Record Attendance Expected at Sixth Annual International Hotel Conference

Numbers of High Profile Speakers and Guests Up from Previous Years

CHICAGO, Ill., USA/ROME, Italy—Officials of the International Hotel Conference say they are anticipating record participation of more than 300 hotel industry executives from over 50 countries, at the Sixth Annual International Hotel Conference, scheduled for October 15-17, 2008, at the Cavalieri Hilton (middle right photo) in Rome, Italy.


As one of the leading global gatherings in the hospitality industry, the International Hotel Conference is an occasion for owners, operators, brands, leading institutions, bankers, architects/designers, attorneys, brokers and other members of the hotel community to meet and discuss issues facing the worldwide hospitality industry.

“We’ve already exceeded last year’s registration numbers and expect a strong guest turnout as hoteliers meet to assess current trends and try to anticipate emerging ones that will impact the industry on local, regional and global levels,” said Morris E. Lasky, (top left photo) conference co-chairperson.

“Hoteliers are expanding into newer and more diverse sectors to take full advantage of the global market. We believe the conference topics, ranging from how to cope with the fluctuating global economy to building momentum in difficult markets, will be especially timely.”

One highlight of the conference will be the presentation of the “International Hotelier Global Citizen” Award to Georg R. Rafael, (bottom right photo) Managing Director of Rafael Group S.A.M., during the first general session on October 16.

The award recognizes an international hotelier for his/her leadership in the hospitality industry, as well as humanitarian contributions to society.

Rafael was selected by an industry-wide vote and will be awarded a €5,000 grant, which will be donated to Medecins Sans Frontiers (Doctors Without Borders), one of a number of charities actively supported by Rafael.

Last year’s inaugural award went to Hans W.R. Kennedie, president and CEO of the Golden Tulip Hospitality Group.

“This is by far the most expansive roster of speakers we have ever assembled, more than 100 hospitality industry specialists from more than 20 countries,” said Mary Lou Koys, conference co-chairperson.

“They will discuss the current direction of the industry and offer insightful forecasts. The setting and manageable size of the conference allow for plenty of face-to-face contact and networking opportunities with the world’s top hotel executives.”

Additional information about the event, registration, sponsorships and related activities can be found at the event’s Web site http://www.internationalhotelconference.com/, or by contacting the conference organizer, Morris Lasky at mlasky@aol.com.

Contact: Jerry Daly or Chris Daly, 001 703 435 6293