NEW YORK– The momentum from the first day of this years IH/M&RS carried into day two as many exhibitors reported significant traffic at their booths with no sign of a slowdown. George Little Management, which manages the event, said attendance is up 7% this year over last year. Walt Strasser, executive vp, Minibar Systems, who has attended the event for close to 20 years, offered his findings on the first two days. “Weve been swamped the whole time. Sunday is not normally a great day, but yesterday was. The quality of people seems to be back. Weve seen all the corporate chains here…Its the best I remember in years.” Greg Eubanks, group vp, hospitality sales and marketing, Standard Textile, which manufactures a collection of linens and bedding, also felt the show has measured up favorably. “Compared to the last four years, this is the highest traffic. It seems like a significant portion of our customer base is here. It allows us to meet with them in a very cost-effective and efficient way…Were seeing everyone we need to see from the brand level to the independent level,” he said. Jon McGaunn, hospitality & entertainment group, president and COO, Petters Group Worldwide, which was showcasing its lineup of Polaroid-branded televisions. “Its been a good, quality show. Weve seen a major difference from last year,” he said, adding “mornings have been real busy for us. Were real happy with our location this year.” The educational seminars offered at the show generated some discussion as well. As an example, a seminar led by some of hospitalitys top female executives focused on the latest trends affecting the industry. On the panel were Glynn Aeppel, executive vp, acquisitions and development, Loews Hotels; Gail Fitzgerald, vp, hotel sales and marketing, Bellagio; Niki Leondakis, COO, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants; Penny Pritzker, chairman, Trans Union and Classic Residence by Hyatt and Stephanie Sonnabend, president/CEO Sonesta Hotels & Resorts. The executives commeted about the growing importance of the female traveler and how hotels are tailoring their offerings to better cater to them. “Women like design, style and a sense of personal care,” said Leondakis. “They like to feel a one on one connection with the staff. But the most important thing is safety.” She pointed out that Kimptons properties, which are small and generally have a single point of entry, have been well received by female travelers. Pritzker noted that hotels are also focusing on amenity offerings that attract female guests, particularly spas. “We have expanded the presence and quality of our spas,” she said. “We also focus on creating a residential environment that is a sort of home away from home.” The panel also discussed the ongoing prevalence of boutique properties. “There is an increasing appreciation for the boutique concept and that experience is influencing other segments,” said Leondakis. “Now were seeing 800 room hotels starting to have the look of a boutique hotel. “Were in a commodity business,” said Aeppel, addressing the increasing focus on design to attract a target customer. “Right now its all about differentiating yourself. Everyones trying to be distinct. The biggest challenge today is trying to balance the brand standards with the desired experience.” Also taking place today, the Gold Key Design Awards honored some of the industrys leading designers for their projects this year. Among the winners were Rockwell Group for lobby/reception area of the Carlton Hotel in New York; the Mandarin Oriental and Remedios Siembieda for The Oriental Spa at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong; Architrave for the suite design of the Banyan Tree Ringha in China; Zeff Design for design of the lounge/bar area of Social Hollywood in Los Angeles and Sol Melia Hotels and Resorts and E. EG DiVeroli for the guestrooms at Hotel Melia Roma Aurelia Antica in Rome. Singapore-based firm Architrave received
