�The 2001 Conference lived up to its billing as the place for members of the association to find the latest and best in the small lodging sector of the hospitality industry�, stated continuing Chair Ms. Donna Boucher.  �The trade show floor was busy with activity, the seminars were full, and the exchange of information and ideas were as lively as ever.  In addition, we were extremely delighted with the wrap-up session conducted by Lt. Governor Frank Brogan on the importance of this industry to the Florida economy and the steps being taken towards the recovery we�re currently experiencing�.   
 

The hospitality industry is very much a people-centered business, and this year�s Superior Small Lodging Annual Conference and Trade Show highlighted strategies and tactics for owners and operators of smaller hotels, inns, and B&Bs to cope in these difficult economic times.   The messages were positive as members heard from several distinguished speakers among them the Honorable Lt. Governor Frank Brogan; Dr. Peter Yesawich, President and C.E.O of Yesawich, Pepperdine and Brown; and Dr. William P. Fisher, DARDEN Eminent Scholar, Professor University of Central Florida; formerly President and CEO, American Hotel & Lodging Association and the National Restaurant Association.

The Superior Small Lodging program originated in Fort Lauderdale over 10 years ago. The purpose was to insure that tourists received not only great value at member properties but also high quality accommodations. Another key was that guests were looking for exactly what each property offered - its own sense of style and ambience. That individualized local flavor that guests found so important was coupled with a strict quality assurance program.

Other speakers included Mr. Thomas Chevoor with Loew�s Hotels, Orlando; Mr. Rick Huntley with the National Training Laboratory; Mr. Tommy Waits, President and CEO, Florida Hotel & Motel Association; Mr. David Caples, Principal at Lodging Resources; and Ms. Kerri Post, V.P., New Product Development, with FLAUSA.  

The major thrust of the conference was to brand the name Superior Small Lodging as quality assured properties in the small lodging sector.  �Faced with such uncertainties in today�s economy, our focus on branding the Superior Small Lodging name is more than cliché; it is critical to our growth and future market share�, said Ms. Boucher.  In response to recovery signs that the industry is bouncing back, Boucher said, �There is no tool to change human nature; people will eventually demand a return to their normal lives.  Eventually, the slump we are currently feeling in the industry will abate�.