MCI International Sales Partners in Honolulu This Week

MCI International Sales Partners tour the Hawai`i Convention Center. Here they inspect the Center's Rooftop Garden function space.

MCI International Sales Partners tour the Hawai`i Convention Center. Here they inspect the Center’s Rooftop Garden function space.

The MCI International Sales Partners, representing Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, Europe, Oceania, and Latin America, are all in Honolulu this week for the Hawai`i Tourism Authority’s Spring Marketing Update, happening at the Hawai`i Convention Center.

The Hawai`i Convention Center welcomed them on March 3rd with a tour and information about the facility, followed by a reception in the Charlot Courtyard.

The Center’s team is excited to work alongside the International Sales Partners to bring more meetings and events to Hawai`i.

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Hawai`i Launches Efforts to Secure 2016 Global Conservation Meeting

Delegates from the Hawai`i IUCN 2012/2016 Alliance presented Hawai`i’s global conservation efforts at the 2012 World Conservation Congress in Jeju, Korea.

The Hawai`i Convention Center, among leaders from two-dozen organizations spanning the education, government, meetings, tourism, culture, and conservation sectors, has launched efforts to secure the 2016 World Conservation Congress of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).  Held every four years, it is the world’s largest and most important conservation event, with an estimated 8,000 participants from 140 countries working to negotiate solutions to environmental and development challenges.

In the first of several major milestones on the road to securing the 2016 Congress, a delegation of 40 leaders from Hawai`i and the Pacific Rim traveled to the 2012 Congress in Jeju, Korea, from Sept. 6-15, 2012, to showcase the state as a premier meetings destination to the international conservation community.

Delegates from the Hawai`i IUCN 2012/2016 Alliance presented at and led workshops, knowledge cafes, and poster sessions, each providing a perspective on Hawai`i’s global conservation efforts.  In addition, Hawaiian dancers performed as part of the meeting’s formal program, and delegates hosted a Hawai`i Nature + Aloha reception, which included participation from top IUCN officials and representatives from international conservation and environmental organizations.

A delegation of 40 leaders from Hawai`i and the Pacific Rim traveled to the 2012 Congress in Jeju, Korea, from Sept. 6-15, 2012.

These efforts represent the largest collaboration to secure a Hawai`i meeting since the November 2011 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting (APEC), including participation by the Hawai`i Tourism Authority, the University of Hawai`i, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and the Hawai`i Conservation Alliance; as well as a continuation of relationships built during APEC, including work with the U.S. Department of State, the official U.S. member of the IUCN.

American Association of Orthodontists 112th Annual Session Exceeds Expectations for International Attendance and Sold-Out Post-Conference Meetings

Photo Courtesy of American Association of Orthodontists.

Seamless setup?  Check.  Flawless shuttle service and security?  Check.  Zero complaints from attendees?  Check.  All provided with plenty of aloha?  Absolutely.

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) drew nearly 14,000 attendees from around the world during its 112th Annual Session, held at the Center from May 4-8, 2012, which was followed by sold-out post-conference meetings on Oahu, Maui, and Kauai.  The AAO last held its annual conference in Hawai`i in 2003.

“This is one of the smoothest meetings we have ever hosted,” said Michael Rogers, DDS, AAO president.  “We received zero complaints during the meeting, which is remarkable, and had stellar service on all levels, ranging from food and beverage, to security, to early meeting room and exhibit set up.”

Nearly 3,800 attendees – representing a third of the meeting’s total attendance – traveled from more than 70 countries, topping initial estimates, as well as international turnout at last year’s annual conference in Chicago.  Delegates traveled from around the Pacific Rim, including China, Chile, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, and Taiwan.

The meeting featured more than 160 lectures from world-class experts, who addressed research and clinical topics related to today’s top orthodontic treatment trends, dilemmas, technologies, and scientific advances.

In addition to the meeting at the Center, the AAO hosted four post-conference sessions on Oahu’s North Shore, and on the islands of Maui and Kauai.  All sessions sold out, drawing nearly 600 attendees total for classes focusing on orthodontic specialty topics, and exceeding room blocks at every host hotel.

Half a million pounds of exhibit freight was shipped to the Center from the mainland for state-of-the-art displays by more than 300 companies offering orthodontic products and services at the Annual Session Exhibit Hall.

Founded in 1900, the AAO is the world’s oldest and largest dental specialty organization.  Visit www.aaomembers.org or www.MyLifeMySmile.org for more information.

American Association of Orthodontists 112th Annual Session is Largest of the Year for the Hawai`i Convention Center

HCC Welcomes Back the American Association of Orthodontists This Week

The Hawai`i Convention Center welcomes back the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) this week, which last held its annual conference in Hawai`i in 2003.

Nearly 15,000 people are expected to attend the AAO’s 112th Annual Session at the Center from May 4-8, 2012.  It is the Center’s largest meeting of the year, including post-conference educational meetings on Oahu, Maui, and Kauai.

This premier gathering of orthodontists is expected to draw 850 international attendees representing more than 65 countries, topping international turnout at last year’s annual conference in Chicago.  More than 400 participants are expected from Pacific Rim countries including China, Chile, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, and Taiwan.

The conference is expected to generate more than $68 million in state revenue, with the Center’s hotel partners benefiting from 116,600 room nights.

“It is a pleasure to host our Annual Session in Hawai`i – the Aloha Spirit, facilities and services, and natural beauty are unbeatable,” said Michael Rogers, DDS, AAO president.  “This year’s meeting will feature a robust lineup of educational events spanning three islands, as well as a special schedule that allows plenty of time for our members to experience the wonderful activities that Hawai`i has to offer.”

AAO members will also have the opportunity to visit state-of-the-art displays by more than 300 companies offering orthodontic products and services at the Annual Session Exhibit Hall.  In addition, members will have a chance to give back to Hawai`i communities via a “Virtual Food Bank,” where they can donate to the Hawai`i Food Bank through a computer kiosk at the Center.

Honolulu orthodontist Dr. Lili Horton is interviewed on May 3, 2012, by Howard Dicus of Hawai`i News Now Sunrise about the AAO’s 112th Annual Session.

Read an interview with Dr. Lili Horton, local arrangements chair of the AAO planning committee.

Click below to view the Hawai`i News Now interview with Dr. Lili Horton.

Founded in 1900, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) is the world’s oldest and largest dental specialty organization.  It represents more than 17,000 members throughout the United States, Canada and abroad.  Visit www.aaomembers.org or www.MyLifeMySmile.org for more information.

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

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.