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•pg_3-13_ICI__BMT_pg3-58 8/12/13 5:17 PM Page 8 IN THE NEWS BRENDA SCOTT SAVAGE NAMED GHCVB MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR Brenda Scott Savage has joined the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau (GHCVB) as director of membership. Savage has worked with the GHCVB as a consultant for the past year. In her role, Savage will continue to grow the GHCVB's network of 1,100 members by evaluating member benefits and increasing retention rates. "We're so pleased we were able to convince Brenda to set aside her consulting business and join our team full time," said Greg Ortale, president and CEO of the GHCVB. "Her expertise will be instrumental in helping us grow our network of members, which is the largest collection of hospitality professionals in the city." Prior to consulting for the GHCVB, Savage served as vice president of community and member relations for the Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureau and president and CEO of the Mobile Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, which was recognized by the Southeast Tourism Society for excellence. In Mobile, Savage also helped create and implement a comprehensive cruise development and recruitment plan. In 2008, Savage received the APEX award for her career contributions to the convention and tourism industry. AUSTIN CVB LAUNCHES NEW AUSTIN INSIDER DEALS PROGRAM The Program Provides Locals and Visitors With Access to Deals for Businesses Around Town The Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau announced the launch of a new program called Austin Insider Deals that enables visitors, business travelers, convention and meetings attendees, and locals to take advantage of some of the best deals in town. "We are always looking for better ways to engage with our visitors, meetings attendees and Austinites, while still promoting local business" said Bob Lander, president and CEO of Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau. "Our new deals program provides both of these seamlessly." These special offers can be accessed via the desktop and mobile websites of the Austin CVB. Once a deal is chosen, taking advantage of each discount can be done by either printing out the coupon for redemption at each local business or by simply showing the deal on your smart phone while paying. "The Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau is a trusted representative of the city, "said Jennifer Elliott, owner of Pubcrawler. "Partnering with them on this program allows us to connect with visitors and locals in a whole new way while still supporting local businesses." Inaugural partners span an array of sectors and include local businesses such as Cedar Door, Capital Cruises and El Alma. For more information about Austin Insider Deals contact Austin CVB director of Partnership Development, Susan Richardson. About Austin CVB; The Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing and sales organization for the City of Austin. An accredited member of the Destination Marketing Association International, Austin CVB is charged with marketing Austin nationally and internationally as a premier business and leisure destination, thus enriching our community's overall quality of life. Locally, travel supports an estimated 48,000 jobs and pumps nearly $5 billion into Austin's economy. DC's NEWEST CONVENTION HOTEL LESS THAN A YEAR AWAY! Next May, the Washington Marriott Marquis will open its doors, transforming your capital events and bringing bright new energy and design to DC's vibrant City Center. Spanning an entire block adjacent to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, this dynamic new hotel is designed to make event planning nearly effortless by offering fully outfitted function facilities, awe-inspiring accommodations and easy access to out-on-the-town activities, all in one place. Amenities include: • 30,000-sq. ft. Grand Ballroom with 22 ft. ceilings • Two 10,800-sq. ft. Ballrooms • More than 53,000 sq. ft. of meeting rooms • 2,500 sq. ft. rooftop terrace • 52-ft. one-of-a-kind sculpture in the lobby • Underground concourse connecting to Walter E. Washington Convention Center Be the first to experience this exciting new addition to the Washington, DC meeting scene. For more information contact them at (888) 897-2310 or WashingtonMarriottMarquis.com. WHAT'S NEW IN GREATER PHOENIX? The Westin Phoenix Downtown Invites Guests to Personalize Their "Westin Weekend" 8 B M & T ••• July/August 2013 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com