Benu Aggarwal of Milestone Internet Marketing interviewed Rajesh Srivastava, GPM (principal group programming manager) of Bing Webmaster -- Search Ecosystem. Rajesh shares his insights on why Bing is emerging as the most exciting and unique "decision" search engine for travel and small businesses.
Now more than ever, companies are relying on social technologies to communicate their messages, sell their products and grow their fan-bases. Web 2.0 transformed the digital world by exponentially increasing the amount of content available through social networking, instantaneous user-generated content and social bookmarking. In the wake of Web 2.0’s tidal wave of two-way communication, signs of a third generation of the Web have begun to surface.
HEDNA, the Hotel Electronic Distribution Network Association, has announced that Tammy Peter of Wyndham Hotel Group is the recipient of the 2009 Award of Excellence. Melanie Ryan, HEDNA's president, presented the award to Tammy on behalf of HEDNA and the electronic distribution industry at HEDNA's Winter Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada.
VFM Leonardo, the leader in online visual content distribution for hotels, has launched a new video on VTV Channel. Internet users are gravitating toward video. Search engines like Google, Bing and Yahoo are developing features based on consumer behavior by incorporating visuals (photos and videos) in their search
VFM Leonardo, the leader in online visual content distribution for hotels, has launched a new video on VTV Channel featuring Bonnie Knutson, Professor at Michigan State University School of Hospitality Business. In this episode, Bonnie explains how Generations X and Y are cynical and skeptical of traditions and institutions, including hotel brands.
VFM Leonardo, the leader in online visual content distribution for hotels, has launched a new video on VTV Channel featuring Laurence Bernstein, Managing Director of The Bay Charles Consulting Company. In this episode, Laurence explains how online travel shoppers interact with the information presented on travel websites and what critical information many hotels are lacking.
Frank Abagnale, Jr., one of the world's most respected authorities on the subjects of forgery, embezzlement and secure documents, is slated to discuss fraud prevention at the closing session of the 2010 Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®). Abagnale will provide insight into his life as the notorious imposter and fraudster of the 1960s, a story told in the award-winning movie Catch Me If You Can. The presentation is June 24, 2010 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. USA.
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) and the GUESTROOM 20X Task Force, a group of hospitality technology leaders and experts, are searching for the latest and near-future technologies for the newest version of GUESTROOM 20X. The 2010 version of GUESTROOM 20X, a special exhibit showcasing the most innovative technologies for the guestroom, debuts at the 2010 Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®) June 22-24 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. USA.
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts continues to solidify its position as an industry powerhouse by working closely with Microsoft Corp. to showcase Windows 7, the software company’s new operating system, prior to its official public launch on October 22. Sheraton Hotels has also partnered with HP to feature Windows 7 on HP’s next-generation, touch-enabled Business TouchSmart PCs at select Sheraton properties. The new state-of-the art offerings are part of a $6 billion worldwide effort to revitalize the iconic Sheraton brand, including an investment of $2.3 billion in new hotels, $1.5 billion in renovations and $400 million in signature brand initiatives throughout North America.
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) recently held its 57th Annual Convention & Tradeshow at the Green Valley Ranch Resort in Las Vegas, Nev. Over 600 attendees gathered to celebrate the association's successful year with a convention full of targeted education sessions, numerous networking opportunities, access to leading suppliers at the tradeshow and awards to various individuals and chapters.
The first in a series of monthly webcasts will address the explosion of data available to business managers and strategists. Scheduled for Friday, October 2, the live webcast, "Where's My Data?," will run from 11:00 AM to 12:00 noon, eastern time. The three data experts leading the webcast are Professor Rohit Verma, executive director of Cornell's Center for Hospitality Research; Scott Chastain, lead architect for SAS Business Analytics; and Tracey Jarosz, director of customer and marketing insight at Fairmont Raffles Hotels International.
Meeting and event planners from across the nation will gather to do serious business and take advantage of continuing education opportunities at the 20th Annual HSMAI’s Affordable Meetings® National, Sept. 9-10, 2009 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.
A recent Motorola Inc. (NYSE: MOT) study uncovered that mobile and wireless technologies are top of mind for hospitality decision makers - playing a pivotal role in creating a symbiotic relationship between establishments and customers. The Motorola Enterprise Mobility Solutions Hospitality Barometer discovered that 82 percent of respondents reported an increasing importance of mobility within their organization in 2009 to help drive revenue and improve the customer experience. And more than 60 percent of hospitality decision makers believe these technologies are providing consistent service and competitive advantage.
Hospitality Upgrade, the leading technology magazine published for hotel, travel and foodservice professionals, announces the highest pre-registration numbers on record for its annual CIO Summit, despite the difficult economic times.
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) and the 2010 Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®) Advisory Council are seeking topic proposals for HITEC 2010 education conference. The topic proposal deadline is August 31, 2009. HITEC, produced by HFTP, is June 21-24, 2010 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. USA.
Wyndham Hotel Group, a business unit of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN) and the world’s largest hotel company with approximately 7,000 hotels and 11 brands, has appointed Venky Rangachari as chief technology officer, responsible for the development and implementation of the company’s technology initiatives.
The issue of whether or not to discount is becoming increasingly contentious as companies struggle to compete in an ever more strained market. Should revenue managers in the travel industry reduce prices to stimulate demand? What are the alternatives? And what damage could be done? EyeforTravel research has shown that this is a crucial issue facing revenue managers today.
In the use of scents for marketing and branding, the hospitality industry has been an early adopter and remains on the forefront of innovation. Four Points by Sheraton is just the latest to announce the introduction of a signature scent. Hyatt has done it throughout their brand portfolio, as did Starwood. Swissotel’s global signature scent is even modified with a “local” component depending on if you are “Unter den Linden” in Berlin or if you are in Tokyo.
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) is currently accepting nominations for the prestigious Paragon Award, which recognizes individuals who have made a significant and lasting contribution to both HFTP and the hospitality industry. Since 1999, 12 people have been recognized with a Paragon Award, and continuing with the tradition, HFTP honors this year’s winner(s) at the 2009 Annual Convention & Tradeshow in Las Vegas, Nev. Applications are due to the HFTP Global office by August 7.
The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International’s (HSMAI) Affordable Meetings® National celebrates its 20th year of providing a forum for planners, properties and suppliers to come together to do business, Sept. 9-10, 2009 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC.