Themed “Creating Value Through People and Partnerships”, the three-day conference programme will address the latest trends in organisational and new management issues. An expected 500 delegates will hear from a high-powered line-up of industry experts on how to create value through employees, and develop the leadership skills needed in the ‘Knowledge Age’.

According to IH&RA president Dr. Osmane Aïdi, “Globalisation, new technologies, changing demographics and rising expectations are all combining to make business much more complex.  The Congress will provide delegates with a better understanding of the demands facing managers of the future, and of the skills and knowledge they need to deal successfully with this complexity.”

Invited keynote speaker is Sol Kerzner, chairman of leading South African hospitality concern Sun International, who will share his views on where the hospitality industry is heading in the new millennium. John Guthrie, vice president human resources Europe for Hilton International will lead a debate on maximising the value of the workforce, using the findings of a series of IH&RA Think-Tanks on Human Resources held this year in Roanoke (USA), the Hague (the Netherlands), Hong Kong and Johannesburg (South Africa).

He will examine how hospitality managers can combine higher levels of individual productivity and performance with enhanced quality and guest satisfaction.  “Every organisation is confronted with the need to improve financial performance,” says Guthrie.  “Location, brand and technology are all vital.  But no organisation will ever maximise its financial performance unless it puts the human element first.”

The Congress will also be the venue for presentation of the findings of the IH&RA’s White Paper on the Global Restaurant Industry, a research report which highlights the key issues and trends shaping the future of the international food service sector, and assesses their impact on restaurant businesses.  The session will include a panel debate on why food safety and hygiene issues are moving up the business agenda, and how the industry can become more proactive in dealing with them.

The Congress will be staged in partnership with FEDHASA, the Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa which this year celebrates its 50th jubilee.  FEDHASA’s own annual meeting has been organised to coincide with the IH&RA’s Congress, allowing delegates to share joint professional and social events during part of the programme.

As South Africa steps up tourism development and international marketing campaigns with the aim of doubling international tourism arrivals by 2005, Congress participants will gain insight into local business, culture and work practices through a programme devised jointly by IH&RA and FEDHASA.  This includes a panel discussion by South African hotel and restaurant CEO’s on the potential and pitfalls of investing in South Africa, and a study tour to Zimbali Lodge, an eco-resort outside Durban recognised as a pioneer in best management practice.

 Highlights from the business programme include:

• Employee and guest expectations 2000 and beyond: balancing future guest expectations with those of tomorrow’s hospitality workforce
• Tapping into the changing workforce: how changing demographics and new skill requirements will impact industry recruitment and retention
• Staying ahead of the curve: a look at the skills profile of future managers in an ever more complex business environment
• 50 ways to improve your bottom line: practical ideas for using staff training and motivation to boost profitability
• Social and ethical responsibility: identifying and maintaining your core business values.