�There is a substantial increase in international development underway, and our diverse roster of speakers, such as Bollenbach; Jennifer Fox, chief operating officer, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts Europe; and William H. Schwab, director, real estate debt markets, Deutsche Bank AG London, will provide a unique global view of the industry,� said Morris E. Lasky, conference co-chairman and president of Lodging Unlimited, Inc.  �Our agenda and relaxed atmosphere are attracting record interest.  Our sponsorships and display space are essentially sold out, and registrations are higher than actual attendance of last year.� 

Ninety speakers from approximately 35 countries will be featured at the International Hotel Conference.  More than 30 think tanks covering a wide range of topics, from the future of destination resort hotels to acquisitions and hotel financing, will be offered.  Round tables of small groups will discuss a variety of subjects, including ground-breaking hotel technology, trend-setting spa development and the outlook for condo hotels.  The popular Deal Forum, featuring one-on-one meetings with franchise companies, lenders, consultants, brokers and other key influentials, has been expanded to include more experts. 

�Our relocation to Rome and its easier access also has bolstered attendance,� said Mary Lou Koys, co-chairman of The International Hotel Conference.  �We expect attendance to exceed last year, but a number that still allows plenty of time for personal interaction among all the participants.�

A partial list of speakers includes:

• Peter M. Anscomb, senior vice president and international head of hospitality and leisure, The Royal Bank of Scotland; 
• David Horton, senior vice president, Doubletree Hotels; 
• Dieter Huckestein, chairman and president, Yellowstone World; 
• Russell Kett, managing director, HVS International; and 
• Roland Vos, president Europe, Africa and Middle East, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. 

 Morris Lasky
[email protected]
www.internationalhotelconference.com