HHM runs a diverse profile of widespread properties, including independent boutiques plus brands such as Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton, Starwood, Intercontinental Hotels, Choice, Wyndham and Carlson. Starting out in the 1980s in the select-service business, HHM has steadily scaled the organization to include 20 hotels in a full-service division as well. Despite this diversity, HHM prides itself on maintaining open lines of communication between properties and brands in order to allow owners to choose the solutions and strategies that make the most sense for their unique needs, while investing capital dollars intelligently across its network. In addition to guest feedback, three other areas drive HHM’s IT effort: identifying must-have technology, investing in multi-purpose when possible, and ensuring rock-solid execution.
Technology is changing the overall event management experience making events more productive and fun. This article touches on things like advances in event organizing software, real-time feedback for speakers and data collection of attendees that can lead to personalizing activities throughout the event. I think most professional public speakers would say they already get real-time feedback from their audiences; no technology required. But for more novice speakers, that type of feedback would not only improve their session, but also help them hone their speaking and delivery skills more quickly allowing them to become better speakers faster. Personalizing an event to each attendee sounds pretty cool. Read the section about using the data collected during the registration process. It's interesting to think the data could be cross-referenced to bring delegates together for networking opportunities. Making important business contacts is a key reason people attend events.
