Atlanta, GA � April 23, 2008 � Executives
from Softscribe® Inc.,
a public
relations firm that helps technology companies achieve their objectives
in marketing
for hospitality and tourism, today reported on top industry trends
from three separate conferences during the first quarter of 2008.
Major trends identified are: Hoteliers are creating online communities
with new media; Green is the new �luxury,� and operators are tasked to
make foreign visitors feel welcome.
Softscribe
executives attended Hotel Technology Next Generation (HTNG) 2008 Member�s
Meeting and Conference, The America�s Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS),
and the Atlanta-based Social Media Conference (SoCon) �08.
.
�Technology will continue to follow its current
path to streamline processes and connect people,� said Michael
Squires, president of Softscribe Inc. �What is changing are the
people themselves, always our industry�s greatest asset. Hoteliers
are becoming more technically astute specialists; they now use technology
strategically to streamline their operations in new ways that add topline
revenue quickly while improving the guest experience.� Squires
cited revenue management, online marketing, sales and catering, and business
intelligence as silos where operators are evolving into strategic thinkers
In order of their conference occurrence, here
is a recap of major trends:
America�s Lodging Investment Summit 2008 (ALIS) |
Michael B. Squires
President and CEO
Softscribe Inc. |
Major ALIS trends included:
-
The economy was under a microscope; attendees were
cautiously positive, not recessionary.
-
Hoteliers must make foreign hotel-bound visitors
feel welcomed.
-
'Sustainability� is a trend that will stay.
Blog entry: Ask
ALIS, Disney about Rule #9
Recap article for Hospitality Upgrade: ALIS
2008: Every Cloud Has a Green Lining
Hotel Technology Next Generation 2008 (HTNG)
Major HTNG trends included:
-
Participation in HTNG at some level is now mandatory
to do business with many chains.
-
HTNG is at critical mass. It is a respected
and valued organization; participation drives sales.
-
HTNG events are forums that stimulate a creative
dialogue between vendors and operators resulting in more efficient technology
implementation.
Social Media Conference 2008 (SoCon)
At SoCon �08, a one-day gathering of 250-plus
Atlanta-area new media pundits and participants, the focus was on �embracing
the swarm.�
�Embracing the swarm is Rule
#1 of the Networked Economy, which says �As power flows away from the
center, the competitive advantage belongs to those who learn how to embrace
decentralized points of control,�� said Julie Keyser-Squires, CFO of Softscribe
Inc. �New media makes that possible.�
Major SoCon �08 trends included:
-
Pay attention to what seems frivolous; Twitter.com,
for example.
-
Use new media to create online communities.
-
Engage in �free revealing,� or give away your ideas
for free to your communities.
For more information about any of these trends, or
the Green hospitality trend, please contact [email protected]
or call 404-256-5512.
About Softscribe Inc.
Founded
in 1999, Softscribe Inc. imaginatively blends traditional public relations
with new media to help technology companies targeting the green hospitality
and tourism industry + US government and healthcare markets drive sales
and reach their strategic objectives. The company does this with
an emphasis on media
relations and influencer relationships, writing, and a focus on messaging
strategy. Softscribe�s clients include TravelCLICK, Newmarket International,
Aptech Computer Systems, Inc., The Rainmaker Group, Flyte Systems, Gold
Key Solutions, JDA Software Group, Inc., Government Futures, NORTHWIND-Maestro
PMS, NxTV Inc. and many other leading technology and service companies.
For more information please visit http://www.softscribeinc.com. |