MCLEAN, VA | Trademark Protection, Online Travel Search Engines and Certifying Intermediaries will headline HSMAI’s 3rd Internet Marketing Strategy Conference to take place in Los Angeles at the Millennium Biltmore on Dec. 7, 2004 immediately preceding the 2004 HEDNA Conference.

To date, more than 40 companies have registered for the forum, which will feature a welcome and introduction, lunch, networking break and closing session. Among those attending will be executives from Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, Best Western International, Cendant Hotel Group, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, Choice Hotels International, Luxe Worldwide Hotels, Swissotel Hotels & Resorts, and many others.

The day’s line-up features:

11:30 – 11:45am: Welcome and Introductions

11:45 - 12:15pm: Certifying Intermediaries – Understanding the pros and cons of the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) Decision

IHG adopted a new standard for its portfolio of brands for selling rooms via any and all online travel companies. Bill Carroll, Visiting Assistant Professor, Cornell School of Hotel Administration, will explore both sides of the issue and examine the potential impact for third parties, chains and individual properties.

12:15 – 12:45pm: Trademark Protection: The latest on protecting your brand online from Peter M. Ripin, Esq., of Davidoff Malito & Hutcher LLP

Trademark Protection Update – A review of the latest domain and trademark protection cases and how they may impact our industry.

12:45 – 1:15pm: Break

1:15 – 3:15pm: Online Travel Search Engines: Driving revenue directly to your site

A new generation of price-searching sites is emerging. These sites take the form of search engines that scan third party travel sites and hotel sites for prices and deals. Learn the details behind these engines and the potential impact in the industry (Presentations & Panel Discussion).

Panelists:

  • Drew Patterson, Director Business Development, Kayak
  • Don Smith, Vice President Hotels, SideStep
  • Beatrice Tarka, CEO, Mobissimo
  • Eric Christensen, President, SearchParty.com
  • Moderator: Bill Carroll, Visiting Assistant Professor, Cornell School of Hotel Administration

3:15 – 3:45pm: Break

3:45 – 5:15pm: Affiliate Marketing – Does Affiliate marketing work? Is it worth the time and trouble?

Hear from three affiliate marketing companies and discover what’s working and what to look out for in the travel category (Panel Discussion).

Panelists:

  • Steve Denton, Vice President, Client Development, Linkshare
  • Elizabeth Cholawsky, Vice President, Marketing & Product Development, Commission Junction
  • Kristin Hall, Director of Corporate Communications, Performics
  • Moderator: Lisa Picarille, Editor, Revenue Magazine

5:30pm: Wrap

5:30-6:30pm: Networking Reception and Supplier Showcase

“The Internet Marketing Committee has assembled yet another standout program with top notch panelists and participants addressing the industry’s most timely and critical issues,” states Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHA, president and CEO of HSMAI. “This is the one venue where executives concerned with Internet marketing can find a wealth of information, forward-thinking ideas and an opportunity to network with their peers.”

Jens Thraenhart, director of Internet strategy, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, as well as chair of the Hotel Internet Marketing Committee explains: “The success of the Hotel Internet Marketing Committee and the Cruise Internet Marketing Committee has proven the growing importance of the Internet as a distribution and marketing medium. Hotel companies are now seriously integrating their e-commerce efforts with their core business strategies to build strong long-term customer relationships.”

Registration fees are $245 for HSMAI members and $400 for non-members, which includes a year of membership to HSMAI.

Event partners are Cyveillance, Expedia, eMarketer, Eye for Travel, Hospitality eBusiness Strategies, Hotwire, Proceed Interactive, Real Magnet, Ripple Effects Interactive, Sceptre, TIG Global, Tourscape and VFMII (formerly Visual Frenzy).

HSMAI is an international organization of sales and marketing professionals representing all segments of the hospitality industry. With a strong focus on education, HSMAI has become the industry champion in identifying and communicating trends in the hospitality industry, while operating as a leading voice for both hospitality and sales and marketing management disciplines. Founded in 1927, HSMAI is an individual membership organization comprising nearly 7,000 members worldwide, with 41 chapters in the Americas region.

For more information on HSMAI, contact the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International, 8201 Greensboro Drive, Suite 300, McLean, VA 22102, phone (703) 610-9024; fax (703) 610-9005, or visit the web site at www.hsmai.org

Richard S. Kahn
(516) 594-4100
HSMAI

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