www.ahla.ca

APRIL 16-18 The Banff Centre

95th Annual Convention & Trade Show

THURSDAY, APRIL 16u 2:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.DELEGATE REGISTRATION

u 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. TOWN HALL: TOURISM WORKS

Through Alberta’s Tourism Framework: 2013 - 2020, the Government of Alberta has set an ambitious target of growing Alberta’s tourism industry by 32% - to $10.3 billion – by 2020. Access to a motivated, educated/trained, skilled and professional tourism labour force will be critical to achieving this goal.

The AHLA is taking a long-term approach to developing a sustainable workforce for the accommodation industry. Join us at this town hall meeting to discuss what government, post-secondary institutions, and your association are doing to address our members’ greatest challenge, and how you can take advantage.

u 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.mALBERTA HOTEL & LODGING ASSOCIATION AGM

All members are encouraged to attend the AHLA’s Annual General Meeting to learn more about how your association is working to serve you. Hear a full report of the AHLA’s 2014 activities and learn about what we are doing to serve our members better.

* Membership dues must be paid in full to attend.

u 5:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.ALBERTA HOSPITALITY SAFETY ASSOCIATION AGM

All members are encouraged to attend the AHSA’s Annual General Meeting to learn how your association is working for you. Members will receive a full report on the AHSA’s 2014 activities and get an update on future initiatives. Elections for AHSA’s 2015 – 2016 Board of Directors will also take place.

u 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. OPENING RECEPTION & TRADE SHOWSponsored by The Banff Centre

The AHLA’s trade show attracts a wide range of exhibitors with the products and services that you need. Get practical solutions for the challenges you face today and ideas to plan for the future, all while enjoying inspiring food and entertainment from the amazing artists and staff at The Banff Centre.

All over our province, in hotels, motels, inns and resorts, Tourism Works, every day.

The theme of this year’s convention underscores the important role our industry

plays in diversifying Alberta’s economy. This year, convention delegates will:

u Surround yourself with like-minded industry professionals who share similar drive and ambition.

u See new products and meet new suppliers, reconnect with trusted vendors, and find out the latest information on the services your property uses.

u Get practical solutions for the staffing and human resource challenges you face today and ideas to plan for the future.

u Enjoy discussions relevant to hospitality & tourism that will expand your knowledge and allow you to view issues from a different perspective.

u Be inspired, get creative, and increase your motivation in the unique learning environment of the globally renowned Banff Centre.

u Find out more about how our industry is working together to counter the impact of Online Travel Agencies on customer relationships and the bottom line.

Because of you, Tourism Works!

APRIL 16-18 The Banff Centre

95th Annual Convention & Trade Show

Follow the AHLA’s 2015 Convention & Trade Show:

@ABHotelAssoc Facebook.com/Alberta.Hotel.Lodging.Association

@TourismWorks Facebook.com/TourismWorks

#ahla2015

u 7:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.DELEGATE REGISTRATION

u 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.OPENING BREAKFASTSponsored by Connect Logistics Services

KEYNOTE ADDRESS – SCOTT STRATTENUnSelling: The New Customer ExperienceSponsored by Western Financial Group Insurance Solutions

UnSelling is about everything but the sell. We put all of our focus on the individual purchase transaction, while putting the rest of our business actions second. We’ve become blind to customer service, support, branding, experiences and even product quality. 60% of a purchasing decision is made before a customer even contacts you. We have funnel vision, and it needs to stop.

UnSelling is about creating repeat customers, not one-time buyers. Create loyal guests that refer others, not faceless numbers. Become the go-to company for something, before they even need you.

Scott Stratten was named one of the Top Five Social Media Influencers in the World on Forbes.com. He has written four bestselling business books including his latest, UnSelling: The New Customer Experience.

u 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.TRADE SHOW & LUNCHEONGrand Prize sponsored by Fusion Woodworks

Don’t miss this chance to find out about all of the newest industry products & services on the market! Passport prize draws start at 12:30 p.m. sharp.

BUSINESS SESSIONS

u 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.Check In Canada: A Progress ReportSponsored by Check In Canada

It’s been a year since the launch of the Alberta pilot for Check In Canada. Join AHLA President & CEO Dave Kaiser for an update on Check In Canada, the AHLA’s most ambitious project to date.

u 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.VLT Performance - Then & NowSponsored by the Alberta Gaming & Liquor Commission

Join the AGLC for a look at VLT performance since the replacement and modernization in 2012 - 2013, and a discussion on the insights and learnings that have resulted.

u 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.Train the Workers You Need, Keep the Workers You Have

Increased productivity, morale and customer satisfaction are just a few of the benefits of training your staff. The Canada-Alberta Job Grant will cover a minimum of 1/3 of employers’ direct training costs, with up to a maximum of $10,000 in government contributions. The AHLA’s Karen Harrison will show you how to take advantage of the Canada - Alberta Job Grant for your training needs.

u 3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.Hotel Association of Canada’s Travel Intentions Survey

Join Hotel Association of Canada President Tony Pollard for a look at potential business volumes for 2015, what opportunities and challenges you can expect, and some conclusions on how to book more business at your property.

u 3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.Welcome to Alberta: Preparing for the Chinese TravellerSponsored by Travel Alberta

China has rapidly emerged as a global leader in travel, surpassing the United States as the world’s largest outbound travel market. Rising incomes, currency appreciation, stable economic growth,

expanding air access, and relaxed visa restrictions are all creating a substantial boom in Chinese outbound travel, with opportunities for Canada and Alberta. During this session, Travel Alberta will share the latest trends and market potential, the initiatives Travel Alberta is undertaking in China to seize emerging opportunities, and how Alberta hotels can differentiate themselves in this competitive environment.

u 3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.Network and Bandwidth Capacity Trends and the Benefits of FibreSponsored by Shaw Business

Guests are arriving at your property with multiple devices, consuming tremendous amounts of bandwidth. This session will forecast current and future Internet bandwidth requirements for hotels, and discuss the benefits of a fibre delivered network.

u 4:30 p.m. HOUSEKEEPING AWARD PRESENTATIONSSponsored by Travel Alberta

Hotels, motels, inns and resorts that have achieved the 2015 Housekeeping Award will receive their award at this presentation ceremony in advance of the Housekeeping Awards Gala.

u 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.STAR QUALITY COCKTAIL RECEPTIONSponsored by Star Quality

u 7:00 p.m.HOUSEKEEPING AWARDS GALA Sponsored by Travel Alberta

Join your industry colleagues to celebrate the hard working ladies and gentlemen who deliver the highest level of cleanliness to visitors. Front line staff from all over Alberta will come together to honour the hard work and attention to detail that goes into achieving the coveted Housekeeping Award at this legendary industry event.

Gift bags and grand prize sponsored by SERTA.

FRIDAY, APRIL 17

Register online at www.ahla.ca

THIS EVENT MADE POSSIBLE

BY OUR SPONSORSu 7:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.DELEGATE REGISTRATION

u 7:30 a.m.SUNSHINE BREAKFAST Sponsored by the Alberta Hospitality Safety Association

Start your day with a champagne breakfast to celebrate the rebranding of the Alberta Hotel Safety Association to the Alberta Hospitality Safety Association! Help us recognize the accomplishments of lodging industry Certificate of Recognition holders, and find out how your property may be eligible for a new Hospitality Safety Leadership Certificate.* Program begins at 8:00 a.m.

BUSINESS SESSIONSu 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.Alberta Accommodation OutlookSponsored by Alberta Culture and Tourism, Business Development and Investment Attraction Branch

This conference staple will give owners and general managers a comprehensive outlook on Alberta’s accommodation industry. PKF will share key information about the state of Alberta’s lodging sector, recognizing current existing economic and market conditions, and projected supply and demand. This session covers the information you need if you are in charge of marketing, product development or financing for hotels and fixed-roof accommodation in 2015.

u 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.Uncovering the Criminal Element

How can you prevent criminals from using your hotel as their place of business? Constable Wayne Birks of the Calgary Police Service is back this year to show you and your staff the signs of criminal activity, what to watch for, and how to make your hotel the kind of place criminals avoid.

u 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.Revenue Management – The BasicsSponsored by IDeaS

We all know the basic Revenue Management (RM) premise of selling the right product, to the right customer, at the right time, at the right price. But what does that really mean? In this session attendees will learn about the fundamental building blocks of sound RM. We will explore topics such as market segmentation, forecasting, and pricing. Attendees will leave with useful take-aways on implementing new RM practices and improving existing RM practices.

u 10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.Attracting and Retaining Aboriginal Workers

Tired of paying fees and trying to access foreign workers? Interested in tapping into Alberta’s fastest growing population? With the support of Alberta Aboriginal Relations, this session will be a safe and unbiased opportunity to answer your questions, dispel myths and provide useful resources for attracting and retaining Aboriginal people at your property.

u 10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.Emergency Evacuation – Do You Know What to Do?Sponsored by the Alberta Hospitality Safety Association

Would your staff know what to do if there was an emergency at or near your property? Fires, floods and train derailments can happen anywhere. Large or small, every hotel needs to have an Emergency Response Plan. This session will cover what your ERP should include, and how to keep your staff and guests safe if an emergency occurs.

u 10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.Revenue Management – Advanced Concepts & Best PracticesSponsored by IDeaS

You’ve mastered the basics of Revenue Management. If you want to build on the fundamentals and move to the next level of success, this session will share principles and practices that will lead to a revenue breakthrough. Delegates will explore competitive set analysis, reputation/social influenced pricing, group management, cost of sale, and integrated marketing

u 11:30 a.m. GOLD KEY AWARD RECIPIENTS’ CHECK-IN

Gold Key recipients are asked to check in prior to attending the Gold Key Awards Luncheon.

u 12:00 p.m.GOLD KEY AWARDS LUNCHEON

Join your peers in celebrating the spectacular employees who are committed to making Alberta’s tourism & hospitality industry the best that it can be! The AHLA’s Gold Key Award recognizes long term front line staff and supervisors from hotels and motels across Alberta. The dedication and enthusiasm of individuals from both front and back of house assures guest satisfaction and inspires their colleagues.

u 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.MAKE TOURISM WORK: EMPLOY PASSION & PURPOSE

In a global study, HR consulting firm Towers Watson found a direct relationship between employee engagement and the company’s performance. Those with high levels of employee engagement had a 19% increase in income. Those with low levels had a drop in income of more than 32%.

The reason companies with high levels of employee engagement enjoy superior financial performance is that they treat their employees in ways that bring out their best at work. Dr. Jim Czegledi will explore what difference this can make at your hotel, and what you can do to make this happen. The end result will be higher levels of productivity and performance throughout your property.

u 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.Employer of Choice Award Presentations

Hotels and motels that have achieved the Employer of Choice Award will receive their award at a ceremony prior to the evening gala.

u 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.CHAIRMAN’S RECEPTION u 7:00 p.m.CHAIRMAN’S DINNER AND EMPLOYER OF CHOICE CELEBRATIONSponsored by ENMAX Energy

Join Steven Watters, Chair of the AHLA’s Board of Directors, for a magical evening of dinner and entertainment. The evening will include a celebration of properties who have earned the 2015 Employer of Choice designation as well as the AHLA’s Award of Distinction.

* Program subject to change

SATURDAY, APRIL 18

Register online at www.ahla.ca