So Much More

The InterContinental Playa Bonita.
The Westin Playa Bonita is to the right.

When you think of “Panama”, what comes to mind? The canal, of course. And maybe Panama hats, or maybe even rain forests and Manuel Noriega. But this week, I got a first hand chance to see that Panama is all that, and so much more! I just returned from the 4-day inaugural meeting of the Bern Hotels Advisory Board – affectionately dubbed the “Bern Brain Trust”. This is a group of incentive travel and meeting industry leaders who were invited by owners Herman Bern and family to experience everything Panama has to offer, especially to those groups looking for a truly unique and exotic destination. The Bern Hotels collection includes the fabulous Westin Playa Bonita (the second largest Westin resort in the world), the InterContinental Playa Bonita’s newest luxury retreat, Villa Bonita. The trip which focused on equal parts networking, fam trip, and customer feedback sessions designed to help Panama - and the Bern Hotels Group in particular - develop the country’s image as a world class incentive and meeting destination. We visited the new Panama Canal “Panamax” expansion site, explored the fabulous Gamboa rain forest resort, took an excursion train from Panama City to Colon on the Atlantic coast of the country, got a sneak peak at the new amazing Biodiversity museum, and enjoyed fabulous cuisine and hospitality courtesy of the Bern family. It was a wonderful experience!

The pool area at the Gamboa Resort adjacent to the Panama Canal.

The pool area of The Westin Playa Bonita's new spa.

The construction of the new, larger, Panamax canal at the mouth of the Caribbean.
The new, wider canal will accomodate today's largest cruise ships and tankers.

The Biodiversity Museum

Panama has so much to offer as an incentive destination, from natural rain forests and native tribes, to Panama City’s world class restaurants, clubs, casinos and nightlife. And the close proximity to the United States allows many groups to leave the US in time to have lunch on the beach at one of the Bern resorts. The entire Bern family and staff represent the epitome of gracious hospitality, which is immediately felt in each of their unique resort properties.

Come visit Panama soon...it’s more than just a canal...so much more!

One of Panama City's many private marinas.
The downtown skyline can be seen in the background.

You can travel from the Atlantic to the Pacific in 55 minutes
on this train that runs adjacent to the Panama Canal.

Panamanian folk dancers greeted us at the closing reception.

HCA Healthcare "Caring for the Community" Campaign 2012

It’s that time of year again when all HCA employees join together to give a helping hand with their Caring for the Community Campaign. HCA offers its corporate employees a work-related opportunity to give to charities in Middle Tennessee a...

nd throughout the nation. With the HCA Agency Fair, employees are given the opportunity to learn more about the non-profit organizations with which HCA and the HCA Foundation have relationships. During the event, agency representatives are set up to help employees locate and learn about programs, as well as give an opportunity for networking between organization representatives. This year’s theme, “Above and Beyond” reflects the outstanding efforts of HCA volunteers as they provide a helping hand and hope to Middle Tennessee's not for profit organizations.

Gary Musick Productions assisted in making this kick off campaign a success by organizing and providing all decor needed for this event. More than 150 not-for-profits participate in this Agency Fair at Centennial Park in Nashville, TN every year.

 

 

 

IAAP 2012 EFAM

The International Association of Administrative Professionals 2012 Education Forum and Annual Meeting just concluded at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas. 1500 administrative professionals from 26 different countries gathered for a week of outstanding educational programs, networking, and fun! This year’s theme and logo was “Making the Leap to Remarkable” which was also the inspiration for the simple – but effective - main stage set as seen below. This was GMP’s 19th consecutive year to produce the event for IAAP. New Executive Director Jay Donohue, CAE, CMP and communications manager Emily Allen – along with the IAAP staff - did a terrific job creating an outstanding experience for attendees and exhibitors. Highlights included the stirring opening session flag ceremony, an Evening of Welcome reception and party at the “Glass Cactus” club, and keynote presentations by Colleen Barrett (President Emeritus of Southwest Airlines) and Kerri Strug (Olympic gymnastics gold medalist). We love working with the staff and board at IAAP, and look forward to seeing everyone again in Anaheim in 2012! Special thanks to GMP’s Jonathan Yeaworth, David Holloway, Sean Yeaworth, Johnny Jones, Greg Tipton, Jacob Driver, and Matt Schuster for their extensive technical expertise and creative support. Nice work everyone!

AUDITIONS for "Colors of the Season" at The Galt House Hotel

Visit http://gmp.garymusickproductions.com/auditions for more information.

Interstate Batteries "Mile Marker 60" Semi Annual Convention

The Gary Musick Productions and scenic teams spent an exciting week at the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas last month. Our client, Interstate Batteries, held their “Mile Marker 60” semi annual convention attended by more than 2300 Interstate distributors, corporate employees and guests. The company celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Interstate Batteries system with 3 days of general sessions, educational breakouts, and outstanding entertainment events. GMP provided/coordinated all audio, lighting, video and staging support for the show.

The highlight of the show for the GMP team was our inaugural use of Pixel Mapping video projection on a 25’ x 56’ stage set. This technique involves the precise projection of video images and graphics onto white staging scenic panels and backdrops. Changing the entire look of the set is as simple as creating a new image to project onto the set. The result was an impressive widescreen scenic look with dozens of variations that changed throughout each business session.

We also brought “Stretta” - an amazing band from Nashville - to perform during one of the evening themed events. They were a HUGE hit with the attendees! Special thanks to Sunbound (decor) and Zamar Productions (Atlantis in-house AV support) for helping to make the show another success! And hats off to the Interstate communications teams for all the stunning visuals and creative collaboration. Now, on to planning the Interstate show in San Francisco in 2014!

AUDITIONS!

Nashville Wine Auction: Gone Country!

The Nashville community came together this weekend at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel for the country’s oldest charity wine auction- the 33rd annual l’Eté du Vin Nashville Wine Auction. It great evening of delicious food and fine wines designed to raise funds to support cancer research and organizations in the Middle Tennessee area. The theme this year was “Gone Country,” inspired by none other than Music City, USA. The event held a silent and live auction, Vintners’ Tasting, dinner, and after party with entertainment provided by the Craig Duncan Band.

Gary Musick Productions handled all event design, décor, and audio/visual production for the auction. A big thanks to all who helped make this night successful- Executive Director Holly Whaley and the Nashville Wine Auction team, Penn Kiel from The Events Group, GMP producer Bert Hensley and the entire GMP team, Bradfield Stage Lighting, and Tech Works. We're looking forward to next year!



Arrington Vineyards was one of the featured wineries at the Vintner's Tasting, a special pre-event at l’Eté du Vin.  Pictured here, Kip Summers, Winemaker & President of Arrington Vineyards, Valerie Summers, GMP, Beth Moore, Monroe Carrell Jr. Children's Hospital, Paul Moore, WME Entertainment. 

Vintners' Tasting