In line with its successful strategy to increase its membership, to encourage involvement from all membership categories and to offer the best educational forum in electronic distribution and commerce for the
hospitality industry, the next HEDNA conference sees the launch of the first HEDNA Internet Training Day. 

Developed to foster an interactive day, the Internet Training Day will combine top level speakers from the e-commerce industry, including Peter Dennis, Time Communications, Alyson Dombey, Partners in Marketing, Paul Richer of Genesys Consulting and John West, IS Solutions. A "hands on" technology session will be provided by leading hotel Internet providers such as HotelBank, HotelWorld, Leisure Planet and WorldRes. 

Daniela Balmelli - Hotel Schweizerhof Marketing Director and member of the HEDNA working group organising the Internet Training Day explains why the reaction has been so positive "We have collected together some of the greatest authorities on the development of the Internet and e-commerce in our industry. This reflects the respect that HEDNA commands. Delegates also have the opportunity to sample first hand some of the best Internet products on the market. This is true value we are delivering to our membership. It's set to be a great day!". The Internet Training Day will take place on the 19th April at the Millennium Conference Centre, and is
open to all hotel and travel industry personnel.

The main conference will feature leading speakers such as Richard G. Spinks, Business Development Director from Lycos - Bertelsmann GmbH & Co. and Graham Walker - Telepresence Campaign Manager, British
Telecommunications Laboratories. Both will speak about the commercial opportunities for hotels in the digital marketplace. A panel of experts from the credit card industry will discuss issues surrounding debiting a
credit card when a guest doesn't show.

Sponsors of the conference include Forte, Millennium Hotel and Resorts, Pegasus Systems Inc., REZsolutions and WORLDSPAN. Stuart Hill - Director of GDS Marketing Worldwide for REZsolutions and EMEA representative on the HEDNA Board of Directors confirms why the response to HEDNA meetings is so
positive "The benefits of HEDNA membership are clear to see. No other organisation can guarantee to attract so many top-level speakers and delegates from within the hotel distribution and electronic commerce
sector. HEDNA EMEA now represents over 46% of the total HEDNA membership. We're proud of that and determined to give our membership added value above and beyond their expectations. This meeting will achieve that"

Finally, the conference offers opportunities for hotel technology suppliers to participate in the Technology Showcase - a major focus of the event with dedicated exhibition times. For further information on the Internet training day, to register for the main conference or the Technology Showcase contact the HEDNA EMEA Secretary on  Tel: +44 (0) 118 989 2255 / Fax: +44 (0) 118 989 2277.

All HEDNA members are encouraged to attend this conference which promises to be highly interactive, educational and rewarding. First time attendees to a HEDNA conference are especially welcome, and may attend without being a HEDNA member.