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American spends 8.5 hours a day in front of a screen: computer, TV, cell phone, etc. That’s scary. People need to connect and relate one- on-one to effectively communicate.You can’t catch subtle nuances, intent, and tone froma text message or e-mail. Emoticons just can’t replace the warmth ofa real smile. People by nature are social animals, so we should reach out for that connection—and meetings serve an important role in doing just that. While theWest is a leader in technology,we still prefer the one-on-one opportunities, and who could ask for better settings? We’re a small meetings market with lim-


ited resources. Rather than fancy discounts or incentives, we focus on the personal touch and extreme attentiveness to service and details.We offer planners pre- and post-convention meetings to make sure all players from hotels to operations staff are on the same page with the planner.We’re a one-stop shop where the convention center and its operations are part ofthe visitors bureau. For meeting planners, this makes their life that much easier. John Cooper President/CEO Yakima Valley Visitors & Convention Bureau


‘In-Person MeetingsAre the OnlyWay’ While communication technologies like Skype, BlackBerryMessenger, Facebook, and Twitter have made it easier for casual day-to-day interaction, in-person meetings remain the only way to close a deal, hone in on business strategies, and build morale and relationships. TheWest is the ideal place for these meetings, as its hotels and meeting spaces are some ofthe best in the country and geographically central to entertainment, outdoor activities, incredi- ble dining, and nightlife. The town-like environment ofBeverly


Hills makes it well equipped to cater to groups large or small. The city rolls out the red carpet with special incentives, such as


www.pcma.org


an in-person welcome from the Beverly Hills mayor to customized programming tailored to the needs ofthe group. The city’s hotels are used to dealing with high- caliber events and accommodating the needs ofcelebrities and press junkets, so they are able to handle requests with ease. Beverly Hills Conference and Visitors Bureau is a great resource for assistance with VIP shopping excursions on Rodeo Drive, walking tours, and expediting RFPs. Kathy Smits Executive Director Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau


BEACON OF HOPE: Heceta Head Light- house, on the Pacific Coast in Lane County, Oregon





‘A More Productive Setting’ In today’s digital world ofinstant messag- ing, blogging, and tweets, personal commu- nication is becoming a lost art.And yet, research has shown that in-person commu- nications aremuch more effective. Face time with employees, partners, vendors, and cus- tomers provides a personal,more produc- tive setting to exchange ideas, educate stakeholders, and energize the team. What better setting than theWest, with


its natural beauty and diverse landscape, to host a meeting that will attract your mem- bers?When you think oftheWest, we encourage you to “Think Tempe First” for your next meeting or event.Minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and home to Arizona State University, Ford Ironman Arizona, and the TempeMusic Festival, Tempe is a city which is full of life, fun-loving, and spirited—a second-tier city that hosts first-class meetings. Tempe’s hospitality community is dedi-


DOME SWEET DOME:The Utah State Capitol, in Salt Lake City


cated every day—not just in challenging times—to listening to our customers, exceeding their expectations, and creating a positive experience they will remember. Stephanie Nowack President & CEO Tempe Convention & Visitors Bureau 


pcmaconvene March 2010 65


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