La Quinta Resort & Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

McLean, VA – (October 11, 2011) – Today, Hilton Worldwide Luxury Brands, in partnership with Elite Meetings International (EMI), announces the launch of Luxury Meetings magazine. This new group sales resource, which will be published annually, provides a comprehensive overview of Hilton Worldwide Luxury Brands’ properties capabilities to host meetings and events at the more than 40 existing and forthcoming locations in their Conrad Hotels & Resorts and Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts portfolios.

Debuting at IMEX America, a new global trade show for the worldwide meetings, events and incentive travel industry, this publication features property specifications and contact information with links to each hotel’s website and elitemeetings.com. Event planners can request additional information by contacting the hotel directly or by using EMI’s SpeedRFP™ “Request for Proposal” technology, which allows buyers to submit and manage their RFPs online at elitemeetings.com. In launching the magazine at IMEX America, more than 2,000 meetings and event buyers will be the first to view the resource and learn of the hotel brands’ unique luxury event offerings.

“We know efficiency and trust are the main drivers in choosing an event location,” said John T.A. Vanderslice, global head of luxury and lifestyle brands for Hilton Worldwide. “By partnering with EMI to create Luxury Meetings, we’re offering meeting and event planners, and their guests the assurance and efficiency they need and the excellence for which Conrad and Waldorf Astoria brands are renowned.”

Kelly Foy, chief executive officer of Elite Meetings International, added, “Combining the power of print and game-changing RFP technology provides a complete sales and marketing solution for Hilton Worldwide Luxury Brands, and an extremely informative and user-friendly resource for buyers.”

In addition, Hilton Worldwide Luxury Brands will be conducting customer group presentations about the brands’ luxury destinations and meeting capabilities in booth #1655 at IMEX America. Sonya Toliver Irby, director of brand sales of luxury and lifestyle brands for Hilton Worldwide and Annette Dhein, vice president of hilton luxury sales will be on hand to meet with key customers and attendees throughout the three-day trade show. Twenty-one of the Conrad and Waldorf Astoria properties from 10 different countries will have presence at the trade show. Attendees will be amongst the first to learn about offerings at select Hilton Worldwide Luxury Brands upcoming property openings including the Conrad New York and Conrad Macao.

Copies of Luxury Meetings will be available to review at IMEX America located at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada from October 11 – 13, 2011. To download a digital version or to request a hard copy, visit www.waldorfastoriaglobalmediacenter.com or www.conradglobalmediacenter.com.
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About Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
WALDORF ASTORIA is Hilton Worldwide’s luxury brand of landmark hotels, with each one as singular and timeless as the brand’s namesake, The Waldorf=Astoria Hotel in New York. From classic elegance to modern grandeur, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts each represent worldly sophistication and unparalleled guest service. From sumptuous spas and culinary excellence to world-class golf, each hotel and resort offers the exquisite accommodations and signature accoutrements that define refinement and sophistication. Discover Waldorf Astoria by visiting www.waldorfastoria.com. Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is one of Hilton Worldwide’s ten market-leading brands.

About Conrad Hotels & Resorts
CONRAD® HOTELS & RESORTS is Hilton Worldwide’s global luxury brand and the choice for today’s modern, sophisticated traveler. By focusing on the individual, Conrad offers guests genuine and personalized experience and a world of style, service and connection. Each Conrad is a dynamic reflection of its city and culture, as well as a showcase for striking design and distinct surroundings. Across five continents, in the world’s gateway cities and most sought-after resort destinations, Conrad invites each guest to enjoy The Luxury Of Being Yourself®. For information on Conrad, please visit www.conradhotels.com.


About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 93 years, Hilton Worldwide has been offering business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,750 hotels and timeshare properties, with 615,000 rooms in 85 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®. For more information about the company, visit www.HiltonWorldwide.com or connect with Hilton Worldwide at www.HiltonWorldwideGlobalMediaCenter.com.

About Elite Meetings International
Based in Santa Barbara, California, Elite Meetings International (EMI) provides integrated solutions to enhance the performance of meeting and hospitality professionals. EMI supports this community through a combination of innovative technology, direct sales support, customized marketing programs and face-to-face business-building events. Additionally, www.EliteMeetings.com serves as a commission-free RFP-generating tool and a comprehensive vehicle for sourcing luxury, upper-upscale and upscale properties. EMI's innovations include FaceTime™ Appointment Scheduler (www.FaceTimeScheduler.com) a sought-after program for helping conference attendees identify synergies, manage appointments and make direct connections with one another; and SpeedRFP™ (www.SpeedRFP.com), a new time-saving product for creating, submitting, and managing RFPs online. For additional information, please visit www.EliteMeetings.com or call 805-730-1000.

LA QUINTA, Calif., Nov. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Tom Gorman, a world-renowned tennis player and successful Davis Cup captain, has been named Director of Tennis of the legendary La Quinta Resort & PGA West(TM) in the Palm Springs desert area.

Gorman was one of the founding tennis professionals that originally developed La Quinta Resort's award-winning tennis program in the late 1970s. Consistently ranked by Tennis Magazine as one of the "top tennis resorts in the United States," La Quinta Resort offers 23 hard and clay tennis courts, an all-star lineup of USPTA certified instructors and a fully stocked pro shop. In addition, PGA West offers 19 total courts, including four grass, thirteen hard and two clay.

"We are happy to welcome Tom 'home' to La Quinta Resort & PGA West," said Ralph Vick, managing director. "He is a true champion and his vast knowledge of all aspects of the game will propel La Quinta's award-winning tennis program to new heights."

Gorman's illustrious career began as a two-time NCAA All-American followed by 12 years competing on the ATP tour. He was a singles semi-finalist at the U.S. Open, Wimbledon, and the French Open. Tom played on the U.S. Davis Cup team for four years, including the championship team in 1972. Tom has career wins over former top-ranked Bjorn Borg and Jimmy Connors in final round tournament play.

After retiring, Tom parlayed his tennis talents into coaching and he led the U.S. Women's Wightman Cup and Federation Cup teams in 1984 and 1985. In 1986, Tom was named the U.S. Men's David Cup Captain and Coach, a position he held for eight years. During that time, he was also selected as coach of the U.S. Men's Olympic Tennis team in Seoul, Korea and Barcelona, Spain.

The highlight of coaching the Davis Cup teams was first winning the Davis Cup World Championship title in 1990 against Australia and then again in 1992 defeating Switzerland with the "Dream Team," consisting of Andre Agassi, John McEnroe, Pete Sampras and Jim Courier. In 2001, Tom and Chilean Jaime Fillol won the Senior Masters Double title at the U.S. Open.

A Seattle native, Tom graduated from Seattle University.

La Quinta Resort & Club(R) and PGA WEST(R): A Haven for Relaxation Celebrating more than 82 years, La Quinta Resort & Club, part of "The Waldorf=Astoria Collection," is a legendary resort destination that has reigned over the picturesque Palm Springs area in the city of La Quinta with grace and charm since 1926. The Hollywood hideaway is located in a spectacular setting among orange and lemon groves at the base of the majestic Santa Rosa Mountains. Guests enjoy 90 holes of championship golf on five legendary courses at the resort and PGA WEST(R); 23 tennis courts; the 23,000-square-foot Spa La Quinta(R), 41 pools and 53 hot spas; exceptional cuisine at AZUR, TWENTY 6 and Adobe Grill; and The Plaza -- two stories of shops and restaurants surrounded by flowers, waterfalls and winding paths. Many consider this a home away from home with all the comforts and modern conveniences, including high-speed Internet access and wireless Internet service throughout ballrooms, pools, cabanas and public areas. La Quinta Resort & Club is located at 49-499 Eisenhower Drive, La Quinta, California 92253. For further information and reservations, call 800.598.3828 or http://www.laquintaresort.com.