Marion Hughes-Roger

Search and display are key in capturing the customer’s attention, and it’s what ultimately drives their decision to break out the credit card. But the industry can’t seem to agree on what’s best for the brand: investing in new technologies to boost direct bookings or elevating your online presence through meta-search and OTAs. Panelists from Virgin America, Trump Hotels and DayUse.com share strategies for staying at the top of search and how to drive bookings from disrupters.

• Are direct bookings always the most profitable bookings?
• Assessing which platforms are best to invest in for exposure
• Leveraging meta-search and OTAs for exposure, and re-directing to brand website
• Analyzing keywords to be at the top of search, and which keywords are best to bid on
• Showing your brand will give you the best service with direct booking
• Sweetening the deal: what offers that don’t cut into your bottom line to win the direct booking

The industry is experiencing a huge cultural shift when it comes to what travelers want and when they want it. Cue the emergence of the ever-prominent mobile concierge and the question: could this mean the end of the hotel lobby as we know it? Our panelists from biggest names in hospitality will discuss:
• The latest technology in concierge services, check-in and digital key apps
• The impact of mobile on the hospitality industry
• How hotels can get ahead of the curve to leverage their own resources to enhance customer service

How are companies maximizing their revenue? Marion Hughes-Roger is launching DayUse.com in North America and will address:
• Capitalizing on a room twice in one day through day booking
• Overcoming rate droppings
• A glimpse at the future of room bookings and what this means for hoteliers to win the direct booking

Ancillary isn’t just about increasing revenue for a one-time trip. It has the power to heavily influence customer loyalty to your brand. This discussion explores unique opportunities to surprise and delight the traveler.
• Identifying ancillary opportunities to leave a lasting impression on the customer
• Measuring convenience for the traveler
• Extending the memories to build customer loyalty, all while generating incremental profit to the organization

• The use of digital platforms to create a seamless customer experience for on-the-go travelers
• Forecasting: A glimpse into the future of travel
• The newest innovations in hotelier mobile platforms