Peter Yesawich, President and CEO of Yesawich, Brown, Pepperdine and Russell, www.ypb.com, a marketing services firm specializing in travel, was the keynote speaker for the annual conference. Yesawich shared the latest findings on the present status of American�s travel trends as revealed in their 2003 National Leisure Travel MONITOR. Present economic conditions, not war fears or dissatisfaction with air travel, remains the dominant reason for reduced vacation travel. Research confirms that consumers seek greater value in travel than ever before and feel empowered by the Internet to provide greater control over vacation choices. 

Dr. John G. Stoessinger, internationally recognized political analyst and prize-winning author of ten leading books on world politics, was the featured luncheon speaker and shared his views of the present Mid-east political situation.

Technology issues played an increasingly important role in this year�s conference. John Springer-Miller, President/CEO and founder of Springer-Miller Systems, and one of the major providers of hospitality technology, discussed the current state of property management technology. Using a tag-team approach, Jon Inge, of Jon Inge Associates, an independent consult in hotel technology and frequent author of technology articles for the trade press, offered specific recommendations for developing a practical approach to dealing with hospitality technology. Inge reviewed next generation technology, the benefits of centralized systems and what resorts can do now to optimize their existing technology. Richard Clarke of Palmer & Cay Insurance captured the meeting attendees attention with a presentation on cyber liability, outlining the many potential ebusiness exposures.

Bob Kuhlman, a partner in OnCourse Strategies of Austin, Texas provided an overview of the current state of the golf business and the methods and motives for valuing golf related real estate in today�s marketplace. Judy King, founder and principal in Quality Management Services, LLC of Hendersonville, Tennessee presented �The 3 �E�s� of Excellence�, discussing specific methodologies for optimizing employee performance.

Scott Steilen, principal and managing director of Warnick & Company, Northbrook, Illinois provide a poignant conclusion to the annual conference by addressing how resorts may adapt to today�s new business realities and survive in a down economy.

The Resort Hotel Association, headquartered in Williamsburg, Virginia, is a not-for-profit, member-managed association that provides insurance products to independent resorts, luxury and historic hotels, and destination spas. Since it�s founding in 1987 the association has grown from 13 to 98 properties throughout the United States today. The 2004 Resort Hotel Association Annual Conference will be held July 10-14, at the Kona Village Resort, Ka�upulehu-Kona, Hawaii.