Eight Texas Cities pooled their resources in an award winning Booth Island at the American Society of Association Executives and the Center for Association Leadership 2008 Annual Meeting and Exposition, held at the San Diego Convention Center in August. Freeman—a leading provider of Convention Booths as well as other Exhibition products & services—created a new, “group” exhibit concept for the Texas Convention & Visitor Bureaus, which both highlighted the meeting amenities in the individual cities as well as the Texas Region as a whole. The booth was named "Best in Show -First Place" in the Island Booth category!  Everything Texas—from the music to the cuisine—was featured in Texas Island.  The brand message was supported by sight, sound and taste, bringing the entire Texas Experience to attendees. The center of the exhibit featured a stage for live musical performances, encircled by individual "pod" areas for each of the eight individual convention and visitor bureaus. The booth also incorporated a custom-built bar that served Texas-style refreshments. A dynamic, custom backlighting set for Texas state cutouts added to the exhibit's impact. Eight 16-foot towers representing the eight cities, enhancing the overall booth impression while increasing visitor traffic. "By joining forces, the Texas cities created a powerful message for Texas tourism, and yet we were successful in helping each of them preserve their individual brand," said John Reed, National Account Director of Corporate Events. The CVBs on TEXAS ISLAND were:  Arlington, Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Grapevine, Houston, Irving and San Antonio.