For more information, please contact:
Maritz Inc. - 636-827-3931
Caila R. Coughlin, caila.coughlin@maritz.com
M. Silver Associates - 212-754-6500
Michael J. LaCosta, michael@msilver-pr.com
Gina Iovino, gina@msilver-pr.com
Maria Ronan, maria@msilver-pr.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARITZ RELOCATES ANNUAL CONFERENCE TO NEW ORLEANS
Maritz’s New Orleans Experience Will Help Rebuild City and Promote to Travel, Meetings and Incentives Industries
ST. LOUIS (January 24, 2006) - As a global authority in the travel, meetings and incentives industries, Maritz Inc. announced today its commitment to help re-establish New Orleans as a leading, thriving and vital destination by relocating its global sales conference from its headquarters in St. Louis. Additionally, members of the Maritz sales force will personally experience New Orleans, empowering them to act as a catalyst in driving business back to the bayou.
“Maritz is committed to New Orleans because we want to support our industry colleagues who have been working so hard to bring their city back, and to show our delegates and our customers that New Orleans is open for business,” said Steve Maritz, chairman of the board and CEO of Maritz.
From May 23-26, 2006, more than 350 of Maritz’ business leaders and sales professionals from across the United States, Canada and Europe will unite in New Orleans for strategic discussions, planning and celebrations, all the while visiting the signature attractions of New Orleans, from the French Quarter to the arts/warehouse district. The impact of Maritz will be felt throughout the city by the hotel room bookings at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, the meals at signature restaurants and the multitude of venues that will play host to various portions of the conference.
“While other convention sponsors have agreed not to back out of their pre-Katrina plans, Maritz is doing something altogether bolder,” Maritz said. “We purposefully are moving to New Orleans our annual May global sales conference, which originally was slated to take place in our home city. We don’t need to do it; nobody’s expecting us to do it. As the world’s leader in incentive travel, Maritz is signaling the support of the New Orleans’ rebuilding effort by investing our company’s dollars toward the rebirth of the New Orleans tourism business.”
While the Maritz Annual Conference will make a one-time impact this May, the company’s sales force has the capacity to impact thousands as they act as a conduit to revitalize the meetings and incentives industries in New Orleans by sharing first-hand experiences with their customers.
“New Orleans has always been there for the travel industry as a wonderful host to many corporations and individuals. Now it is time for the travel industry to give back,” Maritz said. “This will be good for the workers, good for the economy. Maritz being there is going to make a difference.”
Upon learning of Maritz’ commitment to relocate its global sales conference from its hometown to New Orleans, Stephen Perry, president and CEO of the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitor Bureau, enthusiastically stated, “This is more than just a new conference location, Maritz will be a crucial part of the rebirth of a unique American city; and we thank them for sending a powerful message to the travel, meetings and incentives industries.”
About Maritz Inc.
Maritz Inc., based in St. Louis, is ranked No. 166 on the most recent Forbes list of 500 Biggest Private Companies. Maritz provides market and customer research, learning solutions, communications, incentive initiatives, meetings and event management, rewards and recognition, travel management services, and customer loyalty programs. Maritz has key offices in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Spain. For more information, visit the Web site www.maritz.com.