Meeting with Aloha
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This type of clean energy transformation will continue to help sharply reduce greenhouse gas emissions, will increase energy efficiency, maximize the use of the state’s vast and abundant renewable resources, and help demonstrate reliable, affordable and clean energy technologies in Hawai`i. Alexander Karsner, U.S. Department of Energy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and

Aerial view of Aquaculture Industry, Island of Hawai`i. Photo credit: Hawai`i Tourism Authority / Kirk Lee Aeder

Renewable Energy, states, “With an abundance of natural resources and environmental treasures, Hawai`i is the ideal location to showcase the broad benefits of renewable energy at work on an unprecedented scale.” “Although this initiative for Hawai`i focuses on modern advances such as wind farms and wave technologies, it is key to note that from ancient times the Hawaiians have always lived to ensure sustainability on their islands. The ahupua`a system is a testament to this fact,” notes Joe Davis, SMG General Manager of the Hawai`i Convention Center. “As our clients begin to focus on bringing environmentally conscious green efficiencies to their conventions and meetings, it is fantastic that Hawai`i is poised to be the ‘model state’ for the development of clean energy.” This new initiative and the continuing exploration and development of new transformative technologies keeps Hawai`i in the forefront as a global leader poised to play a substantive role not only in the Pacific Rim and Asia but also on a world stage. Hawai`i is a crossroads in geography, culture and science. It’s the place where people who make a difference meet, exchange ideas, conduct business, and close deals. Hawai`i Convention Center 1801 Kalakaua Ave Honolulu, HI 96815 Main switchboard: (808) 943-3500 Toll-Free: (800) 295-6603 info@hccsmg.com www.hawaiiconvention.com

“It is key to note that from ancient times the Hawaiians have always lived to ensure sustainability on their islands.” –Joe Davis, SMG General Manager

Aloha!

P	rofessor Kanichi Seto DDS PhD, President, Japanese Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, said

“I think we should be grateful that there is a place like Hawai`i, halfway between Japan and the mainland U.S. It has always been true, but in Hawai`i you can do science, business and sightseeing all in one place.”

Our clients are realizing the depth of resources in the areas of medicine, science, technology, education, and more that abound in Hawai`i – just like the abundance of the sun, sand and sea.

In this issue, we feature the announcement of a new partnership between the state of Hawai`i and the U.S. Department of Energy that will put the state in the forefront in the field of renewable energy and offer greater exposure for Hawai`i as a leader in clean energy. This new initiative is just another example of the Hawai`i Advantage of how Hawai`i maximizes its resources and its ideal geographic location to solve problems, exchange ideas, conduct business and close deals.

We look forward to sharing the Hawai`i Advantage from our clients’ point-of-view in future issues of our newsletter. More importantly, let our results show how your event in Hawai`i can be an unparalleled, memorable experience.

A hui hou (Until we meet again),



Joe Davis
SMG General Manager
Hawai`i Convention Center

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Breaking News From HCC Hawai`i Convention Center announces new promotional program in conjunction with its 10th anniversary at major industry event in Seattle
The Hawai`i Convention Center announced a new promotion – The 10th Anniversary Destination Package - worth $175,000 in promotional and destination programs to groups and organizations that book the HCC for meetings with 2,500 delegates or more for the years of 2011, 2014 or 2016.	Bookings must be confirmed by Dec. 1, 2008. The announcement was made at the Professional Convention Management Association’s (PCMA) Annual Meeting held in Seattle, Washington on Jan. 13 – 16. continued on page 8

2008 HIGHLIGHTS &
ECONOMIC IMPACT

METROPOLL XII SURVEY GIVES HIGH MARKS TO THE HAWAI'I CONVENTION CENTER In a survey conducted on behalf of the Hawai`i Conven- tion Center, METROPOL XII has determined that Hawai`i continues to rank as the top choice in evaluation as a vacation destination, and close to the top ten as a convention site. The survey also noted the perception of Hawai`i being good for international conven- tions. Hawai`i ranks in the top ten among 40 destinations covered in the study when it comes to international draw. In the national market, Hawai`i maintains its increased incid- ents of major meetings, which was also noted in the previous survey, METROPOLL XI.

Pictured from left to right. Mike Murray of the Hawai`i Visitors and Convention Bureau; Gary Seibert, 2007 Chairman, PCMA Foundation; Joe Davis, SMG General Manager of the Hawai`i Convention Center; and Harvey Grotsky, President and CEO of Coastal Communications Corporation at a Hawai`i Convention Center sponsored luncheon promoting Hawai`i as a travel and meetings destination during the Professional Convention Management Association’s (PCMA) Annual Meeting held Jan.13 to 16 in Seattle, WA.

The survey credits this to the Hawai`i Convention Center’s marketing impact. Exposure to Hawai`i marketing activities included tradebook ads, calls from the convention center’s sales staff, trade booth and Web site visits. GLOBAL OUTREACH PROGRAM BOOSTS ATTENDANCE The Hawai`i Convention Center’s Global Outreach Program has resulted in a 10 percent increase in attendance benefiting its clients and the State of Hawai`i. The marketing effort draws attendance from countries such as China, Korea and Japan to meetings of domestic associations holding conferences in Hawai`i. The first event of the year, the 37th Annual Society of Critical Care Medicine Congress, held Feb. 2 to 6, realized a total of 5,805 attendees, setting a new record for the organization. The last attendance record was set in 2006 at continued on page 5

Read Star Bulletin's "Convention marketing push bearing fruit"

TOP 10 WAYS TO
GLOBALIZE YOUR
MEETING IN HAWAI'I

C ompetitive rates, consu- mmate service and cult- ural diversity are just three of the distinct advantages that the Hawai`i Convention Center offers meeting planners eager to take their associations into the global arena. With proper planning, such an event can be achieved on time and within budget. The marketing team at the award-wining Hawai`i Convention Center has the proven expertise to help

Photo credit: David Cornwell

keep costs down when it comes to shipping and resources able to support exhibitors. Meeting planners soon learn that the Center’s marketing team provides an edge when it comes to reaching international constituents. WHAT ARE THE WAYS HAWAI'I CAN HELP GLOBALIZE YOUR EVENT? 1. GEOGRAPHICAL CENTER: Honolulu International Airport is a global destination for flights from all over the planet. 2. CROSS CULTURES: Overseas associations consider Hawai`i a safe and welcoming place. The Hawai`i Convention Center’s marketing team has globally positioned offices, including those in Japan and China, providing instant international outreach for your organization. 3. START EARLY: The SMG Hawai`i sales team initiates work as early as 24 months prior to an event to build global interest. continued on page 6

Meeting planners soon learn that the Center’s marketing team provides an edge when it comes to reaching international constituents.

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The $175,000 in promotional and destination programs may include the off-set in rent at the Center, preevent promotions, inclusion of an international attendance building program or any other custom options specifically tailored for the client’s needs.

The PCMA Annual Meeting is the premier event for meetings industry leaders to learn new strategies, discover innovative solutions, and share best practices. The Hawai`i Convention Center was joined by the Hawai`i Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB), The Hawai`i Tourism Authority (HTA ), as well as some of its valued hotel partners. The 30 member team from Hawai`i was joined by over 3,000 meetings industry colleagues for more than 80 cutting-edge education sessions and outstanding networking opportunities.