2007 Hawaii Tourism Conference
Aloha Aku, Aloha Mai – The Responsibility of Aloha III

August 28 – 29, 2007
Hawaii Convention Center
Honolulu, HI

CONFERENCE OVERVIEW

Remembering the meaning of aloha will be the theme of this year’s Hawaii Tourism Conference, Aloha Aku, Aloha Mai – The Responsibility of Aloha III, set for August 28 and 29 at the state-of-the-art Hawaii Convention Center.  Local, national and international industry experts gather to discuss the latest tourism issues and trends and the implications for Hawaii.  The Keep It Hawaii Recognition Awards will also be a part of this year’s program.   On Day 2, discover how Hawaii will be positioned and marketed in the leisure and business markets in 2008, as well as the state of Hawaii’s visitor industry in 2007 and what's in store for 2008.  The two day program offers a dynamic mix of professional insights, industry information and resources from around the world to help all of us as we plan for developing Hawaii as the premier visitor destination.

CONFERENCE PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

About Our Story Teller

Lopaka Kapanui of Ghost Tours of Old Hawaiʻi began his formal training with his mentor, Glen Grant, in June of 1999. He is a teacher of Hawaiian language and Hawaiian Studies and protocol at Voyager Public Charter School during the regular school session and during the summer teaches Hula at The Kamehameha School's summer programs. Ghost Tours Of Old Hawai'i and the continuation of his mentor's legacy has grown to many different tours already running, he is now developing more tours as people continue to request them. For more information on his company, visit: http://www.ghosttoursofoldhawaii.com.

Tuesday, August 28

General Session:  What’s in Our Future?

Keynote Speaker: Scott Ahlsmith, Vice President, Global Network Soutions, Virtuoso and Chairman of the Board, The Travel Institute

A look into trends that will affect the visitor industry and actions for Hawaii to consider. 

General Session:  At Your Service

Speaker: Tim Sullivan, founder, Japan Interface

A discussion on service trends.

Concurrent Session 1:  Uncovering the Marketplace

A.  All in the Family.  US Market Trends
Speaker: Marilyn Ball, President, Kelso Advertising

A look into the family market travel trends, and how Hawaii can capitalize on it.

B.  Making a Come Back?  Japan Market Trends
Panelist:  Lloyd Nakano, Managing Director, Hotel Seiyo Ginza; Victor Osumi, Vice President-North Asia, Global Sales, Marriott International

Industry leaders discuss what they are doing in their marketplace and recommendations for Hawaii.

Korea and China are poised to be Hawaii's two largest markets. Learn what is happening in these marketplaces and what the future could hold.

Luncheon Featured Speaker: Edgy Lee, world-acclaimed Film Maker
Sponsored by: Travel Agent Magazine

Concurrent Session 2:  Setting the Scene

A.  The In’s & Out’s of the Meetings, Incentives and Conventions Market
Speaker: Kelly Peacy, Vice President of Meetings & Conventions, Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA)

Current issues and trends in meetings and conventions.

B.  Destination Makeover
Speaker: Kevin M. Bagger, Director Of Internet Marketing and Research, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority

This session will share best practices on the reinvention of a destination.

C.  In the Zone
Speakers: Tom F.X. Beusse, President, Time4 Media; Merrill Squires, President, Managing Partner - Sports and Entertainment, Hawkeye

The potential for endurance and lifestyle sports in Hawaii.

D.  Getting Ready to Set Sail
Speakers: Damon Hylton, Director of Marketing and Terry O'Halloran, Director of Business Development

Hawaii Superferry is the newest mode of transportation for Hawaii. Learn about its plans for the islands.

General Session:  At Your Finger Tips
Speaker: Randy Wagner, Chief Marketing Officer, Orbitz Worldwide & Travelport, Inc.

The latest trends in on-line travel and marketing will be discussed.

General Session:  Keep It Hawaii Recognition Awards Ceremony

Individuals, organizations and businesses that are perpetuating the Hawaiian culture through programs, events or activities for visitors and residents alike will be recognized at the 16th Annual Keep It Hawaii Recognition Awards.

Wednesday, August 29

Hawaii Tourism Authority - Marketing Overview

Presentations of the 2008 tourism marketing plans by Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau, Hawaii Tourism Japan, Hawaii Tourism Asia, Hawaii Tourism Oceania, Hawaii Tourism Europe and SMG (Hawaii Convention Center).  For the first-time, scheduled for the luncheon will be a panel discussion from Hawai‘i’s top visitor industry leaders who’ll discuss the year-in-review and provide their insights into the outlook for 2008:

• Toni Marie Davis, Executive Director, Activities & Attractions Association of Hawaii
• John Hansen, President, North West CruiseShip Association.
• Sharon James, Regional Vice President – Marketing, General Growth Properties
• Yujiro Kuwabara, Director & General Manager, JTB Hawaii, Inc.
• Michael Nozaki, Director, Hawaiʻi Operations, American Airlines
• Rick Peterson, Vice President of Marketing & Sales, Hawaiian Airlines
• Jack E. Richards, President & CEO, Pleasant Holidays
• Joe Toy, President & CEO, Hospitality Advisors, LLC

MAHALO TO OUR SPONSORS

Back to top