Texas Gridiron Kickoff Launches
2009 Football Season
In anticipation of another action-packed football season, the Austin Sports Commission hosts the second annual Texas Gridiron Kickoff on August 7 at the Austin Convention Center. Tickets are $55 per person, or $500 for a table of 10; registration information is available at www.AustinSports.org.
The luncheon commences the season and offers fans an opportunity to rally around leading members of the Central Texas football community. A drum line and cheerleaders will be performing as guests arrive. Attendees will be welcomed by emcee Craig Way, the "Voice of the Longhorns", who reveals the 2009 Austin American-Statesman Preseason All-Centex Team and details the upcoming Central Texas high school football season. ESPN Commentator, Ron Franklin, moderates the keynote presentation, a panel discussion with The University of Texas Longhorns coaching staff including Mack Brown (head coach), Greg Davis (offensive coordinator) and Will Muschamp (defensive coordinator). The event marks the UT coaching staff's final public address before the new season begins.
In addition, attendees will hear a special sponsor presentation by the Texas Stars Hockey Club to preview its new venue and highlight the inaugural hockey season, which begins in fall 2009. Additional event sponsors include Austin Sonic Drive-In and TicketCity. For more information or to register, visit www.austinsports.org.
HSMAI Going Strong in Austin
The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) has taken root in Austin. With two meetings under its belt and now in its fourth month of operation, the group seeks to unify the hospitality community and streamline Austin's efforts to market the city as a premier meeting and convention destination. It also provides the necessary tools for local hospitality organizations to educate and retain strong employees, reinforce the Austin brand, unify the community's messaging and refine the city's sales and marketing strategy.
With 7,000 members and 35 chapters across the globe, HSMAI is the hospitality industry's leading professional association. For more information on upcoming meetings, or to join the Austin Chapter, email info@hsmaiaustin.org.
Austin CVB Launches Staycation Promotion to Drive Local Hotel Revenue
In order to bolster local hotel and attraction revenues for the summer months, the Austin CVB recently launched a summer "staycation" promotion, inviting area residents to save money on their summer getaways by "staying and playing" locally. These staycation offers are currently being promoted through print advertising in the Austin American-Statesman, radio spots on BOB-FM and KLBJ-AM and affiliate websites. In addition, the Austin CVB has compiled all the discounts on one easy web page, www.austintexas.org/local.
"Now, more than ever, travelers are watching their budgets," said Jennifer Walker, Director of Marketing Communications for the Austin CVB. "Consumers are actively searching for the best travel offers, and we wanted to remind Austinites that some of the best deals – and attractions – can be found right here in our own backyard."
Walker adds, "As the summer is typically a slower period for Austin hotels and attractions, we were also seeking to boost revenue for the local hospitality community. In this downturned economy, it's important to encourage people to travel – even locally – to continue to support the 75,000 hospitality jobs in the Austin area."
Don Freeman Receives Inaugural Texas Hospitality Lifetime Achievement Award at Austin CVB Annual Luncheon
Don Freeman, founder of the Freeman Company, was recently awarded the inaugural Texas Hospitality Lifetime Achievement Award at Austin CVB's third annual Hospitality Luncheon at the Hilton Austin.
Having discovered a natural ability for decorating and event planning in college, Donald "Buck" Freeman opened the first Freeman Decorating Company office in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1927. His company has since grown to become the leading provider for face-to-face marketing and brand-building events, including expositions, conventions, corporate events and exhibits. The Freeman Company provides creative direction, constructs exhibits, delivers and operates audio-visual displays, designs digital graphics and more for some 4,300 expositions and 11,000 corporate and special events each year. With a long-standing commitment to the meetings industry, The Freeman Company continues to bring people together to build relationships, inspire professional development and promote business.
The award was a highlight of Austin CVB's annual Hospitality Luncheon, which also included a keynote speech by Peter C. Yesawich, chairman and CEO of the Ypartnership, a leading marketing, advertising and public relations agency serving travel, leisure and lifestyle clients; the presentation of the 2009 Bruce Walcutt Spirit of Hospitality Award to former Mayor Will Wynn; and a performance of Austin's newly-named Official Song, "Nobody Ever Wants to Leave," by Ryan Harkrider.
Austin Hospitality Community Promotes Texas' Capital City at Pow Wow
The Austin CVB and Radisson Hotel and Suites Austin recently partnered to travel to Miami for Pow Wow, the largest annual gathering of tourism industry professionals. In Miami, Austin CVB staff promoted Austin to international tour operators and members of the international media.
In addition, the Bureau teamed up with Texas Tourism to host "Texas Tuesday," which generated conference-wide buzz about the Lone Star State. A Texas-themed luncheon featured a performance by Grammy-winning Western Swing favorites Asleep at the Wheel, a stage full of two-stepping Texas hospitality professionals and a lasso demonstration. Following the luncheon, guests visited the Texas Pavilion on the tradeshow floor to learn more about the Lone Star State and enter to win a custom Gibson® guitar. In the evening, a reception invited guests to browse among Texas destination booths and network with other industry professionals. Click here for a brief roundup of Austin's participation.
Lone Star Soccer Labor Day Cup Brings
Footballers to Austin
The Lone Star Soccer Club returns to Austin from Sept. 4-7 for the annual Labor Day Cup. The Tournament brings some 15,000 players and fans to the area, and visitors are expected to spend more than $9 million in Austin during their time here. For more information, visit www.lonestar-sc.com.
Westin Austin at the Domain Appoints Staff, Previews Guestrooms
The highly-anticipated Westin Austin at the Domain recently announced the appointment of Tom Tabler, who previously served as Texas Market – Director of Sales for Marriott International, as General Manager. Alison Berg has been named as Director of Sales and Marketing for the new property; Berg previously worked as Director of Sales and Marketing at The Courtyard and Residence Inn by Marriott Austin Downtown/Convention Center.
The Westin also hosted a property preview to unveil sample guestrooms and renderings, showcasing what will become 340 guestrooms with custom bedding, a peaceful lobby, a casual American bistro and WestinWorkout® fitness center.
Alaska Airlines Soon to Fly Non-stop
to San Jose, Seattle
Alaska Airlines recently announced a non-stop flight from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to San Jose, CA. Lovingly referred to as "the nerd bird," the flight is currently available for purchase and takes off starting on Sept. 2. The news follows Alaska Airlines' earlier announcement of non-stop service from Austin to Seattle, starting Aug. 3. For more information, visit www.abia.org.
