Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) will host its 14th International Conference in New York City next month, providing luxury hoteliers from around the globe with a forum for education, inspiration and an opportunity to network. More than 250 delegates, representing 200 independent luxury hotels from 45 countries will gather for the three-day event which will give hoteliers the opportunity to gain vital knowledge and techniques that when applied successfully will increase business to their hotels and to the SLH brand as a whole.

The Conference, which will take place between 19th and 21st April, will be led by Paul Kerr and Brian Mills, Joint Managing Directors of SLH. During his keynote address Mr. Kerr will focus, among other things, on the recent repositioning of the SLH brand and the greater emphasis that it is placing on Experiential Marketing.

“We firmly believe that the future of the luxury hotel market is in creating unique and memorable experiences,” commented Mr. Kerr. “With an average size of just 55 rooms, in some of the most stunning locations around the world, SLH hotels are perfectly positioned to do just this,” he added.

Aptly themed “Experience Another World,” a key component of the Conference will be a series of four interactive workshops that will focus on the art of “selling dreams.” The three-day conference will also feature an extensive business programme, including keynote addresses by industry specialists who will provide an insight into the luxury traveller and how their changing travel habits are creating a greater demand for experiences. Mr.Edward F. Nesta, President of the Luxury Experience Company, will discuss the topic of developing experiential based solutions in order to achieve greater market share and top of mind presence. Lawrence Leyton, one of the UK’s leading motivational speakers and recognised experts in the psychology of peak performance training, will talk about effective ways of getting staff members to act as effective marketing agents to promote unique hotel experiences and messaging.

A new initiative for this year’s Conference is the Travel Agent Awards, which will take place on 19th April at a Travel Agents’ Extravaganza. The event, which will be attended by more than 300 top travel agents, is intended to recognise the travel agent community for its excellence. SLH has created three distinct award categories with spectacular prizes ranging from a dinner party for 12 hosted in the comfort of your own home by one of SLH’s well known chefs, to a six night Luxury Experience in London and Paris inclusive of flights and accommodation.

SLH hoteliers will also be honoured at an Awards Ceremony during the Conference. With six distinct categories ranging from “Best Experiential Photo” to the much coveted “Hotel of the Year” award, hoteliers will have the opportunity to win some spectacular prizes, including a free photo shoot and complimentary SLH membership for a year.