Image Consultant Patrice Da Costa to address CMEx Meeting in Saint Lucia
CASTRIES, Saint Lucia (November 8, 2009) - "Image is everything," according to a Caribbean-American image specialist who will be sharing tips on style and elegance with participants at the 18th Caribbean Media Exchange on Sustainable Tourism (CMEx) in Saint Lucia, December 3 to 7, 2009.
"It takes 30 seconds to make a first impression," insists Patrice Da Costa, the president of Stoosh Images, who will present on the importance of "looking good while sounding good" at the media meeting set for Coco Palm Conference Centre in Rodney Bay Village.
First impressions do last, asserted the New York-based Jamaican national, who notes that "it is natural for people to be judged when met for the first time. Whether it's their hair, nails, teeth or the outfit they are wearing.
"What about when you've attended presentations or listened to speeches - do you simply hear the information expressed and process it? Or, are you influenced by the way the speaker looks at you, the way they are dressed, and whether or not they are well groomed?" Da Costa asked.
The consultant, whose company is working closely with the Caribbean's hospitality sector, believes even the most open-minded individuals will make judgments. "They will make unconscious first impressions based on what they see, hear, and smell, so we must use this information to our advantage," she said.
Da Costa will also share the do's and don't's of public speaking with CMEx delegates. "Making eye contact, not fidgeting, projecting your voice, and knowing your subject matter are some of the tips we will discuss in Saint Lucia."
Stoosh Images Inc. works with private and corporate clients in areas such as appearance, etiquette, confidence and customer service training all in the interest of making a better first impression.
"Each day you step outside, you send a message to the world. The way you look has a lot to do with the way you are treated," Da Costa opines, advising to "take the extra minute to ensure that you are well-groomed each day. It will be well worth it!"
The theme for the CMEx December meeting is "Multicultural Marketing: A Climate for Change." Underlying the provocative presentations and lively discussion is how tourism can improve the health, wealth, education, environment and culture of destinations in a "climate-friendly fashion", as delegates examine how to "climate proof" Caribbean tourism as well as build resilience into a recessionary environment.
A draft agenda is being updated here:
http://www.caribbeanmediaexchange.com/Default.aspx?tabid=453
The General Delegate Registration Form is available from the following link:
http://docs.google.com/View?id=dgsbbfz_1146htt4tjdd
Space is limited.
The upcoming CMEx meeting is supported by American Airlines, American Eagle, Anse Chastanet Resort, Association of Caribbean Media Workers, Barbara Pyle Foundation, Bay Gardens Resorts, Calabash Cove Resort and Spa, Caribbean Business Enterprise Trust, Caribbean Broadcasting Union, Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility, CaribWorldNews, Coco Palm, Community Benefit Development, Cotton Bay Village, Counterpart International, Jade Mountain, LUCELEC, Marketplace Excellence, Palm Haven Hotel, Ruder Finn, Sensible Development Corporation, SpeakEasy M.E.D.I.A. Foundation, St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, Ti Bananne Caribbean Bistro and Bar, Tourism Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago, and Tropical Shipping.
