The Leading Hotels of the World Hosts 2008 Annual Convention (United States)
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The Leading Hotels of the World Hosts 2008 Annual Convention (United States)
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Category: North America & West Indies / Carribean islands - United States - Industry economy -
Trends / Expert's advice
This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on 2008-12-08
Top Hoteliers and other Luminaries from Around the World Convene in Boston
The Leading Hotels of the World recently held its 2008 Annual Convention in Boston, Massachusetts. Taking place at the Taj Boston, The Langham, Boston, and the Liberty Hotel from November 13 to 15, the conference attracted a record number of proprietors and general managers from member hotels across the globe.
The theme for this year's event was Leadership in Luxury: The Authenticity of Leading Hospitality, and it opened with Leading Hotels chairman Jean-Jacques Gauer recounting the organization's many positive milestone initiatives for 2008. As in years past, the program included a broad spectrum of high-profile speakers, among them Robert Frank, senior writer at The Wall Street Journal and author of Richistan: A Journey through the American Wealth Boom and the Lives of the New Rich; Jonathan Dahl, editor-in-chief of SmartMoney; and Paul Theroux, celebrated American travel writer and author of the recently released Ghost Train to the Eastern Star: On the Tracks of the Great Railway Bazaar. In light of the current international economic landscape, each of their messages focused on the moods, needs and expectations of today's affluent traveler.
In addition to giving an insightful talk on "The Making of a Successful Restaurant," Financial Times' restaurant correspondent and noted food critic, Nicholas Lander moderated a panel consisting of Boston's leading chefs/restaurateurs including, Jody Adams (Rialto), Ken Oringer (Clio), Lydia Shire (Scampo), and Jasper White (Summer Shack). Injecting a stroke of celebrity, editor-in-chief of Departures, Richard David Story conducted an intimate one-on-one interview with legendary fashion designer, tastemaker and hotelier Oscar de la Renta.
A particular highlight of the Convention, which came early on, was the introduction of the company's new president and chief executive officer, Ted Teng, who was appointed in September. Mr. Teng reiterated a dedication to remaining true to the essence of the Leading brand, doing for the member hotels what they cannot do for themselves, and preserving the tradition of upholding quality standards. Underscoring the authenticity theme, he said that he would continue to make it feasible for the hotels in the Leading collection to run independently so that they can provide their guests with unique experiences without trying to imitate what the chain hotels are doing.
Interspersed throughout the meetings, top management of The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. provided reports on the company's accomplishments for 2008, as well as updates on the outlook for the coming year. Other industry experts such as Jan Freitag of Smith Travel Research, Charles MacPherson of Charles MacPherson Associates, Inc., Lenny Nash of Market Metrix and Trent Walsh of Leading Quality Assurance presented findings, recent data and discussed prospects for the luxury hospitality industry for the future.
Among the distinguished hoteliers in attendance were Elisabeth Gurtler, proprietor of Hotel Sacher Wien; Grace Leo, president and chief executive officer of G.L.A. Hotels; Omer Acar, general manager of Ritz Paris; Gordon Campbell Gray, owner of Campbell Gray Hotels; Frank and Haydee Rainieri, proprietors of Tortuga Bay in the Dominican Republic; Peter Lederer, chairman of Scotland's Gleneagles Hotel; and Frank Marrenbach, managing director of Brenner's Park-Hotel & Spa in Baden-Baden.
Social events included an opening reception at the Liberty Hotel and dazzling, nightly rooftop parties at the Taj Boston. The 2008 Convention brought the activities of the 80th anniversary of The Leading Hotels of the World to a close, concluding at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum with a black-tie gala which served as the official celebration for outgoing president Paul M. McManus.
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