Did you know that water, wastewater, and storm water fees are increasing faster than any other commodity? These fees used to be included as parts of the tax bill, but, increasingly these fees are being charged as part of your water and/or wastewater charge. The trend in the fee structure is to base the stormwater fee on the amount of impervious area that a facility has. This means that hotels and motels will be subject to significant fees because the roofs of the buildings and the parking lots are all impervious. READ MORE

On October 3, 2011, Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills was the first hotel in the West Coast and the first Four Seasons hotel in the world to launch the innovative ICE (Interactive Customer Experience) technology with iPad2 devices in all 285 guestrooms, front desk, and house cars. With an increasing number of technologically savvy guests who prefer indirect contact with the hotel via mobile devices, our goal through implementing the iPads with ICE technology was to exceed guest expectations by offering exceptional service and unique innovative technology. READ MORE

If you haven't developed an aggressive Public Relations strategy for your properties, you are missing out on one of the most effective ways to reach new guests and build your business. Find out how to leverage the power of PR, using online distribution services and services that will have news sources coming to you for stories, and use your own website to generate buzz for your properties. PR is the most cost-effective way to increase your online presence, boost your credibility as an industry expert, and reach your desired target markets. READ MORE

In truth, human beings tend to commit to only a few endeavors in their lives, so what would make them want to commit themselves and their efforts to the benefit of the hotel they work for? It's a well kept secret that a sense of alignment to an organization invariably leads to engaged and therefore committed employees. What is it about alignment that inspires employees to more deeply connect to the hotel they work for? Industrial psychologists and organization development practitioners have long used a commitment formula to help engage individuals and groups in the company's vision, mission and goals. READ MORE

Competition among destinations to snare meetings and conventions business has never been more challenging. Cities are marketing themselves with new infrastructure and services for greater buyer appeal, but there are fewer hosting opportunities and lower attendance at events. As demand has diminished from what it was a few years ago there's greater availability. Today's marketplace is demanding that destinations use best marketing practice to even survive. In a recent study, meetings buyers - meeting planners - revealed what marketing techniques meetings sellers - destination marketing organizations and other hospitality members - should use to influence buying selections. READ MORE