Educational Workshops
Strategies for Revamping the Design of Your Inn
Moderated by Ranee Ruble-Dotts, Paper Moon Creative
Learn from a panel of interior designers and design-savvy hoteliers who have completed major revamps for B&Bs and boutique hotels. They will discuss the design-forward trends in hotels, strategies for revamping your inn (in ways that honor the authenticity of your brand and don’t look like what every other hotel is doing), and smaller-scale design refreshes can go the furthest in impressing guests.
How to Build the Perfect Guest Experience with SMS Messaging
Presented by Jeff Herbrink, rezStream
Unlock the secrets to creating a flawless guest experience with the power of SMS messaging. In our session, we delve into the transformative role of SMS in shaping exceptional hospitality encounters. Join us to unravel the strategies that will revolutionize your communication, streamline operations, and exceed guest expectations. From personalized booking confirmations to real-time updates and tailored recommendations, this session equips you with the practical insights needed to optimize guest engagement, foster loyalty, and deliver an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your guest interactions through the effective use of SMS messaging.
Social Media Mastery: Unleashing the Power of Your Platforms
Presented by Sara Beth Ashbaugh, Director of Brand, Communications & Marketing, Woodside Hospitality Group
Back by popular demand, Sara Beth Ashbaugh from Woodside Hospitality Group. She will share her success stories, help you solve the mystery of analytics, and offer tips, tricks and best practices to help you make the most of each social media platform. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your social media skills and create a story that resonates with today’s travelers!
HR Investigations: The Good, The Bad and the Very Important
Presented by Jason Geller, Regional Managing Partner, Fisher Phillips San Francisco
Join us to learn the good, bad, and very important on HR investigations. This interactive discussion will delve into not only how to conduct prompt and thorough workplace investigations, but also how to spot and prevent incidents of harassment, discrimination and workplace bullying before complaints arise. Learn how to improve morale and stay compliant with California laws through proper investigation planning, appropriate witness interviews, and thorough documentation to avoid falling into some of the most common (and often public) legal traps.
Tool Time
Presented by Rick Anderson, former B&B owner and retired general contractor
Are you looking to tackle some home repair and maintenance tasks on your own? “Tool Time” is the perfect opportunity to learn from an experienced retired contractor and former B&B owner, Rick Anderson. Bring your questions and curiosity, as Rick will provide guidance and insights into various DIY projects. Whether you need advice on fixing a leaky faucet, patching up drywall, or any other home improvement task, this event is designed to empower you with the knowledge and confidence to take on these projects yourself.
Strategies for Working with Social Media Influencers
Presented by a panel of social media experts
Are you seeking to collaborate with social media influencers to promote your property? Potential guests are just a click away from making a reservation now that it’s possible to book hotel rooms through the Instagram app. One photo – posted by the right influencer – can drive multiple bookings. Now more than ever, it’s imperative to know how to create these successful partnerships. Having worked with influencers daily for years, this panel will be sharing what they have learned.
Preparing for the Unexpected: Strategies for Disaster Preparedness
Presented by Lisa Schwichtenberg, BELFOR Property Restoration
Are you prepared for a regional disaster? Join us for an eye-opening session on disaster recovery and learn how to safeguard your properties and get back on track. Discover the importance of being prepared for large-impact events, the impact of business interruption, and how insurance works in such situations. Through captivating case studies of hotel losses, we’ll illustrate the devastating consequences of being unprepared. Don’t miss this session that will inspire you to protect your business and bounce back from any regional event.
Navigating the New Frontier of GA4 Data
Presented by Lisa Kolb, Acorn Marketing
Navigating the new frontier of GA4 data! Are you seeing a whole new world of data? Have you compared the new GA4 data with last year’s UA data? Bring your questions and get satisfying answers at this Q&A style session. You will learn how to compare your old data with the new data, verify proper installation and tracking and how best to move forward using Google’s new tracking tools.
Creating Impactful and Seamless Guest Experiences
Presented by Richard Aday, CEO of ThinkReservations
Explore the transformation of guest interactions in modern independent hotels. Highlights include seamless booking processes, integrated text communication, digital check-in for faster arrivals, personalized upsell recommendations, and building guest loyalty through preference recognition. Discover the multifaceted approach enhancing guest experiences from booking to loyalty.
Who should own your business after you? Employee Ownership succession options for small businesses
Presented by Timothy Garbinsky, Communications Director, National Center for Employee Ownership
Many business owners approaching retirement age find themselves without a viable succession plan. Family members are often not interested in taking over the business while the prospect of outside buyers carries the possibility of layoffs and a tarnished legacy. But what if there was an option that provided fair market value, protected and rewarded employees, and rooted your business in the community? Employee ownership is gaining popularity as a succession planning option and presents a way to sell your business without selling your values. Join Tim Garbinsky of the National Center for Employee Ownership to find out if one of the forms of employee ownership is right for you.
Closing Session:
Create a Moment, Earn a Memory
Presented by Darren Ross, CEO, Service Freak Hospitality LLC and proud operator of Magic Castle Hotel
Darren shares his tips for providing guests with stories they’ll want to tell. “Listen carefully…respond creatively” has been Magic Castle Hotel’s motto for many years. With limited staff, increased expenses, and more competition, being creative with guest service is a very valuable tool. You won’t want to miss this closing session that will send you back to your property with great ideas on how to improve guest satisfaction and increase repeat guests!
More education sessions coming soon!