Midmarket approach energizes conference

Hotel & Motel Management, Feb 16, 2004 by Jeff Higley

Atlanta -- The lodging industry's optimism that an economic upturn is under way will provide the backdrop for the 16th annual Hotel Investment Conference in Atlanta.

The event, scheduled for March 14-16 at the Crowne Plaza Ravinia, is expected to match last year's attendance of more than 400, according to Bob Hunter, conference chairman and president of Hunter Realty Associates.

While last year's conference provided the opportunity for attendees to discuss ways to survive a downturn, this year's version will give hotel executives a forum to discuss how to accelerate the rebound--as the theme "Happy Days Are Near Again" suggests.

"I hope we can help attendees sort through all the information and give them confidence that this will be a good year," Hunter said. "Helping them understand how to improve the performance of their assets and increase their real-estate values is of great importance for the conference."

This year's conference will have 90 speakers, including keynoters Paul Whetsell, chairman and c.e.o. of MeriStar Hospitality, and Justin Knight, president of Apple Hospitality. Other corporate leaders on the speakers' list include Steve Rudnitsky of Cendant Corp., Chuck Ledsinger of Choice Hotels International, Howard Silver of Equity Inns, Mit Shah of Noble Investment Group, Tom Parrington of Lodgian and Tom Kitchin of Kitchin Hospitality.

Hunter said the conference focuses on midmarket hotels that range between 80 rooms and 400 rooms and have values between $2 million and $25 million.

Executives from 27 states attended the 2003 conference.

"Yes, it's education, but there's also a great deal of networking," Hunter said. "Because of the size of the conference, you can have quality time with the attendees you want to meet."

In addition to an extended-stay segment roundtable during the conference, organizers are hosting the inaugural extended-stay conference immediately following the main conference.

A real-estate and finance conference for midscale hotel owners, operators and investors

Dates: March 14-16

Location: Crowne Plaza Ravinia, Atlanta

For information: Nancy Petenbrink

Phone: (404) 355-0880;

Fax: (404) 355-0888

E-mail: hunterrealty@bellsouth.net

Web site: www.hotelinvestmentconference.com

Extend your stay: In conjunction with the event, the inaugural Extended Stay Conference will be held March 16 from 2-5 p.m. Call (404) 872-4631 for details.

jhigley@advanstar.com