I don’t see it listed in their press section yet, but the Convention Industry Council just sent around a press release announcing the latest additions to its Hall of Leaders, and our very own  Virgina Lofft is one of the just six being honored next year! The honorees will be inducted at the 2006 Hall of Leaders Gala on August 20,
2006 in Boston (I hope I can go).

She’s joined in the honor by Bill Boyd, CITE, CMP, CMM, President/ CEO
of Sunbelt Motivation and Travel, Inc.; Bob Dallmeyer, President, R.D.
International; J. Frank Poe, Director, City of Dallas Convention
& Event Services Department; Mickey Schaefer, CAE, President, Mickey Schaefer
& Associates, LLC; and Carl Thompson, Executive Director, Society of
Government Meeting Professionals.

The first time I met Virginia was at my very first RCMA conference, where I was hastily trying to learn how to put out a show daily newspaper. Unfortunately, I had caught some kind of bug and was about to collapse in a fevered pile of wretchedness. She was so kind, and offered to help out while I crawled off to my room for some chicken soup. How could I help but really like her right off the bat? And it’s nice to see not one but two women being inducted in ‘06–for such a predominantly female field, it’s always surprising to me how few get the high honors, and Virginia and Mickey most definitely deserve it. Congrats to all six!

Gary the Sabre Geek and his work group have been busy putting together some interesting travel-related applications, and they’re looking for some feedback. To learn more about these prototypes for group travel, fare trends, and flight info, visit the Playground (click on the app’s title to get to the actual program, then you can give them your opinion via survey, blog comment, or e-mail).

I just checked out the fare trends program, and it could be useful for meeting planners who have some flexibility on their dates. Be curious to know what you all think of it.