As we celebrate our 11th GT Tested Reader Survey awards, I’d like to share a few memories of past events. We presented the first awards at the Hudson Theater in New York two days after a blizzard crippled the city. Many award winners, especially those from Chicago, were unable to secure flights or were significantly delayed. Our first guest of honor, Terry Waite, flew Virgin Atlantic Airways from London without major issues. The airline assured me he would make it to New York no matter what, a huge task.
The following year, we secured the Grand Hyatt New York, which had just completed a major renovation. The original owner, Donald Trump, was scheduled as one of our guest hosts. “The Donald” likes top billing and insisted on presenting the final award. Traffic delayed his arrival, so I continued without him. He missed the final award and was ready to give up on the event, but I charmed him into speaking and all went well. He has supported my efforts my entire career, and I appreciate it.
When Jumeirah ran the Essex House in New York, we enjoyed several years of events in the Grand Ballroom, topping 400 attendees. The hotel afforded us the luxury of hosting a sit-down luncheon in a location where executives could easily get back to their offices after the festivities.
More recently, we moved the awards to a festive evening cocktail affair, booking many wonderful venues in Manhattan before settling at our current home, The Peninsula Beverly Hills. The charming Offer Nissenbaum, managing director, and his team make our guests feel more than welcome. This year, top executives from all over the world will gather for our gala at The Peninsula on Dec. 15, with the venue beautifully decorated for the holidays. Actor Michael Yo, our guest of honor on behalf of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, will interview winners and entertain us with his comedic take on travel. The GT Tested Reader Survey awards are a great way to kick off the holiday season and make a considerable charitable donation to LLS.
Stay tuned for more changes at Global Traveler in 2015, with new faces and new ways to reach the frequent business/luxury traveler. Our newly launched Web publication, TrazeeTravel.com, is seeing great success, reaching the millennials who are gearing up to take over the baby boom generation as the economic force in travel. These savvy travelers will soon vote for their own travel awards, the Trazees.
Raise a glass and toast our winners as they continue to reach for goal line after goal line in winning your loyalty!
Read This Next
Lotte Hotel Seoul
2014 / February 2014
Jun 1, 2016All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Apr 26, 2024The Bishop’s Lodge’s Bunkhouse: A Rustic, Historic Getaway
Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a small town that’s big on historic landmarks, buildings, parks and Western lore. Many of its most fascinating structures also happen to be hotels, including Bishop’s Lodge, which extends the city’s specific charms from the streets into the public areas and private suites and rooms. While most of the properties within historic buildings are upscale, Bishop’s Lodge is now a member of Auberge Resorts Collection thanks to a painstaking restoration, luxury appointments, commitment to personal service and wide range of exclusive activities.
Sponsored Content
Tips to Plan a Destination Event Worth the Trip
Corporate events can often feel … too corporate. Where to go to get the team out of the office environment to bond and think outside the box? Starting with an unconventional, unique space to make them feel like the all-stars they are will get the juices flowing and make your LinkedIn profile glow.
Daily
Apr 26, 2024Book the Ultimate Summer Escape at Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen
Plan your 2024 summer vacation to Mexico. Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen offers travelers special experiences this summer, as well as an all-inclusive offer. Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, your significant other or solo, this resort has something for everyone.
Daily
Apr 26, 2024Jamaica Gears Up for Summer with New Hotels and Experiences
Just in time for summer, Jamaica is easier to enjoy than ever thanks to new hotels and excursions. This Caribbean island has never been more alive than this year, and this summer is to be its best one yet.
Sponsored Content
Tips to Plan a Destination Event Worth the Trip
It's time to shake things up and inject some serious excitement into your next gathering. Whether planning a corporate conference, black-tie gala or milestone celebration, choosing the right venue can make all the difference. City Winery shares some tips to make your next gathering a rockin' success.
Daily
Apr 25, 2024Former Massachusetts Glasses Factory Transforms into New Hotel
In the late 1800s, eyeglass manufacturer George Washington Wells became the founder and owner of the largest eyeglass company in the town by merging with several smaller lens manufacturers in Southbridge, Massachusetts. By the early 1900s, Wells was running the largest eyeglass manufacturing company in the world, owning several factories in Southbridge and occupying more than 80 acres on both sides of the Quinebaug River. It was called the American Optical Company, known locally in town as “AO.”
Hôtel Royal Unveils evian SPA, the First in Europe
Daily
Apr 25, 2024
Fairfield by Marriott Phnom Penh Review
eFlyer Reviews
Apr 24, 2024Wolf by Vanderpump Opens at Harveys Lake Tahoe
Daily
Apr 24, 2024eFlyer News
Apr 24, 2024World of Hyatt Members Can Now Earn Points at Mr. and Mrs. Smith Properties Worldwide
Starting today, World of Hyatt members can now earn and redeem points at a collection of more than 700 boutique and luxury hotels and villas around the globe with Mr. & Mrs. Smith. The luxury travel platform was acquired by Hyatt in 2023 and brings even more world-class properties and amenities to World of Hyatt guests than ever before.
Sponsored Content
Share Your Travel Preferences with Global Traveler in a Short Survey & Win
Learning more about our readers’ travel habits and preferences ensures Global Traveler delivers the content you desire. As the travel industry has adapted and changed over the last few years, it’s more important than ever to connect. To best meet your short- and long-term travel content needs, please help us!
eFlyer News
Apr 24, 2024Lufthansa’s Allegris Takes Off May 1
Lufthansa’s new travel experience on long-haul routes starts its scheduled service May 1. Allegris is the airline’s new cabin, marking a new era for Lufthansa. Allegris sees updates and changes to economy, premium economy and business class, with a planned first-class cabin later this year.
ShareThis