Dublin – blending the old with the new.

This was my first visit to Dublin and I must say that the longer I was there, the more I enjoyed myself. It is a location that grows on you every step you take, every corner you turn and of course every pub you visit.

The Irish have an unbridled passion for music, song, and dance that is guaranteed to infect any visitor to Dublin. There is music everywhere from the late-night pubs to the remarkably good impromptu performances appearing at the drop of a hat. Dubliners like to throw down a pint or two of the hometown brew – Guinness. And for some reason Guinness tastes a wee bit better when you are laughing and singing at one of the many clubs or pubs that line the pedestrian friendly Temple Bar area. Needless to say the night life shines here where you are guaranteed to experience that famous warm Irish welcome.

Dublin is a city on the up. Everywhere there are signs of new building and urban rejuvenation, a recent explosion of glamorous new hotels, restaurants and shops. The city centre is actually very compact and lends itself perfectly to seeing all the sights on foot. Don’t just stay in the city, the beautiful countryside with plenty to see and do. History abounds hidden just behind the green clover. Come along!

roger@donanderson.com

Irish Golf – Links in time.

The joys of links golf on the Irish Sea! If you’re a golf lover and have never experienced links golf along the Irish Sea then add a round at Portmarnock Golf Club it to your list of things to do before reaching the clubhouse in the sky.

Portmarnock is living history to golf in Ireland. Universally acknowledged as one of the truly great links courses, Portmarnock is situated to the north side of Dublin, about 12 miles from the city centre. Its quality and location have made it a splendid venue for some of the game’s great events, including the Walker Cup (amateur version of the Ryder Cup) and 12 staging’s of the Irish Open.

Founded in 1894, the championship course offers a classic, traditional challenge. Invariably rated as Ireland’s best course by the Irish Golf Institute, Portmarnock takes justifiable pride in its 27 holes, which are maintained to the highest standards. Within the curve of the coastline formed by Howth peninsula, it offers stunning views of Ireland’s Eye and Lambay Island. But above all, there is the charm of its delightful turf, the wildness, the solitude of the sandhills and the sea, and the ever-present challenge of the wind.

If thinking about a trip to Dublin one must include time for a round at Portmarnock Golf Club. Make sure to take caddie with you to fully enjoy the Irish camaraderie and to assist in navigating this challenging links course. For more information on Portmarnock as well as Dublin please contact Roger Rickard at 916 625-0608 or roger@donanderson.com.

Recent London Times

LONDON - Tips for navigating the town!

Most capitol cities are havens for tourism and London falls neatly into that category, but visiting everything you want to see in a short period of time can be tricky. Here are some tips for navigating the town.

We provided all our attendees with a cool Inside Out™ popout map and 64-page city guide equipped with a compass to direct people to sites of their choice. A Tube Zone-Day Pass or an Oyster Pass is also a helpful, and inexpensive, provision that gives people their freedom to see places on their own. Inevitably with groups you’re forced to hire the motorcoach so always plan for an extra 20-30 minutes of travel time due to London’s traffic – especially if you’re doing West End theater nights. We found delightful restaurants near each theater we used; and broke the groups into small manageable sizes so each group could experience a different restaurant before theater.

Enlist trusted Tour Guides, who proudly wear their credentials (a metal tag worn around their neck) and provide attendees with a wealth of historical information and local gossip! Forget the long tourist lines to any major site….just follow your trusted guide to know the secret back entrances or exactly when to be at a location to beat the normal rush. We experienced this on two occasions during our recent visit to London. First, when two of us wanted a quick 1-hour overview of Westminster Abbey. The entrance line was daunting – but we navigated back alleys to a small office in the back where two people were cozily snacking on Crispy Cremes – and the within 5 minutes we were in the back entrance of the Abbey. The second time was when our entire group visited Windsor Castle. Our guide was adamant about arriving to the ‘ticket barn’ by 9:30am on a Sunday. Thankfully we did, because the hordes of summer visitors that arrived just 30 minutes later were clearly visibly going to wait awhile before entering the Castle. For those who have not visited Windsor, nor toured the Castle, should! It is an incredible Castle…and I’ve visited many worldwide in my career, with a glorious display of art, collections, architecture and hundreds of years of history.

Need more info on London - contact me at terrie@donanderson.com

A Grand Experience in SLC!

In our business it is easy to get jaded. Every hotel salesperson says, “Our property is great! Wait till you see it! Your group will be treated like royalty here!” Well I recently found a property that was great, fabulous to see, and yes – I was treated like royalty. It is The Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City.

The Grand America Hotel – the name says it all – this place is truly grand! I recently experienced first hand what is one of the finest hotels in America – anywhere in America! The Grand America is located in Salt Lake City and it stands as a monument to hospitality. Its charm and craftsmanship is inspired by Europe’s classic hotels.

The Grand America is a 24 story tower that offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. It boasts 775 luxuriously appointed guest rooms; all with hand-made furniture, English wool carpets, and Italian marble for the bath area. They have 395 suites and three presidential suites which are 2000 sq. ft.

The meeting space is incredible. With tons of very well-designed meeting space; including two major ballrooms, a Grand Salon, plenty of breakout rooms, two boardrooms, and much, much more. You will have no problem finding the right space for your event here.

The food! Food, food, and more food. - and boy does this place do food right. They know how to do it all from very elegant formal sit down dinner to the comfort food we all miss while on the road. The Chefs and their team of culinary superstars can do it all.

Many other places that I have traveled to and from could learn true hospitality from the people that I encountered during my recent trip. But it all boils down to the team, the people who can make or break ones experience. You can have a great limousine – but if the driver can’t find your destination – what good is the limo? You can have a wonderfully appointed hotel – but if the staff doesn't serve – what good is the hardware?

Yes, the properties have a great physical plant.
Yes, the Grand is truly grand.
Yes, the spacious rooms are posh, comfortable, and clean – very clean.
Yes, the food was incredible and all too edible.
Yes, the team demonstrated that there is plenty to do in Salt Lake City.

This property has both the physical aspects we all yearn for – but most importantly – they have a service staff that knows how to serve.

I will recommend with pride The Grand America to customers and friends. In fact, I already have done so!

Let me know how we can help you in Salt Lake City!

Roger@donanderson.com
916 625-0608

Whistler this summer

While putting the finishing touches on a program we have in Whistler this summer I thought I'd share a few highlights of actually doing a summer program in Whistler. Some of you may have considered Whistler only a winter destination and while it definitely is that, and is in full gear for the 2010 Winter Olympics, I'm really excited about our summer program there. It's action packed! They offer such great activities - for all ages and sizes! We're offering:

• Zip trekking


• Hiking with the 'bears'


• Golf Tournament


• Fishing (trout, cut throat or dolly varden) using fly or spin


• Kayak/canoeing (you can pick your boat!)


• White Water rafting (cat3-5)


• ATV'ing up Blackcomb (spectacular views!!)


• Chef's table food & wine pairing at Bearfoot Bistro for a guest event - you've got to try slicing the champagne bottle open with a saber! It's amazing.


• Heli-hiking - helicopter up to pristine and remote places to hike

Our final event is an Olympics Scavenger Hunt in the Village and Blackcomb. It's been crazy putting this one together - but the goal is to just have fun, explore the area, and have a little bit of competition. I hope we're not just bribing them along the way with gifts at each stop. If you have a unique location/idea for this event at Whistler then send it to me. If I use the idea I'll let you know and send you a thank you gift for the effort!

Terrie - terrie@donanderson.com

Weekend thoughts...

As the weekend begins my mind wonders to my favorite weekend pastime – golf. Over the years we have done hundreds of golf programs for our clients. From Europe, to Asia, Mexico, Hawaii and mainland USA – golf is available everywhere. And the thing is – there are great locations with great golf all around the world. Next week the US Open begins in Pittsburgh at the fabled Oakmont Country Club the site of many great golf events over the years. Remember we can provide you and your group with all of the program options for golf’s major events. Check out http://www.golfincentives.com/

Roger

roger@donanderson.com

One Amazing Speaker

Last week, during a convention in San Francisco, we provided a financial institution with the fabulous motivational speaker – Roger Crawford. Boy was he a great hit! The attendees, most of which who were business owners and company presidents, stood in line after the event to shake hands, meet, get an autographed book and enjoy the company of one remarkable speaker, presenter and author. Roger truly customizes each and every presentation. He works very hard to provide great value to both the client and the attendee. We have worked with Roger many times and I highly recommend him as your next speaker. Let me introduce you to one amazing man. Contact US

regards,

Roger

roger@donanderson.com

Terrie's May eventures

May was a whirlwind travel month preparing for our summer and fall programs. Started in Phoenix for my son’s college graduation where we stayed at the The Pointe at Squaw Peak. We’re considering a buy-out for early 08 and wanted to see their ongoing renovations which will be complete before Super Bowl next year. This all-suites resort is revamping all rooms, getting a new spa and repainting the entire outside…it will look completely different in a few months.

Then I headed to Williamsburg, VA…did you know they’re celebrating 400 years! In fact Queen Elizabeth stayed there just days before I arrived. The Williamsburg Lodge is a fantastic property with awesome meeting space and unique 2-story ‘guesthouses’ that have newly renovated accommodations. What a great historical area to meet! I’d be happy to share some ideas for meeting themes, entertainment, dine-arounds and activities.


Next stop was the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman. Only a year old, the resort is shining on 7-Mile Beach. I really enjoyed exploring the Stingray City and SeaStar Beach with the staff from their Ambassadors of The Environment (AOTE) program – the only resort AOTE program in the world. If you are considering GC for a future incentive program we can really offer some great advice.

Finally – I was hosted at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin for 3 days and fed incredible!! meals by in-house chefs and Chef-Owner of BlueZoo, Todd English. I left with extraordinary ideas for group dinners...and I’d love to replicate them for your next event. Both properties are well underway with loads of renovations to indoor and outdoor function space and accommodations, but the most impressive thing about the resort, and Orlando in general, is that the people are just ‘so darn nice’….

Terrie

terrie@donanderson.com

Welcome Bloggers

Welcome Bloggers! This blog is a new venture for don anderson incorporated (DAI). So what do you think of our blogs name?

We will use this blog as a way for us to share with our readers items that we think are pertinent to the meetings, events and incentive industry. Sometimes the posts will be tidbits of what we have been doing lately. Other times it will be a way for us to introduce you to new products, exciting destinations, recent site inspections and other items of interest.

Tell us what you think our comments by adding your own comments. So stay tuned as we talk our first steps as a baby blogger.