Press Release
Inagural “New Trends and Solutions” Expo
to Rally Michigan Hospitality Industry
to Rally Michigan Hospitality Industry
Governor Jennifer Granholm to receive highest honor and Democratic strategist
Laura Schwartz to deliver keynote
Laura Schwartz to deliver keynote
PLYMOUTH, Michigan – September X, 2009 - Michigan Meetings and Events Network announced today that Governor Jennifer Granholm will receive their highest honor at the “New Trends and Solutions Expo” luncheon on Tuesday, September 29 at The Inn at St. John’s in Plymouth, Mich. Accepting the award in lieu of the Governor is Kelly M Brennan, Governor’s Residence and Events Director. The luncheon’s theme, “Hurray for Michigan, the new Hollywood,” addresses the critical importance that the movie industry brings to the state’s economy, and in particular to the hospitality industry. The luncheon is part of the Network’s “New Trends and Solutions” Expo.
The award is a recognition given to a single outstanding individual whose efforts have significantly benefited Michigan’s hospitality industry. Governor Granholm is being presented with the award for creating the Michigan Film Tax incentive program. This widely accepted program has increased visibility for the hospitality industry exponentially by bringing business to the hotels, restaurants, caterers and related professionals in Michigan.
“The Governor deserves to be recognized for her efforts in creating a remarkable revenue stream that brings continuous resources for those in the special event industry and we are proud to present her with our highest honor,” states Kathy Krajewski, president of the Expo. “The Governor is working hard to put Michigan back on the map and to make Detroit a world class city. In addition, it is essential for the viability of our region to keep business and revenue in our state. This Expo provides the entire hospitality industry a centralized location to discuss trends and network. Previously, professionals and service providers would have to spend money for travel and lodging to attend first-class, state-of-the art expos; that is no longer the case.”
Recognizing that there is an inherent need to create an event that will be informative yet social, the days events also spotlight a wide variety of educational seminars featuring a series of educational presentations stemming from a luncheon keynote from Laura Schwartz, former director of White House events for the Clinton administration and national commentator to presidents of major event agencies.
“We selected Laura Schwartz to deliver our keynote because she is the epitome of what others strive to be in the event industry,” Krajewski continues. “As a former Special Assistant to the President and The White House Director of Events for the Clinton Administration, she single handedly has created and executed more than 1,000 White House events including 12 State arrival ceremonies and dinners, America’s Millennium Celebration and NATO’s 50th Anniversary.” The event also features vendor exhibits, live entertainment and opportunities for social networking.
Partners for this event include Michigan Meetings and Events Magazine, The Inn at St. John’s, Bernie Stevens & Associates, Double Exposure, Inc., Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC), National Association of Catering Executives (NACE) – Greater Detroit Chapter, International Special Events Society – (ISES) Metro Detroit Chapter, Michigan Business & Professional Association, Michigan Association of Fairs and Exhibiters and CORP Magazine.
Tickets are available at: http://www.michiganmeetinsandeventsnetwork.com or by calling 866-295-7691.
About The Film Incentive Program
Passed in 2008, The Film Incentive Program creates tax incentives that allow film producers a credit against Michigan's Business Tax in the amount of 40 to 42 percent of the production-related expenses incurred in the state. Additional incentives reward production companies that train Michigan residents to work on a film crew.
