Black Meetings & Tourism - HMAI's MEET West Returns To Anaheim

Industry Briefs
HMAI's MEET West Returns To Anaheim
Celebrating the first anniversary of its West Launch, HSMAI’s MEET – an acronym for MEETING/EVENTS/EDUCATION/TECHNOLOGY – has taken tradeshows to a new height! HSMAI’s MEET West, was held May 29-30 for the second straight year at the beautiful Anaheim Marriott. The event has been applauded for the value it has brought to the industry’s top meeting and event professionals as an innovative learning event focused on making the most of face-to-face connections. In addition to a spectacular 2-day trade show that boasted nearly 170 exhibitors ranging from Visit Denver, the Long Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Mexico Tourism Board, to Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, *Black Meetings & Tourism* and PCMA - Southwest & Pacific Chapter. HSMAI’s MEET West also offered informative educational opportunities and outstanding presenters. Opening day featured concurrent sessions with compelling titles like *“Success Metrics, Roles & Responsibilities,”* and *“Communication Plans – Laying the Foundation to Manage ‘Up’.”* Free workshops, especially for exhibitors, were also offered, including *“Selling in a Revenue Managed World”* and “Today’s Best Practices: Face-to-Face Selling and Communications Skills.” Perhaps the highlight of day one’s program was General Session “The Power of Partnership,” presented by Jim Davidson, who shared lessons learned during his more than 30 years of adventure and professional experience. Davidson, an expert mountain climber, wove a fascinating tail about a mountain climbing experience that almost cost him his life (and did cost the life of his climbing partner). His chilling and inspiring presentation emphasized the importance of teamwork and partnership, which is not only crucial in a sport like mountain climbing, but can be applied to the hospitality and meetings industry as well. This session morphed into a Networking Luncheon in the same ballroom, and was followed later by an invitation only CMP and Senior Leaders’ Dessert Reception in another ballroom. Day two was just as eventful, with more concurrent sessions, another networking luncheon, HSMAI’s Team Up, described as a superlative execution on the trend that reverses the traditional trade show, and the awarding of prizes as the trade show drew to a close.

Industry Briefs

HMAI's MEET West Returns To Anaheim

Celebrating the first anniversary of its West Launch, HSMAI’s MEET – an acronym for MEETING/EVENTS/EDUCATION/TECHNOLOGY – has taken tradeshows to a new height! HSMAI’s MEET West, was held May 29-30 for the second straight year at the beautiful Anaheim Marriott. The event has been applauded for the value it has brought to the industry’s top meeting and event professionals as an innovative learning event focused on making the most of face-to-face connections.

In addition to a spectacular 2-day trade show that boasted nearly 170 exhibitors ranging from Visit Denver, the Long Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Mexico Tourism Board, to Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, Black Meetings & Tourism and PCMA - Southwest & Pacific Chapter. HSMAI’s MEET West also offered informative educational opportunities and outstanding presenters.

Opening day featured concurrent sessions with compelling titles like “Success Metrics, Roles & Responsibilities,” and “Communication Plans – Laying the Foundation to Manage ‘Up’.” Free workshops, especially for exhibitors, were also offered, including “Selling in a Revenue Managed World” and “Today’s Best Practices: Face-to-Face Selling and Communications Skills.”

Perhaps the highlight of day one’s program was General Session “The Power of Partnership,” presented by Jim Davidson, who shared lessons learned during his more than 30 years of adventure and professional experience. Davidson, an expert mountain climber, wove a fascinating tail about a mountain climbing experience that almost cost him his life (and did cost the life of his climbing partner). His chilling and inspiring presentation emphasized the importance of teamwork and partnership, which is not only crucial in a sport like mountain climbing, but can be applied to the hospitality and meetings industry as well.

This session morphed into a Networking Luncheon in the same ballroom, and was followed later by an invitation only CMP and Senior Leaders’ Dessert Reception in another ballroom. Day two was just as eventful, with more concurrent sessions, another networking luncheon, HSMAI’s Team Up, described as a superlative execution on the trend that reverses the traditional trade show, and the awarding of prizes as the trade show drew to a close.