SUNsational Service Courtesy Awards
We hope to see you on Thursday, December 4 for the annual holiday-themed Courtesy Awards luncheon at the Broward Convention Center, as frontline hospitality employees are recognized for going above and beyond and providing superior guest service. Please RSVP to Kim Canter at kcanter@broward.org.

Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2008
Join us for the 2008 Broward County Sports Hall of Fame honoring Broward's sports legends, Tuesday, December 2 at the Broward County Convention Center. Class of 2008: Cameron Benson - Football, Bonnie Canino - Boxing, Eric Eichmann - Soccer, Danny Kanell - Football, Kaye Pearson - Boating, Joe Rose - Football. Festivities kick off with a cocktail reception and silent auction. Please contact Saskia Fisher at sfisher@broward.org.

Dine Out Lauderdale and Lauderdale Spa Chic extended
There are still great values for dining and spa treatments. Dine Out Lauderdale has been extended through December 14 with more than 20 restaurants offering three-course dinner menus for $35. Visit www.sunny.org/dineout for the participating restaurants and their Dine Out menus. Lauderdale Spa Chic $99 spa treatments have been extended through December 19. Book your spa treatments today at five of Broward's top spa resorts: The Atlantic Resort & Spa, Embassy Suites Deerfield Beach Resort, Grand Resort & Spa (gay), Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, and The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale. Visit www.sunny.org/spachic for details.

Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade set sails downtown
Get ready for this year's parade on Saturday, Dec 13 sailing from the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The staging area starts the parade route west of Broward Center for the Performing Arts, past Esplanade Park stretching to Las Olas Riverfront, then traveling east from Sailboat Bend to connect along the Intracoastal Waterway and continue north to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach. The Grand Marshal Showboat - the Grand Floridian 125 ft, five deck mega yacht that will host 400 passengers along with this year's Grand Marshal, Jim Belushi. www.winterfestparade.com

Tourism Sales Update
Venice of America does Venice…in November, Alfredo Gonzalez attended "Showcase Italy," a tourism trade show put together by the US Commercial Service and the US Embassy in Italy.

Media Visits
Greater Fort Lauderdale welcomes Neala Schwartzberg with Off Beat Traveler on Dec 15 and Jewish Standard Dec 22-29. Michael Cohen, writer from Montreal, Dec 22 or 29, writes for The Suburban Newspaper, The Montrealer, The Jewish Tribune, Jewish Standard, Inspirations, Canadian World Traveller, DreamScapes Travel and Lifestyle Magazine. Ed Salvato, Dec 31-Jan 5, 2009, oversees travel stories for the Advocate, Out Magazine, the OutTraveler web site.

German Fashion Magazine Seeks "Fashionable" Accommodations
"Fuer Sie," a bi-weekly woman's glossy magazine with focus on beauty, lifestyle, fashion and travel with a circulation of 488,000 arrives in GFL in December to shoot 6 different fashion editorials. Hotel will be featured in fashion shoot and receive one free page of advertorial. The magazine targets trendy young women between 25 and 40. The advertising value per page is 26,300 Euro. www.fuer-sie.de. Each of the six fashion editorials (e.g. spring/summer, family at the beach, safari looks, back to paradise, etc.) will have a length of 8-10 pages. From Dec 8-17, a crew of six people (six single rooms) will be in town for the photo shoot and they are prepared to pay a press rate. They are offering a free 1-page advertorial for the hotel (worth 26,300 Euro) plus - if it is a good fit for hotel and locale - to shoot one or two fashion editorials at the hotel, thus featuring the hotel's amenities in the photos. If you are interested in this lead please contact Jessica Taylor jtaylor@broward.org or 954-767-2444.

Multiculturally Speaking
On Dec 12, Albert Tucker will be in Washington DC to host a private meeting with seven bishops from the largest faith-based African-American organizations in the nation. Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship, Pentecostal Assemplies of the World, African Methodist Episcopal Church, Church of God in Christ, Church of the Living God, National Baptist USA, Gospel Music Workshop of America. And on Dec 13 he will also be hosting the Kickoff Reception for the National Conference of Black State Legislators in DC, a conference scheduled to take place in Dec 2009 at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa.

Convention Sales Team Update
The convention sales team has showcased GFL to Alpha Phi Fraternity - District Convention 2009, EKOS Corporation, Florida Association of Health Plans, Meeting Makers, Ideal Media, Media Tech and Association of Foot & Ankle Surgeons. The sales team was recently in Weston for American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Partnership and Leadership Summit, Chicago for PCMA Midwest Chapter - Bowl-a-thon, and Association Forum's CEO Roundtable, Ponte Vedra for VISIT FLORIDA's Florida Encounter, Hollywood for Starwood Hotels & Resorts East Coast Rendezvous and Pinehurst, NC for Meeting Masters.
Catch the sales team soon at these upcoming events and tradeshows:
Dec 1-4: EIBTM, Barcelona, Spain
Dec 1-2: PCMA New England Chapter Annual Meeting, Boston
Dec 3-7: National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners, Washington, DC
Dec 5-9: SITE International Annual Meeting, Montreux, Switzerland
Dec 7-9: Visit Florida's Sales Committee Retreat, Jupiter
Dec 9-10: International Assn of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), Miami
Dec 10-12: Association Executives of North Carolina - Annual Meeting & Tradeshow, Raleigh, NC
Dec 15: Destination Marketing Association International - Convention Sales Shirtsleeves, Chicago
Dec 15: The Hyland Group - Client Holiday Luncheon, Chicago
Dec 15: MPI - Chicago Area Chapter - Annual Holiday Event, Chicago
Dec 16: Association Forum's Holiday Showcase, Chicago

December Group Sales Update
Groups meeting in December generate more than $15 million to Broward County. Sample groups include
Dec 4-18: CSPA 95th Annual Meeting (600 attendees)
Dec 6-10: IT ChannelVision 2008 (760 attendees)

Going Green
Congratulations to the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa and Coral Springs Marriott Hotel, Golf Club & Convention Center for becoming Certified Green Lodging Hotels. Plan.It.Green. As our local hotels become certified by the Florida Green Lodging program, the GFLCVB is turning those milestones into reforestation for Broward County Parks to reestablish native plantings and green buffers to help offset the carbon footprint that results from the many aspects of visitors in our area. The GFLCVB is requesting hotels make a minimum $500 financial donation to Broward County Parks to help this Green Broward initiative at Markham Park and take a seed of an idea and grow into a flourishing success for all who live, work, play and visit here.

Sport Lauderdale
Greater Fort Lauderdale welcomes the following sports groups in December, with over 48,000 competitors plus family and friends:
Dec 4-7: NSU MBB Classic (800 attendees)
Dec 4-7: Dannon Soccer Classic (1800 attendees)
Dec 6-8: 2008 Masters Meet - Coral Springs (500 attendees)
Dec 14-22: German US Soccer Youth Cup (1000 attendees)
Dec 15-Jan 15: West Coast Winter Training - Coral Springs Aquatics (2500 attendees)
Dec 16-22: US/Canada Soccer (800 attendees)
Dec 17-21: Women's Prof. Soccer League Combine (700 attendees)
Dec 17-Jan 12: 73rd Annual College Forum (3000 attendees)
Dec 18-21: KICS Holiday Classic Soccer Tournament (2000 attendees)
Dec 18-21: Pre-Christmas Classic Boys Basketball (1500 attendees)
Dec 18-22: NOVA SE Christmas Classic (800 attendees)
Dec 19-23: Kreul Classic (1500 attendees)
Dec 26-29: Metro PCS Orange Bowl Basketball (6000 attendees)
Dec 26-30: Hofball Christmas Classic (1000 attendees)
Dec 26-30: Orange Classic Soccer (3800 attendees)
Dec 27-29: Citrus Wrestling Classic (1000 attendees)
Dec 27-Jan 2: Fed Ex Orange Bowl (15000 attendees)
Dec 29-31: Fort Lauderdale Beach Holiday Classic (1000 attendees)
Dec 29-Jan 3: High School Shoot out Girls/Boys Basketball (2000 attendees)

The Plane Facts: FLL News
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Broward County Aviation will host its 20th Annual Winter Festival of Music next week. Performances begin Monday, December 1, at 9am and continue through Friday, December 5. Approximately, 2,100 children from various Broward County elementary, middle, and high schools will perform throughout the airport terminals. Passengers will be entertained through song and dance. A new display program at FLL, transforms the airport into a hi-tech showcase of local businesses and attractions providing passengers and visitors with key information. The Community Showcase Advertising Program includes themed wall murals showcasing Broward, new energy-efficient edgelite signage, large format digital LCD displays and a Digital Passenger Assistance Service System (DPASS) that allows passengers to collect information on area hotels, restaurants, attractions, and transportation through traditional methods (phones), new methods (printers), and hi-tech avenues (mobile phone). Contact Scott Appnel at (800) 628-6800 ext. 218 or sappnel@iaateam.com or by visiting www.iaateam.com.

Port Everglades News
In time for the launch of Celebrity Cruises' newest cruise ship Celebrity Solstice, Port Everglades cut the ribbon to open phase I of Passenger Terminal 18. This is the first phase of a two-part terminal renovation that will transform Terminal 18 into the largest cruise terminal in the world, dedicated to servicing a single ship. Once the entire expansion project is complete in fall 2009, the terminal will be home to the largest cruise ships in the world, Royal Caribbean International's Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas. In other port news, MSC Cruises and Port Everglades have entered into a two-year agreement for the use of both a berth and terminal at the port. MSC Cruises is guaranteeing 135,000 passengers in the first year of the agreement and 160,000 passengers in its second year. In the past year, two of the line's "Lirica" class vessels had been operating from the port during the winter Caribbean season. This year, MSC Lirica will be joined by MSC Orchestra, one of the line's newest "Musica" class vessels. During the winter 2009-10 season, the line is expected to have two "Musica" class ships - MSC Poesia and the brand new MSC Magnifica - sailing Caribbean itineraries.

ISHOF's Bruce Wigo Honored by World WaterPark Association
Congratulations to Bruce Wigo, the CEO of the International Swimming Hall of Fame, recipient of the Kelly Ogle Memorial Safety Award at the annual World WaterPark Association's 28th Annual Symposium and Trade Show in November.

South Florida Hospitality Industry Holiday Party
We hope to see you on Thursday, Dec 4, 6pm at Xtreme Indoor Karting in Fort Lauderdale, for the annual industry-wide holiday party that benefits the Search Foundation and St. Jude's Children's Hospital. The "Industry in Wonderland" features open bar, foods and desserts, entertainment, raffle prizes and more. www.southfloridaindustryholidayparty.com

'Tis The Season
Charter One & The Grand Floridian invite you to join them for two very special Holiday Dinner Cruises on Dec 5 and 12 from 7-11pm, $95pp, all inclusive. www.charteronenow.com. Sidelines Sports Bar is offering holiday cheer with new Super Premium Vodka drinks at 2-4-1 prices from open to close during the month of December. The City of Wilton Manors' annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony will be combined with Wilton Wonderland for a street festival on Dec 6 along Wilton Drive beginning at 5:30pm.

Hotel News
Congratulations to the Hyatt Regency Bonaventure Conference Center & Spa and Ireland's Steakhouse at the Hyatt, both earning the prestigious Four Diamond rating from the American Automobile Association (AAA). Marriott North Fort Lauderdale received Marriott's International Partnership Circle Award for Renovation of the Year 2008. Mike Long is the new General Manager at the Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach. Luckey's Management welcomes Jon Lemke, CHME, Corporate Director of Sales; David Edgell, Jr., Sales Manager and Bryan Mitchell, Sales Manager. Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Plantation welcomes new GM, James Montgomery.

Cast Your Vote
Art of the Party is competing for Event Solutions 2009 Spotlight Awards: Event Company of the Year, East. Each year, Event Solutions nominates standout individuals and companies in the event industry for these awards. You may cast online votes at www.event-solutions.com. Voting ends Jan 26, 2009. The awards will be presented at Event Solutions' annual tradeshow and conference in Las Vegas on February 25, 2009.

Best Place to Raise Your Kids
BusinessWeek's second annual roundup of the Best Places to Raise your Kids has named Pembroke Pines, with Sunrise as a runner-up, in the state of Florida. Towns were selected with at least 50,000 residents and a median family income between $40,000 and $100,000. Lists were then narrowed down by school performance, number of schools, household expenditures, crime rates, air quality, job growth, family income, museums, parks, theaters, amenities, and diversity.

Bet on it
This December, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino promotions include King of the Rock slot tournaments on Mondays; Cash & Cars Quadruple on Sundays; Classic Rockers slot tournaments, plus cash and iPod giveaways on Tuesdays; $250,000 cash giveaways Wednesdays-Saturdays; and grand prize BMW635i giveaway on December 31. The Poker Room at Seminole Paradise offers poker promotions throughout the month.

Happenings Around Town
Through Dec 31: African Adventure 3D, Museum of Discovery & Science and AutoNation® IMAX® Theater
Through Dec 31: Grand Canyon Adventure 3D, Museum of Discovery & Science and AutoNation® IMAX® Theater
Through Dec 31: Wild Ocean 3D, Museum of Discovery & Science and AutoNation® IMAX® Theater
Through Dec 17: Classic Car Show, Las Olas Blvd., Downtown Fort Lauderdale
Through Jan 4: Holiday Fantasy of Lights, Tradewinds Park, Coconut Creek
Through Jan 10: Light Up Lauderdale, Downtown Fort Lauderdale
Dec 1: Dave Koz & Friends: A Smooth Jazz Christmas, Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Dec 2: Christmas by the Sea, Lauderdale by the Sea
Dec 2: Christmas on Las Olas, Las Olas Blvd.
Dec 2-Jan 10: Winter Wonderland, Plantation Historical Museum
Dec 4: Florida Panthers vs. Buffalo Sabres, BankAtlantic Center, Sunrise
Dec 4, 6: La traviata, Florida Grand Opera, Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Dec 4: Luke Bryan, The Roundup Country Club
Dec 4: Yuletide on Atlantic, Atlantic Boulevard, Pompano Beach
Dec 5-7: Fort Lauderdale Fall Home Design & Remodeling Show, Broward County Convention Center
Dec 6: Florida Panthers vs. Boston Bruins, BankAtlantic Center, Sunrise
Dec 6: Hollywood Beach Candy Cane Parade, Hollywood Beach Broadwalk
Dec 6: Ultimate Golf Demo, Palm-Aire Country Club
Dec 6: Wilton Wonderland, Wilton Manors
Dec 7: SunTrust Sunday Jazz Brunch, Riverwalk, Downtown Fort Lauderdale
Dec 10: Four Freshman Holiday Show, Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Dec 10-11: Jeff Dunham: Spark of Insanity, Hard Rock Live
Dec 12: Broadwalk Friday Fest, Hollywood Beach
Dec 12: American Idols in Concert for the Holidays, Coral Springs Center for the Arts
Dec 12-14: George Balanchine's The Nutcracker, Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Dec 12: Jim Belushi & The Sacred Hearts, Hard Rock Live
Dec 13: Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade , downtown Fort Lauderdale on the New River
Dec 13: The Irish Tenors Holiday Show, Coral Springs Center for the Arts
Dec 13: Y100 Jingle Ball, BankAtlantic Center, Sunrise
Dec 14: KC & the Sunshine Band / Kool & the Gang, Hard Rock Live
Dec 14: Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade, Intracoastal, Pompano Beach
Dec 17: Classic Car Show, Las Olas Blvd.
Dec 17: Howe, Squire and White of YES, Hard Rock Live
Dec 20: AC/DC, BankAtlantic Center, Sunrise
Dec 21: Florida Panthers vs. Colorado Avalanche, BankAtlantic Center, Sunrise
Dec 23: Florida Panthers vs. Nashville Predators, BankAtlantic Center, Sunrise
Dec 23: Movin' Out, Broadway, Coral Springs Center for the Arts
Dec 26-Jan 15: 73rd Annual College Swim Forum, Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center
Dec 26: Florida Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning, BankAtlantic Center, Sunrise
Dec 26: The Chocolate Nutcracker, Broward County Main Library, Fort Lauderdale
Dec 26: Broadwalk Friday Fest, Hollywood Beach
Dec 27: Orange Classic International Girls Soccer Tournament, Plantation
Dec 28: MetroPCS Orange Bowl Basketball Classic, BankAtlantic Center, Sunrise
Dec 29: Florida Panthers vs. Montreal Canadiens, BankAtlantic Center, Sunrise
Dec 30-Jan 11: Avenue Q, Broadway, Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Dec 30: Jay Leno, Hard Rock Live
Dec 30-31: OceanDance 2008, Hollywood Beach
Dec 31: Gilbert Gottfried, Parker Playhouse
Dec 31: New Year's Eve "Downtown Countdown!" Fort Lauderdale

With all best wishes,

Nicki E. Grossman
President