The 2010 After Conference Report

We are pleased to announce that the second annual Bed and Breakfast Conference for Fun and Profit in the Big Apple was a great success. Innkeepers from across the nation attended this fun, educational event. New York greeted the Lanier Team and innkeepers with warm weather and lots of sunshine. Innkeepers had Saturday evening to explore the Big Apple and see a Broadway Show – Wicked was a favorite!

Sunday was the beginning of our educational sessions. Pamela's key note session on the State of the Industry and Current Trends kicked off the conference followed by Buying and Selling Your Inn with Marie Lanier and Patsy Oertli. Innkeepers learned tips on growing your business and how to create a quality environment for your guests from Stanley Selengut of Maho Bay Camps, Inc. His wealth of knowledge and experience motivated every innkeeper to keep expanding their opportunities while considering the environment.

Sunday evening, Pamela and Marie hosted a Wine and Cheese tasting at Design Within Reach in the Chelsea District. The wines provided by the Bed and Breakfast Collection™ Wine Club were a great hit with the attendees while the studio created a perfect backdrop for a fun event. Great wine and great company, what more can you ask for?

Monday's sessions were packed with useful information. Peggy Mosley, innkeeper and America Hotel and Motel Association board member, informed innkeepers of the need for all inns to be PCI (Payment Card Industry) compliant. Jodie Yorg from Yelp.com was next to give innkeepers a quick tour of the Yelp community, unlock your page and become a member of this positive online community.

Congratulations to the winners of the Bed and Breakfast Collection™ Mattress and Bedding winners at the Creating an Intimate Bedroom Session! Marie and Pamela closed the afternoon's session with a discussion on Marketing your Passion and bringing social networking into your marketing plan.

Dinner on Monday night was at the French Culinary Institute, L'Ecole. Innkeepers had the opportunity to chat with their new friends and make lasting connections within our innkeeping community. A great time was had by all, delicious, gourmet food with a fun crowd.

Tuesday was the chance for all innkeepers to see the 2010 Exhibit Hall. With over 700 vendors available, it was an all day event to be sure to view them all. As Carissa from the Hillbrook Inn said, "It was nice to get access to items that typically we would not see." This was definitely THE conference to attend this fall and we look forward to seeing you at the 3rd annual Bed and Breakfast Conference November 13-15, 2011. See you there!