NEW YORK— More than ever, attendees of this year’s International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show were interested in talking with peers on the show floor and in educational seminars to get ideas on how to handle the volatile business environment. The show kicked off with official recognition/remembrance of Sept. 11th’s terrorist attacks on this country when, during the course of the ceremonies opening the Exhibit Hall at the Jacob Javits Convention Center here, it was noted that a portion of each show registration would be donated to the industry’s overall tragedy-related relief efforts. Additionally, it was further explained that a number of the four-day meeting’s events and functions were being re-cast as fund-raising opportunities, with respective proceeds once again earmarked for ongoing relief efforts. While only the first day of the four-day event, optimism prevailed among most attendees, who felt this year’s show would draw a sizable crowd, indicating strong support for the travel industry. The resulting economic and industry changes of Sept. 11th’s events were top-of-mind on the show floor as well, as industry executives and vendors talked about adjustments made to business strategies of late. Jim Evans, president/CEO of Best Western International indicated he would be looking for opportunities to grow globally, as some of his competitors may be more inwardly focused. He said the company would be looking to reorganize in South America and will add two offices in the region in Sao Paulo, Brazil and Buenos Aires, Argentina to further the development of Best Western product in the area. He also said communication would be increasingly important. To that end he said Best Western’s new online member portal, which launched in April, would become global in April 2002, allowing all of the organizations members worldwide to access training, brand standards, design specifications and more. Meanwhile, at the AH&LA board of directors meeting, a full complement of members were in attendance at the afternoon session, sending out a message to the industry that it is okay to travel— even to New York. Interestingly, Mike Leven chairman/CEO of US Franchise Systems and HP Rama, CEO of JHM Hospitality chatted informally about what might be the falling price values of franchise brands. As Leven pointed out, those brands that market themselves as having some distinct cachet will have to prove that their names do in fact translate into some extra value for franchisees.
