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Musings From My Desk ...
There on the front of last month's Successful Meetings magazine was a photograph of Mike McAllen of Grass Shack Events & Media, with the avatar (Don Babcock) that represents him in the virtual world known as Second Life. When I first heard of Second Life late last year, my first reaction was that I already have enough in deal with in my first life; how could I ever imagine a second one. Yet, a few weeks ago when Mike sent out an invitation to join him in Second Life for a tour, I proceeded to register (which is free).
Now for those of you who do not know, and believe me, there are far more of you out there, Second Life is a three-dimensional online virtual world which some call the "3-D Web". With over 5 million registered users (residents), Second Life has caught the attention of companies such as IBM, General Motors and Reuters, who have established a presence in this world where cartoon-like personas interact in virtual cafes and offices. At first glance it may all seem like a video game (much like The Sims), but there is real commerce taking place in this world, where companies are using it to launch products, undertake direct sales campaigns (even political campaigns), and hold in-world meetings (think conference call in 3-D).
After tinkering around for a bit with my new persona, Leigh Bechir, we made the decision to set up an office in Second Life, complete with a slideshow preview of our Cross-Cultural workshop, and a sitting area where clients can enjoy our destination gallery and a cup of coffee. I know it may seem bizarre; it did to me for a while. But much like having a web site, having presence on Second Life is yet another innovative way of reaching out to and educating your clients. Consider this: IBM uses its virtual boardroom as a place for new hires from around the world to meet for the first time. Dan Parks, co-moderator of Meetings Community listserv, MeCo, has built a mansion just for meeting planners, which includes a training room, a game room, a library and resource room (for which he is currently seeking suggestions on the content to include). One of my favorite features of the MeCo Mansion is the fountain that you encounter just as you enter. There he has set up podiums, each providing details of how to maneuver one's avatar in Second Life.
Like the real world (referred to in Second Life as RL), there are of course seedy areas and what one could describe as deviants there, but for the possibilities of education, interaction, and pure fun, I encourage you to take a look. If you are already in Second Life, please join us on April 17 at 1pm (PDT) for our open house.
Simone
simone@sncdestinations.com
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Newsletter
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April 2007
In this issue:
Musings
Destinations
Newsworthy Tidbits
Cross-Cultural Communication Tips & Comments
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The Hot Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic has garnered quite a bit of attention in the past few weeks following the announcement that American real estate developer Donald Trump is teaming up with Cap Cana to create a luxury resort on the eastern tip of the country. But the DR, as the country is affectionately called, has long been establishing itself as a destination to be reckoned with. In fact, the Dominican Republic was named a hot destination on Condé Nast Traveler's 2007 "It" list.
 Occupying two-thirds of the island of Hispañola, the Dominican Republic has evolved into a desirable destination with growing capacity and endless diversity. The DR has been the playground of the European market for many years, with hotel brands such as Sol Melia, Barcelo, Accor and Bahia Principe having established themselves throughout the destination. A more recent trend that has emerged with the construction of new hotels, particularly in the Punta Cana area, has been to move away from the expansive all–inclusive concept, into a new luxury appeal. With this, brands that are more recognizable to U.S. planners, such as Starwood is making its presence known, along with smaller, five-star properties such as Sivory and Tortuga Bay (decorated by world-renowned designer Oscar de la Renta). Notwithstanding, having eight international airports with direct flights from the U.S. and Canada, has encouraged increased interest and investment.
 The Latin-Caribbean nation, having been one of the very first settlements in the New World, provides guests a distinct cultural experience, boasting some the oldest sites and districts in the hemisphere. Immediate images that might pop into one's head when thinking of the DR, might be that of the bodies moving to the pulsating sounds of merengue, or the rich scent of Dominican cigars (the DR is the largest producer of cigars in the world). The country is also characterized by a diverse topography, from its white-sand beaches and tropical forests, to mountains and desert plains; all lending to incredible eco-tourism and adventure. This diversity extends to what each region has to offer meeting and incentive groups. Punta Cana remains the number one destination for congresses and seminars given the ultra-modern Conference Center, while the Bayahibe La Romana region is the ideal setting for incentive trips. On the other hand, Las Terrenas in the bay of Samaná is perfect for small groups looking for authenticity.
We again welcome our new DMC partner in the Dominican Republic, ECT [events & meetings], and also congratulate them on winning at "Trophées de l'Événement 2007", the European equivalent of the SITE Crystal Awards.
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Newsworthy Tidbits
The buzz is that Raffles Hotels and Resorts is expected to open a luxury property in St. Lucia, with a 10,000 square foot spa and a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. Raffles is among the top international hotel companies, with award-winning properties in Hamburg, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Singapore and Beverly Hills. Raffles will join a growing list of upscale properties on the island, including Westin, Ritz Carlton, and Discovery at Marigot Bay which opened late last year.
Our blog has made the list! Highlighting meeting industry blogs, Successful Meetings has listed our blog, Something Extra, along side its own (mimegasite.com), Marriott's, and Starwood's blog in its March issue.
JetBlue Airways has launched a program designed exclusively for corporate meeting planners which features a fully-dedicated support desk, flexible and competitive fares, and incentives. For its launch, JetBlue is offering planners 10 free travel certificates for booking a meeting group of 15 or more travelers to the same destination on the same date by July 1.
One of the hottest tickets in the Caribbean last month was that of the opening ceremony of Cricket World Cup 2007 in Trelawny, Jamaica. The vibrant production embodied the range of culture and music representing the region. Yet, the star of the ceremony seems to have been the venue; the newly-erected Greenfield Multi-purpose Stadium that sits on the coastline of this northern town. Spectators seated in the southern stand catch views of the Caribbean Sea while those in the north stand have a view of the mountain range. The US$30-million venue has a capacity of 25,000 and was built under an agreement between Jamaica and China.
Carib Travel, our destination partner in St. Lucia, is launching a quarterly newsletter designed specifically to deliver news and items concerning inbound travel to the island. To subscribe to their mailing list, send an email to Hermina Danzie at hermina.danzie@caribtravelltd.com.
Something
Extra
 Now that passport rules have changed and we all need passport in hand when returning by air from the Caribbean, why not brighten it up a bit with Baekgaard's Colorful Leather Collection at verabradley.com. The genuine leather passport holders are available in fourteen colors such as Caribbean Blue and Apple, Baby Pink and Lemon, or Tobacco and Teal. But be prepared to wait a bit, as some of the color combinations may be currently out of stock, as the site states, due to overwhelming demand (FYI … they made the O List this month).
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Cross-Cultural Communication Tips & Comments
Having It Your Way
When planning for groups made up of delegates from different countries and cultures, it can be a challenge when considering the dietary restrictions that may exist. Imagine then what it is like when you have customers visiting 11,100 restaurants in 65 countries. Burger King has long encouraged us to "have it your way", and although the fast-food giant's customers consume almost a million pounds of beef around the world each day, Burger King has made efforts to recognize the specific needs of the countries and cultures in which they operate. As such, the company offers a pork-based Bulgogi Burger in Korea, an Escoveitch Fish and Bammy breakfast in Jamaica, and an ultra-spicy Rendang Double in Singapore.
Something
Extra
Want to check on the status of your flight? All you need to do is text your flight number to Google at 466453 (as in google) from your cell phone, and you will receive a Google SMS with the flight details (including arrival/departure time and status). Thanks to Melissa Petri at Road Gladiator for this tip.
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Upcoming Industry Events
Meetings and incentives industry events in 2007 at which your team at SNC and/or our destination partners look forward to seeing you:
- IMEX, 17-19 April
- MIT Market, 14-16 June
- SITE Academy for Young Leaders, 22-24 July
- The Motivation Show (IT&ME), 25-27 September
- EIBTM, 27-29 November
- SITE International Conference, 6-9 December
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