Marylou Foley |
Atlanta Skal Member Lends a Helping Hand to Diversey ProjecT
At the SKAL World Congress in Mexico City, I was so impressed with the presentation by Stefan Pfang that I ran two flights of stairs to meet him! Asking if he had such a program in the Republic of Georgia and if he ever did such projects with orphanages, instead of families, I got his attention and interests. He introduced me to a member of his team, who was to be my contact. We exchanged information in the coming months, but I did not hear back from the organization about setting up this project. So about one month before the World Congress in Torremolinos, I again reached out directly to Stefan when I saw that Diversey would be on the program, describing the last communications and wanting to know if he could get me more information. He replied that he was “on it”. After the opening session and lunch the first day in Torremolinos, I walked into the B2B hall, where I was able to check email – and was totally surprised to have a photo pop up in an email from Tbilisi Georgia, showing Stefan with some of the local administrators of the orphanages and mission projects – then, I quickly turned around and There was Stefan standing behind me –with a big smile- but saying HE had wanted to be the one to tell me about his trip to Tbilisi. Stefan said these orphanages for some very disadvantaged children really touched the hearts of his team – and the final point was when some hoteliers saw the absolute delight in the eyes of the deaf children when they made their bars of soap! So we had a PROJECT! Stefan’s team would get the equipment to the orphanages and the soap collected from the hotels. However, these orphanages are quite some distance from Tbilisi so we needed to raise money to pay for the transportation of the used soap to these orphanages. Not a problem! I was sure I could do this thru friends. I returned excitedly to Atlanta – and told our SI Atlanta Club about the Soap4Hope project - and the sanitation and good health project we could help with in the Republic of Georgia. SI Atlanta members rose to the challenge – after all – a Georgia- to - Georgia project is a natural – and to my surprise, at our Holiday Luncheon, those members and guests present donated over $500 to cover the transportation costs for this project! Well, things do not always move as quickly as we would hope –but they DO move! Stefan’s team has changed in the Republic of Georgia, but the equipment was finally delivered and the Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel in Tbilisi provided the soap. Here are some photos from the orphanage in Kitski, Georgia. First, think of how it must feel to Not have soap to wash yourself or your clothes. Then think about living in building with no heating. With those thoughts in mind, do look at the intense and happy faces learning to cleanse and re make soap. The children reported that this “is a work in progress” and their designs, colors and perfumes will improve. But thanks to members of SKAL Atlanta, they have soap and are able to share with some of the poorest families in their village. Thank you, SKAL~ Marylou Foley, Atlanta SKAL Club |
Congratulations Phelps R. Hope
SKAL International
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SKAL 56th CrabFeast August 21 2014SKAL Baltimore Vendor Registration Form - 2014SKAL Baltimore Vendor Letter - 2014 |
PCMA Announces Phelps R. Hope as Global Executive of the Year
5/22/2014
The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) announced the recipient of the Global Executive of the Year Award as Phelps R. Hope, CMP, Vice President, Meetings & Expositions, Kellen Meetings.
The award, presented annually, in conjunction with IMEX celebrates meeting executives who demonstrate a vision, commitment and passion for the advancement and education of the global meetings industry.
"Phelps' commitment to the industry is unmatched. He is constantly searching for ways to penetrate new markets and implementing global strategies for his clients and for PCMA. I'm extremely proud he is being honored this year," said Sherrif Karamat, CAE and Chief Operating Officer, PCMA. Hope epitomized the spirit of this award, having planned meetings and conferences in 27 different countries on six continents, and overseeing 50+ global meetings per year. Over his 30+ year career he has consistently demonstrated the ability to successfully move his clients into new global arenas and help achieve organizational successes.
Hope is also an active member of PCMA serving on a number of committees over the years including the Global Task Force where he served as Subcommittee Chair and the Annual Meeting Program Committee where he is currently serving as Co-Chair.
The award was presented for the third consecutive year at the Gala Dinner held in Frankfurt during IMEX. Previous award winners include Ping He, Global General Manager APAC and David L. Williams, Executive Director, International Association for Energy Economics and current PCMA Foundation Board of Trustee.
About Professional Convention Management Association
PCMA is the multi-channel professional resource and premier educator for leaders in the meetings, conventions, events and trade show industries. PCMA provides their 6,000+ members with a community of likeminded colleagues, innovative education and creative global solutions to enhance both their professional development and their organization's face-to-face and virtual connections. Headquartered in Chicago, PCMA has 17 chapters throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico with members in more than 35 countries. For additional information, please visit the PCMA Web site at www.pcma.org.
Contact:
dmetz@pcma.org
5/22/2014
The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) announced the recipient of the Global Executive of the Year Award as Phelps R. Hope, CMP, Vice President, Meetings & Expositions, Kellen Meetings.
The award, presented annually, in conjunction with IMEX celebrates meeting executives who demonstrate a vision, commitment and passion for the advancement and education of the global meetings industry.
"Phelps' commitment to the industry is unmatched. He is constantly searching for ways to penetrate new markets and implementing global strategies for his clients and for PCMA. I'm extremely proud he is being honored this year," said Sherrif Karamat, CAE and Chief Operating Officer, PCMA. Hope epitomized the spirit of this award, having planned meetings and conferences in 27 different countries on six continents, and overseeing 50+ global meetings per year. Over his 30+ year career he has consistently demonstrated the ability to successfully move his clients into new global arenas and help achieve organizational successes.
Hope is also an active member of PCMA serving on a number of committees over the years including the Global Task Force where he served as Subcommittee Chair and the Annual Meeting Program Committee where he is currently serving as Co-Chair.
The award was presented for the third consecutive year at the Gala Dinner held in Frankfurt during IMEX. Previous award winners include Ping He, Global General Manager APAC and David L. Williams, Executive Director, International Association for Energy Economics and current PCMA Foundation Board of Trustee.
About Professional Convention Management Association
PCMA is the multi-channel professional resource and premier educator for leaders in the meetings, conventions, events and trade show industries. PCMA provides their 6,000+ members with a community of likeminded colleagues, innovative education and creative global solutions to enhance both their professional development and their organization's face-to-face and virtual connections. Headquartered in Chicago, PCMA has 17 chapters throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico with members in more than 35 countries. For additional information, please visit the PCMA Web site at www.pcma.org.
Contact:
dmetz@pcma.org
PLEASE SAVE THE DATE: 2014 SIUSA National Committee Meeting in Tucson, AZ - August 7-10, 2014
Meet our new SKAL Members January - February 2014
Press Release 1.20.2014
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SI International World Congress 2013 General Assembly Minutes

SI Atlanta is officially twinned with SI Istanbul on Dec 11 2013 in Istanbul, Turkey
Link to the Event 1
Link to the Event 2
Link to the Event 1
Link to the Event 2
Meet Our New SKAL Members October - December 2013
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May 9 Membership EventThe May 9 event was featured in the SIUSA 2nd Quarter Newsletter.
If you have not already seen the story that starts on Page 22, please follow the instructions that follow. The issue also has information about our 2013 Auction and the Region IV Conference at The Ocean Reef Club in August. The newsletter is a great way to keep up with Region IV and all of the SIUSA clubs. http://siusa.org/xdocs/SIUSANewsletter2ndQuarter2013.pdf |
Presented by the Skal Club of Sacramento
Join us in Sacramento April 11-14, 2012
YOUNG SKAL Atlanta Update!

SKAL Club of Atlanta has been welcoming Young SKAL members since 2011; the first two young SKAL Atlanta members Alex Kowalczyk and Wade Tillman, both Hospitality Management Students from Georgia Southern University have been assisted by SKAL Atlanta Club executives to find local and international internship opportunities within the Industry.
Wade Tillman is placed for a FO Management Traineeship at the Old Edwards Inn & Spa which is a 4 diamond/ luxury boutique hotel located in Highlands, NC through the assistance provided by SKAL Atlanta Member Manny Beauregard, who is a A List Travel Agent and SKAL Atlanta Past President 2004.
Alex Kowalczyk is placed for a management training position in Cambodia at a fine Boutique hotel for a six month paid internship through the assistance provided by G. W. Sandy Ferguson, Top Travel Specialist of 2011 with Asia Desk and SKAL Atlanta Executive Board Member.
SKAL Club of Atlanta is proud of their Young SKAL members success and looking forward recruit more tourism and hospitality students for the organization.
Manny Beauregard and Don Vellek visiting Wade Tillman at his training site at Old Edwards Inn & Spa, Highlands, NC
Wade Tillman is placed for a FO Management Traineeship at the Old Edwards Inn & Spa which is a 4 diamond/ luxury boutique hotel located in Highlands, NC through the assistance provided by SKAL Atlanta Member Manny Beauregard, who is a A List Travel Agent and SKAL Atlanta Past President 2004.
Alex Kowalczyk is placed for a management training position in Cambodia at a fine Boutique hotel for a six month paid internship through the assistance provided by G. W. Sandy Ferguson, Top Travel Specialist of 2011 with Asia Desk and SKAL Atlanta Executive Board Member.
SKAL Club of Atlanta is proud of their Young SKAL members success and looking forward recruit more tourism and hospitality students for the organization.
Manny Beauregard and Don Vellek visiting Wade Tillman at his training site at Old Edwards Inn & Spa, Highlands, NC
Trade Show 2012

Hi Fellow Skålleagues:
Doing Business among Friends ~ In the Atlanta Area We have partnered with Skål International again for 2012 and are using our mini-trade show/receptions for professional travel arrangers (primarily travel agents with a few event & meeting planners, group & incentive coordinators) as a means to promote Skål and excite some prospective members. We hope to have the Atlanta Club to join us again in this effort. Remember all the fun you had last year.
We have an evening show scheduled for Atlanta and we hope you can participate at no cost to your club. We will be in the Atlanta area on March 15th.
We’re also in need of a location to hold the program if any of your members might be interested please have them call me ASAP.
Here’s the Deal:
1) The Atlanta Club gets a complimentary table (it’s a table-top show—and a $695 value). This would give your Club the opportunity to give out Skål information and talk to prospective members. Skal International has provided us with promotional material to distribute at the shows as well as a pop-up display. The exhibitor form for the Club’s free table is attached. Please return it ASAP.
2) For those Atlanta Skål Member Suppliers that work with travel agents, meeting & event planners, etc. we would offer them very special exhibitor rate for any of our shows--Only $329-$449 per show (about a 50% discount from the regular rate of $695). I’m attaching the special Skål Exhibitor Application. Please distribute it to your members that might be able to take advantage of this opportunity.
In exchange, I would hope that you would help me in getting the word out to your local agents about the event. And do some friendly arm-twisting to get us a few extra exhibitors at the show(s).
Here are some helpful links to our shows:
General exhibitor information: http://www.travel-trade-shows.com/Skal.html
And Skål pictures from some of our shows: http://www.travel-trade-shows.com/SkalPhotos.html
Special Skål exhibitor application: http://www.travel-trade-shows.com/f/Skal_AP.pdf
Travel agent (and other buyer) information and invitation to the shows: www.travel-shows.com
Read about us in the March issue of the Skål International NewsletterClick here for the article
Hopefully the Atlanta Club finds this idea as a win-win deal. Please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best Regards & Skål,
Buck
Buck Wilson (Colorado Club)
Travel Trade Shows
Buck@Travel-Trade-Shows.com
303-758-7166
Fax: 303-504-0232
www.Travel-Trade-Shows.com
Please email PR@skalatlanta.org and request the Application Forms;
1) The form for the Atlanta Club’s free table.
2) The special exhibitor application for any Skål members wishing to exhibit at any of these shows.
PS. If one of your members might be interested in hosting the show, please have them give me a call. More information on sponsoring or hosting our shows can be found at http://www.travel-trade-shows.com/Host.html
Doing Business among Friends ~ In the Atlanta Area We have partnered with Skål International again for 2012 and are using our mini-trade show/receptions for professional travel arrangers (primarily travel agents with a few event & meeting planners, group & incentive coordinators) as a means to promote Skål and excite some prospective members. We hope to have the Atlanta Club to join us again in this effort. Remember all the fun you had last year.
We have an evening show scheduled for Atlanta and we hope you can participate at no cost to your club. We will be in the Atlanta area on March 15th.
We’re also in need of a location to hold the program if any of your members might be interested please have them call me ASAP.
Here’s the Deal:
1) The Atlanta Club gets a complimentary table (it’s a table-top show—and a $695 value). This would give your Club the opportunity to give out Skål information and talk to prospective members. Skal International has provided us with promotional material to distribute at the shows as well as a pop-up display. The exhibitor form for the Club’s free table is attached. Please return it ASAP.
2) For those Atlanta Skål Member Suppliers that work with travel agents, meeting & event planners, etc. we would offer them very special exhibitor rate for any of our shows--Only $329-$449 per show (about a 50% discount from the regular rate of $695). I’m attaching the special Skål Exhibitor Application. Please distribute it to your members that might be able to take advantage of this opportunity.
In exchange, I would hope that you would help me in getting the word out to your local agents about the event. And do some friendly arm-twisting to get us a few extra exhibitors at the show(s).
Here are some helpful links to our shows:
General exhibitor information: http://www.travel-trade-shows.com/Skal.html
And Skål pictures from some of our shows: http://www.travel-trade-shows.com/SkalPhotos.html
Special Skål exhibitor application: http://www.travel-trade-shows.com/f/Skal_AP.pdf
Travel agent (and other buyer) information and invitation to the shows: www.travel-shows.com
Read about us in the March issue of the Skål International NewsletterClick here for the article
Hopefully the Atlanta Club finds this idea as a win-win deal. Please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best Regards & Skål,
Buck
Buck Wilson (Colorado Club)
Travel Trade Shows
Buck@Travel-Trade-Shows.com
303-758-7166
Fax: 303-504-0232
www.Travel-Trade-Shows.com
Please email PR@skalatlanta.org and request the Application Forms;
1) The form for the Atlanta Club’s free table.
2) The special exhibitor application for any Skål members wishing to exhibit at any of these shows.
PS. If one of your members might be interested in hosting the show, please have them give me a call. More information on sponsoring or hosting our shows can be found at http://www.travel-trade-shows.com/Host.html
NAASC Congress in Bermuda April 12-15, 2012

Happy Bermudafull day Skalleagues,
We were able to secure additional sponsorship on good word, and the host hotel The Fairmont Southampton Resort has given us a further reduction in our room rate.
Please see the revised congress rates below:
The Fairmont Southampton Resort is the host hotel.
Your package price includes:
· Round trip transfers between hotel and airport
· Hotel accommodation for three nights; hotel taxes and gratuities
· Welcome Reception with open bar;
· Gala Closing Reception with open bar;
· Gala Closing Dinner with wine
· Special ?Dine-Around? dinner at local restaurant; wine; gratuities; and round trip transportation between hotel and restaurant
· Breakfast daily; coffee breaks during business sessions
· Specially arranged sightseeing tour
· Bermuda-based entertainment at social functions
Prices:
· $1,250.00 USD per person, based on double/twin hotel occupancy
· $1,450.00 USD per person based on single hotel occupancy
· (Triple and quad rate available upon request)
· $800.00 USD per person conference only Registration
[Extra hotel nights before and/or after the Congress are available at the nightly rate of $150.00 per person double or twin occupancy, or $280.00 per person single occupancy. These prices also include all taxes and gratuities
The web site is currently under construction but it does have our invitation to attend with some views of Bermuda to entice prospective attendees. It can be accessed at http://www.skal.bm/naasc2012
We will have the full registration web site available with all the information the last week of October 2011 with registration linked to Fairmont's Passkey system to eliminate additional effort.
Please do not hesitate to contact me for any further quires you may have.
Warmest Regards,
Leslie Veney
Skål Bermuda President & NAASC President
We were able to secure additional sponsorship on good word, and the host hotel The Fairmont Southampton Resort has given us a further reduction in our room rate.
Please see the revised congress rates below:
The Fairmont Southampton Resort is the host hotel.
Your package price includes:
· Round trip transfers between hotel and airport
· Hotel accommodation for three nights; hotel taxes and gratuities
· Welcome Reception with open bar;
· Gala Closing Reception with open bar;
· Gala Closing Dinner with wine
· Special ?Dine-Around? dinner at local restaurant; wine; gratuities; and round trip transportation between hotel and restaurant
· Breakfast daily; coffee breaks during business sessions
· Specially arranged sightseeing tour
· Bermuda-based entertainment at social functions
Prices:
· $1,250.00 USD per person, based on double/twin hotel occupancy
· $1,450.00 USD per person based on single hotel occupancy
· (Triple and quad rate available upon request)
· $800.00 USD per person conference only Registration
[Extra hotel nights before and/or after the Congress are available at the nightly rate of $150.00 per person double or twin occupancy, or $280.00 per person single occupancy. These prices also include all taxes and gratuities
The web site is currently under construction but it does have our invitation to attend with some views of Bermuda to entice prospective attendees. It can be accessed at http://www.skal.bm/naasc2012
We will have the full registration web site available with all the information the last week of October 2011 with registration linked to Fairmont's Passkey system to eliminate additional effort.
Please do not hesitate to contact me for any further quires you may have.
Warmest Regards,
Leslie Veney
Skål Bermuda President & NAASC President
Top Travel Specialists of 2011 Award Goes to
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Manny Beauregard![]() Virtuoso Members and Suppliers Make Travel + Leisure A-List
Published Seventy Virtuoso members and suppliers have been named to Travel + Leisure magazine’s 2011 A-List of Top Travel Agents. Virtuoso travel professionals make up 51 percent of the tenth annual collection of 137 top-selected agents - making it the most celebrated network on the prestigious list. Last year Virtuosos also led the results. “Travel + Leisure’s A-List represents some of the best travel and destination specialists in the industry – it’s fiercely competitive,” said Virtuoso CEO Matthew Upchurch. “We are very proud that over half of the advisors listed are counted among the Virtuoso network. The experts listed elevate their profession by continually striving to improve their expertise and outstanding service. In doing so, they rise above the competition and are recognized for their excellent work.” Business Travel, Hotels, and Spas Hotels – Manny Beauregard (Valerie Wilson Travel, Atlanta, GA) |
Press Release
Most Successful Professionals for 2010
SKAL International Atlanta recognizes the Tourism & Travel Industry’s most successful professionals for 2010 at the Annual Past Presidents Ball
The Travel Industry’s first Annual Award Ceremony will be held at the Grand Hyatt Buckhead on February 19, 2011.
Skål International is a unique professional organization of tourism leaders from around the world that promotes global tourism and friendship. It is the only international group uniting all branches of the travel and tourism industry. Its members are industry managers and executives who meet at local, national, regional and international levels to discuss and pursue topics of common interest. The purpose of the Skål Atlanta annual award ceremony is to recognize the travel experts who have demonstrated exceptional professional ability and commitment to the local Travel/Hospitality industry in general.
The following categories were nominated/selected for the 2010 Skål Atlanta Industry Awards:
Category (1) Airlines: Gail Evilsizor - Air Tran/ Southwest
Category (2) Hotels: Simon Rusconi - St. Regis Atlanta
Category (3) Travel Agency: Manny Beauregard - Hallmark Travel
Category (4) Travel Trade Press-Media: Stephanie Oswald - Travelgirl, Comcast, CNN
Category (5) Outstanding Service to Skål Atlanta: Dave Rossman / Past GM of Doubletree Buckhead and Current GM of Sheraton Tampa Airport Hotel
The Travel Industry’s first Annual Award Ceremony will be held at the Grand Hyatt Buckhead on February 19, 2011.
Skål International is a unique professional organization of tourism leaders from around the world that promotes global tourism and friendship. It is the only international group uniting all branches of the travel and tourism industry. Its members are industry managers and executives who meet at local, national, regional and international levels to discuss and pursue topics of common interest. The purpose of the Skål Atlanta annual award ceremony is to recognize the travel experts who have demonstrated exceptional professional ability and commitment to the local Travel/Hospitality industry in general.
The following categories were nominated/selected for the 2010 Skål Atlanta Industry Awards:
Category (1) Airlines: Gail Evilsizor - Air Tran/ Southwest
Category (2) Hotels: Simon Rusconi - St. Regis Atlanta
Category (3) Travel Agency: Manny Beauregard - Hallmark Travel
Category (4) Travel Trade Press-Media: Stephanie Oswald - Travelgirl, Comcast, CNN
Category (5) Outstanding Service to Skål Atlanta: Dave Rossman / Past GM of Doubletree Buckhead and Current GM of Sheraton Tampa Airport Hotel