“The Times They Are a-Changin'” (again)

Wikipedia describes the song "The Times They Are a-Changin' as the third studio album by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. Written in the fall of 1963 and released in January 1964, it was Dylan's 1st collection to feature only original compositions. The album dealt with serious issues of the day, including racism, poverty, and social change and the title song remains of Dylan's best in the way it captured the spirit of social and political upheaval that characterized the 1960s. This song created awareness in a wide range of people on a range of concerns including civil rights, government actions, the Vietnam War that had not yet escalated and the need to be more aware of the world we are all part of.

Fifty years later, in 2013, the hospitality industry is facing its own range of issues, from safety and security for guests and staff, interaction with global governments, technology concerns and a sense that the world is quickly evolving at a pace that must be addressed and now.

For instance, look at what has been in global news the past 90 days:

1. The continuing strife in war torn Syria
2. The lessons from the Boston Marathon bombing in April
3. June Riots in Turkey
4. The verdict from the Trayvon Martin criminal case, that set off hundreds of demonstrations in the US
5. The 2^nd major upheaval in Egypt in as many years, with mob rule and military responses
6. A clear interruption to what had been 15 years of relative peace in Northern Ireland, when religious marches intended to promote pride reignited violence, disorder and conflict

Each of these activities is playing a lasting role in world and local events.

"The Times They Are a-Changin' for the hospitality industry now because we have a major impact on so many events. Hotels and the hospitality industry of the whole are often at or near the center of activity, because that is what we do. We serve large numbers of people of all socio-economic groups, races, genders and interests.

The changing times for us means embracing the needs for open discussion, consideration of options and preparing contingency plans to properly handle those changing needs in changing times.

The 3^rd Global Congress on Travel Risk Management is offering travel buyers, travel suppliers and public travel supporters an expanded forum to meet and discuss some of those options and plans. A coordinated effort between HospitalityLawyer.com and the Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau, the program will be held in a major international city , Houston, Texas from September 30 to October 1, 2013. The Global Congress focuses on legal and security solutions for worldwide travel, tourism, and hospitality industries, especially on enabling businesses and governments to meet their Duty of Care to mobile employees.

I personally know a number of the professionals who will be participating in this program and compliment the program organizers on addressing major topic areas:

1. Defining a Global Duty of Care to Mobile Employees
2. Understanding Insurance Needs for All Aspects of Business Travel
3. Creating an Effective Travel Policy that Includes Risk Management

We in the United States remember the angst from the terrorist attacks in 2001. We should also remember the fiery and often divisive debate on the Affordable Health Care Act that passed both houses of the Congress in 2011. Change does not happen by itself or easily, yet we know globally we must better prepare.

Look at the agenda and make the decision to participate in this important discussion. Registration and detailed speaker information can be found at HospitalityLawyer.com