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.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
I agree with Emily Hand’s reflection on her article. I have little knowledge about clubs in the hospitality industry, but after reading her article and reflection, I think that the software installed will benefit the Chicago Yacht Club tremendously. The software obviously proved to be effective because it was used by the general manager at previous venues that he has worked at. I have never heard of the software, ReServe Interactive Software. I think that more clubs across the country should start investing in software such as this one. Clubs are increasing in popularity, offering more year round activities at different venues. This software will make it easier for management to keep track of events and the tasks that need to be done before the event is to take place.
The summary of the article Emily read and her subsequent reflection were quite interesting. I think it shows the efforts of clubs to follow the world hospitality information technology more closely. I would assume, and I think Emily made this point, it is easy for a club not to embrace and adapt technology due to their relatively static clientele. Clubs like the Chicago Yacht Club who are choosing to invest in IT illustrate that they understand the role of IT in the club’s success. Streamlining and improving processes through the use of ReServe, or similar products, is likely to change the catering function at the Chicago Yacht Club as well as influence the member’s satisfaction with their interaction with the club.
The use of IT in clubs is a trend that may develop in the future. If utilized correctly, it can provide competitive advantage and allow the club to better serve its members. Given the unique nature of clubs when compared to their lodging counterparts, this software may prove very beneficial to future success.
Emily’s summary and reflection provided insight into these areas in a context that was understandable and relevant to what we are studying. Potentially, the increase in use of IT in private clubs is an area of focus looking towards the future.
After reading this article I am very tempted to pass it on to my ex- boss. This would be the ideal solution for the them because there was constant double booking, on call event coordinators not knowing what had to get done and when it had to get done. I think this would be a wonderful solution, not only for them but for many of the companies out there. Life would be less chaotic and more organized.
We are always discussing in class that to get ahead in the hospitality industry we must be keen. That we must create a feature that is not easily copied by other industries that are seeking the same thing, success in our industry. Therefore, to continue moving forward in our industry, we must seek to the bigger better deal. This is precisely what the Chicago Yacht Club is attempting to perform with this innovative software. The wonderful software will greatly minimize confusion and will increase the level of organization. In this fashion, Chicago Yacht Club can concentrate on what is important.
Post a Comment