The delegation includes representatives from the Hawai'i Convention Center, the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB), its four island chapters and other visitor industry partners. The meeting runs through Tuesday.

The Hawai'i team hopes to strengthen existing relationships with ASAE executives and association clients, as well as cultivate new relationships in an effort to acquire new business and to continue promoting Hawaii as a premiere business destination, according to a news release from the trip participants.

The trip also will allow the Hawai'i Convention Center to introduce its recently hired regional account managers in their Chicago sales and marketing office.

"Hawai'i will have a formidable presence at this year's meeting, particularly with the debut of regional account managers, Walden Agustin and Julie Mullins Scuras, during the conference and on the tradeshow floor," said Ron Adams, senior director of sales and marketing, Hawai'i Convention Center. "This effort is extremely important, as ASAE executives are instrumental in driving future business to Hawaii and the convention center."

John Monahan, president and chief executive officer of the Hawai'i Visitors and Convention Bureau echoed Adams' sentiment.

"This event provides a tremendous opportunity to generate association business statewide and increase exposure for Hawai'i's superb meetings assets," Monahan said. "The mission is to reinforce Hawai'i's strength as a meetings destination to these key executives and emphasize the benefits of doing business in the islands."

Agustin, who was born and raised on the Island of Lana'i, has firsthand knowledge of Hawai'i and 16 years in the hotel and convention industry. Scuras is a convention industry leader with more than 17 years of experience in securing long-term bookings.