Noteworthy

Austin CVB Annual Report Published―The Austin CVB recently released its 2006-2007 Annual Report. The report details Austin CVB's mission and provides information on departmental goals and achievements over the past year. To see how Austin CVB promotes the city within regional, national and international leisure and industry markets, visit www.austintexas.org.

Customer Advisory Board Holds Third Meeting―Austin CVB hosts the third meeting of the Bureau's Customer Advisory Board (CAB), a group of industry leaders representing associations and meeting management firms from across the country, Feb. 20-22. Members of the board meet at the Intercontinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel to provide critical feedback and insight relating to the city's growth as a premier meetings and convention destination.

SXSW Returns for 22nd Annual Multimedia Conference―Some 38,000 music, film and interactive industry professionals and fans descend on Austin from March 7-16, for the 22nd annual SXSW Multimedia Conference, which is expected to generate nearly $44 million in economic impact for the city. In addition to showcasing cutting-edge films and up-and-coming artists, SXSW is in its second year of implementing cutting-edge "green" practices. The organizers are just completing their second year of measuring the festival's carbon output, purchasing offsets and developing additional sustainable practices for all its operations.

Highlights of this year's conference include a special showcase by rock legends R.E.M., a discussion with electronic music guru Moby and a special screening of Columbia Pictures highly-anticipated film 21, starring Kevin Spacey, Kate Bosworth and Laurence Fishburne.

Attendees can also watch free performances by local musicians from 12-1 p.m. at the Austin Visitor Center, at 209 E. Sixth Street, from March 14-16. Paris 49 (Mar. 14), Carolyn Wonderland (Mar. 15) and Susanna Choffel (Mar. 16) promote Austin Music, Vol. 7, a special compilation album produced by the Austin Music Office, and serenade audiences as they browse merchandise and discover the city.

26 Miles for 26 Charities―The Austin Sports Commission (ASC) teams up with the AT&T Austin Marathon to assist with marketing efforts, volunteer coordination and water stations for the 17th annual race, which returns to the Texas Capital on Feb. 17. ASC joins the marathon this year as part of the new 26 Miles for 26 Charities initiative, which pairs local charities with the marathon in order to raise awareness of and funds for local nonprofit efforts. Participating charities provide volunteers to man water stops and clothing drops at mile-markers along the course. Their themed stations provide a unique atmosphere for runners and highlight their organization's mission among both runners and attendees.

New Faces at the Bureau―Austin CVB announces new hires in the communications and sales departments.

In the sales department, Jim Doherty has been hired as Director of Eastern Regional Sales. Based in Washington, D.C., Doherty cultivates Austin's reputation as a premier meeting destination among more than 4,000 trade associations and meeting management firms headquartered in the area. He brings some 10 years of experience to the position, having most recently served as sales manager at the Grand Hyatt in Washington, DC, representing major market groups. Prior to that, Doherty gained experience with meeting planning, conference services and hotel operations.

Ellen Cañas joins the Bureau as Director of Marketing Communications. In this position, Cañas oversees the public relations and communications strategies for ACVB and also serves as the official spokesperson of the Bureau to local, state and national media. With more than 7 years of related experience, Cañas brings a thorough knowledge of marketing and promotional campaigns, strategic planning and media relations. She most recently served as director of marketing at One World Theatre, and has also gained experience at Gibson Guitar's Austin showroom, where she served as point person during the Austin City Limits Music Festival, SXSW and Austin GuitarTown.

Communications and Finance also welcome a new coordinator, Danielle Owen. Danielle is a former Austin CVB intern and graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, with a major in public relations.

Texas All-Star Nobelity Dinner Seeks "One Peace at a Time"―Turk Pipkin, creator of the renowned documentary film Nobelity, hosts the Texas All-star Nobelity Dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel Austin, from 6-9 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 27. The event seeks to complete funding for Pipkin's new film on solutions to global problems, One Peace at a Time. The guest of honor is Nobel laureate Steve Weinberg. The evening includes a cocktail reception with celebrity guests, dinner with a host artist, and a live performance by Joe Ely, Bob Schneider, Pinetop Perkins and actor/magician Harry Anderson. Artists hosting tables include Owen Wilson, Ricardo Chavira of "Desperate Housewives", Kinky Friedman, Martie Maguire of the Dixie Chicks, Mike Judge, Shawn Colvin, Joe Ely and Jimmie Dale Gilmore.

Tables are $10,000 for ten people, and individual seats are available for $500 and $1,000. To purchase tickets or a table, email NobelityProject@aol.com or call 512-263-7971.

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Flights of Fancy for the Holidays

Art by Southwest

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.

Grey Rock Golf Club