TBA Global Appointed 2009 Industry Leader By Hospitality Industry Professionals

Scottsdale, AZ – July 8, 2009 –Arizona’s Hospitality Industry Professionals (HIP) recognized the HIPpest people in the Valley at its sixth annual anniversary celebration in June, and TBA Global received top honors as the 2009 Industry Leader for its creation of the Keep America Meeting campaign.

“We are so pleased to be recognized as the 2009 Industry Leader by Arizona’s Hospitality Industry Professionals,” said Kathleen Glenn, General Manager of TBA Global Scottsdale, “We are proud to have created a program of such great significance to the industry, and hope that the the many individuals who promoted the campaign take pride in this award.”

In a year of significant challenges for the hospitality industry, the Keep America Meeting initiative drew widespread attention to the important role meetings play in building successful businesses and in supporting the American economy.

“It’s been a year of challenges for the hospitality industry,“ said HIP president Julie Dominici. “TBA Global really stepped up to the plate by creating and mobilizing the Keep America Meeting movement.”

Keep America Meeting was launched in February 2009 to support the meeting industry. The petition drew widespread support from individuals in all 50 states, and even around the world. In an impressive show of industry unity, more than 21,000 signatures from the Keep America Meeting online petition were delivered by the U.S. Travel Association to the Senate Commerce Committee.

Keep America Meeting also activated its audience to support the U.S. Travel Association‘s first Travel Rally Day on May 12th, leveraging the power of social media to connect the community simultaneously live and online.

HIP is a non-profit professional organization designed to promote professionals in the hospitality, restaurant and event planning industry by providing networking and educational opportunities.

About TBA GLOBAL
Founded in 1994, TBA Global (www.tbaglobal.com) is a privately-held agency that creates nontraditional marketing and communications programs, events and meetings for high-profile businesses and associations worldwide. TBA Global’s award-winning teams create, produce and execute unique and compelling solutions that grow clients’ business by creating, connecting, and optimizing their marketing and communications investments to key internal and external audiences. TBA Global is ranked in the top 100 U.S. marketing organizations and among the Top 50 Sales Promotion Agencies by Advertising Age magazine (May 5, 2008). TBA Global has 18 offices in North America and the U.K.

About Hospitality Industry Professionals (HIP)
HIP is a non-profit professional organization designed to promote professionals in the hospitality, restaurant and event planning industry by providing networking and educational opportunities. Beyond opportunities to become acquainted with hospitality professionals throughout the region, HIP offers educational seminars and workshops to assist this region’s hospitality professionals develop additional skills and expertise.