InnDependent Lodging Executive Summit 2017 to Feature Powerful Education Sessions

Phoenix -- Planning of the 2017 InnDependent Lodging Executive Summit is nearing completion, and the line-up of educational sessions will not disappoint. Produced by IBC (InnDependent Boutique Collection) and the Independent Lodging Industry Assn. (ILIA) – and sponsored by Asian Hospitality, Hotel News Now, Hotel Management and Lodging magazines – the event will be held May 15 to 17 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. In addition, Hotel Interactive will be producing the first BITAC Independent in conjunction with event. Independent hoteliers and those operating Soft Brands can register to attend the conference by clicking here.

"ILES 2017 will not only be bigger and better than ever before, but our educational sessions will tackle some of the leading issues and business practices impacting today's independent hoteliers," said Pamela Barnhill, founder of ILES and president and chief operating officer of IBC. "We polled past attendees to see what topics are of the most interest to them and which would provide them with the best insight for improving operations going forward. The program we put together is both interactive and informative, with high-profile moderators setting the tone and directing the conversations for engaging commentary and discussions."

Here is a sneak peek of some of the sessions coming to ILES 2017:

• Led by Hotel Management Associate Editor Elliott Mest, "Taking A Hard Look At Soft Brands" will discuss the soft brand revolution and how it continues to gain momentum with independent hoteliers who want to maintain their independence while gaining access to powerful distribution channels made available through Soft Brand affiliations.
• Jonathan Falik of JF Capital Advisors will lead a financing forum titled: "The Increasing Appeal Of Independents." Here attendees will discuss how independent hotels are thriving in today's economic environment. Panelists will reveal why they are performing so well, and how they can promise investors solid returns. Learn how to make financing easier to secure than in past years.
• "Managing to Increase Asset Value" will enlighten attendees on how they can select the right operator for their independent hotel. In this session, Hotel Interactive Editor Dennis Nessler will ask a panel of the management company executives to share their best practices and measures that will enhance the long-term value of the independent hotel.
• In "Technology to Boost Your Bottom Line," UNLV Professor Robert Rippee will poll a panel of hotel technologists on trends impacting independent hotels today. This session will analyze the technologies that are most critical to independent hoteliers, such as revenue management and mobile solutions, and some of the ways they can gain a competitive advantage.
• In a session titled "Doubling Down on Hotel Casinos," White Sands Gaming Exec Saverio Scheri III will lead a lively discussion for gaming operators looking to introduce incremental revenue streams for long-term profitability and success. Here casino operators will discuss how they are drawing additional guests to their hotels by providing an entertainment option that enhances guest satisfaction and increases their overall spend. This session will examine when and where casinos make economic sense for hotels.
• With an increasing number of women executives making their mark within the independent hotel sector, Asian Hospitality and Priya Editor Judy Maxwell will lead a session titled "Independence Day For Women Execs." Here leading women professionals will discuss some of the ways in which they are impacting the industry, as well as what the prospects are for the next generation of women hoteliers.

"Bringing ILES to Las Vegas is especially exciting because it gives us the opportunity to leverage the expertise of independent hoteliers in the nation's leading gaming destination and network with operators who have not previously attended this growing event," Barnhill said. "In addition to the conference, for the first time, Hotel Interactive will conduct BITAC Independent. Traditionally, BITAC events have been exceptionally successful when in Las Vegas. By tying BITAC Independent with ILES, we providing a marketplace like no other that hoteliers are sure to enjoy."

Early Bird Registration for ILES ends December 15. For $795 per person, attendees have access to the Networking Lounge for the duration of the event, choice of educational sessions, unlimited food & beverage in the Networking Lounge, and an exhibit hall pass. After Dec. 15, the registration fee will $995. To register, click here.

Lodging is available at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas at the ILES 2017 group rate of $105 per night; including event shoulder nights (2 days before and 2 days after). For more information on the 3rd Annual InnDependent Lodging Executive Summit, call (602) 944-1500 or email [email protected]. For details on BITAC® ILES, call (631) 424-7755 x150 or email [email protected].

About ILES (InnDependent Lodging Executive Summit)

2017 ILES is a three day idea exchange will include both a trade show and educational sessions exclusively focused on the needs of independent and soft brand hotel owners and executives and offer plenty of time to network with hoteliers and vendors in the unique and relaxed atmosphere. Cultivate new relationships and strengthen existing ones while enjoying great food and beverages, all included in your registration. For more information, visit www.inndependentlodgingconference.com.

About IBC (InnDependent Boutique Collection)

IBC offers hotel software and services to independent hoteliers and is currently one of the largest independent hotel networks globally. Hoteliers enjoy a technology platform with distribution and brand-like benefits that enable independent hotels to reclaim their revenue and guest data providing a "One-stop shop" with suite of hotel services and software includes online revenue generation, hotel management software, guest loyalty program, preferred partner network, and more. Guests enjoy InnCentives loyalty program and shop globally for independent and soft brand hotels with add-on activities, cars and cancellation protection. Hoteliers, discover more on www.ibcmembers.com. Guests, discover more on www.ibcinncentives.com.

About the Independent Lodging Industry Association

The Independent Lodging Industry Association (ILIA) is a national association with nearly 5000 members nationwide. It was founded in 2010 by the California Lodging Industry Association (CLIA). CLIA was established 68 years ago by a group of independent hotel owners and operators. Over the past several decades, independent hotels, independently owned franchised hotels, and owners have been impacted by decisions being made out of the halls of State Capitols to Washington, D.C. Chain hotels have dominated the policy making process. ILIA will level the playing field and allow independent hotels a seat at the table. For more information, please contact Executive Director Bobbie Singh-Allen at [email protected] or call
(916) 826-2075.

About Hotel Interactive
The Hotel Interactive Network is a portal for the savvy hospitality professional since 1998. This vertical trade portal excels in bringing buyers and sellers together through unparalleled business tools, quality news features, events, extensive reference material, and innovative e-learning and e-commerce capabilities. The Hotel Interactive Network provides a Daily E-Newsletter to keep hotel executives updated with the timeliest, most insightful and relevant hospitality-related news available anywhere! Hotel Interactive is the only publication to deliver original content daily. HI also produces a highly-acclaimed event called BITAC, an educational and relationship building conference like no other. The perfect match is made between executive decision makers and suppliers to meet one-on-one in a highly productive two plus days to create relationships that would normally take years. Visit www.bitac.net for more information. For more information, visit www.hotelinteractive.com.

About IBC (InnDependent Boutique Collection)

IBC Hospitality Technologies is a leading provider of hospitality technologies for independent hotels. Our portfolio of products and services includes the proprietary IBC hotel management platform which makes available its managed distribution, advanced CRS, and soft brand benefits to independent hotels, villas, and B&B's. More than half the world's hotel properties are independently-owned. Online search has placed all new pressures on the small business owners who run these properties. With IBC, hotels can reclaim their revenue and guest data from the OTAs while maintaining their independence from soft brands and chains. Finally, independent hotels can take back their bookings. Learn how at www.ibchospitality.com.

Barbara Worcester
PR Pro Consulting
IBC Hospitality