Museum Store Association

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The MSA News Page

Urge Your Senators to Vote Yes on Travel Promotion
June 11, 2009
The U.S. Travel Association is asking you to assist its efforts to support passage of the Travel Promotion Act which has been fast-tracked for consideration in the Senate. This legislation is critical to help promote travel to the United States, and therefore, increase visitation at cultural institutions.

Please share this information with your colleagues and encourage them to contact their Senators to urge passage of the Travel Promotion Act.

President's Message: Help MSA Save Money at the 2009 Conference
Book Your Room at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix
March 25, 2009
It is only five weeks before we meet in Phoenix for the annual MSA Conference & Expo. For those of you who have not booked your hotel, please consider the advantages of staying at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix.

Due to fewer registrations, we are facing the potential cost of attrition fees (a penalty MSA must pay to the Hyatt) if we do not meet the minimum number of rooms MSA reserved in our Hyatt room block. You can help us reduce or save these fees by booking your room at the Hyatt now. Consider these advantages as well:

It's the official headquarters hotel for the Conference – you’ll be in the heart of all the action!
It's conveniently located directly across the street from the Phoenix Convention Center.
Friday night's Meet and Greet will be held in the Hyatt’s Networks Bar & Grille – come in your PJs if you like!
It's conveniently and affordably located only four miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport – light rail from the airport is $1.25; shuttles are $15; a cab ride is $20.
There are 50 restaurants within walking distance of the Hyatt.
The Hyatt is only 15 minutes from shopping at the Biltmore Fashion Park.
It's only one block from light rail so you can easily explore all Phoenix has to offer – museums, restaurants, shopping, galleries, and more!
You can enjoy the low MSA Conference rates even if you come early or stay extra nights in Phoenix.

Thanks for booking your hotel as soon as possible and let me know if you were able to help us out. Every reservation at the Hyatt will help and yours can make a difference!

Gwen Benner, MSA President

2010 Program Resource Group Selected
March 18, 2009
Members of the volunteer committee responsible for determining educational topics and learning objectives for the 2010 MSA Retail Conference & Expo were recently selected. The 2010 Program Resource Group is composed of the following MSA Museum Members:

Amanda Burns, Gilcrease Museum, Tulsa, OK
Mary Douthit, The Blanton Museum of Art, Austin, TX
David Duddy, DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park, Lincoln, MA
Charles Ferryman, National Ornamental Metal Museum, Memphis, TN
Gloria Rosenau-Stern, Minnesota Historical Society, Two Harbors, MN

MSA Welcomes New Staff Member: Kathy Kriner
Dec. 17, 2008
The Museum Store Association would like to introduce its newest staff member. Kathy Kriner joins MSA as the Senior Manager for Programs and Membership and brings 20 years of management experience in client services, marketing and tradeshow development. She most recently was with Visa where she directed client service organizations and carried responsibility for member satisfaction. Earlier in her career, she built a tradeshow division for a national magazine publisher and oversaw the launch of seven new events. Welcome Kathy!