distinctively different by design - tishman€¦ · march 31, 2016 and receive any combination of...

A Magazine for Meeting Professionals Vol. XII Number 2 Summer 2015

DISTINCTIVELY DIFFERENT

BY DESIGN

AN IN-DEPTH FIRST LOOKThe Newly Designed Guest Rooms of The Walt Disney World Swan And DolphinEXCLUSIVE

800.746.1561www.SheratonOldSanJuan.com

FAST FACTS• 240 guest rooms featuring Sheraton’s Sweet Sleeper® Beds• Located in the heart of Old San Juan, close to popular shops,

restaurants, art galleries, museums, and nightlife • Short 20 minute ride from airport• Over 9,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space • Beautiful ballroom, offering spacious pre-function area• Nine meeting and breakout rooms• Link@Sheraton Internet lounge• Palio Restaurant with bayfront terrace • Chicago Burger Company with bayfront views• Thrilling on-site casino• Rooftop pool and fitness center

PUERTO RICO

* For new business only. Must consume by March 31, 2016. Based upon availability and may not be combined with any other offer. Restrictions apply.

Rest assured, we’ll help you put your meeting planning needs to bed!Book your next meeting with us by August 31, 2015 and consume by March 31, 2016 and receive any combination of the following based upon the size of your program:

• Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Pillows

• Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Sheet Sets

• Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed

• Up to 100,000 Starpoints® Signing Bonus No U.S. Passport Required!

Governors Suite Parlor

The five meeting hotels and resorts featured throughout this issue of Meeting Excellence have joined together to give VIP Values – unique booking bonuses when you reserve your meeting or event during specified value dates.

The VIP Values are good for special discounts on amenities and services specific to each destination.

Look for the VIP Values throughout this issue of Meeting Excellence. Call 800.746.1561 and book your meeting today!

www.SheratonOldSanJuan.com

www.SheratonChicago.com

www.WestinNY.com

www.SwanDolphinMeetings.com

www.WestinChicago.com

ON THE COVERThe newly designed guest rooms of The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin

LET US KNOWWe print this publication using recycled materials.

If you would rather receive an electronic version of Meeting

Excellence in the future, we’d like to know. Please call Roslyn

at 800.746.1561 or e-mail [email protected].

Great Hotels & Destinations

CONTENTS A Full-Scale Renovation of Epic Proportions

Bringing Guests The Best of Broadway

Better By Design: A Brand New Room

An Interview With Derek Stockton: Re:Think Now

Joe O’Donnell, National Convention Services Manager Of The Year

Transformed With You in Mind

Tishman Hotels Takes the Triple Crown

Meet Our Newest Movers & Shakers

3

800.746.1561www.SheratonChicago.com

FAST FACTS• 1,218 guest rooms & suites featuring Sheraton’s Sweet Sleeper® Beds• Located in the heart of downtown, just minutes from

McCormick Place• 125,000 sq. ft. of flexible function space• 43 meeting & breakout rooms• 40,000 sq. ft. Sheraton Chicago Ballroom, the largest hotel

ballroom in Chicago • 35,000 sq. ft. Riverwalk Exhibit & Event Space• Five distinctive restaurants & bars, including Shula’s Steak House• LB Bistro & Pâtisserie• Full-service FedEx business center• Complimentary 24-Hour Sheraton Fitness Center• Exclusive bi-level Sheraton Club Lounge, featuring stunning

views of the Chicago skyline• Indoor pool, sun deck, & sauna

CHICAGO



• Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Pillows

• Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Sheet Sets

• Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed

• Up to 100,000 Starpoints® Signing Bonus

Fountainview

Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, a premier hotel with a prime waterfront location in

the heart of downtown Chicago, has undergone a complete, multi-phase renovation totaling $25 million. Now with all 1,200-plus guest rooms and suites complete, a new lobby, a popular Executive Club Lounge, expanded fitness center, outdoor waterfront lounge and incredible environmental practices in place, the Sheraton Chicago is a “new” hotel from top to bottom. The final piece of the massive undertaking, additional and renovated meeting rooms, will be unveiled this summer. This conference center space will be ideal for small groups that are looking for high-touch, personalized service.

The Sheraton Chicago, which is ideally situated on the Chicago River within walking distance of Navy Pier, fabulous Michigan Avenue shopping, Millennium Park,

and The Loop business district, has long been a Windy City favorite based on its location alone.

The hotel’s 1,218 renovated guest rooms and suites, boast spectacular river, lake, and skyline views. Sheraton’s ultra-comfortable Sweet Sleeper® bed is part of the outstanding accommodations to compliment the hotel’s location.

With a strong following of business and leisure travelers alike, and a rich history of being one of Chicago’s premier hotels for meetings and conferences, one of the most popular features of the hotel is the new Executive Club Lounge. The bi-level lounge serves complimentary continental breakfast, evening hors d’oeuvres, as well as light snacks throughout the day. The panoramic views of the city skyline make this a fantastic setting for business meetings or gatherings with friends and family.

A wonderful place to toast, unwind, or gather with friends and family is the new CBC Lounge. Complementing the existing Chicago Burger Company restaurant, this seasonal, outdoor lounge is one of the few riverfront venues in the city! The unique waterfront location offers an extensive cocktail menu, light snacks and an incredible view of the Chicago River.

Additional phases of the $25 million project included public spaces, most noteworthy being the residential-minded lobby that offers many cozy seating options as well as tables and plug-ins for those who enjoy working in the heart of it all. Also in the midst of the action is ChiBar, where guests can enjoy their favorite libation, catch sporting events on the big TV screens, all while enjoying the

panoramic views of the Chicago River, Lake Michigan and city skyline through floor-to-ceiling windows. Also featuring amazing views, a new health club offers the latest equipment and weights and is adjacent to the hotel’s indoor, heated pool. The complimentary fitness center is open 24 hours.

An important part of the renovation was the implementation of many energy conservation initiatives to help protect and preserve the environment. The seven-figure investment encompassed lighting, recycling and a number of other systems and modifications to make sure the hotel is doing its best with environmentally-friendly practices. Retrofit Chicago honored the hotel team with the “Most Valuable Engineer” distinction for all that has been done in the way of conservation.

A FULL-SCALE RENOVATION OF

EPIC PROPORTIONSSheraton Chicago Ballroom

Executive Club Lounge

Waterfront Lounge5

800.746.1561www.WestinNY.com

FAST FACTS• 873 luxurious guest rooms and suites, featuring

Westin Heavenly® Beds and Westin Heavenly® Baths• 126 Grand Deluxe rooms and suites• 34,000 sq. ft. of newly designed flexible meeting space• 32 meeting and breakout rooms• Located in the heart of the Broadway District, within walking

distance of 40 theatres• Easy access to all of New York City’s airports and

major transportation• Bar 10 Lounge• Full-service FedEx business center• Complimentary 24-hour WestinWORKOUT® Health Club

NEW YORK

* For new business only. Must book by August 31, 2015 and consume by March 31, 2016. Based upon availability and may not be combined with any other offer. Restrictions apply.

One complimentary WICKEDTINI per attendee at opening or closing reception, plus...Weekday Meetings Offer:• 10% discount on A/V • 15% discount on meeting room internet

• 1/40 complimentary room nights • 5% discount on catered food and beverage

• Up to 25,000 Starwood Starpoints®* bonus

Weekend Meetings Offer• 15% discount on A/V • 20% discount on meeting room internet

• 1/35 complimentary room nights • 10% discount on catered food and beverage

• Up to 50,000 Starwood Starpoints®* bonus

Presidential Suite

When Broadway’s biggest blockbuster comes together with a newly

renovated $33 million Westin New York at Times Square, a WICKED experience is born. The Westin New York at Times Square is bringing guests the best of Broadway offering meeting planners a WICKED group offer.

The Westin is sporting all-new guest rooms and corridors, featuring custom-designed elements and artwork. Renovated meeting space and expanded energy conservation practices were also part of this extensive redesign.

All guest rooms and suites have a completely new look and feel with custom-designed furniture, new carpeting, wall coverings and upgraded bathrooms. The new accommodations have a crisp, fresh, more modern look with, of course, the signature Westin Heavenly® Bed as the centerpiece.

Guest rooms have fully designed bathrooms offering a warmer, more residential feel with a new vanity providing additional counter space, superior lighting and the Westin Heavenly® Shower II. This new shower brings a spa-like feature into every guest room, while dramatically reducing water and energy usage (by at least half of its predecessor).

All 34,000 square feet of meeting and pre-function space has been totally renovated. The ballrooms now feature expanded ceiling heights, lending themselves to a bright, open feel. In the meeting and pre-function space, the lighting was completely designed, using all LED fixtures. Much of the group function space utilizes recycled materials, keeping with the hotel’s strong environmentally-friendly values.

WICKED and The Westin New York at Times Square share a love of green… and we’re not talking about just the color (although the lead character is a lovely shade of the hue). Both are highly focused on the environment, with WICKED being the pioneer of the Broadway Green Alliance. The Westin New York has long been an advocate and

active participant in preserving and protecting the environment; and is part of the Green Hotels Association.

The Westin New York at Times Square, the first hotel in New York State to receive a Silver Green Seal, remains committed to sustainability and environmentally-friendly practices. For example, thousands of LED bulbs were installed translating into an overall reduction of energy consumption by over 30%. Additionally, the guest rooms and meeting space feature water saving fixtures, dramatically reducing water consumption.

Tishman Hotel Corporation, owners of the iconic property, are particularly proud of the fact that 70% of the new materials used in the large scale renovation are American made. This supports the US economy while reducing the carbon foot print associated with shipping goods from overseas.

BRINGING GUESTS THE

BEST OF BROADWAY

Currently the 11th longest-running musical in Broadway history, the international blockbuster WICKED celebrated its 11th Anniversary on October 30, 2014. Winner of over 100 international awards including the Grammy Award and three Tony Awards, WICKED is the untold story of the witches of Oz. WICKED is performed just steps away from the Westin New York at Times Square at the Gershwin Theatre, 222 West 51st Street, between Broadway and 8th Avenue.

The Westin New York at Times Square has been a key part and performer within our portfolio since its inception. We are committed to continuous improvements and investments. We are thrilled with the results and have already received tremendous feedback from our guests.

- Robert Snyder, President, Tishman Hotel Corporation

Jim Trombino Executive Director/CEO (L), Metal Powder Industries Federation, Jim Mooney, Dir. Of Sales & Marketing at The Westin New York at Times Square (R) & the cast Of Wicked

Lobby Performance of Wicked at The Westin New York at Times Square

Deluxe King Guest Room

7

800.746.1561www.SwanDolphinMeetings.com

FAST FACTS• 2,267 guest rooms featuring Westin Heavenly® Beds• 329,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, including four ballrooms• 110,500 sq. ft. of contiguous but divisible indoor exhibit space• Pacific Hall, 50,000 sq. ft. of open space with 26-ft-high ceilings• 84 meeting & breakout rooms• The Balinese-Inspired Mandara Spa • 17 restaurants & lounges, including Todd English’s bluezoo,

Shula’s Steak House, Il Mulino New York Trattoria• South Beach-inspired Cabana Bar & Beach Club• Tropical outdoor venues for themed parties & events• Online group reservations system• Two business centers• On-site AV and DMC• Kids Camp, featuring video games & supervised activities• WestinWORKOUT® Health Club

ORLANDO



• Westin Heavenly® Robes

• Westin Heavenly® Pillows

• Westin Heavenly® Sheet Sets

• Westin Heavenly® Bed


Newly Designed Guest Room

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel is getting the largest makeover in its

history! The hotel has launched a multi-phase, multi-year, $125 million redesign project that will transform every guest room in the 758-room Swan Hotel and the 1,509-room Dolphin Hotel.

The transformation will occur with the majority of guest rooms available throughout the process. The hotel’s public spaces, restaurants, meeting rooms, shops, pools and recreational areas will not be impacted and remain fully operational during the renovation.

Noted hotel and condominium interior design and architecture firm,

Garcia Stromberg/GS4 Studios, created the concept for the new rooms. The design is inspired by the resort’s water-themed architecture. The goal was to create a serene and sophisticated atmosphere.

The guest room features upgraded furniture and the latest technology including large HD TVs. Additional power outlets provide convenient options for personal electronics.

Blending an artistic combination of whites, blues and grays, the design creates a tasteful ambiance that appeals to adults while playfully delighting children as well.

The centerpiece of the room is the famous Westin Heavenly® Bed with its all-white custom-designed pillow-top mattress set, cozy down blanket, a trio of crisp sheets, goose down comforter and over-stuffed pillows.

The design continues into a completely new bathroom, featuring a back-lit mirror mounted on iridescent glass tiles above the new residential style vanity.

The project is successfully underway at the Swan Hotel, with approximately 500 rooms completed. The first phase of the Dolphin Hotel rooms will begin soon with the project scheduled for completion in 2017.

ME: What can we expect with the new renovation?FS: Each room will be completely reimagined and include all new

furniture, the latest technology, and a serene and sophisticated atmosphere inspired by our water-themed architecture. There are also plans to refresh much of our public and meeting space, the details of which we will reveal soon.

ME: How will it compare to the hotel’s original concept?FS: We’ve come a long way from the original, whimsical nature of

the hotel when it was first opened in 1989. This latest redesign offers a modern atmosphere that can be appreciated by meeting attendees as well as our leisure guests. Although we are located in the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, we realize that the hotel is a place where our clients are conducting significant business. It was our intention to create an environment that balances the fun and the serious.

ME: What does this mean for future meetings at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin?

FS: This renovation represents the next chapter for us. We offer meeting professionals an ideal location, 25 years of industry experience, and now the very best and newest room product. We expect more groups and a greater variety of groups will be eager to host their meetings with us. During the renovation, the hotel and all of our public and meeting space will remain fully operational.

BETTER BY DESIGN

A BRAND NEW ROOMQ & A

WITH FRED SAWYERS

GM OF THE

WALT DISNEY WORLD SWAN AND DOLPHIN

As we celebrate the hotel’s 25th anniversary, it is appropriate that we mark the occasion with a renaissance of our room product,” said General Manager Fred Sawyers. “Our guests will continue to receive the level of service and hospitality that comes with a quarter century of experience while enjoying a modern new guest room.

The Walt Disney World Swan

Night time on the Causeway9

AN INTERVIEW WITH DEREK STOCKTON

RE:THINK NOW

Recently, Meeting Excellence sat down with Derek Stockton, Complex Director of Sales and

Marketing at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers and the Westin Chicago River North, to talk about hosting Starwood Hotels and Resorts' 2015 Annual Sales Kickoff event.

ME: What is Sales Kickoff?DS: Sales Kickoff brings our Sales, Catering, Event and Revenue teams together to celebrate our successes from last year and to educate our teams on the innovative Starwood programs and tools that are available to us and our customers. It is truly motivational and inspiring!

ME: Why is Sales Kickoff important to Starwood?DS: It is important because it not only gives our Starwood leadership team the opportunity to communicate the vision for the coming year but it also gives our teams the opportunity to interact and learn, share best practices and to have some fun.

ME: Who attends?DS: Approximately 2,600 associates from Starwood’s Americas Division that includes North America and Latin America.

ME: Why is this event important to Starwood Hotels of Chicago?DS: Kickoff provides great exposure for all of our Chicago hotels as attendees get to experience the incredible renovations at every one of our Downtown hotels. We also get to show off our incredibly vibrant city that continues to be a top destination for meetings.

ME: What business trends did you find particularly interesting?DS: The overall message was very motivating – it was about Rethinking how we do business and taking a look at both traditional and new ways in this constantly changing global environment. Challenging ourselves to grow our business is the key to our long term success! We recognize how critical it is that Starwood offers innovative products and programs to meet the needs of our customers.

ME: Was there an environmental or community service project?DS: Absolutely – global citizenship is a cornerstone of Starwood’s business, which strengthens our resilience in an age of continuous global change. In lieu of a welcome amenity, each attendee was asked to contribute the value of their amenity to one of four local Chicago charities. We also encouraged our attendees to Make a Green Choice, which is Starwood’s sustainability program designed to help reduce our environmental footprint.

A Performance By "The Cover Girls" At Starwood Sales Kickoff

Derek Stockton

Mark LauerGM, Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers

Mary CaseySVP Sales, NA

The Sales and Marketing TeamWestin New York At Times Square

Betty Wilson, VP Div. Sales (2nd from left) &Gladys O'Mahony, Div. Director of Group Sales (R) enjoying time with colleagues

Bob HermanyChief of Operations & Global Initiatives, NA

Leslie Sargent, Starwood Sales Org.Hilary Rosenthal, SCHT

Event photos courtesy of Elizabeth Fraiberg | e3 Photography

www.photographye3.com

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin's Associate Director of Event

Management, Joseph O’Donnell, CMP, was named the 2014 Convention Services Manager of the Year for hotels by the Event Service Professionals Association and national trade publication, Successful Meetings.

The prestigious national award honors individuals who have done an outstanding job of servicing meetings and conventions. Candidates are nominated by meeting planners and are evaluated on their service mentality, their effectiveness as a meeting partner, and how much their performance exceeded expectations.

O’Donnell is the second person to be awarded this honor from the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel. He has 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including 11 years with

the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel. He manages numerous events at the hotel including major conferences with more than 10,000 attendees.

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel is a nationally respected and recognized leader in the convention hotel arena. Ideally

located in the heart of Walt Disney World Resort, the hotel offers 2,267 guest rooms and over 329,000 square feet of meeting space. Features consist of 84 meeting rooms, including two executive boardrooms, four ballroom options, 110,500 square feet of contiguous convention/exhibit space, outdoor function areas, two business centers and complimentary transportation throughout the Walt Disney World Resort and the Extra Magic Hours benefit at the Walt Disney World theme parks. Groups also enjoy new, sophisticated guest rooms featuring Westin Heavenly® Beds, the luxurious Mandara Spa and 17 world-class restaurants and lounges.

He knew my program by heart, he knew my VIPs by sight, he was always a step ahead on our potential hot-button issues, and he was there at every meal and special event we had. He is the perfect zen to any meeting planner's frenzy.

JOE O’DONNELL, NATIONAL CONVENTION SERVICES

MANAGER OF THE YEAR

- Jessica Schade Tamasi, Metal Powder Industries Federation

Joe O'Donnell, CMPAssociate Director Of Events

Aerial View Of Outdoor Function Space

Hemispheres Ballroom

Exhibits In The Pacific HallEagle Boardroom

800.746.1561www.WestinChicago.com

FAST FACTS• 429 elegant guest rooms & suites featuring

Westin Heavenly® Beds & Westin Heavenly® Baths• Westin Executive Club Lounge & accommodations• Located on the Chicago River, in the heart of the business &

theatre districts• 30,000 sq. ft. of beautiful function space• 19 meeting rooms & three conference parlors• 8,400 sq. ft. Grand Ballroom• Full-service business center• Dining at Hana Lounge, & Kamehachi Sushi Bar• WestinWORKOUT® Health Club• Massage therapy• Nearby jogging, walking, & bicycle paths

CHICAGO



• Westin Heavenly® Robes

• Westin Heavenly® Pillows

• Westin Heavenly® Sheet Sets

• Westin Heavenly® Bed


Astor Pre-function Space

In the battle to be the best among leading hotels in Chicago, the Westin Chicago

River North revealed its latest redesign. Known for standing fresh and offering sophisticated accommodations the new redesign reinforces the properties position as one of the most luxurious and contemporary choices. Every aspect keeps the guests' needs top of mind.

The Westin Chicago River North is a premier downtown hotel offering a full spectrum of services in the heart of the city. This remarkable hotel redefines service that ensures a truly unforgettable experience.

Discover the newly renovated accommodations offering magnificent views of the majestic Chicago River, city skyline, and more that will leave you inspired to explore the Windy City. This River North hotel is nestled in the heart of the business and theatre district, trendy restaurants, and art galleries. You’ll find plenty of things to do in downtown Chicago.

The hotel is excited to announce a recent renovation which refreshes the iconic hotel making it an even better place to get back to your best self. The hotel completely transformed all guest rooms, suites, and the Club Lounge to create an even more inviting atmosphere for relaxing or connecting with friends, family and colleagues.

The Westin Chicago River North provides just what you need for a great experience. Awake from a restful sleep in the AAA Four Diamond Award winning hotel featuring the signature Westin Heavenly® Bed and enjoy an invigorating shower in the Westin Heavenly® Bath. There are, of course, exclusive privileges and amenities on the Westin Executive Club level.

Also, be sure to take advantage of the WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio, offering massage therapy and a very personable, certified personal trainer.

Throughout the redesign, the Westin Chicago River North will continue to push modern technology, explore new energy sources and fresh ideas to help customers improve their world.

TRANSFORMED WITH

YOU IN MIND

We are proud to offer travelers the opportunity to revitalize at our freshly renovated hotel in Chicago’s bustling Near North neighborhood, just steps from the world-famous Magnificent Mile shopping district.

- Brent Menzel, General Manager

Astor Ballroom

Hana Garden Terrace

Newly Designed Guest Room

13

TISHMAN HOTELS TAKE THE

TRIPLE CROWN

STARWOOD HOTELS AND RESORTSSALES TEAM OF THE YEAR • WESTIN NEW YORK AT TIMES SQUARE

STARWOOD HOTELS AND RESORTSCATERING & EVENT MANAGEMENT TEAM OF THE YEAR • SHERATON CHICAGO HOTEL & TOWERS

STARWOOD HOTELS AND RESORTSSALES PERSON OF THE YEAR • PAUL COULTER • WALT DISNEY WORLD SWAN AND DOLPHIN

With more than 10 years of hospitality experience, he is responsible for managing the group sales team at the 2,267-room hotel.

Jordan has been with the hotel’s sales department for nine years, consistently performing as one of the top sales associates and working his way from executive meetings manager to account director. As Account Director, Jordan consistently exceeded sales goals, and in 2013, he was named the property’s Sales Executive of Year.

Jordan holds a degree in business from Middle Tennessee State University.

With over 12 years of experience, Naylor leads the charge for group, leisure and corporate sales at the 873-room luxury hotel. She oversees the team responsible for business development of groups, banquets, city-wide conferences, and domestic and international markets.

Naylor was previously the Director of Group Sales for the Westin Waltham Hotel in Massachusetts. She took her first Starwood post at the Sheraton Braintree and was quickly advanced into the Director of Catering and Convention Services role. Due to her hard work and passion for the hospitality industry, she was promoted to Director of Group Sales.

“Dawna’s tenacity and depth of sales experience will surely serve The Westin New York at Times Square well,” said Sean Verney, General Manager. “We are thrilled to have her on board and look forward to having her be part of the hotel’s continued success.”

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin

MITCH JORDAN - DIRECTOR OF SALES

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW!Friday, October 30th &Saturday, October 31st

www.swandolphinfoodandwineclassic.com

MEET OUR NEWEST

MOVERS & SHAKERS

The Westin New York at Times Square

DAWNA NAYLOR - DIRECTOR OF SALES

6TH ANNUAL

Tishman Hotel Corporation1200 Epcot Resorts Blvd.Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

GREAT HOTELS & DESTINATIONS

The fiber in this product was sourced from well managed forests and contains 10% post consumer waste.

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDOrlando, FL

Permit No. 1979

Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel and Casinowww.SheratonOldSanJuan.com

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphinwww.SwanDolphinMeetings.com

Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towerswww.SheratonChicago.com

The Westin Chicago River Northwww.WestinChicago.com

The Westin New York at Times Squarewww.WestinNY.com

distinctively different by design - tishman€¦ · march 31, 2016 and receive any combination of...

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