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| TALLAHASSEE-- September 2, 1998 - Florida's tourism history
calls to mind such distinctive eras As Flagler's railroad/hotel expansion
into the Keys; the "Mom and Pop" motor courts of the 1940s and 1950s; and,
of course, Walt Disney World's impact in central Florida.
As Florida approaches the millennium, what might the next era in Florida tourism bring? Florida hoteliers will be exploring this and other timely lodging issues at the 1998 Florida Hotel & Motel Association (FH&MA) Annual Conference and Trade Show, scheduled for Sept. 2 - 5 at the Renaissance Orlando Resort. James E. (Jim) Gaffigan, noted tourism advocate and national legislative and regulatory specialist, will open the conference on Thursday, Sept. 3 with an address entitled "Election 98: View from a Washington Insider." Following the keynote address, educational breakout sessions will Explore employee retention issues, how to effectively deal with media representatives, liability issues as they relate to front desk employees, and guest room safety and sanitation. Atlanta labor attorney Arch Stokes will guide Thursday's general session topic, "Managing Sexual Harassment in the Work Place." Featured panelists on Friday's program are Valerie Ferguson, chair of the American Hotel & Motel Association; and Frank (Bud) Nocera, the executive vice president/COO of Visit Florida, Inc. A second general session follows, and Dr. Peter Yesawich, president and executive officer of Yesawich, Pepperdine & Brown will discuss emerging travel trends within Florida's lodging industry. At Friday's luncheon, comedian and political satirist Jim Morris Will entertain the audience with his distinctive impressions of former Presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush, current President Bill Clinton, and former presidential candidate Ross Perot. The South's largest lodging - only trade show and silent auction of vacation packages and lodging products will be held in conjunction with the conference on the afternoons of Sept. 3 and 4 in the exhibit halls of the Renaissance Orlando Resort. Exhibitors will display their wares in more than 220 booths, showcasing the latest innovations for the lodging industry. These events are open only to area hotel employees from 12:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3 and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4. Free passes for the trade show may be obtained by hoteliers and their employees (only) from local hotel & motel associations. Conference registration forms and costs are available to hoteliers by calling conference coordinator Mary Lynne Petroski at FH&MA headquarters (850/224-2888). |
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Do Your Share, Join Your Resort or Hotel & Lodging Association / Kirby D. Payne, CHA |