�To complement the market resources available to hospitality professionals, the IH/M&RS continually provides a strong line-up of informative seminars and special events.  These programs bring key industry players together and teach them innovative ways to grow their business,� said Christian Falkenberg, show manager.

Educational Programs
Featuring more than 40 educational programs, the IH/M&RS will provide over 25 seminars for lodging professionals addressing design, culinary, technology, human resources and marketing topics.  Food, restaurant and hospitality professionals will be offered 11 culinary-intensive sessions, presented by the third annual �Restaurant Futurists� conference, examining the current spirit of the foodservice industry.  Seminar highlights include a CEO Panel and two �Restaurant Futurists� keynote addresses by industry icons.  In addition, the International Hotel & Restaurant Association (IH&RA) will sponsor an �International Day,� Sunday, November 10, with sessions addressing global trends.

CEO Panel
�Recovery & Resiliency Towards a Stronger Lodging Industry,� will feature a panel of the leading chief executive officers (CEOs) in the lodging industry.  Jim Burba, vice president and worldwide director of advisory services, Wimberly, Allison, Tong & Goo, will moderate this session on rebuilding and safeguarding the lodging industry for the future.  Panelists will include Robert Cotter, chief operating officer, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide; Joseph R. Kane, Jr., CHA, group president and CEO, Hotel Division, Cendant Corporation; Georges LeMener, president and CEO, Accor Lodging North America; Paul Sistare, president & CEO, Atlantica Hotels International; and Eric Pfeffer, president, International Hotel & Restaurant Association.

�Restaurant Futurists�
�Restaurant Futurists� will present two keynote sessions led by Philip Kendall, vice president, food & beverage, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide and Danny Meyer, president, Union Square Hospitality.  Kendall�s program, �The Changing Voice of the Customer,� will explore how consumer preferences in foodservice and hospitality are changing more rapidly than ever before.  He will share what his company does to stay in stride and to anticipate customers� needs when they travel and dine. Meyer�s program, �The Hospitality Economy:  How To Get More by Giving More,� will address how giving, to a fault, in all aspects of restaurant operation, can offer returns tenfold.

�International Day�
Kicking off �International Day� is the keynote session, �The Health and Heartbeat of the Hospitality Industry: A Diagnosis,� with panelists Peter C. Yesawich, Ph.D. president & CEO, Yesawich, Pepperdine & Brown; Doug Carroll, business travel assignment editor, USA TODAY; and Hudson Riehle, senior vice president of NRA Research & Info Services Division, discussing economic trends within the hospitality industry. Other seminar topics will include the draw of luxury for international travelers, maintaining brand consistency, the appeal of design for hotel owners and guests, balancing profit with service, and employee cohesion.

International Hospitality Ball
Hoteliers from New York, across the United States and around the world will gather at New York's Marriott Marquis for the 87th annual International Hospitality Ball.  This black-tie gala, sponsored by the IH/M&RS in cooperation with the Hotel Association of New York City (HANYC), New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association (NYSH&TA) and the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA), will celebrate the international flavor of New York City. An elegant reception, dinner, Broadway-style entertainment and dancing will take place from 7:30 p.m. - Midnight.  To purchase tickets, contact Middleton & Gendron, Inc. at (212) 980-9060.

Gold Key Awards for Hospitality Design
The 22nd annual Gold Key Awards for Excellence in Hospitality Design, sponsored by Hospitality Design and Hotel & Motel Management magazines, recognize designers of restaurants and lodging properties for excellence in seven categories. Grand prize winners, finalists, and the Best of Show winner, will be recognized at the Gold Key Awards Breakfast Ceremony, Monday, November 11, at New York City�s Waldorf=Astoria.  Tickets for the Gold Key Awards Breakfast, which runs 7:30 - 10:00 a.m., are $75 per person with a portion of the proceeds donated to charity.  Tickets can be purchased online at www.ihmrs.com, or by contacting Jennifer Ashare, event supervisor, (914) 421-3309 or [email protected].

Culinary Resource Center
The IH/M&RS Culinary Resource Center provides unmatched opportunities for chefs, restaurateurs, and other foodservice professionals.  Highlights include the 7th annual IH/M&RS Chefs� Championships, with participants from across the country competing for cash prizes and American Culinary Federation (ACF) certification points; the 134th Annual Salon of Culinary Art, presented by the Societe Culinaire Philanthropique, featuring intricately sculptured and artistically prepared foods, designed by culinarians for prizes; and the Demonstration Kitchen, hosted by Food Arts magazine and presented in conjunction with the Salon of Culinary Art, offering daily live demonstrations by top chefs, with tastings offered at the end of each demonstration.   A complete schedule of culinary events is available at www.ihmrs.com.

Technology Innovation Center
Presented in cooperation with Hospitality Upgrade magazine, the Technology Innovation Center features numerous manufacturers demonstrating inventive ways to streamline a business and increase profitability, using the most up-to-date software, wireless and Internet solutions available for hotels and restaurants today. 

Saturday, November 9

9:45 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.      Special Event
IH/M&RS Opening Ceremony
The IH/M&RS hospitality industry will pay a special welcome to the IH&RA Congress delegates at the Show�s Opening Ceremony and ribbon cutting.  In addition to a musical tribute by the United States Air Force band, the ceremony will feature the presentation of the IH/M&RS Best New Product Awards in five categories.

10:30 a.m. � 12:00 Noon     CEO Panel
Keynote: Recovery & Resiliency Towards a Stronger Lodging Industry
No one could have predicted the events of September, 2001, or the economic repercussions to the lodging industry. Business is climbing back, but recovery has been slow and tentative. Will future growth ever reach levels it once enjoyed worldwide, or is struggle the name of the game for the long haul? How can the industry build strength and guard against any future events? Our CEO keynote panel will look at the issues and offer some answers.  Jim Burba, vice president and worldwide director of advisory services,Wimberly, Allison, Tong & Goo, will moderate a panel of CEO�s including: Robert Cotter, chief operating officer, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide; Joseph R. Kane, Jr., CHA, group president & CEO, hotel division, Cendant Corporation; Georges LeMener, president & CEO, Accor Lodging North America; Eric Pfeffer, president, International Hotel & Restaurant Association; and Paul Sistare, president & CEO, Atlantica Hotels International.

10:30 a.m. � 12:00 Noon     Human Resources
Make More Profit The Easy Way: Hire Great Sales People
This session explores the latest techniques in finding, hiring, training and retaining stars for your sales effort.  In addition, this fast moving presentation will also discuss management�s responsibility in the sales function.  This panel is co-facilitated by Howard Feiertag, CHA, CHSE, CMP, Virginia Poly Tech Institute & State University and Phillip Alfus, president, The Alfus Group, Inc.

12:00 Noon � 12:45 p.m.     Restaurant Futurists
Keynote:  The Changing Voice of the Customer
Philip Kendall, vice president, food & beverage, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide,  will reflect on the �Spirit of the Age� by exploring how consumer preferences in foodservice and hospitality are changing more rapidly than ever before.  He will share how Starwood - with its multiple brands - stays in stride and anticipates customers� needs when they travel and dine. 

1:00 p.m. � 2:30 p.m.      Restaurant Futurists

Trends Survey:  Show & Tell on the �Spirit of the Age�
Michael Batterberry, Food Arts, will visually demonstrate the �Spirit of the Age� today in restaurant design, menus, tabletops and concepts.  In a �show and tell� format, Batterberry will challenge his audience to recognize the significant points in each visual, prompting discussion and analysis leading to increased customer satisfaction and sales.

1:00 p.m. � 2:30 p.m.      Career 
Jeans To Suit: You�ve Been Hired, Now What?
Hear from industry experts on how to succeed in the �real world�.  How do you prepare, what are the challenges and the opportunities?  Linda Hoops, Hospitality Business Alliance, will moderate the following experts: Stacey Hoffner, Red Lobster; John Lee, Sodexho USA; Nina Madoo, Marriott International Hotels; and Susan Steffy, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts.

1:00 p.m. � 2:30 p.m.      Technology
Customer Relationship Management: Using Technology to Retain Current Customers In Today�s Challenging Environment 
Smart businesses understand that it�s easier to hold onto regular customers than to attract new ones during rough times.  This rule has never been truer than for the lodging industry, particularly when there�s no way of predicting if and when new customers will be willing to travel.  This panel, moderated by Richard Jackson, American Hotel & Lodging Association, will examine the Internet and E-business strategies used to retain and reinforce customer loyalty.  Panelists include: Scott W. Anderson, High Country Hospitality; Clay B. Dickinson, Strategic Advisory Group, LLC; Michael H. Kistner, Best Western International; and Barry Shuler, Marriott International.

2:00 p.m. � 3:30 p.m.      Design
Purchasing: The Great Debate
This panel, moderated by Neil Locke, Neil Locke & Associates will debate the pros and cons of purchasing models with specific emphasis on the Agent Only vs. Dealer Model. Discussion will focus on which business model is best for each market segments and will include: the acceptance of rebates and fees, product substitutions that go beyond value engineering, professionalism and disclosure of information and its consequences.  Panelists include: Alan Benjamin, Benjamin West; Jennifer Ramsey, Ramsey Purchasing; Andrew Fay, The Gettys Group; and Ann Kline, Cendant Supplier Services.

2:30 p.m. � 4:00 p.m.      Restaurant Futurists
Reach for the Stars!  From Hot Dogs to Haute Cuisine! 
How to create star status with critics and guests, presented by visionary restaurant consultants Arlene Spiegel and June Alpert.  This unique presentation will examine the true value of a star rating and how an operator can create the elements that reviewers look for in presenting stars.  Identifying the rationale and criteria for stars, this dynamic duo will give a visual presentation surveying opportunities in each segment from fast food and casual dining to three and four star operations. Also the review systems will be charted, from established guides to respected reviewers.  All attendees will receive a take-away diagnostic form from which they can rate their own restaurants.

2:30 p.m. � 4:00 p.m.      Career 
Getting Involved: The Great Payoff
Linda Hoops, Hospitality Business Alliance, Deborah Breiter, University of Central Florida, and Mary Jo Dolasinski, White Lodging Services, will discuss student involvement in leadership skill building. Where do you start, how do you sustain it and what are the rewards?  Attendees will walk away energized and ready to start!

2:30 p.m. � 4:00 p.m.       Technology 
World View On Wireless
Ted Horner, E. Horner & Associates Pty., Ltd., will analyze the current buzz in the wireless arena and technologies, explore possible applications, and take a glimpse into things to come.

3:00 p.m. � 4:30 p.m.      Lodging
Best Resort Spa Practices
What is the right sized spa for your resort?  What services should you be offering?  What income and margins should you expect?  How should you market your spa?  What are the human resources issues?  Tom Finan, International Resort Managers Association, will moderate an expert panel presenting ideas used in the very best resort spas.

7:30 p.m. � 12:00 Midnight     Special Event
87th Annual International Hospitality Ball
Hoteliers from New York, the United States and around the world will gather at New York's Marriott Marquis for this black-tie gala whose 2002 theme will celebrate the international flavor of New York City. An elegant reception, dinner, Broadway-style entertainment and dancing will take place from 7:30 p.m. - Midnight. 

Sunday, November 10

�International Day,� sponsored by International Hotel & Restaurant Association

10:30 a.m. � 12:00 Noon     Consumer Trends for 2003
Keynote: The Health and Heartbeat of the Hospitality Industry: A Diagnosis
What do the latest trends tell us about economic conditions within the global hospitality industry?  Are the problem areas acute or chronic?  Are there quick, simple fixes and cures for these woes, or do they need long-term adjustments and care?  Our expert keynote panel of industry diagnosticians will read the pulse of the travel business and deliver its prognosis.  Experts include Peter C. Yesawich, Ph.D., president & CEO, Yesawich, Pepperdine & Brown; Doug Carroll, business travel assignment editor, USA TODAY; and Hudson Riehle, senior vice president of NRA Research & Info Services Division.

10:30 a.m. � 12:00 Noon     Design
The Secrets of Six Star Hotels: The Ultimate Luxury
There is a growing segment of international travelers who are demanding true luxury. Travelers are now incorporating business with family vacations. They want, and are willing to pay for, the ultimate luxuries. In the design world, service and amenities are important, however, design is critical, not only to attract guests, but to gain their loyalty. In this session, the world�s most talented, most sought after designers will share their work and secrets. Atef Mankarios, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts will moderate a panel including: Sandra Cortner, Hirsch Bedner Associates; Rick Whalley, Chada Siembieda & Associates Australia Pty. Ltd.; and Deborah Lloyd Forrest,  Forrest Perkins, LLC.

12:00 Noon � 1:30 p.m.     Restaurant Futurists
Back to All-American, But the New NEW Version
After more than 20 years since the emergence of American cuisine in its own right, the Restaurant Futurists examine the re-focus on American food today.  Panel chair Michael Batterberry believes that 9/11 and the volatile economy have created a rush to put security and recognizable, easily accessible foods back on the menu.  BUT, he says, restaurateurs must avoid the pitfalls of pandering to the nostalgic element by simply raiding grandma�s recipe file.  Instead, we can honor the American tradition in the present tense by creating excitement on the plate with refined technique to keep customers coming back for more and more.  American chefs who will tell how they do this at their restaurants include: Wally Malouf of Beacon, Daniel Orr, Guastavino�s,  Michel Nischan of Heartbeat, and Linda Japngie of Jimmy�s Downtown. 

1:00 p.m. � 2:30 p.m.      Lodging 
Global Branding
Challenges in today�s global marketplace include maintaining the standard of the chain and finding new opportunities. Join this lively discussion moderated by Jeffrey Weinstein, HOTELS magazine, on how to meet the challenge of maintaining brand consistency in a widely varying cultural landscape.

1:30 p.m. � 3:00 p.m.        Restaurant Futurists
New Kitchen Technology and Systems that Save Labor Costs
Hosted by the Foodservice Consultants Society International, this panel of experts will
reveal the newest in labor cost saving systems and technologies and addresses cross-pollination between industry sectors.  Representing the restaurant, hotel and food management segments of the industry, the panel of guests is chaired by  Foster Frable of  Clevenger-Frable-LaVallee and Nation�s Restaurant News.

2:00 p.m. � 3:30 p.m.      Design 
Rising Stars in Hospitality Design: How They Increase The Bottom Line
Great design appeals to the executive guest for exclusivity, style and functionality, while at the same time, meets the needs of the owner by adding profit to the bottom line. Today�s rising stars in hospitality design will address the increasing importance of creating a design that achieves both objectives.  Panelists include: James Looney, Looney & Associates; Marc Shapiro, McCluskey Design Group; Lia DiLeonardo, DiLeonardo International; Jason Schleich, Culpepper, McAuliffe & Meaders, Inc. and Lisa Roth, Montgomery Roth Architecture.

2:00 p.m. � 3:30 p.m.      Lodging
Balancing Between Profitability & Service
How far can you cut amenities, service and staff before irrevocably damaging guest satisfaction and revenue potential?  In the wake of 9/11, this panel moderated by Ruthanne Terrero, Hotel Business, will examine the challenges, redefine the formula and offer some promising solutions.  Panelists include: John J. Hogan,  Best Western International; Gary Schweikert, The Plaza; Glenn E. Tuckman, Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Craig Lambert, Marriott International.

2:30 p.m. � 4:00 p.m.      Sales & Marketing 
Marketing Your Property In A Recovering Economy
Robert A. Gilbert, Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI), heads a panel of general managers and marketing leaders.  They will share sound strategies and tactics for hotels to use during uncertain times. This session will also summarize the finding of two HSMAI-hosted strategic conferences and present practices and checklists for those responsible for managing the sales and marketing efforts.

2:30 p.m. � 4:00 p.m.      Technology
The Hacker Hotel � Technology Security Issues
Like most industries, hospitality has seen the value and adopted computer automation.  As dependence on our internal systems grow and our connections to the internet, extranets and other client and partner systems multiply - simultaneously, our exposure to unauthorized access, virus infection, and financial liability has greatly increased.  This session, co-presented by Brian Garavuso and Clark Swenson of Interstate Hotels & Resorts, will cover the threats and protective measures, as well as provide resources for additional assessment and remediation assistance. 

3:00 p.m. � 4:30 p.m.       Restaurant Futurists
Hidden Partners to Help Build Your Restaurant�s Growth
You don�t have to do it alone when growing your restaurant.  There are many �angels� out there waiting to assist you in your restaurant�s growth. The panel of experts on this kind of partnership includes Fay Fisher, I-Dine, Don Monahan, Discover Card and other representatives to be announced. 

3:00 p.m. � 4:30 p.m.      Human Resources 
Generational Chaos
Jeffrey A. Gerber, American Hotel & Lodging Association, reviews the characteristics of the four current generations in our workforce: Senior Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation X and Generation Y.  This session will provide attendees with helpful ideas on how best to manage each generation, so they work well individually and in multi-generational teams.

8:00 p.m. � 12:00 Midnight     Special Event
American Hotel & Lodging Association Inaugural Gala 
The Inaugural Gala gives attendees the opportunity to hear incoming AH&LA Chairman of the Board Michael K. Handlery, CHA, as well as the IH&RA incoming Chairman.  This black-tie event will take place at The Regent Hotel in New York City.  Please contact AH&LA at 202.289.3171 for more information.  The Inaugural Gala dinner is sponsored by American Express. 

Monday, November 11

8:30 am � 10:00 am      Special Event
Gold Key Awards Breakfast
Grand Prize Winners, as well as the "Best of Show," of the 22nd Annual Gold Key Awards for Excellence in Hospitality Design will be announced at this gala breakfast ceremony.    Sponsored by Hospitality Design and Hotel & Motel Management magazines, the Gold Key Awards recognize excellence in hospitality design in seven categories: Restaurants - Seating To 110; Restaurants - Seating Over 110; Guest Rooms; Suites; Lobby/Reception Area; Senior Living Facility; and Spa & Resort.  Tickets are $ 75 per person. 

10:30 a.m. � 12:00 Noon     Restaurant Futurists
Keynote: The Hospitality Economy: How To Get More by Giving More
Danny Meyer, President, Union Square Hospitality Group, New York�s quintessential restaurateur travels the road of his success and what he has learned by listening to his customers and anticipating their preferences.  He shares how being giving to a fault in all aspects of restaurant operation � with staff, suppliers and customers � can offer returns that are tenfold. 

10:30 a.m. � 12:00 Noon     Sales & Marketing
Rewarding and Motivating Your Sales Force  in Today�s Market
A panel of general managers and sales and marketing directors will candidly discuss common conflicts and marketing strategies. Moderated by Robert A. Gilbert, HSMAI, topics include: motivational practices, communications, incentive and compensation programs, and strategic business planning development.

12:00 Noon � 1:30 p.m.     Restaurant Futurists
The New Check Builders!  Menu Ideas and the New Liquidities
How are successful bar and menu check builders practiced by the experts? The bar segment will include better merchandising of wine, beers, specialty drinks and coffee; the menu builders will survey ideas for noshes, tapas, small plates and sharing.  Panelists include: Alex Berlingeri, Alfredo�s of Rome; Jeremy Merrin, Havana Central � Union Square; Alan Miguel Kaplan, Salón México; and Hillard Bresky, Restaurant Marketing Associates.

1:30 p.m. � 3:00 p.m.      Restaurants Futurists
Come Out, Come Out, Wherever You Are!  The New Marketing
How to �discover� where all those customers are hiding.  Marketing gurus and operators will �tell all� about identifying and reaching your target guest.  Participants in this discussion include: Rick Hendrie, President, Link, Inc. Method Marketing; Karen Schloss, Diaz-Schloss Communications; Martin Shaw, ATG Limited, David Allen  �Who�s Who in Fine Dining� program; and Scott Shaw, Fishbowl Marketing.

2:00 p.m. � 3:30 p.m.      Security 
Tourism Safety and Security: Welcome to the New World Priority 
Top security professionals discuss the global state of tourism, safety and security.  Jimmy Chin, The Peninsula, will host a discussion on changes in procedures and policies in the industry, based on current political conditions. Special emphasis will be placed on tourism trends and how our potential guests examine their travel itineraries before making a reservation at your hotel.

2:00 p.m. � 3:30 p.m.      Lodging
Hotel Operations In A Challenging Environment
Lodging�s road to recovery has seen many twists and turns over the past year.  Revenue growth and cost containment have been the most immediate areas of operational focus while excellence in quality and operations remains as both a primary goal and daily challenge in this current environment.  In this session, the executives will share their candid views and perspectives on where we are in the current cycle, discuss key operational challenges and solutions, address innovations in operations and best practices, and provide useful insights into what�s in store for 2003 and beyond.  This session will be moderated by Francis J. Nardozza, REH Capital Partners, LLC.  Panelists include: John Emery, Interstate Hotels & Resorts, Inc.; Dieter Huckestein, Hilton Hotels; and Stevan Porter, Americas.

2:30 p.m. � 4:00 p.m.      Human Resources 
Transformational Leadership: Maximizing Staff Performance
Take a quantum leap in organizational performance by creating a high performance hotel environment.  If your operation is facing unprecedented challenges and change, this workshop will give you a new sense of the �possible.�  It will take a radical approach to human resource management in lodging and those functions that support your property�s organizational structure.  Facilitated by Tarun Kapoor, Kapoor & Kapoor Hospitality Consultants. 

2:30 p.m. � 4:00 p.m.      Lodging 
How Much of Your Profit is Going Out the Door?
Discover innovative ways to increase your profits by cutting down on theft and tightening internal controls.  Real life case studies  will be analyzed.  Panelists include: R. Dennis Blyshak, Benchmark Hospitality; Clyde Cruise, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide; Don Walton, Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa; Henry A. �Buddy� Weeks, The Homestead.  This panel will be moderated by Frank I. Wolfe, CAE, Hospitality Financial & Technology Professionals.

3:00 p.m. � 4:00 p.m.      Restaurant Futurists
The Future of Restaurants in New York
Florence Fabricant, columnist, New York Times and Nation�s Restaurant News
 will talk about the best of the 2002 restaurant scene and previews what�s coming for 2003!

3:00 p.m. � 4:30 p.m.      Human Resources
E-Gads!! First E-Commerce, Then E-Business, and Now E-Learning
This session hosted by George R. Conrade, University of Delaware, will explore exciting developments occurring in a new web application areas, E-Learning.  The panel will provide examples of where E-learning is currently being used and where it is likely to be implemented in the future.

Tuesday, November 12

10:00 a.m. � 11:30 a.m.     Special Event 
6th Annual �Big Apple Stars� Awards Ceremony 
The winners of New York City�s hotel personnel recognition program will be announced in six different categories: Best Concierge, Best Door Person, Best Room Attendant, Best Managerial Person Below General Manager, Best Employee that has Guest Contact and Best Employee that has No Guest Contact, and for the first time  A Best of Class designation for the top achiever among all categories.  Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners.  The ceremony is sponsored by the Hotel Association of New York City, Inc.

10:30 a.m. � 12:00 Noon     Technology
Keynote: Electronic Distribution: Current Challenges Facing the Hotel Industry
An expert panel will discuss the challenges that hotels face as a result of the multiple methods of distributing their products, such as: hotel websites, GDS, and on-line discount providers.  Specific areas that will be addressed are how to preserve the brand and protect pricing.  The panel will be moderated by Flo Lugli, Global Supplier Business Development, Galileo International. 

The IH/M&RS is sponsored by the New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association, the Hotel Association of New York City, and the American Hotel & Lodging Association and is managed by George Little Management, LLC (GLM). The 87th annual IH/M&RS will be held Saturday, November 9, through Tuesday, November 12, 2002, at New York City�s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.  The Show will feature more than 1,750 hospitality industry suppliers and will attract approximately 45,000 in total trade attendance.

For IH/M&RS exhibitor information, contact Christian Falkenberg, show manager, at GLM, Ten Bank Street, White Plains, NY 10606-1954.  Telephone (914) 421-3296.  Fax (914) 948-6180.  E-mail: [email protected].  IH/M&RS attendee registration is $20 until October 13, and $40 after October 13. 

Additional information and registration may be obtained online at www.ihmrs.com, or by calling GLM�s Customer Service Department at (914) 421-3206.
Show hours are 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. from Saturday, November 9, through Monday, November 11, and 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12.