The Waikiki Convention Connection.

If your group's requirements include 1,500 or more guest rooms, about 200 booths or more for an exhibit trade show, plus function space, it's not who you know--it's what you know about the Waikiki Convention Connection that can make Hawaii a reality for your next meeting. Large groups are discovering the advantages of a team approach between Hawaii's two leading convention facilities--the Sheraton Waikiki and Hilton Hawaiian Village.

Groups like the 3,500 members of the American Bankers Association, Washington, D.C.; 3,000 members of the American Medical Association, Chicago; and more than 20,000 members and families of the National Association of Realtors, Chicago, didn't want to wait until 1998 to book meetings in Hawaii's planned new convention center that will be able to accommodate large groups.

Nor did the American Dental Association, Chicago, which brought 30,000 conventioneers to Hawaii in 1989. "We took all the hotels from the Hilton Hawaiian Village to the Hawaiian Regent, put guides on the street, and acted like it was one big long convention center," says James Sweeney, ADA's assistant executive director.

Our meeting rooms and exhibitions were full all the time. We staged a great opening show with the (Hawaiian) royal court on the grounds of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel ending with fireworks. Everybody had a grand and glorious time."

People like to meet in Hawaii, the "Crossroads of the Pacific," because it's a perfect place to combine work and play. Conventioneers find that Hawaii's trade-wind-cooled climate and world-class hotels provide a relaxing, invigorating, and motivating atmosphere.

The Hilton Hawaiian Village and the Sheraton Waikiki have both been recognized for outstanding service to associations and corporations around the world. Both properties front onto the exciting, cosmopolitan streets of Waikiki, while their back doors open to one of the world's most pleasurable playgrounds, Waikiki Beach.

It made sense for the properties to team up, and it makes sense for groups that overflow one hotel to book these two hotels for meetings. Co-headquarters offer a wide range of room rates among 2,542 rooms at the Hilton Hawaiian Village and 1,852 rooms at the Sheraton Waikiki. Shuttle transportation between the two headquarters properties is complimentary and all meeting space is easily accessible.

The Hilton Hawaiian Village boasts the State's most expansive meeting facilities with two conference centers featuring two major ballrooms and numerous breakout meeting rooms. The Sheraton Waikiki offers Waikiki's largest ballroom with accompanying meeting rooms, all conveniently located on one level. Outdoor functions at both properties come complete with Pacific Ocean and Diamond Head views.

Mary Cavallini, director of meetings and travel for the American Bar Association, Chicago, which met in Hawaii in 1967, 1974, 1980, and again in 1989 (7,663 members attended), observes, "Everyone who comes to Hawaii is happy. We had just a spectacular meeting. Polynesian Cultural Center put on a show at our president's reception that was unbelievable. I love Hawaii. Its beauty and culture, combined with first-class hotels and services, rival any destination in the world."

Judging by the number of return bookings, her feelings are shared by many association executives:

* The American Bankers Association brought 3,500 members plus families, who booked in several hotels in 1988, and they'll be back in 1996.

* The International Foundation for Employee Benefit Plans, Brookfield, Wisconsin, which brought 7,500 members (13,000 total) in 1990, returns every five years. Dean Ossanna, senior director of marketing and membership, notes some practical reasons for choosing Hawaii. "First, we get very good attendance in Hawaii. There are competitive airfare packages and we find the hotels are competitively priced. We always have hundreds of educational meetings, and for a conference like ours, the Sheraton Waikiki and the Hilton Hawaiian Village are well set up with breakout rooms."

"When our people tell us where they want to meet, Hawaii is always one of the top two destinations," adds ADA's Sweeney. "What really makes a meeting in Hawaii is the spirit of the people. You can't help loving it."

The Waikiki Convention Connection makes it even easier to relax and enjoy business. It's a great way to book a meeting of the minds that will also satisfy the longings of your spirit.

Features of the Sheraton Waikiki

* 26,000 square-foot Hawaii Ballroom, largest on Oahu

* 15 additional function rooms

* 21,000 square feet of outdoor function space

* 150 speciality suites

* Cross-utilization of function space with three other Sheraton hotels in Waikiki

* Best central oceanfront location on Waikiki Beach

Features of the Hilton Hawaiian Village:

* Largest committable room block--up to 1600 rooms

* Two major ballrooms for concurrent sessions or F&B events

* 32 meeting rooms

* 362 specialty rooms and suites

* 24 Hour business Service Center

* In house audio-visual services

* Located in Waikiki's Best Beach