�Interest in hotel investment, ownership, acquisitions and development is at its highest level in at least three years,� said Bob Hunter, convention founder and president of Hunter Realty.  �That reality drives this year�s theme, �The Right Industry, The Right Time!�  We currently are assembling topics and speakers who can address the specific opportunities available to owners and investors as the hotel industry outlook continues to improve.�

Hunter noted that sponsorship interest in the event is at an all-time high with only several sponsorship and exhibit booths remaining available.  �We set record attendance of 500 guests last year,� Hunter noted.  �The strong economy and the content and speakers we are planning this year should help us break that record.  We appeal to a broad cross-section of owners and investors, attracting attendees from 35 states and three countries last year.  Our size and the hotel lay-out are very networking-friendly, which will be especially important as the hotel transaction market heats up.�

Early bird registration fees will be available to owners and other attendees who apply by Friday, February 11, 2005:  owners $545, other attendees, $745.  Fees for both groups increase $50 after February 11, 2005.  Rooms for the event are $129/night at the Crowne Plaza Ravinia and must be reserved by February 28, 2005, to guarantee this rate.

Celebrating its 17th anniversary in 2005, the Hotel Investment Conference is one of four annual events nationwide that attract the hotel industry�s top leaders.