In addition to the keynote luncheon the IH/M&RS Hospitality Conference will feature two lodging sessions, an Industry Summit and an Industry Outlook, led by hospitality industry visionaries.   These leader-focused sessions will highlight the upper tier of the hospitality industry, and provide industry executives with the information they need to succeed during the current economic upturn.  Both programs will feature panels of experts assessing the current business climate and providing and industry forecast.  Confirmed panel participants include: 

• Jim Burba, Horwath Hospitality Investment Advisors, LLC.; 
• Bjorn Hanson, Ph.D., PricewaterhouseCoopers International Ltd., 
• Mark Lomanno, Smith Travel Research; 
• Douglas K. Shifflet, D.K. Shifflet & Associates, Ltd.; 
• Patrick H. Ford, ISHC, CCIM, Lodging Econometrics; 
• Philip C. Wolf, PhoCusWright, Inc.; and 
• Peter Yesawich, Yesawich, Pepperdine, Brown & Russell. 

�The new format of the conference program will allow executives to focus solely on education on Saturday, and plan their buying for the remainder of the market� said Christian Falkenberg, vice president and general manager. �We are thrilled to have Carlson and Begala headline the inaugural event.�
 

Carlson and Begala will share their views on the current political climate and its impact on the hospitality industry, utilizing their unique point/counterpoint style.  With the event taking place directly after the Presidential election, the duo promises to provide an insider look at the post-election outlook in Washington and beyond.  Carlson, a longtime member of the Washington press, has covered politics for dozens of media outlets from his conservative perspective.  Begala, former counselor to President Clinton and strategist for other high-level democratic candidates and causes, brings his liberal perspective to the table.

The 89th annual International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show will run Saturday, November 13, through Tuesday, November 16, 2004, at New York City�s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.  Following a full-day of conference and networking activities on Saturday, November 13, the IH/M&RS will feature three days of exhibits from Sunday, November 14, though Tuesday, November 16.  The market will presents some 1,500 hospitality industry suppliers and attracts approximately 45,000 in total trade attendance.

The International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show is sponsored by the American Hotel & Lodging Association; the Hotel Association of New York City, Inc.; the New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association, and is managed by George Little Management, LLC (GLMÒ).