HEDNA to discuss distribution trends

SINGAPORE – HEDNA, an international association focused on identifying distribution opportunities and providing solutions for the lodging industry and its distribution community, will hold an information conference in Singapore this Thursday, October 18, at the Grand Hyatt.

HEDNA (www.hedna.org) has lined up a series of panels to give delegates an insight into the latest trends. Check the website for further details and registration.

Below is an outline agenda for the meeting.

10:30-11:15

Keynote Address — Craig Hewett, founder and chief marketing officer of Bezurk

The keynote address will discuss the impact that online booking engines have now and will have in the foreseeable future in the ASPAC region. How will consumers adapt to new market entrants and what do we as travel organisations need to prepare to remain cutting edge?

11:30-12:30

Market trends update (set as a duet covering consumers and distribution channels)

In a global marketplace that changes every day, online consumers now have more choices than ever to book travel. While new and evolving choices develop, new trends in consumer booking behaviour follow suit. This session will explore some of specific changes in online booking behaviour and offer insight into how your organisation can best adapt and flourish under these changes.

13:30-14:30

Corporate Travel panel

It is no secret that online booking engines are giving traditional travel agency models a run for their money. Trends indicate that adoption in online booking engines directly affect a travel manager’s bottom line while offering a broader array of options to the traveling executive. What impact do these booking engines have on our travel industry and what do we need to do now in terms of content to most effectively sell under this adapted booking model?

14:30-15:30

GDS Panel

Alas, GDS’s are not dead but are flourishing as a viable part of the travel industry. What do we need to do as travel industry partners to embrace opportunities that the GDS’s have to offer? What is the best means to collaborate towards common goals and objectives? What forums are available to work towards a better tomorrow for both parties?

15:45-16:45

Online Travel Agencies Panel

With growth in travel industry brand-dot-com websites, what role do Online Travel Agencies really play in our business today and protectively going forward? This panel will address the role of OTA’s in today’s changing online business environment and how we as travel industry partners can collaborate in a mutually profitable environment.