More than 250 attendees representing over 70 properties gathered at Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast, Fla., in early November for four days of learning and networking. Distinguished as one of the only users groups within the hospitality technology industry to be run by the users, for the users, HUG provides it’s members with a united forum through which users can share knowledge, create solutions and influence product direction for the SMS|Host property management system from PAR Springer-Miller Systems, Inc.
“The 2009 HUG Conference once again provided a forum which enables our membership to probe deeper into the features and functionality of the SMS|Host system,” remarked Heidi Rumble of Basin Harbor Club and the 2010 Chair of the SMS|Host Users Group. “This year we were particularly gratified by the number of first-time conference attendees. Response to the meeting was very positive. We look forward to serving our users with relevant content throughout the year and conducting an even larger gathering in 2010.”
The conference agenda featured 66 breakout sessions targeted to the different disciplines within a hotel: front desk, reservations, information technology, revenue management, golf/spa/recreation, food and beverage, housekeeping/engineering and accounting. Sessions and discussion groups led by SMS|Host users offer other users the unique opportunity to learn best practices from their peers. PAR Springer-Miller product experts also led in-depth training and industry trend discussion sessions.
President and CEO of PAR Springer-Miller Systems, Larry Hall, laid out the company’s commitment to industry-leading future technology development and dedication to customer satisfaction.
“I can say without question that HUG has many very important qualities,” said Hall. “Most significantly, the users come for a defined purpose: they seek education, to learn from one another, and take back ideas and strategies to their individual properties. The breadth and depth of the well-attended breakout sessions speak directly to this point. They also seek to build and strength relationships with their fellow users and with my colleagues at PAR Springer-Miller. These relationships last a lifetime, and they provide each user and their properties with invaluable channels of communications.”
Members of the SMS|Host Users Group elected three new board members for 2010. Board members are: Heidi Rumble, Basin Harbor Club; Mike Solarczyk, Hammock Beach Resort; Matthew Watkins, Red Mountain Spa; Becky Collins, ARAMARK; Eric Shappy, Woodstock Inn and Resort; Lyle Worthington, Horseshoe Bay Resort; and Gary McCallum, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.
The 2010 HUG Conference will take place at the Resort at Squaw Creek in Lake Tahoe, Calif., from October 31 through November 4, 2009.
The Host Users Group inc. has been formed to assist members in maximizing the utilization of business systems developed and/or provided by PAR Springer-Miller Systems, Inc. The organization serves it's members by providing a united forum through which users can share knowledge, create solutions and influence product direction. For more information on the SMS|Host Users Group visit the web site at www.smshug.org.
PAR Springer-Miller Systems is a leading provider of hospitality management solutions that meet the technology needs of all types of hospitality enterprises including city-center hotels, destination spa and golf properties, timeshare properties and casino resorts worldwide, setting the pace as a pioneer in the hospitality industry. SMS|Host Hospitality Management System is distinguished from other property management systems with its truly integrated design and unique approach to guest service. The SMS|Host product suite, including more than 20 seamlessly integrated, guest-centric application modules, provides hotel/resort staff with the tools they need to personalize service, exceed guest expectations and increase revenue.