PHOENIX—Best Western International has signed on as the top-level sponsor of TEAMS 2003: Travel, Events And Management in Sports, the world’s largest gathering of event organizers and travel planners from the sports industry. TEAMS 2003 will be held November 5-8, 2003, at the Fairmont Hotel in New Orleans.

“With this level of commitment to the TEAMS Conference, Best Western has distinguished itself as a leader in the global sports-related travel industry,” said Timothy Schneider, publisher of SportsTravel magazine, which organizes the TEAMS Conference. “We’re very proud to welcome Best Western as the top-level sponsor of TEAMS 2003.”
With more than 4,000 hotels in 80 countries and territories and annual revenues of nearly $6 billion, Best Western is one of the best-known brands in the hospitality industry.
“As the World’s Largest Hotel Chain®, it makes a lot of sense for us to be the top-level sponsor of the world’s largest gathering of sports event organizers,” said Christopher Cope, managing director of Worldwide Sales for Best Western. “As long-term advertisers in SportsTravel magazine, we view the sports-related travel market as having tremendous potential for our hotels. Our top-level sponsorship of TEAMS 2003 is the logical next step for Best Western as we continue to build relationships with sports organizations of all kinds.”

Best Western has established a special toll-free reservation line dedicated to sports-related groups in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. By dialing toll-free (866) 661-5437, sports-related groups can receive group amenities, guaranteed services and customized rates. Further information can also be found at www.bestwestern.com.

For further information on SportsTravel magazine and TEAMS 2003, call Lisa Furfine toll-free at (877) 577-3700 or visit www.TEAMSconference.com.

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