In March of this year, the HEDNA University workshop made its foray into Japan. The two-day event experienced greater than expected participation, with 32 delegates taking part in the inaugural offering in Tokyo. Held at the New Takanawa Prince Hotel, the scheduling took place at an opportune time amidst a softer Japanese domestic tourist market; as the SARS epidemic was just emerging and beginning to significantly impacting tourism; and, as Japanese hoteliers were seeking to increase hotel bookings made through the GDS and the Internet in order to attract more international visitors to the country.  Christine Toguchi, who serves as Managing Director of HSA International�s � Asia Pacific operations, and is the primary facilitator for HEDNA University for that region, said that: �The success of the program in Tokyo was largely due to the tremendous support and

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HEDNA has already scheduled several new dates for hosting the course in cities where it�s never before been available. In addition to Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok, HEDNA University classes will be held in Sydney, Seoul, Mumbai, Johannesburg and Dubai, as well as in Amsterdam, Paris and Prague during the second half of 2003.  Mike Hampton, Ed.D., CEO of HSA stated that: �This major expansion outside of North America is being undertaken in order to accommodate the growing need and demand for electronic distribution marketing knowledge from hoteliers in these markets.�

The newly updated �Understanding Distribution Marketing for Hotels Through The GDS (Global Distribution System) and Internet� workshop is targeted for hotel professionals with responsibilities for marketing, sales, revenue management and eCommerce.  According to Roland Tanner, Vice President of Product Development at Pegasus Solutions and President of HEDNA: �This course provides the most current information on the inner workings of, the emerging trends for, and the technologies associated with electronic distribution. And, the content for the course has been adapted to specifically address issues pertinent to hotels in each respective region.� The rigorous two-day agenda consists of a series of learning modules that include interactive presentations, participant material, hands-on exercises and other thought-provoking activities, examples and exchanges. 

Some of the upcoming HEDNA University Workshops taking place during the months ahead includes:

• Sydney 7 & 8 August, 2003 
• Hong Kong 9 & 10 September 
• Amsterdam 18 & 19 September
• Singapore 29 & 30 September 
• Paris 9 & 10 October
• Dubai 23 & 24 October
• Bangkok 30 & 31 October 
• Mumbai 2 & 3 November
• Seoul 27 & 28 November 

HEDNA has established special pricing for members of the association, as well as for non-member hotels and hotel companies in these regions. Participants can register for the two-day program for US$495 if they are HEDNA members, and non-members are extended the rate of US$595.  Fees include conference material, a certificate of completion, refreshment breaks and lunch each day.

About HEDNA
The Hotel Electronic Distribution Network Association (HEDNA) is a not-for-profit trade association whose worldwide membership includes executives and managers from over 200 of the most influential companies in the hotel distribution industry. Founded in 1991, all of HEDNA's activities are intended to stimulate the booking of hotel rooms through the use of GDS, the Internet and other electronic means. HEDNA brings all segments of the hotel industry together to evolve systems and services into electronic distribution that is easy and efficient.  For additional information visit www.hedna.org.

About HSA International
HSA International is HEDNA�s worldwide training partner.  Founded in 1986, HSA is a global provider of HR Development services, including training workshops, educational seminars, keynote addresses, consulting, online learning and related support products and resources for the hospitality industry.  HSA provides a broad range of programs in the disciplines of customer service, transient and group sales, revenue management, food & beverage, and management development.  Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, HSA has affiliate offices in Singapore and Frankfurt.  Additional details are available through Brad Smith, Vice President of Business Development at (954) 432-7301 or [email protected] in the United States; or through Christine Toguchi, Managing Director for Asia Pacific at (65) 6278 2401 or [email protected] in Singapore.  Further information is also provided at www.hsa.com.