Grateful Beds 2003: Great Hoteliers Of The World Reunion And Conference Planned For August

NAPLES, FL— The Grateful Beds 2003: Great Hoteliers of the World Reunion and Conference is expected to draw more than 500 hospitality professionals to the Registry Resort & Club here when it convenes in August. The event, which takes place Aug. 15-17, was designed by John Russell and Toma Brashear, co-founders of Hospitality Artists, LLC. The event is sponsored in part by Yesawich, Pepperdine, Brown & Russell. The conference will provide an opportunity for active hotel executives, retired industry veterans, lodging vendors, spouses and guests to exchange ideas, renew acquaintances and network with one another, according to Russell and Brashear. The three-day event will include an opening night reception and a general session highlighting industry trends, financial issues and updates from industry executives. There will also be golf, tennis, fishing, water sports and shopping along with an “Evening Under the Stars.” Additionally, a portion of the event will focus on assisting the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) build a foundation for its Experienced Lodging Initiative, according to Russell. The program is aimed at introducing young people to career opportunities in the lodging industry by creating an Ambassador Program. Attendees will be asked to participate as industry “ambassadors” in their respective geographic areas to advise high schools, colleges, universities and community youth organizations of career opportunities in lodging. These ambassadors will work in concert with AH&LA member state associations. The Naples-based Hospitality Artists LLC is a privately-held consulting firm specializing in the growth and enhancement of companies and brands related to the hospitality industry.