From a press release:
- The Convention Industry Council (CIC) with is working with its 30 member organizations to assist the destinations affected by Hurricane Katrina and their meeting, convention, and exhibition customers.
In the aftermath of one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history, the long-term impacts on many facets of life in the Gulf region are unknown. Despite the uncertainties, the members of the meetings, conventions, and exhibitions industry are firmly committed to supporting the destinations affected, their citizens, and their economies.
In order to provide a one-stop resource for planners and event organizers in need of information and guidance, the Convention Industry Council has created the "Hurricane Katrina Information for Event Professionals" resource. This resource includes:
Links to local convention and visitors bureaus, and any new offices that are established, in the areas affected by the hurricane;
Descriptions of resources offered by CIC member organizations and other industry organizations, and links to those resources; and,
Contact information for hotels and other industry companies to facilitate rescheduling and/or relocating.
The contact information for hotels and other companies is being provided in answer to the question from many event organizers of "Who should I call to reschedule my meeting?" The Convention Industry Council's first recommendation is that if a group has booked with a hotel in a specific chain and needs to reschedule, that they should reschedule with that chain if at all possible. This contact information is provided especially to better direct those who booked directly with a property damaged and/or closed by Hurricane Katrina.