The power of strategic partnerships! There's more to just networking and making new business relationships... In today's world it is really about creating a meaningful relationship whether that is with your colleagues in the office, folks you are looking to do business with, and people that you might one day do business with! It's a small world and you never know when the next person you meet will be your next boss or employee!
This year I had the privilege of working with what has become a great friend of mine! Mr. Frank Robinson of Island Events. We have created a strategic partnership that works in both our favors - not only have we generated a relationship as fellow entrepreneurs but as allies in the cut-throat world of events. We assist each other, represent each other, refer business because ultimately the more business we can generate for the both of us the better we both do in the long run. So, the question is why haven't you created strategic partnerships?
Frank and I had a wonderful time working the Hawaiian booth at the IMEX America show in Vegas this past October. It was amazing to see Frank in action - he absolutely knows his stuff! I am always so impressed with the professionals in our industry that really work hard to shine - Frank shines because he is flawless. If you are looking for an amazing DMC/Planner on the islands of Aloha - Island Events is who you need to call. They serve all islands but if you are looking at the Big Island - then we get to partner on logistics, design, and creating an unforgettable event/conference for your attendees!
You can also take a 45 min. ferry from Lahaina on Maui. But, if you are looking for quiet, pristine, secluded, did I say quiet - out of the way place. This is it! From the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, at first I didn't know if I could handle the quiet, but after decompressing it was such a welcome breathe of fresh air, fresh mind, fresh everything! The main entrance to the Four Seasons Manele Bay was grand!
Our rooms was an oceanfront suite and took your breathe away. Jumping ahead a bit, but after returning from a 1.5 hour hike along the water/cliffs I sat down with my bottle of water and saw something jumping in the water... Yes, it seemed to be a show that I would see at Sea World. It must have been a pod of dolphins of 75 -100 just offshore playing and jumping for over 30 minutes. WOW! It was incredible to see so many and so close! This photo below is taken from inside the room, I loved that we could literally just walk out on the grass and then ocean... 
As for meetings and events - This would be great for a 350-500 group (using both facilities - Manele Bay and The Lodge)... There is ample outdoor space for receptions and special events... 
51,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space. In addition attendees have many ocean activities to choose from scuba, snorkeling, sailing, etc. to hiking, horseback riding and much more on their off time. There are two outstanding golf courses and a luxurious spa. There is also above the "main" building a great conference center/special event space. Below is the view from the terrace. 
Indoor main "ballroom" space. 
Plus, you the obvious - Weddings. This is a fabulous venue for a destination wedding. Private, intimate, and memorable! In addition, the its sister property, also a Four Seasons, The Lodge at Koele is nestled in the highlands. 
Don't forget to visit their websites... 
Each guest room has a private lanai - one of the best places on the island for whale watching (during season) otherwise you can't beat the "turtle" action. Almost 90% of their rooms offer ocean views. In addition, the Mauna Lani has five stunning bungalows with over 2700 square feet. The Mauna Lani also offers outstanding Spa and Golf Attractions. 
Since opening in 1983, the Mauna Lani has always remained true to the Hawaiian practice of malama'aina or responsible stewardship of the land. As a green business, we couldn't identify more with this and are excited to share this with you.
The CanoeHouse is consistently ranked as one of the top dining experiences in Hawaii and we can attest to that. You can't beat a wonderful dinner watching the sun set... This was taken from our cell phone... Post Card perfect! We enjoyed contemporary Hawaiian cuisine keeping in mind that the chefs work hand-in-hand with local farmers and island purveyors to serve on the freshes and best quality ingredients. 
There are expansive shoreline for outdoor events - corporate, association, social. The Hale Hoaloha is their flagship meeting/event space (10,800 square feet) and is ideal for larger gatherings seeking both indoor and outdoor experiences. And, we would be remissed if we didn't highlight the potential of unforgettable weddings! 
The Fairmont Orchid is located on the Kohala Coast just outside of Kona on the Big Island. Besides being a breath-taking property they also had outstanding event space. Over 30,000 square feet of indoor meeting space which includes three garden-terraced ballrooms, a full-sized amphitheater and nine conference rooms. 
This is in addition to amazing outdoor event spaces.... 
How can you not think Wedding? 
The property also features a Spa, Golf, Tennis, and its own Luau - 
From the moment we walked on the property you felt at home and a level of understated elegance that made you immediately relax. You can't beat watching Sunset from their waterfront jacuzzi with a coconut smoothie (or pina colada) in your hand.
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