(SUMMARY)
The Illinois Information Technology Association (ITA) has honored TravelCLICK with its CityLIGHTS CEO of the Year Award.
CityLIGHTS honors the state’s outstanding information technology companies and executives.
Robert Post received the CEO of the Year Award in acknowledgement of TravelCLICK’s growth and impact in the travel marketplace. From 2004 to 2006 the company’s revenues more than doubled, from $53 million to more than $112 million. This strong financial performance, combined with aggressive customer support has positioned TravelCLICK as an industry leader. One strategy that attributed to their success as a fast-growth company is their acquisitions and parterships.
The Illinois Information Technology Association is focused on building and developing the Illinois technology community through collaboration. ITA presented the award April 12 at the CityLIGHTS Awards Gala at the Drake Hotel in Chicago, attended by more than 500 technology executives from across the state.
(COMMENTS)
I have attended a few industry awards galas, such as last year's NRA Salute to Excellence Gala in Chicago. In our industry, it is so important to award key leaders who raise visibility and gain greater market awareness throughout the hospitality field. TravelCLICK is a great example of a consumer-driven company, and can certainly teach alot to other industry professionals. I think this is why our industry is forever changing and evolving, because innovative ideas are so easily transferrable whether you work in a country club or Burger King. At the end of the day, its all about the customer, so any tips and suggestions from within the industry are to be welcomed and embraced.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Saturday, April 14, 2007
HFTP Unveils Newest Addition to the HITEC 2007 Exhibit Hall, the Club Technology Pavilion
(SUMMARY)
The 2007 Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®), produced by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®), will showcase specialty technology such as member relationship and golf course management software in the Club Technology Pavilion, the newest addition to the exhibit hall, June 26 - 28 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.
The Club Technology Pavilion will be a special area in the exhibit hall with hands-on displays of the latest in emerging club technology. There will be approximately 15 different club-related exhibitors at the pavilion, including Jonas Software, ClubSoft, TAI Club Management Systems, Gatekeeper Business Solutions, Northstar Technologies and more. The pavilion will feature club-specific software and products like club management, membership management, inventory control, food and beverage management, recipe/menu management, golf course management, salon and spa management, guest/member history and more.
Other club technology opportunities at HITEC 2007 include Club Technology Boot Camp and the Club and Hotel Controllers Conference. Club Technology Boot Camp, June 25, will allow newcomers the opportunity to learn about the technology used in the club industry and for veterans to get an update on industry trends. The Club and Hotel Controllers Conference, June 26 – 27, will feature general information sessions, as well as four club specific sessions focusing on financial trends, identity theft, fraud and being a business partner.
(COMMENTS)
I was very excited to see that not only would there be products available for Club managers, but there is going to be an entired pavillion devoted to Club management technology! Historically, Clubs are not always at the forefront of technology innovations, due to their conservative and traditional nature. But it is plain to see now that there are many opportunities for Clubs to break into the 21st century without sacrificing their image and legacy. I went to the National Restaurant Association's trade show last year in Chicago, which is the largest of its kind for the Restaurant Industry, and so I know the magnitude of an industry wide trade show and exhibition, such as the HITEC conference. For a trade show of this comparable size to have an entire pavillion dedicated to Club's is a huge step towards uniting the private club industry with the hotel industry, by means of technology. Technology is a great way to improve club services and manage member data, and I hope to see many clubs in the future embrace the available products.
The 2007 Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®), produced by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®), will showcase specialty technology such as member relationship and golf course management software in the Club Technology Pavilion, the newest addition to the exhibit hall, June 26 - 28 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.
The Club Technology Pavilion will be a special area in the exhibit hall with hands-on displays of the latest in emerging club technology. There will be approximately 15 different club-related exhibitors at the pavilion, including Jonas Software, ClubSoft, TAI Club Management Systems, Gatekeeper Business Solutions, Northstar Technologies and more. The pavilion will feature club-specific software and products like club management, membership management, inventory control, food and beverage management, recipe/menu management, golf course management, salon and spa management, guest/member history and more.
Other club technology opportunities at HITEC 2007 include Club Technology Boot Camp and the Club and Hotel Controllers Conference. Club Technology Boot Camp, June 25, will allow newcomers the opportunity to learn about the technology used in the club industry and for veterans to get an update on industry trends. The Club and Hotel Controllers Conference, June 26 – 27, will feature general information sessions, as well as four club specific sessions focusing on financial trends, identity theft, fraud and being a business partner.
(COMMENTS)
I was very excited to see that not only would there be products available for Club managers, but there is going to be an entired pavillion devoted to Club management technology! Historically, Clubs are not always at the forefront of technology innovations, due to their conservative and traditional nature. But it is plain to see now that there are many opportunities for Clubs to break into the 21st century without sacrificing their image and legacy. I went to the National Restaurant Association's trade show last year in Chicago, which is the largest of its kind for the Restaurant Industry, and so I know the magnitude of an industry wide trade show and exhibition, such as the HITEC conference. For a trade show of this comparable size to have an entire pavillion dedicated to Club's is a huge step towards uniting the private club industry with the hotel industry, by means of technology. Technology is a great way to improve club services and manage member data, and I hope to see many clubs in the future embrace the available products.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
TravelCLICK Reservations and Marketing Solutions
(SUMMARY)
TravelCLICK, Inc. showcased its complete reservations and marketing solutions, including central reservations with interactive Web booking engine, market intelligence and Internet marketing services, at Tianguis Turistico in Acapulco this past week. The company’s aims to increase profitability and build asset value for independent hotels, small chains and branded properties.
The centerpiece of TravelCLICK’s product suite is the iStay, which is a CRS that takes the interactive shopping environment one step further by integrating hotel packages and enhanced stay options on the same screen as room reservations. iStay displays floor plans, videos, 360-degree room views, and up to six large, compelling photographs per room type. This technology provides a guest-driven, integrated shopping and booking experience that keeps users engaged, encouraging up-sell and generating higher conversion. The iHotelier CRS also provides seamless connectivity to the GDS allowing properties to control rates and availability, monitor performance and identify opportunities for growth.
(COMMENTS)
I chose to write about this article because the setting of Mexico caught my eye, having spent thelast week of Spring Break in the country. I learned that TravelCLICK is showcasing several new solutions at Tianguis Turistico that allow hotels to manage and market more effectively. TravelCLICK has a channel management solution called ChannelDirect, which helps hotels manage rates and inventory across third-party sites from an easy-to-use Web platform. I think that both of these programs are a great example of how these tech-solutions are going global which is especially important in Mexico, a major tourist area. I think that if many hotels in Mexico start to implement these programs, travel to Mexico will increase exponentially, making the language barrier less of an obstacle. Especially having traveled to Mexico last week, I could think of many examples of how the particular hotel could have benefitted from this type of program.
TravelCLICK, Inc. showcased its complete reservations and marketing solutions, including central reservations with interactive Web booking engine, market intelligence and Internet marketing services, at Tianguis Turistico in Acapulco this past week. The company’s aims to increase profitability and build asset value for independent hotels, small chains and branded properties.
The centerpiece of TravelCLICK’s product suite is the iStay, which is a CRS that takes the interactive shopping environment one step further by integrating hotel packages and enhanced stay options on the same screen as room reservations. iStay displays floor plans, videos, 360-degree room views, and up to six large, compelling photographs per room type. This technology provides a guest-driven, integrated shopping and booking experience that keeps users engaged, encouraging up-sell and generating higher conversion. The iHotelier CRS also provides seamless connectivity to the GDS allowing properties to control rates and availability, monitor performance and identify opportunities for growth.
(COMMENTS)
I chose to write about this article because the setting of Mexico caught my eye, having spent thelast week of Spring Break in the country. I learned that TravelCLICK is showcasing several new solutions at Tianguis Turistico that allow hotels to manage and market more effectively. TravelCLICK has a channel management solution called ChannelDirect, which helps hotels manage rates and inventory across third-party sites from an easy-to-use Web platform. I think that both of these programs are a great example of how these tech-solutions are going global which is especially important in Mexico, a major tourist area. I think that if many hotels in Mexico start to implement these programs, travel to Mexico will increase exponentially, making the language barrier less of an obstacle. Especially having traveled to Mexico last week, I could think of many examples of how the particular hotel could have benefitted from this type of program.
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Vince Llanes Joins ReServe Interactive as Sales Associate
March 07, 2007
Hospitality Upgrade (Online)
ReServe Interactive hospitality management technology products include catering and event management, dining reservations and table management software. This company's goal is to position their software tool as a resource that could maximize efficiency, enhance overall service and increase profitability. The company announces the hiring of Vince Llanes as a sales associate, who has 20 years of sales and account management experience. He also is considered an expert in the areas of operations, marketing and customer service. “Vince brings to ReServe Interactive enthusiasm, passion and an extraordinary commitment to customer service,” said Beth Goodell, president of ReServe Interactive. “He will add tremendous value to our organization as we continue to grow.”
Llanes responsibilities include finding new accounts, as well as servicing the existing customer base nationwide. ReServe Interactive is the only integrated solution for managing banquets and restaurant reservations in one system. ReServe Interactive software is suitable for a variety of hospitality venues including hotels, restaurants, sports and entertainment facilities, golf clubs, private clubs, cultural institutions and wineries. The company brings more than two decades of experience in hospitality management and software development.
I thought I would follow up on my previous blog by citing some new news for ReServe Interactive. This particular article showcases the companys commitment to high standards for its personnel. Although I plan on pursuing a different career path, sales and marketing for the hospitality industry is an alluring option. I personally think that when it comes to this field, it is better have a hotel/restaurant management degree and then pursue a masters in marketing rather than come from a bachelors in marketing degree.
This article also strenghtens my interest in this software, from the point of view of someone with an interest in the private club industry. I think that this program would be ideal for a multi-unit club such as ones that I've worked at in the past. I hope to hear more about this program in the future.
March 07, 2007
Hospitality Upgrade (Online)
ReServe Interactive hospitality management technology products include catering and event management, dining reservations and table management software. This company's goal is to position their software tool as a resource that could maximize efficiency, enhance overall service and increase profitability. The company announces the hiring of Vince Llanes as a sales associate, who has 20 years of sales and account management experience. He also is considered an expert in the areas of operations, marketing and customer service. “Vince brings to ReServe Interactive enthusiasm, passion and an extraordinary commitment to customer service,” said Beth Goodell, president of ReServe Interactive. “He will add tremendous value to our organization as we continue to grow.”
Llanes responsibilities include finding new accounts, as well as servicing the existing customer base nationwide. ReServe Interactive is the only integrated solution for managing banquets and restaurant reservations in one system. ReServe Interactive software is suitable for a variety of hospitality venues including hotels, restaurants, sports and entertainment facilities, golf clubs, private clubs, cultural institutions and wineries. The company brings more than two decades of experience in hospitality management and software development.
I thought I would follow up on my previous blog by citing some new news for ReServe Interactive. This particular article showcases the companys commitment to high standards for its personnel. Although I plan on pursuing a different career path, sales and marketing for the hospitality industry is an alluring option. I personally think that when it comes to this field, it is better have a hotel/restaurant management degree and then pursue a masters in marketing rather than come from a bachelors in marketing degree.
This article also strenghtens my interest in this software, from the point of view of someone with an interest in the private club industry. I think that this program would be ideal for a multi-unit club such as ones that I've worked at in the past. I hope to hear more about this program in the future.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Assignment #2
The article I read for this assignment was found in Hospitality Update, and is titled "Chicago Yacht Club Purchases ReServe Interactive Software to Manage Events". The Chicago Yacht club is a historic private club located on the shore of Lake Michigan, and while they have only a short sailing season, the club also offeres many year-round amenities at their two clubhouse locations. The management at the club recently purchased ReServe Interactive Event Management Software to aid in the execution of their off-shore activities and catered events. This software also simultaneously allows the user to manage the bar, banquet, fine and casual dining facilities. The benefit of this multitasking software is that it will help streamline booking processes and reduce inconsistancies by sharing and compiling event information throughout the club. The GM of the club, Mr. James W. Clark has implemented the use of this software at three other clubs that he has previously worked at, so the change was highly recommended due to his prior experiences. The software program will manage event room locations to prevent double booking, produce correspondence, proposals and function sheets (BEO's). ReServe also produces invoices, generates automatic follow-up tasks, and automatically generates equipment and packing lists for event related reports. The reason this software is so user-friendly is because it is the only of its kind to auto-prompt the user with the tasks that need to be completed prior to the event. This software is suitable for not only clubs, but other hospitality outlets, and this company has more than twenty years of expeience in hospitality management.
(Reflection)
I was so excited to see an article about the use of technology in clubs, as I am currently in California, attending the 80th annual World Conference on Club Management. I have also traveled to Chicago both for the National Restaurant Association show and two CMAA conferences, so I know firsthand that Chicago is certainly at the forefront of embracing innovations in hospitality technology. Another reason I am glad to summarize this article is because private clubs are usually perceived as the least likely hospitality venues to implement technology, due to the traditional, conservative, member-focused nature of clubs. Private clubs have the unique advantage in that they do not need to worry about creating loyalty and seeking repeat customers, which is usually a top reason for a hotel or restaurant to look to technology for differentiation. Although, to their disadvantage, there is a fixed, finite number ot clientele that they have to work with, so this software is a great example of how to efectively and efficiently manage membership services. As the membership begins to experience the advantage of their managers utilizing this system for their special events and regular dining, the volume of these events should increase. Of course there is a risk associated with trying to maximize the clubs usage such as human and other resources, but this article makes me believe that this software is a big step in the right direction for smoother and more successful operations.
(Reflection)
I was so excited to see an article about the use of technology in clubs, as I am currently in California, attending the 80th annual World Conference on Club Management. I have also traveled to Chicago both for the National Restaurant Association show and two CMAA conferences, so I know firsthand that Chicago is certainly at the forefront of embracing innovations in hospitality technology. Another reason I am glad to summarize this article is because private clubs are usually perceived as the least likely hospitality venues to implement technology, due to the traditional, conservative, member-focused nature of clubs. Private clubs have the unique advantage in that they do not need to worry about creating loyalty and seeking repeat customers, which is usually a top reason for a hotel or restaurant to look to technology for differentiation. Although, to their disadvantage, there is a fixed, finite number ot clientele that they have to work with, so this software is a great example of how to efectively and efficiently manage membership services. As the membership begins to experience the advantage of their managers utilizing this system for their special events and regular dining, the volume of these events should increase. Of course there is a risk associated with trying to maximize the clubs usage such as human and other resources, but this article makes me believe that this software is a big step in the right direction for smoother and more successful operations.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
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