Audio Interview w/ Max Starkov, Chief eBusiness Strategist, Hospitality eBusiness Strategies, Inc., NYC - Commenting on his article 'The Internet: Hotelier's Best Ally or Worst Enemy? - What Went Wrong with Direct Web Distribution in Hospitality?'

Click here for the full-text version of Max Starkov's recent article!

Max Starkov is Chief eBusiness Strategist, Point Blank Interactive in New York City and advises companies in the Travel and Hospitality verticals. Max also teaches a graduate course on "Hospitality/Tourism eDistribution Systems" at New York University. Max has an extensive eBusiness experience. He co-founded and served as CEO and Director of two eBusiness companies: Whale Media, Inc. (B2B travel technology infrastructure provider to the hospitality, corporate travel and convention and meetings markets) and Travelbreak.com, Inc. (B2C online travel marketplace). Under his leadership Whale Media won the prestigious 2001 Microsoft RAD Award for its ASP technology for the hospitality industry. Max has 17 years experience in pioneering and building successful travel businesses and eBusiness strategies for national and multinational leisure and hospitality companies. He has written numerous reports, industry research, and articles including: "How to Turn Lookers into Bookers" (article on recommendation technology in travel and hospitality), "Wireless in Travel and Hospitality: Hype or Necessity", "If I were Paul Blackney" (commentary on the consolidation in the online corporate travel space), "If I were Barry Diller" (commentary on USA Networks' acquisition of Expedia), "Independent Hoteliers: eBusiness Levels the Playing Field"(co-author with Jason Price), "If I were a Partner at Crosspoint Ventures" (investment opportunities in the travel industry), "If I were Henry R. Silverman" (commentary on the Cendant-Galileo deal), "Twelve Inexpensive Ways to Promote your Website". "Independent Hoteliers: How to Level the Playing Field Amidst Softened Economy"(co-author with Jason Price). Max has an MBA degree, Beta Gamma Sigma Honors, from Fordham University in New York and an MS in Economics degree. You can contact Max at [email protected].

Hospitality eBusiness Strategies, Inc. is a leading Internet strategy-consulting firm for the hospitality and travel verticals. At HeBS, we advise lodging and travel companies on Internet, eDistribution and eMarketing strategies in key eBusiness areas. Whether an independent or branded hotel, major hotel chain or hotel management company, our clients stay ahead of the competition and capture new market share with an effective Internet strategy. More information available at www.hospitalityebusiness.com.

Kevin Heilbronner is the US Editor for hsyndicate.com, wiredhotelier.com and hospitalitynet.org, providing content for these websites in the form of articles and both audio and video interviews. Based outside of Washington DC, Heilbronner has worked with Hospitality Net to conduct interviews at several hospitality trade shows in the US and Europe over the last year. A familiar voice in Washington, DC, Heilbronner is the stadium announcer for the NBA's Washington Wizards, WNBA's Washington Mystics, WUSA's Washington Freedom and DC United of MLS. He resides in Centreville, VA and can be reached via [email protected].