Best practices in times of crisis will be one of the primary themes at next month’s IHIF – Asia Pacific, says Anne Dellos LeBoutillier, events director, Asia – Questex Media
What brings the IHIF to Asia?
IHIF Berlin Conference has set an industry standard for in-depth discussion and review of crucial topics to the hotel and hotel investment community. The event has established itself as a premier event covering Europe and the US markets.
But Asia has its own set of issues, concerns and investment considerations.
Bringing IHIF to the region will bring discussion and insight on topics that are specific to players within Asia, as well as those who are looking at the potential of the region from outside of Asia. In reality Asia may be the market with the most opportunity when it comes to hotel investment.
What can delegates expect from the debut conference this year?
We’ve got a fantastic programme lined up for our delegates, with speakers who will present all sides and many perspectives, and who will drive both creative business ideas and offer suggestions for effective management during the current global financial crisis.
What is the theme for the IHIF- Asia Pacific?
IHIF offers a unique focus on both the familiar markets of Asia as well as the underserved markets where opportunity may not be as readily apparent.
Of course, the event focuses on existing, as well as new investment opportunities in the face of the current global crisis – it would be impractical and even irresponsible of us not to address an issue that is having such a major impact on the industry.
So a good part of the agenda is devoted to best practices in times of crisis. But we’ll also be considering some much more entertaining topics such as best future regional markets (using India and China as growth examples), multiple brand management, major brands versus regional Asian brands, and even design trends that drive business and investors alike.
Has there been a demand to attend the IHIF- Asia Pacific given the economic climate?
Given the heritage of this event in Berlin and Russia, the response and enthusiasm for IHIF Asia Pacific has been fantastic.
In fact, it seems that companies recognise that the current economic climate necessitates such an event where business leaders can discuss and stimulate ideas for best practice business management in such a difficult global climate. So yes – the economic climate has necessitated attendance.
Our event location in Macau has also helped to stimulate interest, and while travel budgets are limited this year, Macau’s central location within the region and the Venetian’s very appealing hotel rates are designed to ease the financial burden.
One of the core topics of discussion is ‘Developments’. Do you think developments will continue to take place?
Yes, I do. I think the industry is very cautious right now, but I also believe that there are good business decisions being made, and solid opportunities for investment in the right markets at the right time. Operators are always looking at growth potential, and brands are always looking for opportunities.
I expect investors will be a bit hesitant to openly discuss their development and investment plans, but we’ve asked them to share general thoughts and perspectives without necessarily divulging their own strategic market movements.
Traditionally, IHIF has been an incubator for the community, so we hope that more deals will be done as a result of the event.
How will ‘Design and Trends’ help hoteliers, considering there are few hotels opening?
We’ve included the “Design and Trends” section because it is a very important topic in today’s world, and because we’re seeing more and more investors looking at “green” initiatives as investment-worthy for long-term value.
On a broader level, the design side can drive a brand’s value, and can lead to more consistent RevPAR, so it continues to be a topic of importance to the market, as well as to the investment community.
The design session is really going to be fantastic, I think. Distinctive design anchors a brand in customer’s minds. From the iconic Raffles in Singapore to Mumbai’s famous Taj Palace Hotel, to the more modern Burj Al Arab in Dubai, hotel design is a leading focus of quality architects.
Design is how leaders differentiate their hotels and brands, and how they generate and maintain their profitability, so it is a crucial topic to any event that considers investment and the return on that investment.
What do you hope delegates will take away from the conference?
There are loads of ways that we help our participating companies to brand, market, and generate leads prior to the conference. But for those attending the conference there are two key benefits – generating ideas by listening to speakers and panellists who have committed to be absolutely forthcoming about their given topic and generating new business contacts through the many wonderful opportunities to network.
The International Hotel Investment Forum is organised by the Questex Media Group, Inc, in conjunction with Asiawide Hospitality Solutions. The first IHIF Asia Pacific Conference will be held at Macau from June 8 – 10, 2009. For more information visit: www.ihif-asiapacific.com
