San Diego has been selected as the site for the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) 2012 Annual Meeting, which will take place at the San Diego Convention Center, January 8-12. This prestigious industry event will attract the leading association, corporate and independent meeting planners and is an important opportunity to showcase the region as a future meeting and convention destination. Bringing PCMA to San Diego in 2012 was a joint effort between the San Diego Convention Center Corporation, the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau, Gaylord Hotels and the entire hospitality community. The last time the group held their annual meeting in San Diego was in 1996. “We’re honored to be selected as the site for PCMA’s 2012 Annual Meeting. The bid was a joint effort that included all of our hospitality partners, and we plan on rolling out the red carpet to impress PCMA with all our destination has to offer,” said Carol Wallace, San Diego Convention Center Corporation president and CEO. “Since PCMA was last here, we’ve doubled our building size and the Gaslamp Quarter has been transformed into a unique urban environment with exciting new hotels, restaurants and a wide array of entertainment options, all just across the street from the Convention Center.” “San Diego’s outstanding reputation as a premiere meetings and leisure travel destination is known the world over,” said David Peckinpaugh, president and CEO of the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau. “PCMA’s selection of San Diego to host its gathering in 2012 is testimonial to San Diego’s prominence and position as a highly preferred destination among professional meeting planners.” “On behalf of Gaylord Hotels, we are very excited and honored to be a part of hosting the PCMA Annual Meeting here in San Diego in 2012. As a hospitality company committed to serving meeting planners and their attendees, we know our customers are very much drawn to the strengths and attractions of the San Diego area. Gaylord’s continued interest in this leading market underscores our commitment to this special partnership,” said Mike Mason, senior vice president sales and marketing, Gaylord Hotels. The San Diego region has emerged as one of the world’s most energetic and progressive meeting destinations. Besides year round sunshine and beautiful beaches, PCMA attendees will find some of the region’s best dining, world-class attractions and entertainment. In the past ten years, dozens of new downtown restaurants, rooftop bars, clubs, boutiques and galleries have been added including the new Children’s Museum San Diego, the USS Midway Museum and PETCO Park, home to MLB’s San Diego Padres. San Diego is also more accommodating than ever with 11,400 rooms within walking distance of the Convention Center. Additionally, Gaylord Hotels is currently working with the City of Chula Vista, located approximately 6 miles south of downtown San Diego, and the San Diego Unified Port District on bringing a world-class hotel and convention center to the Chula Vista bayfront. It is scheduled to open in 2013. The San Diego Convention Center Corporation is a public benefit corporation created by the City of San Diego. The Corporation is exclusively responsible for marketing, managing and operating the Convention Center. In its 19-year history, the Center has generated nearly $15.2 billion in economic impact, over $309.8 million in tax revenues and continues to serve as San Diego’s premier gathering place. The San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau is a private, non-profit, mutual benefit corporation composed of approximately 1,100 member organizations, businesses, local governments, and individuals seeking a better community through the visitor industry. San Diego CVB members include tourism-related entities in such categories as lodging, dining, arts & attractions, shopping, and transportation, among others, as well as other companies indirectly involved in the visitor industry. Formerly known as Opryland Hotels and Resorts, Gaylord Hotels is a pioneer in the hotel and convention industry. By developing resorts and convention centers in the nation’s most desirable event destinations, they provide meeting planners and guests with everything they need under one roof. From state-of-the-art meeting facilities to world-class entertainment and on-site attractions and recreation, they offer convenience, service, productivity and security. # # #
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