April 1, 2009
abilene / Nanci Liles, Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director, was presented the prestigious Tall in Texas award by the Texas Travel Industry Association. The Tall in Texas Award is given annually to an individual who through the sheer force of his or her commitment to and influence upon travel and tourism, has changed the face of the industry on a local, regional or state-wide level. “Nanci is completely deserving of this award, the highest honor in the Texas tourism industry,” said Susan King, State Legislator from District 71. Presenting the award is Brad Wuest, TTIA chairman.
Abilene announces the opening of the Hilton Garden Inn, a full service hotel, with 123 rooms and meeting space to accommodate 250. This new addition to Abilene’s meeting space is ideal for hosting smaller meetings and is located near the Mall of Abilene. Abilene also welcomes the Residence Inn, Comfort Inn, and Wingate by Wyndham. Opening soon are the Candlewood Suites, La Quinta and two Sleep Inns. Abilene now offers 3,200 rooms and is a perfect location for meetings, reunions and corporate retreats.
amarillo / Jerry Holt, VP of the Amarillo Convention & Visitor Council, announced that Jason Harrison, who has been with the council since July 2007, is now leading the sales team as senior sales manager. New to the convention sales staff is Tiffany Redinger. Tiffany, a 2007 graduate of West Texas A&M and most recently with Anderson Merchandisers, covers small markets and corporate sales. Tina Teague, a convention sales manager, has added the SMERF and the agriculture/ranching markets. The Amarillo CVC recently launched a comprehensive new website - www.visitamarillotx.com.
austin / The Hyatt Regency Austin announced the appointment of Eric Love as director of sales & marketing. Before joining the Hyatt Regency Austin, Eric served as associate DOSM for the Hyatt Grand Champions Resort in Palm Springs, CA. Melissa Massito, the hotel’s former DOSM, has accepted the same position at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore.
The Hyatt Regency Austin recently completed a multi-million dollar renovation of its public spaces, suites, meeting space, and dining venues. Specific additions included a state-of-the-art fitness facility, Marker 10 Spirits & Cuisine, SWB, a southwest bistro, and the re-imagined Perks Coffee and More.
The AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center at UT announced that Keith Purcell, formerly VP of sales for LaCorsha Hospitality, has joined the staff as interim director of sales & marketing. Doug Copeland, the center’s DOSM, is on a medical leave of absence.
White Lodging announced that Tom Tabler has accepted the position of GM for the company’s new Westin Austin hotel at the Domain. Scheduled to open in the spring, 2010, the hotel is owned by affiliation of White Lodging and Indianapolis, IN-based Simon Property Group. Tom most recently served as Texas market DOS for Marriott hotels. The Westin Austin at the Domain is located in northwest Austin and will feature 340 guestrooms and suites, indoor pool, fitness center, full-service restaurant and over 13,000 square feet of meeting space.
Leslie Pchola has been appointed GM of the Hilton Austin. An industry veteran with over 20 years of hospitality experience, Leslie will have oversight of the day-to-day operations of the 800 room property located adjacent to the Austin Convention Center. Leslie was previously a hotel manager at the Hilton Chicago.
Leo Spriggs, president/CEO of Hospitality Management Corporation, announced that Michael Barnett has been named GM at the Radisson Hotel Austin-North. Most recently, Michael was the pre-opening GM at a new resort at the Lake of the Ozarks.
Doubletree Hotel Austin-University Area just completed a $5 million renovation and converted to a full-service Doubletree Hotel. The public space renovation was completed in March 2008 and guest room renovations were completed in February.
Brian Payne joined the Austin CVB as the new account director, western region. Brian previously served as national sales manager at the Wynn Las Vegas.
The Intercontinental Stephen F. Austin’s new carpet for the ballroom is now completed. New drapes will be installed within the next few months.
Anne Wilcox, DOS for the Hyatt Place Austin North Central, introduced their new sales manager, Stephanie Boepple.
horseshoe bay / Stuart Fowler was appointed senior account executive for group sales at Horseshoe Bay Resort. He was recently a sales manager at Barton Creek Club & Resort. Kenneth Gorzycki has been appointed director of agronomy at the resort.
lakeway / Bill Karotkin, GM, announced the opening of the new 70-room Hampton Inn and Suites.
san marcos / Embassy Suites San Marcos Hotel, Spa and Conference Center announced the promotion of Mary Joyce to catering sales manager. Mary will be handling social groups up to 25 rooms and catering groups up to 50 people.
beaumont / Despite the national downturn, Beaumont is in the middle of an economic boom. Numerous projects such as new hotels, restaurants and shopping outlets are adding to the city’s growth. Beaumont offers 32 hotels and just over 3,500 hotel rooms citywide.
After being badly damaged by Hurricane Ike in September of 2008, the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Beaumont Plaza celebrated its re-opening March 1, 2009. Other Beaumont hotel news includes the Value Place Motel opens in June, Red Roof Inn is opening in September, the Holiday Inn Express opens in October, and Homewood Suites is scheduled to open in December.
brownsville / The Road to the LPGA’s Duramed FUTURES Tour is coming to Brownsville as the Historic Brownsville Open, April 20-26. The tournament will feature some of the world’s best women golfers competing for a $110,000 purse at Rancho Viejo Resort & Country Club.
corpus christi / Keith Arnold, CEO & president of the Corpus Christi CVB, welcomed Michelle D. Horine as the new communications director. Michelle is a Tarleton State graduate and moved to the Coastal Bend 10 years ago as a news reporter for KZTV and later KRIS, Channel 6. Most recently, she was executive director for the Coastal Bend Wildlife Photo Contest.
dallas / Carol Benavidez, CMP, president of the MPI D/FW chapter, shared this -- “It is with heavy heart that I must pass along some sad news. Peggy LaBounty, one of our dear MPI Chapter Members, has succumbed to her long, hard battle with cancer.” Funeral services for Peggy were held on Thursday, February 12. Peggy had a long career with Marriott International based in the DFW area.
In February, Omni Hotels announced that the brand was officially selected by Dallas City Council to be the operator for the 1,000-room Dallas Convention Center Hotel scheduled to open in 2011. The current design includes over 80,000 square feet of meeting space, several restaurants, lounges and a signature spa. The issue of public funding of the new hotel will be presented to the voters in a May election.
In partnership with American Express, Meeting Professionals International released the initial executive summary of FutureWatch 2009 on www.mpiweb.org. A forward-looking survey of its worldwide membership, FutureWatch focuses on the trends which will affect the meeting and event industry in the next twelve months. This year’s survey set a record with over 2,700 participants.
Meg Fasy, CMP, joined the MPI’s senior management team as the VP of sales and marketplace performance. Meg previously served as VP of venue development for nTAG Interactive. She has also held positions with Event Strategy Group and iBAHN, Inc., Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Philadelphia CVB, and Hyatt.
The Westin City Center Dallas announced the appointment of Andrew Pena as director of sales and marketing. Andrew will oversee the sales and marketing efforts for the 404 guestroom, downtown hotel. Most recently, Andrew was the director of sales for the Renaissance Worthington in downtown Fort Worth.
Freeman recently announced that it has acquired AVT Event Technologies, a leading in-house audio visual provider to hotels in the U.S. John K. Sweeney has joined Freeman’s U.S. audio visual division as VP, hotel sales.
After much anticipation, Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck has officially opened. The Master Chef’s fine dining restaurant illuminates Dallas’s skyline as it sits atop the city’s landmark Reunion Tower. “We are proud to be a part of Dallas’ first-rate culinary scene with the launch of Five Sixty,” said Wolfgang.
Lisa Flick, Creative Cuisine, announced the October opening of the new Trinity Audubon Center which provides two unique building for meetings and events.
The Dallas CVB officially kicked off its involvement in the Professional Convention Management Association’s 54th Annual Convention to be held Dallas in January 2010. The kickoff was held at Ford Stadium Field at SMU in early March and was hosted by Philip Jones, president/CEO of DCVB, and Deborah Sexton, president/CEO of PCMA, headed up the event.
Laura Hallock, regional director of operations, announced Fun Factory Events has been rebranded as FFE TEXAS and recently purchased Superior Exposition Services which became The Trade Show Division of FFE TEXAS. FFE TEXAS now has an in-house office at the Fairmont.
Paula Burton, CMP, has joined Resort Meetings Consortium, a site selection firm for associations and corporations, as director of national accounts. Paula was formerly with the Las Colinas Country Club.
Carole Sharapata has joined Executive Coach, Inc. as senior account manager. Carole was previously with Fun Factory Events.
The Dallas/Fort Worth Area Tour Guide Association has elected the following officers: President-Wally Williamson; VP-Kelly Girnas; Recording Secretary-Charles Jeffreys; Membership-Danielle Michalski; Treasurer-Cheryl Main; Certification Chairperson-Juanita Gonzalez.
The Warwick Melrose Dallas Hotel is celebrating her 85th birthday in 2009. The hotel, which opened in 1924, is more beautiful today than at any time in her past, having just unveiled a multi-million dollar, year-long renovation to its guest rooms and suites. “Every room received a complete makeover,” said Larry McAfee, general manager of the historic Warwick Melrose Dallas.
Circle R Ranch will be profiled in Fortune Magazine’s Small Business feature. Fortune senior writer Patricia Gray interviewed managing partners Steven and Wendy Foster as part of Fortune’s Small Business Makeover segment which included a session with three industry experts who spent the day at Circle R Ranch examining all aspects of company operations.
The Hyatt Regency North Dallas is undergoing a $6 million public space renovation that will be completed in
April 2009.
Lisney Peterson is the latest sales manager to join The Westin Galleria Dallas Hotel, as they complete the staff additions after a 2 year renovation. Lisney has been with Starwood Hotels & Resorts since February 2008. The Westin Galleria Dallas celebrated their Grand Re-Opening with a party for their clients on April 2.
Erlin Evangelista Moya is the new director of sales and revenue management at the Crowne Plaza Dallas near the Galleria. The property also received the award for the Number 1 hotel for December ‘08, January ‘09 and February ‘09 in overall guest satisfaction scores for all Crowne Plazas in the Americas.
Congratulations to Julie Faver-Dylla of the DFW Airport Marriott South. Julie is a 5 time winner of Winegardner & Hammonds annual Platinum Club award. Jeanne Hatcher, sales account manager with the DFW Airport Marriott South, was awarded Platinum Sales Status for 2008. This award is given to top ranking sales account managers in the company.
The Grand Met restaurant, located inside the Grand Hyatt DFW hotel, has opened its new private dining room. It offers an intimate setting for dining, presentations, or other celebrations for up to 24 people.
As the new Wyndham Hotels and Resorts global sales director, Bruce Wolpert, CMP, will handle Corporate and Association clients in Texas and Colorado, plus a key focus on ConferenceDirect associates in the South Central and Midwest states.
irving / Chad Enloe, DOSM for the Omni Mandalay, announced the appointment of Andrew Casperson as their new general manager. Andrew was previously the GM at the W Dallas.
The Irving CVB announced two new additions - Loretta Howard, Texas association sales manager, and Stacey Goldman, national association sales manager.
Lisa Klaker, director of sales and marketing, NYLO Hotel Las Colinas, announced a July 2009 opening. Lisa, formerly GM of Marriott Las Colinas, named Erika Guerrero, formerly with Marriott Las Colinas, as associate DOSM; Charlene Mendez, formerly with Marriott Las Colinas, as sales and service coordinator; Keith Gardner, formerly with Marriott Doral, as sales manager, non-corporate group.
NYLO Las Colinas features 200 guestrooms that include PURE rooms (allergen-free), 7,000 square feet of meeting space including a 3,000 square foot ballroom and a 7,500 square foot courtyard.
grapevine / Great Wolf Lodge announced the opening of its new 20,000 square-foot conference center. The addition of the new facility comes about one year after the opening of Great Wolf Lodge which has since attracted a loyal guest following with its extensive recreational offerings, including indoor and outdoor waterparks and a full-service spa. The property expansion also includes the addition of 203 new guest suites, bringing Great Wolf Lodge’s total to more than 600 guest suites.
Lesley Totten has joined La Buena Vida Vineyards as its event facilitator.
westlake / Nour Lassri has joined the Marriott Solana as general manager.
richardson / Sharon Butler, DOSM for the Hyatt Regency North Dallas, reported that the Hyatt is currently undergoing a $6 million public area renovation that will be completed in April 2009.
plano / Judith Benaroche Johnson, CMP, president & CEO of Rx Worldwide Meetings, Inc., announced that her company recently received national certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise by Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.
Jennifer Young, DOSM, NYLO Plano, announces Kimberly Cole as senior account manager. Kim previously was with Embassy Suites-Tulsa.
Kai Fischer, formerly GM at the Marriott Solana, has been named GM at the Marriott Plano Legacy.
frisco / Mr. Gerry Szczepanski has been named general manager of the new Hilton Garden Inn-Frisco.
Camille Zihlman has been added to the Holiday Inn Frisco staff as their new general manager, Michelle Tokarczyk is the new director of marketing, and Shannon Vizcarra has been brought on board as a new sales manager.
John Q. Hammons celebrated the topping out of the new Courtyard by Marriott Dallas-Frisco Hotel & Conference Center. The nine-story, 228-room/suite hotel and adjoining 15,000 square-foot conference center is scheduled to open in fall 2009. Bob Fugazi, regional VP for John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, introduced Stacy Polk as hotel director of sales and the first member of the facilities’ executive team. An Allen-native, Stacy brings extensive experience with Marriott International, Inc., most recently as western region area DOS, including sales responsibilities for several Courtyard by Marriott hotels.
rockwall / Mark Walsh, director of sales & marketing for the Hilton Bella Harbor Dallas/Rockwall, announced a new sales manager, Joni Cox.
fort worth / The new Omni Fort Worth Hotel celebrated its ceremonial opening in January. Wrapped in glass and sculpted from native stone and rich hardwoods, the 614-room hotel with almost 68,000 square feet of meeting and event space was constructed with a unique design and style that draws upon Fort Worth’s cultural roots and bold Texas flavor to create an unforgettable atmosphere. “This is an exciting day for Omni Hotels and the city of Fort Worth,” said Ed Netzhammer, GM of the Omni Fort Worth Hotel.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation named Fort Worth one of its 2009 Dozen Distinctive Destinations. From dynamic downtowns and stunning architecture to cultural diversity and commitment to historic preservation, the selected destinations boast a richness of character and exude an authentic sense of place. “Fort Worth has successfully merged the appealing flavor of its cowboy heritage with the urban sophistication of its enviable array of artistic resources,” said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Pictured are Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief, Jerre Tracy, executive director Historic Fort Worth, Inc.; Texas First Lady Anita Perry and David DuBois, CMP, CAE, president / CEO of the Fort Worth CVB.
granbury / Charlie McIlvain, executive director of the Granbury CVB, reported a successful Spring Break. “Sun and sand worshippers don’t have to drive all the way to the coast. They can enjoy a great beach here right here in Granbury,” he said. The Granbury City Beach is open to the public on weekends throughout the summer. Charlie also was pleased to report that his sales team has booked 72 events year-to-date in the new Granbury Resort Conference Center.
paradise / Jennifer Wasserman, formerly with the Hilton Bella Harbor in Rockwall, has joined Garrett Creek Ranch as DOSM. Debra Williams, formerly DOSM for the ranch, has launched a new business venture, Retreat Central, with her partner, Jaynie Schultz, who is also the VP of Garrett Creek Ranch. Retreat Central will help summer camps to be successful by selling and marketing their facilities during their non-camp season.
houston / Cindy Paul, DOSM for the Hilton Post Oak, announced the appointment of Sharon Coyle, formerly with Marriott Hotels, as senior sales manager specializing in the corporate marketing, and the promotion of Tricia Manzanares to sales manager responsible for the hotel’s One Stop Shop. The hotel recently completed a major ballroom renovation.
Louise Upshaw-McClenny of Freeman has been named one of the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International’s “Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in Sales and Marketing” for 2008. Honored at HSMAI’s annual Adrian Awards held at the New York Marriott Marquis, Louise was recognized as one of the “best of the best” minds in the hospitality, travel and tourism industries. (Publisher’s note: I agree)
Following an extensive remodel, Skyline, located on the 24th floor of the Hilton Americas-Houston, is now open as Houston’s newest scenic venue for social events from 20 - 200. With its sweeping panoramic view of the downtown cityscape, Skyline offers the ultimate space for all events.
Raymond Vermolen has been named general manager of the InterContinental Houston. Raymond joins InterContinental Houston after serving as GM of the InterContinental Los Angeles Century City.
Wendy Keim has taken on the role of business travel sales manager at Hotel Sorella. Wendy joins the pre-opening team of the 244-room, luxury property, which is located in close proximity to Houston’s Westchase and Energy Corridor business districts. Debuting in July 2009, the hotel will serve as a flagship for the Sorella brand, an inspired hospitality concept from Houston-based Valencia Group, as well as a key anchor for CITYCENTRE, a dynamic, pedestrian-friendly mixed-use development also under construction. Prior to joining Hotel Sorella, Wendy was with the DoubleTree Hotel Houston Intercontinental Airport.
Amanda Jonker, sales and catering service manager at The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa, has earned the designation of certified meeting professional.
Chris Miller has transferred to the Four Points by Sheraton | Sheraton Hotels & Resorts | Westin Hotels & Resorts Hotel Complex in Houston to be the complex director of sales and marketing. Chris was previously with the Westin Park Central in Dallas.
A $15,000 donation was presented to the Greater Houston Community Foundation on behalf of Hilton Hotels Corporation, to assist victims of Hurricane Ike in Houston and in the surrounding areas.
lake conroe / La Torretta Del Lago debuted their signature fine-dining restaurant Chez Roux with the help of Master Chef Albert Roux who was visiting from Europe. The restaurant, which provides spectacular sunset views of Lake Conroe, serves contemporary French fare prepared using local ingredients. In early March, the hotel unveiled their new European-style 17,000 square-foot full-service spa.
the woodlands / Benchmark Hospitality has received five international Adrian Awards for excellence in sales, marketing and public relations programming. Included were Gold, Silver and Bronze awards. “This recognition is a great honor for Benchmark Hospitality’s sales & marketing organization,” said Eric Terry, VP sales & marketing. Benchmark announced the appointment of Alex White as director of training.
The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center is the only Texas conference center to receive the Paragon award from readers of Corporate Meetings & Incentives magazine. The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center also received the 2008 Prime Site Award by Facilities & Destinations Conference Magazine.
clear lake / South Shore Harbour Resort and Conference Center has just completed the renovation of guest rooms.
bay area houston / The Bay Area Houston CVB wants to debunk a few “Hurricane Ike Myths.” Myth One: “I heard that the bay was so full of sunken boats that you could walk from one end of the bay to the other. Where is everyone going to sail now?” Fact: The sunken boats have been cleared by the Coast Guard so boaters should not be concerned with debris. Charter boat companies are also offering public sailings. Bay Area Houston is home to the third-largest pleasure boat basin in the country. Myth Two: “The seafood restaurants are open already? From where are they shipping the food, since we can’t fish out of the bay anymore?” Fact: There are no known safety issues with eating the seafood served in the region’s restaurants. And, the fish markets on the Seabrook waterfront, where so many purchase fresh seafood, have re-opened.
galveston / Harbor House, Galveston’s only harbor view hotel located at Pier 21, reopened Feb. 1. The hotel sustained minor flooding from Hurricane Ike which struck Galveston on Sept. 13, 2008. Harbor House guests enjoy signing privileges at the Hotel Galvez and The Tremont House.
The Hotel Galvez reopened Oct. 15 and the Galvez Spa is scheduled to reopen in May.
The Tremont House is anticipated to reopen in June 2009 with 700 square feet of new meeting space.
san antonio / Sergio Ortiz, formerly with The Driskill Hotel in Austin, has been named as managing director for The St. Anthony – A Wyndham Historic Hotel.
The Westin La Cantera Resort has announced the completion of the public meeting rooms and 200 of the 508 guest rooms after undergoing a $10 million guest room renovation project that began in September of last year announced GM Tony Cherone. The resort’s remaining 308 guest rooms and corridors and The Westin La Cantera’s 17,000 square-foot Grand Ballroom are on schedule for completion this spring.
The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, currently under construction and slated to open March 2010, has named Arthur Coulombe as general manager. Arthur comes to the resort from his previous role as area general manager of the San Antonio Marriott Hotels. The new JW will offer 1,002 guest rooms and more than 140,000 square feet of exhibit and meeting space. The resort will feature a six-acre water park, a 26,000 square-foot spa and two PGA 18-hole Tournament Player’s Club golf courses designed by Pete Dye and Greg Norman. Mike Kass serves as the resort’s DOSM.
Gino Caliendo, GM, announced that the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa recently unveiled 10,000 square feet of additional meeting space. The additional space brings the resort’s total to 43,000 square feet. The Rogers-Wiseman Pavilion, a semi-permanent venue located adjacent to The Hill Country Golf Club, is ideally suited for exhibits, receptions, golf events and other social gatherings.
The Omni La Mansión del Rio and The Watermark Hotel & Spa have recently appointed Christine Ward to the position of pastry chef at Las Canarias, Omni La Mansion del Rio’s signature restaurant and Pesca on the River at The Watermark Hotel & Spa’s restaurant.
The San Antonio CVB welcomes new assistant director, sales & marketing, Ronnie Price. CVB Executive Director Scott White noted, “We are very excited and fortunate to have Ronnie join our team. His strong sales experience and leadership style aligns perfectly with our mission and brand of Deep. In The Heart.”
The Grand Hyatt has opened in downtown San Antonio. The Grand Hyatt features 115,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting space, much of which overlooks the famed River Walk as well as 29 meeting rooms, a 32,000-sq.-ft. main ballroom and a 21,000-sq.-ft. ballroom.
The McNay Art Museum’s $50.8 million expansion features a 45,000 square-foot exhibition facility designed by internationally-famed and award-winning architect Jean-Paul Viguier.
san angelo / San Angelo’s convention center has recently completed a $3.8 million transformation and has been renamed the City of San Angelo McNease Convention Center. Even more important than the striking cosmetic changes is the amount of additional space. The recent renovation added 7,000 square feet and now offers 24,173 total square feet of meeting space.
south padre island / As reported by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, South Padre Island, which lost a lot of tourism dollars after Hurricane Dolly struck last July, is feeling pretty good about spring break this year. “This week, in particular, has been better than we anticipated,” said Dan Quandt, executive director of the South Padre Island CVB. This is the week when most Texas colleges and public schools have their spring breaks, and Dan said 18,000 to 20,000 have descended on the island. Hotel occupancy is 85 to 95 percent, he said, although the island is still short 600 hotel rooms because some hotels and condos, including the Sheraton and Bahia Mar — popular spring break landmarks — haven’t reopened because of hurricane damage. By the end of March, Quandt expects the island to have had 40,000 spring breakers. That’s fewer than last year’s 60,000 and the 80,000 of some years, but it’s pretty good in bad economic times. If each one spends $250, which Quandt called a conservative estimate, spring breakers will pour about $10 million into the local economy.
Isla Grand Beach Resort (formerly the Radisson) has reopened after an extensive renovation, and the Sheraton South Padre Island Beach Hotel will complete its major renovation and reopen in April.
waco / Overlooking the Brazos River in downtown Waco, the Hilton Waco has recently completed $16.5 million in property Improvements including the addition of a larger ballroom and pre-function space.