Washington, DC, December 20, 2012 - The Hotel Electronic Distribution Network Association (HEDNA) enjoyed record attendance at its Winter Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, December 5-7, 2012, sharing insights into electronic distribution trends and strategy with a view to competing in an ever-changing landscape.

Melanie Ryan Owens, President of HEDNA, opened the meeting at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas with a presentation of the state of the association, highlighting the organization's successful achievements during 2012 in the areas of membership, education and enhanced member resources.   "The strong support of our current members - and the addition of a record number of new members in 2012 - has allowed HEDNA to increase its educational offerings, expand outreach, deliver additional networking opportunities, and further strengthen the organization's strategic vision to be the leading global forum to advance hospitality distribution," said Owens.

"HEDNA is you," Owens explained in her opening remarks.  "The association structures its conferences, programs, educational outreach and networking around what you, our members, have told us you want.  I know you will find this year's program to be encouraging, thought provoking and a challenge to the status quo," she said.

Among the highlights of the Winter Conference was a forwarding-looking presentation from Dr. Bill Carroll of Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration who cautioned attendees to prepare for global impacts that will change the travel industry.  Julie Ask of Forrester Research warned that in order to compete in today's, and tomorrow's, mobile world, companies must support a "mobile first" approach, designing for mobile at the start rather than using a retrofit approach.

In addition, emerging trend setters and experienced professionals provided education and insight during sessions on preparing for the next-generation hospitality and e-distribution employees, penetrating the outbound Chinese travel market, developing strategies for protecting customers' personal information, and making the most of the mobile, social and local online world.  Presenters included Ludovic Dumas, Director of Embassy House, Tim Peter, Managing Director, Tim Peter & Associates, and Evelyne Oreskovich and Marion Hughes Roger of Hospitality Evolution Resources. Conference attendees also heard the most up to date industry news from the leading global distribution systems, including Amadeus IT Group SA, Sabre Hospitality Solutions, Travelport and Pegasus Solutions.

New on this year's agenda at the HEDNA Winter Conference was a panel discussion focusing on the tremendous hotel marketing opportunities in Asia and the Pacific (ASPAC).   HEDNA also asked attendees to "Speak Up" in an open dialogue session designed to give attendees to opportunity to contribute ideas on future strategy and the overall direction of the association.

The HEDNA Forums on Leisure Wholesale and Payment Technologies continue to be an important component of the conference, allowing members to meet and discuss the challenges facing the industry.  In addition, HEDNA's Connectivity Working Group unveiled two new white papers on change discovery and the future of shopping which can be found on HEDNA's website as an added value to our members.

The Knowledge Workshop Tracks at the Winter Conference were focused and informative, covering a wide variety of material that gave attendees not only key insights into Payments, Education and Marketing, but arming them with tactics and strategies they can put in place in their own companies.

In closing the Winter Conference, Owens underscored the value of the engaging speakers, lively panels and many networking opportunities to which attendees had access throughout the conference.  She also encouraged the membership to continue their high-level involvement in HEDNA.  Owens outlined the upcoming HEDNA University sessions and webinars planned for the first and second quarters of 2013 and reminded attendees to mark their calendars for HEDNA's 2013 Spring Conference in Edinburgh, Scotland, June 18-20.  "This year has been a banner year for the association," Owens said.  "I look forward to the continued momentum in 2013 and to the active engagement of members eager to invest their energy and expertise in our industry."

About HEDNA
The Hotel Electronic Distribution Network Association (HEDNA) is a not-for-profit trade association whose worldwide membership includes executives and managers from the most influential companies in the hospitality distribution industry. Founded in 1991, HEDNA's Mission is to be the leading global forum for advancing hospitality distribution through collaboration and knowledge sharing. Its Vision calls for HEDNA to be known for creating an environment that fosters strategic collaboration toward business development in the global hospitality industry. Additional information on HEDNA is available by calling +1 202-204-8400 or by visiting www.hedna.org.