The travel industry is beginning to feel the impact of the economic crisis, and 2009 travel forecasts predict both leisure travel and business travel will decline. The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) University will lead a four-part strategy webinar series, 'Leading Through the Economic Crisis and Preparing for Recovery,' on Tuesday, Dec. 2 and Wednesday, Dec. 3 to help professionals prepare for and combat the economic challenges being faced by the industry.
The strategy series includes top industry thinker Bjorn Hanson, former PWC executive and current New York University clinical professor, who will provide an economic trends update on Dec. 2 at 10 a.m. EST.
'Hospitality professionals are facing a tough year,' said Fran Brasseux, HSMAI executive vice president. 'To succeed it's important for professionals to understand the economic landscape and to begin employing effective business practices. This strategy series will be a resource that offers professionals counsel to navigate the next year successfully.'
The webinars will be presented in 90-minute sessions and outline solutions for sales, marketing and revenue management. The two-day schedule includes the following sessions:
Dec. 2, 2008
• Economic Trends Affecting Hospitality Sellers in Today's Turbulent Marketplace, 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. EST
Lead Presenter: Bjorn Hanson, Ph.D., Clinical Professor, Preston Robert Tisch Center for Hospitality, Tourism, and Sports Management, NYU
Key takeaways: Macro trends and how they relate to the current marketplace, How to outline a forecast for 2009
• Maximizing Revenue in a Downturn, 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. EST
Lead presenter: Bill Carroll, Ph.D., senior lecturer, Cornell University
Panelists include: Bonnie Buckhiester, ISHC, President & CEO, Buckhiester Management USA Inc., Tom Walker, Managing Director of RoomRevenew, Dan Kowalewski, Vice President, Revenue Management Services, Wyndham Hotel Group
Key takeaways: Implications for revenue management strategies, How to manage owners' expectations when the demand falls
Dec. 3, 2008
• Getting Your Message Across With an Integrated Marketing Strategy, 10 a.m. - 11: 30 a.m. EST
Moderator: John Parke, President & CEO, Leadership Synergies, Inc.
Panelists include: Susan Thronson, Sr. VP, Global Marketing, Marriott International, Inc., Kim Schaller, VP, Chief Marketing Officer, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts
Key takeaways: How to use an integrated marketing approach to connect to new customers, How to develop and leverage eCommerce strategies
• Ten Actions Your Sales Team Must Take in the Next 90 Days, 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. EST
Lead presenter: John Parke, president & CEO, Leadership Synergies, Inc.
Panelists include: Sergio Asensio, Managing Director, Topline Group LLC, Mark Tunney, CMP, Managing Director, Convention Sales, Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau
Key takeaways: Proven tactics to drive better sales results, How to manage customer relationships in this environment
Register for any of the webinars online at www.hsmaiuniversity.org or call 703-506-2010. Weibnars can be purchased separately or as a series.
About HSMAI
HSMAI is an organization of sales and marketing professionals representing all segments of the hospitality industry. With a strong focus on education, HSMAI has become the industry champion in identifying and communicating trends in the hospitality industry, and bringing together customers and members at annual events, including HSMAI's Affordable Meetings(R). Founded in 1927, HSMAI is an individual membership organization comprising more than 7,000 members worldwide, with 40 chapters in the Americas Region. For more information on HSMAI, contact the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International, 1760 Old Meadow Road, Suite 500, McLean, Va. 22102, (703) 506-3280, fax (703) 506-3266, or visit the website at www.hsmai.org.
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