Year after year industry pundits continue to question the importance of the International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show (IH/M&RS). Once again, these so-called experts couldn’t have been more wrong. All in all, taking the struggling economy into account, this year’s just-concluded show was one of the best I’ve ever attended and I’ve been to more than a few. (This was, in fact, my 21st consecutive show.) Yes traffic seemed to be down, which was to be expected, and most exhibitors I spoke to managed their expectations accordingly. I don’t have the exact attendance numbers; however, by most accounts the quality of the attendees was outstanding. The companies that question the importance of the IH/M&RS are missing the boat. Since nearly 70% of all U.S. properties are franchised, reaching the owner/developer is more important than ever. At the end of the day it’s the owner/developer that signs the checks. Any manufacturer that can create and maintain a relationship with this group will surely have a leg up on competitors. Aside from the brand conferences, the IH/M&RS is the only trade event available for the vendor community to show its products and services to the owner/developer community. Any company that chooses not to participate is really short-changing its overall marketing effort. Concerning this year’s event, Leo Vogel, senior vp of sales and marketing for American of Martinsville, told me that his company had a wonderful show. “The traffic was great and the attendees were enthusiastic,” he said, adding, “Of all the shows that I attend, the IH/M&RS continues to be my favorite.” Kerry Hirschy, senior vp of sales and marketing for Kaba Lodging Systems, told me, “The IH/M&RS continues to be the ‘place to go’ to see the most significant trends and developments in the hospitality industry.” He also commented, “Our RFID lock product was the hit of the show for us. Feedback from attendees reinforced our belief that RFID is moving away from its niche in the luxury market and becoming the technology of the masses.” And finally, Greg Holroyd, vp of lodging sales at MTS Seating, noted that he was pleasantly surprised when he found out that this year’s lead total equaled that of last year’s event. Joe Martin: Right man for the job I’d like to both congratulate and welcome Joe Martin, president of Stillwater Hospitality, LLC, to his newly appointed post of chairman of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. Prior to becoming chairman, this 28-year industry veteran served on AH&LA’s board of directors for nine years. Based on his light-hearted, yet strategic and goal-oriented address at the AH&LA Inaugural Gala held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, I get the distinct feeling that he is the right man for the job. He pledged his commitment to his new role and also challenged association members to step up to ensure AH&LA continues building momentum as a national force. I am not only looking forward to meeting the new chairman, but also offering him any assistance in helping him meet his goals in the coming year.
Jay Schultz