Going Green in 2018
From plastic straw bans to composting mandates, sustainable practices are driven by chefs, restaurateurs and regulators. Learn how to lead your restaurant’s operations into a sustainable future and navigate your way to regulatory compliance.
10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Alexa—What Does Voice Technology Mean for Hotels?
This panel will dive into how voice technology has impacted different—and sometimes unexpected—areas of the hospitality industry, from security to loyalty. The experts on the panel will also weigh in on how voice technology will shape hospitality in both the near and distant future.
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Asset Value Creation for
Hotel Owners: The Role of Operational Excellence
The hotel asset management cycle consists of four stages: identifying owner objectives, acquisition of the hotel asset, hotel operational performance and asset disposition. Asset managers and hotel owners rely on operating managers to optimize performance by instituting excellent practices. The session will tap into the expertise of three executives who will share their experience and leading practices to demonstrate tactics and strategies for creating asset value.
1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
The Airbnb Threat—Or Opportunity
Home-sharing and private accommodations aren’t going anywhere and, in fact, major hotel companies like AccorHotels, Hyatt Hotels Corp. and Marriott International Inc. are even getting into this sector. And, whatever your views on home-sharing—or its distribution platforms, such as Airbnb, HomeAway and VRBO—hoteliers need to know what’s happening in the space if they want to succeed going forward.
:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
#worsthotelever: Managing Your Online Reputation and Controlling the Message
In today’s world, everyone’s a critic—and their words are everywhere. Sometimes, they’re positive, but often, it’s the negative comments that carry the most weight online. How do you, as a hotelier, take back control of your branding and create an internet presence that is not only true to your message but attracts guests? This session will provide tips and guidelines for accentuating the positive and keeping your good name intact.
4:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Economic Boom: The Lodging Industry Puts Tax Cuts to Work
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has been a catalyst for remarkable growth for small businesses and the American economy. In the lodging sector, hoteliers are increasing development, occupancy and ADR continue to rise, unemployment is declining and the outlook for the industry remains bright. Tax experts will review the provisions in the new law and share insights and projections for additional changes to the tax code that can
help hoteliers to improve their
bottom lines.
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
The Art and Science of Crafting Unique 360-Degree Experiences
Explore the role of neuroscience in forging permanent—and shareable—guest memories and value assessments. Put that science to work to craft narratives that tell the right stories to clients and guests, create interactive spaces that give travelers the personalization and wow they demand, and fashion the gotta-go-there F&B venues.
11:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Industry Feud: Owners/Brand Versus Interior Designers
Survey says this will be a fun opportunity for hospitality industry leaders to test their market knowledge.
12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Deploying Digital in the
Built Environment
The panel will focus on helping walk you through the various stages of deploying digital, plus how to keep
the experience fresh through a sustainable content program. Panelists will discuss integration of technology into the design/experience, best practices for selecting the technology, mode of interaction and—most importantly—how to create content that adds to the experience, without overwhelming the consumer.
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Purchasing and Design Interaction
Drill down into what it takes to create a seamless, effective relationship between purchasing and interior design firms. Learn best practices from both sides of the table on key issues: design, budget and deadlines/schedules. Gain insights into the importance of a complete specification and find out how to reduce the need for reselection to ensure optimal project outcomes.
2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Brand Central
Hotel industry giants have become some of the nimblest players in the industry, with new prototypes, inventive design platforms, fresh new-build offers and repositionings for existing flags that will mean multibillion-dollar pools of renovation work. Here’s how to tap into this red-hot client market.
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tech and Design: How Has Technology Changed the Design Process in Hotel Development
Here’s everything you need to know about the impact of technology across the development and design spectrum, from current brand standards by U.S. regions and by country, to quality assurances for the selection of products, as well as cost savings and technological advancements in design and architectural software tools. Learn best practices on design process strategies and gain insight on how technology will help advance the design process.