HSMAI launches Asia Connect Conference in Singapore

The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI), an association providing educational resources to the travel, tourism and hospitality industries, is taking its successful strategy conferences on the road to Asia, launching Asia Connect, its inaugural conference for the Asia Pacific Region, on October 19, 2005 at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel in Singapore.

Asia Connect, themed “Defining a New Vision for Global Hospitality Sales and Marketing Professionals,” will focus on fresh ideas, innovative thinking and competitive strategies required to equip today’s global hospitality professional with critical skills to ensure future business success.

Held in conjunction with Wired 2005 – Asia Travel Matrix, Asia Connect will feature dynamic speakers and panelists sharing their views on vital issues and trends shaping tourism and hospitality, including opportunities available through new technologies, distribution channels and tools to drive sales revenue and profitability. 

“The goal of the event shall be to provide sales and marketing professionals in the Asia Pacific Region with information and resources pertaining to the latest trends in sales and marketing competencies that are necessary for success in growing their business,” said Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHA, president and CEO of HSMAI.

Delegates will also have an opportunity to participate in special interest workshops and discussion groups on Revenue Management, Resort Management and Internet Distribution Marketing. The program will be addressing key topics of greatest interest to both the property and corporate level hospitality professionals.

“Asia Connect will offer a balanced program where participants can interact with other top industry professionals and gain insight on the key topics of greatest interest at both the property and corporate level,” added Gilbert.

HSMAI has partnered with MacroVision Network (MVN), a Singapore-based training and consulting firm specializing in the travel and hospitality industry, to produce Asia Connect. Both parties will be working together to plan, promote and produce this annual event. 

According to Christine Toguchi, managing director of MacroVision Network, “This event is an excellent opportunity for hotel professionals in the Asia Pacific Region to network with other industry professionals, discuss key issues facing the hospitality industry, and discover new tools, techniques and technology to transform and enhance business performance.”

Some of the sessions and panels planned include:

- A keynote address by Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHA, president & CEO of HSMAI, on “Envisioning the Future of the Sales & Marketing Profession.”

- “Envisioning the Future of Competing in a Global Marketplace” led by Dr. Judy A. Siguaw, Dean of Cornell-Nanyang Institute of Hospitality Management.

- “The Future of the Sales Process – The New Fundamentals” led by Dr. Michael Hampton, president of HSA International and Dean of Hospitality Management at Lynn University at Boca Raton, Florida, USA.

- “Envisioning the Future of Distribution & Channel Management” featuring Cindy Estis Green, executive director, The Estis Group, and author of “Demystifying Distribution.”

- “Spinning the Perfect Web” – a workshop on Internet marketing by Lucas Peng, executive director of MacroVision Network Pte Ltd and managing director – IFH Asia Pacific.

- “Making the Right Connection Through Strategic Communication” – a presentation by Rick Clements, managing director, RC&A and Yeoh Siew Hoon, founder of SHY Ventures.

- “Creating a Legendary Brand & Service” by Simon Manning, regional director of sales and marketing, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.

There will also be several networking events including a cocktail party with the Wired 2005 delegates.

Delegate fees are US$195 for HSMAI members. For non-HSMAI members wishing to attend, there is an early registration until 14 September at US$295. The non-member fee for registrations after 14 September is US$395. Special rates are offered to delegates registering for both Asia Connect and Wired 2005 – Asia Travel Matrix from US$645.

Delegates paying the non-member registration fee will automatically receive a one year membership into HSMAI. “By investing this one day at Asia Connect, you’ll gain access to 12 months of valuable industry insight, networking and business building resources for free,” said Gilbert.

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