Media Contact: Lori LaDu

12 September 2008

FRED TIBBITTS & ASSOCIATES FIFTH ANNUAL

“A Fall Evening at Shanghai with very Special Friends”

Sheraton Shanghai Hotel & Residences, Pudong 11 September 2008

Shanghai-P.R.C. The Fifth Annual FTA “A Fall Evening at Shanghai with very Special Friends” proved to be another memorable event for the one hundred plus guests, who included hotel and restaurant executives, managing directors, regional vice presidents, GMs, industry VIPs, hospitality educators, entertainment press and sponsors.

The reception featured Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial; S.Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water and Sanpellegrino Sparkling Fruit Beverages; Havana Club 3 years old & 7 years old; Hendrick’s; The Balvenie; Smirnoff Black; Don Julio; Singleton Classic Malts; and Tanqueray No. Ten with an assortment of delicious canapés and hors d’ouvres, which were prepared with the finest crab meat from Phillips Foods Asia.  All guests were formally announced and gonged.

The four-course gala dinner brought Fred Tibbitts to the podium, who reminded the assembled hospitality industry elite with his Welcoming Remarks that “Service is the highest calling”.  Fred then called for the thirteen Loyalty Toasts by the many of the dinner VIP’s.

Fred Tibbitts announced that a portion of the proceeds from the FTA Fall Dinner at Shanghai would be donated to UNICEF-China.  Presenting the FTA cash donation was Debbie Cho, Sub-Branch Manager, HSBC Shanghai; receiving the donation was Janet Zhu, Corporate Fund Raising Officer, UNICEF Office for China.

The 2008 FTA Hospitality Award for Literary Excellence was next announced as having been previously presented to LifeStyle (China) magazine by Fred Tibbitts, Jr., President & CEO, Fred Tibbitts & Associates at the FTA Summer Dinner at Beijing on 5 June.  The Award, a crystal trophy had been accepted by Ricky Xu, Editor in Chief of LifeStyle (China) magazine.  Along with the Award presentation, Joan Remington, Associate Dean for Academic Programs, Florida International University and Wenjun Wang, Dean, School of Tourism Management, Florida International Program, the Tianjin University of Commerce had presented Richard Fu, Publisher of LifeStyle (China) magazine with a $5,000.00 USD scholarship certificate in the name of LifeStyle Magazine to benefit worthy students of limited means to attend the FIU Program at the Tianjin University of Commerce.  Both Ricky Xu and Richard Fu had expressed their deep appreciation for the recognition of their work and the new connection going forward with the Florida Internal University Program at Tianjin.  At the Shanghai dinner, Ricky Xu came to the podium to once again acknowledge with gratitude the Award and the scholarship.

The menu, which was superbly crafted by Sheraton Shanghai Executive Chef Davide Pesenato and his culinary team, included Crab Meat “Timbale” with Avocado and Olive Oil Dressing by Phillips Foods Asia; Roasted Lamb Loin with Olive Tapenade, Basil Mashed Potatoes and Lentil Ragout, served with Shallot Jus; Aged Parmesan, Aged Cheddar and Taleggio, served French and Italian Bread; Delight Chocolate Temptation Macarronade with Almond Mousse and Raspberry Jelly Supreme.  The menu was complimented by twelve premium and super premium wines from Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, California, Italy and Spain.

Sheraton Shanghai Hotel & Residences, Pudong General Manager, John O’Shea summoned the Brigade as the dinner drew to a close with a standing ovation from the thoroughly grateful Chinese and western hospitality leaders.  Fred Tibbitts then wished the guests a Fond Farewell.

Fred Tibbitts & Associates is the leading global wine, spirits and related services consulting agency for National Account chain hotels and restaurants and event management, based at Menands, New York and Bangkok, Thailand.