The official blog of Elite Meetings International

From the category archives:

The Road to the EMA

The Road to the EMA: Theme Night Announced

When you think of Dallas, what do you imagine? Would it be something along the lines of cattle ranches, BBQ, and tall buildings? If that’s the case then the Elite Meetings Alliance is going to change your mind (maybe not about the BBQ). Dallas has been in the stages of a major physical and emotional transformation – its very Texas image is about to be reinvented. With the new Trinity [...]

by Alina Itkin on April 10, 2012

The Road to the EMA: Keynote Speaker Announced for Dallas

Thumbnail image for The Road to the EMA: Keynote Speaker Announced for Dallas

The Road to the EMA – Dallas Planning is well under way for the April Elite Meetings Alliance (EMA) at the Omni Dallas Hotel. As we’re strapping our boots and fastening our stirrups, we wanted to give you a glimpse into the wild world of EMA creation. Margaret Holsinger, our EMA event manager – and all around planning guru – has been busy booking speakers for the event. Speakers for [...]

by Alina Itkin on March 21, 2012

Inside Scoop to the Elite Meetings Alliance

Thumbnail image for Inside Scoop to the Elite Meetings Alliance

Elite Meetings Alliance Details Happy New Year! We hear it’s cold out there, but we’re starting to feel the desert heat as we prepare for the Elite Meetings Alliance (EMA)! If you haven’t already heard, Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa is hosting the EMA January 29-31st in the desert oasis of Rancho Mirage (Palm Springs), California. We have some exciting insider details we’d like to share before you step [...]

by Alina Itkin on January 10, 2012

The Road to the EMA: Keynote Speaker Announced

In our last blog post we told you about Margaret, our resident event planner who is responsible for the planning and execution of the Elite Meetings Alliance at Ranchos Las Palmas Resort & Spa. Since then, our little Margie (don’t tell her we called her that!) has been bustling about signing contracts, locking down speakers, and doing a site visit to Rancho Las Palmas. During her visit, Margaret had the [...]

by Alina Itkin on November 30, 2011

The Road to the EMA: Meet Margaret

Here at Elite Meetings our focus is on changing the event planning industry through innovative technologies that understand the market and how it works. The people behind Elite Meetings are passionate, friendly, and majorly quirky. This is where our beloved Event Planner, Margaret Holsinger comes in. With this series of blog posts, we will take you through the journey of bringing to life an Elite Meeting’s Alliance. You’ll gain [...]

by Alina Itkin on October 28, 2011

Spring Elite Meetings Alliance Sees Record Numbers

Thumbnail image for Spring Elite Meetings Alliance Sees Record Numbers

With over 1193 one-on-one appointments being scheduled through FaceTime Appointment Scheduler, the Elite Meetings Alliance at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas was our largest event to date. Cate DeLaRosa of Ameriprise Financial said, “The networking and one-on-ones were fantastic and of the 16 meeting I had, I will very likely book with five of them in the future.” Praise for the event came in from suppliers and buyers alike. Kris [...]

by Carol Lynch on May 18, 2011

Save to Spend

Thumbnail image for Save to Spend

At the Elite Meetings Alliance I heard a cost savings discussion that had a twist: these planners weren’t simply trying to scrimp, they were deploying cost saving tactics so they had the freedom to choose better hotels for their event. Here are three I noted: 1. Ask to use a lunch menu (with lunch prices) for dinner. 2. Ask for a 20% discount on A/V equipment owned by the hotel. [...]

by Bryce Johnson on May 10, 2011

Elite Meetings Alliance Kicks Off!

Kelly Foy, CEO of Elite Meetings International, welcomed 90+ meeting planners and 76 hotels to The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas for the Spring 2011 Elite Meetings Alliance. Setting out the event’s theme, “It’s about time!” , Kelly asserted “It’s about time our industry is recognized for its contributions to the recovering economy; it’s about time–and good to see–that the US government is promoting meeting and incentive travel…Saving time is what [...]

by Bryce Johnson on May 2, 2011

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Fun Fact: Secret Pizzeria

Thumbnail image for The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Fun Fact: Secret Pizzeria

We’re going to bet that you won’t be left feeling hungry at the Elite Meetings Alliance, but just in case you have a midnight craving for New York pizza, The Cosmopolitan has got you covered with their secret pizzeria. It’s one of those places where you have to follow your nose because it has no name, no signage and is down an unsuspecting hallway. It’s worth the search though, as [...]

by Amanda Smith on April 18, 2011

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Fun Fact: WALLWORKS & Artist-in-Residence

Thumbnail image for The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Fun Fact: WALLWORKS & Artist-in-Residence

Have you ever stopped to take notice of the art in a hotel hallway? You’re in for a treat at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, where you will notice unique art installations everywhere. It is a complete art experience that you can touch, feel, and hear. Among the numerous collaborations, there is an Artist-in-Residence program which allows you to interact with an artist, see their works, and follow each piece [...]

by Amanda Smith on March 24, 2011

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Fun Fact: Art-o-mat

Thumbnail image for The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Fun Fact: Art-o-mat

Looking for a small piece of art for your desk or home? Look no further than the Art-o-mat machines at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas! These refurbished cigarette machines dispense original pieces of artwork that fit into a box the size of a cigarette pack. The art will range from tiny paintings to ceramics to jewelry so be sure to browse the six machines on the second floor of the [...]

by Amanda Smith on March 10, 2011

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Inaugural Gold Elite Meetings Alliance

Thumbnail image for A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Inaugural Gold Elite Meetings Alliance

As a first time staff member at the Elite Meetings Alliance (EMA), I wasn’t sure what to expect from what Elite refers to as the “Ultimate Meeting Planner Event.” The weekend was off to a great start with temperatures in the 70’s accompanied by clear, blue, sunny skies. The EMA Team couldn’t have been happier The EMA took place at Paradise Point Resort & Spa, located in the beautiful Mission [...]

by Amy Weitz on February 9, 2011

The Elite Meetings Alliance from a Planner’s Perspective: Al Geismar, Enterprise Holdings

Thumbnail image for The Elite Meetings Alliance from a Planner’s Perspective: Al Geismar, Enterprise Holdings

Al Geismar, Director, Corporate Meetings & Travel for Enterprise Holdings, talks about why he attends the Elite Meetings Alliance: With the creation of the Elite Meetings Alliance, Kelly and his talented crew have successfully created a fast-track strategy to help meeting planners and hoteliers accomplish their missions. The mantra of most meeting planners is “add value” and “make a difference” in the eyes of their stakeholders. Most hoteliers are dedicated [...]

by Al Geismar on December 10, 2010

Kelly Morris of Burton Group/Gartner explains the value of the Elite Meetings Alliance

Thumbnail image for Kelly Morris of Burton Group/Gartner explains the value of the Elite Meetings Alliance

Kelly Morris, Director, Digital Marketing/Events of Burton Group/Gartner, explains why she considers the Elite Meetings Alliance the “Ultimate Meeting Planner Event.” Stunning luxury properties, knowledgeable hoteliers, great networking opportunities with seasoned professionals and that’s just the tip of iceberg. On the surface, Elite Meetings Alliance (EMA) looks like other planner/hotelier “speed-dating” events but from the moment you register to the moment you are transferred back to the local airport, you [...]

by Kelly Morris on December 9, 2010

Joanne Umbarger of American Shipping & Logistics Group talks about how the Elite Meetings Alliance inspired her

Thumbnail image for Joanne Umbarger of American Shipping & Logistics Group talks about how the Elite Meetings Alliance inspired her

Joanne Umbarger, Administrative Assistant with American Shipping & Logistics Group talks about how the EMA has inspired her in her everyday life. Among the most valuable aspects of attending the EMAs are the strategic networking opportunities. Unlike your average conference or trade show, the Elite Team creates themed events that allow planners to get to know hoteliers in comfortable and fun settings. The EMAs have opened me up to a [...]

by Joanne Umbarger on December 8, 2010

Allyson Taylor of Starz Entertainment shares her EMA experiences

Thumbnail image for Allyson Taylor of Starz Entertainment shares her EMA experiences

Hear about why Allyson Taylor – Director, Corporate Events and Talent Relations for Starz Entertainment – attends the Elite Meetings Alliance: I have attended the Elite Meetings Alliance four times, and when I am unable to attend, I always ensure someone from my team is there. As most event management professionals, we spend a great deal of time traveling. The EMA set-up allows us to conduct 18 site visits in [...]

by Allyson Taylor on December 8, 2010

Hear about the EMA from Madelyn Foxworthy of ATIS

Thumbnail image for Hear about the EMA from Madelyn Foxworthy of ATIS

Madelyn Foxworthy – Manager, Meetings & Events for ATIS – shares her thoughts on the Elite Meetings Alliance: Each time I come away from the Elite Meetings Alliance, I feel like I’ve grown both personally and professionally. The idea sharing between peers is like nothing I’ve ever experienced. The contacts I’ve made over the past several years have been invaluable. Not only have I made some great business contacts, but [...]

by Madelyn Foxworthy on December 7, 2010

JoAnn Harper from Jackson National Life talks about the EMA

Thumbnail image for JoAnn Harper from Jackson National Life talks about the EMA

JoAnn Harper, Meeting Planning Coordinator for Jackson National Life, explains why she keeps coming back to the Elite Meetings Alliance: Where do I begin? My attendance at EMA began pleasantly at the Hammock Resort in Florida. Each program is a home run from start to finish!! The EMA staff is so professional and personable! To date, I have attended at least six EMA programs and each one keeps me excited [...]

by Joann Harper on December 7, 2010

Cate DeLaRosa of Ameriprise Financial talks about the Elite Meetings Alliance

Thumbnail image for Cate DeLaRosa of Ameriprise Financial talks about the Elite Meetings Alliance

Cate DeLaRosa, Business Development Manager for Ameriprise Financial, explains why she attends the Elite Meetings Alliance: The EMA (Elite Meetings Alliance) provides an efficient way to meet with hoteliers representing luxury resorts from across the Country and allows for a non-threatening and non-”salesy” opportunity to discuss what they have to offer groups of all sizes. I have been to several EMAs and am always confident that Elite Meetings has done [...]

by Cate DeLaRosa on December 6, 2010

Part 5 of 5: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Fall Elite Meetings Alliance

Thumbnail image for Part 5 of 5: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Fall Elite Meetings Alliance

Sadly the week has come to end, so this is my last behind-the-scenes look at the Fall 2010 Elite Meetings Alliance at Kingsmill Resort. Who would have ever thought I would be sad for a Friday? Today, I’m going to give you a glimpse at our Colonial Closing Luncheon. But first, I wanted to thank the staff at Kingsmill Resort for making the Elite Meetings Alliance the great event that [...]

by Amanda Smith on December 3, 2010

← Previous Entries