Do you have your tickets for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit (APEC) in Hawaii yet? The State of Hawaii economic development and tourism teams are over the moon about this amazing opportunity and have been aggressively courting all the attending countries.  Look for lots of care and hometown pride from both the President and First Lady.  APEC United States 2011 will be a series of meetings of the 21 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation member economies held around the United States in 2011. It will culminate in the 19th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting held at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu Hawaii from November 12–13, 2011. The United States last hosted an APEC summit at the 1993 summit. President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will host the other leaders and spouses.

One of the opportunities is to showcase the products of Hawaii with an incredible “Gift Bag”. Here is the RFP.

The APEC 2011 Hawaii Host Committee is seeking qualified vendors to supply and showcase their products or services for distribution in the form of hospitality gifts to 11,000 government officials, business leaders and global media during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Week events. A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was issued by the Host Committee on July 12, 2011.

“In addition to showcasing Hawaii as a premier global meetings destination, APEC 2011 will present an opportunity for us to introduce Hawaii products and services to an international audience,” said Peter Ho, Hawaii Host Committee Chair.  “Through this RFQ, the individual products and services supplied will further highlight Hawaii businesses and industries, as well as represent the aloha spirit and hospitality of our islands.”

The scope of work desired for this procurement is as follows:

Qualified and reliable suppliers must be able to supply goods or services in tangible product form in the following categories, including, but not limited to:

• Coffee;
• Chocolates/macadamia nut products;
• Hawaii snacks;
• Beverages;
• Soaps, lotions, oils and other bath products;
• Arts and crafts;
• Sports and/or beach items;
• Music;
• City guides (containing no third party advertising); and
• Gift certificates for goods or services ($50 minimum retail value amount, with no purchase required).

Product Specifications:

• Packaged goods must bear no loose-leaf collateral;
• No promotional trial size items; and
• Items are to be no larger than 22”L x 18”H x 3”D (Size of Hospitality Gift Bag).
• The selection of suppliers will be based on overall bids received and how each item contributes to the aggregate of products to be inserted into hospitality gift bags. Suppliers must be able to supply a minimum quantity of 500 items to be considered.

Interested suppliers can obtain a copy of the RFQ by emailing the APEC 2011 Hawaii Host Committee at rfq@apec2011hawaii.com. Please indicate the company name, contact name, contact phone, facsimile, address and email address. The deadline for RFQ submissions is July 29, 2011 at 4:00 p.m., with supplier selections being announced on August 15, 2011.

Read more…

David Adler Uncategorized

By David Adler

David and Susan Axelrod dazzled the city by the bay with the launch of the CURE Epilepsy 1st Annual West Coast Benefit in San Francisco, CA. Evelyn Nussenbaum and Fred Vogelstein co-chaired the dinner with in-laws, John and Barbara Vogelstein, and Susan Axelrod.

In his keynote address at the Four Seasons David Axelrod, former Senior Adviser to President Obama called epilepsy, “terrorism of the brain. ”

Evelyn Nussenbaum event co-chair said, “We’re in the same place as so many other people affected by epilepsy–grappling with the fact that despite the introduction of many new drugs over the last 50 years,  the percentage of people with epilepsy who cannot control their seizures has not changed. It’s over 30 percent.”

Fred Vogelstein told the crowd, “The way we treat and think about epilepsy is in the dark ages.  It still scares people so much that those with seizures lose jobs and relationships because of it.”

San Francisco political superstars Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and Willie Brown, joined Susan and David Axelrod to raise awareness and funds to support epilepsy research. The omnipresent and forever mayor in many San Franciscans’ minds, Willie Brown, whipped the crowd into a giving frenzy Phil Donahue style, raising money paddle by paddle to support the “Fund a Need” grant program.  Guests included San Francisco County Supervisor Malia Cohen, SF lawyer Rich Guggenhime, Men’s Health Magazine’s Andrew Kramer with his beautiful wife, Caryn and Google’s David and Marimo Drummond.  The event also highlighted the groundbreaking work of Bay Area scientists who have received CURE grants to continue their research.

Washington had two terrific Ambassadors, Steve Clemons  and Self magazine’s Marc Adelman. One of Washington’s favorite bloggers, Clemons, wrote about the dinner at http://www.thewashingtonnote.com/archives/2011/03/gavin_newsoms_i/

David Axelrod told the audience that the two most amazing women he will ever know are his daughter, Lauren, and his wife Susan, an evangelical epilepsy advocate. He also described the amazing families who he has met through their 30 year journey with epilepsy describing one family friend who votes Republican and watches Bill O’Reilly every night: not important as this is a disease that transcends politics and ideology.

Axelrod addressed the political current climate, “Our politics are so divisive now. Cable TV and instant news allow us to focus on our different beliefs and philosophies. But in the community of those of us affected by epilepsy, those differences do not matter. Epilepsy cuts across all political, social, ethnic, and economic lines. No group is spared. And we must remember and use our common humanity to fight it.”

Peter Rowan’s Bluegrass Band entertained the crowd fulfilling the New Yorker’s comment that Rowan, a Grammy winner, is “an American treasure.”

To give to the Fund the Need campaign, Click on CUREEpilepsy.org

photos courtesy Drew Altizer

David Adler News David Axelrod

New Washington friends and old Chicago pals gathered at The Jefferson Hotel to honor Susan Sher. Sher came to Washington with the Obamas serving first in the White House Counsel’s office and for the last 18 months as the First Lady’s Chief of Staff. Connie Milstein, Hilary Rosen and Tammy Haddad hosted the luncheon, which included David Axelrod, Kevin Sheekey, Julianna Smoot and Patrick Gaspard.

Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren (with his wife, Sally) saluted Sher’s West Orange, New Jersey roots as the other jersey girls, Anita Dunn and Hilary Rosen, proudly cheered him on.

While not a jersey girl, Manhattan-born Connie Milstein, is the proprietor of The Jefferson and invited the guests to raise their glasses to “thank Susan for her service to the nation.”

David Axelrod, who leaves Washington at the end of the month, praised Sher for her always-cool leadership and integrity. Axelrod said he was already making Chicago plans with Sher and Julianna Smoot, the White House Social Secretary, who announced this week she would go back to Chicago as Deputy Campaign Manager.

Other guests included Milstein’s husband, JC de La Haye Saint Hilarie, Linda Douglass, Rabbi David Saperstein, Anne Fleming, Alan Solow, Susan Davies, Danielle Grey, Maude Baggetto, Ted Greenberg, Danielle Borrin, and Holly Page.

The luncheon crowd dined on Tomato soup, Cod, Coq au Vin and Chocolate Brulee and everyone walked out with an anatomically correct White House chocolate bar. Click for photo gallery

David Adler DC, Event Coverage, News

Rayburn, O’Neil, McCormack and Hastert in Top Four

With today’s historic shift to a Republican controlled House of Representatives, here is the latest Wikipedia list of tenure of the “Speaker of the House” over history. Imagine what Washington was like with the reign of Sam Rayburn who held the Speakers chair for over 17 years. He was followed by Tip O’Neill with 9 years and 350 days, John McCormack with 8 years and 344 days and Dennis Hassert with 7 years and 359 day. Nancy Pelosi beat out Newt Gingrich by only 2 days with Pelsosi serving 3 years and 363 days.

David Adler Washington Trivia

The 85-year old Mayflower Renaissance DC hotel has had it’s share of notable guests (remember Monica Lewinsky and Eliot Spitzer?). The list got longer Saturday night with more glamorous names like Ewan McGregor, Ashley Judd, Dennis Quaid, Tory Burch, Kim Kardashian, and Bobby Flay.

The Grand Ballroom was instantly transformed for the annual White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner after party hosted by Capitol File magazine, Renaissance Hotels and Bing. Here’s a video provided by the Mayflower Renaissance DC about the makeover.

David Adler Event Coverage, Late Night Ashley Judd, Bing, Bobby Flay, Capitol File, Dennis Quaid, Eliot Spitzer, Ewan McGregor, Kim Kardashian, Mayflower, Monica Lewinsky, Renaissance Hotels, Tory Burch, WHCA Dinner

For the past 18 years, the WHCD Garden Party has been where friends gather before one of the biggest nights in Washington. Each year the stories are unique and the guest list represent the best representation of the news and events of the moment. Last year’s garden brunch was held just a few months after the arrival of the new administration. The economic crisis was in full bloom and both the media and official Washington were all trying to figure out how adjust to the new realities. Hollywood was fascinated with the new political stars and the new political stars were still adjusting to being celebrities. Here is a look back.

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David Adler History of Dinner, Uncategorized

By Betsy Rothstein on Apr 21, 2010 04:19 PM
The White House Correspondents’ Dinner could potentially get really uncomfortable next weekend at the MSNBC tables, particularly if hosts Keith Olbermann and Donny Deutsch are in the mix of guests and stars.

Olbermann showed up to WHCA’s dinner last year — will he come again this year? Media insiders want to know: Will Griffin split the pair up, or will Olbermann refuse to sit with Deutsch if he attends? And who decides the seating chart? “Is Olbermann controlling the strings?” a media rep asked.

This week we’re compiling an Awkward Seating Chart for media folks around town. If you have input on potentially uncomfortable pairings, tell us about it. E-mail us at fishbowldc@mediabistro.com.

Deutsch is off the air this week, at least in part, we’re hearing, because Olbermann was furious about Deutsch floating a photograph of him while speaking of the Tea Partiers and “America the Angry.” President Phil Griffin was also reportedly angry and said as much to Deutsch and his producer, Gresham Striegel, who’s also off for the rest of the week.

David Adler Uncategorized

Wolf Blitzer, Bobby Flay Headline Press Party
By Paul Bedard
Posted April 21, 2010

It’s that time of year again when the Washington press corps fights over Hollywood stars as dates for the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner. This year’s May 1 event is already turning into a who’s who from the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Politicians and Washingtonians have almost become a sidebar at the annual media event that features a funny monologue by the president and a real comic. This year it’s Jay Leno. Stars expected include Alec Baldwin, Ewan McGregor, Jimmy Fallon, Jon Bon Jovi, Judd Apatow, Tracy Morgan, Mary J. Blige, Steven Spielberg, Michael Douglas, John Cusack, Scarlett Johansson, Jessica Alba, Julianna Margulies, and Jeremy Piven.

And it’s not just the press “prom” that’s a big show. There are several major parties built around the event, some before, some after, and TV talker John McLaughlin’s is held the next day, on Sunday. To get a feel for the types of parties, below is the press release description of the one affair virtually everybody will trek to after the official event is over Saturday night. It’s held by Jason Binn’s Capitol File and this year co-hosted by CNN’s Wolf Blitzer and celebrity chef Bobby Flay. We don’t know if Flay’s going to do a throwdown challenge to Blitzer.

http://www.usnews.com/news/washington-whispers/articles/2010/04/21/wolf-blitzer-bobby-flay-headline-press-party.html

David Adler Uncategorized

Niche Media CEO Jason Binn and Capitol File magazine’s John Colabelli and Sarah Schaffer are hosting their Fifth Annual Afterparty with special guests including Wolf Blitzer of CNN’s The Situation Room. Bobby Flay, Chef and TV personality will be adding his unique flavor to cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and music will be handled by world-renowned DJ Cassidy.

The WHCD after party will take place at the The Mayflower Renaissance Hotel starting at 10 pm. Last year’s event was held at the Corcoran Gallery.

David Adler Schedules and Announcements

Thursday morning: L’Aquila July 9, 2009 Gordon is off for his first breakfast meeting early, but I get an extra hour as we wait for the other spouses to arrive at the earthquake-hit town of L’Aquila. I did not know what to expect from the police barracks allocated for our accommodation but actually it is all very comfortable and all mod cons in full working order. All apart from one incident with a stuck lift for the events team (and a rapid response from the super efficient Italian staff), which has motivated us to be super-healthy and use the stairs. Once the rest of the spouses have arrived we are treated to coffee and pastries.

Everyone looks well-rested after a good night’s sleep. We are all assigned to buses for our journey to the area worst hit by the earthquake in April – I’m with my good friend Margarita Zavala from Mexico who remembers her country’s own devastating earthquake of 1985 We travel to the Piazza Duomo in the old town of L’Aquila. The full scale of the devastation really hits you when you see such beautiful buildings full of cracks and surrounded by crumbling stones. A glimpse inside a church revealed nothing but piles of rubble waiting to be sifted through during the coming months, to enable the restoration. We are then taken to the centre of the devastation where so many lost their lives and everybody lost their homes.

The emptiness of all the buildings was striking and you wonder how everyone is coping now with their displaced lives. The Director in charge of L’Aquila’s restoration explained that rebuilding the town will take many years. Michelle Obama and I are taken across to meet the emergency service team who have all been working so hard on the restoration. I know this is true of emergency services everywhere, especially in Britain

We are taken back to the G8 compound and run into Gordon and his team walking between meetings. We take the chance to make a call home and speak to our youngest son. Gordon goes off to his next session and now I head off to rejoin the spouses for a nice Italian lunch.

David Adler Uncategorized

Michelle Obama and the girls tour Italy — Foxnews.com Row 2, Seat 4

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David Adler Uncategorized

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David Adler Foreign Travel G8 Italy 2009, sarah brown

Wednesday evening: Rome
July 8, 2009
I visit the Sant’Edigio Community, situated in a beautiful old monastery in the heart of Rome. A poignant moment on arrival to see a tiny little iron turnstile in the wall, where poor and desperate unmarried women in years long past had to tragically abandon babies without disclosing their own identity.

Today the 120,000 strong Sant’Edigio community across the world address new crises. With their hugely dedicated staff we talked about the work they are doing to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa aiming to offer a treatment in Mozambique and Malawi that matches the treatment you can find in Italy or the UK. In many of the poor countries I’ve visited, AIDS often has a female face. Pacem from Malawi has come to share with us her journey from her own HIV positive diagnosis to treatment and life now as an activist for Sant’Egidio, sharing the message of life after testing.

HIV is spreading fastest amongst women and young girls, and elderly women are often the ones left holding families and communities together in the epidemics wake. I am concerned that HIV-positive women are often denied health care, information and services. This can mean they pass the infection onto their baby during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding even though there are effective ways of preventing mother to child transmission. The DREAM programme created by Sant’Egidio works in partnership with communities to overcome these barriers to treatment and care and offers hope and dignity to thousands of vulnerable people across Africa.

I am with Margarita Zavala from Mexico and Margarida Barroso whose husband is the Presidient of the EU and has herself just returned from a visit to Mozambique. We all know that we will follow up on today’s meeting to learn more, and I hope to engage them in the maternal mortality campaign I support.

After the visit, I returned to the British Embassy for a short break and then back out to the final visit of the day with the spouse group. We are hosted by the Italian President’s wife at the Quirinale Palace with a fascinating tour and a drink at the end. We all left ready to meet in L’Aquila in the morning to visit the town and witness the effects of the terrible earthquake here. I have made my way to L’Aquila tonight to find Gordon after his meetings and hear how his day has gone.

More from me tomorrow.

http://sarahbrowng8.wordpress.com/2009/07/08/wednesday-evening-rome/

David Adler Foreign Travel sarah brown

Sarah Brown, the wife of Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister, promised to provide a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the G8 Summit in L’Aquila, Italy, when she began a blog about the “spouses’ summit”.

From The Telegraph: www.telegraph.co.uk/…/g8/…/G8-Sarah-Brown-blogs-on-spouses-summit. html

Sarah Brown and the other G8 spouses will be hosted at the three-day summit in L’Aquila by Clio, wife of Italian president Giorgio Napolitano Photo: PA

Mrs Brown and the other G8 spouses will be hosted at the three-day summit in L’Aquila by Clio, wife of Italian president Giorgio Napolitano, as PM Silvio Berlusconi is currently going through a divorce.
While the world leaders are tied up in meetings on the economy, climate change and aid, the wives – and one husband – will follow an alternative programme, including visits to people affected by the devastating earthquake which struck the town in April and an audience at lunchtime today with Pope Benedict XVI.

The two most glamorous spouses, Michelle Obama and Nicolas Sarkozy’s pop star wife Carla Bruni, are expected to miss the meeting with the Pope – Mrs Obama because she and her husband have a separate meeting and Ms Bruni because she is arriving at the summit late.
In her first post on the G8 blog Mrs Brown said she was looking forward to meeting up with the other “first ladies”.
“Up at the crack of dawn to set off for the G8 in Italy!” she wrote. “There’s a busy few days ahead for me as part of the spouses programme while Gordon is at the summit.
“But I’m really looking forward to meeting up with the ‘other halves’ – some of them I have met before from last year’s G8 and the G20 in London. They are all very interesting people and I’m hoping to get to know them better and to discuss some of the issues that we all feel strongly about.
“It looks like we have some interesting visits lined up. There is some time planned in L’Aquila, the venue for the G8, to meet people affected by the devastating earthquake there in April, as well as visits to some great organisations and historical sites in Rome.
“Hopefully I can give you a flavour of what we have been doing through this blog – and I’m planning to post plenty of pictures from the trip, so make sure you check back regularly.”

David Adler Foreign Travel G8, Presidential Travel, sarah brown, Spouses Summit

Very Cool New Program That Allows You To See Who is Connected To Whom

David Adler Uncategorized