HSMAI's Western Hospitality Conference
Provided Leading Tactics for a Profitable Business in a Bad Economy
ANAHEIM, CA, October 6, 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."
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
