Be part of the Welcoming Flotilla!
The largest cruise ship, Oasis of the Seas, arrives at Port Everglades on Wednesday, November 11 at 8am. Be a part of this live televised event and escort the Oasis of the Seas into our port as ABC’s Good Morning America will be filming this historic event. Get your boat, grab your friends and join the Flotilla.
Charter One’s Grand Floridian will be the point vessel and media headquarters for the event. Every vessel must register their name, contact info and vessel registration number with the Winterfest office to participate. Click here to register your boat!
Top November Events: Fort Lauderdale Int'l Boat Show and the Fort Lauderdale Int'l Film Festival
Celebrate the world's largest boat show going on through Nov 2, featuring more than 3 billion dollars worth of boats, yachts, superyachts, electronics, and more. See one of 120 fillms at the Fort Lauderdale Film Festival going on through Nov 11. Click here for a schedule of events.
Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2009
Join us for the 2009 Broward County Sports Hall of Fame honoring Broward's sports legends, Tuesday, November 17 at the Broward County Convention Center. Class of 2009: Jeff Conine - Baseball, Ricardo Liborio – Mixed Martial Arts, Coach Michael Lohberg - Swimming, John Offerdahl - Football, Coach Herman Pittman - Basketball, Dara Torres - Swimming. Festivities kick off with a cocktail reception and silent auction. Please contact Saskia Fisher sfisher@broward.org for information.
Fall Advertising Campaign Ramp Up
The CVB launched a special advertising initiative online with Travelocity and Orbitz to drive immediate business. The fall print media campaign uses snaptags and television spots in the northeast drive consumers to www.sunny.org/save where more than 40 hotels are offering LauderDeals – the best deals booked directly through the hotel available thru December 20. Value is king right now, so make sure that you provide us with your best deal to promote. Visit www.sunny.org/save to see the LauderDeals.
Social Media Seminar Free at CVB office
Join us for a free Social Media Webinar at the CVB office on Thursday, Nov 5 promptly at 2pm. Learn from the experts, as David L. Atkins, from Digital DNA Infusion, sets the stage for using the basics of Social Media. Especially devised by HSMAI for sales, marketing, revenue management, and operations personnel, Atkins will discuss how to utilize Social Media to advance your business objectives. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, MySpace, TripAdvisor, TripIt, Trazzler, Dopplr, Blogs, and YouTube will be covered along with travel specific Social Media trends. RSVP to kcanter@broward.org.
More Social Media at SITE Florida
Need tips and tricks for using the three main Social Marketing Platforms? Attend the Social Networking Seminar Nov 17 at the W.
Learn how to get the most out of Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter and power up your marketing programs and business results. The session is presented by Murray Izenwasser, of Starmark International, with more than 20 years of online marketing expertise. The morning session rounds off with a panel of local hospitality professionals and their real life successes using social media. The seminar takes place on Tuesday, Nov 17 from 8am-noon at the W Fort Lauderdale. $30 members, $50 non-members. Contact Site Florida sitefl@att.net. Hosted by W Fort Lauderdale, Starmark International and GFLCVB.
Lauderdale Luxe Media Reception in NYC
Nicki, along with nine hoteliers, met with 26 media at Aureole in NYC for an update on GFL's luxury offerings. Conde Nast Traveler co-hosted the media dinner on October 27, promoting upscale hotel products to top tier media, reinforcing GFL transformation story. Media included: Lucky Magazine, Travel + Leisure, Successful Meetings, Hotel Business & Hotel Journal, Meetings and Conventions, NY Daily News, Brides Florida, and Elite Traveler. Click here to read about the launch of the new Lauderdale Luxe Collection.
SUNsational Service Training
This fast-paced interactive class is designed to help us reach our goal of outstanding service for every citizen and visitor in Broward County. Click here for the 2010 Training Schedule.
Dine Out Lauderdale
Two more weeks remain to experience the culinary greatness in Greater "Fork" Lauderdale during Dine Out Lauderdale through November 12 with special $35 three-course dinner menus at more than 35 top Broward restaurants. Visit www.sunny.org/dineout for participating restaurants and their Dine Out menus.
Lauderdale Spa Chic extended through Nov 25
By popular demand, the $99 spa treatments for Lauderdale Spa Chic have been extended again through Nov 25 at 6 Broward spas--- The Atlantic Resort & Spa, Embassy Suites Deerfield Beach Resort, Grand Resort & Spa (gay), Ocean Sands Resort & Spa, Planet Massage on Las Olas Blvd., and The Ritz Carlton, Fort Lauderdale. For details, visit www.sunny.org/spachic
SAVE THE DATE: SUNsational Service Courtesy Awards, Dec 3
Send us your nominations for the 2009 Sunsational Service Courtesy Awards. We want to recognize the front line hospitality employees who go above and beyond. At a special holiday luncheon Thursday, Dec 3 at the Broward County Convention Center. Click here for a nomination form. Please submit forms no later than Friday, November 6.
2010 Meeting Planners Guide
Advertising sales will soon come to a close for the 2010 edition of the official Meeting Planners Guide, a lure piece which will be distributed to planners through direct mail, sales missions and industry shows. A virtual planner on sunny.org will accompany the printed piece. Contact: Marcia Bayer, Miles Media marcia.bayer@milesmedia.com or (954) 850-1869.
Tourism Sales
Across two continents and along the US Eastern Seaboard, Tourism Sales keeps a busy travel schedule. Alfredo Gonzalez attended Top Resa in France, the German Sales Mission in Munich, and the joint Florida Panthers/CVB mission in Finland. Fernando Harb attended ABAV in Rio de Janeiro, as well as the Bahamas Sales Mission. Fernando also attended the Virtuoso 2009 Latin Caribbean Conference in Miami. Fernando and Josh Winston hosted the FREEWAY Argentina FAM trip in GFL. Josh, along with Michael Rigg with Sheraton Suites Plantation, met with travel agents during the Baltimore Sales Mission. Josh also held events in Atlantic City for the Home Based Travel Agent Show and at Mark Travel Corporation with Southwest, Funjet, United & Spirit Vacations. On November, they will participate at DEMA promoting GFL’s scuba diving.
Tap Into $110 Billion International Market at Pow Wow
Get your fair share of the $111 billion that international visitors spend in the US by exhibiting at U.S. Travel’s International Pow Wow May 15-19, 2010 in Orlando. Attending International Pow Wow is like taking a trip around the globe to meet with the top international buyers of the world responsible for bringing millions of international travelers to the U.S. In up to 44 pre-scheduled appointments, suppliers conduct business with buyers from more than 70 countries. Exhibitors can promote their organizations to 350 journalists, network with 5,000 travel colleagues, and continue to stay connected with buyers following the show through powwowonline.com. With forecasters calling for a rebound of international inbound travelers in 2010, you don’t want to miss out. Register by Nov 16 and save up to $270 per delegate. To register go to www.powwowonline.com.
Largest Cruise Terminal
As the future home to the two largest cruise ships in the world, Royal Caribbean International's Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, Port Everglades is expected to become the No. 1 cruise port in the world by 2011. To accommodate these revolutionary cruise ships, the Port has more than tripled the size of Cruise Terminal 18, from 67,500 square feet to 240,000 square feet. The terminal's mega-size will accommodate mega numbers of cruise passengers and their luggage so that both arriving and departing guests can go through processing procedures simultaneously. Each Oasis-class ship is projected to generate approximately 584,000 passenger movements annually at Port Everglades. The first of the 225,282 ton ships, Oasis of the Seas, is scheduled to begin sailing year-round from Port Everglades in December 2009, with the second sister-ship, Allure of the Seas, to begin year-round sailings one year later.
The Golden State Connects to Florida's Gold Coast
Twice daily, nonstop flights from San Francisco and Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale on Virgin America begin Nov 18. JetBlue Airways starts San Francisco service on Nov 17.
EXPLORE FLORIDA Visitor Discount Card
La Mar Excursions developed a no-cost program to help drive cruise guests into our community. Get your establishment listed in the discount member directory at no cost. Honor the discount card when presented by a cruise guest – equal to, or greater than, any current published discount that you offer now. It is not too late to get listed in the network with a special offer. La Mar Excursions, Inc will link to your website from their on-line directory. The printed versions of the directory will be distributed to cruise guests with their card, so time is of the essence since the cruise season is now upon us. The card will be good through the 2009/2010 cruise season and is designed for a family of four. Click here for details or contact Sales@lamarexcursions.com.
November Group Sales Update
Groups meeting in November will generate more than $35 million to Broward County. Sample groups include:
Nov 3-9: Professional Opticians of Florida Vision Preview (210 attendees)
Nov 3-10: International Esthetics, Cosmetics, and Spa Conference 2009 (300 attendees)
Nov 4-8: American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management Workshop (100 attendees)
Nov 5-7: Rx Worldwide Meetings, Inc. (595 attendees)
Nov 6-8: Florida High School Regional Swim Championships (1000 attendees)
Nov 8-16: National Science Teachers Association 2009 Area Convention (800 attendees)
Nov 12-14: National Association of Independent Life Brokerage Agencies 2009 Annual Conference (1000 attendees)
Nov 12-22: ADC Telecommunications Global Sales Forum – 2009 (500 attendees)
Nov 16-20: Cruise Planners 2009 Convention (140 attendees)
Nov 17-23: IFIR 2009 International Investigator Meeting (120 attendees)
Nov 18-20: Network of Entrepreneurs Selling Travel (NEST) Travel Savers (150 attendees)
Nov 19-21: Women of Faith Grand New Day 2009 (15000 attendees)
Nov 30-Dec 4: Informa Telecoms & Media (200 attendees)
Nov 30-Dec 6: National Organization of Black State Legislators Annual Legislative Conference (500 attendees)
Sport Lauderdale
Greater Fort Lauderdale welcomes the following sports groups in November, with more than 17,500 competitors plus family and friends:
Nov 2-8: College Soccer Summit (800 attendees)
Nov 2-8: AABC Annual Meeting (150 attendees)
Nov 5-8: Tennis Club Fall Classic (200 attendees)
Nov 6-8: FL High School Regional Championships (250 attendees)
Nov 8-11: Orange Bowl Cheer Competition (2850 attendees)
Nov 13-15: FAU College Hockey Tournament (175 attendees)
Nov 14-16: Net Ball (100 attendees)
Nov 14-16: Hammerheads 3v3 Challenge (500 attendees)
Nov 14-16: 13.1 Marathon (1500 attendees)
Nov 14-27: USA Rugby Tournament (3500 attendees)
Nov 17-22: International Rugby Championships (1000 attendees)
Nov 21-23: Net Ball (150 attendees)
Nov 22-27: ODP Youth Soccer - Thanksgiving Interregional (1200 attendees)
Nov 24-30: Thanksgiving Classic at NOVA (300 attendees)
Nov 25-29: Thanksgiving Soccer Classic (2500 attendees)
Nov 26-29: FL Jr. Panthers Thanksgiving Day Tournament (1400 attendees)
Nov 27-29: Seahorse Open Wrestling (1000 attendees)
Nov 27-29: USTA National Men/Women’s 30 Clay Court Championship (300 attendees)
Preview of American Chronicles: Norman Rockwell
Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale, Nova Southeastern University is holding a press conference on Thurs, Nov 12 at 10am for American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell exhibition, on display from Nov 14 through Feb 7, 2010. Major retrospective of Norman Rockwell’s work throughout his 65-year career includes his greatest oil paintings and preparatory sketches, his controversial civil rights paintings and illustrations. Acclaimed photographer Betty Rosado will discuss the Rockwell inspired portraits she created for the exhibition, which features some of South Florida’s best known arts, business, nightlife and culinary celebrities. After the discussion a sneak preview of the exhibition will follow. Attendees will enjoy light breakfast refreshments and receive Norman Rockwell press kits. You must RSVP to Emily McCrater emccrater@moafl.org or (954) 262-0236.
HSMAI Golf Tournament & Hospitality Awards Luncheon
Tee off with HSMAI South Florida on Friday, Nov 20 at Jacaranda Golf Club in Plantation, followed by the first annual Hospitality Awards luncheon and silent auction, at 11:00am at the Jacaranda Country Club. A portion of the proceeds benefits HSMAI Foundation and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation. Visit www.hsmaisouthflorida.org for details.
Good Eats
Trattoria Pizzeria Panaretto, originally from Venice, Italy, has opened at 1331 SE 17th Street in Fort Lauderdale. Try a slice or visit www.panaretto.com. Celebrate the grand opening Satoro Restaurant and Lounge in Hollywood featuring fresh, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine on Tuesday, Nov 10. Click for more info. RSVP to jbecker@bkr-media.com. 
The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. can host your holiday group or event. GFLCVB partners receive a $100 gift certificate when you book a party of $1,000 or more before Nov 15, 2009. Contact Ligia Collins at 954-463-0777 x 13 or lcollins@bubbagump.com to reserve space and mention this offer. *Gift certificate presented at the end of the booked event and may not be applied towards the final event costs. Event must fall between Nov 30-Dec 22, 2009 to be eligible.*
Attraction News
Action Yacht Charters was appointed as the exclusive charter agents to "Caribbean Spirit." Boasting 78 feet in length and 32 feet wide, the "Caribbean Spirit" is the largest day sail catamaran in the Caribbean and South Florida available for charter year round. Along with Charter One’s Grand Floridian and The Summer Wind, comes along their latest The Sea Ray, used in the filming of the Real Housewives of Orange County, airing December 17 on Bravo. Check out their newly designed website at www.yachtchartersnow.com for information on their fleet.
Gaming News
Every day in Nov, there are many ways to win at the Isle Casino Pompano Park. Win cash, big game tickets and more. The $1,000,000 Football Frenzy has paid over $15,000 as of week six. Every Sun until Jan 3, 2010 win a share of $15,000 in prizes including two tickets to the big game at Dolphin Stadium. From Nov 21-30 enjoy “Thanks for the Memories” silent auction featuring WWII vintage photo collection and Vietnam Collection. Go to www.theislepompanopark.com for promotions. Seminole Casino Coconut Creek has a lineup of musical acts Nov 5-7 and Nov 12-14 at the Nectar Lounge and Sunset Grill. www.seminolecoconutcreekcasino.com.
Holiday Decor
The holiday season is rapidly approaching. Looking for a beautiful tree to set up in your lobby? Happy Holiday Christmas Trees offers a complete “Concierge Service”--- from delivery of the tree you select, set up, and removal on your desired date. Visit www.happyholidaychristmastrees.com or contact Jeremy Steinhart at (954) 805-4824 or sales@happyholidaychristmastrees.com
South Florida Hospitality Holiday Party
Save the date: Thursday, Dec 10, 7pm at FIU’s Kovens Center for the annual industry-wide holiday party that benefits the FIU School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, and K.I.S.S. The party will feature foods and drink, entertainment, raffle prizes and more.
Hollywood Firm, Iluminarc Chosen to Light the Eiffel Tower
Less than a year after its inception, Hollywood, FL-based Iluminarc has a high profile installation: providing LED fixtures, for the Eiffel Tower in Paris for the culmination of the monument’s 120-year anniversary celebration. The façade of the tower lights up in color with movement offering a magical and multi-facetted shower of light, revolving from level to level. The rhythmic, color blending show continues to provide light shows through Dec 31.
Happenings Around Town
Through Nov 2: Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
Through Nov 11: 2009 Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, Cinema Paradiso
Through Nov 12: Dine Out Lauderdale, http://sunny.org/dineout
Nov 1: SunTrust Sunday Jazz Brunch, Riverwalk, downtown Fort Lauderdale
Nov 1: David Foster and Friends, Hard Rock Live
Nov 4: Florida Panthers vs Carolina Hurricanes, BankAtlantic Center
Nov 4-8: Cirque Dreams Holidaze, Hard Rock Live
Nov 5-7: Seminole Tribe of Florida Southeastern Circuit Finals, Bergeron Rodeo
Nov 6: American Indian Arts Celebration, Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum
Nov 6: Charlotte’s Web, Parker Playhouse
Nov 6: Florida Panthers vs. Washington Capitals, BankAtlantic Center
Nov 6: Warren Miller’s Dynasty, Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Nov 6-8: Miami City Ballet, Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Nov 7: Hansel and Gretel, Miramar Cultural Center / ArtsPark
Nov 7: Light the Night, Downtown Fort Lauderdale
Nov 8-11: Orange Bowl Cheer and Dance Championships, Nova Southeastern University
Nov 9: Fushu Daiko, Parker Playhouse
Nov 10-22: Legally Blonde, Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Nov 11: Jazz Legends of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, Gold Coast Jazz, Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Nov 13-14: Beaux Arts 22nd Annual Festival of Tree, Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale
Nov 12-15: Fiestas Patronales, Pines Recreational Center Park
Nov 13: Miami Caliente vs. NY Majesty, BankAtlantic Center
Nov 13: Riverwalk Get Downtown, Las Olas Boulevard
Nov 13: Cocktails Among the Motor Cars, Dania Beach
Nov 14: Florida Panthers vs. New York Islanders, BankAtlantic Center
Nov 14-15: Plantation’s Art in the Park, Liberty Tree Park, Plantation
Nov 14-Feb 7: American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell, Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale
Nov 15: Stellaluna, Miniaci Performing Arts Center
Nov 16: Florida Panthers vs. Los Angeles Kings, BankAtlantic Center
Nov 17: New Shanghai Circus, Parker Playhouse
Nov 17: Steve Miller Band, Hard Rock Live
Nov 17: Tribute to the Music of Richard Hayman and the Boston Pops, Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Nov 19: Carlos Mencia, Hard Rock Live
Nov 19-22: Shut Up Sweet Charlotte, Miniaci Performing Arts Center
Nov 19-Jan 10: Light Up Lauderdale, downtown Fort Lauderdale
Nov 19-Apr 19: Fort Lauderdale History Center Walking Tours, New River Inn
Nov 20-21: Women of Faith: A Grand New Day, BankAtlantic Center
Nov 21: Hillsboro Lighthouse Tour
Nov 21: South Florida Jazz 18th Anniversary, Miniaci Performing Arts Center
Nov 23: Florida Panthers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins, BankAtlantic Center
Nov 24: The Music of Led Zeppelin, Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Nov 25: Florida Panthers vs. New York Rangers, BankAtlantic Center
Nov 27: Florida Panthers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs, BankAtlantic Center
Nov 27: Tiempo Libre, Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Nov 27-29: Hurricane Showdown Softball Tournament, Wilton Manors
Nov 28: Andrea Bocelli, BankAtlantic Center
Nov 29: Roger Daltrey, Hard Rock Live
Nov 30: Make-A-Wish and Oasis of the Seas Official Launch, Port Everglades
With all best wishes,
Nicki E. Grossman
President
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