�Just like China raised the bar with the opening event at the Olympics this year, we wanted to set a new standard for hotel conferences with our opening event,� said Angela Gonzalez-Rowe, founder and president of the Hispanic Hotel Owners Association.  �To our knowledge, nothing like this has ever happened at a gathering of hoteliers.  The participation of IHG, Wyndham, Hilton and ACCOR in such a fun event sets the stage for a strong educational and deal-making event.�

Each of the four brand groups will set up an exclusive, highly themed cocktail reception area to entertain members of Latino hotel ownership, development and management groups headquartered in South America, the United States, Central America and Mexico.  Given the extremely competitive natures of the companies involved, each competing brand is guarding their theme with the utmost secrecy.  Formatted after the popular �Battle of the Bands� competition, attendees will vote for the best reception area. 

�HHOA's Battle of the Brands challenge has our creative juices flowing," said Floyd Pitts, Senior Director of Diversity Programs for the Hilton Hotels Corporation.  "Our team has worked feverishly to bring to life a theme that is sure to WOW attendees.  It was inspired by our flagship brand - Hilton Hotels, consistent with what that Brand strives to deliver to every one of their guests: inspiration, relaxation, fun and excellence -- as with the guest experience delivered by that Brand, our theme will touch the mind, body and soul."

In keeping with the competitive theme, a boxing ring, complete with �card girl,� and announcer will be set in the center of the room.  The announcer will periodically highlight the various aspects of each reception area offering and the four hotel companies and seek participant response. 

�With over 7000 ports of call, we're cruising right by the competition,� said Nancy Poor, Senior Vice President for Wyndham Worldwide.  �Come visit the Wyndham Hotel Group lounge!�

About HHOA
Headquartered in Washington, D.C., HHOA is a non-profit organization whose mission is to increase the number of Hispanic-owned, -developed and -operated hotels, further the participation of Hispanic-owned suppliers serving the hotel industry and increase executive level employment opportunities for Hispanics within the lodging industry.  The industry�s leading brands, including Hilton Hotels Corporation, Marriott International, Choice Hotels International, Wyndham Worldwide Corporation and Global Hyatt Corporation have joined the organization and have become major corporate sponsors. 

HHOA membership is open to hotel owners, developers, investors, financiers, real estate executives, investment bankers, professional advisors, analysts, franchisors, management company executives, industry product and service providers, hotel general managers, hotel sales and marketing managers, government agencies for tourism and development, hospitality schools, hospitality students or anyone seeking to do business within the Hispanic market. 

Additional information about HHOA is available at the association�s Web site, www.hhoa.org.  To learn more about the first Hispanic Hotel, Development and Investment Conference, contact Angela Gonzalez-Rowe at 202-587-5707, or www.hhoa.org.

 Jerry Daly
(703) 435-6293
[email protected]