New York Events

Marriott, Starwood Add Value to Meetings with New Telepresence Technology

Thursday, July 2, 2009 by Sarah Larkins

Marriott and Starwood are going high tech with their meetings. Both brands announced separate plans this week to introduce Cisco's TelePresence remote conferencing technology to several properties this year.

Using high-definition video and real-time audio, telepresence is growing in popularity for its ability to help small groups meet and collaborate no matter where attendees are located across the world. Companies without Telepresence capability, or remote regional employees, can connect "in-person" with people in various locations by renting the rooms.

"As the 24/7 world economy becomes more interconnected, the need to hold small global meetings that cross continents and oceans will only grow," said Arne Sorenson, president and COO, Marriott International, in a statement. "We believe telepresence will create more business meetings because people can travel shorter distances and easily connect with colleagues and clients around the world.

Marriott, who is partnering with At&T's fully-managed AT&T's Telepresence Solution, plans to offer telepresence meeting suites at its Marriott Hotels & Resorts, JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts, and Renaissance Hotels & Resorts brands in 25 cities, including New York, San Francisco, Hong Kong and London. Starwood, partnering with Tata Communications, will have telepresence in 10 of its new facilities, including Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers, Sheraton on the Park in Sydney, and Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel.

"The partnership with Tata Communications is yet another opportunity for us to bring innovative, cutting edge technology to our properties, and add true value for our business and conference facilities' guests," said Christie Hicks, senior vice president of global sales for Starwood, in a statement. "With global companies under increasing pressure to foster productivity at the least cost, the need for public telepresence rooms is greater than ever. Telepresence that is available on a per use basis enables affordable, high quality communication for the small and medium business or remote regional office worker."

New Orleans Tops List of Most Popular July 4 Destinations

Wednesday, July 1, 2009 by Sarah Larkins

Another holiday weekend is upon us, which means it's time to find out where everyone will be going. Priceline.com has released a list of the 50 most popular destinations for the 2009 Independence Day weekend, based on a survey of over 30,000 hotel booking requests made by customers.

Here are the top 10:

1. New Orleans, Downtown/Convention Center

2. Las Vegas, Strip Vicinity South

3. Chicago, Millennium Park/Loop/Grant Park Area

4. New York City, Times Square/Theater District

5. Seattle, Downtown/Pike Place

6. San Diego, Coastal Area

7. Chicago, North Michigan Avenue/River North Area

8. New Orleans, French Quarter

9. Washington, DC, White House/Downtown

10. Boston, Copley Square/Theater District

Priceline.com's "Travel Ekspert" Brian Ek had this to say about the results: "The big surprise this year is the emergence of New Orleans' downtown/convention center area as the #1 July 4 destination. This is the first time New Orleans is in the top spot for the holiday and could signal the completion of the city's comeback as a tourist mecca following Hurricane Katrina."

He also noted that many of the top locations are reachable by car for large segments of the population, likely due to the current state of the economy.

Did you find any of these destinations surprising? I'm a little surprised not just that New Orleans is number one, but that it actually has two spots on the top 10. I thought Philadelphia was a pretty popular July 4 destination (at least over here on the East Coast it is), so I figured that would be on the list.

Did your July 4 destination of choice make the list?

Read the full list at Priceline's Travel Blog.

Smoking or Non: Are Your Events Kicking the Habit?

Tuesday, June 23, 2009 by Sarah Larkins

U.S. President Barack Obama signed a historic anti-smoking bill yesterday in the hopes that it will help the millions of Americans finally kick the habit. The new law gives the U.S. Food and Drug Administration the power to regulate tobacco just like it regulates all the other products consumed by the public.

Among the powers provided by the bill are the ability to regulate what goes into tobacco products, make public the ingredients, ban the marketing of "light cigarettes," and prohibit marketing campaigns geared toward children.

In the hospitality world, it seems like smoking has been falling out of favor for quite a while. Marriott's U.S. and Canadian hotel properties went smoke free a few years back. Westin Hotels & Resorts implemented a brand-wide smoke free policy in 2006.

Additionally, smoking bans in restaurants and public gathering places are becoming more and more commonplace, with such bans in effect in over 20 states including New York, California, and just recently, Virginia.

It seems like they're just meeting demands. According to the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study, nearly nine out of 10 guests (89 percent) say they prefer a smoke free hotel environment. Meanwhile, health organizations such as the National Cancer Institute and American Heart Association have policies in place regarding smoke free site selection when it comes to meeting destinations.

Though it's clear that meeting venues and planners are going for smoke free events, the very high number of Americans who smoke may prefer otherwise. So I want to know your thoughts. Do your meeting attendees expect non-smoking events? Or, do you actually have to make efforts to ensure that smoking is permitted at your venues?

3 Restaurant Venues Where Famed Foodies Like to Eat

Tuesday, June 23, 2009 by Sarah Larkins

Budget Travel recently surveyed the world's best chefs, cookbook authors, food writers, cooking show hosts and specialty food purveyors on their favorite places to eat. They came up with an extensive list of restaurants, from fast food burger chains to pizzerias, street stalls to five-star eateries.

When planning your next cocktail reception or dinner function, treat your attendees to expert-approved cuisine at what are just a few of the restaurant venues that made the list:

The Pit

The authentic North Carolina barbecue, cooked over charcoal and wood, served up at this Raleigh establishment meets the approval of Patrick Ford, V.P. of international marketing for Ford's Gourmet Foods, not to mention that of publications such as The New York Times, Bon Appetit and Gourmet Magazine. Pitmaster Ed Mitchell starts with pigs raised in the state using only organic farm practices, adds in authentic sides such as collard greens, fried okra, and black eyed peas, and pairs it all with handpicked beers, cocktails and spirits.

Private dining space is available at The Pit, which boasts a relaxed ambiance noted by red brick walls and colorful pendant lighting. Full-service catering is also available.

Bon Ton Cafe

The charming atmosphere and soulful cooking of this haute Creole restaurant is enough to keep John Besh, executive chef of August, Luke, Besh Steak, and La Provence, coming back. Housed in the 1840s Natchez building, this New Orleans restaurant encompasses the spirit and liveliness of the Cajun people in its etoufees, Cajun-style bisques, slow-cooked one-pot meals and more.

Bon Ton Cafe is available for private parties Saturday and Sunday. The restaurant can accommodate 100 people.

Candle 79

In New York City's ever-growing foodie scene, it's hard to get noticed. But Candle 79 has managed to grab the attention of Gabrielle Hamilton, chef/owner of Prune in NYC, and the planners of events such as Arianna Huffington's book signing party, Paul McCartney's pre- and post-concert parties, and Rolling Stone & Men's Health Woody Harrelson Celebrity Lunch—all of which were catered by Candle 79. Meat lovers shouldn't be quick to write off its vegan cooking, though, as menu items such as the classic Caesar salad with tempeh bacon and the Tuscan seitan parmesan sandwich are sure to have mouths watering.

Candle 79 provides catering for special events and less formal functions.

Hotel CEOs Say Group Business Will Bounce Back

Monday, June 22, 2009 by Sarah Larkins

It's not all doom and gloom for meetings these days. In fact, though group business is down, hotel CEOs are confident that they will not see any long-term shifts in group, transient and leisure travel balance.

"Because group business is so far down, there will be tremendous pent-up demand," said Frits van Paasschen, president and CEO of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, during a press briefing at the recent 2009 New York University International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference. "The conventions, product launches and training sessions are such an important part of the business that it will come roaring back."

Despite the fact that many organizations are implementing new practices to handle meeting cancellations, such as the use of webinars or teleconferencing, most of the CEOs believe these are not long-term solutions.

"Technology is wonderful—webcasts, webinars and the partridge in a pear tree," said Eric Danziger, president and CEO of Wyndham Hotel Group. "But there is no replacement for people getting together to work, feed off each other and create a culture that ultimately drives businesses and companies."

Planners who get back to planning in-person meetings and events now have the opportunity to take advantage of the existing low average daily rates at hotels. Noble Investment Group Senior Managing Principal and CEO Mitesh Shah said that as buyers get more aggressive and push the rates lower, it will take longer for them to rise again.

"[Corporate buyers] understand that if they are traveling, they're one of the very few traveling, so they've gotten very aggressive," Shah said. "That's not going to change until demand starts increasing."

Marriott Kicks off Free Night Promotion for Hawaii Hotels and International Hotels

Sunday, June 21, 2009 by Eric Eden

Anything for "free" will always get our attention so when we heard that Marriott Hotels would be kicking off its Free Night Stay promotion on Monday, we had to see what this was all about. And guess what? That free night stay can be yours but you will have to work at it a little.

When staying at a Marriott hotel in a city, you get the third night free when you book a minimum of three consecutive weekend nights (Thursday-Sunday.) But don't book that trip to New York or Toronto just yet. The offer is not good at continental U.S. or Canadian properties. However, it does apply to international cities like Berlin, Moscow and Paris (which has the pink-tastic Renaissance Arc de Triomphe.) In London, the free night is available mid-week only with three consecutive nights stay.

At Marriott resorts, you will get a free night with a minimum of four consecutive nights booked (any days of the week.) Fortunately, the Marriott resorts in Hawaii are eligible for the deal.

The Marriott brands included in the promotion are JW Marriott Hotels and Resorts, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Renaissance Hotels & Resorts and Courtyard by Marriott. The promotion officially launches on Monday.

Remember, your stays must take place between June 25 and September 7 and your last chance to book using this promotion will be on August 21. So that's about two months to plan it all out. To book, use code RR2 at www.marrriottfreenight.com or by calling 1-877-Marriott. The free night will show up on your folio when you check out so don't be too alarmed at booking if the price includes the third or fourth night.

Meeting and Event Venues that Even Dad Would Approve Of

Friday, June 19, 2009 by Sarah Larkins

Father's Day is this Sunday, which got me thinking about what types of venues would meet dear old Dad's coveted approval. In my experience, anything that relates to motorcycles, golfing and baseball always fit the bill.

So, check out a few great meeting spaces across the country where your events would surely make Dad proud.

Harley-Davidson Museum

Just opened in 2008, this 130,000-square-foot Milwaukee attraction showcases the rich history and heritage of the Harley-Davidson company. Its exhibits feature everything from the oldest Harley-Davidson motorcycle in existence to custom creations such as the 13-foot-long King Kong bike and the highly decorated Rhinestone-Glide.

The museum's memorable backdrop, not to mention Harley's reputation for knowing how to party, make it an excellent venue for private events. Indoors, it can accommodate functions of up to 1,000 people. Outside, the museum can host up to 15,000 guests.

The Lodge at Pebble Beach

Champion golfer Jack Nicklaus once said, "If I had only one more round to play, I would choose to play it at Pebble Beach." Ranked number one on Golf Digest's list of America's 100 Greatest Public Courses for 2009/2010, the 18-hole Pebble Beach Golf Links is a challenging, scenic course that plays host to prestigious tournaments such as the annual AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am and the upcoming 2010 U.S. Open Championships.

The historic Lodge at Pebble Beach has 10 meeting rooms that can accommodate groups as large as 300 people. Its spacious Beach & Tennis Club affords stunning views of Stillwater Cove, while the more intimate Card Room sets the scene for a elegant dinner with crystal chandeliers, wood-burning fireplaces and sea-vista terraces. The 18th fairway of the Links is also a dramatic setting for outdoor receptions, weddings and other formal affairs.

Yankee Stadium

Opened this year, the new Yankee Stadium's facade maintains the original look of the 1923 Yankee Stadium, but inside it's nothing but modern. With seating for 52,325 people, one restroom for every 60 fans, and over 10 dining and lounge options, the new stadium offers a more comfortable experience for fans hoping to see the New York Yankees add another World Series championship win to their record.

Yankee Stadium offers an impressive 1.3 million square feet of event space, capable of hosting fundraisers, banquets, tradeshows, weddings, picnics, corporate functions and more. It also has 56 private luxury suites and 410 party suites. Plus, initiatives such as natural cooling in the Great Hall, the purchase of paper products made from 100 percent recyclable paper, and special sports lighting fixtures make Yankee Stadium a green option for your NYC events.

"Let's Get Business Meetings Back on Their Feet," Ben Stein Says

Thursday, June 11, 2009 by Sarah Larkins

Remember back in March when I blogged about Ben Stein's op-ed in The New York Times, "Don't Blame the Business Trip"? You can also watch Stein share his views via video at CBS News.

Stein decries the effects of President Obama's so-called crusade against lavish business meetings for companies that have been bailed out.

"The notion has gone around the nation that Uncle Sam does not want business meetings at all," Stein says. "By the hundreds, maybe the thousands, business meetings and conventions are being canceled for no good reason. The cancellations meant that business people, sales people, professionals cannot get together and share what they've learned about getting through the recession."

Obama's comments regarding meetings and events caused some indignation in the industry, and rightfully so. But although he hasn't exactly apologized for them, his position no longer seems to be a flat-out "no meetings" stance.

Stein's points about the value of meetings certainly ring true, but I'm not sure if I agree that persuading Obama is what we need right now,. Rather, industry professionals should be persuading the public, and even companies themselves, that we should keep America meeting.

Check out the full video clip below:

Watch CBS Videos Online

Nation's Largest Mass Transit Project Kicks Off

Tuesday, June 9, 2009 by Sarah Larkins

Transportation among bustling meeting destinations of the Northeast, including New York City, New Jersey and Boston, is set to get easier with the groundbreaking yesterday of the Trans-Hudson Passenger Rail Tunnel. Named the Access to the Region's Core (ARC) Project, the tunnel will link New Jersey with New York.

Overall, the ARC Project is expected to double commuter rail capacity in the nation's busiest rail corridor, running from Boston to Washington, DC. Rail lines including the North Jersey Coast Line, Morristown Line, and Northeast Corridor, which serves East Coast cities such as Baltimore, Philadelphia, Newark and New Haven, will see more frequent and express service thanks to the ARC Project. A number of lines, including the Bergen County Line, Raritan Valley Line, North Jersey Coast Line, and Main Line, will receive direct service to Manhattan.

The Department of Transportation has committed $3 billion to this $8.7 billion project over its lifespan, the largest commitment to any transportation project anywhere in the country in the history of the Department. In addition to facilitating transportation, the project is expected to generate 6,000 construction-related jobs and has been hailed as a great step to getting out of the economic crisis.

"This is going to promote mobility, reduce commuter congestion, staunch carbon emissions, enhance regional competitiveness and lay a foundation for an extraordinary expansion of mass transit in the most densely populate state in the nation," New Jersey Gov. John Corzine told CNN.

Learn more at the ARC Project.

Hospitality Experts Say the Worst May Be Behind Us

Friday, June 5, 2009 by Sarah Larkins

Has anyone else noticed that the news seems a little less negative lately? Words like "down," "drop," and "decline" seem to be popping up with less frequency—they haven't left altogether, but I certainly don't feel as assaulted by bad news as much as I used to feel. Hospitality industry news has been no different, it seems.

"One of the things that’s gotta happen, and we’re seeing it happen already, is the stop of the 24/7 onslaught of bad news,” said Steve Joyce, president and CEO of Choice Hotels International said at the 31st Annual New York University International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference, according to Hotel News Now. "You are seeing somewhat of a beginning of rallying of consumer confidence. The people that are employed think there is somewhat of a stabilization of the decline."

The consensus of the general session panel at the event seemed to be that the struggle is not over, but the worst may be behind us.

"You had a financial system that got a bit out of control and as it began to unwind it began a panic," President and CEO of Hilton Hotels Corp. Chris Nassetta said. "The panic part of what we were dealing with is largely over and hopefully we don’t retreat back into that."

Though notable recovery is not in the picture right now, panelists believe that emerging markets such as China, Brazil and India will be the places to look first for economic growth.

“China and Brazil—I those economies have some muscle,” Gilles Pélisson, chairman and CEO for Accor, said.

Read all panelists' thoughts at Hotel News Now.

New York City Venue Spotlight: The Pierre

Thursday, June 4, 2009 by Sarah Larkins

Hotels in New York are some of the most sought-after, famed venues in the world for both leisure and business travelers. This comes as no surprise when properties such as The Pierre New York, which recently completed a $100 million renovation, are setting the bar high.

The flagship of Taj Hotels, The Pierre revealed its new look Monday, which includes renovated guest rooms and baths, redesigned first floor public areas and a brand new restaurant and lobby lounge. This project comes on the heels of an initial renovation completed in January 2007 of the Grand Ballroom, the Cotillion Room and Foyer.

Located on New York's Fifth Avenue, the 140-room hotel is dedicated to hosting stunning Manhattan events; all its banquet and meeting rooms were open, fully-staffed and operating during the most recent renovation.

Today, planners can take advantage of six rooms comprising a total of 18,000 square feet. From the premier Grand Ballroom for up to 1,500 reception attendees to the Versailles-inspired Garden Foyer, The Pierre's facilities are sure to impart a touch of class to all your NY events.

View more information on The Pierre on the Cvent Supplier Network

Low-Cost Airline Offers Flights to "Underserved" Destinations

Thursday, May 28, 2009 by Sarah Larkins

Planning a meeting in a mid-sized U.S. city but having trouble getting your attendees in and out? JetAmerica may be able to help.

More and more meeting planners are turning to tier II meeting destinations as a means of lowering costs. However, smaller cities also present new challenges. For one, they often lack the large hub airports of larger metropolitan, and thus they are accessible by fewer flights and airlines. This is where JetAmerica may come in for your event

The Clearwater, Florida-based, low-cost airline plans to offer 34 non-stop flights a week starting July 13 at Lansing, Michigan; Melbourne-Vero Beach, Florida; South Bend, Indiana; and Toledo, Ohio to New York-Newark, New Jersey. Starting August 1, it will fly round-trip from Toledo to Minneapolis-St. Paul. Future cities under consideration for 2009 include Charleston, West Virginia; Cincinnati, Ohio; Dayton, Ohio; and St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida.

"Our goal is to fly wherever JetAmerica can offer air fares of at least 40 percent less than competitors," JetAmerica CEO John Weikle said in a statement. "The JetAmerica business model is based on flying routes to mostly secondary, underserved cities with populations of three to six million people living within 75 miles of uncongested airports that do not currently provide big jet, direct, non-stop service to key destinations."

In addition to connecting people to "underserved cities," the airline offers the benefit of
low fares, which start at $9 for the first 19 seats and cap off at $199. According to the Associated Press, the South Bend, Toledo, and Melbourne airports are subsidizing the airline with $1.4 million in grants in its first year.

Visit JetAmerica to learn more.

Top 15 Memorial Day Destinations for 2009

Thursday, May 21, 2009 by Sarah Larkins

Memorial Day is nearly here! If you're among the many with long-weekend travel plans, you may be interested to know how they align with those of the rest of the country. According to priceline.com's 7th annual survey of the 50 most popular Memorial Day holiday destinations, the Las Vegas Strip is number one.

Here are the top 15 destinations:

1. Las Vegas, Strip Vicinity South

2. New York City, Chelsea Area

3. New York City, Times Square/Theater District

4. Boston, Copley Square/Theater District

5. Chicago, Millennium Park, Loop & Grant Park Area

6. Seattle, Downtown/Pike Place

7. Las Vegas, Strip Vicinity North

8. San Francisco, Union Square West/Nob Hill

9. New York City, Empire State Building Area

10. San Diego, Downtown & Harbor Island

11. Chicago, North Michigan Ave./River North Area

12. New York City, Midtown East

13. Austin, Downtown

14. San Diego, Coastal Area

15. San Antonio, Riverwalk

What do you think about the list? At first, I was surprised that Las Vegas was number one, but after thinking about it, it makes sense. I've heard about and seen so many great deals for flights and hotels in Sin City, it would definitely be something I'd look into for a long weekend!

The survey was based on actual booking requests made by priceline.com Name Your Own Price hotel service customers for the May 23-25 weekend. You can read the full list of destinations at Brian Ek's Priceline travel blog.

Vote for the Next Face of Travel!

Wednesday, May 20, 2009 by Sarah Larkins

Remember when I told you to go check out the Faces of Travel contest participants at the beginning of the month? Well, now you can see if your favorite is among the six finalists:

• Jason, housekeeping manager at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort

• Norbert, employee at the InterContinental Chicago

• Kathryn, account executive for BCD Meetings and Incentives

• Salvatore, third-generation employee at the Plaza in New York

• Paco, director of guest services at the Ritz-Carlton

• Mia, banquet associate at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona

All the candidates are so great—it's hard to choose just one! I'd venture to say Kathryn's is my favorite:

Visit Faces of Travel to view each finalist's video and vote for your favorite. Votes can be cast this week, from 9 AM ET on May 18 to 11:15 AM ET May 22.

DC Event Venues: Host Your Own "Night at the Museum"!

Friday, May 15, 2009 by Sarah Larkins

Washington, DC was seeing plenty of stars last night—movie stars, that is. Ben Stiller, Amy Adams, Robin Williams and Owen Wilson were among the Hollywood faces mingling with Supreme Court Justice John Roberts and members of Congress at the premiere for Stiller's latest movie "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian."

The premiere was held at the National Air and Space Museum in DC, a fitting locale given the plot of the movie. For those not familiar with this sequel, the plot revolves around a museum security guard who comes to Washington from New York to find his museum friends, a group of animals and exhibits that come to life after-hours.

After the release of the first film, attendance at New York's American Museum of Natural History rose, and it wouldn't be surprising if the same trend followed for the Smithsonian. Lucky for planners, a number of the Smithsonian's museums are available for private events, which means you can take advantage of these hot spots to host your very own night at the museum!

National Air and Space Museum

Located on the National Mall, the Air and Space Museum has four primary event sites as well as a 230-seat planetarium and 485-seat IMAX theater. Among its venue options, the Milestones of Flight Gallery can seat up to 400 guests, while the Space Race Exhibit can accommodate receptions of up to 700 people.

National Museum of Natural History

The popular National Museum of Natural History houses over 126 million natural science specimens and cultural artifacts, including those at the recently-opened, one-of-a-kind Sant Ocean Hall. Host a formal dinner among skeletons of a Tyrannosaurus Rex and a Triceratops at the Dinosaur Hall, or mingle next to the African elephant during a cocktail reception in the grand Rotunda.

National Museum of American History

Recently renovated and re-opened in November 2008, the National Museum of American History is a stunning tribute to our great nation, featuring attractions such as George Washington's uniform, Thomas Jefferson's writing desk, and First Ladies' inaugural gowns. Host an event among these treasured items of U.S. history in spaces such as the museum's fifth-floor roof terrace. At its largest, the museum can accommodate receptions for up to 3,500 guests and seated dinners for up to 500 guests.

The Smithsonian Institution's museums follow a special events policy in which organizations that support the museum with a donation may co-sponsor celebratory events in its facilities. Visit each museum's respective website to learn more about its policy.

CEIR Reports a Drop in Tradeshow Performance

Friday, May 15, 2009 by Sarah Larkins

Overall performance by the tradeshow industry dropped 11.6 percent in the first quarter of 2009, as compared to Q1 of 2008, according to the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR). CEIR compared a number of measurements to evaluate tradeshow industry performance, each of which was down.

Square footage dropped 14.8 percent, revenue dropped 19.7 percent, and professional attendance dropped 1.5 percent. The number of exhibiting companies was also down 10.4 percent.

However, it doesn't seem like every tradeshow will face low numbers this year. Tradeshow Week recently reported that Lightfair Intl. saw record-breaking attendance during its May show at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. The tradeshow saw 23,000 attendees, including exhibit personnel, as compared to 19,854 attendees last year. The tradeshow floor also grew from 157,600 square feet in 2008 to 170,000 square feet in 2009.

Creative Non-Profit Marketing: Tips from the Real Housewives

Tuesday, May 12, 2009 by Sarah Larkins

I'm not afraid to admit that I'm a fan of the Real Housewives of New York City. You can call watching it a frivolous waste of time, but if it's the way I want to unwind after a long day, then so be it. (And I know I'm not alone because the ratings for RHoNYC's season finale jumped 50 percent from its debut!)

But regardless of your feelings toward the show or the ladies in it, I think it's hard to deny that they know one or two things about big events—both attending them and planning them. After all, they seem to have something on their social agenda at least once or twice every week, and many of them, at least in the show, planned events of their own for various charitable and non-profit organizations.

Over the weekend I was watching "Unfashionably Late" (which actually aired a few weeks ago, but I'm behind on my Tivo). In it, housewife Alex goes to a fitting for an item that her husband Simon bought at last year's Go Green Expo: a FEED bag corset. Designed by couturier Maggie Norris, it was made from three FEED burlap bags along with buttons from a military jacket, leather from a pair of boots, and other found objects.

A little background: the non-profit FEED Project's mission is to "create products that help FEED the world." In an effort to help raise funds for the UN World Food Program's school-feeding operations, the organization produces and sells FEED tote bags, wallets, even teddy bears. Alex's corset was obviously a unique item, which Simon had bought at the expo for $7,000.

Certainly, the corset itself is questionable for those with a fashion sense, but I have to give credit to Alex for raising awareness and to the non-profit group for its clever methods of promotion. As Alex blogged, "What a great way to send a message to the world—and different than a t-shirt or hat."

These days, non-profits need to be even more creative when it comes to fundraising and spreading the word about their respective organizations. But a couture corset? If it gets the job done (and I'd say it did, considering the price tag and the fact that Alex was photographed wearing it at the opening of NYC's Metropolitan Opera), then it just proves that nothing is off limits.

What are some of the most creative—and successful—items you've used to raise money for your non-profit and/or to boost promotion for your charity event? For those not involved in an association, what are some of the most memorable event marketing pieces you've seen?

Inside the Event: The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute Gala

Friday, May 8, 2009 by Sarah Larkins

These days I'd guess that a lot of corporate events and association meetings are scaling back a bit. But despite the new mantra that less is more, it's still fun to every once and a while see how events are being done by the rich and famous, who certainly don't seem to be weathering the recession quite the way real world meeting planners are. For some Friday fun, let's take a look at this week's most talked-about event in New York City, the annual Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute Gala Benefit.

Held this year on May 4, this annual fundraising event is the main source of funding for exhibitions, acquisitions and capital improvements at the Met. This year's gala benefit celebrated the opening of the spring 2009 exhibition "The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion," which explores the relationship between high fashion and evolving ideas of beauty, with a focus on fashion models of the latter half of the 20th century. The exhibition is on view May 6 to August 9, 2009.

Honorary Chair Marc Jacobs and Co-Chairs Kate Moss, Justin Timberlake and Anna Wintour put Raul Avila, Inc. in charge of decor. Designers John Myhre and Raul Avila used the theme of former Manhattan venue El Morocco, opting for zebra print carpets in the reception area and Great Hall. The same black-and-white striped fabric was used on the circular banquettes filling the dining room, which was accented by fake palm trees and illuminated by blue lights and stars, done by Frost Lighting.

In line with the exhibition's theme, a six-foot mannequin "The Muse" towered over the Great Hall, adorned by white roses and gray and beige fabric. French hairstylist Julien d'Ys even created a massive wig to top the mannequin.

Glorious Food was in charge of catering, which also took a cue from El Morocco. On the menu was Tournedos Rossini, or filet mignon usually prepared with foie gras and wine sauce, along with broiled tomato persille, sauteed spinach and pommes gaufrettes. Each place setting was marked by a commemorative program.

Not surprisingly, this stunning affair attracted a sold-out crowd of 650 people. Tables for dinner ranged in cost from $75,000 to $250,000. Guests included Madonna, Rihanna, Bruce Willis, Stella McCartney, and Anne Hathaway.

You can get a behind-the-scenes look at the Met's exhibition on the museum's YouTube Channel. Check out the video below of d'Ys as he creates the wigs used in the exhibition:

Hotels Scale Back Room Service to Save Money

Wednesday, May 6, 2009 by Sarah Larkins

It's no surprise that everyone in the meetings and events industry is struggling to find ways to cut back, and hotels are no exception. One area to scale back on? Room service, according to The New York Times.

This time-honored business trip perk has never been a big revenue generator for hotels, but it does pump up a hotel's image. Upscale locations are expected to have a fancy menu awaiting guests in their room, regardless of whether visitors plan to use it.

So in a down economy, what's a hotel to do with this not-too-profitable business operation? Using cheaper cuts of meat, smaller portions and local fare certainly helps (and it sounds familiar—remember the budget-friendly tips from top chefs?).

Jonathan Gelman, executive chef at the Driskill in Austin, Texas, said, "Where we were offering a New York strip or a filet, it’s now a skirt steak, or a steak salad with flank steak. It tastes great, so we all win." He has also cut portion sizes and prices.

The article also quotes a few business travelers who say they prefer a room service meal over going out to a restaurant. Wanting to relax or work in quiet and needing something quick before a meeting are a few of the advantages room service has.

Though I don't do a lot of overnight business travel, I think I'd still prefer to go out for a meal. However, for frequent, busy travelers I can see the perks. Do you think most of your attendees prefer to order room service? Do you make sure your meeting hotels offer it?

It's Cinco de Mayo: How will you celebrate?

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 by Caroline Gordon

Cinco de Mayo or the Fifth of May marks Mexico's defeat of the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. However, it is also a great reason to indulge in a night out on the town accompanied by music, margaritas and mouth-watering Mexican cuisine.

Never ones to miss out on a good party, many restaurants, businesses and hotels thrive on commercialized holidays like Cinco de Mayo seizing the opportunity to entertain and promote their offerings. So what special Cinco de Mayo events are taking place in your area?

Chicago celebrates Cinco de Mayo at the Magnificent Mile Hotel offering guests the opportunity to participate in a grape crushing, to taste traditional Mexican cuisine and sip on white sangria. Tickets to the special event can be purchased for $10 at the door. The event will take place from 4:30 pm to 7pm on May 5th.

Washington, DC joins in the Cinco de Mayo festivities at Alero, one of U Street's newest and most popular Mexican restaurants. Alero is offering several drink specials including $3 house margaritas and Mexican beers. Live Latin music will be available from 6 pm to 11 pm.

Las Vegas celebrates Cinco de Mayo at the MGM Hotel's Diego restaurant. Diego will be offering drink specials such as a Dos Equis with a tequila shot for $10, a bucket of beer for $20 and an assortment of appetizers specials. All offers are available from 2pm until 10 pm.

Atlanta celebrates Cinco de Mayo with the 2nd Annual Virginia Highlands Cinco de Mayo Block Party. The event will feature authentic Mexican food, numerous beer and margarita bars, a smash the pinata contest and even a hot pepper eating contest. Gates will open at 5pm with a $5 cover. Live music begins at 6pm and ends at 11pm.

Los Angeles celebrates Cinco de Mayo at El Puerto Escondido Restaurant. Here, for a $25 donation, you will receive dinner and two drinks. The party will take place from 6pm to midnight. Music and give-a-ways are also part of the evening agenda.

New York City celebrates Cinco de Mayo at Vinters. Watch Chef Snow and Benson compete for the best guacamole and sangria recipes and enjoy refreshing sangria, great company and delicious food. The event will take place from 5pm to 7pm and cost approximately $15 per person.

Regardless of your destination, there are likely some incredible deals to be taken advantage of so put on your green, white and red and go celebrate! Feliz Cinco de Mayo!