The LA Travel & Adventure Show Returns To Long Beach Convention Center Feb. 21-22, 2015

Show Will Feature the Largest Group of Celebrity Travel Personalities 

Ever Assembled for a Consumer Show of its Kind

(Long Beach, CA) – The nation’s largest travel show is returning to the Long Beach Convention Center for its 10^th year and will feature an impressive lineup of keynote speakers including travel personalities Rick Steves, CBS Travel Editor Peter Greenberg, Josh Gates of Travel Channel’s Expedition Unknown, Pauline Frommer, Travel Channel’s Samantha Brown, PBS’ Joseph Rosendo and The Amazing Race Host, Phil Keoghan.

Southern Californians are invited to gain valuable insight, learn travel tips and immerse themselves in the stories of the most experienced travelers in the world. In addition to the keynote speakers, the Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show will also feature two other speaker stages for attendees who are looking for in-depth travel information.

New for 2015, the Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show will debut the Savvy Traveler Theater, making it the third speaker stage at the show. Here, visitors will learn the best how-to tips on traveling smarter and more hassle-free. The Savvy Traveler Theater will showcase the latest travel technology, provide travel safety information and teach handy travel skills.

The Destination Theater, back by popular demand, will highlight destination-specific seminars where wanderlust travelers can draw inspiration and get detailed information about the world’s most sought-after travel destinations including Asia, Africa, Europe, the U.S. and even luxury train travel.

Keynote Speaker Schedule
Rick Steves:  Join the travel expert – acclaimed for his bestselling guidebook series, public television series, and public radio shows – as he shares all the latest in smart European travel. Freshly back from travel hot spots, Rick Steves will explain the practical, money-saving ins and outs of independent travel. Packed with tips on getting the most out of every mile, minute, and dollar on your next trip, this will be a must see discussion!

Saturday, 10:15 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, 10:15 a.m.  Autograph signing immediately following each session.

Samantha Brown:  Travel Channel Host, Samantha Brown has spent more than a decade at Travel Channel.  Her travel goal is to always show that if she can do it, you can do it.  With years of experience being on the road, she takes a look back at just how much the travel world has changed.  She touches on such topics as the evolution of using an app to book a flight (from the days of calling airlines) to the change in what motivates people to travel.  Samantha is still living in airports, hotels and out of a suitcase, but things are way different now than they were then!

Saturday, 1:15 p.m. and Sunday, 1:15 p.m. Autograph signing immediately following each session.

Phil Keoghan:  Although best known for his role as host and producer of the Emmy Award-Winning television show, The Amazing Race, Phil Keoghan is an also an avid adventurer. He has gone on to work in over 100 countries around the world as a motivational speaker, author, television host, actor, producer and cameraman on thousands of program episodes.
                                                                           
Event attendees are invited to join Phil as he takes the audience on a journey through his travel adventures around the globe and shares his passion for living life and fulfilling dreams. Phil’s NOW (No Opportunity Wasted) philosophy will teach audiences to live by letting go of the handrails, thinking outside the box and using imagination as currency.

Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Autograph signing immediately following.

Pauline Frommer:  As founding editor of Frommers.com, nationally syndicated radio talk show host, Pauline Frommer,  will lead a fast-paced seminar about money saving methods of travel, less usual destinations, and ways to tailor a vacation so that it fits each traveler’s personality.

Saturday, 12:00 p.m. Autograph signing immediately following.

Peter Greenberg:  A multiple Emmy Award-winning investigative reporter and producer, Peter Greenberg is the nation’s most recognized, honored and respected front-line travel news journalist. Greenberg regularly reports for CBS This Morning, CBS Evening News and CBS Sunday Morning. Join him as he shares cutting-edge travel information and insider tips that all travelers should know before ever leaving home. Listeners should definitely bring a pen and paper (or tablet) to take notes!

Sunday, 3:30 p.m. Autograph signing immediately following.

Josh Gates: Having traveled to more than ninety countries, Josh Gates is an adventurer and avid explorer with a unique brand of humor and deep-rooted passion for off-the-map excursions that take him in search of the world’s most enduring mysteries. Gates will be featured in the upcoming Travel Channel series “Expedition Unknown,” set to premiere in January 2015. Gates previously served as host and co-executive producer of the Syfy Channel series “Destination Truth,” based upon his bestselling book, Destination Truth: Memoirs of a Monster Hunter.

Sunday, 12:00 p.m. Autograph signing immediately following.

Joseph Rosendo: Emmy-award winning director and travel host Joseph Rosendo has been a travel, food and wine journalist and travel broadcaster for more than 30 years. Since 2007, he has hosted, directed and written Joseph Rosendo’s Travelscope®, the award-winning travel television series.

Sunday, 2:30 p.m. Autograph signing immediately following.

Patricia Schultz, author of the New York Times Bestseller, 1,000 Places to See Before You Die will be hosting the Destination Theater and will be available for autograph signings each day.

The event’s National TV Media Sponsor is Travel Channel. Supporting sponsors include Rick Steves’ Europe; Taiwan Tourism Bureau; Indonesia; Tourism Authority of Thailand  and Yosemite/Mariposa County Tourism Bureau.  Contributing sponsor is the Japan National Tourism Organization. Official Airline Sponsor is Ethiopian Airlines.

The 2015 Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show^TM will take place February 21 and 22 from 10 am to 5 pm at the Long Beach Convention Center, located at 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90802.  Tickets are available online for $11 for one day or $17 for two days (use promo code: LAPR). Children 16 and under are free.  At the door, tickets will be available, cash only, for $16 for one day and $25 for two days. For tickets and information please visit www.LAtravelshow.com, email info@travelshows.com or call (203)878-2577.

There Is No Place Like New Orleans For Food and Culture

By Darlene C. Donloe

No one thinks twice about having a meeting in New Orleans.

It’s a popular destination for many reasons. There is lots of history and culture in New Orleans. And, then there’s the food.  

Poboys, jambalaya, gumbo, crawfish Étouffée, Beignets, red beans and rice, bananas foster, king cakes and more. You hungry yet?  Take your pick or take it all, you won’t be disappointed.

Of course, the French Quarter, which has self-guided walking tour); Bourbon Street, Café Du Monde, Preservation Hall, the Garden District, Louis Armstrong Park, are just some of the must sees!  If you can have your meeting during Mardi Gras – you’ll be the envy of every one you know and don’t know.

If New Orleans is your next destination, here are just a few suggestions of places to see as well as places to consume some of the Crescent City’s finest cuisine.

SLEEPYTIME

New Orleans is probably the second city that never sleeps. However, at some point you’re going to have to lay your head down.  The Roosevelt Hotel, a member of the Waldorf Astoria properties, is a great choice. 

The Roosevelt Hotel (www.therooseveltneworleans.com) is steeped in history and even has a presidential and Hollywood connection.

This place was hot during the Roosevelt Administration. It also boasted the likes of Louis Armstrong, Ray Charles, Cab Calloway, Elvis Presley, Bob Hope as guests.

The hotel’s website says: ‘From our legendary past – where the famous and infamous, the royal and revered, the celebrity and the Sazerac have all starred – to our modern-day luxury and extraordinary accommodations and meeting spaces, The Roosevelt is the destination where memories begin.’

The rooms are elegant.  There are 504 of them and 135 luxury suites.

Every room has state-of-the-art technology, luxurious décor and white glove service.

Other highlights include: a 12,000 sq. ft. Guerlain Spa and Fitness Center, The Sazerac Bar, Sazerac Restaurant, John Besh’s Domenica, Italian-inspired cuisine, a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, poolside bar (open seasonally) and a

garden terrace.

MEETING

There is 60,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting and banquet space and 20,000 sq. ft. of Roosevelt Ballroom divisible into five sections. There are 23 distinctive meeting rooms, a Huey P. Long Executive Boardroom and a full-service business center.

There are a number of rooms on various levels of the behemoth hotel (and in various sizes) in which to have events.

The New Orleans Convention Center is only a short three-minute cab ride from the hotel.

The ride from the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport to the Roosevelt Hotel is about 30 minutes!

SIGHTS & SOUNDS

The New Orleans African American Museum (www.noaam.org), is chock full of historical information on the cultural heritage of New Orleans. 

NOAAM’s mission is to preserve, interpret and promote the African American cultural heritage of New Orleans, with a particular emphasis on the Tremé community, the oldest surviving African American neighborhood in the country. 

New Orleans African American Museum

The Museum is housed in the Tremé Villa, considered by some to be one of the finest examples of a Creole villa in the city. Built in 1828-29, the home retains many of its original decorative details. There are five restored buildings to visit. NOAAM is the only institution in the New Orleans region that is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of Tremé and the African American people of New Orleans.

Plan to spend as much time as you wish in the serene gardens surrounding the villa. Located on the site of a former plantation, the beautifully landscaped grounds cover one city block. There are three main courtyards on the front, rear, and side, which also features a gazebo in the center of the yard. Wear comfortable shoes, as many of the courtyards are made of original handmade bricks. The villa is available for weddings, bridal teas, and small meetings and receptions.

BACKSTREET CULTURAL MUSEUM

For something a little different, check out the Backstreet Cultural Museum. It’s a hoot!

photo by Darlene Donloe

Located in the Tremé community, The Backstreet Cultural Museum (www.backstreetmuseum.org) was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1999. Today, the museum, reportedly, holds the world’s most comprehensive collection related to New Orleans’ African American community-based masking and processional traditions, including Mardi Gras Indians, jazz funerals, social aid and pleasure clubs, Baby Dolls, and Skull and Bone gangs.   The museum’s filmed records of more than 500 events, constitute the most cohesive archive documenting these cultural traditions.  The museum hosts public performances of music and dance, provides outreach programs, and creates an annual book, Keeping Jazz Funerals Alive, that chronicles the year’s jazz funerals. 

YUM, YUM

New Orleans is known for its cuisine. There are any number of restaurants with a mouth-watering menu that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. 

Brennan's Bananas Foster
(photo by Darlene Donloe)

If you want to start the day off the right way in New Orleans, have breakfast at Brennan’s.  This is indulgence at its best. Known for their Bananas Foster, a Brennan creation, executive chef Lazonne Randolph takes care to make every meal a succulent delight.  Banana’s Foster, prepared right at the table, consists of rum, butter, brown sugar, and, of course, bananas.  Breakfast was topped off with a HUGE piece of CHOCOLATE CAKE! It’s so decadent, but so good! Of course, you can get more than just breakfast there. You can also have some the New Orleans standards: gumbo, Po-boys, red beans and rice, jambalaya, beignets, pralines and etoufee. If you want to recreate any of the recipes, be sure to buy the restaurant’s Breakfast at Brennan’s and Dinner, Too cookbook. www.brennansneworleans.com 

(photo by Darlene Donloe)

DOOKY CHASE'S…is clearly one of the most popular soul food/Creole restaurants in New Orleans. When you walk through the door you’re greeted with a large picture of then presidential candidate Barack Obama, seated at a table with a look that clearly shows he is satisfied with his meal. If you’re lucky, you’ll see or even meet chef Leah Chase, who is known as the Queen of Creole Cuisine.

The restaurant suffered some water damage after Hurricane Katrina, but has since bounced back. Chase, whose father-in-law opened Dooky Chase's in 1941, lived in a FEMA trailer while the family struggled to renovate and reopen the building.

During the Civil Rights Movement the eatery was a hub for notables like Ray Charles, Thurgood Marshall, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Duke Ellington and Jesse Jackson. 

Why they were there was no secret! They wanted some of the best soul food around, which includes fried catfish fillet, gumbo, red beans and rice, yellow squash with shrimp topped off with some smack-your-mama peach cobbler.

The menu also includes crunchy, dry-battered fried chicken, shrimp stuffed with more crab than filler, hot sausage and salt pork mustard greens.   Whoo Hoo!  That’s some good eatin’!

http://www.neworleans.com/new-orleans-restaurants/restaurants/new-orleans-essential-restaurants/dooky-chase/

Olivier's Peach Cobbler (photo by Darlene Donloe)

OLIVIER’S CREOLE RESTAURANT….”The Art of Dining, the science of cooking.” Authentic Creole cuisine is the specialty. A fifth-generation, family-owned restaurant located in the French Quarter, Olivier’s serves up mouth-watering food.  The Gumbo Sampler is incredible.   Order it and you’ll get three different kinds of gumbo (rile, okra and roux). There is also a Taster’s Platter that features shrimp, fish, oysters, salmon cake and crab. There’s also Creole rabbit, Shrimp Scampi, pork medallions, roast breast of duck and more. It’s all out-of-this-world good.  Several of the Olivier brothers walk around the restaurant visiting various tables and making sure all of their guests are happy. The ambiance is classy and pleasant. For the last two decades, the Olivier family has preserved the old and perfected the new Creole cooking traditions. Recipes presented by the Olivier family reflect the finest of old Creole culture still in place.  Be sure to you’re your Olivier’s Restaurant Creole Cuisine Cookbooklet.

www.olivierscreole.com

The Grill Room

THE GRILL ROOM….is an alternative to the traditional New Orleans cuisine.  It’s an upscale eatery located in the five-star Windsor Court Hotel.  The eatery, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, is the only 4-star/4-diamond restaurant in New Orleans.  Menu items include: Blue Crab Salad, Seared American Red Snapper, Maple Leaf Farms Duck Breast, Bronzed Diver Scallops, Roasted Local Grouper, Grilled Dry Aged Strip Loin, Farro Risotto, Duck Fat Roasted Fingerling Potatoes and more. Any one of the entrees will leave you more than satisfied. Enjoy nightly live entertainment. www.windsorcourthotel.com

THE HOUSE OF BLUES…has a fabulous Gospel Jazz Brunch that highlights inspiring gospel performances. 

(photo by Darlene Donloe)

The buffet includes some scrumptious chicken jambalaya, bakes chicken, pancakes, cheddar grits and omelets, roasted garlic potatoes, bacon & sausage links, scrambled eggs,

assorted muffins, bagels, mini croissants, biscuits with country gravy, omelets stations, fruit, peel & eat boiled shrimp, cole slaw and potato salad, carving top of round of beef, country ham, or Turkey. The champagne is flowing and the white chocolate bread pudding with Bourbon sauce is fabulous.

http://www.houseofblues.com/venues/clubvenues/neworleans/gospelbrunch.php

WHERE TO EAT - HONORABLE MENTIONS

FOOD: Check out Loretta’s New Orleans Authentic Pralines (www.lorettaspralines.com), Mother’s Restaurant (www.mothersrestaurant.net), Boswell’s Jamaican Grill and Old Gentilly Spicy Kitchen.

HIGHLIGHTS: Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse.

photo by Darlene Donloe

Not sure where to eat in New Orleans?  There is a simple solution. Check out the “Where To Eat In New Orleans Tour,” (WTEINO) helmed by Nadra T. DeMagnus.  It’s a two-hour, riding tour of off the beaten path restaurants. The food is exceptional. During the tour participants sample items from several restaurants.  A tour favorite is the New Orleans Original Daiquiri Drive-Thru. Be warned that the drinks can be strong. Proceed with caution! No tour is the same.  The goal of WTEINO is to face every aspect of world hunger one meal at a time.  www.wheretoeatinneworleans.com

Who dat?

Renaissance Lodge Completes Meeting Space Renovation

The Renaissance Lodge at Sonoma Resort & Spa Completes Meeting Space Renovation with Focus on Sustainable Initiatives

Resort in Sonoma creates the ultimate meeting venue in California Wine Country

Sonoma, CA (December 8, 2014) – The Renaissance Lodge at Sonoma Resort & Spa recently completed a $370,000 renovation of its meeting space, providing the largest and most sophisticated, eco-friendly conference venues in California Wine Country. The thoughtful blending of new sleek contemporary furnishings with the sophistication and charm of Sonoma Wine country creates a warm, inviting yet refined meeting environment with 23,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor function space. 

The resort features 11 bright and airy Sonoma wine country conference rooms all showcasing new flooring, lighting and wall treatments and each with its own personality and functionality.  Among the new offerings:

The Sonoma Ballroom, at 3,080 sq. ft., is the largest meeting space in the Valley.  Divided into three sections, the Ballroom accommodates up to 400 people for receptions and 252 for banquets.  This sophisticated setting, rich in textures and colors, also offers a dance floor.

The Stone Building features a grand fireplace and high-beamed ceiling, in addition to an in-room bar that can seat 170 guests for dinner and dancing. This venue is perfect for corporate luncheons or receptions with doors leading out to sweeping lawns and gardens and combined square footage of 8,704.

The Renaissance Lodge at Sonoma Resort & Spa supports Marriott’s Green Initiative commitment and carries the Green Leader designation from TripAdvisor.  To further these goals, the renovation program also included:

·   Installation of a 7,000 sq. ft., eco-friendly artificial lawn for outdoor social events, designed by San Francisco Company Heavenly Greens. This installation results in the savings of 15,000 gallons of water for irrigation annually along with erosion reduction and improved drainage capabilities.

• All of the meeting space has been converted to linen-less furniture, reducing over 300,000 gallons of water and 500 lbs of detergent per year.
• LED lighting has been installed in meeting rooms and public spaces, saving 36,000 kilowatts of electricity annually.
• New meeting space decor includes ergonomic chairs and the use of recycled  and upcycled materials in other furnishings.
• Reducing the quantity of vinyl wall coverings in lieu of more sustainable hard surfaces and painted walls. 

“We are delighted to be able to showcase our recent renovations and ongoing work in the field of green initiatives,” says General Manager Suzy Hart. “We remain deeply committed to eco-commerce while providing a stellar wine country experience for all of our guests.”

The meeting renovation has completed Phase one of a two-tiered renovation plan for the resort.  Phase two, which will apply to guest rooms, is expected to be completed in spring 2015.

About The Renaissance Lodge at Sonoma Resort & Spa Showcasing the incredible beauty of the Sonoma Valley, The Renaissance Lodge at Sonoma Resort & Spa expertly combines authentically artisan surroundings with contemporary facilities to create a haven of casual sophistication. A total of 182 guest rooms and suites, multiple dining and entertainment options (including award-winning Carneros Bistro and The Spa at Renaissance Sonoma), provide a great base from which to explore and discover California’s most popular wine country.

The Renaissance Lodge at Sonoma Resort & Spa, a member of the Marriott group, (707) 935-6600, 1325 Broadway, Sonoma, CA 95476. www.marriott.com/sfols.

About Renaissance Hotels

Renaissance Hotels encourages guests to Live Life to DiscoverSM at more than 160+ locations worldwide.   Each hotel is unique and every stay offers an opportunity to explore local discoveries exclusive to the destination.  At every hotel, Renaissance Navigators are local experts ready to assist guests in discovering local flavors and activities.  Signature entertainment events are designed to showcase emerging talent in music, the arts, culinary and more to inspire discovery. R.E.N. Meetings offers groups and experience beyond a traditional meeting rooted in creative sensory meeting design, networking events and custom curated local Navigator excursions.   At Renaissance Hotels, we work to ensure that every trip is transformed into an eye-opening, unforgettable journey. You spend your life working; you should discover the world as you go. To discover more visit www.renhotels.com.

Facebook www.facebook.com/RenHotels.  Twitter www.twitter.com/RenHotels .

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10th Annual Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show Set

Nation’s Largest Travel Show Will Feature Roster of Celebrity Expert Travel Speakers Including Samantha Brown, Rick Steves, Pauline Frommer,
Peter Greenberg and Phil Keoghan
 

(LOS ANGELES, CA) – Tens of thousands of travel enthusiasts will once again be inspired by the sights, sounds and culture of faraway destinations from across the globe as the nation’s largest consumer travel show returns to the Long Beach Convention Center on February 21 and 22.

Strategically located between L.A. and Orange County, the 10^th Annual Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show will feature a greatly expanded show floor, new features and speakers and a plethora of first time exhibitors.  Over 3,000 local travel experts from around the planet will man the exhibits to meet one-to-one with Angelinos looking for their next vacation – be it a weekend getaway, or an exotic international adventure. Over 30,000 travelers are expected to attend throughout the weekend.

Named one of Southern California’s top trade shows by BizBash, the event will feature hundreds of exhibiting companies and countries representing some of the world’s most sought-after destinations, tour offerings  and travel experiences. The Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show promises a weekend of discovery and inspiration to help travelers “dream it, plan it and book it”.  Event attendees will be able to shop exclusive travel deals, attend travel seminars on three educational stages and meet prominent travel experts.

“Southern Californians have an appetite for travel and adventure, and this show is a great way to experience the world over one weekend through the eyes of well-traveled speakers and experts from around the globe,” stated Unicomm CEO John Golicz. “It’s like walking through the world’s best travel guide.”

New for 2015, will be the introduction of the Savvy Traveler Stage, where visitors can learn the how-to tips on traveling smarter and hassle-free. The Savvy Traveler Stage will showcase the latest travel technology, provide travel safety information and teach handy travel skills. Also new this year, the Travel Product Pavilion will feature the newest and best must-have travel products and gadgets.

The Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show will also feature the largest group of celebrity travel personalities EVER assembled for a consumer show of this kind. Speakers include The Amazing Race Host, Phil Keoghan; travel icon and television personality, Peter Greenberg; Travel Channel hosts, Samantha Brown and Josh Gates; award-winning television personality and author, Rick Steves; Host of the PBS series Joseph Rosendo’s Travelscope®, Joseph Rosendo; and Editorial Director of the iconic Frommer Guides, Pauline Frommer, among many others.

Guests of all ages can enjoy a variety of interactive, family-friendly activities including a rock climbing wall, a scuba pool, the Taste of Travel Stage - a culinary demonstration stage - and the Global Beats Stage, featuring cultural performances from around the world.

At the Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show, attendees will find thousands of destination experts to help plan and customize vacations and give inside knowledge to help attendees travel like pros. Exhibitors will be available to give attendees details about travel and tours to destinations from around the world including Costa Rica, Europe, India, Mexico, Australia, Ireland, Japan, Hawaii, Africa, Turkey, Thailand, and Alaska - all offering exclusive specials and trip giveaways.

The event’s national TV media sponsor is Travel Channel.  Supporting sponsors include Rick Steves’ Europe; Taiwan Tourism Bureau; Indonesia; and Yosemite/Mariposa County Tourism Bureau.  Contributing sponsors are Japan National Tourism Organization and Thailand.   Other event sponsors include Sunset Magazine, AFAR magazine, Jetset Extra, and Los Angeles Consortium of Online Travel.

”As the only Travel Show in the greater Los Angeles metroplex, we are excited by this year’s massive show floor,” stated Golicz.  “Due to the rapid growth of attendees the last few years, we have seen over 100 new exhibitors join this event.  We have increased theater capacities, expand aisles to accommodate the crowds, and we even have a dive pool where adventurers 10 and older can try scuba diving with a dive master.  It’s a great show for families!”

This year, the show has attracted an array of new exhibitors such as Sintra-Portugal Tourism, Collette Vacations, Tokyo Tourism, Cambodia Tourism, David McGuiffin’s Exploring Europe, and many more.

The 2015 Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show^TM will take place February 21 and 22 from 10 am to 5 pm at the Long Beach Convention Center, located at 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90802.  Tickets are available now online for $11 for one day or $17 for two days (use promo code: LAPR). Children 16 and under are free.  At the door, tickets will be available, cash only, for $16 for one day and $25 for two days. For tickets and information please visit www.LATravelShow.com, email info@LATravelShow.com or call (203)878-2577.

Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show Set For Feb 21-22

The 10^th annual Los Angeles Travel & Adventure show is returning to the Long Beach Convention Center on February 21-22, 2015 as the nation’s largest travel show. This travel event will showcase over 450 exhibitors representing some of the world’s most sought-after destinations and travel experiences.

New for 2015, the travel show will introduce the Savvy Traveler Theater, where visitors can learn the how-to tips on traveling smarter and more hassle-free using the latest products and technology. Event attendees will be able to shop exclusive travel deals, attend travel seminars, and much more, including interactive family activities, culinary demonstrations and cultural performances.

National Television Media sponsor, Travel Channel, is sponsoring the event’s main travel theater where well-known travel experts and celebrities will be hosting inspiring and informative presentations. Speakers this year include Travel Channel hosts, Samantha Brown and Josh Gates, Amazing Race Host, Phil Keoghan, award-winning television personality and author, Rick Steves, Joseph Rosendo, Host of the PBS series, Joseph Rosendo’s Travelscope® and Editorial Director of the iconic Frommer Guides, Pauline Frommer, among many others.

Dates:  Saturday, February 21, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
             Sunday, February 22, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Location: Long Beach Convention Center  (Halls A/B/C)
                 300 E. Ocean Boulevard
                 Long Beach, CA 90802

Advance purchase tickets are available online for $11 for one day or $17 for two days (use promo code: LAPR).  Children 16 and under free.  At the door, tickets will be available cash only for $16 for one day and $25 for two days. For tickets and information please visit www.LAtravelshow.com or email info@travelshows.com.

UNICOMM LLC is an independent business-to-business communications company specializing in originating and managing world-class trade shows and conferences. Unicomm’s properties include the nation’s largest and longest running series of travel events, Travel & Adventure Show® in Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco Bay Area, Washington, D.C., San Diego, and Philadelphia.
 

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Take A Look At What Detroit Has To Offer

visitdetroit.com

No matter the time of year, Detroit has plenty to offer. The fall and winter seasons continue the traditions of cars, culture, gaming, music and sports. Embrace a crisp fall afternoon at Westview Orchards. Grab some cider and doughnuts and stroll through the pumpkin patches and apple trees. A petting farm and the apple shoot slide are a must for the kids. Westview is adding to the seasonal excitement, introducing a new winery this fall. Check out westvieworchards.com for information. The Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCVB) launched its Shop Greater Detroit campaign promoting greater Detroit as the perfect place for Toronto and Southern Ontario shoppers to shop and stay for the holidays. Go to shopgreaterdetroit.com to learn more about the wide variety of distinct shopping options in greater Detroit and register for a chance to win the Ultimate Detroit Experience, which includes a $500 Visa gift card, two-night hotel stay in Detroit, two theater tickets and The D Discount Pass. Contest entry ends Dec. 31, 2014 and the winner will be announced Jan. 15, 2015. Absorb the beauty of “Ordinary People by Extraordinary Artists” at the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) now-Mar. 29. Works on Paper by Degas, Renoir and friends will take you back to the end of the 19th century and the beginning of impressionism. The DIA creates experiences that help each visitor find the meaning in art. This exhibit is free with museum admission. For more details, visit dia.org The all-American exhibition, Gridiron Glory: The Best of the Pro Football Hall of Fame rushes to the Henry Ford Museum Oct. 3-Jan. 4. Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and see some of the league’s best artifacts. The Lombardi Trophy and personal authentics from Detroit’s own Barry Sanders are among the highlights. Visit thehenryford.org for event information. A must see in Hockeytown—The Detroit Red Wings. The Wings open up the season at Joe Louis Arena on Oct. 9. Skate over to redwings.nhl.com for ticket and schedule information. Enjoy a historic Halloween event this fall during Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village Oct. 10-12, 17-19 and 24-26. Walk the spooky trail illuminated by over 1,000 jack-o-lanterns and meet and greet costumed characters along the way, you might even cross paths with the Headless Horseman! Don’t worry, this kid-friendly event is nightmare free. Visit thehenryford.org for ticket information. A “merry-not-scary” celebration is in store at Zoo Boo at the Detroit Zoo during the evenings of Oct. 10-12, 17-19 and 24-26. Live entertainment, a Ghouly Games Tent, the Haunted Reptile House and the Zombie Zone are sure to keep you entertained. If you dare, take a ride on the Wild Adventure 4-D Theater. For ticket information, visit detroitzoo.org. Thousands of runners will be in Detroit on Oct. 19 for the 2014 Detroit Free Press/Talmer Bank Marathon, Half-Marathon and Marathon Relay. The 5K race will take place on Oct. 18, as will a new Kids Fun Run. The race takes you over international borders, through the “underwater mile” and covers scenes of the city that will make you wish you had your camera. Go to freepmarathon.com for more details. What better place to see “Motown the Musical” than in Motown itself? The Broadway hit comes to the Fisher Theater Oct. 21-Nov.16. Visit broadwayindetroit.com for ticket information. Box out and rebound tickets to see the Detroit Pistons this 2014-15 season. The Pistons will host the Brooklyn Nets in their regular season opener Nov. 1. The Pistons are one of eight original NBA franchises and play at The Palace of Auburn Hills. For the full season schedule and ticket information, visit detroitpistons.com Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo opens for 24 nights beginning Nov. 22. Experience the magic of the wintertime zoo scene and enjoy holiday entertainment fit for the whole family. Check out detroitzoo.org for event information. A Detroit Thanksgiving just isn’t complete without America’s Thanksgiving Parade. Line the streets of Detroit to catch a peak of the magic that unfolds Nov. 27. Watch the kids light up as Santa makes his way downtown. It’s sure to put you in the holiday spirit. For more information on the parade, visit theparade.org. Don’t miss Detroit Lions favorites Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson and Reggie Bush this football season at Ford Field. The Detroit Thanksgiving Day Game tradition takes place Nov. 27 versus the Chicago Bears. Ford Field serves as a premier football venue with one of the most supportive fan bases in the league. Visit detroitlions.com for the full season schedule and ticket information. The Detroit Opera House continues its annual holiday tradition with the return of BalletMet Columbus' production of The Nutcracker Nov. 28-30. For ticket information, visit michiganopera.org. It’s big, bright and has plenty of lights! The Big Bright Light Show returns to downtown Rochester Nov. 29. This spectacular display is unlike any other. Check it out to light up your holiday season. For more information, visit downtownrochestermi.com. Step into a Christmas from the past at Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village Dec. 5-7, 12-14, 18-23, 26-27. Capture the classic holiday spirit with lantern-lit paths, costumed presenters, horse-drawn wagons and Model T rides, plus Santa with live reindeer. Visit henryford.org for event information. More than 70 institutions will participate in the 42nd Annual Noel Night on December 6, in Detroit’s Midtown District. The Detroit Institute of Arts, the Michigan Science Center, the Detroit Historical Museum, and more, will open their doors to the public free of charge during this Cultural Center-wide holiday open house. Activities include horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday shopping, family craft activities and performances by over 200 area music, theater, and dance groups. For a complete list of participants, go to midtowndetroitinc.org. Ever wonder what happened before Dorothy was in the picture? “Wicked” at the Detroit Opera House explains why two unlikely friends become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. Shows run from Dec.9-Jan. 4.Visit michiganopera.org for ticket information. Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker heads to the Fox Theatre Dec. 21. Visit foxtheatre.org for ticket information on this North American holiday tradition. Stay connected with what’s going on in The D Get connected and stay connected with what’s going on in metro Detroit through social media. Follow Visit Detroit on Twitter and Instagram, join the conversation on Facebook and check out our videos on You Tube.

Bora Bora, Moorea and Raiatea in the Islands of Tahiti took three of the five spots in the “Top Islands” category in Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best Awards” – the magazine’s prestigious annual readers’ survey. The islands were honored in the Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific region category.

The Travel + Leisure 2014 World’s Best Awards readers’ survey reveals readers’ favorite hotels, cities, islands, cruise lines, airlines, car-rental agencies, spas, safari outfitters, and tour operators and are now listed on www.TravelandLeisure.com.

Several resorts and one cruise line from the Islands of Tahiti were recognized, including the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora in the Top 100 World’s Best Hotels category and Paul Gauguin Cruises, operator of the highest-rated and longest continually sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, the m/s Paul Gauguin, ranked number one in the World’s Best Cruise Lines/Small-Ship Cruise Lines category followed by Windstart Cruises at number three.

In the Top Lodges and Resorts in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific category, Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora came in at number two, followed by InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa and the InterContinental Moorea Resort & Spa.

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora was number one on the Top Hotel Spa in the Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific category.

Follow the Travel + Leisure 2014 World’s Best Awards conversation on Twitter with @travlandleisure #tlworldsbest.