Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/34521
IN THE NEWS MEETING PLANNERS ENJOYED A CHECKERED FLAGWEEKEND AT THE LONG BEACH CVB GRAND PRIX SALES FAM The Long Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau (LBCVB) welcomed more than 35 meeting planners and guests April 14 thru 17 for a familiarization tour of Long Beach’s dynamic meeting facilities and enjoyed the excitement of the 37th Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. The LBCVB staff, city officials and the Long Beach hospitality community intro- duced some of the city’s diverse offerings, including hotel tours, dining at some of the city’s iconic restaurants, a gondola ride around Naples Island, plus a Captain’s tour and dinner aboard the legendary Queen Mary. “What a great way to get to know Long Beach and now I can better understand what Long Beach has to offer to our groups. I am so thankful and privileged to have attended the Grand Prix too – what a great weekend! I felt like the celebrity on this trip.” – Tracy Tapia, senior meetings coordinator, Universal Technology Corporation. TAMPAWELCOMES RELIGIOUS CONFERENCE FOR THREE CONSECUTIVE YEARS Tampa Bay & Company is excited to announce that it will welcome the Philadelphia Church of God for its Feast of Tabernacles for three consecutive years beginning in 2012. Combined, the conventions will welcome 6,600 delegates to Tampa Bay, produc- ing over 7,000 hotel room nights and creating $1.8 million in delegate spending. The annual seven-day festival called the Feast of Tabernacles is held at locations all over the world, includingAustralia, India,Belgium, Peru and the Philippines. The event focuses on building Church unity and strong families through spiritual instruction and wholesome recreational activities. The PhiladelphiaChurch ofGod is comprised of an eclectic group of people of every age, race,educational and economic background, from 67 nations around the world who are all dedicated to living by the truths of the Bible. For more infor- mation, visit www.pcog.org. GPTMCWINS INTERNATIONAL PLATINUM AWARD HSMAI Recognizes Tourism Organization’s With Love, Philadelphia XOXO® With Platinum & Bronze Adrian Awards The Greater P h i l a d e l p h i a Tourism Marketing C o r p o r a t i o n (GPTMC) received a coveted Platinum Adrian Award from Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association Inter- national (HSMAI) during a gala in New York City. Judges evaluated 1,030 entries from 8 Black Meetings & Tourism May/June 2011: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com