Ever wonder what meeting planners are REALLY thinking? This is a program not to be missed by any sales person in the hospitality industry! Our panel of planning experts will provide valuable insight into such things as the effects of world politics on travel, the green issue, pricing in a down economy, effective negotiation and how to partner for future loyalty and success.

Our illustrious panel of professionals:

Patti Sacco, President, Sacco & Associates - Celebrating 10 years of independent meeting and destination management services. Past President of HSMAI. Specializing in Sales and Incentive business throughout the US, Mexico, Hawaiian Islands.

Dan Cohen, Executive Director, Arizona Roofing Contractors Association - 20+ years in meeting planning and association management. Member of the Arizona Society of Association Executives.

Jamie Cook, CMP, President, Strategic Meetings Ltd. And Strategic Meetings & Incentives, LLC - Self-employed meeting and events planner specializing in the incentive market. Past President of the Arizona Sunbelt Chapter of Meeting Professionals International.

Jodi Lee Beert, CMP

Kathi Overkamp, CMP, Manager of Special Events and Client Hospitality, US Airways - Senior level meetings and events planner for US Airways. Past President of the Arizona Sunbelt of Meeting Professionals International. and past Board Member for HSMAI.

Our May meeting is sponsored by the beautiful Eagle Mountain Golf Club located in the rugged McDowell Mountains. Guests will experience their new, enclosed, climate controlled Overlook Pavilion, offering breathtaking views of the Valley.

HSMAI will be conducting two community service projects in conjunction with this meeting:

Spring Clothing Drive for the Children's Angel Foundation Thrift Store. Clean out your closets - the store accepts anything but large appliances. Clothing and books are especially appreciated. CAF is HSMAI's "Charity of the Year" for the 11th year in a row. For more information, visit www.haciendainc.org.

Net A Life Raffle to benefit Hope 4 Kids International. This project is being coordinated by the HSMAI student members from Scottsdale Community College. The proceeds will supply mosquito netting to Ugandan orphans to protect them from the #1 killer of children in Africa … Malaria. For more information, visit www.hope4kidsinternational.org.