Building the Better Bedrock

We are pleased to announce this new session for the 2013 Meetingmax Unconvention...

Building the Better Bedrock
Led by Spero Batistatos, President & CEO of the South Shore
Convention & Visitors Authority

Building the Better Bedrock – How the correctly deployed housing plan is an integral part of any DMO's marketing strategy. Join Spero Batistatos, President and CEO of the South Shore CVA, as he discusses the elements of the properly executed housing approach. In this session Mr. Batistatos will cover

• How superior customer service can be achieved through guest’s contact details
• How housing data is used to provide accountability, transparency and when combined with Smith Travel Research (STR) the hotel/motel industry have better and more accurate information
• How “value-adds” can be achieved through targeted offers to demographic matches
• How the contact data can be used to gain valuable feedback from guests after they leave
• How using housing as a tool can lead into larger pieces of business with neighbouring DMO’s

This is the last week to register and reserve hotel rooms!

Secure your spot now

About Spero Batistatos:
Spero began his career in the hospitality industry more than 30 years ago at the Star Plaza Theatre in Merrillville, Indiana. In 1989, he was selected to lead what is now known as the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority. During his first 12 years there, he was able to increase the organization's budget 10-fold and facilitate the construction of the Nation's Premiere Visitors Center.

Before returning to Lake County, he was the President and CEO of the Atlantic City Convention and Visitors Authority. There he led an aggressive marketing program to support Southern New Jersey's $8 billion dollar tourism industry.

He is a "Hoosier" at heart, holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Economics and Public Policy from Indiana University. He’s also completed DMAI's professional certification program, earning the distinguished designation of Fellow Certified Destination Management Executive (FCDME).

He is a graduate of the 2007 inaugural class of Northwest Indiana's FBI Citizens Academy. He was named one of the "Champions of Diversity" by Indiana Minority Business Magazine. Also, under his leadership, the South Shore CVA was honored as one of the "Top 10 Best Places to Work in Indiana" of small to medium size companies two years in a row by the Indiana Chamber.

In July of 2000, Governor Frank O'Bannon honored Spero with the "Sagamore of the Wabash," and in January 2008, he was chosen as one of the "Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in Sales and Marketing" by the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI), one of the highest recognitions in the tourism industry.

He’s served on the Board of Directors for the Travel Industry Association of America in addition to serving numerous local not-for-profit and community boards. He is currently the chairman of the Challenger Learning Center and the Indiana Parenting Institute. He is also a member of the NWI Forum, the Gary Parks Board and the Barden Foundation.

About the Unconvention:
For Organizations and Destinations that want to succeed at housing, this is a must-attend event.

Join us in Vancouver, BC April 10 - 12, 2013 to establish, increase or refine your housing services through tactical expert led learning. We don't believe in sitting in one ballroom all day, it's too boring! We promise to keep you engaged through a diverse offering of learning opportunities and networking events.

We make every effort to foster an environment of open discussion with your peers, those who face the same housing situations you deal with on a daily basis. This conference is the perfect mix of education, networking and fun.

$595 for first registration, $450 for each additional registration. This includes all learning sessions, networking events, transportation, food and beverage. Accommodation and flights not included.