Past Meetings

The Ritz Carlton Golf Resort, Naples, Florida
June 26-29, 2011

Southern Innkeepers at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort of Naples: Legendary Luxury and Learning

SIA members knew they were in for a fascinating program when their 103rd Annual Meeting opened with Peter Yesawich, chairman and CEO of Ypartnership, America’s leading marketing, advertising and PR agency for the travel, leisure and lifestyle market. The firm’s Research & Brand Strategy Group is regarded as one of the most respected sources of insights on the emerging travel habits, preferences and intentions of Americans. Peter shared the latest travel and spending trends with members, and left them with valuable tips on how to make the most of an economy in slow recovery. He noted that 61% of Americans anticipate taking at least one overnight trip between May and October 2011, a 5% increase over last year. Technology has replaced much business travel; the exception is the still-growing convention market. Short-term flash sales work; in the top 10% of the market, 30% recently took a trip with less than 6 days of lead time. These people average four leisure trips a year, 46% of which are long weekend trips. Visit ypartnership.com and click on publications/market intelligence to subscribe to a complimentary newsletter on travel trends. In-depth reports can also be purchased on the site, and Peter’s blog offers additional insights on a variety of topics.

Bruce Seigel of the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in Naples shared some of his own marketing tips, including use of standingdog.com, a Website which analyzes the impact of social media. He provided insights into the creation of the golf property as a complement to the Ritz’s venerable beach resort in Naples, and addressed the challenges of providing legendary service in a rate-challenged world.

Our own attorney Arch Stokes reminded members that while they may think they’ve got secrets, they can’t bet on it…in this day and age of online information sharing, little is secret, and every aspect of one’s business and personal life are open to scrutiny, especially when there is a lawsuit at stake!

Members enjoyed a practice round of golf, using the spa gift certificates that the host generously provided, visiting the beach property, air-boating, shopping and just plain relaxing before gathering for a sumptuous Mediterranean buffet dinner.

Tuesday morning opened with the SIA business meeting, where the new slate of officers, led by 2011-12 President John Hallowell and President-elect Bob Ray, was approved. There was also discussion of moving at least some SIA conferences to a winter schedule to help those who have difficulty in leaving their properties in the summer to attend and to allow members to better enjoy meetings at the properties of our southernmost members.

Joe McInerney, Executive Director of AH&LA, talked about challenges faces by the Association’s “Discover America” program, including changes in Visa laws affecting travel from the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China). These fast-growing markets are key for increasing tourism to the US. He said that AH&LA has worked hard to change ADA guidelines to ensure fairness for guests and sustainability for the hospitality industry.

Luc Troussieux, President of Bright Business Media, which produces “Smart Meetings” magazine, spoke on the hottest industry trends, including provision of sustainable food; events that are integrated into the history of the hotel/area and local culture; and green initiatives.

Hotel design expert Gary Inman of Glave & Holmes Architecture offered tips on how to get the biggest bang for your design buck. He shared slides showing how decorating with found objects, repeating themes, and using color can transform spaces without the expense of major renovation.

MPI’s Editor-in-Chief David Basler helped members consider how to meet the needs of the meetings industry and attract conference business. He suggested participating in hosted buyer trade shows for meeting planners, and suggested members visit: www.mpiweb.org/portal/Research/Future Watch and www.meetingsmeanbusiness.com to track trends.

Despite the rain that threatened the Cavalier Cup Tournament, played on the resort’s Tiburon Course, a proud foursome of Jeff Denny, Gerry Gabrys, Michael Padden and John Hallowell will add their names to the formidable trophy this year. The prize for the closest to the pin went to Craig Spitzer, and the longest drive was made by Luc Troussieux.

The Gala Dinner is a Southern tradition, and this year’s “Fond Farewell” was no exception. Many members came in sportcoats, but a few, as you’ll see in the pictures, upheld the elegant standard of the Old South in their tuxedos! Raffle prizes were drawn, the gavel passed, and the golf trophy presented at this elegant and lively event.

Our meetings are, in part, made possible by the generous support of our sponsors. Southern thanks Diamond Sponsors TIG Global and American Express, Silver Sponsor Practical Employee Solutions, and Goodie Bag Sponsor Resort Hotel Association for their participation in this year’s meeting.

We hope to see you all next year at the beautiful Inn on Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, July 8-11.

A special thanks to our 2011 sponsors
Diamond Sponsors: TIG Global and American Express

Silver Sponsor & Cavalier Cup Golf Sponsor: Practical Employee Solutions

Goodie Bag Sponsor: The Resort Hotel Association

The Homestead Resort, Hot Springs, VA
June 27-30, 2010
A special thanks to our 2010 sponsors

Diamond Sponsor: FHM Insurance Company
Gold Sponsor: Resort Hotel Association
Silver Sponsor & Cavalier Cup Golf Sponsor: Alsco
Coffee & Cookie Break Sponsor: Bohan Advertising

Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club, Durham, North Carolina
June 7-14, 2009

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A special thanks to our 2009 sponsors
Diamond Sponsors:FHM Insurance
Gold Sponsors: Alsco & Pineapple Public Relations

The Greenbrier, West Virginia - 100th Jubilee
June 9-July 2, 2008

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A special thanks to our 2008 sponsors
Diamond Sponsors: FHM Insurance
Gold Sponsors: Alsco, Serta, American Express

Pinehurst Resort, North Carolina
June 17-20, 2007

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Williamsburg Inn, Colonial Williamsburg, VA

September 17-20, 2006

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The Hotel Contessa,San Antonio, TX
March 12-14, 2006