ACOM University to be in New Orleans June 1-3, 2006

Representatives from Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVB), Convention Centers, Hotels and the Conve

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. October 14, 2008

PRINCETON JUNCTION, NJ, March 23, 2006. Providing valuable industry insight on issues ranging from crisis management to menu planning, the Association for Convention Operations Management (ACOM) is holding it summer conference, ACOM University, from June 1-3, 2006 at the "W" Hotel in New Orleans, PAUSE, PLAN, PREPARE AND ACHIEVE: A SYLLABUS FOR SERVICE SUCCESS

"ACOM chose this location because as an industry and a hospitality association, it is important to help support the revival of New Orleans," said Larry Wilson, president of ACOM.

The conference is designed for convention services personnel at all levels. "Attending ACOM University is great way to keep up with the latest issues in the industry and provide attendees with the added benefit of being able to network with their peers," Wilson added. "Novices will find the workshop especially beneficial too, because they will learn from industry experts about relevant issues and meet others in the industry who are willing to share their knowledge."

In light of the recent hurricane disaster, ACOM University will feature a panel discussion titled, "Crisis Recovery: What To Do When The Unexpected Happens," that will explore some of the tasks and considerations required for crisis recovery." Participating speakers represent different areas of the industry and include Eric Janecke, Director of Sales & Marketing, Hilton New Orleans Riverside; Keith Levey, Director of Sales, Morial Convention Center; and Kitty Ratcliffe, Executive Vice President, New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau (NOMCVB). Offering a planner's perspective, panelist Mike Chandler, Managing Director, Events, USA Volleyball, will discuss hosting one of the first conventions in the city following Katrina. (All session attendees will receive a revised copy of the NOMCVB's Crisis Management Plan.)

Additional sessions include "Can You Do It? The Operational Side of Every Facility - Prepare Yourself for a Lively Competition," which is being presented by Eric Blanc, CMP, Freeman Companies; as well as sessions on menu planning and business etiquette and how to market yourself to current and potential clients.

As a special follow up to this Menu Planning discussion, ACOM will also offer a Lunch & Learn featuring a chef from the New Orleans School of Cooking. Attendees will be treated to a cooking demonstration of pralines, a local New Orleans favorite, and learn about the history of New Orleans cuisine and how it is an integral part of the city's heritage.

ACOM University also includes a Roundtable Lunch, comprised of two Breakout Sessions geared toward the needs of executives at multiple levels in the industry. Topics will be set just prior to the meeting, based on current industry hot buttons.

"In the convention services industry and ACOM in particular, it's about advancing your skills and helping each other succeed, and this event is a great way to do both," Wilson added.

In order to experience the true tastes and culture of New Orleans, conference attendees are also invited to participate in a fun, laid-back evening of food and festivities are part of ACOM's "Dine Around in the Real New Orleans." Attendees will visit local restaurants, all within walking distance in the French Quarter-and all offering some of the dishes this city is famous for, including Gumbo, Po'Boys, Shrimp. There is a separate fee to attend the Dine Around and due to space limitations, advance registration is required.

To register for ACOM University or learn more about ACOM membership, contact Lynn McCullough at (609) 799-3712, email [email protected] or visit the ACOM website at www.acomonline.org.