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HSMAI's Western Hospitality Conference Provided Leading
Tactics for a Profitable Business in a Bad Economy
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News for the Hospitality Executive |
Anaheim, Calif. (October 06, 2009) – In an economy where the average hotel occupancy rate declined 10.9% in six months in the same year, to 54.6% according to the Smith Travel Research, what should every hotel be doing to boost sales and positive customer relations efforts with social media? Marketing veteran Jim Cox describes the most significant outcome of social media as the means for “connection.” A champion in identifying and communicating trends in the hospitality industry, the California chapters of the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) came together on September 2, 2009 to establish those crucial and profitable connections and to develop valuable revenue opportunities through social media, revenue management, GDS and personal branding. Invigorating speakers and panel discussions consumed this industry conference to discuss the most successful and impactful trends for businesses and individuals in the upcoming year. Leadership training and consulting specialist and president of Master Connection Associates, Cindy Novotny, inspired conference attendees with her provocative presentation on how to attack today’s business environment for success. “In the midst of this recession, the cream who will rise at any business will be the most proactive,” Novotny proclaims quite reassuredly. In order to manage the new standards for business, employees and employers alike have to think like entrepreneurs and maintain a positive outlook for the future of their business while finding new ways to “connect” through social media to find potential clients. According to Novotny, planning for success is the greater hurdle than the actual pitch. Other industry professionals included Steven O’Malley of Maritz Travel and Debbie Bermont of Source Communications who shared their insight on the challenges the economy has presented to the industry. With regard to the travel, O’Malley has witnessed the change in value that has occurred for travelers. There is less concern about luxury and a higher priority on experiences that emotionally impact vacationers. For some like Bermont, the recession only serves to fuel the potential energy for businesses to discover innovative methods for growth despite the current state of the economy. “This conferences was a great opportunity for key industry professionals, speakers and panelists to come together to discuss the struggles that are affecting every aspect of the industry,” said Jennifer Kim HSMAI Los Angeles Chapter President about the opportunity for networking and collaboration. “Our theme at this year’s conference is truly to explore these opportunities through education which is why we extended this year’s conference to a full day of panels and discussions.” Video from this year’s conference is available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXl-QgdfPdg . For images, visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/42829217@N06/sets/72157622366927351/ . For more information or details about the event or if you are interested in scheduling an exclusive interview with HSMAI board members, please contact Alan Siero at [email protected] or (310) 395-5050. ABOUT HSMAI HSMAI is a global organization of sales and marketing professionals representing all segments of the hospitality industry. With a strong focus on education, HSMAI has become the industry champion in identifying and communicating trends in the hospitality industry while operating as a leading voice for both hospitality and sales and marketing management disciplines, as well as connecting its members with customers. Founded in 1927, HSMAI is an individual membership organization comprised of nearly 7,000 members from 35 countries and chapters worldwide. HSMAI’s Americas Region, headquartered in McLean, VA, consists of 38 chapters in three countries. HSMAI's European Region, headquartered in Oslo, Norway, consists of five national chapters in Europe. The Asia Pacific Region is under development. The HSMAI Foundation was established in 1983 to serve as the research and educational arm of HSMAI. |
| Contact:
Alan Siero
Ph: (310) 395-5050 [email protected] . |