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TheBuzz
Erika Engle
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Hawaii venues honored (again) by meetings industry publication
THE Hawaii Convention Center and Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa are at the top of their game for convention and meeting travel, according to the annual Facilities & Destinations Superbook.
The Hawaii Convention Center is among four centers managed by Pennsylvania-based SMG pictured on the cover. The great nighttime shot occupies the cover's upper right quadrant.
The directory announces awards in four categories in the middle of each year, including Facilities & Destinations Prime Site Awards, for convention and exposition centers and Hotels on the Elite List (H.O.T.E.L., get it?) -- the two categories in which Hawaii can boast a winner.
"We don't disclose the actual numbers," said Michael Caffin, associate publisher, but "facilities that receive a certain number of votes or more, win a Prime Site Award."
The Hawaii Convention Center's Prime Site Award is its ninth in a row.
"It's a testament to our employees ... and what they are doing day to day, making positive impressions on our most demanding customers," said General Manager Joe Davis.
The center's repeat customers could probably save significant dollars by choosing, say, Peoria, but Hawaii continues to get the votes.
Its selection is, "I think ultimately, independent customer confirmation that our management philosophy and our organizational values are working."
"I don't know of any facility or operation who doesn't covet this recognition," said Davis. "There are others out there, but this is probably the most significant."
Nominations and votes come from the publication's readers, that include association meeting planners and executives, said Caffin, associate publisher.
It is unclear how many times Hilton Hawaiian Village has been a winner, but it was on last year's list as well.
Cynthia Rankin, Hawaii regional director of public relations for Hilton Corp., also credited employees.
"Our Events Department is tremendous and this award is a testament of the team's dedication and professionalism," she said.
Such recognition makes the property more likely to attract additional bookings, she said.
"I would only imagine that meeting planners feel more confident selecting a hotel that has received numerous industry awards over one that has not."
Rankin is also among a few Hilton executives featured in an article on the publication's Web site.
Erika Engle is a reporter with the Star-Bulletin. Call 529-4747, fax 529-4750 or write to Erika Engle, Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210, Honolulu, HI 96813. She can also be reached at:
eengle@starbulletin.com