Tag Archives: apec2011

Hawai`i Convention Center Attracts National Buzz as APEC Host

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Hawai`i: A Place for Serious Business Meetings. Photo: apec.org

The Center capped off 2011 as one of the hosts for the 19th APEC Leaders’ Meeting, which drew an estimated 20,000 visitors to the state for the largest-ever gathering of its kind in Hawai`i, and the first APEC in the U.S. since 1993. During APEC, the state showcased four pillars of importance to Hawai`i: meetings and conventions; ocean, earth and sky; health and life sciences; and renewable energy. As the President said during an APEC address, “On the business side, this is where the action is going to be.”

And the President wasn’t the only one buzzing about the meeting. Here are some highlights from coverage around Hawai`i and the nation:

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Aloha: Hawai`i Welcomes Thousands of APEC Visitors with Signature Aloha Spirit

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Source: apec.org

“The world will turn to Hawai`i as they search for world peace because Hawai`i has the key…and that key is Aloha!” ~ Auntie Pilahi Paki

Value of the Month – November

Aloha: To extend an unconditional hand of friendship to a stranger as an intimate gesture of welcome.

The Aloha Spirit is the coordination of mind and heart within each person.  It brings each person to the self.  Each person must think and emote good feelings to others.  In the contemplation and presence of the life force, “Aloha,” the following unuhi laula loa (free translation) may be used:

Akahai, meaning kindness, (grace) to be expressed with tenderness;

Lokahi, meaning unity, (unbroken) to be expressed with harmony;

`Olu`olu, meaning agreeable, (gentle) to be expressed with pleasantness;

Ha`aha`a, meaning humility, (empty) to be expressed with modesty;

Ahonui, meaning patience, (waiting for the moment) to be expressed with perseverance.

These are traits of character that express the charm, warmth and sincerity of Hawai`i’s people.  It was the working philosophy of native Hawaiians and was presented as a gift to the people of Hawai`i.

Aloha is more than a word of greeting or farewell or a salutation.

Aloha means mutual regard and affection and extends warmth in caring with no obligation in return.

Aloha is the essence of relationships in which each person is important to every other person for collective existence.

Aloha means to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen, and to know the unknowable.

Hawai`i’s signature Aloha Spirit was on full display around the world as the 21 member economies of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) met in Honolulu for the APEC 2011 Summit.

Thousands of high-profile visitors – including key policy makers, economists, and heads of state – traveled from around the Pacific Rim, representing countries such as the U.S., Japan, China, South Korea, Australia, and Canada.  Together, APEC member economies make up 55 percent of global GDP, purchase 58 percent of U.S. goods exports, and comprise a market of 2.7 billion consumers.

With a geographic location of shared convenience between the U.S. mainland and Pacific Rim countries, a warm host culture, and top-notch facilities, Hawai`i is an ideal place for an international meeting of political, cultural, and business significance.

We’re excited to welcome guests from around the world to Hawai`i, whether they are conducting business in award-winning facilities and accommodations, taking in the breathtaking scenery, or enjoying one of the state’s many leisure activities.  Welcome to our Hawaiian Islands.  We hope you experience the spirit of Aloha while you are here.

Cultural Training Program

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As the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2011 Leaders’ Meeting approaches, nearly 100 Hawai`i Convention Center staff are attending training sessions to learn more about one of the APEC member economies:  China.

The sessions are part of Kapiolani Community College’s (KCC) Chinese cultural training program, and are intended to help Center staff get a better understanding for the appropriate protocol when interacting with Chinese visitors.  Center staff members – ranging from the executive team to engineers, greeters, and housekeepers – are learning appropriate greetings, phrases, and etiquette.

In addition to APEC preparations, China is a major emerging visitor market for Hawai`i, adding to the popularity of the program.  Nearly 3,000 visitor industry employees have taken part since its start nearly two years ago, after KCC established the training with a grant from the Hawai`i Tourism Authority.

Training is available in Chinese, Japanese, or Korean cultures, although about 70 percent of the participation so far has been focused on China.

Read more about the Center’s participation in the program and other efforts to prepare for November’s APEC meeting in Pacific Business News.

APEC 2011 Hawai`i

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Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, or APEC, is a 21-member association of economies from the Asia-Pacific region working together to advance regional economic integration and prosperity. Established in 1989, APEC has worked to reduce tariffs and other trade barriers across the Asia-Pacific region, facilitate business interactions between member nations, and improve training and education in international trade.

Hawai`i was selected as the 2011 host destination and we are honored to welcome the world leaders from the Asia Pacific region.

Learn more about why you should consider Hawai`i as the destination for your meeting or incentive program at www.apec.businessaloha.com.

Visit the primary APEC 2011 website at www.apec2011.gov.