Homewood Suites by Hilton rolls out iPod mobile training

PRLog (Press Release) - Aug 27, 2007 -
Homewood Suites by Hilton, the national brand of upscale, all-suite, residential-style hotels is proud to announce that all 204 properties across the United States and Canada have been outfitted with video iPods for use with the brand's new Mobile Training program. Mobile Training with video iPods is the latest evolution at Homewood Suites and is an innovative method used to reinforce training content as a culture and allow the brand's 5,000 to 6,000 employees to be empowered in their own learning.

One goal of the Homewood Suites (http://www.homewoodsuites.com/ ) iPod Mobile Training is to offer employees the opportunity to train directly in their own work environment as training content is organized efficiently into playlists to allow for stronger information retention. The on-demand functionality of iPods supports the spontaneity of a unique style of on-the-job coaching and guidance, empowering team members to take charge of their own learning styles.

Homewood (http://www.homewoodsuites.com/ ) Suites recognized the need for a pioneering, new training technique when the brand was deciding how best to train its team members regarding different aspects of new brand-wide F&B standards. The Mobile Training iPods were acknowledged as a great supplement to Homewood's already-existing training curriculum due to the flexibility and adaptability of the device itself, which allows the upscale hotel (http://www.homewoodsuites.com/ ) brand to update each phase of training on a continuous basis.

"The Mobile Training video iPod program contains a variety of two-minute modules highlighting specific brand skills that are both essential and valuable to our employees and their growth," stated Dawn Koenig, vice president of hotel performance services. "The next phase of Mobile Training will provide refresher training centered around personalized customer service tools inherent to Homewood Suites."

After filming and editing Phase I training content, and completing 40 hours of beta testing, all Homewood Suites properties will be participating in Mobile Training going forward.

About Homewood Suites by Hilton:
Launched in 1989, the Homewood Suites by Hilton (http://www.homewoodsuites.com/ ) brand today has more than 204 hotels open with another 125 in the pipeline in various stages of construction. Beyond its spacious suites and home-like amenities, Homewood Suites guests can find at each hotel an on-site Suite Shop convenience store, fitness center and guest laundry at most locations.

Homewood Suites by Hilton is part of Hilton Hotels Corporation (NYSE:HLT) the leading global hospitality company, with more than 2,800 hotels and 480,000 rooms in 76 countries and territories, including 100,000 team members worldwide.

The company owns, manages or franchises a hotel portfolio of some of the best known and highly regarded brands, including Hilton, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Doubletree, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton Grand Vacations Homewood Suites by Hilton and The Waldorf=Astoria Collection.

The Hilton Family of Hotels adheres to founder Conrad Hilton's philosophy that, "It has been, and continues to be, our responsibility to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality." The company put a name to its unique brand of service that has made it the best known and most highly regarded hotel company: be hospitable.  The philosophy is shared by all brands in the Hilton Family of Hotels, and is the inspiration for its overarching message of kindness and generosity.

Hilton Hotels Corporation's sponsorship of the U.S. Olympic Team will extend through the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Beijing, China, and includes the 2008 U.S. Paralympic Team(s) and the 2007 U.S. Pan-Am Team.

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