Horse Capital of the World

April Showers, April Flowers

2011-04-04T14:01:00.003-04:00

Ok, ok, ok. Soldat is now '7 of 8' in the money. He certainly looked disinterested in the Florida Derby on Saturday. Maybe he just needs some of that Kentucky Bluegrass!

Speaking of beautiful days in the bluegrass. Opening day at Keeneland is Friday, April 8. Sunny and 72 degrees. It just doesn't get any better than that!

Here are a few things you might want to know so that your day at Keeneland is as enjoyable as possible.

Gates open at 11 a.m.
General admission is $5 per person; children 12 and under admitted free
Post time for the first race is 1:05 p.m.; races are run approximately every half hour
Mutuel windows in the grandstand areas open at around 12:30 p.m.; drive-thru wagering opens at 8 a.m.
Lawnchairs and umbrellas are permitted
Alcohol, coolers, food, grills and tents are not permitted inside the admission gates
All bags are subject to inspection at the admission gate.
Parking is free in the tailgating lot. Preferred parking is $5. Valet parking is $10. Bus parking is $10.

The Transylvania is a Grade III race for 3yo going 1 1/16 miles over Keeneland's Turf Course. Purse is $100,000.

See you in the paddock area.

Its That Time of Year!

2011-03-24T15:43:00.001-04:00

The Kentucky Horse Park has established its Calendar of Events for the 2011 season that is set to begin Apr 1. As the park returns to its regular hours, 9am to 5pm daily through Oct 31, the calendar reveals a season jam-packed with horse shows every weekend, special events and art exhibitions, most of which are included with park admission.

The season kicks off with the Bluegrass Classic Arabian Horse Show, Apr 1-3. The same month, the park's most highly attended horse show will take place, the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, Apr 28 - May 1, which will be bigger and better than ever with the inclusion of the Kentucky Reining Cup, Apr 29-30. College students from across the nation will arrive at the park to compete in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association National Championship, May 5-8, and after a year's hiatus, one of Kentucky's most popular social events will resume, the High Hope Steeplechase, May 22

Other season highlights will include the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association National Championship, May 5-8; Pyramid Society Egyptian Arabian Event, Jun 6-11; Festival of the Bluegrass, Jun 8-12; Silverama Region 14 Arabian Championship, Jun 28 - Jul 3; Miniature Horse Julep Cup Show, Jul 8-10; BreyerFest, Jul 15-17; United States Pony Club Festival, Jul 18-26; Adequan FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships, Jul 27-31; Kentucky Summer Classic Hunter Jumper Show, Aug 3-7; United States Equestrian Federation Pony Finals, Aug 9-4; Bluegrass Classic Cluster Dog Show Sept 1-5; and many more events throughout the season.

In addition to shows and live equine presentations, the park's museums will host three special exhibitions this season:

•Vavra's Vision: The Equine Images of Robert Vavra, Now - May 30 in the International Museum of the Horse - a Smithsonian Affiliate. This 60-year retrospective exhibition of the world's premiere photographer of horses will delve into the world that Vavra has created through his lens while circling the globe. In photographs, in film and in print, his images capture the strength, beauty and wisdom of the horse.

•Ancient Bronzes of the Asian Grasslands, Jun 24 - Oct 9 in the International Museum of the Horse. Eighty-five works illustrate the personal decorations and equipment of the horse-riding steppe dwellers of the late 2nd and 1st millennia BCE. Ornate, technically sophisticated, and richly patterned, the bronze belt buckles, plaques, and weapons of these ancient horsemen are striking examples of the nomad culture that flourished across the Asian grasslands from Central Asia to Mongolia and northern China.

•Celebrities: Saddlebreds and Personalities from the Silver Screen, Cinema and History, Now - Jan 31, 2012 in the American Saddlebred Museum - The Showplace for Saddlebreds. This exhibition features many of the horses from television and movies, such as My Friend Flicka and Fury, which were American Saddlebreds. It also features popular celebrities who own Saddlebreds.

5 Tools For Your Attendance Toolbox

2011-03-16T15:25:00.004-04:00

I think we can all agree that one of the most important measures of a convention’s success is attendance. It’s often what pays the bills, what meeting planners remember, and what people talk about when they discuss past conference locations.

That’s why a key focus of every the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau is to provide attendance-building tools. Some of these tools are simple: Visitors Guides, maps, postcards, advertisements, logos and photography. Others are more complex and time-consuming: micro-websites, e-blasts and presentations. The key to attendance promotion is understanding what tends to work for each particular convention and using that information effectively.

An e-blast or viral video beckoning people to a given city is only effective for people who are truly plugged in. At the same time, a snail-mail letter from a city’s mayor may work well for a less tech-savvy group.

That’s why the first step of any attendance promotion effort should be research and discussion. Who is the target audience and what are their likes and dislikes? What has worked well in the past? Do prospective attendees need to hear about nightlife and recreation opportunities before they will commit to attend or is their participation largely based on the hotel’s price tag? Expert DMOs will ask those questions before offering a customized attendance promotion campaign.

Let’s take a look at the tools we have too offer:

1. Every Destination Marketing Organization provides basic literature such as visitors’ guides and maps to educate people about the destination. Providing basic information about a destination is probably the single easiest way to cajole people who aren’t obligated to attend a convention. We also offer complimentary brochures that provide a nice snapshot of the Lexington.

2. We also have small promotional tools such as stickers, lapel pin, lapel ribbons or giveaways that are an effective means of educating people about where the next convention will take place. These are most commonly used one or two years in advance of a convention.

3. Promotional videos, photography, and even PowerPoint presentations are always available and may be used in presentations or in exhibit halls to capture the attention of convention-goers.

4. We are glad to provide text for newsletters, e-blasts or magazine pieces. We can provide large welcome gifts for drawings that reward registrants. Our staff can create campaigns inviting people to come early and stay late and provide a means to connect with media representatives in the Blue Grass.

5. Given the opportunity, we will send a representative to the previous host city to make a presentation or staff an exhibit booth touting the destination. This is usually one of the most successful means of driving attendance.

The assistance provided by Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau may be just the ticket for driving up attendance and helping meeting you create a successful convention. So think about using us as a resource to not only book your convention but to build attendance as well.

Who is Your Derby Favorite?

2011-02-28T13:54:00.002-05:00

Soldat is mine.
Why?
He just won the Fountain of Youth Stakes on Saturday. In seven starts he has won three times and placed 4 times. '7 for 7' in the money.

That's why!

Keeneland: 75 Years of Racing As It Was Meant to Be

2011-02-28T09:24:00.003-05:00

“We want a place where those who love horses can come and picnic with us and thrill to the sport of the Bluegrass. We are not running a race plant to hear the click of the mutuel machines. We want them to come out here to enjoy God’s sunshine, the fresh air and to watch the horses.”

-Hal Price Headley, Keeneland Founder and President, 1936

Those words still ring as true today as they did 75 years ago, when Keeneland, the venerable Thoroughbred race course located in Lexington, Kentucky was founded by a group of horsemen lead by Headley. It was an unlikely time to begin an ambitious new venture, with the country still in the throes of the Great Depression.

But, Keeneland’s founders were no ordinary men and Keeneland was no ordinary race track.

Then

More important than the numbers, however, was the fact that Keeneland succeeded despite its rather unconventional ways. The founders had boldly envisioned creating Keeneland as a “model” race course where Thoroughbred racing was showcased at the highest level and profits were not given back to shareholders, but instead, plowed back into the racing program, the facility and the community in the form of charitable contributions. Their unusual concept, they hoped, would make the track immune to economic ills.

Their vision has resulted in creating a place that now ranks among venues such as Augusta Golf Course, Wrigley Field and Madison Square Garden as one of the finest sporting locales in the world.

Today

Much of the original vision outlined by its founders in 1936 remains intact, including an unwavering adherence to tradition while embracing innovation.

Each April and October, Thoroughbred racing continues to be showcased at the highest level, drawing the world’s best horses and horsemen. A National Historic Landmark, Keeneland’s facility and grounds are breathtaking in both their timelessness and beauty. And, though the years, Keeneland has contributed more than $18 million to the community and to the industry in the form of charitable contributions.

However, important changes have occurred over the years. Keeneland is a leader in the Thoroughbred industry in both technology and safety. The home of four sales annually, Keeneland is now the world’s largest Thoroughbred auction company, with annual gross sales of about $400 million.

Unfamiliar with Keeneland? Respond to this post and we will take a little trip!

It's a Whole New Year

2011-01-18T13:09:00.004-05:00

Well, now what?
The games are over but our lives are much richer for it. Thank you, everyone!

The first Commission meeting of the year was this morning and we welome our newest members. It should prove to be an interesting year with David's retirement and his subsequent replacement. New bosses always cause chaos.

So, what do you want me to write about? What do you need to know about Lexington? Bourbon? Horses? History?

Next week I will start anew and I commit to all I will be dillegent in my posts and timely with the content. Today I read "37 Reasons to Blog" and I am fired up.

Stay tuned!

Its ONE to GO!

2010-09-23T14:00:00.003-04:00

Well, its almost here. Before I start posting activities from the Kentucky Horse Park or downtown Lexington, you need to see this. Damon Farmer is a world renowned Sand Sculptor and is creating a 20ft, 100 ton sand sculpture at Lexington Green. He started build the structure this morning and I will keep you up to date on his progress. You can also follow his progress at http://www.sandcastlecam.com/

They're Back: Horse Mania Deux

2010-07-15T13:56:00.005-04:00

In 2000, LexArts brought Horse Mania to the streets of Lexington. Area businesses and organizations sponsored the 79 fiberglass horses that were decorated by local artists and served as public art throughout the summer.

Now the popular project has returned with 82 horses that are on display starting Thursday in Horse Mania 2010. Horse Play, a companion project gave school children an opportunity to create foals that are currently on display at Lexington public libraries.

Bringing back the Horse Mania project, which was one of the most successful in Lexington's history generating $1.6 million in revenue, was a no-brainer.

People have been asking for (Horse Mania) back since we took the horses off the streets. Bringing it back only seemed like the natural thing to do. Plus, with the addition of Horse Play, it all becomes a great way to promote public art awareness and raise funds for charities.

The public art display creates a "walking tour" that brings people to the city.

The horses and foals will be on display for the duration of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The horses will be auctioned off at Keeneland on Dec. 11. Proceeds will go to local charities and LexArt's developing public art program.

The foals will be sold at auction in 2011 with proceeds to be divided among each school's art program, Lexington's Youth Arts Council and related programs.

Here is the link for locations and this mornings gallery of photos.

http://www.kentucky.com/2010/07/14/1349758/ihorse-maniai-move-in.html#http://media.kentucky.com/smedia/2010/07/14/18/100714horsemaniaamc009.slideshow_main.prod_affiliate.79.jpg

http://www.kentucky.com/horsemap/

100 Reasons to Come to the Games

2010-06-29T09:15:00.001-04:00

100. You get to walk on the bluegrass. It’s pretty famous in Kentucky.
99. You know that saying “When pigs fly?” Horses actually do fly here…over jumps.
98. Because trail riding is fun, but horses do much cooler things at the 2010 Games.
97. You get to meet someone from a different country, or actually, more than 60 different countries.
96. Single men, two words: International visitors.
95. Single ladies, we’ve got cowboys. With boots and hats. Some even have a southern drawl.
94. You can get horse training tips from world famous equine clinicians.
93. Because you can have a place to party…outside.
92. You can practice using a foreign language with native speakers.
91. Because tickets to the Games are better than anything Santa could ever bring.
90. You get to see horses of every color and size.
89. We’ll have beer. Kentucky Ale to be exact.
88. You can see horses in Kentucky doing something other than run in a circle.
87. Because you’re wondering exactly how one place can hold so many horses and people.
86. The Iron Chef will cook for you. It’s the only time you’ll think even rabbit liver tastes amazing.
85. To buy that cowboy hat you know you’ve always wanted.
84. Don’t care for horses? We’ll have penguins.
83. Don’t like penguins? We’ll have sharks too. Both in the Alltech Experience Pavilion.
82. For the right price, you can sit in the Champions Club without having to vault, drive, or jump your way there.
81. The best rooftop gardener in New York City will be there. And guess what? He’s a Kentuckian!
80. If you’ve never made it to the Kentucky Derby, you can watch approximately 90 Kentucky Derbies at about one-third the speed. It’s called Endurance.
79. It’s the perfect horsey fix in between Keeneland’s Fall Sales and Fall Meet.
78. The Kentucky Horse Park will be taken over by an army. Well, we have 7,000 volunteers. That’s basically an army.
77. You can take your girl for a ride on a big green tractor in the John Deere sponsor pavilion.
76. It’s the biggest party in Kentucky this year. Don’t be the only one with nothing to talk about the morning of October 11.
75. Ever wonder how horses do stunts for movies? Equine Village demonstrators will show you.
74. The day doesn’t stop after the competition is over, Lexington will continue the celebration downtown at Spotlight Lexington.
73. To visit the state that makes 95% of the world’s bourbon…and then drink some.
72. Because no matter how crazy your friends are, they are never going to jump on the back of a cantering horse and then do a back flip. But our vaulting athletes will.
71. Our Driving teams bring a whole new feeling to the phrase “horse and buggy.” It’s a carriage—not a cart—and they drive like NASCAR’s best.
70. Because you’re an Auburn fan and you drove all the way here for the UK Football game. Or because you’re a UK fan who sold your Auburn tickets.
69. UK’s basketball season hasn’t started yet—which means our Jumping athletes will have the biggest “air” in town.
68. When your daughter comes home wanting a dressage pony, you’ll at least know that “dressage” rhymes with “garage.”
67. To cross Kentucky off your list of states visited.
66. The Kentucky Horse Park has 1224 acres of rolling bluegrass countryside. The 2006 Games in Aachen, Germany had 40 acres. Come see what we’re doing with the extra 1184.
65. Because your kids get in free.
64. It might be the only time you can have a world-renowned chef cook for you using items you might find at a Kentucky Farmer’s Market. We call it Kentucky Proud, and we’re proud of it!
63. Because you’ve heard someone say they use “Natural Horsemanship” and you have no clue what it is.
62. Not a world champion equestrian athlete? More than a dozen clinicians will be on hand to show you the reins. Or in the case of Stacy Westfall, to entertain you without reins.
61. To pick up some new dance moves. Dressage horses are more graceful than lots of people. Most people, actually.
60. Because if you only know about our bourbon you are missing out on our incredible Kentucky wines. Taste them in the Kentucky Experience.
59. Spend a day with your family for the same cost as a night at the movies. Fun, laughter, and memories required with purchase of your Grounds Pass tickets.
58. Because you can have your own bottle of Maker’s Mark personally dipped for you in our Makers Mark Bourbon Village Hospitality Pavilion. Where else will you ever see that signature wax melted?
57. The number of activities for horse-obsessed children is endless.
56. You have never been to a horse show, and doesn’t the saying go: don’t knock it till you try it?
55. Because you’re sick of watching sports that revolve around some type of ball.
54. You can spend all day outside…or 16 days outside.
53. Because you’ve never seen a horse up close.
52. How many times have you heard Wynonna Judd sing “My Old Kentucky Home?”
51. Because you’re looking for an excuse to pull out those cowboy boots from the back of your closet.
50. And if you don’t have boots you have to come put your feet in a pair of Ariat’s.
49. Roads have been created and widened just so you don’t have to fight traffic.
48. It is the first time the Para-Dressage will be part of the World Equestrian Games. Don’t know what Para-Dressage is? Come find out.
47. You get to watch riders play musical horses in the Rolex Top Four jumping competition.
46. You get to learn from top veterinarians and animal health experts.
45. Because weeknights during the Games will be far from boring.
44. Because you don’t have to be a jockey or a zillionaire to get a great seat.
43. Because there are airports in Lexington, Louisville and Cincinnati that can assure you get to the event as safely as the horses.
42. Following our athlete bloggers? Now is your chance to see them in person.
41. The most talented riders in the world will all be in one location. It’s your chance to see the best of the best compete against each other.
40. Ever heard of the champion racehorse Cigar? He’ll be there. And you can meet him in the Kentucky Horse Park’s Hall of Champions.
39. Because if you can’t buy a real horse you can buy a Breyer.
38. We have over 30,000 friends on Facebook and they are definitely coming…don’t be left out.
37. Because our trade show is the only place where you can buy a treadmill for your horse and a watch for your spouse in the same shopping experience.
36. You get to shop…period.
35. There will be a sneak peak of the 2014 Games in France.
34. Because it’ll have more horsepower than that car you’re driving.
33. Our Para-Dressage athletes conquer every challenge—come be amazed.
32. Lexington has created one of the top horse venues in the world.
31. Because your experience at the Games will be timeless, just like a Rolex watch, the official time piece of the Games.
30. You can see the entire state in one place. All nine tourism regions will be in the Kentucky Experience exhibit.
29. Because horses run faster, jump higher and turn quicker than any human ever will.
28. During the Games, Lexington is going to be the talk of the horse world…don’t you want to be a part of it?
27. Because it will definitely give you something to tweet about.
26. You will make your child’s day, month and probably year.
25. Because you don’t know what the word piaffe means and you definitely didn’t know it is something a horse can do.
24. You have never seen a horse slide on its hind legs and look cool doing it.
23. Because you haven’t been to the Kentucky Horse Park.
22. And if you have been to the Kentucky Horse Park, you haven’t seen the Park’s newest addition. Find out about the Park’s Gift from the Desert.
21. Because Kentucky and the city of Lexington have prepared to make this event one to remember.
20. You can find out how Dippin’ Dots made ice cream into tiny, tasty pellets—the creators will be there!
19. Because some of the most beautiful farms in the bluegrass will be transformed into a 100 mile endurance course.
18. You can see a bond between a horse and a rider that you can’t see anywhere else.
17. Because Lexington has had a count-down clock running since December 29, 2007 and it will finally say 0 days to go.
16. You aren’t from Kentucky-or maybe you are- and you are wondering what this state has to offer…the Kentucky Experience will fill you in.
15. If you like taking photos you can fill a bookshelf full of albums with exciting snapshots from this event.
14. Because the Kentucky Horse Park is the only park in the world dedicated to horses.
13. We can bet you have never been to a horse show that has the world championships of eight disciplines held at the same venue.
12. September is the perfect time to take a little vacation.
11. Doesn’t everyone want to take a vacation?

And the Top Ten Reasons:

10. Because Lexington has been under construction since 2006 and it’s time for everything to finally come together.
9. You won’t get to see a World Equestrian Games again until 2014.
8. Because other world championship sporting events don’t have tickets for as little as $25.
7. You will be a part of history in the making.
6. It’s Kentucky hospitality. It’s what we do best.
5. You can spend your day watching the biggest horse show to hit this country and your night attending the best party in Lexington.
4. Because the Games have never been here before—and who knows if they will ever be back?
3. Kentucky is within a day’s drive of 2/3 of the U.S. population. Don’t believe us? We’ll see you in 12 hours. Loser buys a ticket to the Games.
2. Because you’re running out of time, tickets won’t be on sale much longer.
1. 16 days. Eight World Championships. The Horse Capital of the World. Isn’t that enough?

Now only 88 days to go!!!

2010-06-29T09:13:00.001-04:00

The 100 Days to Go Celebration for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games was a hit June 17, and the Fifth Third Pavilion in downtown Lexington drew in hundreds of fans, residents and passersby to help celebrate the occasion.
Walking through the pavilion, visitors were able to grab themselves some Kentucky Ale; see pottery being made; view a Corvette inside and out; taste food from France, the host of the 2014 Games; eat free Dippin Dots ice cream and even pet a penguin.
In addition to booths, the celebration featured a fashion show showcasing 2010 Games Ariat apparel, a book signing by Jon Carloftis, world-renowned gardener, for his book Beautiful Gardens of Kentucky, and Alltech’s announcement of the line-up for the Alltech Fortnight Festival, a 16-day concert series to take place in venues around the state during the Games.

WLEX-18 anchor Nancy Cox emceed the festivities and both she and First Lady Jane Beshear sported 2010 Games apparel on stage during the fashion show. Mrs. Beshear spoke to the crowd about how excited she is to have the Games come to Kentucky, and how Kentucky will benefit from the Games.

The celebration featured many of the Games partners and sponsors including Alltech’s Kentucky Ale, Alltech Angus, The Kentucky Experience, Newport Aquarium, the Kentucky Horse Park, Ariat, Dippin Dots, Corvette and more. In addition, posters listing 100 reasons to attend the Games, brochures and ticketing information were provided.
As the festivities came to a close, so did one more day in the countdown to the Games. And with the 100 Days to Go celebration serving as just a taste of what the actual Games will be like.

Downtown Chaos

2010-06-08T09:50:00.005-04:00

Can't wait for this to be completed. It will be New Lexington!

Think Like Your Customers Think

2010-06-04T13:49:00.001-04:00

There's a very important line at the beginning of the movie The Godfather II.

Just after Michael Corleone, The Godfather (played by Al Pacino) gets shot at, he sits down his brother Tom Hagan and talks about an important lesson from his father.

One thing I learned from my father is to try to think as the people around you think...and on that basis, anything is possible.

If marketers only lived by just this one lesson.

Do you truly understand the pain points of your customers?

Do you understand what kind of information they need to solve those pain points?

Are you hanging out where you customers are hanging out online, so that you are in a position to help?

These things are not easy, but when executed, all things are possible.

Are you an Expert?

2010-05-19T08:50:00.001-04:00

I've heard this many times. Some marketing and communication professionals think that since the publishing of content is rather easy, there is little or no chance to truly create a remarkable message and unique story.
Wrong, Wrong, Wrong. If you believe this, stop right now and follow this plan.

1. Your Content Strategy - The stories you tell as a brand do not just compete with your actual competitors. They compete with the niche trade magazines in your industry, the bloggers in your industry, Google and every other piece of content that your customers engage in. That means your content MUST be the best. It MUST be innovative. It MUST tell a unique and compelling story for you to be the industry expert. If it doesn't, you have work to do.

2. The Water Cooler - If only great content were enough. Content plus community is what gives fuel to the fire. Where are your customers at on the web or in person? That's where you need to be. Identify those key places, target the top five, and become a part of that community by offering consistently helpful information. Outsider content will bounce off your customers like a shield. Insider content engages, is accepting and creates real value.

3. The Major Tactics (book and blog) - It may sound cliché, but industry experts write industry books. Look at the key thought leaders in your industry. They all have books, don't they? They also have pretty compelling blogs. While both of these are tactical, these are "money in the bank" tools that show your expertise as an individual and a brand. If you (the brand) say that you are the experts in mechanical engineering for roller coasters, let me see the book. No book? Sorry, come back next time.

As the great Chris Rock says, "don't hate the player, hate the game." Are you an industry expert or not?

The Last (?) Word on Social Media

2010-04-14T14:04:00.002-04:00

Five Reasons Social Media Marketing Comes Last

There’s been a lot of talk lately about companies that are abandoning a website in favor of social media marketing. To me, that’s an experiment I believe will fail, because if there’s one thing I’m certain about, it’s that social media marketing should come LAST. Why would someone say that?

Because it’s true. To start with, social media isn’t a marketing platform. It’s a consumer platform.

Marketing platforms like advertising, direct marketing, and telemarketing are one-way communication platforms. A company creates the message, and delivers it creatively in hopes that the consumer will respond. The company is in control of the message – and the only voice consumers have is to “vote with their wallets” by acting on the marketing message, or not.

Social media is a consumer platform, where teenagers in Melbourne, customers in Minneapolis, and prospective buyers in Midlothian all have the same opportunity to voice their opinions, ask questions, and share experiences. Consumers are in control of the message, and they revel in their control. Marketers can join in the conversation, and help to shape the dialogue, but it is definitely not a place where traditional marketing methods work, and it is definitely not a one-way communication platform.

So why bother with social media marketing at all? Because it’s where your customers are turning for information about the products and services they buy. Consider Facebook alone. If it was a country, it would be one of the 25 largest in the world – smaller than the U.S., China, and India, but bigger than Indonesia, Israel, Denmark, and Canada. Over half of all consumers say that they have already purchased something – or switched to another brand or retailer – because of a recommendation they got through a social media site.

It is no longer a question of whether or not corporate brands should be participating in social media – it’s just a question of how they can use the new online communities to help them get the word out. This is where the confusion comes in. Social media is where the customers are – and you have to be there. So why shouldn’t you just scrap the old methods and jump headlong into the new medium?

Because social media is a great place to share information, and introduce consumers to your company and your products, but there are five important reasons that it comes LAST in your marketing plan.

1. Customers look for recommendations and reviews on social media – and then head to your website to make a final purchase decision. Your website is the place where you can SELL your products and services. Social media is the place where you introduce a potential customer to your brand.
2. You own and control your website, but you don’t own or control any social media platform. I’ve known people who were banned from Facebook or another social media site for violating a rule or policy – and sometimes for no apparent reason at all. When you get banned, you lose it all. All of your content, all of your contacts, erased in an instant. That just doesn’t happen with a website you own – and you make your own rules for your website, so you’re sure not to inadvertently break them! Even if your host comes crashing down in an emergency, a back-up can have you back on line in minutes.
3. Social media is a great amplifier – and it does just that. For something to be amplified, it has to exist first. So your brand identity, your marketing message, your logo and your content all needs to exist separately from social media, and be based on solid planning and execution, so that social media can amplify it.
4. Marketing platforms – advertising, websites, email, e-newsletters, PR, webinars, special events, catalogs, etc. – reach the audience you define. Social media reaches an audience that defines itself. The Toyota Scion XB is a good example – Toyota marketed the boxy car to hip urban dwellers in their 20’s – but someone’s grandmother discovered that it’s design was perfect for her arthritic knees, and the 55+ crowd started raving about the XB on social media sites. Now 60% of Scion sales are to those over 50. There’s nothing wrong with that of course. But what if a club finds itself besieged by underage fans who want to see their favorite band because a viral campaign didn’t clarify that it wasn’t an “all ages show”? You need both the controlled message and the opportunity to benefit from a viral buzz.
5. Social media is a broad platform – but it isn’t deep. It’s impossible to go into much detail in a 140-character tweet. And it’s almost as hard to go into detail in most other social media platforms. The best social media campaigns refer people to great websites, downloadable content, memorable videos, or valuable information.

So, for now, I remain convinced that a great website (or blog for small businesses) is the hub of any great marketing campaign. Traditional marketing is far from over – but it has evolved, and social media is a huge part of that. When was the last time you got a piece of direct mail that didn’t have a website address for you to visit? Every morning I listen to NPR (National Public Radio), and every morning the broadcasters invite me to tweet them my questions or fan their Facebook page.

Marketing today is the art and science (dare I say the Zen?) of leveraging multiple platforms to get your message across so that you can motivate people to take action. The goal is the same now as it was in our parent’s day. Only the tools keep changing.

Many thanks to Shama Kabani, the author of The Zen of Social Media Marketing, which hits store shelves this week.

More Sage Advice

2010-04-02T09:30:00.002-04:00

Companies that think they can replace the meotional connections of a get together with a webinar or a newsletter will quickly see a decline in the effectiveness of their workforce.

People like destinations and they like trips. They'll work hard to go . . . and they'll be . . . inspired when they return.

We can talk all day online. We can Skype, tweet and email every second of the day. I can create meaningful relationships with individuals on the other side of the globe. I can network wiht multiple industries. But, I will never have a the same appreciation for an individual until I meet them face to face.

Face to Face matters.

I've never been invited to the American Mensa Annual Gathering. Have you?

Face Time. It Matters

2010-03-30T10:43:00.002-04:00

No amount of virtual connectivity will ever suffice because face-to-face provides things that online conversations can never deliver: touch, the complex emotional valences of expression and smell, inflection or tone of voice. The difference between a smiley face and an actual smile is too large to calculate.

Face Time. It Matters.

The average corporate worker spends more than 40 percent of his or her day sending and receiving some 200 messages. We check it in the car, we check it before bed and when we get up. We check it even in mid-converstion, assuming no one will notice. It goes with us everywhere.

Face Time. It Matters.

Tourism-The Economic Engine

2010-03-05T11:25:00.000-05:00

The travel community celebrated a major victory today when President Obama signed into law the first-ever national travel promotion and communications program to attract more international travelers to the U.S. The historic moment, commemorated during a White House signing ceremony, is a major step in addressing America’s decline in attracting overseas visitors to the U.S. during the past decade.
The Act is in response to worrisome evidence that the U.S. is losing ground to other countries in the global travel market. The U.S. welcomed 2.4 million fewer overseas visitors in 2009 than in 2000, and the failure to simply keep pace with the growth in international long-haul travel since 2000 has cost the U.S. economy an estimated $509 billion in total spending and $32 billion in direct tax receipts, according to the U.S. Travel Association. The Travel Promotion Act will counteract this trend by creating a campaign to promote the United States as a premier destination and explain changing travel security policies to foreign visitors.

“By signing the Travel Promotion Act, President Obama has acted to support the power of travel to serve as an economic stimulant, job generator and diplomatic tool,” said Roger Dow, president & CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. “This program will create tens of thousands of American jobs and help reverse negative perceptions about travel to the United States.”
Dow thanks President Obama and Congressional supporters of this legislation, in particular Senators Byron Dorgan (D-ND), John Ensign (R-NV), Harry Reid (D-NV), Daniel Inouye (D-HI) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Representatives Bill Delahunt (D-10-MA), Roy Blunt (R-7-MO) and Sam Farr (D-17-CA) who championed the bipartisan legislation over the last several years. “The strong bipartisan support for this bill clearly demonstrates consensus on the value of this tax-free stimulus for job creation and economic growth,” Dow said.

“We have already seen the benefits of a public-private partnership in states like California and Florida,” said Caroline Beteta, president & CEO, California Travel & Tourism Commission.
“Destinations and local communities across the country will benefit from a comprehensive national effort to market the U.S. A. brand. The Travel Promotion Act will help keep the United States competitive in the international marketplace.”
Oxford Economics estimates that a successful national promotion will yield $4 billion in new spending annually, create 40,000 new jobs and generate $321 million in new tax revenue each year. The Congressional Budget Office reported that the Travel Promotion Act would reduce the federal deficit by $425 million over ten years.

Who Am I

2010-02-23T13:27:00.002-05:00

In an effort to get to know each other a little better, I have devised this little game. It has nothing to dow with the Games or wiht Lexington. But it could be fun.

1. Device I would never give up... does a corkscrew count as a device?
2. Three things I can't live without... my debit card, wine and evidentially my wife.
3. My first real job was... paper boy.
4. I love watching... re-runs of NCIS. Which begs the question-Kate or Ziva?
5. I wish I had more... wine in the cellar. Or I guess what I really need is a cellar.
6. When I get home, I like to wear... sweats and a long sleeve tee. No pocket.
7. The best thing about being a parent is... watching your little girls become very strong women.
8. The worst thing about being a parent is... watching your little girls become very strong women and the prospect they will move on to lives of their own.
9. TWO important things I learned from my mother were... how to cook and faith in God.
10. TWO important things I learned from my father were... NEVER make your mom mad and you can do anything you want as long as you don't make your mom mad.

11. When I have an extra hour at home, I like to... nap
12. The location where I do my best thinking is... usually in the shower while I am planning for the day.
13. In the mornings... I head straight for the expresso machine.
14. I love to take vacations... and only worry about when is happy hour gonna start.
15. Something that really annoys me... automatic updates that insist I stop everything I'm doing to restart my laptop in order to continue working.
16. I make the best... veal picatta.

Now it's your turn! Want to share a little about yourself? Let's keep this moving and get to know a bit about one another!

She's leaving!

2010-02-05T13:49:00.005-05:00

I know this is not really about the World Equestrian Games. It's not even about Lexington. It is only a little about me, in fact. It's about Emily. My youngest daughter.
She is leaving in the morning.
She is leaving the country.
She has a new job.
In another country.
And did I mention she leaves in the morning.
7AM.
Tomorrow.

And I am very proud.

She is going to work at the Winter Olympics in Whistler, BC.

And she is leaving in the morning.

And I wish I was going, too . . .

What do Meeting Planners want?

2010-01-29T15:25:00.002-05:00

What do meeting planners want? What makes them choose one city over another? And what can DMOs/CVBs and tourism boards do to make their destination the obvious choice?

The easy answer is they want you to customize your sales pitch to address their needs and concerns, offer added value and help them find creative solutions to the specific planning challenges they are facing. But before you can get there, you need to ask the planner a lot of questions, listen hard and develop a compelling story about why your destination is a perfect match for their group.

Here are some questions to ask and things to think about that will get you headed in the right direction.

What are the goals and reason for meeting? What needs to be achieved? How would being in your destination help the planner achieve those objectives and reinforce the meeting themes in a unique and meaningful way?
What are the group's needs? What are things that the planner needs to provide for their group? Is it airlift or easy drive-in access? Who is their audience? Do they need a specific kind of property, amount of meeting space, combination of venues or amenities? How can your destination best fulfill those needs?
What's the group's history? Have they met in destinations similar to yours? Why/why not? What was their experience (pros and cons)? What is the planner looking to improve on with this next event? How can your organization help them do that?
What do they know (or think they know) about your destination? Perception is reality. So, do they have the right picture, or do you have information they might find surprising? Where do you need to fill in the blanks?
What do they like about your destination? What do they perceive as your destination's strengths? Why are you being considered as a potential destination?
Who is the competition, and are your strengths evenly matched with theirs?
What reservations do they have? What would keep them from choosing your destination? Find that out and address those concerns, don't just take "no" for an answer. Don't ignore negative press or sensitive issues, either. You are in control of the story and whether it gets blown out of proportion. Engage in an open dialogue with the planner so they understand the context of negative reports and can determine if it's really an issue that would affect their group.
What kind of added value can you offer? The relationships your organization has with local hotels, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, educators, businesses and facilities are incredibly valuable. They allow you to create packages and programs that can enhance attendee education, promote cross-cultural understanding and create transformative experiences. What kind of value-adds can you offer that will help planners wow their attendees, and/or save time and money? Is there something that another destination is offering that they find more attractive? If so, find out if the group would commit to you if you could match or top it.
What kind of planning assistance do they need? Do you offer help with RFPs, arranging site tours and transportation, registration, housing, finding staff and marketing support? Let them know. Do they need help finding cost-effective options or creative function ideas? What do they expect from you in return for guaranteeing you the business? Find out and see if it's something you can promise and deliver. Be sure you know any deadlines the planner may be on so you can get them all the information and assistance they need in a timely manner.
How flexible are they? If there is the chance the group can save money by altering the pattern or dates of the conference, let the planner know. If they are stuck on a certain idea or vendor that you think might not serve the meeting objectives as well as something else that's available in your destination, how open are they to considering something different? See how open they are to collaboration and new ideas, but put their group's needs and goals first.
Above all, be honest. Is your destination really a good fit for this group, or are you stretching to find reasons to stay in the game? You don't want to set up an expectation that you and your team can't fulfill. It's in your best interest to be candid about venues, properties and vendors that may not be able to give the planner the standard of quality their group demands and steer them towards more appropriate suppliers.

By treating each meeting professional as an individual and addressing what their group's needs are, you lay the foundation for a strong relationship. If planners feel taken care of, they will feel comfortable trusting you with their group. So invest a little time in listening to what they have to tell you and figuring out how you can help them achieve their meeting objectives. The rewards may be greater than you expect.

WHY?

2010-01-21T16:25:00.000-05:00

Have you ever wondered why Lexington, KY has been named the Horse Capital of the World? While Lexington has long claimed this title, other states, even countries might dispute this.

Kentucky as a whole has approximately 320,000 horses of various breeds. This figure puts us 5th in the nation for horse population. Texas is number one with 600,000 horses. According to the USDA the world equine population is close to 58 million animals with the United States having about 11 million. China led the world in horse population until 2004, when their count decreased to 7 million.

Kentucky is the leader in the United States in the dollar value of its horses. They have $1.75 billion worth of horses and other equines that are bought and sold each year. Thoroughbred horses generate the most sales figures. The horse industry in Kentucky has a $4 billion yearly economic impact and generates over $8 billion in tourism. There are around 100,000 jobs directly and indirectly generated by the horse industry in Kentucky.

The Kentucky Horse Park puts Lexington, KY on the world map because 34 national associations use the National Horse Center as their headquarters. Visitors from around the globe come to the Kentucky Horse Park and many international equine events are held there every year.

For these reasons, Lexington is the Horse Capital of the World

FutureWatch Surprise

2010-01-14T14:38:00.003-05:00

I was just reviewing the MPI FutureWatch 2010 report and came across a very interesting statistic.

When it comes to selexting individual hotel properties, planners in all categories and geographic locations agree that QUALITY will be the paramount concern in 2010. Facility condition and quality gained from tenth to first place in planners' selection criteria from 2009 to 2010. This reflects concerns about facility upkeep in tough economic times.

HELLO-HOTELS-ARE YOU LISTENING?

This is your chance to distance yourselves from your nearsighted competitors.

Clean up. Repair. Replace. Look great. Maybe company is coming !

Games update DVD

2010-01-06T10:52:00.002-05:00

If anyone is interested in learning more about the games, Alltech has produce a wonderful DVD showcasing the 2009 European Chanpionship. This DVD really explains the various disciplins and to learn what to expect when coming the the games in September.

Please let me know if you are interested and I will send as many as you request.

Our 15th-But who's counting

2009-12-16T16:01:00.002-05:00

Isn't M&C Magazine suppose to notify you if you have won the coveted "Gold Service Award"?
Again.
For the 15th time?
Because planners vote on the winners.
And because Bond and Becca are REALLY good at service!

You know we were inducted into the M&C Mag Hall of Fame in 2007.

And we don't advertise with them anylonger . . .

What a nice early Christmas present.

Social Networking isn't for kids

2009-12-15T14:02:00.002-05:00

42% of people online now use social-networking sites, including Facebook, MySpace and LinkedIn.

More than half of social networkers log on at least once a day and the majority log on several times a day.

The majority of users log on at home but I think they are lying to the surveyers. I think most log on at work, but that's just me.

About 19% or over the age of 55.

And the majority of all users are women between the ages of 35-54.

I really don't know what I think about all this.

Great Meetings Facts

2009-12-09T16:21:00.001-05:00

According to the latest surveys;

What's most important when selecting a meetings destination?

1) Overall affordability
2) Drive access
3) Air access
4) Relationship with the CVB
5) Nearby amenities and attractions

WOW! That sounds just like Lexington

22% of the meeting planners polled have recently traded up to a property that was typically to pricey.

Meeting pros were asked: for which of the following items are hoteliers most willing to make concessions?

Guest Room Rate 63.9%
Room Rental Fees 48.5%
F&B Costs 44.3%
Attrition Fees 37.1%
Cancellation Fees 23.7%

More Great Travel Facts

2009-12-01T15:01:00.002-05:00

If you rent a car, spend the night in a hotel and eat dinner, what would you pay in taxes?
NY, NY $34.90
Dallas $37.26
Orlando $25.12
Portland $21.49

Lexington, KY $16.89

"We'll never substitute for face to face interaction, but there are alternatives that can ease the strain for some travel.There will be growing demand for alternative, affordable solutions. Ignore this, or assume things will spring back to the way they were, at your peril."

Top Ten Subjets for International Meetings in 2008
1) Medical Sciences
2) Technology
3) Science
4) Industry
5) Social Sciences
6) Education
7) Law
8) Economics
9) Management
10) Transportation

are you suprised or do you even care . . .

Fun Facts

2009-11-12T15:16:00.002-05:00

Top Five Must Have Amenities in Hotel Rooms
1. Wireless internet
2. Complimentary breakfast
3. Pillow-top mattress
4. Pillow choices
5. Free parking

Hotel fees and surcharges before state and local taxes will total an estimated $1.65 Billion in 2009-that's more than airlines have collected in baggage fees over the past four quartes.

Highest per diem lodging for Federal Employes-$209 in NY City
Lexington-$97

Highest average business expense per day in the US-$450 in Manhattan
Highest average business expense per day Internationally-$517 in Moscow
Average business expense per day in Lexington-$141

Top 10 Things To Do in Lexington

2009-10-30T13:12:00.002-04:00

As you might expect in the Horse Capital of the World, we have horses! But in Lexington's Bluegrass Region, there are hundreds of exciting things to see and experience.
Here's our Top 10 list to get you started.

1.See over 50 breeds of horses at the Kentucky Horse Park.

2.Try your luck at Keeneland Race Course during a race meet, or tour the grounds year round.

3.Meet our four-footed celebrities in their own homes on a Horse Farm Tour.

4.Indulge in delightful Dining at one of our world-class, independently owned restaurants.

5.Visit four period Historic Homes of the area's most famous citizens.

6.Wander through the restored Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill, the largest in the world.

7.Discover world-class Shopping in the heart of the Bluegrass.

8.Celebrate the living history of Kentucky Bourbon at four historic distilleries: The Woodford Reserve Distillery, Buffalo Trace, Four Roses and Wild Turkey. These aren't just "visitor experiences"! These are real working distilleries.

9.Explore the scenic beauty of horse farm country with the Bluegrass Country Driving Tour*. Call 1-800-845-3959 and I'll mail you our most popular map.

10.Enjoy shops, galleries, restaurants and historic sights in historic Downtown Lexington .

HIlton Grand Opening

2009-10-16T10:13:00.003-04:00

When I arrived in Lexington the first week of April 2005, I made a startling discovery.

What a fantastic Convention Center! This city just needs the two hotels that are connected to the center to be equally as fantastic. The future is here.

We previously welcomed the Hyatt Regency Lexington into the fold and now the the Hilton Lexington Downtown has arrived. This is truly a tremendous package.

The renovation is nearly complete and at the center of it all is a three story water feature that will surely become the talk of the town. More than 10,000 mosaic pieces, 3800 gallons of water an hour and 3000 manhours later-viola-a stunning centerpiece. Congratulations to all!

No we just need to sell the heck out of it!!!!

FINALLY!

2009-10-09T10:49:00.002-04:00

It must be official. The Radisson is gone and the Hilton Lexington Downtown has arrived.

Keeneland

2009-10-07T15:39:00.002-04:00

Nothing announces a new season like the Opening Day of Keeneland. The fall racing season will see a few changes-like post time at 2:15 on Friday(opening day only) followed by Swinging at Sunset!
The first weekend is also FallStars Weekend and features $3.25 Million in purses for Nine Stakes Races. WOW!
Of course I have 6 couples coming down next week for our usual-folding chairs on the apron, on the rail, at the finish line. Now that's hangin' at Keeneland. Now if I only had some folding money . . .
Our favorite day in the fall is Military Family Day. I have never felt so good losing so much money. See the troops on Sunday the 25th.

Good Luck!

Latest video for the Hilton Lexington

2009-09-24T14:47:00.004-04:00

Click on the title and you'll see what all the commotion is about . . .

Kelly Ripa: I love Lexington - Latest News - Kentucky.com

2009-08-11T10:37:00.001-04:00

Kelly Ripa: I love Lexington - Latest News - Kentucky.com: "Lexingtonians, Kelly Ripa thinks we're the smartest people on the planet.
On Monday morning's episode of the TV chat show Live With Regis and Kelly, Ripa talked briefly about her weekend in Lexington for the U.S. Equestrian Federation Pony Finals at the Kentucky Horse Park.
'I just have to say, to everybody in Lexington, Kentucky,' Ripa told the audience of the syndicated talk show, 'you are the smartest people on the planet because that is the prettiest place on Earth. My gosh, it's gorgeous.'

Kelly Ripa gave a shout-out to Lexington on Monday's Live With Regis and Kelly. Magazine spotlights fashion designers' home
Ripa's daughter Lola Consuelos competed in the small hunter pony division of the Pony Finals.
To see the video of Monday's episode of Regis and Kelly, click here. The shout-out to Lexington comes about 16 minutes, 23 seconds into the opening chat with guest co-host Ashton Kutcher."

WEG Test Events

2009-08-11T10:04:00.004-04:00

July was crazy around here! The Kentucky Horse Park has completed their New Indoor Arena AND hosted two major test events-Vaulting and Reining.

Most of you have never heard of either. so let me fill you in.

Reining-Western type horses are showcased in several approved patterns. Patterns include small slow circles, large fast circles, flying lead changes, roll backs, 360 degree spins done in place and the exciting sliding stops that are the hallmark of the reining horse. See above photos.

Vaulting-Both gymnastics and dance elements are combined and performed to music on a cantering horse. It requires a harmonious relationship with the horse and the outstanding physical condition from the vaulter.

If this is any indication, the 2010 Games will be AMAZING!

419

2009-06-08T12:19:00.006-04:00

What an amazing day we had last Friday! Several of us went to Denali Stud to visit the latest addition to the sales team. 419 She was born April 19, 2009 (hence the name) and is certain to be a real asset to the team.

419 will be the focus of our marketing campaign for the next 18 months, or so.

She certainly is cute! Her mother is Serena's Song and sired by Unbridled's Song.

Serena's Song won 18 of 36 stakes races in 1994, 1995 and 1996. Unbridled's Song won the Breeders Cup Juvenile in 1995 and the Wood Memorial and Florida Derby in 1996. With a pedigree like this, I am sure she will remain at Denali Stud for a long time.

Gary Walsh is the farm manager at Denali and is super to work with. He has been very generous with his time and actually acts like he is glad to see us. Gary-thanks.

I took a lot of photos while we were there and will publish them somewhere else on this page.

I'll post more after our next trip to Denali-I can't wait!

The Future is Almost Here

2009-05-18T13:14:00.008-04:00

I came back to Lexington a little more than four years ago after being gone for some 20 years. What I found surprised me. The little old convention center was brand new and certainly not little any longer. It looked more like very nice hotel convention space with all the latest technology. The layout is well thought out and is very workable yet very flexable. It has the second largest ballroom in the state of Kentucky (18,000 sqft). And the interior design is quite sophisticated.

I also found something else that surprised me. The Hyatt Regency Lexington and the Radisson Hotel had not changed in the last 20 some years. Unless you call decomposing a change. As I looked around at the convention package I had been charged to sell, I started to pray for two hotels that match the quality of the center. Somebody answered my prayers.

The Hyatt Regency is just wraping up a $32Million renovation and it looks FABULOUS. This is a view of the lobby and certainly conveys a warm sense of arrival.

The Radisson has made an even bolder move. In addition to a $16M renovation, the are changing flags. Later this summer they will officially become a Hilton Hotel! They are currently part of the Hilton organization (reservation system and HiltonHonors).

The interior work is underway and the public space will rival the Hyatt Regency and the Lexington Convention Center. The picture below is a 20 panal photo by Doug Prather and will change 4 times a year (seasonally). It is located on the convention floor landing, just above the lobby.

As more work gets completed at the "Soon To Be Hilton" I'll pass pics along. In the meantime, you better reserve your space at the Hyatt, Hilton and Center before dates are all GONE!

Off Message but on Task

2009-05-06T14:25:00.007-04:00

I fully understand the premise of this blog, but I seemingly need to digress. In preperation to the games, I have felt the need to upgrade the way I (we) view competetive events from the luxury of my (our) home . . . what I am saying is, I (we) finally pulled the trigger on a big screen tv. . Now, I am not one to fool around and I didn't this time. I did an enormous amount of research and decided on a Panasonic 46" HD Plasma (TC-P46G10). The local retail outlets are not going to carry this model so I ordered from Critchfield (critchfield.com). Great price, no tax, free delivery by two guys who brought into house, set up and took packing away. Perfect.

Blu-Ray also needed to be part of the package and I (we) bought one, too.

Please pay attention now because this is the entire point of this article.

If you are to connect all the components correctly to ensure the very highest quality picture and sound, conventional advertising says you should pay up to $100 per cable (I needed 2 HDMI and 2 Fiber optic cables) in addition to the normal speaker wires.

But hold on there. The reviewers at cnet.com said "we strongly recommends cheap HDMI cables widely available from online retailers instead of the expensive counterparts sold in your local electronics store". They went on to refer me to monoprice.com where I place an order for the 4 cables and they cost $5.77 each and were in my mailbox 2 days later.

So what's my point? I don't have one other than I love my new TV.

One Down!

2009-04-27T15:37:00.007-04:00

The first test of the Kentucky Horse Park was a resounding success. The brand new Outdoor Arena was amazing. The participants were unanimous in their praise of the footing. Superior was the least of the adjectives.

Australian rider Lucinda Fredericks on Headley Britannia was the eventual victor after a flawless ride in the stadium jumping. A standing room crowd of over 16,000 watched as Bettina Hoy of Germany came in second and Buck Davidson, the only American in the top 5, on board My Boy Bobby, finished third.

The cross-country element on Saturday saw more than 40,000 spectators on a near perfect day.

19 International Federations were on hand to witness how the KHP fared for this first event in the new stadium. If you ask me, they passed with flying colors!

Ready, Set, Go!

2009-04-20T15:40:00.003-04:00

Keeneland's spring meet ends on Friday. That means the Rolex Three Day Event,the only 4 Star equestrian event in North America, starts Thursday and the new outdoor arena gets dedicated on Wednesday afternoon. Wow, what a week.
We were given a private tour of the new Outdoor Arena and the new Indoor Arena last week and The Bluegrass and the entire Commonwealth should be very proud. They are spectacular to say the least. I am sure the total investment in the park sounds excessive but we will be reaping the benefits for years. This isn't just about the world Equestrian Games, its about a legacy. But in the meantime-go to Rolex-you've got to be there!

Spotlight Lexington Festival

2009-03-25T13:21:00.005-04:00

The world is coming to Lexington in just 18 short months ( a long month?). Thousands and thousands of people will be here with freshly minted cash! Perfect! Nothing beats a recession or depression like thousands of visitors with money to spend. That's a stimulus package.

The festival will begin September 24 and end on October 10. Each day the festival will host activities at three vacations; Courthouse Plaza, Triangle Park and Cheapside Park. Medal ceremonies will be held each evening and all competitions can be seen on a jumbo screen located at Courthouse Plaza.

Of course, no real festival can exist without branded merchandise and all kinds of merchandise will be available soon. Stay tuned for more info on where to buy.

The most promising aspect of the festival is the willingness for it to become an annual event. Hear, Hear. More great festivals are a good thing! Legacy events are measured on what remains after the event is over. This should only increase the legacy.

Post Holiday Blues(?)

2009-01-06T08:45:00.003-05:00

Wow-they're over. 'nuf said.

I know this isn't about Lexington, but you have to love Roland Burris. The newly appointed Junior Senator from Illinois. He's going to Washington no matter what. He left yesterday and, bless his heart, flew Southwest on his own dime. Regularly elected officials should take note.

And what about the BCS. The Utes can't ever be #1 since they are not in the correct conference. They'll be lucky to be ranked #3. Come on Obama. Withhold some cash from BCS schools till they see the folly of a no playoff system.

Sunday starts the 43rd Annual Meeting of PCMA! It will be my 16th since 1992. I have missed only Nashville, San Francisco and Boston. This will be the fourth time NOLA has hosted the event. Side discussions should prove to be interesting. The economy and a new administration will definitely enhance the usually boring sessions. That's not a slam on the sessions. Everyone knows we attend PCMA for the other conversations we find ourselves in. One of the most productive moments for me was when I butted in on Bob Battel and Mickie Schaeffer and their discussion of the Certified Ambassador Program, which we later adopted. Thanks Mickie!

Congrats go out to my sales team. They exceeded their stretch goal for 2008 and set an all time booking record. Way to Go!!! I hope they are ready for their 2009 goals . . .

Christmas in Chicago

2008-12-19T11:13:00.003-05:00

Every midwest meeting planner is familiar with "Holiday Showcase". I had not attended in several (that is 10) years as tradeshows have nearly detroyed my back. Since I was going to be in Chicago anyway, and in an effort to save the bureau some money, I volunteered this year.

OUCH! But not my back. I took my wife, Maxine, along. Now don't get me wrong. She is great with customers and really knows our business. But shopping on Michigan Ave in December can really hurt. For some reason the term "recession" means nothing to her. The only upside is some of that pain may find its way under the Christmas tree with my name on the tag. I can only hope.

I had forgotten what Holiday Showcase really had become. It is the perfect opportunity for meeting planners and or their office staffs, to shop for thier grandkids. Not to mention hoteliers and bureau reps begging for swag for their kids. When I was just a rookie sales manager for a major hotel chain, I think I remember actually doing a little business.

Do you know what else I noticed? Where did the 20 something sales reps go? Everyone seemed older. Less hair. More mature. Wiser. My kind of people. I liked it.

Maybe doing business is too highly regarded. I don't think I will give anything away next year. But I will have wine. Lots of wine. Lets just have fun next year.

First Day!

2008-12-02T11:07:00.001-05:00

Welcome to my very first day of blogging!!!!!

It seems like I have been a blogging spectator and now I am getting sent in to play. I hope this will not just be the rantings of a tourism junkie but a very inciteful and informative posting of what is really going on around town. However, if its a junkie you want, I'll be there for you.

If its whats going on after dark, I'll send you to someone else's blog. I'm not a night person anymore. But I do hear things. And I know people.

So, we entertained 45 faculty from the University of Kentucky at the Boone Center today for lunch. Almost all of them have sponsored conventions in Lexington or have them scheduled for upcoming years. WOW. That's what we are all about. Promoting Lexington for meetings and conventions.

See you next week.