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Third Annual HELP Conference attracts record crowd

More than 60 senior officials from ownership groups, brands, equity groups, REITS, lenders and others weighed in on a number of issues.

BOSTON – A record 400 attendees at the third annual Hotel Equity Lending and Perspectives (HELP) Conference held at the Seaport Boston Hotel were in an upbeat mood, expressing optimism about a positive industry outlook for as far out as 2020, with the vast majority weighing in for continued growth through at least 2016. The continued success of the event prompted organizers to announce the dates for the fourth annual event, which will be held at the same location April 6/7, 2015.
 
For the third straight year, attendees have become increasing optimistic about the hotel industry outlook,” said Ken Wilson, CHM, and HELP Conference co-founder. “Much of the conference focused on potential disrupters that could impact the industry, from continued sluggish economic growth to rising interest rates. However, the overall consensus was that the industry was in the sweet spot, with a continued uptick likely well into the foreseeable future.”
 
More than 60 senior officials from ownership groups, brands, equity groups, REITS, lenders and others weighed in on a number of issues:
 
–  Outlook—The outlook was quite upbeat both from comments made by panelists and attendees. PKF’s Mark Woodworth was the most optimistic consultant, opining that the current cycle could run as far as 2017, barring a major event.
 
– Bottom-line erosion—Lee Pillsbury, co-chairman and CEO of Thayer Lodging group, laid out  compelling logic on how hotel bottom lines continue to be eroded by Internet-based technology that feeds on the industry’s inefficiencies and lack of collaboration on the reservation booking process and pricing. 
 
– Brands—Brands remain relevant, but a number of issues were raised, including the impact of nearby development, brand proliferation and the ability to stand apart in guests’ minds, and how to attract millennials.
 
– Supply/Demand—Generally speaking, oversupply was not a concern of most of the panelists. PKF’s Woodworth did not expect supply to be an issue until at last 2017. Anne Lloyd-Jones, managing director of HVS, added a cautionary note, pointing out that supply came back faster than anyone imagined in the last two cycles.
 
– Cap Rates—Four of the industry’s largest private investors said that cap rates have remained relatively stable with no changes on the horizon at this time. They believed that values will remain strong until cap rates start to increase noticeably, signaling that a downturn will soon likely follow.  
 
– OTAs—Several speakers continued to express concerns about OTA pricing, but the owners’ panel generally dismissed those concerns. Northwood Hospitality President David McCaslin summed it up with his view that OTAS simply are another distribution channel. 
 
The HELP Conference is a one-of-its-kind investment conference focused on the hotel industry. Platinum sponsors for the 2014 event included Group One Partners, Inc., Hilton Worldwide and the Roedel Companies. In addition to a series of highly informative, educational sessions, the HELP Conference hosts a unique “Dine Around” event where participants are paired with targeted peers for personal meals at one of a number of upscale, local eateries, as well as Late Night @ HELP and the “Circle the Wagons” networking event.
 

Photo caption : Lee Pillsbury, co-chairman and CEO of Thayer Lodging group

 
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Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.

She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.

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