Vacation Ownership Investment Conference
 

 

2009 Conference Schedule

   
Download the complete conference agenda
 

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2009

Golf Networking Event
12:00 p.m.

          

Shingle Creek Golf Club
Kick off the conference with a challenging game of golf at the Shingle Creek Golf Club, designed by the renowned David Harman. This valuable networking event, which includes lunch and 18 holes of golf, gives attendees a chance to meet experts currently involved in the vacation ownership industry in a relaxed and beautiful setting.
Cost: $150

   

Conference Registration
2:00 – 6:00 p.m.

 
   

Shared Ownership: The Fundamentals
3:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Learn the basics of shared ownership and what distinguishes each segment – traditional timesharing, fractional resorts, and private residence clubs – as well as strategies to profitability, effective sales and marketing techniques, resort finance, and more. A case study perspective of a successful resort will help participants gain an understanding of the overall economics and mechanics of shared ownership and why it has long been one of the fastest-growing sectors of the hospitality industry. 

   

Welcome Reception
6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Take the opportunity to meet fellow delegates, set meetings, and expand your network of contacts at this well-attended event

 

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2009

Conference Registration
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

 
   

Continental Breakfast
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.

 
   

Conference Opening:
Insights And Opportunities

9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

 

Experts present timely research and commentary on the state of the US shared ownership and lodging industries to create an in-depth picture of how the hospitality industry is performing, to identify potential new consumers, and to predict what future trends will drive growth and development.

   

Capital Markets: Accessing Funds in Today’s Environment
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Hear first-hand the lenders’ and developers’ perspectives on the capital challenges facing today’s industry and their projections on future trends. Discover the critical components needed to prepare a project for lender review and learn what to anticipate and how to fulfill these requirements.

   

Networking Exhibitor Break
11:00 – 11:30 a.m.

 
   

Timeshare Marketing And Sales In The “New Normal” (Concurrent Session)
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Marketing and sales is one of the most challenging aspects of a successful timeshare project.  Learn about innovative marketing and sales techniques for the “new normal” that produce results and minimize costs in a changed environment.

   

Legal Structures For Today’s Product (Concurrent Session)
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Investing or developing in the vacation ownership industry requires knowledge of applicable regulations affecting resort conversions, traditional timeshare, fractionals, and private residence clubs.  Learn about legal issues, consumer protection, site regulations, marketing programs, selling in multiple jurisdictions, and more.

   

Conference Luncheon:
Featuring Keynote Speaker:
Peter C. Yesawich, Ph.D.

12:30 – 2:30 p.m.

What’s next for leisure real estate? Peter C. Yesawich, Ph.D., a widely quoted marketing strategist and trend-spotter, shares highlights from the Future Timeshare Buyers: Market Profile 2009, developed from the Ypartnership/Yankelovich Inc. National Travel Monitor, a survey of the travel habits, preferences, and intentions of Americans.

   

The Caribbean: Land Of Opportunity (Concurrent Session)
2:40 – 3:40 p.m.

Considered one of the top vacation destinations in the world, the tourist-friendly Caribbean is easily accessible from the United States. Cruise lines have elevated the area’s profile among those who may be considering a vacation home. Measure the Caribbean’s potential and see what opportunities may await.

   

Value Engineering Strategies In The New World (Concurrent Session)
2:40 – 3:40 p.m.

Creating an attractive and viable resort while leveraging a project’s assets for maximum cost effectiveness is a delicate balancing act. Learn how properties are designed, built, landscaped, and maintained, to provide optimum guest satisfaction within the present cost constraints.

   

Networking Exhibitor Break
3:40 – 4:00 p.m.

 
   

Advantages Of Real Estate Conversion In Today’s Market
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

In a challenging environment, shared ownership has a clear advantage.  Hear from a panel of experts why it is a potential alternative for underperforming whole ownership, leisure real estate, and rental projects.  Learn how to deal with the legal aspects of restructuring, the lender’s role in the conversion process, and how to adapt marketing, sales, and operations infrastructure.

   

Networking Reception
5:00 – 6:00 p.m.

 
   

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2009

Conference Registration
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

 
   

Continental Breakfast
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.

 
   

Navigating Through The Downturn
9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Leisure real estate professionals should take actions during the current downturn to position their companies for future growth, such as developing effective cost-cutting strategies, leveraging existing assets, adapting sales and marketing models, and focusing on alternate programs.

   

Meet the Leaders
10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Learn from established players in the industry, who have prevailed through both boom and bust.  Come away with new ideas and a greater perspective as shared ownership leaders discuss the industry and give their expert opinions on current economic issues, trends in development, and the future.

   

Networking Exhibitor Break
11:00 – 11:30 a.m.

 
   

New Horizons In Mexico And Central America (Concurrent Session)
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Shared ownership is a thriving industry in these global hot spots, where eco-tourism is quickly becoming a major draw. Discover why these markets are positioned for growth, the products being developed, and who’s buying. Hear from a panel of experts as they discuss the unique advantages and potential pitfalls of developing in Mexico and Central America.

   

Challenges And Opportunities in Regional Development
(Concurrent Session)
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Beach destinations, gaming markets, ski slopes … popular vacation destinations vary dramatically in their allure, and in the buyers they attract.  This insightful session will discuss the many considerations involved in developing, marketing, and selling in secondary markets within the United States.

   

Conference Luncheon: Featuring Guest Speaker: Robert Genetski, Ph.D.
12:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Economist and author Dr. Robert Genetski has been commended on his ability to “out-forecast the pack.” Hear this prominent asset manager and investment advisor, whose books include Taking the Voodoo Out of Economics and A Nation of Millionaires, discuss “Outlook For The Economy And Financial Markets,” and come away with a better understanding of today’s financial climate.

   

Independent Success Stories (Concurrent Session)
2:40 – 3:40 p.m.

In a branded world, independent developers achieve success by being creative, flexible, and resourceful. Learn how to keep a competitive edge and “think outside the brand” for maximum results.

   

Fractional Resorts:  A To Z (Concurrent Session)
2:40 – 3:40 p.m.

 

 

This alternative to purchasing a second vacation home differs significantly from traditional timeshare.  Experts explain what distinguishes this type of project, how the sales and marketing process should be structured, and what elements must be included in a successful resort. Discover innovative techniques that will reduce costs while boosting sales and improving the resort’s bottom line.

   

Networking Exhibitor Break
3:40 – 4:00 p.m.

 
   

Maximizing Assets in a Resort Environment
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Explore implementing a mixed-use plan to convert excess inventory or land into a growth opportunity. Learn “in-house” marketing best practices to convert resort guests into owners.

   

Closing Reception
5:00 – 6:00 p.m.

 
   

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

   

Resort Tours
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

 

Find out how vacation ownership really works as you experience first-hand the daily operations of successful resorts in Orlando. Tour the units and amenities, meet with on-site representatives, and get a feel for the way a successful resort is structured. The tour, for which delegates register on a space-available basis, includes continental breakfast, transportation, and a Resort Design brochure.
Cost: $75

Option 1: Condo-Hotel: Floridays Orlando Resort

Option 2: Independent Branded Timeshare Resort: Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa

Option 3: Hospitality Branded Timeshare Resort: Marriott’s Lakeshore Reserve at Grande Lakes

Agenda, networking, and other events are subject to change.

   
Click here to register