HVCB Earns Gold Service Award for Meetings Industry Excellence

Conventions and meetings in Hawaii are a key segement in the state's tourism industry. File photo by Wendy Osher.

By Sonia Isotov

The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) has earned one of the meetings industry’s highest honors recognizing excellence, the Gold Service Award for 2011 from Meetings & Conventions magazine.

“This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau and our industry partners have devoted to serving the meetings, conventions and incentives (MCI) market,” said Mike McCartney, president and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA), in a written statement today. “The MCI market is vital to the success and sustainability of our visitor industry, and the HTA looks forward to showcasing our islands as a premier place to conduct business as we prepare for the 2011 APEC Leaders’ Meetings in November.”

The Gold Service Award carries the distinction of being determined through voting that is submitted by meeting planners nationwide. The following criteria is applied in voting: 

• Professionalism of staff
• Support with hotels and site inspections
• Assistance with ground transportation planning
• Guidance on local attractions
• Liaison with local vendors and service

 “We’re thrilled about winning the Gold Service Award, especially knowing that our customers were pleased with the quality of service they received when doing business in the Hawaiian Islands. Our industry works as a team to ensure that groups get maximum value out of their meeting experience. This award is proof of the success that can be expected when holding events on any of our islands,” Michael Murray, CMP, CMM, CASE, HVCB’s vice president of sales and marketing, “Groups appreciate all the effort that HVCB and its partners put into their programs.” Partners include all the Island Chapters, the Hawaii Convention Center, and industry partners statewide.