HBAA spreads its net with technology seminar

May 24, 2011 - PRLog -- This will effectively ‘enable’ hoteliers to optimise their sales opportunities with HBAA agents through greater content and distribution channel understanding.

With a strong growth in business accommodation transactions taking place online in the UK, technology is increasingly differentiating the success of today’s hotel booking agents.  Taking place on Friday 10th June at the Holiday Inn Regents Park, the technology showcase day under the title: ‘Hunting in the agency technology jungle’ is set to bring operators and agents in-line with today’s on-line myriad of distribution channels and a deeper understanding of agency platforms and systems – highlighting the way in which hoteliers can optimise their share of the agency business channel.
 
Commencing at 10am, the presentation by leading industry figures will give an overview for agents and hoteliers into systems, technology and distribution channels that can enable heightened productivity and increased sales and cost reduction opportunities.

In an industry first the event will bring together 15 of the top technology suppliers, who will be available to answer questions one-on-one regarding their range of distribution, RFP and content platforms.

Chair of the HBAA’s TIE Committee, Trevor Elswood said: “Technology is a complex and vital area to the business travel industry; hence, we are looking to offer a straight talking session that will help hotels and agents alike to keep pace with this highly progressive area of the business.”

•   Exhibiting companies at the HBAA technology supplier showcase include: ABC Connections, EZ Yield.Com INC, Travel Click, Venue Directory, SJJB Management, Lanyon, E Rev Max, Venue Base Software C/o Venues Etc., Amadeus, Pegasus Solutions, Conferma, Travelport International Ltd., Cvent Inc., Sabre Hospitality Solutions and Rate Gain.

•   Technology Showcase Day presenters: Peter Ducker, Executive Director, HBAA; Trevor Elswood, Managing Director, BSI; Adam Woods, Head of Procurement, Hotelscene; Guy Mason, Managing Director, Brief to Event Solutions; Jacqui Bentley Mckenna – Director, Regoran; Rajesh Vohra – Sales & Marketing Director, Sarova Hotels; Robert Smith – Managing Director, Complete Hotel Services.

Places at the seminar are on a first come first served basis and can be booked via the HBAA’s website under Events> Events Calendar at www.hbaa.org.uk

The HBAA represents the interests of parties involved in the procurement and management of conference, meetings and accommodation in the UK and internationally. It has an annual buying power in excess of £2.3bn per annum and is recognised by corporates as the benchmark of quality and integrity.

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About the HBAA:
• The Hotel Booking Agents Association (HBAA) was formed in 1997 and now consists of 90 agents members and 200 venue members. The association has an annual buying power in excess of £2.3bn.
• Member agents are specialists in making hotel accommodation, conference and event reservations as their core business.
• Member venues are comprised of the leading hotel chains, training centres and independent hotels and venues.
• The HBAA comprises a committee of 12 industry figureheads who oversee separate committees including: technology, innovation and environment (TIE committee), memberships, marketing & PR, events and training.
• www.hbaa.org.uk