Fort Worth, TX — April 18, 2013 — Digital Alchemy and GCommerce today announce that Loren Gray, Director of eCommerce for Ocean Properties, Ltd. & Affiliates (OPL), has been selected to present the keynote address at the second annual Hospitality Marketing Exchange (HME), taking place May 8-9, 2013 at the Sonesta Bayfront Hotel Coconut Grove in Miami. A renowned speaker and hotel industry expert in the digital marketing and eCommerce realm, Gray will kick off the event with a presentation entitled "Generating Revenue in Hospitality - Old School Style with Today's Tools.” This exciting educational session will offer tips on how hoteliers can optimize digital marketing initiatives and maximize revenue. Registration for the event is required and those interested in attending may click here to take advantage of discounted early bird rates, which have been extended through April 30, 2013.ange is the perfect venue for professionals to hone skills and techniques that will best position them for success, both now and in the future.”

HME is a full-day interactive hospitality summit that brings together the brightest minds in digital marketing for the hospitality industry, including Google Travel, Digital Alchemy, and GCommerce. The program was specifically developed for marketers and operators of independent and boutique hotels that are looking for new, profitable ideas on how to maximize the performance of email and web-based marketing initiatives for their properties. Attendees will learn about online planning and execution as it pertains to mobile marketing, social media, search engine optimization (SEO), email marketing, and more.

Keynote address: "Generating Revenue in Hospitality - Old School Style with Today's Tools” 
Keynote speaker Loren Gray will present "Generating Revenue in Hospitality - Old School Style with Today's Tools.” As Gray says, “Let’s not forget that it’s always been about the art of hospitality, no matter what era it’s from.” Keynote attendees will learn how to communicate with guests, and vice versa, in the current world of technology. Gray will further address what works, what doesn't, and what to 'keep an eye on', citing specific steps and tools that attendees can begin using right away in any level of service and product. He will also talk about ‘how to rise above the fray’ and keep current without wasting time.

Gray currently serves as Director of eCommerce for Ocean Properties Ltd. & Affiliates, the fourth largest privately held franchise hotel operator in North America and 47th largest worldwide. He has worked with Ocean Properties since 2001 in an ever-expanding role, beginning as General Manager of several branded and non-branded resorts, to regional responsibilities in sales, and ultimately to Director of eCommerce for Ocean Properties’ entire 130-plus property portfolio. In addition, Gray is involved in a variety of hotel brand committees and hospitality industry organizations, addressing the ever-changing landscape of digital marketing.
 
Throughout his successful career in hospitality, Gray has served in various management capacities with properties and hotel groups, and has also owned and operated several hospitality-related ventures of his own. This unique and well-rounded operational perspective has allowed him to contribute to the “entrepreneurial success” of eCommerce for Ocean Properties.

Given his extensive experience and unique perspective, attendees of the 2013 HME Conference will gain keen insight and valuable takeaways from the veteran speaker during the keynote session.
 
Online Registration

About Digital Alchemy | Since launching the first true CRM solution to the hotel industry in 1999, Digital Alchemy has become an established leader in customer relationship management (CRM) and e-marketing solutions for the global hotel market. With a comprehensive suite of integrated e-mail CRM offerings, the product line has grown to include a powerful and flexible set of tools for building and maintaining profitable relationships with current and prospective hotel guests. Current Digital Alchemy clients include over 650 properties, which include some of the most prestigious independent hotels and resorts worldwide. For more information, please visit www.Data2Gold.com.
 
GCommerce | GCommerce is a digital marketing company serving the hospitality, travel, and resort real estate industries since 2002. They combine high tech, cutting-edge strategies with high-touch, hands-on service to achieve dramatic results. They provide customized strategies and tactics that drive premium results to meet the unique needs of each client. Each service is designed to work in symphony with a global strategy to gain both awareness and sales results through the web. The team thrives in the core competencies of Interactive Strategy, Website Development, Search Engine Optimization & Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Online Media Services, and Merchandising and Distribution. For more information, visit .
 
Sonesta Bayfront Hotel Coconut Grove | Sonesta Bayfront Hotel Coconut Grove is a green-friendly, 22-story boutique-style hotel, known for its chic and contemporary allure befitting Coconut Grove’s trendy vibe. It is located at 2889 McFarlane Road and just steps away from the fashionable shopping, dining and nightlife of CocoWalk and minutes away from Coral Gables, downtown Miami, Key Biscayne and South Beach. The hotel is a member of the State of Florida’s Green Lodging Program. It offers 205 generously sized guest rooms and suites showcasing sweeping vistas of Biscayne Bay or Coconut Grove, stylish décor, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The hotel is also home to the award-winning Panorama Restaurant & Sky Lounge, known for its Peruvian cuisine. For more information, visit http://www.sonesta.com/CoconutGrove/.