Hilton Worldwide Invests in Franchisees with Six-Part ‘Regional Owner Connection’ Series

Events Bring Together Brand Leaders, Hotel Owners, Management Company Representatives and Corporate Partners for Networking and Continuing Education

MCLEAN, Va., 2013-04-26— /travelprnews.com/ — A six-city tour of ‘Regional Owners Connections’ hosted by Hilton Worldwide ended in Toronto last week, the latest continuing education and networking event for executive Team Members, management company representatives and ownership groups.  Taking part in these event were leaders from Hilton Garden InnHampton HotelsHomewood Suites by Hilton and Home2 Suites by Hilton, along with more than 1,200 owners and management company representatives as well as Hilton Worldwide representatives.

“Our Regional Owners Connections provide a comprehensive learning opportunity for the hundreds of owners and Team Members who make it a priority to attend,” said Phil Cordell, global head, focused service brands and Hampton Brand Management, Hilton Worldwide.  “These conferences present a positive forum for open communication, but even more importantly, furnish our owners with a variety of new ideas and best practices, helping them remain ahead of the curve in guest service and satisfaction, operations, sales and marketing.”

Beginning in 2007 as an opportunity for the Hampton brand to connect with its owners, the two-day sessions have now evolved to encompass the Hilton Garden Inn, Homewood Suites by Hilton and Home2 Suites by Hilton brands as well and feature an intensive curriculum including techniques for improving guest relations, engaging new guests and rewarding loyalty.  The sessions, which were free to owners, provided insights into the hotel industry, business and revenue development strategies, suppliers, brand support and brand developments.

Hilton Garden Inn owners were educated on new marketing strategies, as well as product initiatives and future projects, including the brand’s Pavilion refresh, “Project Grow.”  To date, nearly 100 Hilton Garden Inn hotels have gone through an extensive Pavilion lobby renovation.  Specific curriculum for members of the Hampton Hotels family included updates on brand initiatives such as ‘The Perfect Mix Lobby’ and ‘JumpStart Fitness,’ product developments, licensing and brand guidelines and more.

Homewood Suites by Hilton introduced owners and team members to the new capital enhancement program ‘Take Flight’ and ‘Gen9’ development prototype, while also providing updates about key 2013 marketing initiatives and brand distribution.  Home2 Suites focused its program on important brand growth milestones; new guest, owner and team member engagement tools; and market share growth strategies for the upcoming year.

Owners even got a glimpse of the latest design prototype for Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Worldwide’s all-suites, upper upscale hotel brand. Design Option III, which offers a flexible “kit of parts” approach to development, decreases the amount of land needed to develop an Embassy Suites and creates efficiencies for both construction and operational costs.

The 2013 ‘Regional Owners Connection’ keynote speaker, Barry Conchie, delivered remarks geared toward helping owners explore the ways in which strength-based leadership can translate into hotel performance.

“The San Francisco Regional Owners Connection was a superb opportunity for me to connect one-on-one with Hilton Worldwide brand leaders, enabling me to build my relationship with each of the brands,” said Guy Woodbury, vice president of Woodbury Corporation, which owns three Hampton and one Hilton Garden Inn hotels.  “Hearing company updates firsthand from the leaders themselves in an interactive setting allows me to keep a finger on the pulse of where the business going, from learning about new revenue management tools to supporting our business development efforts.  Moreover, it’s not a purely statistical experience.  I leave each ROC with leadership tools that will improve my business.”

“This is my third year attending a ROC and each time my expectations are surpassed,” said Matthew Newton, president of Magnolia Lodging, LLC, of which owns three Homewood Suites and one Home2 Suites hotels.  “Knowing that my attendance is valued and has the potential to impact future business decisions make me proud to part of Hilton Worldwide.”

The 2013 Hilton Worldwide ‘Regional Owners Connection’ roster included stops in Dallas, TX; McLean, VA; Atlanta, GA; Indianapolis, IN; San Francisco, CA and Toronto, Canada.

For more information about Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton or Home2 Suites by Hilton, please visit http://www.embassyfranchise.comhttp://news.hgi.comhttp://news.hampton.comhttp://news.homewoodsuites.com or http://news.home2suites.com.

Contact:
John Walls
Hampton Hotels
+1 901 374 6383
john.walls@hilton.com

Samantha Jacobs
Finn Partners
+1 954 765 3636
Samantha.Jacobs@FinnPartners.com