Over 410 hospitality training professionals took the time to share best practices, network and improve their skills at the 72nd CHART Semi-annual Hospitality Training Conference, held July 29 - August 1, 2006 at the Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel

'Conference attendance grew 20% over last year's summer conference, and has doubled since our 64th conference in Montreal, Canada in 2002,' said Josh Davies, director of training and development for Sage Hospitality Resources and CHART president. 'We see this growth reflected in overall membership also as more hospitality organizations commit the resources necessary to make training and development a strategic priority.'

Based on the hallmark study, Blueprint for Trainer Development: A Customized Competency Model for the Hospitality Industry, released one year ago by CHART and Batrus Hollweg International (BHI), attendees focused their development areas on their specific role; executive, manager/developer or trainer. Using this information, participants were able to create a personal action plan for the conference educational sessions specifically targeted to their needs.

Member breakout and workshop topics included innovative training tools like iPod training on demand and current concerns about how to lead through crises like Hurricane Katrina. Sessions included:

Trainer: 'Train the Trainer,' 'Who Eliminated the Customer,' 'Getting Your Presentation Together and Taking it on the Road' and 'Persons with Disabilities Deserve Equal Access to Great Service'

Manager/Developer: 'Training at the Click of a Wheel: iPod Training on Demand,' Six Thinking Hats: Sharpening Your Thinking Skills,' 'The Greatest Management Skill in the World...and How to Master it in 90 Minutes' and 'Combating Childhood Hunger: Ways Your Business Can Help'

Executive: 'Leadership for the Future: Why the Leader's 'Soft' Skills will Make all the Difference,' 'Leadership Lessons from the Eye of the Storm,' 'Measuring Training's Effectiveness: Calculating Return On Investment' and 'Strategic Planning: Thrill or Chill?'

General session keynote speaker Mark Scharenbroich, SPS, CPAE kicked off the conference with 'Building Strong Connections,' which illustrated how strong connections affect employee loyalty, retention and overall business performance.' Kelly McDonald described how Hispanic workers can best be reached in 'How to be a Latino-Ready & Latino-Friendly Employer: Insights into your Hispanic Workforce.' John G. Miller closed the conference with a message about the power of personal accountability in 'Personal Accountability and the Question behind the Question!'

Teresa Siriani, president of People Report, cited training and management development as solutions in the competition for labor. An annual conference highlight, the President's Panel, moderated by Jeff Higley, editor-in-chief of Hotel & Motel Management Magazine, included Eric M. Anders, president and co-founder of Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill, Colin Reed, chairman and chief executive officer of Gaylord Entertainment, Walter Isenberg, president and chief executive officer of Sage Hospitality Resources and Kathleen Wood, president and chief operating officer of Raising Cane's, Inc., featured insights and opinions from the top on a variety of training issues.

Pre-conference workshops focused on the professional development of the trainer. Twenty-nine people sat for the American Hotel and Lodging Association Educational Institute's (AHLAEI) Certified Hospitality Trainer (CHT) Review and Exam. The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) presented the ServSafe Alcohol Instructor's Course and Exam and the ServSafe Food Safety 4th Edition Train the Trainer. The Elliot Leadership Institute in conjunction with The Galileo Initiative developed customized content for the LEAD: Talent and Team Developer workshop attendees.

The conference culminated in the Commitment to People Awards Gala, honoring Colin Reed, chairman and chief executive officer of Gaylord Entertainment, as the recipient of the Commitment to People Award.

Tara Davey
Executive Director
(800) 463-5918
CHART

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