Sharon Drechsler-Scott to speak at Canadian Resort Development Association (CRDA) at the end of April, 2011

CRDA's "Resort Development Summit" Breaks Record!

In what can only be seen as a "good news story" for the shared ownership industry, The Canadian Resort Development Association (CRDA) announced today that sponsorship of CRDA's upcoming conference in Vancouver, BC has surpassed ALL of the Association's previous records.

I will be speaking about social media during this year's conference and sense that it will be a great meeting!

According to CRDA's President & CEO, Ross Perlmutter,: "We're both ecstatic and grateful to have been supported by so many good corporate citizens in our industry this year, and I truly believe that this bodes extremely well for the future. Like most other industry events, our Conference sponsorship was down substantially last year, however; this year we've bounced back and shattered our previous, all-time record by at least 10%. In fact, we're still receiving and processing several sponsorship and exhibit enquiries - it's unreal."

Perlmutter credits the increase in sponsorship to both an improvement in the overall health of the industry and a high level of interest in this year's Conference. "While the level our event's sponsorship commitments may (understandably) not mean that much to the average attendee, I definitely see it as 'the canary in the coal mine'. It tells me that our industry's premiere suppliers are once again active and engaged, and that they have a great deal of confidence in our industry's potential for prosperity in both the short and long term. I strongly believe that it's a very clear sign that we've turned the corner, and that we're all poised for a robust growth spurt in the months ahead."

"The good news is not just on the sponsorship side; we're also witnessing extremely strong interest in our Conference from attendees. This year, we've expanded the programming, we've increased out breakout sessions by 25% and our ever-growing roster of speakers is among the best we've ever offered. Our 'Early Bird' registration is far ahead of last year's pace, and by the time it closes this Friday (March 25th), I anticipate that we'll be at least 25% ahead of last year's level. Attendees are telling us that they love the choice of venue and location of this year's event - the Four Seasons Hotel in Vancouver, BC - and all of these factors have contributed to the popularity of (and increased demand for) our unique event. Again, it's all good news!"

 In addition to several information sessions, the conference will feature a dedicated exhibition area and two separate networking receptions. Registration for the conference is now open and, as a special bonus, all "early bird" registrations (received prior to March 25th) will be eligible to win a Carnival Cruise™ for two, valued at over $1,000. Complete details are now available by visiting the conference's dedicated website at www.crdaconference.com.

ARDA Convention beginning next week!

Attending the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) convention in Orlando beginning on March 28, 2011 means having the opportunity to choose from a huge number of educational sessions.

Held at the Orlando World Center Marriott from March 28 through 30, this gathering for the vacation ownership industry attracts more than 3,000 participants from more than 20 countries and offers attendees a myriad of educational, networking and social opportunities. This annual event is the largest timeshare, or vacation ownership, industry-oriented convention in the world.

While I am moderating a session on Social Media, myself, (“Social Media Best Practices” on Wednesday March 30, 2011 from 3:15pm – 4:30pm), I'm planning to attend some other promising ones, too. One of these will be  "The Best Business Technology Solutions - Learn from the Masters," on March 29, from 9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. My client, Matt Brosious, will be joined by several other key IT executives to discuss the many choices available in technology today that enable those involved in the business to understand their customers’ work models more effectively and how to perform more profitably.

There are dozens of educational sessions being presented, plus networking events and parties. If you haven't registered yet, there's still time. Visit ARDA.org for more information. I hope to see you there!

ARDA's Breakfast of Champions -- a not-to-be-missed event!

The Thursday Breakfast of Champions is an important session. Perhaps it's not vital from a networking point of view, but for those of us in the business who wish to make our companies the very best they can be -- this session is vital.

Here is ARDA's write-up on “Life Lessons” -- the Thursday morning Breakfast of Champions event:

"Join timeshare industry professionals at the Breakfast of Champions and stay to hear keynote speaker, Lieutenant Colonel Greg Gadson, share his inspiring story of courage in the face of adversity and the importance of teamwork in overcoming life’s obstacles. Lt. Col. Gadson is uniquely qualified to share these life lessons, as he credits them to his very survival.

"Immediately following the Breakfast of Champions, WIN is sponsoring a panel of professionals, who will share their stories of how they have moved beyond diversity and become actively engaged in inclusion efforts in both their professional and personal lives.

"ARDA is offering both the Breakfast of Champions and the “Moving Beyond Diversity” discussion as an exclusive specially priced package for WIN members only. Without paying the overall ARDA Convention registration fee, WIN members may purchase this package for just $55.

"To register, complete this form and return with payment to Adrienne Riley via fax at (202) 289-8544."

WIN hosting wine-tasting event during ARDA Convention

Once again Women in the Industry (WIN) will host its annual wine-tasting event, "Shop to the Last Drop," during the ARDA Convention being held March 27-30, 2011. This year’s fete will take place in the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort on Tuesday, March 29, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. It's fun that’s for a good cause. During the event WIN will conduct the Next Time Around Boutique and a silent art auction. All proceeds from both events will go to support WIN's charities of choice: Girls, Inc.; Foundation for Foster Children and Christel House.

Women in the Industry (WIN) was formed several years ago as a grassroots, volunteer, non-profit organization providing leadership, mentoring, philanthropic and educational opportunities to women and those who support women in the vacation ownership industry. The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) recently took over its operation and has sent an invitation to all ARDA Convention attendees to join in for a fun evening of wine tasting, networking and shopping. Make no mistake: This is not just for ladies; gentlemen are welcome, too.

Howard Nusbaum, president and CEO of ARDA was a strong advocate for bringing WIN in under the umbrella of the wider association. “WIN’s direction is clearly in alignment with ARDA, especially with our mutual commitment to embrace the diversity within our industry, develop leadership and contribute to charitable platforms,” he said. One of the first changes expected to take place under the reorganization is the institution of a new ARDA Philanthropy Council with WIN Co-President Cathy Backus as chair. Backus and WIN’s other co-president, Lani Kane-Hanan, provided leadership to help organize the first WIN wine tasting event for charity in 2008.

Photo: Cathy Backus (l.) with Social Media Servicing CEO Sharon Drechsler.

WIN is collecting new or gently used handbags, scarves, costume jewelry and accessories to be auctioned off during the event while attendees enjoy sampling various wines. To donate items, contact Pamela Gould at Pamela.gould@islandone.com; Ellen Devine at ellen.devine@bluegreencorp.com or Darla Zanini at dzanini@arda.org. ARDA attendees may bring items for donation with them to the convention, where they may left at the ARDA Staff Office. The office opens at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 27.

Exclusive interview with Marriott executive reveals glimpse of future for MVCI

Today, in an exclusive interview with Marriott Vacation Club International (MVCI)’s Vice President-Public Relations Ed Kinney, I was told the company’s executive committee had been considering dividing its two primary businesses – its hotel management/franchise and the vacation ownership/timeshare models – as early as the third quarter of 2010.  Both entities, Marriott International and MVCI, will be publicly-traded companies.

As contributing editor for Resort Trades (www.ResortTrades.com), I will be reporting on what the leadership and direction of the new entity will look like. Kinney revealed to me some new information about the spin-off, including divulging that Bill Marriott’s daughter and oldest child, Deborah Marriott Harrison, will serve on its board of directors.

The company’s new name has yet to be determined, Kinney told me. But it will have the tag ‘Marriott’ on it – for sure. Kinney explained to me how the prior entity was like mixing apples and oranges for Wall Street rating agencies and investors. “It’s like going to buy a fleet of cars and finding you are getting motorcycles, too,” he quipped.

The idea of splitting into separate companies is not a new one for Marriott. Marriott Corporation split into Marriott International, Inc. to handle management and franchising; and Host Marriott Corporation for the real estate side in 1993.

Kinney revealed that Bill Shaw who recently announced his retirement as co-chairman of Marriott International will assume the position of chairman for the timeshare company. MVCI’s current president, Steve Weisz, like Shaw, has been with Marriott 37 years and will be promoted to the position of chief executive officer for the spin-off. John Geller will continue to serve as senior vice president and chief financial officer for the timeshare company. Kinney said that the executive leadership will remain in place.

Watch for details from this exclusive interview in my article, “Marriott’s vacation ownership to fly solo,” in the April edition of Resort Trades.