Simply heaven at Phuket’s exclusive and elegant Andara Resort and Villa
Phuket is the pearl of Thailand’s south and contains one of the best 5 star Hotels in the world where you can relax in style, élan and great fashion. It is called The Andara Resort and Villas and is situated in an elegant private heaven above Kamala Beach in west Phuket. It is to be found in the best part of Phuket and has all of the safety and security needed for that long desired exclusive holiday. You can mingle with guests or just hideaway in pure luxury in your villa.
It is close to the airport and Phuket’s main attractions yet still far away to give you that glamour and charisma of your own private island hideaway. The warm Thai sun and sense of pure peace awaits you.
The resort is particularly well designed in a forest area of green ecological responsibility, which further separates Andara from its competitors. The resort is placed on a gentle sloping hillside with panoramic views of the Andaman Sea. You feel as if the resort has been part of the area for centuries.
At Andara you will be treated with that legendary Thai hospitality and smile. Whilst you can read about the lovely nature of the Thai people one must simply experience it in reality to be made feel special and relaxed.
Andara is suitable for a family break or a romantic time for sophisticated couples. It is not a resort for loud music, wild dancing and club life but a resort for tranquillity and five star leisure. Andara is a resort where sophistication and that sense of island bliss go hand in hand.
The villas are styled in a beautiful Thai fashion and invite pure bliss and relaxation. The smell of jasmine and exquisite orchids infuses around your villa. You can just relax by the large forty-meter pool and drink cocktails and savour fine Thai cuisine or take a private yacht out and fish or enjoy a tan in the sun looking out to the peaceful Andaman Sea.
The Silk restaurant and Bar presents it’s guests with Thai cuisine that is centered on tradition, quality and flavor that can only be experienced in Thailand. Service is beyond expectations with courtesy, charm and knowledge. If dining with others is not for you why not hire your own private chef in your villa? You can also learn about the centuries of Thai cuisine and sample degustation delights or enjoy the culinary variety of the superb À la carte menu. Breakfast and long lunches are just simply magnificent.
The Spa is one of the best in Phuket Thailand. Here your body and spirit will be renewed and you will feel at peace again with yourself and the world with exclusive herbal treatments amongst the pristine greenery of the resort to private rooms. So if you are in cold Europe, or fall in the USA or just anywhere in the world and wish to experience that celebrated Thai style and hospitality you cannot get any better than the Andara Resort and Villas.
For more info about Phuket Hotels, click here Hotels in Phuket
Making a Lasting Power of Attorney is getting more popular
More people are making a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) than ever which may be due to an increase in concern about dementia or that life expectancy is going up fast.
Even though it is possible for anyone to make their own LPA most people do get professional help. There are plenty of good reasons to use this type of Lasting Power of Attorney service.
There are many choices to make during the process, e.g. who to have as an attorney and what powers to give them. There is scope for getting this part wrong or even so wrong that the LPA is rejected by the Office of the Public Guardian.
Then there is the requirement to complete every part correctly in the correct place and cross through all the irrelevant parts. Supplementary forms may be required and the whole set of people involved the donor (the person making the LPA), witness, certificate provider, attorney, possibly replacement attorney, further witnesses and then possible notification to a nominated person must all be done in the correct order in the correct way.
The LPA Health and Welfare can cover personal matters like dress and diet plus it can deal medical treatment issues including the authority to order a DNR (do not resuscitate) if circumstances warrant.
The LPA Property and Financial Affairs can cover the purchase and sale of property, paying taxes, running bank and building society accounts, claiming state benefits and more.
With so many issues and decisions to make those who get the right expert help, advice and guidance are prudent to do so. The rejection of the application can cause delay and will incur a resubmission fee. If the person making the LPA loses capacity in the meantime there can be no further application.
Therefore the advice you will always get is to make a Lasting Power of Attorney sooner rather than later as it definitely can be too late but not too early.
Present Ideas – Geschenkideen
There are so numerous assorted meanness you can easily show the appreciation for the man in the life. Finding quality present ideas (Geschenkideen) for him on Valentine’s Daytime does not desire to be toilsome or costly. You can acquire various different elements that can be actually from basic products to more puzzling. The additional perplexing products may cost more, yet if you have the throw-away income you can certainly create sure that elements move forward in a great approach this Valentine’s Day. Cities you can easily check out for unique and really good present ideas are entertainment, an acceptance to a magazine, or merely a piece of sports to define a couple.
An effortless manner to approach this Valentine’s Daytime is actually simply by way of acquiring their beloved amusement on Blu-ray or DVD. You may pick from a variety of shows, flicks, as well as live audio performances as well as not essentially break the bank while achieving so. You can undoubtedly try to show up complete series box sets, or stand-up comedy. There are actually millions of alternatives in attends to activity concepts for him.
If acquiring activity selections just isn't truly the stein of green tea, nor something that you conclusively need to acquire, you might attempt receiving them some archives from their favoured sports group. Whether they are intrigued in American football there is actually ample memorabilia floating around to get them a little something they won't have. Look at a valid jacket, a headwear, or something that fits their love for sports. That is actually of class if they delight in sports in normal. If they’re not really into sports, this present plan might be actually a little atypical as well as not necessarily worth it.
Locating the correct present needs to not stress you out. It is actually crucial to realize certain that you won't simply receive a little something randomly. That is an actuality that may not be actually stressed enough. Everybody may just obtain a present as well as try to pull down it suggest crucial features, but a veritable present from the purpose need to echo their passion in it not simply an arbitrary presentation for Valentine’s Daytime. A little something from the heart surpasses whatever else, so make sure that if you 're galumphed in regards to what to get him, you for the very least consider something from the spirit, even if it is home formulated. You’ll be actually smiled on having veritable emotion that is actually for certain.
Illustrated Universal Criteria
IACC's Universal Criteria represent the basic standards that all member conference centers must meet. To view each criterion and a related explanation or "illustration," use the drop-down lists on this page.
Other Ways to Explore the Criteria
1. For a version of the Universal Criteria without illustrations, click here.
2. For a downloadable PDF (Adobe Acrobat Reader) version of the current criteria, click here.
3. Link to IACC's Recommended Guidelines for further suggestions about standards your center may want to adopt.
4. To discover whether your facility may qualify for IACC membership, go here for IACC's Quality Assurance Checklist.
Our Mission
The International Association of Conference Centers (IACC) is a not-for-profit, facilities-based organization whose mission is to assist members in providing the most productive meeting facilities around the world. These facilities represent the highest-quality venues available to meeting professionals on a global basis.
IACC is also organized to provide and promote market awareness of conference centers as offering separate, distinct and special places and services(like logo design); to collect and distribute information on the industry and its trends; to provide an exchange of experiences among its members; to address common problems, needs and opportunities; to provide programs and services that assist members in operating more effectively; and to respond to the needs and interests of conference center users as determined by the Board of Directors.
IACC’s Active members are conference centers that comply with the 30 stringent standards of the Universal Criteria.
Membership Applications
Membership Applications & Dues
By choosing among the links below, you may either complete and submit an online application or download forms to print, fill out and mail or fax at a later time.
In order to view and/or print the downloadable files below, you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. Click here for this free download.
Active Members - Conference centers
Online Application
Downloadable Application
Required as part of all Active member applications:
Online Quality Assurance Checklist for Member Prospects
Downloadable Checklist
Answer questions 4-8 on the Application to help identify your dues category:
Online Dues Structure 2007
Downloadable Dues Structure 2007
Allied Members - Vendors that provide goods & services to conference centers
Corporate Headquarters - Conference center management companies
Individual Associates - Persons who don’t fit any other category above
Online Application
Join IACC About IACC
Our Mission
The International Association of Conference Centers is a not-for-profit, facilities-based organization founded to promote a greater awareness and understanding of the unique features of conference centers around the world. The establishment and maintenance of standards for membership, Annual Conferences, Professional Development programs, this website, periodic newsletters, and aggressive marketing initiatives—all serve to accomplish this goal.
The Conference Center Difference
The Conference Center - Difference
For More Information
1. For a version of the Universal Criteria without illustrations,
2. For a downloadable PDF (Adobe Acrobat Reader) version of the current criteria.
3. Link to IACC's Recommended Guidelines for further suggestions about standards your center may want to adopt.
4. To discover whether your facility may qualify for IACC membership, go here for IACC's Quality Assurance Checklist.
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS...
That's what you want for your meeting - and that's what you'll get when you choose a genuine conference center. A uniquely designed setting, superior services and support, plus dedicated, professional staff to give you maximum results.
But it's more than just a concept. It's a promise made by more than 300 members of the International Association of Conference Centers. IACC's exacting standards and stringent guidelines ensure the highest quality conference facilities and services around the world.
Thousands of meeting planners understand the conference center concept and trust how it delivers the technical sophistication and specialized services today's meetings demand. Discover how conference centers can make a difference for your organization.
Universal Criteria
Universal Criteria About IACC
IACC periodically reviews the following Universal Membership Criteria to ensure that they reflect the current best practices of the conference center industry. Contact the IACC office at (314) 993-8575 or by e-mail with questions or for updated information. All active members of the International Association of Conference Centers must meet these criteria.
Want to learn whether your facility measures up? Fill out IACC's Quality Assurance Checklist.
Priority of Business
1. A minimum of 60% (based on net area) of meeting space in the conference center is dedicated, single-purpose conference space.
2. A minimum of 60% of total revenue from guest rooms, meeting space, food & beverage, conference technology (A/V) and conference services is conference related. If conference center is non-residential or ancillary (see definition below), 70% of total sales of the conference center is generated from conferences.
Recommended Guidelines About IACC
Recommended Guidelines About IACC
Back to Universal Criteria
The Board of Directors encourages IACC members to meet an even higher level of standards than that required by the Universal Criteria in order to sharpen the points of differentiation between IACC conference centers and other types of hospitality operations.
Therefore, the Board endorses a series of Recommended Guidelines in areas ranging from technology to service. These guidelines are not required for membership, but IACC strongly encourages members to integrate them into their long-term planning.
If you have any questions about the guidelines below or the Recommended Guidelines initiative, contact the IACC Office (by e-mail) or by telephone (314) 993-8575.
Technology and the CMP
UPDATED JANUARY 22, 2004!
The first Recommended Guideline concerns the availability of current technology and its inclusion as part of the Complete Meeting Package.
* IACC recommends that all member conference centers offer the most up-to-date audio/visual presentation equipment to their clients and continually ensure that it is maintained in "first class" condition.
* IACC recommends that all standard presentation equipment required by clients in their main conference room be included in the Complete Meeting Package. As technology changes, IACC recommends updating the Complete Meeting Package to ensure that routinely requested equipment is included in the package.
* IACC recommends that every member conference center facilitate guest use of notebook computers. This includes making printers conveniently available for guest use, at least within the Business Center.
* According to the Universal Criteria, member conference centers must provide Internet connectivity in all conference rooms and guest rooms. IACC recommends that members provide high-speed Internet connectivity throughout the facility, including the Business Center and/or other public areas.
Internet Connectivity in Meeting Rooms
ADDED SEPTEMBER 22, 2005!
According to the Universal Criteria, each dedicated conference room must have at least one in-room telephone outlet, simultaneous Internet connectivity and adequate electrical outlets throughout the room.
IACC recommends that Internet connectivity within all dedicated conference rooms be “wired” with cabling or optical fiber for high-speed access, even if wireless technology is available.
Business Services
UPDATED JANUARY 22, 2004!
According to the Universal Criteria, every IACC-member conference center must offer staffed business services from a central location within the conference center and provide products and services as specified in the criteria.
For staffing, IACC recommends an on-duty attendant during operating hours, but other solutions may suffice based on conferee needs. Also based on conferee needs, IACC recommends that business services operate from one-half hour prior to the first meeting of the day until one-half hour after the final meeting adjourns. During times when the Business Center is closed, IACC recommends that guests be directed to other conference center staff for their business services needs.
Board of Directors
Leadership
2006-2007 IACC-Global Board of Directors
President
Peter Stewart
MGSM Executive Hotel & Conference Centre
Macquarie University
Sydney, NSW
Australia
Vice President
Steen Broby-Rahr
Comwell Klarskovgaard a-s
Korsør Lystskov
Denmark
Secretary/Treasurer
Tom Cappucci
University Place Conference Center & Hotel
Indianapolis, Indiana
United States
Past President
Tim Chudley
The Sundial Group
Creaton, Northamptonshire
United Kingdom
Directors
Phillipe Attia
Dolce International
Dolce Chantilly
Vinueil St. Firmin, Chantilly
France
Bill Balcam
Grange Group of Conference Centres
West Melbourne, Victoria
Australia
Mark DePiero
Dolce International
Montvale, New Jersey
United States
Chris Hayes, FMP
The Council House
S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
Racine, Wisconsin
United States
Kozue Honda
Tokyo Conference Center Shinagawa
Minato-ku Tokyo
Japan
Richard Jouvenaar
De Ruwenberg Conference and Training Center
Brabant
Netherlands
Anders Konradsson
Rosenön Conference & Spa
Dalarö
Sweden
Tim Martin
Duke Corporate Education
Durham, North Carolina
United States
Neil Pompan, CMP
EMCMeetingSolutions
Easton, Pennsylvania
United States
Gill Smillie
Conference Venues CountryWide
Dorking, Surrey
United Kingdom
Peter Stockmann
3P Business Solutions
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
United States
AN INVITATION TO IACC MEMBERS
Do you believe that your conference center has the most talented chef in the IACC community? Do you think that you have the most imaginative and well presented menus in our industry?
Well, the chance to prove it is here! We are calling upon our global membership to participate in the Fourth Annual International Copper Skillet Competition for IACC “Chef of the Year”.
NOTE: Competition is open to chefs at IACC-member conference centers only.
2007 THEME: Thai Cuisine
Thailand, formerly known as Siam, is also called “The Land of Smiles”. The Thai people are a hospitable and welcoming nation with great geographical beauty, fascinating cities and charming beach resorts.
The Thai people migrated from the southwest region of China, now known as the Yunnan province, between the sixth and thirteenth centuries. The cuisine developed with many influences from China, Indonesia and India, but developed its own character by the use of ingredients indigenous to the Thai peninsula. However the Chinese cuisine seems to have been the most prevalent, and thus there are numerous similarities between Thai and Szechuan cooking.
At the heart of Thai food is the belief in the use of what the Thai people consider the four basic tastes – sweet, sour, salty and pungent – and that they should be combined to create harmonious tastes pleasing to the palate.