The 2002 Annual Conference and Trade Show took place at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort, October 27-29. The expanded trade show floor showcased 27 exhibitor displays. In addition to the improved exhibitor area, the attendees from 10 SSL geographic destinations had the opportunity to explore new services in the fields of hotel operations and marketing from speakers in 5 general sessions, 7 roundtable discussions, and 2 special interest group meetings. 

The general sessions featured talks from Peter Yesawich, Ph.D., President and CEO, YP&B; Diane Geller, Esq. Ruden, McClosky, Smith, Schuster & Russell, P.A.; David Caples, President, Lodging Resources; Herb Hiller; and Jeannette Pineiro, Corporate Travel Manager, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. 

As part of conference activities, the association�s slate of officers for 2003 was also announced: 

• Joe Finnegan, Chair and owner of St. Francis Inn and Casa de Solana Bed & Breakfast; 
• Donna Boucher, Former Chair and owner of Manta Ray Inn; 
• Paul Faulise, Vice Chair and General Manager of Casa Playa Resort and Bay to Beach Resort; 
• Roseanne Petit, Vice Chair and owner of Sea Horse Cottages; 
• David Caples, Vice Chair and owner of Elizabeth Pointe Lodge; 
• Carol DeHaven McLeod, Secretary; 
• John Ambrosio, Treasurer; and 
• Donal A. Dermody, President. 

�In challenging economic times, it is even more critical to participate in events such as SSL�s annual conferences to maintain a healthy business,� says Joe Finnegan, Chair of SSL. �Our conferences put our brand name in front of hundreds of decision-makers. This kind of exposure is necessary to compete in the ever-so-competitive hospitality industry.�