HeBS Digital to Present at EyeforTravel’s Travel Distribution Summit North America 2011
HeBS Digital, the leading hotel digital marketing and direct online strategy firm for the hospitality industry, today announces Chief eBusiness Strategist Max Starkov will present during EyeforTravel's Travel Distribution Summit North America (TDS), to be held September 19-20 in Las Vegas. Starkov will participate in the "Social Buying and Flash Sales: The Pros and Cons" panel on September 20th, 2011 - day two of the conference.
New York, NY (July 29, 2011) – HeBS Digital, the leading hotel digital marketing and direct online strategy firm for the hospitality industry, today announces Chief eBusiness Strategist Max Starkov will present during EyeforTravel's Travel Distribution Summit North America (TDS), to be held September 19-20 in Las Vegas. Starkov will participate in the "Social Buying and Flash Sales: The Pros and Cons" panel on September 20th, 2011 - day two of the conference.
The annual Travel Distribution Summit, now in its 13th year, provides networking opportunities and insights from travel insiders. The premier two-day summit will provide key information on how the travel industry can anticipate, adapt and thrive in the fast-changing online arena.
The "Social Buying and Flash Sales: The Pros and Cons" panel will examine the arguments for and against using flash sale sites as a distribution channel, and explore the risks and costs involved with a group deal. Hoteliers and industry members will receive insight from Starkov on the danger of relying on flash sale tactics in favor of the proven, ROI-centric direct online channel.
According to Starkov, "There is no doubt that hotel distribution has changed dramatically over the past 16 years since the advent of the "commercial" Internet. Online distribution, social media and the mobile Web have all changed how we connect with, engage and ultimately convert customers. But the fundamental principles of hotel distribution have not changed that much. Hoteliers need to focus on distribution channels that "pass the litmus test" i.e.: are cost-effective; generate the most bookings; protect rate parity and price integrity, and reach the targeted customer segments. In other words, the main focus and priority for any hotelier should be to sell as much inventory via the most cost-effective distribution channels that can potentially generate the most bookings, while preserving rate parity and price erosion."
"We are excited to have Max Starkov, a thought leader in hotel online distribution and marketing, on this panel," said Rosie Akenhead, EyeforTravel's TDS Director. "Mr. Starkov always provides unique and provoking perspectives on the subject. I have no doubts this session will be an eye-opening experience for the conference participants."
Starkov, along with Steven Rubin, Regional Director Revenue & Distribution, Kimpton Hotels; Kevin McLaughlin, CEO, smartdestinations.com; Doug Aley, CEO, off & away and Doug Miller, SVP New Business Initiatives, LivingSocial, will explore these crucial topics regarding social buying and flash sale sites:
- Find out whether group buying is a viable distribution channel, and see which travel companies are testing it.
- Flash Sales: research tells us that airline flash sales don't have maximum effectiveness. Which travel brands have bucked the trend and are reaping the rewards?
- Does group buying work for every aspect of travel: airline, hotel, car hire, cruise, OTA… and if not, why not?
- Ask LivingSocial and Off & Away about the risk and cost involved with a group deal and decide whether it's feasible for your business.
"There are certain hotel distribution ideas and channels that work, and then there are those that are detrimental to the hotel industry and do not make economic sense", continues Starkov. "Hoteliers must preserve rate parity and their brand by utilizing the most cost-effective distribution channels, instead of using desperate measures to sell inventory. The panel will provide the opportunity to give the hoteliers' perspective, and I am thrilled to participate in this important event."
Note: Exclusive to HeBS Digital clients, partners and HeBS Digital Report subscribers: quote "HeBS Digital" and claim a 10% discount off the usual rates to attend THE online travel & hospitality conference of the year! You can access the secure registration page here: http://events.eyefortravel.com/tdsusa/conference/registration.shtml
North America's premier networking event for online travel suppliers and distributors: Speakers from top travel brands reveal how to lower distribution costs, control the mobile channel, maximize revenue and engage through social media. Over 300 Executives are already confirmed! See who is already attending online here http://events.eyefortravel.com/tdsusa/conference/attendees.shtml
Meet the key stakeholders of the online world: Facebook, LinkedIn, LivingSocial, TripAdvisor, Google and more. Join Starwood, American Airlines, United-Continental, Air Canada, IHG, Hilton and almost every other major travel brand at North America's favourite conference this September.
For more general information see www.eyefortravel.com/tdsusa or contact :[email protected]