Processing” (Wise Merchant Solutions) or “Innkeeper Liability: The Evolution of Guest Safety” (Robert Goss, Inn at Monticello, Attorney). For our Aspiring Innkeepers, we were thrilled to offer a variety of informative workshops, including “A Beginner’s Guide to the New Inn Owners Online Presence” (Acorn Internet Services, Inc.; InsideOut Solutions; White Stone Marketing). With so many great sessions to choose from, everyone had a wonderful time learning and sharing important industry knowledge.
Tuesday evening, after the Future AIHP Leaders Gathering, we were excited to premier a fun new way to attend a particular small-group session — over a delicious Norfolk meal! Called Brain Food, this event allowed Summit attendees to choose from a list of given topics, such as “All Things Food,” “Family-Run Properties,” and “Accounting, Books, Financial, & Money,” just to name a few, and join the topic’s group at a delicious Norfolk restaurant within a four-block walk of Hilton Norfolk | The Main. This was an amazing opportunity to make new connections, discuss a given industry topic at length over dinner, and discover why Norfolk, Virginia is a sizzling culinary destination!
Wednesday, February 28th, kicked off with the StayVA Annual Meeting & Member Breakfast and more insightful workshop sessions, including “The Science and Art of Quality Coffee” (Standing Stone Coffee Company), “Ten Steps to Making Google Happy and Improving Your Revenue” (Acorn Internet Services), and “Marketing for the New Innkeeper” (Bushnell & Bushnell Services, Inc.; BandBFinder.com). Later in the afternoon, Summit Keynote Speaker Jeff Fromm, author of Marketing to Millennials and Millenials with Kids, gave a presentation on “The Financial Impact of Millennial Influence on Travel” and “How to Win with Modern Consumers.” Fromm, also known as the “Millennial Marketing Guy,” shared important research from his top-selling books and highlighted what he considered to be the best practices in the market today from companies forming brand engagements that are winning with Millennials.
On Wednesday night, Summit attendees enjoyed the event that everyone was waiting for — Shindig! We enjoyed a delicious dinner featuring Virginia victuals, and The Bellevue Rhythmaires put on an amazing show. We are so appreciative of all those who donated items for both our Silent and Live Auctions, and a very big thank you to those who bid on the items at Shindig! The monies raised will support AIHP's strategic plan and our B&B's for Vets program that we host each Fall. We raised $7,596 through the Silent Auction and $34,500 for the Live Auction. Thank you for your support, and a special thanks to Linda Hayes, ijk Partners, and her team for all of their hard work.
Thursday, March 1st, was the final day of the Summit. Attendees made the rounds of the final workshop sessions, including a discussion regarding an important industry study. Rob Fulton and Janice Hurly with BedandBreakfast.com were pleased to present some of the findings from a recently-completed study conducted by Phocuswright regarding how travelers, suppliers, and intermediaries connect. Sponsored by BedandBreakfast.com/HomeAway and AIHP, the research positions Bed and Breakfasts as a legitimate sector of the broader lodging marketplace, and the data describes the digital shift occurring in B&B’s, both on the consumer and operator side, and assesses the importance of B&B’s to various travel segments with a focus on the Millennial traveler. The research also defines key trends and identifies opportunities for growth. The study will be shared with the industry in the coming days, so look for more details.
AIHP was pleased to be able to be a sponsor of the study to support the need for critical research for the independent hospitality industry. Please consider making a contribution to our AIHP Go Fund Me Page, established to support our efforts to raise funds for industry research.
The 2018 Knowledge Sharing Summit & Marketplace ended with a bang at the “It’s a Wrap!” Luncheon and Awards Ceremony. Kathryn Bundy, Owner of the Foxfield Inn, received the Chair of the Board Award. It is the third time a person has been recognized with this special award.
Two newly established awards are the Founders Award and The Voice of Innkeeping Award. Dee Fegan, Owner of 30 Timber Road Bed & Breakfast, and Cape May Historic Accommodations were presented with the Founders Awards, and Steve Hiatt, owner of the Bottger Mansion of Old Town, was recognized with The Voice of Innkeeping Award.
(Winners from top left: Kathryn Bundy, Cape May Historic Accommodations, Dee Fegan, Steve Hiatt)
This year’s Summit was one of the absolute best ever! We at AIHP are so grateful to our amazing members and Allied Partners who helped to make this event the amazing success that it was. Now it’s time to get ready to join us for next year’s Summit in sunny Cincinnati, Ohio! See you there!