The Hotel Booking Agent Association's (HBAA) Annual Forum attracted a record number of 300 booking agents and hoteliers to the Barceló Hinckley Island Hotel, Leicestershire.
2009's Forum reflects clearly the HBAA's pulling power within the hotel booking and meetings industry sector.
Under the theme 'Time to Shine' this year's opening session by STR Global highlighted the opportunities that the future holds for agents and venues.
And as the government officially announces the end of the recession, STR Global's data forecast a promising increase in occupancy for the period of 2010 to 2012 for both the consumer and corporate market.
STR Global's Konstanze Auernheimer, director of marketing said: "The hotel market will definitely pick up over the next year and the decline in rates, occupancy and revPAR is already stabilising and will continue to do so."
The afternoon session 'RIP the RFP' saw a dramatic change of opinion in favour of RFP'S, with 70% of the 300 delegates in agreement with the practice.
The session wrapped up placing the question whether the HBAA has a role in driving towards a better end-to end solution. As a result of the debate a working party is being commissioned to look into the question.
The day concluded with the announcement of the HBAA Awards; rewarding the excellence demonstrated by agencies and venues in various areas over the last year. The judging panel stressed how impressed they were with both the finalists and winners for the awards.
TV journalist and judge, Lynn Faulds Wood said: "The entries were of an incredibly high standard - finalists were exemplary in demonstrating their innovation and the winners have helped provide a benchmark for the HBAA."
The winners of the HBAA Awards 2009:
Training & Development - Awarded to an organisation's ongoing commitment to best practice in the sector through the training and development of staff at all levels. Finalists, HelmsBrisco, The Old Course Hotel and Grassroots HBI.
Winner: The Old Course Hotel
Promoting Excellence within the Industry - Awarded to a company delivering excellence to clients by means of a new product or service. Finalists, Inntel, Principal Hayley and Conference Care
Winner: Conference Care
Commitment within the Community - Awarded to a company showing the benefits from work they have carried out within their local or wider community - work should be sustainable and create a legacy for the future. Finalists, Hilton Hotels, Etc Venues and Wyboston Lakes
Winner: Hilton Hotels
Best Environmental Practise - Awarded to a company's real commitment to sustainability through sound environmental practises and clear demonstration that this is embedded in the culture of the business. Finalists, ExCel London, Croke Park and Great Hallingbury Manor.
Winner: Great Hallingbury Manor.
Image: from left to right: Chris Peacock, Managing Director - Conference Care; Gareth Warnock, Director of Sales - Hilton; Doreen Smith, Business Development Manager - Old Course Hotel; Steve Ockerby, Chairman HBAA; Christine Taylor, Sales and Events - Great Hallingbury Manor.
For more information, visit HBAA
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