From June 2 to 4, Hyatt Regency Miami will host Caribbean hoteliers and industry stakeholders for the third installment of the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF). Organized by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), CHIEF will feature a number of educational sessions, where the region's hospitality industry assembles to network, learn, share ideas and collectively brainstorm creative solutions to current challenges.
"There's not another forum where you get to meet all these persons talking about energy efficiency, technology, social media and online marketing," said Sanovnik Destang, President of the St. Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA) and Executive Director of Bay Gardens Resorts in St. Lucia.
"You get a chance to interact with regional hospitality professionals and figure out what they're doing," Destang added. "Then you realize that you're not alone. You think that there's a problem that you're facing and you're the only one. You realize that we face all the same challenges. What's interesting is how people in different islands are dealing with it."
Particularly beneficial for the pair was connecting with hotel supply vendors, a key component of CHIEF 2017 as well. The latest, most innovative products on offer for the hospitality industry will be presented at the CHIEF tradeshow.
Attendees will be able to mix and mingle with peers, industry leaders and experts, and will benefit from the expertise of respected Caribbean hotelier Sir Royston Hopkin, KCMG, who will address the importance of excellence in Caribbean tourism when he delivers the keynote presentation at this year's event.
CHIEF will also recognize Caribbean businesses that masterfully implement best practices in the categories of Operations, Sales and Marketing, Environmental Sustainability, and Social Responsibility.