National Tourism Week Honors Hospitality Industry

In honor of tourism's economic and cultural contributions to Austin, the city celebrates National Tourism Week, May 12-19, with a special luncheon for industry professionals on May 18 at 11:30 a.m. at the Four Seasons Hotel. Attendees will hear from keynote speaker Peter C. Yesawich, chairman and CEO of Yesawich, Pepperdine, Brown & Russell (YPB&R), the travel industry's leading marketing, advertising and public relations agency. Yesawich plans to address developing tourism trends, such as family travel, spas, the role of the internet, "lifestyle" hotel brands and the rise of packaged vacations.

In addition, two recipients of Austin Hotel & Lodging Association's annual hospitality employee award will be honored as "Austin Ambassadors" for a day. Winners of the "Austin through the Eyes of the Students" photography contest will also be announced. The students receive $500 prizes from Wachovia Bank. All contest entries remain on display at the Austin Visitor Center from May 12-31.

Austin welcomes an annual 17 million visitors who enjoy the city's live music, museums, restaurants, theatres and other attractions. With an annual economic impact of $2.45 billion for the metropolitan area, tourism is Austin's sixth largest economic sector.

Tables are available for $500, or individual seats for $50. To purchase a table or seat, call Amy Bauer at 512-583-7200. For information on sponsorship opportunities, visit www.austintexas.org or contact Adriana Jimenez, 512-583-7228.


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Austin CVB and Mayor Wynn Welcome National Media

Long Center Announces Grand Opening and Music Monument

Lake Austin Spa Resort Named #2 in North America by Conde Nast Traveler Readers

"It's My Park Day" Unifies City and Community

Taste of Texas

Cooking with Paula Deen
(March/April 2007)

"Once known primarily for barbecue and Tex-Mex, Austin sizzles as a culinary hot spot. Innovative young chefs receive acclaim among the country's best as they combine the flavors of regional influences."

8 Dynamic Towns for New Careers: Austin, TX

Where to Retire
(March/April 2007)

"If you are looking for a cosmopolitan Southwestern city with soul and style, look no further than the capital city in the heart of Texas. Live music makes for a vibrant nightlife, and the college town combines quirkiness, braininess and rugged individuality."

50 Best Places to Live: Best Downtowns - Austin, TX

Men's Journal
(April 2007)

"It can't be denied that what was once a business district that rolled up the sidewalks at six is now a lively streetscape seven nights a week."

Weekend Travel: Living It Up in Austin

Southern Living
(April 2007)

"Some say Austin marches to the beat of a different drummer. We're convinced the city broke off long ago to star its own band."
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Head for the Hills

The Meeting Professional
(March 2007)

"A walk up Congress Avenue...reveals quintessential Austin sights. Students on bicycles, business people racing to catch the 'Dillo bus. Musicians toting guitars to an open-mic performance."
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Austin, Texas: the Live Music Capital of the World

Ultratravel (Daily Telegraph, London)
(Spring 2007)

"Being a small city, Austin takes visitors from bigger cities seriously and accords them a respect they don't necessarily deserve. They are smothered with hospitality and asked only that they have a good time and turn up when invited."
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Austin CVB Mission Statement:
The Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau is charged with marketing Austin nationally and internationally as a premier business and leisure destination, thus enriching our community's overall quality of life.


 

Umlauf Sculpture Garden

One of Austin's best-kept secrets, Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum has welcomed guests to the sanctuary gardens and gentle paths since 1991. The venue boasts 130 sculptures, drawings and paintings by the late Charles Umlauf, who taught art at the University of Texas and retired as professor emeritus in 1981. Umlauf's award-winning work is placed in more public locations than the work of any other sculptor.
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April 10-13
Texas Credit Union League
Annual Convention
Hilton Austin
Est. Attendance 1,200
www.tcul.coop
 
 
April 14-16
Texas Retired Teachers Association
Annual Conference and Exhibition
Hilton Austin; Austin Convention Center
Est. Attendance 1,000
www.trta.org
 
 
April 22-24
Professional Retail Store
Maintenance Association
Annual Meeting
Austin Convention Center
Est. Attendance 1,000
www.prsm.com
 
 
April 25-29
Society for American Archaeology
Annual Meeting
Austin Convention Center
Est. Attendance 3,000
www.saa.org
 
 
May 1-3
Texas Commission
on Environmental Quality
Environmental Trade Fair
and Conference
Austin Convention Center
Est. Attendance 4,000
www.tceq.state.tx.us
 
 
May 2
Austin Technology Council
ATC Center for Innovation
Palmer Events Center
Est. Attendance 2,000
www.austintechnologycouncil.org
 
 
May 5-6
Austin Junior Volleyball
Lone Star Regionals
Austin Convention Center
Est. Attendance 2,500
www.austinsportscenter.com
 
 
May 21-23
National Institute for Staff & Organizational Development
NISOD Annual Conference
Austin Convention Center
Est. Attendance 2,000
www.nisod.org
 
 
May 26-June 2
USA Volleyball
Adult Open
Austin Convention Center
Est. Attendance 3,500
www.usavolleyball.org/Adults
 
 
May 31-June 3
Republic of Texas Biker Rally
Travis County Expo Center
Est. Attendance 37,000
www.rotrally.com