Tweets From HITEC
It has been a few years since I have been to HITEC. This year seems as good as any to return. ( I am trying my best to single handily stimulate the economy and our Son is living in So. California this summer.)
Several sessions on the conference schedule that intrique me include the following:
MONDAY, June 22
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Building Digital Relationships
Ballroom DE
Learn the importance of adding digital relationships to your company’s strategies. At companies such as Travelocity, Kayak.com, La Quinta Hotels and Earthlink, discover what they are doing in creating, leading and implementing CRM strategies that leverage the digital world. Explore this extensive world with examples drawn from all types of online and offline companies. Discuss the latest techniques for e-marketing, the evolution of search, and how broadband is changing consumer behavior online. Walk away with a plan on how to craft a multi-channel strategy to deal with tomorrow’ marketplace.
Speaker: Terry Jones
Terry Jones founded Travelocity.com He led the company as President and Chief Executive Officer from it’s founding until May 2002. He also served as CIO of Sabre Inc. Prior to that, Jones joined America Airlines as Director of Product Development. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Earthlink, Inc., the La Quinta Corporation, as well as Kayak.com
Tuesday, June 23
8:30 AM – 9:45 AM
General Session: Useful Tech Weapons for Economic Battles
Ballroom DE
The worldwide economic downturn is on the forefront of everyone’s minds, and businesses across the globe are incorporating innovative methods to work towards financial recovery. The hospitality industry is no exception. Hear predictions from a panel of experienced CIOs representing large to small properties, discover ways they are addressing the state of the industry within their own companies and learn what they are doing to help stay ahead of the storm. Panelists explain how technology can be a safeguard in these times and is now necessary more than ever before. This interactive session divulges useful tips you can walk away with to help keep your business thriving in these uncertain times.
Speakers: Scott W. Anderson is president of the hospitality and real estate group for Kohler Co. Scot Campbell is senior vice president and CIO for MGM Mirage Inc. John Edwards is director of IT, North America for Millennium Hotels and Resorts. Chuck Marratt is director of IT for MTM Luxury Lodging. RP Rama, CHA, CHTP, CHAE, is vice president and director of IT and Telecom for JHM Hotels. Jeremy Ward is senior vice president of IT for Kempinski Hotels.
3:45 PM – 5:00 PM
Mobile Distribution- How Are Hotels Embracing This Challenge?
213CD
Analysts tout the arrival of mobile commerce, but has it arrived in the hospitality industry? How are your guests using the mobile channel today? A panel of hoteliers and hospitality distribution specialists discuss the challenges of implementation and explore the scope of mobile commerce. They will share best practices and talk about how they see the future of mobile technology impacting hotel distribution.
Speakers: Ric Leutwyler is chief marketing officer of Utell Hotels & Resorts. Valyn Perini is executive director of OpenTravel Alliance.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
8:30 AM – 9:45 AM
Demystifying Distribution 2.0
210AB
This session analyzes the current information on the primary distribution landscape including GDS, OTAs, company websites, social networks, and emerging channels. Discuss some of the trends that are evolving in response to the economic climate for the distribution players as well as the travel suppliers who use them. Walk away with ideas on how to utilizie your distribution channels more effectively.
Speakers: Bill Carroll, Ph.D., is a senior lecturer at Cornell University School of Hotel Administration. David Atkins is a principal with Digital DNA Infusion. Dorothy Dowling is senior vice president of marketing and sales for Best Western International. Ashwin Kamlani is CEO of AboutAnywhere.com.
8:30 AM – 9:45 AM
Green Your IT
210CD
This interactive panel discussion illuminates the countless opportunities and challenges in implementing earth-friendly IT initiatives. Explore these three main areas: Green IT in the Guest Room, The Green Data Center, and Plugging Into The Grid. Analyze the costs and cost savings, the social responsibility impact, the revenue generation, and marketing potential of each green topic, sharing the practices and pitfalls experienced.
Speakers: Daniel Connolly, Ph.D., is an associate professor at the University of Denver. Mark Haley is a partner with The Prism Partnership, LLC. Quentin Incao is director of operations for MTM Luxury Lodging. Richard Rabinoff, CHTP, is director of hospitality technology for Xanterra Parks & Resorts.
As an added bonus for those of you unable to attend, I am going to get into the Social Media spirit and tweet from the sessions I choose to attend as well as provide any pertinent Green Technology updates from the tradeshow floor. You can follow me on twitter @Stillwater54.
