Ari Shapiro's Discussions
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Its amazing how perceptions have such negative impacts on our industry. I am hearing story after story of programs canceling left and right in this industry. Some with good reason but many strictly based on perception. Programs that face 100% cancel…
Profile Information
- Role
- Independent/Third Party Meeting Planner
- Job Title
- President
- Company
- Reliable Facility Placement LLC.
- Website:
- http://www.rfponline.net
- About Me:
- Lets start with some personal info: I enjoy long walks along the beach at sunset..... Sorry I couldn't help myself. I was born in NYC but have spent most of my life in Hawaii. Currently I reside on the the island of Maui (South Side). My wife Ellyn and have three children under the ages of 10, a dog named Tiger and 3 fish and a minivan. Who said men have commitment issues!
In June of 2000 I branched out on my own to start Reliable Facility Placement LLC. (RFP). It has been an amazing ride. With almost 8 years under my belt with RFP I have an amazing group of clients ranging for small associations that do 2 meetings a year to fortune 500 companies that do 800 + events a year. Four years ago I opened an office outside or Seattle and have my sourcing specialist based on the east coast (I like covering all time zones in the US). I'm amazed that after 12 years of the same work I still look forward to coming into the office on a Monday!
- Favorite destination for personal travel
- Since I live in Hawaii (paradise) I love the going to cities. My favs are NYC, San Francisco and Vancouver. I am a skier so I love mountains. Dont judge me on this one but I am always up for a weekend in Las Vegas.
- Favorite group destination
- I struggle with this question. It just depends on the group, their demographic and the objectives of the meeting.
- Favorite amenity to have waiting in my room
- A nice bottle of Pino Noir (Sterling works for me) and some cheese and crackers please :)
- Favorite hotel
- Tough one! Fav city property would be Mandarin Oriental New York. Resort... there are so many amazing properties I just cant answer that one. I have my favs it just depends on the destination.
- Activities/Interests
- I enjoy surfing, skiing, golf, going to the beach, movies, family time and entertaining at my house. I LOVE TO TRAVEL!
- Favorite Quote
- "Work like you don't need the money, love like you've never been hurt, live like there is no tomorrow, dance like no one is watching." ~Bono (U2)
Of course there is always the famous "Take me drunk I think I'm home!".
- College/University
- I attended the University Of Oregon and graduated with a degree in Leisure Studies and Services
- Employment History
- Professionally speaking, after college I worked for several years in operations as a TD for some of the local Hawaii DMC's. Follow that I spent 4 years working for hotel marketing company here in Hawaii.
- Right now I live in...
- Waliea, HI
- My hometown is...
- We moved all over during my childhood but I would have to say Hawaii
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I saw that you sent me a message but I could not retrieve it. I've got to get a photo posted so I don't have the "hand shake" for my head.
Beth
Yup, we live 25 miles from eachother and I only see you on the mainland!!!! Crazy. Hope you are well... .
Would love to catch up with you sometime as well. I sent you my phone number in a private message. Call anytime!
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