Marsha Block, CAE, CFRE, Chief Executive Officer of the American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA), announced that AGPA has launched its new website, www.agpa.org, a user friendly site that provides valuable information and an interactive experience for the public and professionals interested in group psychotherapy. "This new website is a dynamic and interactive resource on the many ways group psychotherapy can help change lives," she said. The site also serves as the online home for AGPAs related organizations: the Group Foundation for Advancing Mental Healthand the International Board for Certification of Group Psychotherapists.
Kim Karagosian, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, Association Headquarters (AH), announced that AH has been honored with a bronze medal in the category of Direct Marketing Pieces/Promotions in Association TRENDS' 2013 All-Media Contest. It was one of nearly 470 entries in the association publications contest. AH submitted the entry on behalf of client partner, the Society for Biomaterials (SFB). The award-winning piece was used for the association's call for abstracts for its annual meeting.
Kathleen Brown, CAEKathleen Brown, CAE, joins Kellen Company as the National Program Director for the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA). This new MGFA position is an important step forward as it enhances it programs and services for the myasthenia gravis community. Kathleen brings with her years of experience from the nonprofit arena, including work at the Lymphoma Research Foundation, National Kidney Foundation of New York/New Jersey, Children’s Health Fund and the National PTA. She received NYSAE’s Outstanding Committee Chair Award in 2012 and 2000.
Andy Darmohraj, American Pet Products Association (APPA) Executive Vice President & COO, announced that APPA’s Global Pet Expo’s has been named to Trade Show Executive’s 2014 list of 50 fastest growing trade shows, also referred to as the Fastest 50, in the attendance category. The top 50 performers in the categories of exhibit space, exhibitors, and attendance were selected based on the percentage of growth from 2012 to 2013. The elite shows in each category eclipsed all other shows in 2013 by growing dramatically more in net square feet (nsf) of exhibit space, exhibitors, and attendance during 2013. While the benchmark growth for the average trade show in 2013 was 2.2% in nsf, 2.0% in exhibitors and 0.7% in attendance, Global Pet Expo beat that by a long shot, growing 8% in nsf, 7.5% in exhibitors and 10% in attendance.
Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI) has launched a free iPad app for meeting and convention professionals, incentive specialists, association executives, and business executives involved with planning and procuring meetings or programs. The app is 100% native, according to Matthew Davis, Director of Sales, meaning that once downloaded it functions even without internet connectivity, also while in-flight or on the road. The app enables planners to access useful information, photos, floor plans, and capacity charts for each ALHI member hotel and resort. This includes details about each property’s accommodations, meeting facilities, dining and recreation offerings, as well as destination information. One of the features is a favorites function that allows users to select up to six properties to compare key features side-by-side.
The Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), City of Philadelphia, Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, Select Greater Philadelphia, Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, Pennsylvania Convention Center and Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association are partnering the city’s first joint attraction campaign—PHL: Here for the Making—which aims to strengthen greater Philadelphia’s position as a world-class destination for business gatherings, expansion, talent attraction, and global tourism. The strategic partners have all committed to use this creative campaign in any existing placements over the next three years, and Comcast/NBC has committed to support the initiative with substantial annual in-kind media placements. Marketing components include a television commercial, online videos, advertising for all media, an extensive social media program, multicultural target market assets, and global press outreach.
The Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Saratoga Springs City Center. First opening its doors in 1984, the City Center hosts 150 groups and organizations each year and welcomes more than 150,000 event attendees and convention guests annually. The City Center will celebrate its anniversary milestone by hosting complimentary meetings for several local nonprofit organizations throughout the year. In addition, it will partner with area establishments and agencies to showcase special exhibits, presentations and local works of art. The highlight of the 30th Anniversary will be a weekend celebration in September with an Open House of community and family events and activities. A special logo and tag line—Bringing People Together—will be used by the City Center, its business partners, and participating organizations to promote the 30th anniversary year.