IH/M&RS Features Keynote Seminars Focused On Women Executives And Allied Buyers

Every year, the IH/M&RS offers more than 40 free educational seminars covering the most relevant and timely topics for the industry.

A perennial favorite-'How Lodging's Leading Vendors Take it to the Top'-is an interactive seminar sponsored by the AH&LA Allied Executive Committee in which panelists discuss what it takes to become a "go-to" provider of products and services in the $122.7 billion lodging industry, how star vendors secure their place in the market, and identify who the key players are and how to reach them. The seminar will take place on Sunday, November 12 from 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. in room 1E10.

A panel of executives representing the full spectrum of purchasing power, from independent operator to multinational corporate leaders, will answer questions, offer candid advice, and take you inside the industry for a look at the do's, don'ts, and potential pitfalls in hospitality's most lucrative sector.

Moderated by John Whitaker, MHS, international hospitality sales manager, SICO America Inc., panelists include Jim Gwinn, director of purchasing, Ocean Properties, Ltd.; Brian Yost, vice president of food and beverage, Harrah's Entertainment; Philip Parker, partner, The Parker Company; and Greg Wysocki, director of operating supplies & equipment, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

In addition, the AH&LA Women in Lodging Council (WIL) will host 'Raise Your Hospitality IQ: An AH&LA Women in Lodging Council Executive Panel' on November 13 from 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. The seminar will address the hottest trends affecting the industry today and how hospitality's most successful professionals take it to the top.

The panel consists of senior female executives who will offer insight, a stimulating debate, and a wealth of knowledge to accelerate career paths and expand knowledge about what it takes to succeed in the lodging industry. Moderated by Dawn Drew, vice president & publisher, National Geographic Traveler; panelists include Glyn Aeppel, executive vice president of acquisitions & development, Loews Hotels; Gail F. Fitzgerald, CTC, vice president of hotel sales & marketing, Bellagio; Niki Leondakis, chief operating officer, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants; Penny Pritzker, chairman, Trans Union and Classic Residence by Hyatt; and Stephanie Sonnabend, president & CEO, Sonesta Hotels & Resorts. Following the WIL keynote panel, plan on attending a special WIL networking lunch from 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. in room 2D02/03. The fee is $75 per person and $25 for students.

In its 91st year, the IH/M&RS is sponsored by AH&LA; the New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association, Inc.; and the Hotel Association of New York City, Inc. The trade show, which attracts approximately 35,000 attendees, features more than 1,250 exhibiting companies and a comprehensive lineup of educational programs focusing on topics such as technology, design, and foodservice. For more information on all IH/M&RS seminars and attendee information, call (914) 421-3206 or visit IH/M&RS' Website, www.ihmrs.com. For IH/M&RS exhibitor information, contact Christian Falkenberg at (914) 421-3296.

In addition to IH/M&RS, the Annual AH&LA Fall Conference is scheduled for November 10-14, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City.


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