The virtual half-day conference combined panel discussions along with keynote presentations on our economic outlook, technology in a post-COVID world, and a fireside chat with Amazon Web Services. Some key takeaways included:
- There will be more spending on services, including travel, in 2021 and early 2022 - Bernard Baumohl, Chief Global Economist, The Economic Outlook Group.
- Revenue management technology key to a better understanding of what was really happening and helped revenue teams to adapt - David Rochefort, President, Graduate Hotels
- Hotels need to access their own business intelligence and zoom in on what is the new hotel use – Michael Levie from citizenM
- Hotels that cannot access their data in one place and create actionable insights from it in real-time will be at a huge competitive disadvantage - Joanna Todd, WW Head of Accommodations and Lodging, Amazon Web Services
“It is gratifying to see the return of RSF even in the virtual format,” said Stacy Silver, President, Silver Hospitality Group. “The hoteliers who joined us understand how important revenue strategy is needed in our industry. There are few events like RSF focused on the needs of revenue strategists, who have to understand emerging technologies, current market conditions and continue to be able to drive profit contribution and improve asset value.”
The event wrapped up with an interactive After Party, which provided attendees the opportunity to virtually mingle, chat and enjoy great music, hosted by upselling platform Oaky.
“RSF is an annual event that Duetto has been very proud to be associated with. However, 2020 was the first time in five years that we were unable to bring the hotel industry together to share best practices and find new solutions to combined challenges,” said David Woolenberg, CEO of Duetto. “This week's virtual RSF had all the hallmarks of previous events: great content, great idea sharing, and a great After Party!”
In lieu of a registration fee for RSF North America, attendees were invited to make a charitable donation to support the AHLA Foundation, the charitable giving arm of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, which is dedicated to helping people build careers, improve their lives and strengthen the lodging industry. The grand total of $3,000 was raised to help the hotel industry and its front-line workers.
Tags: Revenue Strategy Forum
