Attendees optimistic about favorable outlook for owners and developers - A record of nearly, 400 hoteliers attended the fourth annual International Hotel Conference recently held at the Cavaleri Hilton in Rome, Italy, nearly doubling the record attendance of the previous year. 

Stephen F. Bollenbach, co-chairman and CEO of Hilton Hotels Corporation opened the proceedings noting the rapidly accelerating globalization of the hotel industry.  He provided details about his company's recent acquisition of Hilton International, noting that Hilton Family of Brands flags now fly in more than 80 countries, with aggressive plans to continue expansion through both conversions and new development. 

Roberto E. Wirth, president and general manager of Hassler Roma S.P.A., one of three keynote speakers commented on the strong hotel economy and delighted many of the attendees with the announcement of the formation of the Italian chapter of the Cornell Hotel Society, the University's alumnae association 61^st chapter.

"Not only did we set records in number of attendees, but we also doubled the number of sponsors and exhibitors," said Morris E. Lasky, conference co-chairman and president of Lodging Unlimited, Inc.  "We had a very diversified group from 40 countries this year with content, both in the sessions and in casual "in-the-hall" conversations, focused on deal making, financing and hotel management.  The relaxed atmosphere and setting made networking effortless."

A total of 90 speakers were featured at the International Hotel Conference.  More than 30 think tanks covered a wide range of topics, from the future of destination resort hotels to acquisitions and hotel financing.  Round tables of small groups discussed a variety of subjects, including ground-breaking hotel technology, trend-setting spa development and the outlook for condo hotels.  The Deal Forum which consisted of one-on-one meetings with franchise companies, lenders, consultants, brokers and other key influentials was particularly active.  

"Moving the conference to Rome was extremely well received, and we were welcomed graciously by the people of Rome, including Mariapia Garavaglia, Vice Mayor of Rome," said Mary Lou Koys, co-chairman of The International Hotel Conference.  "The response was so overwhelmingly positive that we will book our next two year's session at the Cavaleri Hilton. 

Some of the key speakers includes:

Peter M. Anscomb, senior vice president and international head of hospitality and leisure, The Royal Bank of Scotland; Russell Kett, managing director, HVS International; and Roland Vos, president Europe, Africa and Middle East, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. 

The International Hotel Conference is the premier annual gathering of senior level hospitality executives, including owners, operators, brands, leading institutions, bankers, architects/designers, attorneys, brokers and other members of the hotel and related communities.

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