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.

In the News - Legends in Concert

Legends in Concert introduces 3-R program: Rhythm, Rock n’ Roll
MYRTLE BEACH, SC (February 10, 2010) – The new for 2010 Legends in Concert 3-R Program: Rhythm, Rock n’ Roll provides Q&A sessions with a Legend, performance opportunities, a language arts and history component. A special concession package and student rate is available. For further information telephone the Group Sales Department at 800-955-3436, e-mail aeckenrode@legendsinconcert.com or visit online at www.legendsinconcerrt.com

In the News - Magiquest

Holowacz to MagiQuest – Broadway at the Beach
MYRTLE BEACH, SC (February 11, 2010) – Industry veteran Cheryl S. Holowacz has joined MagiQuest, the world’s largest live action game, as Group Sales & Marketing Manager. “I am extremely excited to introduce the MagiQuest experience to both the student/youth and corporate team-building markets,” Holowacz stated. “It is truly a unique product that can actually be tailored for any group,” she added. Previously, Holowacz was Group Sales Manager and Rental Coordinator at The Palace Theatre. She has worked in the hospitality/attractions industry for over 20-years and is co-owner of fareless.com, a full service online travel site. To learn more telephone 843-916-1800 x 225, e-mail Cheryl@magiquest.com or online at www.magiquest.com

In the News - The Palace Theatre

Formo named Group Sales Director at The Palace Theatre – Broadway at the Beach
MYRTLE BEACH, SC (February 12, 2010) - Dawn Formo, a 3-year group sales representative at The Palace Theatre has been named the venues, Director of Group Sales. A graduate of Winthrop University Formo brings over 10-years experience in hospitality sales and customer service to her new position. “I am extremely excited to be working with our Broadway shows and other expanded offerings, including our new school program and Meet & Greet with an entertainer package,” Formo said. “It’s rewarding to assist groups with their travel plans to Myrtle Beach,” she continued. For further information telephone 866-247-6877, Dawn.F@PalaceTheatreMyrtleBeach.com or www.PalaceTheatreMyrtleBeach.com

Tour Options - Go fly a kite. Really!

Close your eyes for just a moment and go back to when you were just a kid. Remember those breezy spring days that beckoned you to build the best kite in the neighborhood. Surely, your masterpiece flew to never before seen heights! Fun days for certain with the only real challenge being “where do I launch.”

Although groups have always visited the Myrtle Beach area for shows, shopping, dining and amusements, the beach is still the major attraction. With the Grand Strand’s 60-miles of wide, sandy beaches, “where do I launch” is never a challenge. Adding a kite flying activity to your itinerary is really quite easy and makes for a fun morning. Here’s how.

First of all, it’s necessary to share a few facts and a little “kite history” to impress your clients and friends. March 27 – May 2, 2010 is National Kite Month® sponsored by The AKA (American Kitefliers Association) in cooperation with the KTAI (Kite Trade Association International). They have a really great web site at http://www.nationalkitemonth.org/.

Although the date and origin of kite flying is unknown, the first written record came about 200 B.C. A Chinese general flew a kite over a city he was attacking, measuring the distance his army needed to tunnel to get past the defensive walls. Over time kites have been used to fly messages to lovers, deliver bait over fishing waters, signal during wars and of course scientific applications to learn more about wind and weather. With just this little bit of knowledge, let’s proceed.

We suggest you divide your group into teams. Each team will have builders and aviators. This addresses any mobility issues, while still allowing everyone to participate. Of course the builders are charged with the construction of the kites, while the aviators are your kitefliers. Hard hats, goggles and an air traffic controller are optional.

There are two ways to proceed. Purchasing a pre-packaged kit from a Myrtle Beach area retailer is certainly an option. We suggest you visit Klig’s Kites with locations at both Barefoot Landing/North Myrtle Beach and Coastal Grand Mall/Myrtle Beach. As the name implies, they are all about kites. From the simple to the extravagant you can choose from hundreds of styles. It’s one stop shopping for everything you’ll need, including some advice on what styles are easiest to construct and fly. Call them at 843-448-7881 or visit online at http://kligbro.com/.

For the more adventuresome group that’s ready to build from scratch and really test their skills, visit http://www.nationalkitemonth.org/plans. Kite plans for the beginner and links for builders with intermediate experience and the very experienced are available. All the materials and direction you’ll need are clearly laid out. In addition there are teacher resources for celebrating National Kite Month.

Kite constructing really doesn’t require a great deal of room, unless your building something that resembles a hot air balloon. When weather permits working by your hotel’s pool or picnic area might be suitable. Possibly, the use of a meeting room for a few hours can be arranged. Covered picnic areas at either Myrtle Beach State Park, or Huntington Beach State Park are great for assembly and provide plenty of accessible beach area for flying. There is a modest fee to enter South Carolina State Parks.

With the teams in place and construction completed, the next step is to cover the sky with brightly colored flying objects. At least on paper that’s how it should work. Regardless of the outcome you can be assured of a fun filled morning.

To keep the memory alive and reward your teams, some trophies and prizes are in order. We suggest a “First In Flight” (with all due respect to Ohio and North Carolina) award, the “Kute Kite” award and of course the “We Didn’t Know It Was Suppose to Fly” award(s). Have fun and enjoy!

In the News -Tour Planner Guide available

New Myrtle Beach Area CVB Group Planner Guide available 

MYRTLE BEACH (January 27, 2010) – The Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau has a new Meeting & Group Planner Guide available. The Accommodations section details properties that accept convention groups, motorcoach groups, student groups and sports groups, while also providing facilities and amenity specifics. The Theatre sections details the area’s live performance venues. The Dining tab introduces some of the Myrtle Beach area culinary options. The Sports Venues section provides information on the area’s many facilities. The Services section shares the assistance you can expect from the CVB. The Myrtle Beach Convention Center is introduced, including a detailed floor plan. Copies of the new guide are available by calling 800-488-8998, or e-mailing Sandy Haines at Sandy.Haines@VisitMyrtleBeach.com.

In the News -Seafare to new location

Seafare Seafood and Prime Rib Buffet to new location

MYRTLE BEACH (February 9, 2010) – The Seafare Restaurant has been at the forefront of buffet restaurants in the Myrtle Beach area and servicing groups for nearly 20-years. Having outgrown their Surfside Beach location, Stephen Karos and his wife Nicole have opened their new location at 9925 North Kings Highway on the famous Restaurant Row. Almost exactly half way between Alabama Theatre and The Carolina Opry, the new location provides easy motorcoach access and plenty of parking. The pirate and mermaid themed seafood restaurant features a 120-items buffet. Visit online at http://www.seafarerestaurant.com/, e-mail info@seafarerrestaurant.com or telephone 843-232-1366.