2016 Facilities & Destinations Awards of Excellence Cities and Convention Centers That Are “Worth Meeting In”
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n June 1, the Meetings Mean Business Coalition (MMBC) launched its Worth Meeting About campaign. The aim is to send a message to elected officials and policymakers that “when it’s important, it’s worth meeting about,” by emphasizing the key role of face-to-face meetings throughout the election cycle. “The campaign will highlight that while these events only happen every four years, meetings take place and positively impact people, businesses and communities every single day. The election cycle is just one example of how the most important decisions, moments and milestones are Worth Meeting About,” explains Michael Dominguez, MMBC Co-chair and Chief Sales Officer, MGM Resorts International. The campaign’s first paid advertising will debut at the Republican National Convention, July 18-21, with signage in the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. At the Democratic National Convention, July 25-28, MMBC will have signage in the Philadelphia International Airport as well as billboards along I-95 (see the Philadelphia feature on page 42 for more on the DNC). When a matter is vital to an organization, whether a political party, government body, trade association or corporation, it’s usually “worth 32
meeting about” in person. And when stakeholders must travel to convene, it’s also important to find a site that’s “worth meeting in.” Each year, Facilities & Destinations recognizes cities and venues that are ideal environments for stakeholders to engage in dialogue, brainstorming, learning and networking. Convenient air accessibility, a CVB versed in group service, a LEED-certified convention center, and a diverse and convenient hotel package are examples of the features that our readers highlight in making nominations for the Awards of Excellence. Winning an award thus signals client satisfaction on many levels, and is a boon for these suppliers as they work to stand out in a competitive meetings marketplace. Ballots for the Awards of Excellence are available in F&D’s quarterly print publications, including the SuperBook, Summer, Fall and Winter issues, and at Facilitiesonline. com. Ballots are received throughout the year, and the list of award winners appears in the F&D SuperBook. The Prime Site Award is given out in three categories: Convention Centers, Conference Centers, and Hotels & Resorts. The Top Destination Award is given to convention and visitors bureaus and other DMOs. We look forward to honoring more cities and facilities that are “worth meeting in” next year. Facilities & destinations 2016 superbook