"Sean brings a unique and varied background to our company, having invested many years in the hotel and conference center industry, including serving on the Board of Directors for the International Association of Conference Centers," stated Ms. Sinclair.  "His scope of experience, knowledge of our industry, and passion for the business will serve Glen Cove and Benchmark well.  We welcome him."

A seasoned hospitality executive, Sean McLaughlin was previously director of brand performance and development for Aramark Harrison Conference Centers.  While serving in this capacity, he created a unique web-based Global Performance System, integrating brand standards, quality assurance and customer loyalty systems to ensure superior product quality and service delivery for the brand.  This system was later featured in Harvard Management Update in a study named "Keys to Great Performances." 

As a corporate director for Aramark, McLaughlin was responsible for the addition of five properties to the company's portfolio.  He was also active in repositioning the Merrill Lynch Conference & Training Center of Princeton, New Jersey, a property for which he was previously general manager.

For many years, Mr. McLaughlin served in senior management positions for Harrison Conference Centers.  When Hilton Hotels acquired the company in 1999, McLaughlin was responsible for integrating the Harrison Conference Center brand into the Hilton Family of brands. 

Additionally, he has served in a variety of management roles, including controller and general manager at the Center for Financial Studies at Fairfield University and the Aberdeen Woods Conference Center in Peachtree City, Georgia.  McLaughlin began his career in hospitality at the first conference golf resort in the United States, the Harrison Conference Center in Southbury, Connecticut. 

Sean McLaughlin has served on the Board of Directors of the prestigious International Association of Conference Centers and is co-chair of the Professional Development Committee of the organization.  He is a graduate of the University of Connecticut.  McLaughlin and his family are relocating to Long Island.

The award-winning Glen Cove Mansion Hotel and Conference Center is situated on 55 landscaped acres on Long Island's Gold Coast, 30 minutes from New York City.  One of the nation's first dedicated conference center hotels, today the elegant property features 196 richly appointed guestrooms, including four suites, the elegant Garden Room Restaurant, a pub, private dining rooms and outdoor reception areas overlooking the mansion's gardens.  The Conference Center provides 25,000 square feet of event and meeting space, with 27 dedicated conference rooms accommodating from 10 to 280 guests, advanced meeting technology, an executive business center and conference concierge services.  Wireless Internet access is available throughout the property.  Also provided are complete fitness and recreational facilities, including a sauna, steam and massage rooms, indoor swimming pool and whirlpool, garden swimming pool, racquetball courts, bowling alley, lighted tennis courts, jogging trail and sports field.  Golf is available nearby.  For more information on the Glen Cove Mansion Hotel and Conference Center, visit www.glencovemansion.com.  Benchmark Hospitality International manages the property.

Benchmark Hospitality International, an independent hospitality management company based in The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, operates resorts, conference centers and hotels both domestically and internationally.  For locations of Benchmark Hospitality properties and for additional information, visit Benchmark's Website at www.benchmarkhospitality.com.

Benchmark Hospitality International
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas
www.benchmarkhospitality.com

Ken Ellens
Ken Ellens Communications 
201-758-2864 / 201-758-2865-Fax
KenEllens@aol.com