1999 Traveler's Companion.

Additional lyrics in his song "Style" by the Artist might be: style is not buying your ticket first class it's paying a discount fare and being as comfortable as if you had. It's not sprinting like O.J. to get to your rental car, it's planning ahead so you can arrive with the cool that you are.

As business travel has become more and more a part of our careers, many have learned that successful business travel can help advance your career. Mastering the art of arriving on time, organized, and stress-free can make the difference between dealmaker and dealbreaker, or promotion and passed-over.

ORGANIZATION IS KEY

There are certain assets that render a successful business traveler the envy of their peers. They include an electronic organizer for appointments, notes, expenses, phone numbers, and addresses; a communications tool for phone, paging, fax, and e-mail; and a laptop. Consider the new Pdq Smartphone from Qualcomm, a cell phone that uses Palm technology and software. It allows you to do all of the aforementioned and hot syncs with your PC or Mac-based computer so you can update your home office in seconds. Traveling light is a venerable skill. Master it with the sleek Sony C1 Picturebook, a mini laptop computer. Weighing in at just 1.8 pounds, it packs 4.0 gigabytes and comes with accessories and peripherals that make it an astounding business tool for everything from video conferencing to projecting power presentations to a packed conference hall.

Unless you have also mastered the art of entirely paperless travel, it is a good idea to invest in a travel organizer which holds all your airline frequent flyer cards, affinity membership cards, calling cards, passport, identification, and other travel documents. It's a great way to keep everything you need handy when making travel arrangements as well as when on the go.

AFFINITY AND BEYOND

Affinity programs are a great way to save travel dollars and give to your favorite organization. These special promotional programs are offered by companies such as Sprint, American Express, Visa and MasterCard, who give a portion of the profit that they make back to the organization which promotes their product. They also provide you exclusive entitlement to privileges and discounts on airfare, hotel, car rental, and even participating restaurants. Many offer frequent flyer mileage credits in addition to discounts. Because they are exclusive to select chains or brands, it might be a good idea to join one or two that include those that you prefer or are available in most cities. Or, you might consider one that gives back to your university alumni association or professional organization.

MEETING NEEDS

When you're in control, where you meet to conduct your business is a direct reflection on you. When time is of the essence, mirror success by choosing an airline business club. They can provide a quiet, convenient and conducive atmosphere for small meetings. If you're planning a bigger event, there are a host of service people ready to assist you with the details. From site selection to audio-visual needs, there are meeting planners in every city who specialize in events of all sizes. Helpful websites include mmaweb.com/ meetings and eventplanner.com. Both provide directories for facilities and services across the US and abroad.

HEY, WHERE DID YOU GET THAT?

No Neiman Marcus, Norstrom, or Brooks Brothers where you live? If you find one in the city you are traveling to, you might be able to save while you shop. How is that possible? If you have your items shipped back home, you may not have to pay sales tax. Shipping charges are usually much less than the total sales tax. If you shop in different parts of the store, make sure you ship all items from one department at the same time so you only pay one charge.

Airport gift shops are helpful for last-minute gifts to bring home to kids who missed you, secretaries who helped your trip go smoothly, and the babysitter who kept everything under control back at home.

ADAM'S MARK HOTELS

Adam's Mark Hotels & Resorts Division was founded in 1973. Today, this fast growing division encompasses 21 major hotel properties in 13 states.

Adam's Mark Hotel & Resorts provides first class accommodations for business travelers and vacationers, facilities for conventions and business meetings, and fine restaurants and entertainment lounges for the local community.

Hotels within the 11,000+ room system are located in Buffalo, NY; Charlotte, NC; Clearwater Beach, FL; Columbia, SC; Colorado Springs, CO; Columbus, OH; Dallas, TX; Daytona Beach, FL; Denver, CO; .Grand Junction, CO; Houston, TX; Indianapolis, IN; Kansas City, MO; Memphis, TN; Mobile, AL; Orlando, FL; Philadelphia, PA; St. Louis, MO; San Antonio, TX; Tulsa, OK; and Winston-Salem, NC.

HBE has combined its national design/building experience with the strength of its growing Adam's Mark Hotels & Resorts division to develop a particular expertise in taking on major, complex downtown redevelopment/conversion projects in close cooperation with municipalities and redevelopment agencies.

Adam's Mark is proud of its efforts in diversity. We are especially proud of the fact that 55% of our over 8500 employees are minorities. In addition 21% of our supervisory/ management staff consists of minorities.

13 percent of the Division Managers and Supervisors at our 21 hotels are African-American as is 18 percent of our accounting/ finance staff. This is compared to an industry average, in these areas, of 9.2 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

In the words of Fred S. Kummer, President and CEO of Adam's Mark Hotels & Resort "It is important to tell the story of Adam's Mark and the outstanding job our employees and managers have done in the areas of guest services and diversity management".

The Adam's Mark Hotels & Resorts thanks you for taking the time to learn more about us. We look forward, with anticipation, to serving you in the near future.

AMERICAN AIRLINES 

With over 3,600 flights a day to over 250 cities in over 40 countries, American Airlines and American Eagle can take you anywhere you want to go. If your business calls you to travel throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico or to Europe, Latin America or Japan, count on more than 95,000 employees dedicated to keeping you on schedule.

American offers you the choice of up to three classes of service -- First Class, Business Class and Economy - to suit just about any travel need. And, members of the AAdvantage travel awards program can earn valuable mileage credit redeemable for award travel worldwide. And now, AAdvantage miles never expire, as long as you show any kind of mileage accrual or award redemption activity at least once every 36 months. And, Admirals Club members can enjoy a quiet place to work or relax in our more than 45 Club locations throughout the world.

In our continuous quest to simplify your travel planning, American was the first airline to implement electronic ticketing worldwide. For additional convenience, the itinerary confirmation and receipts for your Electronic Ticket can be sent to you via email so you can proceed directly to your gate without checking in at the airport ticket counter.

American is also proud to be a member of oneworld([TM]), an alliance among seven of the world's leading airlines - American Airlines, British Airways, Canadian Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Quantas, and now Finnair and Iberia - who are dedicated to making global travel more convenient. Via oneworld, you can now connect to other oneworld airline's flights via the worldwide route network and reap the opportunities for mileage awards and access to more clubs and lounges.

For more information or reservations, call your Travel Agent, or American Airlines at 1-800-433-7300, or visit us on the web at AA.com([TM]).

Exciting millennium events planned in BARBADOS

Barbados "Paint it Jazz" Festival:

The hot sounds of jazz will provide the ideal escape to begin the new millennium in Barbados when the island hosts in its seventh annual "Paint it Jazz" Festival from January 12 - 16, 2000.

The festival has become the premier musical event of the Caribbean and this year's international jazz legends include Wynnton Marsalis, Luther Vandross, Regina Carter, Regina Belle, Tito Puente, Demo Cates and the Monsoon, the Lenny Marcus Trio featuring Frank Foster, and the Al Harewood Quintet. Local talent will also be included in the festival's program. Season tickets are available for $165, or tickets can be purchased saparately for each show.

New York/Barbados Chef Exchange:

Top chefs from three of New York's finest restaurants will travel to Barbados for a culinary "cook-off" with three of Barbados chefs in February 2000. Connoisseurs can sample the creations of the international chef pairs, including Chef Hance Bannister of Coral Reef Cub in Barbados and Chef Rick Moonen of Oceana in New York; Chef Renee Griffith of Turtle Beach in Barbados and Chef Michel Nishan of Heartbeat in New York; and Chef Michael Harrison of Carambola in Barbados and Chef Geoffrey Zakarian of Patroon in New York. Travelers can book packages through Amex Vacations/Travel Impressions.

Concorde Service Offered From New York In Early 2000 For A Limited Time:

Travel to Barbados is easier than ever with British Airways Concorde service from New York. During February and March, Barbados spectacular beaches will be just two-and-a-half-hours away!

The `Barbados in Style' service takes you to Barbados with supersonic speed, making the trip ideal for busy travelers seeking a quick getaway. Service is scheduled to begin in February, just in time for your clients to enjoy a romantic escape over Valentine's Day weekend, partake of the culinary pleasures of the New York/Barbados Chef Exchange, experience Holders Season, the annual opera festival, or just relax at one of the island's beautiful resorts.

The Saturday departures are scheduled for February 5, 12, 10 and 26, and March 4, I1, and 18, 2000. The flights return the following Saturday. Fares are priced at US$1,250, one-way; $2,200 round-trip. Packages including round-trip travel and accommodations at one of five luxury hotels are available from British Airways Holidays at [phone].

For further information on Barbados, Call the Barbados Tourism Authority at [phone], or explore Barbados on-line at www.barbados.org

GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE

Imerse Yourself in Greater Fort Lauderdale

Twenty three miles of wide, sandy beaches stretch along calm, azure waters ... from Palm Beach in the north to Miami in the south. Greater Fort Lauderdale, the Venice of America, also boasts 300 miles of navigable inland waterways.

But immersing yourself in Greater Fort Lauderdale need not involve a single drop of water. Plunge into a culture as deep as the ocean. A culture characterized by Seminoles and Broadway shows. Serious golf and whimsical water taxis. Fusion cuisine and tasty jazz. And like the horizon here, the list goes on and on.

Greater Fort Lauderdale is home to diverse cultural experiences -- from the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum of Seminole culture in the Everglades to the Old Dillard Museum showcasing African-American heritage. Add 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, an average temperature of 77 degrees, 28,000 hotel rooms,

3,000 restaurants, and a wealth of off-the-beach activities for a perfect vacation and meeting location.

New developments include the recent opening of the National Car Rental Center for the Florida Panthers hockey team, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World sporting goods mega store, the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum and new entertainment complexes along the beachfront and downtown Fort Lauderdale's Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment district.

To welcome the new century, Greater Fort Lauderdale invites you to "Immerse Yourself in Celebration," with a two-year calendar of exciting events, including the June celebration of the new African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, opening in late 2000 and one of three of its kind in the United States.

Twelve major malls, plus one-of-a-kind boutiques along downtown Fort Lauderdale's chic Las Olas Boulevard; the Swap Shop, the south,; largest indoor/outdoor flea market, and Sawgrass Mills, the world's largest designer outlet mall present shopping opportunities galore.

For your free copy of the 2000 Greater Fort Lauderdale African-American Visitors Guide or to book your vacation package getaway, call 800-22-SUNNY or visit www. sunny.org

HARTSFIELD

Atlanta International Airport - Executive Conference Center

As the busiest passenger airport in the world, we expect nearly 80 million passengers this year. Nearly half, will be savvy business travelers, just like you. At Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport, our business is to strive to be the best airport in the world by offering you premier, innovative service that exceeds your expectations. Right in the heart of the world's busiest passenger airport, nestled in the Atrium of Hartsfield's Main Terminal, is our state-of-the art Executive Conference Center, where we've pulled out all the stops to insure that you have everything you need to make your next meeting a success

We've thought of every detail to make business meetings run as smooth as the engine of a new 717-200. Within our modern, beautifully decorated facility, are all the components required to conduct small to large business meetings - computer workstations, data ports, Tele/video-conferencing, wide-screen projectors, printers, copiers and fax machines. Frequent fliers know that time is valuable and holding your meetings at Hartsfield's Executive Conference Center, located just a few short minutes from the airport's concourses, can help you maximize it. The center has 24 meeting rooms equipped with comfortable leather seating that can accommodate groups anywhere from 6 to 40 people. Also, a full range of catering services are available including everything from beverages, fruit and bagels, to grilled chicken salad and gourmet lemon bars for dessert.

Convenience, excellent customer service and wonderful meeting facilities are right here at the Hartsfield Executive Conference Center. So, the next time you're planning a meeting and want to make the most of your valuable time with clients or colleagues, consider Hartsfield's Executive Conference Center. We're sure to surpass your expectations.

Booking is easy. Call us in Atlanta at 404-761-6116, or reach us toll-free at 1-800-713-1359. Cut down on your travel costs and avoid downtown traffic. Fly in and out after hosting a meeting in Hartsfield's Executive Conference Center.

PHOENIX-Amazing what you can do from here

Whether it's booking a national convention with thousands of participants or making arrangements for small corporate meetings, the Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau is one of the best at handling meeting planners' needs.

Only 10 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and located in the heart of downtown Phoenix, the Phoenix Civic Plaza - Arizona's top convention venue - is next to two premier convention hotels and is walking distance from numerous restaurants, shops and sports and cultural attractions.

Along with Phoenix serving as the proud site of the National Association of Black Journalists convention in August 2000, the Bureau also books substantial business into Greater Phoenix resorts and hotels, including Scottsdale, Mesa and Tempe properties.

Among the reasons to choose Phoenix for business and leisure travel are:

Greater Phoenix was rated the nation's top hotel destination in a recent Zagat Survey of frequent travelers; Staying at a Phoenix area resort and spa offers tranquil relaxation and rejuvenation;

Greater Phoenix is recognized as one of the world's top places to golf with more than 190 courses; Terrific dining, shopping, cultural tourism and adventure recreation opportunities await;

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is the hub of the southwestern United States serving 23 airlines, which makes Phoenix easy to get to from anywhere, and Phoenix 300 sunny days per year and dry climate ensure you'll enjoy great weather.

To learn more, contact James Jessie, National Convention Sales Manager at the Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau, toll free at 1-877-CALL-PHX. Or visit us at www.phoenixcvb.com

ROYAL CARIBBEAN

For those of you who have finally arrived, your fantasy vacation might be mountain climbing to reach new heights, or stealing the spotlight as the star of a TV show or an ice skating extravaganza. For some, a fantasy vacation might just be the chance to shop 'til you drop in the world's most luxurious shopping mall. Well, what if you could do them all during one glorious week while sailing on the largest, state of the art, luxury cruise liner in the world?

Royal Caribbean International has turned fantasy into fact with the launch of its revolutionary new ship Voyager of the Seas. Add to this, a who's who passenger list, assembled by Dr. William Tedford and Madeleine Moore, the co-founders of the National Professionals Network (NPN), and you've got a vacation that's not only nine fun filled days with legendary stars and celebrities, but it's also a tax deductible conference cruise. This is the eighth year that NIPN has sailed with Royal Caribbean to take African American leaders around the globe. "We've successfully mixed big business and immense pleasure," says Dr. Tedford, who is also an emergency medicine physician and NPN's president.

In the year 2000, Royal Caribbean will break the record for luxury and innovation in ships and NPN will top the charts for "stardom at sea" with its 21st Century Leadership Summit at Sea conference cruise and honorary host, Kweisi Mfume.

So, as you book your fantasy vacation on Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Sea with NPN sailing from July 28th through August 6th, you might also find yourself day dreaming about your ideal vacation. You might imagine yourself playing a round of golf with NPN Living Legend Award honoree Bill Gates, while calculating your swing at the on-board golf simulator. Dorothy, click your heels three times and you're dreaming about bargain hunting for shoes in the world's largest floating mall with Ms. Patti Labelle. Close your eyes and you can almost see yourself browsing through the Voyagers 24-hour street fair with Maya Angelou, or spending a day at the state of the art Ship Shape Spa with Halle Berry. Stretch your imagination and your muscles and picture yourself dunking baskets or playing HORSE with Magic Johnson on the ships full length sports court, before lunching with Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee in one of the Voyagers three main dinning rooms, or six other restaurant areas. Have a deck-chair day dream about you and Sinbad giving folks a few laughs as you lead the charge of NPN'ers over the rock climbing wall, that towers 200 feet above the sea. Picture yourself in the fabulous Casino Royale, close your eyes and imagine Johnnie Cochran showing you how he wins the fabulous Casino Royale, close your eyes and imagine Johnnie Cochran showing you how he wins at every turn. You can really take a head trip and envision yourself on the set of the Voyagers state of the art TV studio with news anchor Carole Simpson and TV commentator Tavis Smiley for NPNS televised town hall meetings of African American leaders that will be sailing with you.

Now open your eyes, its time to party and join live concerts and Royal Caribbean's dazzling Broadway-quality stage shows every night of the week. Say hello to NPN's long roster of VIPS for its 21st Century Leadership Summit at Sea like BE publisher, Earl Graves; US Surgeon General David Satcher; Pro Line president, Corner Cottrell; BET chairman, Bob Johnson; NCNW president, Dorothy Height; Essence president, Clarence Smith; and Anheuser-Busch vice president, Wayman Smith (to name a few). "It's and experience of a lifetime at a price you can afford," says NPN Co-Founder Madeleine Moore. There's already a waiting list for penthouse suites, but luxury Junior Suites run about $2,600. Accommodations start at $1,800.

The Voyager of the Seas will sail from Miami to Labadee, Hispaniola; Ochos Rios, Jamaica and Cozumel, Mexico. NPN's 24-hour American Express customer service and registration number is 800-340-1965 or 301-565-0070.

SAN DIEGO

San Diego continues to emerge as a major multicultural meetings and tourism destination at both product development and marketing levels. In a move designed to further this advancement, the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau recently instituted an aggressive multi-cultural conference and convention sales effort to address and serve the special needs of the African American group meetings and leisure traveler.

Spearheaded by Elliott Lawrence, CMP, account director for multiculrural group sales at the Bureau, the program combines a variety of exciting new elements designed to attract and service the African American visitor and meetings market to the San Diego region.

One of the most exciting new products recently developed at the Bureau is the "African American Guide to San Diego," a glossy, 20-page, full-color brochure that provides vital information for African meeting planners and visitors. In addition to describing popular points of interest and activities, the brochure features a list of African American resources from caterers to performing arts companies.

Boasting a rich African American heritage, history and culture, San Diego is home to diverse offerings, from the San Diego Black Ensemble Theatre to the African American Museum of Fine Arts to the Malcolm X Library. Annual special events include the National & International Black Film Festival; Kuumba Fest, showcasing the talents of local African American performers and visual artists; the Gold Coast Classic, a football contest between two historical black colleges; and the Encanto Street Fair and Cultural Arts Festival, one of the largest African American street fairs in the country.

"It's an exciting time to be in San Diego and have the opportunity to work with such a wonderful product," stated Lawrence. "There's a lot of energy in the city right now, and I'm very proud to be part of it" Lawrence added.

Lawrence can be reached at [phone].

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

The U.S. Virgin Islands is the perfect destination for your next meeting and incentive program. St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas - three unique and beautiful Caribbean islands - offer superb meeting facilities, state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment and breathtaking views of the Caribbean, all in one destination. Plan for the ultimate business meeting and enjoy year-round warm temperatures, first-class accommodations, favorable tax treatment, a professional atmosphere for business and exciting leisure-time activities when the work is done. The USVI offers a variety of meeting facilities to accommodate both small and large groups. Indoor and outdoor meeting spaces are available for conducting casual and formal functions. To make the most of your island experience, consult a professional on-island meeting planner to coordinate the logistics for your entire group.

After taking care of business, there is plenty to do for fun, relaxation or building camaraderie within your group. Network of finalize your business deals while teeing off on St. Thomas and St Croix's championship golf courses. For those who want to take it at an even more leisurely pace, escape from all of the work-related stress by relaxing on our white-sand beaches and enjoying the beautiful turquoise waters.

The language is English, and the laws are American's but the tropical ambience and cultural diversity of our islands are unrivaled. The U.S. Virgin Islands also offers something most other meeting destinations cannot - a multiple island experience.

Whether traveling for business or pleasure, visitors to St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas are sure to experience paradise. For more information, call the U.S. Virgin Islands Visitors Center at (800) 372-USVI to request a copy of the USVI Meetings and Incentives Planner or e-mail your requests to tourism @usvi.org. To schedule your next conference or convention in the U.S. Virgin Islands, call [phone], extension 2243.

BEST TRAVEL WEBSITES

biztravel.com--for best deals, planning a meeting, and company travel

previewtravel.com--to make your own reservations for business and leisure travel

travelocity.com--for travel weather, news, and reservations, one of the most comprehensive sites thetrip.com--track a flight in the air in real time and learn its arrival

mapquest.com--for driving directions to anywhere in the country washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/ travel/omatic/freebieomatic.htm to help determine which frequent flyer program is best for you.

TOP FIVE TRAVEL TIPS

To reduce the stress of business travel, here are a few things to always remember to help keep you refreshed, relaxed, and ready:

* Tired of pretzels and coke? Remember to pack your own snacks. Suggestions for a tasty, energyizing stash that can sustain travel crush, include raisins, apples, dried fruit, carrots, or even a sandwich. Avoid turkey and caffeine, and drink plenty of water.

* Reduce wrinkles by packing clothes in cleaners' bags. Wools, jersey, and silk are the best wrinkle-resistant fabrics. If you can't find an iron, try steaming out the creases you don't want to keep in the bathroom.

* Find it difficult to get a good night's sleep in a strange hotel bed? Bring your own pillow. Familiar scents and squeezes help induce sweet dreams.

* To save time upon arrival, carry-on luggage eliminates baggage claim woes. If traveling light doesn't suit your style, choose luggage that is easy to distinguish and avoid "rich-looking" ensembles. It eliminates confusion and reduces "lost" luggage, risk. Locks and luggage tags are good ideas.

And always remember to carry valuables with you. Last, but not least, for emergency purposes, always take care to leave your travel itinerary with someone.