HSMAI's new Asia Pacific Chapter sets 2006 Agenda

Continuing the momentum from its launch in October 2005, HSMAI’s new Asia Pacific Chapter has announced key events and initiatives for 2006, including the debut of two regional strategy conferences, industry forums and the hugely successful AsiaConnect industry meeting.

“In only six months since its inception, the Asia Pacific Chapter has been a great success with a growing membership base and an exciting schedule of events and programs,” said Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHA, president and CEO of HSMAI.

“The hospitality industry in the Asia Pacific region is experiencing an upsurge in tourism from both business and leisure segments,” stated Christine Toguchi, managing director for HSMAI Asia Pacific. “With increased demand for hotel and travel services, sales and marketing professionals in the region are seeking new strategies and best practices to help them manage this growth effectively and profitably. This is an opportune time to be launching HSMAI’s successful series of strategy conferences in the Asia Pacific region.”

Gilbert added, “The goal of HSMAI’s Asia Pacific chapter is to establish HSMAI as a recognized and influential organization in the Asia Pacific region, providing clear and insightful views on the future of the hospitality industry, and to be a significant contributor in the development of hospitality sales and marketing professionals in the region.”

Event initiatives in 2006 for HSMAI’s Asia Pacific Chapter include the following:

Revenue Management Special Interest Group (SIG) Strategy Conference
June 27, 2006, Hong Kong

Full-day sessions with keynote speaker, followed by a roundtable session to address key issues and share insights, strategies and solutions. Participants will be senior level hospitality sales and marketing professionals with direct responsibilities for revenue management at the corporate or property level, as well as key management staff with an interest in staying abreast of the changes and trends within this discipline. The cost to attend is US$195 HSMAI Members, US$295 non-members.

Internet Marketing Special Interest Group (SIG) Strategy Conference
Sept 28, 2006, Singapore (held the day prior to and in conjunction with Asia Connect 2006)

Full-day sessions with keynote speaker, followed by a roundtable session to address key issues and share insights, strategies and solutions. Participants will be senior level management with responsibilities for Internet Marketing at the corporate and property level and those interested in staying abreast of the current trends and changes within this discipline. The cost to attend: US$175 HSMAI Members, US$275 non-members.

AsiaConnect 2006
Sept 29, 2006, Singapore (held in conjunction with the Internet Marketing Strategy Conference)

The second annual conference will be a mix of plenary sessions together with ‘Special Interest’ strategy workshops and discussion groups. HSMAI’s 2nd annual AsiaConnect will deliver a comprehensive program where participants can discuss key issues facing the hospitality industry, discover new tools, techniques and technology to transform business performance, and network, share insight and marketing opportunities with other top industry professionals. Topics will include: Revenue Management, Customer Relationship Management and Brand Management. The cost to attend is US$195 for HSMAI Members and US$295 non-members. If purchased in conjunction with the Internet Marketing Strategy Conference, the price is US$320 for members and US$485 for non-members if booked by July 1, 2006.

2006 Industry Forums, Workshops & Chapter Development Sessions
Singapore in May, Hong Kong and Vietnam in June, Shanghai in July, Mumbai in November

These half-day events will include special interest seminars and mini-workshops covering various topics that address timely and urgent issues. The cost to attend is US$50 for HSMAI members and US$85 for non-members.

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