E-Bulletin: Hawaii's Tourism Industry to Gather and Define Hawaii's Next Chapter

Registration is in full swing for the 2013 Hawaii Tourism Conference, Aug. 22-23. Don't miss this opportunity to join the HTA and Hawaii tourism industry stakeholders to network and learn about today's ever-evolving travel industry, the latest trends and forecasts, best practices on an array of topics, and factors to consider as you plan for 2014.

Newly added to the dynamic conference schedule on Friday, Aug. 23, during Concurrent Session IV, is a panel discussion about Hawaii's National Marine Sanctuary. Tourists are an important user group to all National Marine Sanctuaries, and the HTA and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary are partnering to enrich the visitor experience by creating awareness of these special areas. Read more

Q &A with Brad Gessner, VP of Convention Centers, AEG Facilities

On July 3rd, the HTA announced the selection of AEG Facilities to manage the Hawaii Convention Center (HCC) from Jan. 1, 2014. They will be responsible for the management, operation, and marketing of the HCC. Brad Gessner, VP of Convention Centers for AEG Facilities shares his insight and AEG's plans to take the HCC to the next level in 2014 and beyond.

Q: What are some of the assets that AEG will bring to Hawaii and the Hawaii Convention Center?

A: AEG has an unparalleled network of resources and team members from around the world that we will draw from to benefit the management and marketing of the Hawaii Convention Center (HCC). As part of a worldwide corporation with a network of venues, including the Brisbane Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur Convention Center, Qatar Convention Center and most recently the Los Angeles Convention Center, we will draw from our extensive network to provide management expertise. Our resources include AEG Encore customer service training, AEG S.A.F.E. safety and security programing, AEG Energy Services, AEG 1-Earth sustainability programs, AEG Marketing, AEG Real Estate Services, which includes facility design and master planning to name a few. AEG also has more than 400 corporate partners that we will activate to consider utilizing the Hawaii Convention Center for their corporate and incentive meetings, increasing the MCI business for the state of Hawaii.

Please click here to read the rest of the interview with Brad Gessner.

Hawaii's Premier Epicurean Event Returns with More Chefs and Events

The 3rd Annual Hawaii Food & Wine Festival will continue to highlight the connection between people, food and the love for our aina. Themed "Taste our Love for the Land," the HTA-sponsored festival will feature the culinary creations of celebrity chefs from around the world, preparing dishes using the freshest produce and products sourced locally in Hawaii.

Attendees will enjoy an epicurean journey that kicks off on Maui, for the first time since the festival was created. Tickets are on sale now for events taking place Sept. 1-9 on Maui and Oahu, ranging from celebrity chef cooking demos to luxurious tastings under the stars. Read more

HTA Soliciting Proposals for its Product Enrichment Programs

MFF The HTA is seeking proposals for its Product Enrichment Programs (PEP). Through the support and partnership with the four Counties and Hawaii Community Foundation (HCF), the HTA provides funding to numerous community initiated projects and programs that enhance resident and visitor experiences, create opportunities for economic development, natural resource preservation and perpetuation of the Hawaiian culture. These programs support what makes Hawaii a one-of-a-kind place to live and visit, highlighting Hawaii's people, place and culture. Programs include the Community-Based Natural Resources Program (NRP), Kukulu Ola - Living Hawaiian Culture Program (LHCP) and County Product Enrichment Program (CPEP). Read more

HTA recognizes the use of the 'okina ['] or glottal stop, one of the eight consonants of the (modern) Hawaiian language; and the kahakō[ā] or macron (e.g., in place names of Hawai'i such as Lāna'i). However, HTA respects the individual use of these markings for names of organizations and businesses. Due to technological limitations, this current communication may not include all Hawaiian diacritical markings.