeting facilities, convention and visitors bureaus, and an impressive assortment of other meeting products and services. The listings are arranged alphabetically by state, city, or region and include descriptions, addresses, telephone numbers, fax numbers, e-mail addresses, and Web sites.

Designed to assist meeting planners throughout the year, the 2006 Sourcebook was mailed in early December to all 2005 registrants. A limited supply of 2006 Sourcebooks is still available. To request a copy or for exhibitor information at future shows, contact Beth Petersen, show manager, GLM, Ten Bank Street, White Plains, NY 10606-1954, or call (914) 421-3377; fax (914) 948-2918; e-mail: [email protected].

The 2006 Calendar

Meetings industry buyers and suppliers are encouraged to mark their calendars for the 2006 HSMAI's Affordable Meetings(R) shows as follows:

HSMAI's Affordable Meetings(R) Mid-America

March 29 - 30, 2006

Navy Pier, Chicago, IL

HSMAI's Affordable Meetings(R) West

June 14 - 15, 2006

Long Beach Convention Center

Long Beach, CA

HSMAI's Affordable Meetings(R) National

Sept. 6 - 7, 2006

Washington Convention Center

Washington, D.C.

Meeting and event planners attending HSMAI's Affordable Meetings(R) exposition and educational conferences represent a variety of organizations, with a majority from association, corporate and independent sectors. Attendance is free-of-charge for qualified meeting planners.

Each of the HSMAI's Affordable Meetings(R) events offers an exceptional educational component that presents a broad range of topics such as meeting contracts, on-site management, negotiation skills, budgeting, effective communication, technology, marketing, designing a brochure and more. As an added benefit, attendees receive a complimentary spiral bound book containing handouts from all of the seminars.

One of the most appealing components of each HSMAI's Affordable Meetings(R) show is the diverse trade show featuring an abundance of properties and services at all price points. Exhibitors represent hotels and resorts, university conference centers, unique meeting sites, convention and visitor bureaus, transportation companies, trade publications, software and audio/visual businesses, and other meeting and convention suppliers. Prepared to provide the best products and services, exhibitors assist planners by offering cost-effective meeting packages and enticing incentives.

In addition to a broad selection of destinations, hotels and services, the trade show floor features a Speaker's Booth where meeting planners can liaise with industry experts. The HSMAI's Affordable Meetings(R) Bookstore, is a one-stop shopping source for attendees to find the most up-to-date publications and resource materials focusing on the needs of meeting planners at every level of experience. Travel and cash prizes, as well as drawings at many exhibitor booths remain popular attractions.

HSMAI's Affordable Meetings(R) is owned and presented by the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International Americas region and managed by George Little Management, LLC (GLM). HSMAI's Affordable Meetings(R) was named the most popular meetings event according to an online survey conducted by Meetings & Conventions magazine.

For exhibitor information, contact Beth Petersen, show manager, GLM, Ten Bank Street, White Plains, NY 10606-1954, or call (914) 421-3377; fax (914) 948-2918; e-mail: [email protected]. Attendee information is available by calling 1-800-272-SHOW. Additional information and a complete program schedule can be obtained by visiting the show's web site at www.affordablemeetings.com.

HSMAI is an organization of sales and marketing professionals representing all segments of the hospitality industry. With a strong focus on education, HSMAI has become the industry champion in identifying and communicating trends in the hospitality industry, and bringing together customers and members at 15 annual events. Founded in 1927, HSMAI is an individual membership organization comprising nearly 7,000 members worldwide, with 38 chapters in the Americas region.