Continental Airlines’ Chief Gordon Bethune Heads A-List Of Leaders To Address ‘A New Definition Of Value’ At Hsmai’S Executive Think

Some of the hospitality and travel industry’s top leaders and visionaries will address the unique dynamics driving value in hospitality, travel and tourism in today’s marketplace when the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) presents its upcoming Executive THINK (Travel & Hospitality Innovation, Network, Knowledge) on “Rebuilding Profits: A New Definition of Value.”
The full-day forum (the fifth in a series of Executive THINKs for senior level executives) will be held on Sept. 19, 2002 from 8:30am to 4pm at the University of Houston Hilton Hotel & Conference Center.
“The philosophy and success of the HSMAI Executive THINK sessions are due to the limited attendance by top senior executives who come to learn and debate issues that are the most pertinent to our industry and discipline today,” says Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHA, president and CEO of HSMAI. “The line-up for ‘Defining Value’ offers some of the greatest minds and experts who will candidly discuss the key components that define today’s value proposition. “
The full-day agenda is as follows:

8:30am: Welcome and Introductions

8:45-10am:
“Does the Asset or the Experience Drive Value?” Michael A. Leven, president and CEO of U.S. Franchise Systems, and Thomas Corcoran, president and CEO of Felcor, Inc., will present their definitions of the current way value is key to rebuilding profits in the hotel industry. Following that, a moderated point counterpoint session will highlight the key differences between a real estate asset drive perspective and a customer experience driven perspective of profit and value composition.

10:30-11:30am
“Dynamic Leadership Drives Value.” Continental Airlines’ CEO Gordon Bethune will share his views on the critical success factors that contributed to the airline’s significant turnaround in customer satisfaction and profits between 1997 and 2000. In his keynote address, he will discuss the current state of affairs in the airline and travel industry and his perspective of what it takes to be successful in the industry today. The Continental case is a study in importance of dynamic leadership to build value in negative times. Bethune has the ability to develop a vigorous strategy and maintain the vision, a vibrant sense of direction, an unusual determination and a willingness to risk. Participants will also be given a signed copy of his book, “From Worst to First.”

(Networking Lunch)

1-2:30pm:
“Using Technology to Drive Value.”
Technology has been a constant transformational element for hospitality and tourism. For the past decade it has been successfully used to improve the financial standing of companies large and small, new and old. A panel of company presidents and CEOs – Bob King, CEO of the Neat Group; Michael McCormick, president of WizCom and senior vice president, Cendant Travel Distribution; and Ron Letterman, president and CEO of Classic Custom Vacations – will discuss and debate value creation through technology as it relates to the power and influence of customization and dynamic packaging.

2:30-4pm:
“Redefining the Role of Sales and Marketing with the New Definition of Value.” Facilitator Dr. Lalia Rach, dean, Center for Hospitality, Tourism & Travel Administration, New York University Tisch Center, will review the implications of the presentations and discussions, as well as assist participants in summarizing the impact these changes have had and will have in the future role of sales and marketing professionals in hospitality, travel and tourism.

Attendees will receive a workbook of handouts and reference material on topics and issues covered during the session. This invaluable take-away can be used for reference when researching ideas, strategies, and tactics that can be implemented in organizations or destinations.
Attendance is limited and registration is applicable to qualified executives in hospitality, travel, and tourism with a vice president equivalent or higher position.
HSMAI is an international 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, while operating as a leading voice for both hospitality and sales and marketing management disciplines. Founded in 1927, HSMAI is an individual membership organization comprising nearly 7,000 members from 35 countries and 60 chapters worldwide.
For more information on HSMAI, contact the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International, 8201 Greensboro Drive, Suite 300, McLean, VA 22102, phone (703) 610-9024; fax (703) 610-9005. You can also visit the web site at www.hsmai.org.
For more information or to register online for the HSMAI Executive THINK “Rebuilding Profits: The New Definition of Value” go to www.hsmai.org. For sponsorship information, contact Bob Gilbert at bgilbert@hsmai.org or call (703) 610-9024

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