White Plains-based Hospitality Resource Group (HRG) has teamed up with Corporate Audio Visual Services, based in Elmsford, to develop a new platform that also helps nonprofit organizations hold virtual fundraising events. In a bid to aid area organizations impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, Hospitality Resource Group's production, event planning, and online management resource will allow nonprofits to remotely engage sponsors and donors online.
"We realize nothing can completely replace the value of live, in-person events," says HRG partner Robert Sanders. "Over the past few weeks, we have heard from many of our current clients and others in the nonprofit community about their concerns, as they are anxious to remain visible with their supporters during the pandemic. To meet their needs, we worked quickly with our strategic partners Corporate AV and MackTeck Solutions to design a fully integrated event platform to support them."
White Plains, New York April 8, 2020 - Event Management and Production Leaders Announce New Virtual Platform
Event management leaders Hospitality Resource Group, Inc. (HRG) and Corporate Audio Visual Services (Corporate AV) have announced they have joined together to develop a new virtual event platform designed for nonprofit organizations to support their fundraising efforts. Responding to the increasing demand to provide solutions for area organizations impacted by the COVID-19 virus, this new event planning, production, and online management resource offers a unique opportunity for nonprofits to continue to engage their supporters, donors and sponsors online.
"We realize nothing can completely replace the value of live, in-person events," says HRG Partner Robert Sanders. "Over the past few weeks, we have heard from many of our current clients and others in the nonprofit community about their concerns, as they are anxious to remain visible with their supporters during the pandemic. To meet their needs, we worked quickly with our strategic partners Corporate AV and MackTeck Solutions to design a fully integrated event platform to support them."
Robert Sanders is a man on the move, a busy man, a Westchester man, the founder and chairman of Hospitality Resource Group Inc. (HRG), a group of three companies - Event Solutions, Strategic Training Solutions and Allegis Communications - which integrate vertically to form a powerhouse of hospitality industry products in the tristate area and beyond.
Sanders grew up in Chappaqua and is a standard-bearer for an industry he has loved since high school years, when he worked for the famous Vinny's in Pleasantville.
"I cut my teeth there, first as a cook and then as a chef, so that my first introduction to hospitality was definitely on the culinary side of things."
The University of South Carolina followed, with a business degree in hotel and restaurant management. He then went to work for Marriot for 17 years, starting in Hilton Head in 1983.
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Nonprofit Westchester and Hospitality Resource Group Form Strategic Partnership
Nonprofit Westchester (NPW), the only membership organization in the county dedicated to representing the interests of the nonprofit sector in Westchester, and Hospitality Resource Group Inc. (HRG), the leading event management, training and marketing company in Westchester, have agreed to form a strategic partnership.
Launched in 2012, NPW provides over 170 nonprofit and business members with consultation, connections, capacity building initiatives, and networking and advocacy events that strengthen the county, support its economic vitality and advance equity, access and opportunity for all residents.
HRG is a group of 3 vertically integrated companies, with over 20 years of experience partnering with clients, including nonprofit organizations, municipalities and corporations to develop innovative training, event management, and marketing communication solutions.
"We are very excited to come together with HRG to leverage our collective relationships with leaders in the public and private sector" said Terry Kirchner, President of the Board for NPW.
Westchester County's nonprofit sector plays a critical economic role as both a job creator and revenue generator. The sector is one of the largest employers in Westchester County, and contributes significantly to the county's private employment growth. "Over 20 years ago, we launched HRG as an event company, and we worked with nonprofit clients to help them become more effective in their development efforts" said Robert Sanders, Partner and Founder of HRG. "Today, we are pleased and proud to announce this strategic relationship with NPW, and we look forward to working closely together to engage nonprofit leaders to help them grow."
Westchester County is home to over 400 nonprofit organizations, and they contribute over $7B in economic impact. According to George Latimer, Westchester County Executive, "It is great to see leaders in the public and private sector come together to expand our economy. We are encouraged to see these partnerships forming, as they support our efforts to promote community and commerce throughout Westchester."
Westchester County Association President and CEO Bill Mooney added "The Westchester County Association (WCA) could not be more pleased about the new strategic partnership between HRG and Nonprofit Westchester. WCA has been a longstanding partner of HRG as well as a founding member of Nonprofit Westchester, and we know this new collaboration will serve the interests of Westchester's nonprofit community very well. The more we work together to meet the needs of our residents and businesses, the stronger this region becomes."
NPW will share office space with HRG at their corporate headquarters on 237 Mamaroneck Avenue in White Plains, and work closely together to engage their members, and expand membership . "We are excited to be working with HRG to support and grow our membership, as many of them have benefited from their experience in event management, marketing, and organizational development" said Jan Fisher, NPW Executive Director. "We look forward to collaborating with HRG to achieve our goals for 2020 and beyond."
For more information, visit Nonprofit Westchester www.npw.org or call 914 332-6679, and Hospitality Resource Group www.HRGinc.net Tel 914 761-7111.
HVEDC Welcomes Robert O. Sanders, Jr., CMP of Hospitality Resource Group to its Board of Directors
The Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp. (HVEDC) announced the appointment of Robert O. Sanders, Jr., Founding Partner and Managing Partner of Hospitality Resource Group, Inc. (HRG), to its Board of Directors.
Sanders has worked for a variety of prestigious, world-renowned companies in the hospitality industry as a management leader in sales, training, marketing and operations. HRG is a vertically integrated group of three companies that provide services to the booming hospitality sector - Event Solutions, Allegis Communications and Strategic Training Solutions.
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HRG’s Robert Sanders At Mount Vernon Career Center Ceremonial Ribbon-Cutting
Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board Members pictured L to R: Claudia Murphy, Thom Kleiner, Edward Cooke, Kevin McGuire, Jamie Schutzer, Allison Madison, Wiley Harrison, Dr. Marsha Gordon, Richard St. Paul, David Singer, Dr. Belinda S. Miles, Diane Atkins, Leonard Townes, Joseph DiCarlo, Michele Green, Robert O. Sanders
On Thursday, September 27, 2018, the Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board and staff members from the Mount Vernon Career Center celebrated the Center's new location with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Officially opened on April 10th at 130 Mount Vernon Avenue, the Mount Vernon Career Center is conveniently located within walking distance of the Mount Vernon West Metro North station to better serve Westchester County residents seeking employment services.
Since opening, the Mount Vernon Career Center has hosted a Talent Shortage Symposium, several Job Recruitment Fairs with local employers, and served numerous job seekers by providing employment counseling, skills assessments, and job-readiness training.
July 20, 2018 HRG Partners with Westfair Communications on Major Business Events
HRG and Westfair Communications, publisher of the Westchester and Fairfield County Business Journals and WAG magazine, have developed a partnership to plan and promote a series of major regional business events starting this summer with the Westchester/Fairfield Barracuda Tank awards on Tuesday, August 7th. This first event was created to recognize innovative, fast-growing local businesses that are driving our economy in the greater Westchester/Fairfield County area. Future fall events include Women In Food, Beverage and Hospitality, Westchester Doctors of Distinction awards, Westchester and Fairfield C-Suite awards in October. For more information, please visit http://www.westfaironline.com/events or contact HRG at info@HRGinc.net or call us at (914) 761-7111 to review sponsorship opportunities to align your business with these important events.
June 14, 2018 HRG Partners with Guiding Eyes for the Blind on Annual Fundraiser
HRG worked closely in partnership with Guiding Eyes for the Blind on their annual golf outing and fundraiser on June 14 at Mt. Kisco Country Club. Keynote speaker Eli Manning was on hand again, celebrating his 20th year working with this tremendous organization based in Yorktown Heights NY, to help raise over $200,000 to support their work training and providing guide dogs to people with vision loss.
May 10, 2018 Yankee Great Jim Abbot Inspires Giving at Family Services of Westchester Gala
HRG's Event Solutions team partnered with Family Services of Westchester Gala for their annual gala at Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle on Thursday, May 10th.
A sold out crowd enjoyed hearing from FSW Community Service Award Winner Jim Abbott, former NY Yankees pitching star and inspirational speaker.
HRG's Event Solutions team produced the Westchester County Association Health Tech '17, as over 450 area healthcare leaders, government officials, and private sector executives came together for a full day of presentations and networking.
HRG Event Solutions Produces and Manages 5th Annual HVEDC Event at Culinary Institute
HRG worked in partnership with the Hudson Valley EDC to produce the 5th Annual Beer, Wine, Cider and Spirit Summit on October 12th, 2017, at the Culinary Institute of America last week. Over 400 industry entrepreneurs gathered to hear from one of America's leading wine educators, attend workshops, enjoy samples of fine food and fare, and network with their peers at the nation's center for innovation and education in food and beverage. HRG's Event Solutions provided event management consulting services and support. HRG worked with the HVEDC on event logistics, registration, on-site support and sponsor development.
HRG Event Solutions Supplies United Rentals at Annual National Trade Show
St. Louis, Missouri. HRG has been working with the world's largest equipment rental company for the past 10 years, managing logistics and planning. This year, 289 exhibitors from across the U.S. and Canada were on hand for this 3 day conference and trade show.
Robert Sanders featured in Westfair- August, 2017
From a garage to global reach, Hospitality Resource Group marks 20 years
If you ask Hospitality Resource Group founder Robert Sanders the secret of his company’s two decades of success, you’ll get a variety of answers, ranging from the company’s solid business plan to a focus on philanthropy to, frankly, pure luck.
But there’s one characteristic that he credits above all else: a focus on forming strong, meaningful relationships.
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Robert Sanders featured in Business Travel Executive magazine- November, 2016
Who Owns the Meeting? Clear lines of communication and accountability produce greater impact and a better ROI
By: Harvey Chipkin
Robert Sanders, general manager, meetings and events for Ovation Corporate Travel, recently ran a meeting in Atlantic City for 1,000 people. "I was dealing with the creative team, the content team, the F&B team and others," Sanders says. "But what I needed to know was: who makes the decisions? I have to know and sometimes it takes a while to get there. People will say, 'Robert, you are dealing with me' and that's fine, but I have to know: Who will sign the contract? Who will approve the budget? It's a $2 million meeting but I may never interact with the person who makes the decisions so that when I get the opportunity to represent them I want to know where the decisions came from."
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HRG "Cause" For Celebration Holiday Party 2016 Podcast
HRG was featured in this article which covered how we combine a personal approach with a flair for technology. Read more about how we have grown from a startup to become a leader in event management, workforce training solutions and marketing for small businesses in 914 Magazine.
HRG Chairman Featured in 914 Magazine Top 50 Names You Need To Know in Westchester
February 2016- Hospitality Resource Group, Inc. Chairman Robert Sanders was featured in this article in 914 Magazine as one of 50 business leaders you "need to know". The editors recognize this small group of industry "go-to" people, stating "If business success is more about who you know than what you know, look no further. Whether you want to secure business funding, land a big contract, negotiate tricky legal concerns, gain PR assistance or just learn to schmooze like a pro, these are the folks you need in your network." Others recognized in the top 50 included County Executive Rob Astorino, Robert P. Weisz, Louis R. Cappelli, and as many of our long-time colleagues and friends, including Chris O'Callaghan, Jones Lang LaSalle, Natasha Caputo, Westchester County Office of Tourism, Larry Gottlieb, Hudson Valley EDC, Peter X Kelly, Xaviars Restaurant Group, Dan Conte, Westchester Marriott, Cynthia Rubino, White Plains YMCA, William M. Mooney Jr., Westchester County Association, Marsha Gordon, Westchester Business Council, William M. Mooney III, Westchester County Office of Economic Development, Peter Herrero of NY Hospitality Group, John Tolomer of Westchester Bank, and Janet Langsam of the Westchester Arts Council.
HRG's Strategic Training Solutions Partners with Leading Hudson Valley Economic Development Agency on Training
HRG has developed a partnership with the HVEDC on an innovative training initiative offered by the Hudson Valley Food & Beverage Alliance to help local entrepreneurs in the food and beverage industries learn how to market their goods and services to larger companies in the hospitality industry. In developing the curriculum, HVEDC is partnering with Hospitality Resource Group, a top hospitality training firm that has created customized programs for large companies such as Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts, Dolce Hotels and Resorts, Hilton Worldwide and Marriott International Hotels and Resorts. Subject content will include culinary operations, sales and marketing, on-premise operations and purchasing, inventory and vendor management, among other important topics. "We look forward to working together with the HVEDC on this exciting project to support small businesses here in the Hudson Valley," said Robert O. Sanders, Jr., CMP, chairman of Hospitality Resource Group, Inc. "As a growing company, we know how important it is to develop real-world business skills, and we are eager to develop the latest generation of promising entrepreneurs." Read Full Announcement
HRG Event Solutions Produces and Manages 3rd Annual HVEDC Event at Culinary Institute
HRG worked in partnership with the Hudson Valley EDC and sponsors to produce the 3rd Annual Beer, Wine, Cider and Spirit Summit on October 14th at the Culinary Institute of America last week. Over 300 industry entrepreneurs gathered to hear from one of America's leading wine educators, attend workshops, enjoy samples of fine food and fare, and network with their peers at the nation's center for innovation and education in food and beverage. HRG's Event Solutions provided event management consulting services and support. HRG worked with the HVEDC on event logistics, registration, on-site support and sponsor development, and attendance and registration increased over 15% from 2014.
“San Diego gave us everything we needed. It has an environment of elegance and lots of activities such as golf” Robert Sanders, General Manager, Meetings & Events, Ovation Corporate Travel, NY, NY December 28, 2012
San Diego- Everybody loves San Diego and for good reason. The city offers a modern and historic downtown, cultural attractions, great dining, hip nightclubs and a complete meetings infrastructure, including the San Diego Convention Center (SDCC). The facility offers a 526,000-sf exhibit hall, 204,000 sf of ballroom and meeting space, and is located within walking distance of more than 11,000 hotel rooms.
The number of new and improved hotel rooms continues to grow. The Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort & Spa opened in June 2012 with 215 guest rooms and 23,300 sf of indoor and outdoor meeting space. The San Diego Marriott Del Mar Hotel recently completed a $3.3 million renovation of its 284 guest rooms. The project also included upgraded event space, a new concierge lounge and a redesign of Arterra Restaurant. The hotel has more than 12,000 sf of meeting space, including a total of 13 meeting rooms.
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ASTORINO STRENGTHENS STRATEGIC WORKFORCE TRAINING INITIATIVE WITH SELECTION OF WHITE PLAINS FIRM December 18, 2012
With the enormous demand for a workforce with the right skills to meet business needs, a White Plains firm has been tapped by the Westchester-Putnam Workforce Investment Board (WPWIB) to manage the employment and training needs of local businesses and help them obtain grant money.
The hiring of Hospitality Resource Group Inc. is part of the county’s strategy of focusing on different sectors, since each has a different need, said County Executive Robert P. Astorino. The firm, which will manage all six sectors, will be paid $42,500 for the year, with the option to renew the contract for two more years.
“My administration is committed to helping employers find qualified, trained people to fill their jobs,” said Astorino. “However, each sector has different needs. By focusing on each one separately, we maximize results.”
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Robert Sanders Receives Prestigious Award of Excellence from the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC)
(White Plains, NY) – May 2011 --At the recent annual conference of the International Association of Conference Centers, IACC Americas President Peter J. Stockmann presented The Award of Excellence to Robert Sanders, Chairman of Hospitality Resource Group, Inc. (HRG) based in White Plains, NY.
The Award of Excellence
The prestigious Award of Excellence was established ten years ago by the IACC Board of Directors to underscore IACC’s commitment to education and to give heightened recognition and visibility to those individuals who give of their time, talent and resources to expand and enhance IACC’s educational offerings. To be eligible, an individual must have contributed to this effort for at least two years.
In presenting the award, Stockmann referred to Robert’s creation of IACC’s in-depth Strategic Plans and his work with the Board of Directors to ensure that these plans guided all of IACC’s programs and services. A frequent presenter at IACC Conferences, he also contributed considerable time and resources to conceptualize and create IACC’s first component of the Sales Tool Kit; a webinar that helps sales managers use the benefits of IACC to sell more effectively.
Robert and his company has a tremendous commitment to volunteerism and service to the community, often providing pro-bono event support to local not for profits fundraising activities. Additionally, Robert is very active in Westchester County community affairs, including Special Events Advisor and former Chapter Chairman of the Westchester Chapter of the American Red Cross, and Board Member of the Westchester County Association. Robert also works with Bridges to Community, leading trips of business executives to Nicaragua to build homes for families in need.
Robert’s company, Hospitality Resource Group, was the recipient of the Business Council of Westchester’s 2009 Entrepreneurial Success Award. This award recognizes businesses for innovation and growth over time.
Serious about Hospitality
Hall of Fame winner eyes national stage BY MARY SUE IAROCCI Westchester County Business Journal
Published: March 19, 2009
Marsha Gordon has the annual task of making congratulatory phone calls to five inductees to the Westchester County Business Hall of Fame.
Although reactions vary, screaming doesn’t usually ensue.
But it did this year when Robert Sanders Jr. got the call that his company, White Plains-based Hospitality Resource Group Inc. (HRG), won the 2009 Business Hall of Fame award for entrepreneurial success.
Gordon, president and CEO of The Business Council of Westchester, held the phone at arm’s length as HRG’s three partners expressed their excitement – loudly – and popped a bottle of champagne.
“That was one of the best reactions we’ve had,” said Patricia Nicolais, director of membership and special events at The Business Council of Westchester. “Most people are very excited, but no group screaming.”
Sanders founded HRG as an event planning company in 1997 from an office in his Mahopac garage. Since then, the company has grown and split into four divisions including event planning (Event Solutions) corporate training (Strategic Training Solutions) marketing, brand management and public relations (Allegis Communications) and event design and décor (iQuest Designs).
HRG AWARDED 2009 ENTREPRENEURIAL SUCCESS HALL OF FAME AWARD BY BUSINESS COUNCIL OF WESTCHESTER White Plains Firm Joins Roster of Distinguished Westchester Businesses Posted January 30, 2009
WHITE PLAINS, New York. . . . . January 30, 2009: The Business Council of Westchester announced today that Hospitality Resource Group, Inc. (HRG) is this year’s winner of the Entrepreneurial Success Award and would be inducted into the Westchester Business Hall of Fame at a ceremony on April 22nd, 2009. This ceremony will take place at the Glen Island Harbor Club, where HRG will be join the ranks of other distinguished businesses in the Westchester community.
“I am very proud and excited by this opportunity and recognition,” said Robert O. Sanders, Jr, CMP, the CEO and founder of HRG. “This is further recognition of all the great work being done and the strong relationships being built.”
The Entrepreneurial Success Award is awarded annually to a company that began as a small business and has since developed and grown into a larger one. The criteria used to determine the winning company includes growth and increase in annual sales, innovativeness in our products and services and contribution and commitment to the community.
Q&A for the Corner Office
Westchester County Business Journal
By: KELLY LIYAKASA
Date posted: December 7, 2008
Having worked as vice president of sales and marketing at Abigail Kirsch Culinary Productions and spending 12 years at Marriott Corp., Robert Sanders, founder and CEO of Hospitality Resource Group Inc., provided this week’s executive viewpoint.
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(White Plains, NY) – May 2011 --At the recent annual conference of the International Association of Conference Centers, IACC Americas President Peter J. Stockmann presented The Award of Excellence to Robert Sanders, Chairman of Hospitality Resource Group, Inc. (HRG) based in White Plains, NY. 
Serious about Hospitality