Florida Agenda

Next Stop … Brazil!

By BOB KECSKEMETY

WILTON MANORS, FL – The International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) finished their 2011 convention in Ft. Lauderdale/Wilton Manors in what the organization refers to as being a huge success.

IGLTA President and CEO John Tanzella, after returning from a U.S. Travel Association Pow Wow event which included tour operators, travel media, hotels and others involved in the travel industry, said that he couldn’t be more pleased with the results. The annual convention, with portions being held in both Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors, drew 507 delegates from 35 countries, coming from as far as South Africa and Australia to see what the Greater Fort Lauderdale area has to offer.

And what was the impression Fort Lauderdale made on the delegates? “It was extremely positive,” said Tanzella. “In fact, many of the attendees said they wanted to move here.”

The Annual Global Convention was held for five days, from May 10th through 15th. Each year there is a different education theme. This year’s education theme was marketing. Tanzella reported that there was a special emphasis placed this year on using online marketing techniques. He stated that there were representatives from Trip Advisor and Google, along with other presenters, explaining new trends and how businesses, big and small, can reach gay and lesbian travelers.

“Every year there seems to be more and more online marketing,” said Tanzella. “I think that LGBT travelers in particular tend to be more internet savvy, and so you need to reach them using the internet, social media, etc., to reach them versus some of the more historical ways of reaching travelers. So, even if you’re a travel agency, you still might not have people walking into your travel agency the way they did in the ‘80s, but you can market your travel agency on places like Twitter and Facebook to draw clients and easily connect your clients with the marketplace.”

Globally, it is estimated that gays and lesbians spend a total of $75-billion a year on everything from airlines and hotels to tours and complete vacation packages. Brazil, explained Tanzella, is extremely popular right now, as is New York City. He added that Capetown, South Africa, and Sydney, Australia, are also very popular, but the Greater Fort Lauderdale area always places in the top-ten in popularity. Next year’s convention will be held in Brazil.

Tanzella said the public consumer show, which was held on Friday, May 13th at Hagen Park behind the Wilton Manors City Hall, was the most popular event drawing thousands of locals from as far away as Miami. Those attending the consumer show saw exhibits from different travel destinations and businesses involved in the travel industry. That evening, there was also a concert by Kristine W., which was organized by the Rainbow Business Coalition of Greater Fort Lauderdale. The RBC also helped in marketing the entire event. “It was a fantastic night,” said Tanzella.

“This was the largest convention we’ve had so far,” said Tanzella. “Each year it seems to get bigger and bigger, but the previous record was the Las Vegas convention, which was held in 2008.” Tanzella also added that it was the largest convention held in Fort Lauderdale in regards to international delegates.

Tanzella credits much of this year’s success to the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau, Wilton Manors Mayor Gary Resnick and to the Rainbow Business Coalition. Broward County Mayor Sue Gunzburger was on hand to welcome the delegates and dignitaries from Washington, D.C., flew in to welcome the international delegates.

Delta Airlines, the Brazilian airline TAM and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau were huge sponsors, explained Tanzella, but they also had sponsorships from different regions in Brazil in preparation of next year’s convention. Tanzella also appreciated the support the IGLTA convention received from local businesses like the Sawgrass Mills Mall, The Manor and Tropics, but indicated that the support received from the Rainbow Business Coalition was huge.

The IGLTA moved their international headquarters from Fort Lauderdale to N.E. 26 Street in Wilton Manors last August.

LGBT Greater Fort Lauderdale:  The Future is in Your Hands

Part 6 of 6

By BOBBY BLAIR & CLIFF DUNN

“The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion.”
– Abraham Lincoln

“We few, we happy few, we band of brothers…”
– William Shakespeare, Henry V

One of the last century’s great economists said that good ideas have to be relearned anew by each successive generation. Those of us in LGBT media know (and often quote the stats) that most gay men and women prefer to buy products from, or do business with, businesses and companies that support LGBT causes and that do outreach through various LGBT-themed media forms.

But there is an inverse side to these numbers.

A now-infamous Web posting that went semi-viral last year concerned the owner of a short-lived Wilton Manors business who announced his store’s swansong on his business’ site with a posting that was more accusatory than informative [“We were here for you.”]. To further drive home the none-too-subtle point, the message states, with finality and a tone that is sweeping in its indictment: “Due to the lack of business and SUPPORT from ‘our community’ the [business] has no toher (sic) choice but to close!”

The haranguing tone of the post notwithstanding, it is hard not to sympathize with the sense of disappointment that was surely conveyed: part Jeremiad, part cry for help, part reminder that we are all of us to some degree or other in this thing together.

In Wilton Manors over the past 18 months, 17 businesses have closed their doors; as many as 10 more are projected to do likewise in the next few months. And many owners are facing the possibility of forced relocation for their businesses in response to what they perceive as egregious increases in their rent by landlords with unknown agendas.

And yet, business remains an exercise in cooperation. This involves, to a large degree, getting large numbers of strangers to trust one another.

It means persuading large numbers of people – bosses and employees, stockholders and suppliers, to say nothing of customers – to work together towards a common purpose.

The Rainbow Business Coalition (RBC) of Greater Fort Lauderdale began as a group of likeminded business owners and community leaders who wanted to pool their individual ideas and best practices (hence the original working name, the “Think Tank”) in cooperation to achieve mutual goals.

“The RBC endorses, sponsors, and promotes opportunities that benefit business,” offers Reece Darham, owner of Island City Health & Fitness in Wilton Manors and the current chair of RBC. “Sometimes an opportunity may be to promote a type of industry; sometimes an opportunity may be to promote across the business spectrum.”

In its sophomore year, the group has been granted such an opportunity The International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association’s (IGLTA) decision to hold its 28th Annual Global Convention in Greater Fort Lauderdale represents an important short term economic fix that could bestow the benefits of long term, sustainable business opportunities.

The Convention, which began on Tuesday, May 10, will include seminars and meetings for IGLTA members, as well as a number of events for delegates to interact with Greater Fort Lauder-dale’s gay locals and scene. The largest of these is expected to be Friday’s Consumer Trade Show in Hagen Park, next to Wilton Manors City Hall. The Trade Show, which runs from 6 to 10 p.m., will befollowed by a free live concert featuring Billboard recording artist Kristine W.

By Darham’s best guess, “the IGLTA convention is estimated to bring in $1.3 million in the short week they are here, and has the potential to generate millions more in the months and years to come.”

He recognizes, too, the long term impact to the entire area. “As a Travel and Tourism convention,” he notes, “this is even more salient for Fort Lauderdale in that we are a tourism destination and many, if not most, businesses rely on the additional influx of tourism dollars in season to carry those businesses in the off-season.”

Both the Trade Show and concert have been underwritten by the RBC, which translated means its member business owners, and in some instances sponsors who have donated cash, product, or both. Darham insists that the owner/members have given “each according to his or ability,” and cites as standouts Jackson Padgett and Mark Negrete, owners of Georgie’s Alibi and Bill’s in Wilton Manors, who absorbed the costs for the concert and entertainers, including travel expenses, as well as Ken Kelley and Lloyd Pagels, the owners of Scandals Saloon in Wilton Manors and The Stable in Oakland Park.

“I don’t think Jackson knows the meaning of ‘no’,” Darham laughs. “Ken and Lloyd have been tremendous: not only will they be donating $3,500 in beer, but they have also secured Barefoot Winery as the wine sponsor.” He adds: “They will be the alcohol vendors for the event, giving the RBC 100% of all proceeds from sales.”

Darham notes that Brown Forman Brands, makers of Chambord Vodka, “also gave a $3,000 cash donation and an additional $1,500 in-kind donation to the event and will be the sponsor of the VIP tent for the IGLTA delegates.”

The business and community leaders who are investing their time, energies, and a-not-inconsiderable amount of money in the enterprise are upbeat and optimistic.

“With so many nations represented at the convention, this event may very well secure Fort Lauderdale as a premier gay destination of choice for international traveler,” says Scandals’ Kelley. “We have a unique opportunity to let the world know that Florida is not just Miami. The potential economic impact will hopefully be realized, not just during this weekend, but for many years to come.”

The Alibi’s Padgett agrees. “I believe the community will begin seeing some immediate financial influx of international dollars being spent over the next several months, but more importantly over the years to come.”

In the end, how the community responds to this unique opportunity to meet new friends from exotic places and encourage them to make Fort Lauderdale a regular part of their – and their clients’ – travel plans will determine in large measure what the long-term payoffs will be.  As Dr. Seuss wrote: “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who’ll decide where to go.” Another good idea it’s time to relearn.

Fort Lauderdale Welcomes the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association Convention.

Right now, the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGTLA) is holding their annual convention in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area including Wilton Manors. Fort Lauderdale beat out Philadelphia, Chicago and New York for the right to hold the convention in this area this year.

“I want to welcome all the IGLTA delegates to South Florida and Wilton Manors and we’re thrilled to have them here,” said Gary Resnick, Mayor of Wilton Manors. “It’s a very important convention for our community and it should do wonders for our local economy. We’re thrilled our area was chosen and it’s a wonderful opportunity for us.”

Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler added by saying, “I feel that everyone should feel welcome to Fort Lauderdale and that’s the message I’ve been spreading since I became mayor — that all segments of tourism should feel welcome. I think we’ve come a long way and I think we’ve shown that gay and lesbian tourism is a very healthy segment of our market and I hope they have a great stay while they’re here and I hope they continue to come back.”

The same sentiments were expressed by Oakland Park Mayor Suzanne Boisvenue, whose city will be the home of the new G-Resort, just one of a national chain of gay hotel resorts. “I think it’s great that they’re coming and Oakland Park will do everything they can to make them feel happy and welcome.”

Richard Gray, of the Royal Palms Resort, approached Nicki Grossman, President and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau, in 2009. (Gray also sits on the CVB.) The convention was previously held in Fort Lauderdale in 2001 and Gray felt that much has changed since then. Grossman and then Broward County Commissioner Ken Keechl went to the IGTLA board meeting in Dallas to make their presentation. Fort Lauderdale won the bid.

“I think it’s extremely important to have the convention here,” said Gray.

“It showcases the destination internationally. This year, IGTLA has representation from about 35 countries and I think that international representation is very important. It’s also important that you are getting the ‘Who’s-Who’ of gay and lesbian travel to attend the IGTLA convention.”

The business owners are also thrilled to have the convention in Fort Lauderdale this year.

“I think it’s a positive for Fort Lauderdale, as well as Wilton Manors,” said Roger Handevidt, owner of Orton Terrace guest house on Fort Lauderdale beach. “The travel agents and tour operators that are coming are going to see the number one gay and lesbian vacation destination in all of North America. When you talk to travel agents and you talk to travel writers, they will tell you they believe this is the number one destination in all of North America. It’s a
positive thing for all of us.”

“I think that it is paramount that Wilton Manors and Fort Lauderdale be recognized around the world as one of the leading cities when it comes to a united gay and lesbian community that shows compassion and welcomes every international body to enjoy that special gift that we here enjoy on a day-to-day basis,” said Jackson Padgett, who, along with his partner, Mark Negrette, own Georgie’s Alibi and Bill’s on Wilton Drive. “We have wonderful community, restaurants and bars; we have wonderful beaches and culture and everything they can get in any larger metropolitan city and I think it’s wonderful that we have now been recognized on an international level by bringing the convention to this town.”

Padgett and Negrette sponsored the Kristine W. concert. She will be performing for the delegates and area residents this Friday evening, May 13th, at Hagen Park in Wilton Manors. Earlier in the day, Hagen Park will host a trade show for the delegates and locals featuring tour operators, airlines, hotels and other facets of the travel and tourism industry. Much of the other events are being sponsored by the CVB.

The Rainbow Business Coalition (RBC), a group of local gay-owned businesses, has volunteered their time, businesses and staff to work alongside the IGLTA with tasks such as registration, organizing and hosting parties for the delegates.

Tour operators and travel agents have been shown around the city and they also have time on their own so they can do their own exploring of the area.

“I believe they are really working toward making things proper. These people come because they want to learn, not that they want to party. They are more interested in business itself,” said Handevidt.

Of course, each mayor is particularly proud of their own city.

“Everybody should feel welcome to the City of Fort Lauderdale,” said Seiler. “Every group is appreciated in the City of Fort Lauderdale. We are a tourist-based town, we have a very successful tourist-based system and I, for one, am very grateful that an organization such as this desired to come to Fort Lauderdale.”

“Wilton Manors offers everything for the LGBT community: Shops and restaurants, recreational amenities, nightlife, close proximity to the beaches and a lot of cultural events,” said Resnick. “It’s really the perfect spot for any LGBT person looking for a vacation destination. In Wilton Manors, we are a very open and accepting society where no one thinks twice about two men or two women walking hand-in-hand down the street. Wilton Manors is a place where LGBT people can be themselves, enjoy themselves and feel comfortable doing so.”

All three mayors thanked the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau for assisting in luring the IGLTA convention to the area.

But have the delegates been impressed with the Greater Fort Lauderdale area thus far?

“From what I’ve seen so far, people are impressed,” said Gray. “I think people are always surprised at Fort Lauderdale and that it’s not [as] crazy as Miami. They are surprised that the ocean and beach are so close to the road. Everyone I’ve been showing around has just loved it and is so surprised on how gay Fort Lauderdale really is. I think that’s always one of the biggest surprises.”

IGLTA: Countdown to Convention.     Part 5 of a Six Part Series

“If it were not for guests all houses would be graves.” Kahlil Gibran

With less than one week remaining until the start of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association’s (IGLTA) 28th Annual Convention, called “Unleashed,” Greater Fort Lauderdale’s LGBT-owned businesses are putting their final touches together in preparation for what is hoped to be a successful event, one that will pay dividends long after the attendees have returned to their respective cities and countries.

While many business owners are aware that the impact to their bottom lines may not be felt until sometime in the future – Realtors®, for example, who may reap the rewards through rental lease agreements and the prospect of future sales – food service and hospitality businesses are hoping for the immediate returns that a successful, well-attended convention and its collateral events will engender.

The dual goals of this sort of short-term/long-range strategy require the dexterity of a goat navigating a treacherously narrow mountain path. While the delegates to the IGLTA Convention and their guests attend lectures

and seminars, bar and restaurant owners will be planning for the weekend of May 13 through 15, when the largest number of visitors will be flowing into their establishments.

“Every business, whether specifically involved in this event or not, will realize some benefits from this convention,” insists Ken Kelley, co-owner of Scandals Saloon and The Stable. “This is a most unique opportunity for all of us to showcase our city and our diversity.”

The Rainbow Business Coalition (RBC) of Greater Fort Lauderdale has led the charge in making preparations for one of the largest planned events of the convention, the Friday May 13 Consumer Trade Show and Concert, both of which will be held at Hagen Park in Wilton Manors.

The Trade Show – a highlight of IGLTA’s 27 past global Conventions – is an opportunity for the delegates to promote their businesses to Greater Fort Lauderdale’s LGBT community.

According to John Tanzella, President and CEO of IGLTA, “this year’s travel-themed Consumer Trade Show is particularly dynamic thanks to the support of the RBC, which joined forces with IGLTA to produce the free expo in the heart of Wilton Manors.”

Beginning at 6 p.m., residents and visitors will interact with IGLTA members from Brazil, Germany, Argentina, the United Kingdom, Japan, France, Spain, Canada, Peru, South Africa, Australia and other countries, representing a variety of travel-related industries, including tour operators, hoteliers, destination resorts and communities, airlines and travel agents.

The organizers had originally planned a Parade of Flags on Wilton Drive, but the logistics of closing down the city’s main thoroughfare and getting the delegates to and from their expo booths was considered too time-consuming, so the decision was made to concentrate on producing the most successful expo possible. Immediately following the Trade Show, attendees will be treated to a free concert by Billboard recording artist Kristine W. That performance is expected to begin at 10 p.m., and has been underwritten in its entirety by Jackson Padgett and Mark Negrete, owners of Georgie’s Alibi and Bill’s.

Says Padgett: “It is my hope that we can show the IGLTA that we are a united community that strives to be kind, welcoming, compassionate, empathic and generous to all.”

Gay-owned bars and restaurants throughout Greater Fort Lauderdale are anticipating new guests who they hope to turn into friends, and potential returning patrons.

“I hope our visitors go back home only to recommend to their clients and colleagues to visit one of Fort Lauderdale’s most unique gay sports bars,” says Jennifer Morales, Director of Marketing at Sidelines Sports Bar in Wilton Manors. “Sidelines will do our very best to welcome the IGLTA delegates and we hope our loyal customers also come out during this time to meet new friends and enjoy the diversity we all enjoy as gay men and women,” she adds.

With so many businesses competing for a narrow market share, there has been no shortage of naysayers and critics pointing to the difficulties of bringing so many owners, and their divergent agendas, to the table for a common purpose.

“Over the years, there have been a number of attempts to unite businesses to reach a common goal,” notes Scandals’ Kelley. “That goal, of course, is for all of us to achieve the maximum success for our business. Those attempts have not been successful until the RBC. While we still have a way to go to truly be united, the RBC has made tremendous strides in bringing us all together.”

“The RBC was established to do just that,” agrees Padgett. “Open up communications between our community businesses in hopes to unite them, rather than allow the persistent separation by rumor and innuendo designed to do nothing but create a divided community and fuel hate and pain.”

Does this mean that the Age of Miracles has arrived in the gayborhood? Offers Kelley: “The fact that a group of bar owners will sit in the same room and discuss how we can all work together for our common good is quite remarkable.”