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High Point Market Authority Announces Fall Market Buyer Registration Totals
Despite a six percent decrease in validated buyer registration, the High Point Market Authority has reported that more than 8,800 buyers registered for the first time and more than 2,000 buyers returned to Market following at least a one year absence. Of the more than 44,600 buyers, some 1,600 international buyers registered as did nearly 15,000 interior designers, more than 3,000 of whom were new to the High Point Market.
Hotel Industry Reports Positive Guest Experience Despite Budget Cuts
Despite economic pressures to reduce staff and services, hotel customer satisfaction for the third quarter remained flat (-0.1), maintaining near record levels for the industry according to the most recent results of the Market Metrix Hospitality Index(TM) (MMHI). Contrary to severe budget cuts and steep declines in satisfaction following the terrorist attacks of 9/11, hotel satisfaction has been nearly immune from the current financial crisis. Hotels have been able to maintain service and reduce expenses without impacting the guest experience.
In the third quarter, economy, timeshare and casino segments showed the most improvement. Economy brands showing the biggest gains include Budget Host (+4.2), America's Best Inns & Suites (+1.5), and Jameson Inns (+1.4). Timeshare brands continue to get rave customer reviews and have outscored all other hotel segments, including luxury hotels, since the first quarter of 2007. Disney Vacation Club extends its dominance in the segment with Marriott Vacation Club showing the most improvement (+1). Casinos were up slightly (+.2 to 83.1) with Borgata taking top honors and showing the most improvement (+2.5 to 88.9).
The top hotel brand score went to Sandals Resorts, a collection of twelve 'all-inclusive' resorts in the Caribbean. The Market Metric Hospitality Index 2008 Third Quarter Winners also include:
Hotels
- Pan Pacific Hotels & Resorts, 92.8 score, luxury segment.
- Riu Hotels, 91 score, upper upscale segment.
- Sandals, 93.1 score, upscale segment.
- Red Lions Hotels, 82.6 score, midscale with F&B segment.
- Drury Inns, 91.7 score, Midscale without F&B segment.
- Jameson Inns, 87 score, economy segment.
Casinos
- Wynn Las Vegas, 92.1 score, upscale casino segment.
- Borgata, 88.9 score, casino segment.
Websites
- Walt Disney World Resorts, 88.3 score, hotel brand travel website segment.
- Hotwire.com, 79.4 score, hotel travel website segment.
IH/M&RS Honors Design Excellence
During the 93rd Annual International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show (IH/M&RS), held November 8-11 at New York City’s Javits Convention Center, creators of cutting-edge designs and services for the hospitality and food service industry were honored. The Editor’s Choice Awards honored 10 companies based on innovative product design, how a product answers a particular industry need, creative use of material or construction, and development or use of a new technology. Click here for a list of Editor’s Choice winners.
Meanwhile, the Gold Key Awards For Excellence In Hospitality Design were presented to seven design firms for their innovative design concepts implemented in hospitality properties built or renovated within the past 18 months. Interior designer Roger Thomas was also honored as Designer Of The Year. Click here for a list of Gold Key winners.
WMC Names McKay Senior Vice President
Las Vegas’ World Market Center (WMC) has named Phillip McKay Senior Vice President. In the newly created position, McKay will be responsible for leasing to gift, lighting, rugs and decorative accessories segments as well as launching new product line categories. Additionally, McKay will oversee the development of existing and future trade show events.
Prior to joining WMC, McKay served as President and CEO of PPM Media, a trade show production company he founded. He also held senior-level executive positions for trade show companies, including Gartner Vision Events, Penton Media and Key3Media.
One Of A Kind Show Special Event Schedule, The Artist Project Exhibitors Announced
The 8th Annual One Of A Kind Show and Sale at Chicago’s Merchandise Mart, December 4-7, has announced its special events and presentations. While discovering unique designs in The Fine Art Gallery, The Fashion District, The Gourmet Gallery, Wine Tasting and Emerging Artist sections, buyers can take advantage of these trend and fashion shows, and artist demonstrations. Click here for a complete list of events.
This year’s One Of A Kind Show will be held concurrently with The Artist Project, an exhibition and sale of contemporary art from independent artists. The third edition of The Artist Project will feature original work from a juried selection of artists working in 2D, mixed media, photography and sculpture. The show will be complemented with special programming including curated exhibitions, special installations, live music and VIP events. Click here for a complete lists of exhibitors.
Jordan Spencer Opens Showroom In Las Vegas Design Center
Phoenix-based Jordan Spencer has opened a new, multi-line showroom in World Market Center’s Las Vegas Design Center. Jordan Spencer carries established brands, including Lorts Manufacturing, Artitalia, Pearson Company, Lee Industries, Currey & Co., Casa Fiora, Jonathan Charles, Wildwood and more. The Jordan Spencer showroom is located in Building C, #C-376; in 2009 Jordan Spencer will open its new 18,000-square-foot showroom in space #C-412.
CBK Offers Consumer Drop Ship For Retailers
Home décor, gift and accessories manufacturer CBK has launched CBKwik Ship, a consumer drop ship program. CBKwik Ship will allow CBK’s retail partners to sell CBK merchandise online without keeping the item in stock. Retailers can forward order information to CBK, which will process the order and ship the package directly to the consumer within four business days.
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