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PTLA's Fourth Annual Sales & Marketing Conference “Find The Winning Combination,” did just that. The “Combination” of speakers, like never before seen, made for a “Winning” experience. The speakers provided valuable information for the improvement of your revenue strategies in every conceivable way. The networking time with the broad selection of exhibitors was valuable. The Conference closed with the heartwarming presentation of Steve Gilliland, which had the group laughing until our sides hurt, yet his sharing provided a powerful message, “Enjoy The Ride.”
Mark your calendars and plan to attend the
2009 Sales & Marketing Conference
November 12, 2009
Four Points by Sheraton Harrisburg
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STATE OF THE INDUSTRY
Pam Inman, IOM, CAE, American Hotel & Lodging Association
(Speaker's Bio)
www.ahla.com
Following an exciting Presidential election, Pam Inman provided a broad overview of where the industry is heading and how the new administration and the 111th Congress will affect the hospitality industry. Her presentation covered a wide variety of topics including: Wall Street, Visas, Going Green, Card Check, Travel Promotion Act and more.
(Speaker's Notes) (Speaker's Presentation)
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STRATEGIES FOR A DIFFICULT ECONOMY
Carol Verret, Carol Verret Consulting & Training (Speaker's Bio)
www.carolverret.com • www.ei-ahla.org
This session explored the impact of various economic trends on the hospitality industry by looking at the latest research and translating those trends to the impact on the ground -- what they mean to each property, attraction operators, tourism promotion agencies and everyone else involved in the hospitality industry. In this economy there are those that will generate excuses and those that will generate revenue. Carol focused on tools we can use as revenue generators -- tools that will assist in not only predicting demand but also generating demand to maximize revenue opportunities in a difficult economy.
Carol's handout is available in the “MembersOnly” section of PTLA's Website...You will need to use your member login and password, which can be found at the bottom of any InfoBlast or call the PTLA office at 717-232-8880. |
Carol Verret's presentation was sponsored by  |
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CUSTOMER SERVICE - A WALK IN THE PARK
Woody Boyer, Consumer Impressions (Speakers Bio)
www.ConsumerImpressions.Biz
Andy Rill, Wirehead Business Technologies (Speakers Bio)
www.wireheadz.com
Woody Boyer and Andy Rill co-presented an exciting and interactive presentation that literally had some attendees standing on the tables. James Cash Penney (J. C. Penney) once wrote in regard to customer service “Theory is splendid but until put into practice, it is valueless.” In their presentation, Woody and Andy allowed the audience to suggest, pick and defend (from a predetermined list of idea's) their argument for what components are necessary to achieve great customer service and why. This was an outstanding opportunity to see networking at it's best.
(Speakers' Handout)
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LUNCH & NETWORKING WITH EXHIBITORS
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WALKING BEFORE RUNNING - DO YOU HAVE A SOLID ELECTRONIC DISTRIBUTION STRATEGY?
Josh Graham, TravelCLICK (Speaker's Bio)
www.travelclick.net
In this presentation Josh Graham showed how many hotels are neglecting the basics of electronic distribution, both especially on the web and GDS, and getting caught up in secondary or tertiary tactics without ensuring that the fundamentals are in place, and that engaging in these tactics in a less than fully committed manner does more harm than good. Josh said, “Hotels need to have a comprehensive strategy that follows best practices and covers marketing, distribution, and measurement phases”. In his presentation the attendees examined those phases and discussed what hotels should be doing for each one.
(Speaker's Presentation)
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MULTI-TASKING IN TODAY'S WORLD: TIME MANAGEMENT
Bowen Smith, North Star Marketing, Inc. (Speaker's Bio)
www.northstar-m.com
Never have time to “do it all?” Juggling your priorities and everyone else's? In this session, Mr. Smith shared some “Tips of the Trade” from those that have been there and still are!
(Speaker's Handout)
(Speaker's Presentation)
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HOTEL INTERNET MARKETING AND WEB 2.0
Kimberly Ehrlich, Milestone Internet Marketing (Speakers Bio)
www.milestoneinternet.com
Using the latest Internet Marketing tools and tricks, Kimberly talked about specific items that will drive more traffic to your website…and ultimately to confirm reservations. She presented real life case studies, related to being in a highly competitive market. Kimberly walked the attendees through the evolution of search engine technology and pinpointed specific tactics for leverage in your Internet marketing efforts.
(Speaker's Handout)
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 ENJOY THE RIDE
Steve Gilliland, CSP (Speakers Bio)
www.stevegilliland.com
Through sidesplitting humor and reality-tested techniques, Steve Gilliland, CSP, revealed the way to face conflicting demands in an unforgiving business environment that keeps getting tougher. From the beginning he showed people how to reignite their passion. Steve ended with a compelling challenge to "never lose your focus." During his presentation Steve Gilliland released an "explosion of enthusiasm" that was absolutely contagious. He was simple, clear and easy to grasp - yet profound! Steve Gilliland was an entertaining and passionate keynote speaker we will not forget.
(Speaker's Handout)
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PTLA wishes to express its appreciation for the support and participation of these Sponsors and Exhibitors.
It is only through their support we have the ability to provide educational conferences.
Please be sure to consider the use of their services and products.
Platinum Sponsor
PA Tourism Office (www.visitpa.com)
Lunch Sponsor
The Washington Post Media Company (www.washingtonpost.com)
Keynote Speaker Sponsor
Miles Media (www.milesmediagroup.com) / Getaways on Display (www.getawaysondisplay.com)
Reception Sponsor
Sheraton Harrisburg/Hershey (www.sheraton.com/harrisburg)
Silver Sponsor
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa (www.nemacolin.com)
Vizergy (www.vizergy.com)
Outdoor Advertising Association of PA
Brochure Sponsor
Summit Marketing & Communications Group, Inc (www.summit-mc.com)
Trade Show Exhibitors
AAA
Budget Travel
Dunn Corporate Resources
Fulmedia Interactive
J.P. Lilley & Sons, Inc.
Miles Media
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa
Pennsylvania On Display / Getaways On Display
ROOMSAVER
Strategic Consulting Partners
Summit Marketing & Communications Group
Tailormade Corporate Image
The Washington Post Media Company
TravelCLICK
Vizergy
Wealth Management Services
Wirehead Business Technologies
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