Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa Unveils First Phase Of Expansion
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ — Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa unveiled the first phase of its $525 million master plan of development last month. The $200 million first-phase of expansion features three celebrity chef restaurants; 36,120 square feet of casino floor space including an 85-table poker room (the largest in Atlantic City), 45 table games and more than 500 slot machines; a second nightclub; and a multi-concept, quick-service dining option. The second phase of Borgata’s two-part expansion, scheduled for completion in 2007, is the $325 million hotel tower, The Water Club at Borgata. For information, visit www.theborgata.com.
Hilton Canary Wharf Recently Opened In London
LONDON, ENGLAND — The 283-room Hilton London Canary Wharf opened recently in the heart of the Docklands, London’s futuristic financial center. Hilton’s 16th property in England’s capital boasts nine meeting rooms, three banquet suites, three executive floors, an executive lounge, high-speed Internet access, lobby bar, cafe, restaurant, and LivingWell Express health club. For more information go to www.hilton.co.uk/canarywharf.
Chicago’s Visitor Numbers Continue To Climb
CHICAGO, IL — The Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau (CCTB) and the Chicago Office of Tourism (COT) announced recently that Chicago surpassed a national travel forecast for an increase in 2005 visitor volume. A record 33.04 million domestic and overseas travelers visited Chicago in 2005 — an increase of 3.5 percent over 2004. In 2005, Chicago welcomed 13.78 million business travelers — a 4.3 percent increase over the 13.21 million travelers in 2004.
“Chicago is one of the world’s few true global cities,” said Tim Roby, Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau president. “Its rich tourism assets and premier meeting facilities resonate with travelers all over the world making it an essential destination for business and leisure travelers.”
Early indicators suggest Chicago will again see an increase in visitors during 2006. For information visit www.choosechicago.com.
New Meeting Pavilion At Wild Dunes Resort 
ISLE OF PALMS, SC — The Sweetgrass Pavilion at Wild Dunes Resort, a barrier island resort located near Charleston, SC, is scheduled to open next month. The Pavilion is a spacious, state-of-the-art, 10,000-square-foot executive conference center and destination facility steps from the beach featuring two large ballrooms and one board room equipped with the latest technology. Wild Dunes Resort features two Tom Fazio-designed golf courses, world-class tennis, a top-rated recreation program, miles of bike and walking paths, and one of the cleanest beaches in North America. Visit www.wilddunes.com for more information.
Adam’s Mark Dallas Opens Tower Royale
DALLAS, TX — The Adam’s Mark Hotel - Dallas unveiled the Tower Royale recently, a new property in downtown for business travelers seeking exclusive services and luxurious accommodations at reasonable rates. The Tower Royale is a 507-room “hotel within a hotel” that features luxurious bedding, flat panel televisions, complimentary high-speed Internet, wireless phones, concierge service, and more. Visit www.towerroyaledallas.com for more information.
Partnership To Combine Convention Center Headquarters Hotel, Luxury Hotel, And More In One Tower
LOS ANGELES, CA – KB Urban and AEG recently announced an agreement with Marriott International Inc., to open two luxury hotel properties and private residences at the L.A. Live sports and entertainment district currently under construction in downtown Los Angeles.
The complex will include the Los Angeles Marriott Marquis, an 876-room property, which will serve as the headquarters hotel of The Los Angeles Convention Center, and The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles, a 124-room boutique hotel. Above the hotels will be approximately 216 residential condominiums known as The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles. Opening dates for the properties are scheduled for 2010.
Boston’s First Skyscraper Becomes The Hilton Boston Financial District
BOSTON, MA — Hilton Hotels announced recently that Boston’s first skyscraper has become the Hilton Boston Financial District, an upscale hotel that serves as a beacon for the exciting redevelopment of the neighborhood. Built in 1928, the Hilton Boston Financial District sits at the heart of Boston Mayor Thomas Menino’s Crossroads Initiative, which aims to make Boston an even more pedestrian-friendly city. The hotel is steps to Boston’s financial institutions and one block to the waterfront.
The hotel offers wired high-speed Internet in the guest rooms, wireless Internet in public areas, and a state-of-the-art business center. The hotel offers 10,000 square feet of meeting space, including a 1,900-square-foot ballroom, and individual meeting and dining rooms that can be configured to accommodate from eight to 200 guests.
Greater Pittsburgh Convention & Visitors Bureau Changes Name
PITTSBURGH, PA — The Greater Pittsburgh Convention & Visitors Bureau (GPCVB) has changed its name to VisitPittsburgh to eliminate the historical confusion about what the organization is and what it does. “So many people assume we own and operate the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Most do not understand that our mission is to generate convention, trade show, and leisure travel business for the Pittsburgh region and that we’re the official tourist promotion agency of Allegheny County,” said Joe McGrath, president and CEO of the newly named VisitPittsburgh. “In addition, the name relates directly to our Web site, www.visitpittsburgh.com, which will clearly help to solidify the brand and clarify the Bureau’s mission.”
Sands To Build Singapore’s First Casino
SINGAPORE — Las Vegas Sands Corp., headquartered in Las Vegas, NV, has been granted a license to build Singapore’s first casino-resort, which will be built on the waterfront of Marina Bay in the Southeast Asian city’s downtown area. Sands opened a casino and convention center in Macau, in southern China, in 2004 and is expected to open a second resort-casino there in 2007.
Marina Bay Sands includes plans for three low-rise buildings that will house a casino, two theaters, and a meeting and convention facility, plus three 50-story hotel towers. A “sky park” will be built on a connecting bridge spanning the roofs of the three hotels. A waterfront promontory will house retail space, restaurants, and bars including six high-end restaurants featuring celebrity chefs.
Singapore plans to build approximately 160,000 square feet of meeting and convention facilities by 2015.
Green Meeting Awards Announced
PORTLAND, OR — The International Hotels Environment Initiative and Green Meeting Industry Council announced the winners of the annual Green Meeting Award, which acknowledges environmental excellence and innovation and represents the highest accolades for environmental responsibility among meeting planners and hosts. The US Green Building Council achieved the gold level award, Sierra Club won the silver level award, and the Unitarian Universalist Association received an honorable mention. Presented recently at the IMEX Worldwide Exposition in Frankfurt, Germany, the award recognizes organizations that are leading the way in this industry, earning distinction as the best in their field.
Meeting Strategies Worldwide, a conference management, training, and consulting firm consulted all three organizations to produce an award-winning green conference. The judging criteria included minimizing environmental impact through energy efficiency, air and water quality, water conservation, waste management, waste minimization, and environmental purchasing. Other factors considered were economic indicators, commitment to change practices, commitment to the community, and commitment to conservation.For more information visit www.meetingstrategiesworldwide.com.
Phoenix Convention Center Expansion Enters Phase Two
PHOENIX, AZ — As the new West Building is about to open at the Phoenix Convention Center, the North Building is being demolished after 34 years of service. A new, four-level facility will be erected at the same site by 2009, bringing the total square footage of the Convention Center to 900,000 square feet.
The South Building, including 143,000 square feet of meeting space, exhibit halls and a ballroom, will remain open and fully operational during Phase Two of the expansion.
The new West Conference Center delivers 156,000 square feet of conference center-style meeting space with more than 62,400 gross square feet of exhibit space and 48,000 square feet of meeting space, as well as a 45,300-square-foot multipurpose ballroom.
The Phoenix Convention Center expansion will triple the size of the current facility, moving it from the 67th-largest convention center in the U.S. into the top 20, positioning Phoenix as a premier destination for 80 percent of all conventions.
Doubletree Hotel Claremont Opens
CLAREMONT, CA — Doubletree Hotels has announced the opening of the Doubletree Hotel Claremont. Nestled at the base of the scenic San Gabriel Mountains and centrally located between Southern California’s Inland Empire and the Greater Los Angeles area on historic Route 66, the finishing touches are being completed on an 18-month, $10 million renovation project to rejuvenate the 190-room hotel and its 12,500 square feet of event space, with new dining and fitness facilities, a day spa, and much more.
Washington Convention Center Receives National Awards
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Washington Convention Center is the first project ever to receive both the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Award of Excellence and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) national Honor Award for Architecture.
“We are elated to be the first project ever to receive both the ULI and the AIA awards.This further confirms what we already knew — the Washington Convention Center is a state-of-the-art facility in one of the most desirable locations in the country, the East End of Downtown Washington,” stated Michael Dickens, president of Hospitality Partners and vice chair of the WCCA Board of Directors. “Convention attendees spent more than $424 million in the District in 2005. That magnitude of economic impact makes the Convention Center one of the most successful commercial development projects in the history of Washington, D.C. We are pleased and proud that the Washington Convention Center has been recognied by these two prestigious organizations.”
Convention Center Flagship Hotel Coming To San Juan, Puerto Rico
SAN JUAN, PR — With the opening of the new Puerto Rico Convention Center last fall, Puerto Rico continues to expand and improve its tourism product. From new hotel construction to major renovation projects and expansions, Puerto Rico remains committed to providing meeting planners and attendees with a wide range of premier accommodation options, as well as superior meeting space and amenities to serve the needs of this market.
In addition to the Center, groundbreaking on a 500-room headquarters hotel to serve the Puerto Rico Convention Center is scheduled to take place this summer. The $175-million facility, to be located in the heart of the Puerto Rico Convention Center District is projected to open in late 2008. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, under its Sheraton banner, will manage the new Convention Center’s flagship property. The hotel will include a large, open lobby, casino, and entertainment complex with music hall for live performances. Two ballrooms, banquet and meeting rooms, a full-service spa, restaurants, shops, and parking are included in the plan. The rooftop will feature a pool with cabanas, tropical gardens, and views of Old San Juan and the harbor. For more information, visit www.meetpuertorico.com.
Gallery One Doubletree Guest Suites Set To Open In Fort Lauderdale
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — Gallery One Fort Lauderdale, a Doubletree Guest Suites Hotel, is entering the final phase of a two-year, multimillion-dollar renovation project and expects to open the 231-room, all-suite hotel by late summer. With more than 8,000 square feet of meeting space, including a 3,800-square-foot Gallery Ballroom, Gallery One can accommodate a variety of groups from 10 to 300. More than 3,000 square feet of outdoor event space provides meeting and event settings on the Intracoastal Waterway. For more information, visit www.galleryone.doubletree.com.
Disney’s George Aguel Receives Distinguished Service Award 
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL — “Black Meetings & Tourism” magazine has awarded a 2006 APEX Award for distinguished service to George Aguel, senior vice president for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.
Presented during the Travel Professionals of Color conference in Las Vegas, the award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions in their professional field, and who have positively impacted travel and tourism. Among his many accomplishments, Aguel, a past chairman of Meeting Professionals International, guided the creation of their Multicultural Initiative, an effort that continues to champion global, all-inclusive business-to-business opportunities in the meetings, convention, and event industry.
Aguel serves on the foundations of the American Society of Association Executives and the Professional Convention Management Association.
Sheridan Named President And CEO Of Providence Warwick CVB
PROVIDENCE, RI — The Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau (PWCVB) recently announced the appointment of Martha Sheridan as president and CEO. “We are extremely pleased to welcome Martha back to the Greater Providence area,” said J. Rudi Heater, chairman of the PWCVB board of directors.
Sheridan spent the 1990s at the CVB and most recently was the vice president of sales for the Newport County (RI) CVB.
Reunion Resort & Club Adding New Meeting Space
REUNION, FL — A new ballroom and conference facility will be launched in early 2007 at Reunion Grande, an 11-story tower with all suite accommodations at Reunion Resort & Club, which is located within minutes of Orlando and the International Airport. Reunion Grande will offer meeting space capable of hosting dinner for 600, receptions for 800, classroom style seating for 400, and prefunction space.
The resort features flexible meeting space, the latest audio-visual technology, and a full-service conference services department. Heritage Center, a 4,700-square-foot conference space, is designed for small to mid-sized group meetings. The Heritage Ballroom, for receptions up to 450 or dinners for 280, can be divided into four meeting rooms of equal size.
The resort offers golf on two signature golf courses, The Legacy and The Independence designed by Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson. A third golf course designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus will open this year. For further information contact groupsales@reunionresort.com.
Duke Energy Center Has Grand Opening 
CINCINNATI, OH — The Duke Energy Center held a grand opening last month after the completion of the historic expansion, renovation, and reconfiguration of the convention center that increases exhibit space to nearly 200,000 square feet. The Center has more than 750,000 gross square feet, including setup and support space, two ballrooms, 100,000 square feet of meeting space that can be subdivided into 37 breakout rooms, a full-service banquet kitchen capable of serving up to 5,000 meals in a single seating, high-tech conference capabilities, and onsite technical support, and more.
Dan Lincoln, president and CEO of the Greater Cincinnati Convention & Visitors Bureau, said, “Increased space and flexibility are at the heart of this project. We now have a best-in-class facility that offers convention goers the utmost in design, layout, and amenities. The CVB is aggressively marketing the new center and building a strong image and reputation for Cincinnati as a world-class meetings destination.”
Wyndham Miami Airport Hotel Expands
MIAMI, FL — Wyndham Miami Airport Hotel and Executive Meeting Center has announced expansion plans on the heels of the recent renovation to the hotel and construction of an Executive Meeting Center. They expect to add 575 rooms and 50,000 square feet of additional meeting space. EMCs offer a neutral location for first-class corporate conferences and training meetings. Each meeting room offers state-of-the-art touch screens, wireless audio-visual controls, and network access from an ergonomic seat at a glare-free top conference table. The 20,000-square-foot meeting center and ballroom can accommodate up to 920 banquet attendees or 558 conference attendees. For more information call 305-871-3800.
Denver Metro CVB Names Doug Small Senior Vice President
DENVER, CO — The Denver Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCVB) recently named Doug Small as 
senior vice president. Small will assist Richard W. Scharf, DMCVB president & CEO, in leading the organization with a focus on the convention sales and marketing operations. “Doug is a proven leader with an industry track record. Not only has he served as president of a very successful bureau, but he has a strong suit in convention sales and marketing. We are looking forward to his expertise and are excited to have him on the team,” said Scharf.
Since 2003, Small has been president of the Syracuse Convention & Visitors Bureau (SCVB), Previously, he served as vice president of sales and marketing for the Palm Springs Desert Resorts Convention & Visitors Authority.