Dark chocolate, angel food cake, crepes, lilies, intelligently designed property management systems and really good hug sessions. These are a few of Marie's favorite things! Last year in Vail we learned about "Ahmad's Favorite Things". This was a fun session where Ahmad was able to showcase all of his favorite features and components in SMS|Host. At the 2013 HUG Conference we had so many original sessions from "Industry Trends" to "Mapping the Guest Experience". We introduced new styles of sessions with "Hands On" sessions where you could actually use the system as you were learning your new techniques. We made you think about those operational things that you have always done the same way with "To Catch a Thief". We gave you the tools to do your job with "Tool Kit" sessions and "Cool Tech Tools". It was a great conference filled with lots of information, tips and fun. Did you forget to take notes? Miss a session? Or missed the conference completely? Have no fear...most of last year's session materials are all online at smshug.org/sms-hug-files/
In 2013 we introduced two new session tracks; Hands On and Tool Kits. In case you missed them last year, take the time in 2014 to add them to your session line up:
1) Hands On sessions are a new way to train and learn all right in front of a live system. These sessions are staged in an environment where you can actually try out the material that you are learning since there are PCs with SMS|HOST loaded on them at each table.
2) Tool Kit sessions were intended for the seasoned veteran that has just taken on a new responsibility. Since you already know the system, these tool kits are engineered to give you all that you need to take on your new area of responsibility.
We are constantly looking for creative new ideas for sessions to help us all expand our knowledge of HOST and the industry. Look for new sessions this year at the 2014 HUG conference at Chateau Élan.