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Public relations firm
plans party on the roof
to watch fireworks

IT'S hard to imagine anyone in their right mind wanting to be in the office on a Sunday night before a big holiday.

Unless, perhaps, it's for a catered company party where one can arrive attired in T-shirt, shorts and slippahs.

Employees and invited guests of public relations company Communications Pacific Inc. will watch the Aloha Tower fireworks display Sunday July 3 from the penthouse lanai of the Topa Financial Center.

"Because we're at the end of Bishop Street, we've got the perfect view for clients and employees. We encourage them to bring their kids and enjoy pupus and a chance to spend time together," said Al Hoffman, company president.

As of yesterday afternoon, no similar soirees were planned at other Downtown office high-rises including First Hawaiian Center, Pacific Guardian Tower or Davies Pacific Center, according to an informal survey by TheBuzz.

You do need a stinkin' badge

The rebound in Hawaii's visitor industry will be evident at the 11th annual Hawaii Lodging, Hospitality & Foodservice Expo in July.

"The (show's exhibitors have) increased 11 percent this year," said Ken Kanter, exposition director for Douglas Trade Shows.

"We have over 100 new exhibitors, new to the show," Kanter said. More booths have been added to accommodate new vendors.

"It's a good barometer for how the industry is doing and how it is perceived," he said.

"We have grown every year for 11 years."

Trends to be reflected at the expo include increased hotel industry interest in designer decor, more healthful restaurant food products, more environmentally sensitive cleaning products and innovations in hotel management software, Kanter said.

The purpose is to bring "buyers and sellers together over what they need without a lot of fluff in between," he said.

Paraphrasing a classic line from the film "Treasure of the Sierra Madre," you do need a stinkin' badge to get into the industry-only Blaisdell Center event, because exhibitors have found themselves feeding freebie-seeking civilians in past years.

"Credentials will be checked at the door. It is not open to the public. No children, no guests," said Kanter.

The show is solely "for people who are involved in buying products and services for the companies and businesses they work for and own in the lodging, hospitality and food service industries."

After all, who else would be interested in seminars on hot topics such as maximizing destination and restaurant marketing online -- and how to legally enforce dress codes in an era of proliferating tattoos, body piercings and um -- creative hair styles and colors.

"There's been a lot of discussion about that. I'm not taking sides one way or another ... but it has become an issue that has to be dealt with," Kanter said.

On the not-so-sexy side, experts will discuss grease disposal and mold prevention.