We’ve been talking a lot about the events that we’ve had the pleasure of attending these past few months, and as you may have guessed we view and value each one as integral methods for us to stay on top of emerging trends and hot issues, reconnect with fellow colleagues in the industry and forge new relationships.
This week, the TRT team headed west to Las Vegas for the BITAC Purchasing & Design West convention at the Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa where we were able to mingle and learn from many of our fellow industry suppliers and decision makers that added up to the sold out crowd of the more than 300 attendees.
One of the things we’ve come to love and expect from BITAC events is the never failing stimulating agenda packed with speakers and panel members, and this year’s West Coast event was certainly no exception. Led with thought provoking interactive sessions throughout, the conference offers invaluable relationship building opportunities through endless opportunities for face to face meetings, an open marketplace and a diverse dining format that kept us on our toes.
We had a chance to catch up with fellow lodging executives and suppliers early in the week and were treated to sessions including panel discussions on everything from some of the world’s largest hotel brands backing renovation efforts to the nightmare scenarios that both buyers and suppliers have been faced with since the recession hit and how new signs of life are starting to make their way back in to the picture slowly, but surely.
Bruce Ford of Lodging Econometrics gave an industry report on the state of the lodging and hospitality industries and where we’re headed and further panel discussions revisited the ever-popular green design element where we saw great progress. Designers have begun looking at new, more innovative ways to address the financial concerns of the owners they are catering to.
BITAC is always a fantastic stage to reconnect with many of our current customers, rekindle past relationships and forge new ones as another year begins to wind down. It was a very successful event for TRT and we look forward to seeing “pens put to paper” with the overflow of great ideas that came from all of the discussions had amongst some of the industry’s finest.