It's 75 degrees back home in Hawaii, and our Spirit of Aloha team is eager to share the warmth of the islands and the aloha spirit as we continue the tour toward the East Coast. Although we must admit we're still getting acclimated to the brisk and chilly winter here in Minneapolis, bringing Hawaii to each doorstep has been an exciting journey. And today is no exception. Here's our six-step recipe for bringing Hawaii to you!
Step 1: Add three performing hula dancers, one bass guitarist and a guitarist for lively entertainment.
Here are the Polynesian Cultural Center entertainers performing 'auana (modern) hula for the Carlson Marketing team.
Step 2: Bring a favorite Hawaii food or keepsake to share and pass along.
Here we are with Carlson Marketing's meeting department, one of our top group customers. Can you spot SI (Shave Ice)?
Step 3: Present fresh, dendrobium orchid lei with a loving honi (kiss) on the cheek.
Here's Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa General Manager Chris Tatum and Marriott Resorts Hawaii Area Director of Sales and Marketing Mark Barnes (two on the left) chatting with associates from Docherty Incentives, a long-time group partner for Marriott in Hawaii.
Step 4: Mix in shaka signs and smiles.
Here we are with the Docherty team in front of our bus in 29-degree temperature... and dropping!
Step 5: Blend with great company.
Tonight we had a wonderful dinner at The St. Paul Grill with CHS, which books through Prestige Resorts & Destinations, Ltd. CHS just completed their incentive program at Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa last month in early January 2009. They had a very successful event at the beachfront Hawaii hotel and are considering returning to Hawaii in 2012 to Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa on Maui. Here's Mr. and Mrs. Lyndon Johnson, Jenny Mamer-Bohn, and Jessica with CHS, as well as Doug Peterson with Prestige Resorts & Destinations. They considered this a celebration dinner with good friends.
Step 6: Add a dash of fun, stay warm and hana hou (repeat)!!
Braving the cold and wind chill outdoors, the Polynesian Cultural Center team is always ready to meet and entertain our new friends along the tour!
-- Marriott's Spirit of Aloha Tour team
