Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts has something for all groups

With five oceanfront resort properties spread between Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach, you’re sure to find one that fits your needs at Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts. You can select your accommodations with confidence as the properties continually receive high marks from guests and are always found in the Top 10 on Trip Advisor.

“Each of the properties is known for our signature ‘Cruise Ship” look”, stated Jennifer Morse, director of sales Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts. “That South Beach feature combines with specialty towel animals and designs,” Morse continued. The full-suite experience is great for the guest and pricing comparable to area room rates will certainly please the tour operator.

Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts is group friendly and the staff takes great pride in providing first class service for their guests. A welcome reception features freshly baked cookies, while check-in and baggage are being handled. “Our group sales office is happy to assist with tour planning, recommending the area’s top attractions, shows, restaurants and activities,” Morse continued.

Both adult groups and student/youth groups make the Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts properties their Myrtle Beach area headquarters. Located in the most convenient and popular areas of the Grand Strand, each property is located within a short drive of all the area has to offer.

From superb accommodations and wonderful amenities to genuine hospitality and group service, the Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts family is perfect for all groups. Make one of the Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts properties your Myrtle Beach headquarters. Begin by visiting online at www.MyrtleBeachSeasideResorts.com. You can e-mail groupsales@mbseasideresorts.com or telephone 866-689-9120.

Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse welcomes groups with hospitality

“It is just part of the Brazilian culture to treat visitors to their restaurant as though they were guests in their home,” stated Charlotte Bruton, Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse marketing manager. “Our guests are truly guests and their needs are our top priority,” she continued.

If you’ve never experienced a Churrascaria and Brazilian culture, you are encouraged to do so. The tradition began in the early 1800s in Southern Brazil by cowboys, or Gauchos. For their “churrasco” barbecues they would dig a pit and slowly grill large pieces of meat over hot wood burning embers. Using their knives the tender portions were sliced from the skewed meats.

Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse proudly continues this tradition with wood grilled offerings served tableside, known as rodizio-style dining. Fifteen different cuts of beef, pork, lamb and chicken are offered. Adapting to their seaside surroundings, shrimp has been added to the offerings. Additionally, an extensive salad bar provides a variety of fresh cut vegetables, salads, seafood and side dishes. Beverage and a light dessert are included for groups.

For your entrée signal your friendly Gauchos to bring skewers of sizzling meats to your table by flipping the green side of your token up. Until you’re ready again indicate No Thank You by turning up the red side of your token. If you decide you want more, simply flip back to green.

Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse is open 7-days a week at 4:00 PM. Plan to allow at least 1.5-hours for your dining experience. A limited luncheon menu for a minimum of 50 guests is available with advance reservations. Upon request a private dining area is available for groups.

Arrange for your group to enjoy this truly wonderful dining and cultural experience by calling 843-839-0777, rioz@tbonz.com or visit online for more information at www.rioz.com.

Supplier Spotlight - Legends In Concert celebrating 15-years with style

“We’re thrilled to be celebrating our 15^th season along the Grand Strand,” stated Anne Eckenrode, director of group sales, Legends In Concert. “What really has us excited is to be introducing so many new things in 2010,” Eckenrode continued.

 It just seems logical to begin with the performers in what has become known as the “World’s Greatest Live Tribute Show.” On March 19, 1995 the opening line-up for Legends In Concert Myrtle Beach included Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Dolly Parton, The Blues Brothers, Reba McEntire and Neil Diamond. Many of those favorites will perform in 2010, but for the first time ever on the Myrtle Beach stage, visitors will see tributes to Martina McBride, Conway Twitty and The Beatles! Also, for the month of July only, Michael Jackson “The King of Pop” will be entertaining Myrtle Beach audiences.

A host of new performers is just a beginning for the show that has entertained more than 16 million fans worldwide… and counting. Legends In Concert at Myrtle Beach is delighted to announce that Steve Fairchild has assumed the position of production manager. Fairchild has been with Legends for 10-years performing as Garth Brooks. “I am excited to assume the production manager role and anxious to expand the production values beyond even the Legends In Concert standards,” Fairchild commented. A new stage set and all new lighting in 2010 are contributing to those production values.

There is even new product being introduced at Legends In Concert. Working with educators the Legends team has developed a brand new program for the student/youth market. The 3-R Education Program: Rhythm, Rock N’ Roll engages students in a choice of language arts, art, history, science and math. Each discipline can be expanded to include a 30-minute Q & A with members of the cast and a 20-minute performance prior to the show.

From new performers and a new production manager to new facility additions and a new program, Legends In Concert truly is celebrating their 15^th anniversary with style. Make plans for your group to join the party. For information: 800-955-3436, aeckenrode@legendsinconcert.com, or visit online at www.legendsinconcert.com.

Supplier Spotlight - The core of Oceana Resorts success

The success of any lodging establishment depends primarily on the departments within the hotel that keep the standards of cleanliness high. For years the housekeeping departments in lodging establishments were referred to as “back of the house”. At Oceana Resorts they prefer to call housekeeping the “core” of their success.”

The Director of Housekeeping, Chrissie Keziah, and Best Western’s Housekeeping Manager, Stepheney McCrae led the housekeeping departments at Anderson Ocean Club and Best Western Carolinian Resort.

Chrissie Keziah started in the hospitality field directly out of high school in Allentown, PA. She has held positions with Embassy Suites as Front Office Manager in Florida; Rooms Division Manager with Radisson Hotels in Florida; General Manager and Assistant General Manager of Hampton Inns in Myrtle Beach, SC; Rooms Division Manager at the Patricia Grand Resort in Myrtle Beach, SC; and currently serves as the Director of Housekeeping at both the luxurious Anderson Ocean Club and the award winning Best Western Carolinian Resort, both in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Chrissie hold the prestigious American Hotel & Lodging -Educational Institute’s certification: “Certified Housekeeping Manager”; has completed Hilton Hotel’s General Manager Leadership Training Program; Certificate of Green Training; I CARE Training Program – Best Western Hotels and Best Western’s Housekeeping Certification.

Stepheney McCrae comes to Oceana Resorts from Liberty Hill, Discovery Bay, Jamaica. She holds a diploma in Business and Hospitality from Brown’s Town College in Jamaica; was awarded a housekeeping certification from Best Western Hotels and successfully completed Best Western’s I CARE Training Program.

With management such as these two competent and celebrated ladies leading and guiding the housekeeping staffs at both properties, Oceana Resorts feels confident in stating that the “core” of their business, the housekeeping departments are in great hands.

For additional information about Oceana Resorts visit online at www.OceanaGroups.com, telephone 866.270.2263, or e-mail groupinfo@oceanaresorts.com.

Supplier Spotlight - The Carolina Opry

The Carolina Opry – A seamless visit from start to finish
 "We feel like we glow when we come out of the theater.” Mrs. F.M. Pottstown, PA

The most successful live variety show in the South, The Carolina Opry, will reach an unprecedented milestone when it begins its 25th season on May 2, 2010 in Myrtle Beach, SC.

24 years ago Calvin Gilmore entered the scene with the opening of The Carolina Opry and forever changed the entertainment landscape of Myrtle Beach. Today, The Carolina Opry boasts over 6,900 performances and has been running longer than any show in Broadway history.  

More importantly, in those 24 years The Carolina Opry has entertained tens of thousands of motorcoaches and millions of group patrons. With years of practice, the group staff at The Carolina Opry knows just how to make you feel at home. From the customized planning advice to the ample coach parking to the personal greeting upon arrival to the cast greetings after the show – The Carolina Opry group sales team will make your visit seamless from start to finish.

In addition to standard group bookings, The Carolina Opry also has numerous options for student groups. At LIGHT, the stunning new laser show at The Carolina Opry, students attend a 45-minute laser light show followed by an educational session explaining the technology behind the show. Inside The Carolina Opry is a moderated interview with a cast member coupled with a student question and answer period. All educational sessions are complimentary with student group bookings and meet several state educational standards.

Above all, The Carolina Opry is known for stellar production quality. The Carolina Opry has successfully maintained its place at the top of the polls and remains a standard in entertainment in the South. The Carolina Opry is the only show to be named Most Outstanding Attraction, the only show to win the Governor’s cup, the only show to be voted best of the beach year after year and the only show to receive countless accolades from national media.

Call The Carolina Opry group services team at 800-633-1508 to book your seats now for this historic anniversary season. For show information visit www.TheCarolinaOpry.com.    

Supplier Spotlight - Alabama Theatre

Groups provide Alabama Theatre a solid foundation
On February 4, 2010 Alabama Theatre opened for its 17^th season and One the Show producer Gaylord Entertainment did not disappoint. Significant changes are made every year and the talented Alabama Theatre professionals deliver an incredible entertainment experience of music, dancing and comedy.

“In 1993 our show was the first produced by Gaylord Entertainment outside of their own,” stated Bob Wood, president of Alabama Theatre. “We are the largest and longest running show they produce,” Wood continued. Every year the show changes considerably so groups will see something entirely new every year.

Those visitors are extremely important to Alabama Theatre. “Basically, groups are our foundation. When satisfied they’ll spread the word to family and friends and often return on their own for a visit,” stated Charles Bradshaw, vice president of sales at Alabama Theatre. “They deserve and receive special attention, including a personal greeting, preferred seating and an Alabama Theatre souvenir,” Bradshaw continued.

Wood and Bradshaw agree that the partnership with Gaylord Entertainment has been special. Staying current with new technology, including video equipment is only the beginning. Gaylord Entertainment purchasing for multiple productions allows for costuming that would be almost cost prohibitive, if purchased on their own. “However, the biggest change in the show over the years has been talent,” Wood stated. “We’re fortunate to have industry recognized, award winning entertainers on our stage,” he continued.

Along with changes to One the Show, Alabama Theatre is witnessing changes in the group segment. “Certainly the groups are younger and we’re not seeing as many retail groups as in our earlier years,” Bradshaw said. However, Alabama Theatre is seeing those losses offset by significant increases in preformed groups and the student/youth segment.

Keeping pace with these changes is a group team with more than 50-years of experience. “Our staff is truly professional. We pay attention to our product and provide a high level of customer service,” Bradshaw concluded.

With that type of commitment to the industry, groups will continue to be the foundation at Alabama Theatre. For more information visit online at www.Alabama-Theatre.com, or group@Alabama-Theatre.com or 800-782-2262.

Supplier Spotlight - Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

First stop for successful Myrtle Beach area tours

For 72-years the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and its members have been welcoming visitors. Its division the Convention and Visitors Bureau has been a key contributor in successfully attracting and servicing the group market.

You very well may have met a representative of the bureau’s staff at one of the 30-trade/consumer shows they attend every year. However, more than just promoting tourism for the Myrtle Beach area, servicing your business is a significant part of their responsibilities. Some of their regular functions include planning assistance, site visitations, and visual aids including photography and video, and promotional collateral.

One very special service the bureau provides is their Motorcoach Meet & Greet. Arriving groups are encouraged to stop by the Welcome Center at 1200 North Oak Street for a personal welcome and expression of thanks for visiting. Each guest receives a souvenir of the area and an on-coach greeting by a chamber representative. The service is available during regular business hours, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday. Please call ahead to 800-488-8998.

For additional information about the Myrtle Beach area go online at www.VisitMyrtleBeach.com or e-mail Sandy Haines at Sandy.Haines@VisitMyrtleBeach.com.