And Here Comes the Pitch

Publicity is on everyone’s mind these days. How do we get the word out about our properties in a unique, intriguing way? Enter Nichole DiBenedetto. She’s HHA’s new Public Relations Director. Wednesday she gave a great presentation and talked about what the upcoming initiatives would be. One that perked my interest was how she would be developing targeted pitches for the media to sink its teeth into. Pitches like unique culinary stories. For example, the Mission Inn has its own herb garden on the roof. The property’s restaurants use those fresh herbs in their dishes. Sous chef, Jay Finch of the Mission Inn Restaurant, uses fresh “rooftop” basil in his chicken marsala dish. Mmm.

HHA's New Clothes

Wednesday was a whirlwind of meetings and events. In the morning series, there was a lot of great information about the new website’s progress, how to utilize the web to bring in business, and the new look of HHA. Jeff Parker, Creative Director at Akins Parker, talked to us about how we are trying to build an identity for HHA by using consistent elements throughout all of our marketing materials. Having that identity will help HHA’s brand recognition and stake its place in the market. As a surprise, the new 2009 HHA directories were unveiled to the crowd. It looks fantastic. You want to pick it up and flip through it. I know our guests will too.

On a Mission

So if you have never seen the Mission Inn, let me tell you that it is absolutely breathtaking. The Old World feel of the property, coupled with confusing turns and hallways brings you back in time. It is the perfect backdrop for this year's HHA Annual Conference.

Tuesday's agenda included meetings for the Sales, PR, and Membership committees as well as the Board of Advisors meeting. Finding the meeting rooms was a little tricky, but most of the members made their way through the maze of Spanish architecture. Getting a little lost is just a part of the experience and charm of the Mission Inn.

The meetings were full of energy and lively interactions. How to approach the coming year's challenges was a hot topic of discussion.

After a day full of meetings, the fun started. The evening kicked off with a special champagne reception for new HHA members and members who were new to the conference. Thierry Roch, HHA's Executive Director, raised a glass to welcome everyone and to give a special thanks for making the trip. After, the group filed into the main reception where the welcome party was underway in the hotel's beautiful Music Room.

As a special gift, the hotel's owners, Duane and Kelly Roberts, invited everyone to walk outside to view the Festival of Lights. You have to see it, if you ever have the chance. It features more than two million lights throughout the property. Normally the lights would be turned on November 28, but our gracious hosts turned them on early for us to enjoy.

It's Here! The HHA 2008 Annual Conference: Tuesday-Thursday, November 11, 12, 13-Mission Inn, Riverside, Calif.

The dust has settled here in DC after the election, and our team is headed out west for next week's HHA 2008 Annual Conference at the Mission Inn in sunny Southern California.

We’re also packing light so we can avoid those pesky bag fees when we check-in. Do you have to buy peanuts now? I’d better pack a snack.

For those of you not making it out this year, stay tuned. I'll be reporting on the goings on each day so you will feel like you're right in the action.

See you soon!

Sunshine and Smiles at Vinoy Dinner

This dinner group reflects sunburns but smiles at the gala dinner held at the Vinoy Wednesday evening. Each one also reflects the best of HHA and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

For instance, Jack Bussert, top left, is general manager, Riverstreet Inn, Savannah, Ga. with his wife, Pam. Jack is on the HHA board and a past chair of the technology committee as well as a brand assurance task force participant.

In the red tie is Jack Moyer, general manager, 1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa, Eureka Springs, Ark. He is also a long-time HHA board member, serving on membership, marketing and finance committees.

Below him is Jodie English. She is a long lost friend of HHA now back in the fold. Just 30 days before the conference, she began her job as director of sales at the Crescent. Already, she is on a committee with HHA. In the past, Jodie and late husband, Randy, worked as a team at two other member hotels over the years, the Hotel Utica, NY and the Eldridge in Lawrence, Ky. Great to have you back Jodie (especially on the salsa dance floor) and we all miss Randy. Your return to Eureka Springs and HHA was meant to be.

Also at the Crescent is Bill Ott in the blue tie. Bill is the designated HHA actor we all have come to know and love! He was the session leader, a.k.a. toga man, for this year's Branding History Forum, complete with singing and other funny things happened....on the way. While not Nathan Lane in voice, he was as good on stage. You may remember that last year Bill was the contestant in the coon skin cap for the coffee break spoof "Deal or No Deal." We love you Bill. Thanks for injecting the humor every year. Let us know where and when you are appearing in a real play.

Special guest Valecia Crisafulli rounds out the table. She was a guest speaker at Thierry Roch's panel, Sizing Up the Heritage Travel Marketing about cross-promotional heritage travel ideas. She is from the National Trust where she serves in the important national post of director, statewide and local partnerships. She is a constant source of ideas and energy around the Trust. And yes, most of these folks did spend some time in the sun --- perhaps too much of it!

Retro Cocktail Tunes a Favorite

I am hearing that many of you loved the music at the new members luncheon.

It was from the CD, "Cocktail Capers."

Specifcially, tracks 9 & 10 were used to accompany the visual presentation.

The songs were "Mountain Greenery" performed by The Ernie Freeman Combo - Richard Rogers/Larry Hart, songwriters (1963- Comin' Home); and "Charade" performed by Si Zentner - Jerry Mercer/Henry Mancini, songwriters (1964 - From Russia with Love).

I found a phone number to order it and a website: 1-800-806-1115 or go to
http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product_Id=3830240&JRSource=googlebase.datafeed.224766_CD

Tracey Simmons (HHA)

Swingin' Lunch for New HHA Members

Top, a beauty queen, being welcomed at the Pickwick Hotel, San Diego, now the boutique Hotel Sofia. Charming service has been a hallmark of Historic Hotel of America properties.

A swingin' presentation with many period photographs and '60s cocktail music* kept toes tapping at the new member lunch held at the Don Ce Sar ballroom, November 27th, 2007.

Everyone was kept laughing afterwards as well by the funny stories told by new members.

Brazilian Court, West Palm Beach (Cindy Economou)
Tubac Resort, Arizona (Linda Cormier)
The Sofia, San Diego (John Maclean & Harki Parekh)

The Jefferson-Clinton, Syracuse
(Wally Deskiewicz, Steve Busch, Jamie Dennis)
The Warwick Melrose, Dallas (Steve Sherman)
The Newagen Inn, Booth Bay, Maine (Jason Schlosser & Spouse)

The Holbrooke, Grass Valley, California (Sean Gilleran)
The Colcord, Oklahoma City (Michael Frimmel)
Independence Park, Philadelphia (Randy Howatt)
The Colcord, Oklahoma City (Michael Frimmel)
Williamsburg Lodge, Williamsburg, Virginia

Hotel Fauchere, Milford, Pennsylvania

Bedford Springs Resort & Spa, Bedford, Pennsylvania

Lancaster Arts Hotel, Lancaster, Pennsylvania

The Tazewell Hotel & Suites, Norfolk, Virginia

Governor Dinwiddie Hotel, Portsmouth, Virginia

Hotel Colorado, Glenwood Springs, Colorado

The Jumeirah Essex House, New York City, New York

Special thanks to sponsors, Kahler Slater Architects, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Specialists in the design of experiences and environments with expertise in historic hotels.

Doug Nysse - Principal & David Plank, AIA -Associate Principal
http://www.kahlerslater.com/

Contact Dplank@kahlerslater.com

Bird, bird, bird. Bird is the word.

Stunning Weather for Golf Outing:

Some folks went fishing on Friday and a few went golfing at the Renaissance Vinoy course. The skies cleared and it was a stunning day. The outing winners were:

Low gross 2-some - John Marks & Guest, Don Ce Sar Resort (Score: 81) 5,609 yd. par 72
Closest to the Pin - George Banta, Beekman Arms & Delamater House, Rhinebeck, NY (40'/Par 3)
Low Putts - Juli Lederhaus, Hawthorne Hotel, Salem, Mass. (33)
____________________
The day prior, a few of us got in 9 holes as well. Here you see Jared Plott, resident manager, Castle Hill Resort & Spa, Ludlow-Cavendish, Vermont, one of my golf partners on the day we got to go out late in the afternoon for a quick nine. Why did I take these photos at this weird angle, you might want to know? Well, it was because the world was spinning around for Jared, who had just scored his first ever chip-in birdie.

Which is also why 'bird is the word' according to Norma from the Cranwell Resort, Spa & Golf Club, Lenox, Mass.

Congratulations, Jared, it was fun to be part of your extra-special round of golf at the Vinoy Golf Course.

Save the Date! 2008 HHA Conference: Tuesday - Thursday, November 11, 12, 13 - Mission Inn, Riverside, Calif.

(Click headline above for hotel web link)

HHA Rate - $189 single or double

HHA's national conference will be on the west coast next year at the remarkable 239-room Mission Inn. We rotate the meeting each year (east, west, central) in order to experience diverse HHA hotels and locations.* We hope to see you there. More news will be sent to all members early next summer.

This property is extremely historic, so much so that there is a Mission Inn Foundation Museum was established in the hotel complete with docent-led tours daily. The tours describe the fascinating evolution of the Mission Inn and its 6,000 pieces of art on display. It is one of only two dozen or so National Historic Register Landmark properties in HHA.

The hotel began as Glenwood Cottage by owner Frank Miller, a voracious collector who has forever defied accurate description. Following family tours abroad, Miller incorporate his extensive acquisitions into both the inn’s decor and its structure. From the home’s first addition, the Mission Wing, grew the Cloister Wing and Music Room, the Spanish Wing and Gallery and the dramatic International Rotunda with its flying buttresses. Other areas of interest are the outdoor Court of the Orient, the St Francis Chapel with its ornately gilded altar and the Atrio.

While there is no golf on site, the facility offers a lovely outdoor pool and Jacuzzi® and the fitness center is equipped with treadmills, bikes, elliptical machines and weight training equipment. It is truly a remarkable place not to be missed!

LOCATION/AIRPORT -
The inn is located in downtown Riverside, California, near the 60 and 91 freeway interchange and is an hour drive north from LA, the beaches, Disneyland, Knottsberry Farm and Big Bear Mountain.
Driving Directions:
From Ontario/Pasadena/Los Angeles: Take 10E to 15 S (San Diego) to 60 E (Riverside) to 91 W. Exit Mission Inn Avenue and proceed three blocks to the inn.
Nearest Airport:
The Ontario International Airport, Calif. (ONT) is approximately 30 minutes by car. A complimentary shuttle service from this airport is offered by the hotel.


* You might also want to mark the date for the 2009 conference: Nov. 17 - 19, 2009 at the Peabody Hotel, Memphis, TN.

HHA REGIONAL MEETING RECAPS:

Please note that regional projects are subject to the approval of HHA-PHG.
Please contact Tracey Simmons at HHA (202) 588-6267
Tracey_Simmons@nthp.org


West Region meeting minutes (photo above)
Team Coordinators
lkoester@napariverinn.com; karolina@ashlandhotel.com
States: WA, OR, CA, WY, CO, AZ

Discussion points:
- Trade shows & client events:
- March 13th event in SF w/ the Cramer Collection ($800/table) – 200 meeting planners
- February 26th - MPI tradeshow
- Get a list of participating HHA hotels before each trade show (to cross promote)

Preferred Hotel Group WISH LIST:
- Coordination of sales calls with PHG.
- PHG to refer sales leads to HHA members (Online Referral System - when will HHA be part of it?)
- PHG signature events – HHA members want these in Dallas, Chicago & Seattle – can we match Cramer Collection event participation fee?
- Want to know the designated PHG person in charge of HHA sales.
- Getting electronic RFPs from the PHG & HHA sales teams
- Web links on the PHG site
Questions: - Conflict of interests? HHA members with vs. without PHG membership. - Will Michael Di Rienzo get more help to sell HHA better?

Cross promotional ideas between HHA regional hotels:
- Print regional promotional collateral i.e. a rack card with a listing of all HHA west region hotels
- Link west region hotels via their websites
- Create an award program between HHA hotels
- Schedule quarterly or semi-annual regional meetings.
- Fam trips for meeting planners who prefer historic hotels. (Cross referrals between HHA and PHG hotels)
Other:
- Send out & give away more HHA directories.
- Idea: “Keep it downtown” hotels referral program (created in San Diego)

___________________________________________

Southeast and the Islands – Recap
Regional Workshops - 2008 Ideas

TEAM CO-LEADERS
Patty Henning, DOS, Jekyll Island & Melanie Fly, DOS, Union Station
phenning@jekyllclub.com; mfly@turnberry.com
States - FL, GA, SC, AL, TN, PR, USVI

Top Ideas Discussed:

(Note - ideas must still have HHA-Preferred approval, which is pending so as to maintain brand consistency).

- Creating Webpage/Landing Site promoting Historic Hotels and Sites in the SE Region
- Designing a brochure listing each hotel in the SE
- Regional Dinners with the Cramer Group
- Buying/obtaining lists for email marketing

- It was decided to move forward on exploring the expense to create a webpage/landing site:
- Keep it simple and inexpensive.
- Explore the possibility of a Map on the webpage which would highlight the location of each participating hotel and site
- Properties will link their own individual websites and the new webpage will in turn link to each hotel’s individual website.
- Explore separate page for National Trust sites or incorporating National Trust sites on the map
- Obtain quotes on a pay-per-click optimization option
- Obtain pricing on an email list from the National Trust

Gayle Karolczyk will follow up on the webpage and estimate. Melanie Fly will work on the database.

Possible Future Plans:

- Partner with American Express with a special offer for card members and receive coverage of our new website in their insertions.
- Complete a press release announcing our cooperative effort

__________________________________________________
Posted 12-20-07

Mid-Atlantic and Northeast – RecapRegional Workshops
2008 IdeasTeam Co-Leaders
Tonia Noonan, Dir. of Sales & Marketing, Radisson Plaza Lord Baltimore Hotel, Baltimore, MD mailto:PAtonia.noonan@radisson.com
Dennis Costello, General Manager, Hotel Bethlehem, Bethlehem, PA dcostello@hotelbethlehem.com

States - NY, NJ, PA, DE, MD, WV, VA, DC, NC

Top Ideas Discussed:

(Note - ideas must still have HHA-Preferred approval, which is pending so as to maintain brand consistency).

- Group decided to focus the workshop discussions on vetting sales & marketing ideas.

- Sagamore & Hershey have successfully hosted MPI client dinners in Washington, DC.

- Philadelphia should be considered as the location for a future regional co-op client event- Utilize Preferred Hotel Group (PHG) client lists—especially for the pharmaceutical market.

- Each hotel participating in the regional client event would have to provide client lists- 90 -180 day lead time will be required for planning/executing the regional client event.

- Consider the possibility of a NJ/NYC sales road show featuring a series of client events- Invite The Hyland Group’s sales staff on regional hotel familiarization visits.

- Utilize The Hyland Group’s web site to promote hotels in the Mid-Atlantic & Northeast.

- Host a Mid-Atlantic regional meeting in DC in April 2008 during the Springtime trade show.

- Host a Northeast regional meeting in NYC in May/June 2008 during HHA’s media/client events.

- Plan separate workshops for the Mid-Atlantic & Northeast regions at future annual meetings:
Send a list to each regional workshop participant with complete contact info for every participant.


____________________________________________

Posted 12-20-07

New England Regional Meeting
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Don CeSar, Fla.

Co-Chairs:
Norma Probst, Director of Marketing, Cranwell Resort, norma@cranwell.com
Jim Boucher, Director of Sales, The Spa at Norwich Inn, jboucher@thespaatnorwichinn.com
States: ME, VT, NH, MA, CT, RI

The group decided that the following were our TOP 3 ideas:

1. Regional Landing page for New England on the HHA website
2. Regional Co-op collateral piece with a listing and map of all participating member properties
3. Investigate Agenda Expo, Biz Bash, NEMICE, and Meeting Market as HHA – NE regional co-op opportunities

1. INTERNET MARKETING

a. Build a Regional web presence – Greg Clark/HHA to research (page similar to Starwood Hotels of Boston)

Discuss with HHA to build a regional landing page for New England listing all member properties in or region.

Page will be accessible from the main members page with a hyperlink to new page

b. NY Times/Boston Globe Email campaign

Link to the HHA regional landing page for New England

Advertising costs to be split among participating member properties

No funding is available form HHA for associated costs

c. Potential email Marketing campaigns for the following:

Historic Hotels of New England
Historic Inns of New England
Historic Spas of New England
Historic Weddings of New England

2. PUBLIC RELATIONS
Regional Press Releases
Historic Vignettes about each property
Link to the HHA regional landing page for New England
“Perfect New England Moment” as a potential PR campaign

3. PRINT ADVERTISING
Advertising Co-op Template
Create by HHA for individual properties or a group or properties to use
Template ensure ad consistency for properties to use and maintains brand consistency for HHA
Save ad design $$$ for individual properties - only have to add in the property specific text and photos

4. TRADE SHOWS
With the elimination of NEMICE from the HHA Trade Show calendar, there is virtually NO HHA presence at any New England or New York Trade Shows for member properties to co-op and participate in

New England Region has determine the following trade shows to research and see if we can participate as a co-op for the New England Region specifically: Historic Hotels of America – New England

Agenda Expo – NY – Brian Butterworth to research
Biz Bash – NY – OPEN
NEMICE – Boston - Norma Probst to research
Meetings Academy – Boston – Jim Boucher to research
Costs associated with participation would be split amongst member properties who choose to participate
No funding is available from HHA for participation on a regional basis

5. COLLATERAL
Create Regional Co-Op Collateral Piece – Scott Alemany to spearhead
Lists all participating Member properties - Property Name, Address, Phone Number, Web Address
Regional Map indicating location of all participating properties – show the proximity to plan multi-day trips to member hotels
Collateral piece given out at check in or check out at all participating member properties

In attendance: (those we have business cards/contact information from)
Scott Alemany, Director of Operations, Newport Hotel Group, slaemany@newporthotelgroup.com
Rick McCarten, Director of Sales, Mount Washington Resort, rmccaretn@mountwashington.com Jill Hugger, General Manager, Portland Regency, jhugger@theregency.com
Suzanne Wenz, Regional Director of Public Relations, The Fairmont Copley Plaza, Suzanne.wenz@fairmont.com
Greg Clark, Director of Sales & Marketing, Boston Park Plaza and Towers
Juli Lederhaus, General Manager, Hawthorne Hotel, juli@hawthornehotel.com
Jared Platt, Assistant General Manager, Castle Hill Resort & Spa, jplatt@castlehillresort.com
Jason Schlosser, Newagen Seaside Inn, jschlosser@newageninn.com
Carol Bosco-Baumann, Director of Marketing, The Porches Inn & Red Lion Inn
Brian Butterworth, Director of Sales, The Porches Inn & Red Lion Inn, bbutterworth@redlioninn.com
Alexander Eberle, Innkeeper, The Porches Inn, alexander@porches.com
Bruce Finn, General Manager, The Red Lion Inn
Mary Billingsley, Director of Public Relations, Historic Hotels of America
Note- Elizabeth Milburn, HHA Web Content Manager, as resigned and is no longer with HHA.
Preferred Hotel Group web content managers are cooridnating web content. Please contact Thierry_Roch@nthp.org for follow up (202) 588-6307 or Tracey_Simmons@nthp.org (202) 588-6267.

HHA - Midwest (South) Region
States: TX, OK, AR, LA, MS, NM

Co-team leaders:
Craig Smith, DOS, Peabody Memphis & Alissa Burgess, GM, LaSalle Hotel, Bryant, TX
craig.smith@peabodymemphis.com
aburgess@lanehospitality.com

Discussions centered on improving group business to the region:

Group database sharing
Considering the wide range of offerings within the selected group of hotels within the region, a focused database sharing was suggested

i. Each hotel would compile a list of their top 25 key accounts with contact, address, phone, e-mail information. This master list would be shared with the region

ii. Craig Smith would format list and request data – need regional hotel’s e-information

iii. Account with history of 25-50 rooms peak


Motorcoach
Idea of offering a fill-up (complimentary transportation) with 15-25 room tour. Idea where they could travel all through the region-complimentary gas

Regional Press release
Discussed a regional release outlining uniqness and wow factor of each hotel. Also the possibility of including something unique as “Stay 2nd quarter in 2 of the regional hotels and receive a spa treatment or 1 nt stay etc.

Regional Web-site
Discussed the possibility of a web-page within HHA site which focuses on and outlines the region of hotels

Client events
Discussed client event in Dallas – decided to wait until the preferred deal becomes more clear – Preferred has an entire schedule of events we may be able to take advantage of through 2008

Best Practices
Share our operating, selling and service “Best Practices”