Digital trends, customer insights headline HSMAI’s Resort Marketing Strategy Conference

The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) will be hosting its Resort Marketing Strategy Conference at the Royal Palms Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Ariz., on Aug. 30, 2011. Attendees will have the chance to network with other professionals in their field while receiving insight on the latest trends and practices for resort marketing.

The one-day interactive program will feature keynote speakers, Henry H. Harteveldt, vice president and principal analyst of Forrester Research, Inc., and Rick Garlick, senior director of consulting and strategic implementation for Maritz Research. Harteveldt will discuss the evolving digital landscape and the specific implications for resort marketers, and Garlick will address research and strategy for creating stronger guest loyalty.

"What differentiates this year's conference from previous years is the focus on customer insights and digital marketing," said Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, president and CEO of HSMAI. "We will be giving attendees the resources and confidence to take advantage of cutting-edge digital trends, along with insights into today's customers."

Resort professionals will have the chance to gain insight into the future of the leisure consumer market, digital marketing and tools, and group business sectors. In addition, a panel of senior hospitality experts will share their perspectives on the transformations occurring within the industry and how to address these particular challenges.

Aimed at providing attendees with a greater interaction opportunity with fellow professionals, HSMAI has taken networking to a whole new level this year by offering "Best Practice Speed Dating," which will be composed of eight discussion topics ranging from texting promotions to generating return on investment from LinkedIn.

At the conference, the Resort Marketer of the Year Award will be presented by HSMAI and LivingSocial to an individual who has demonstrated the highest degree of excellence and commitment to the hospitality industry. Nominations are based on local HSMAI chapters and the industry at large and are chosen by a panel of experts consisting of HSMAI board members and various other resort marketing executives.

Conference Silver Partners include Cendyn, Digital Alchemy, ResortPort by Passport Online, STR, TIG Global, and Travelzoo. For the full conference agenda, registration details or more information about this or other HSMAI events, please visit HSMAI's events page.