In a "snapshot" comparison, the 2003 meeting had a 31 percent increase in Regular Member attendance over 2002, a 26 percent increase in Regular Member Company attendance, and a 61 percent increase in non-member participation. The overall number of attendees was up 50 percent over 2002.

Building upon the success of this year's NAMTSE and on last year's Annual Meeting in Cancun, we are expecting that this year's Annual Meeting will be the best ever. The CSAA Education Committee is putting the finishing touches on the program. 

Come join us at the Manele Bay Hotel in Lana'i Hawaii, October 17-22, 2003. You don't want to miss this wonderful meeting.

For information on the meeting, as well as hotel reservation and meeting registration forms, please visit www.csaaul.org/2003AnnualMeeting.htm.

For information about the post-convention trip to Australia, with additional stops to Papua New Guinea or New Zealand, visit www.csaaul.org/2003PostConventionTrip.htm. 

Steve Doyle, Executive Vice President of CSAA has named John McDonald as Director of Meetings and Conventions. John was the Director of Meetings and Conventions for CSAA and NBFAA previously, but left the industry for a number of years before returning to CSAA.

"We are truly fortunate to a have John back as our Director of Meetings and Conventions since he knows our membership so well. With his considerable background in catering, food and beverage service and meeting planning, he will be a tremendous asset to CSAA, as we are adding meetings, seminars and other events each year," said Doyle.

Doyle also noted that Suzanne George is leaving CSAA after 3½ years to take a position with the Food Marketing Institute (FMI).

"Suzanne has done a superb job for CSAA and helped build NAMTSE. She showed considerable skill in working on our offshore annual meetings which are always a significant challenge. Her personal commitment to CSAA and to our individual members’ needs at our meetings has been truly exemplary, "said Doyle.