PHOENIX, March 19, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The InnDependent Lodging Summit (ILS), co-sponsored by IBC Hotels, the Independent Lodging Industry Association (ILIA) and INNJOY Travel (IJT), took place March 15-17, 2015 and surpassed all attendance expectations its first year, drawing hundreds of independent hoteliers, world-renowned speakers and leading hospitality service providers to Tucson, Ariz.
Attendees from around the world were drawn to the summit's agenda and speaker lineup highlighting the increasing importance of technology, changing demographics of travelers and industry forecasts from presenters including Gregory LaBerge, Vice President, Marcus & Millichap; Peter Schwartz, Founder and Chairman, Demeure Operating Company Ltd.; Sara George of Roomer; and Rick Tomljenovic, COO of HM Bookstore.
The summit also attracted premier sponsors including Hotel Management/Questex, Lodging Magazine, Hotel Interactive, Ecolab, AAHOA, HD Supply, American Hotel Register, Par Springler-Miller Systems and Hotel Emporium.
"The summit was very interesting, had a lot of great information and very good 'nuts & bolts' about online marketing. It also gave us great things to take back and change to improve our business," said Nathan LaFont, of the Elephant Butte Inn and Spa.
Despite being in its first year, IBC Hotels Founder and President, Pamela Barnhill, and ILS Co-Founders/Organizers, Bobbie Singh-Allen of ILIA and Jason McKee of IJT, expected turnout to be substantial after uncovering a need that was not previously met by other industry conferences.
"Most hospitality events don't adequately address the unique sets of challenges that indie hotels face on a daily basis. ILS was developed to specifically highlight the independent hotel industry and bring together the resources and information many don't currently have access to as independents," Barnhill said.
Based on the success of this year's ILS, its co-founders hope to continue to build upon the foundation set by this event to create an annual gathering for independent hoteliers, activity providers and hospitality service providers.
"This is only the beginning," said Singh-Allen. "Due to the overwhelming success of this first event, we're not stopping here. Independent hotels finally have a place to gather, learn from one another and bring visibility to this incredibly important part of the travel and tourism industry."
Planning for InnDependent Lodging Summit 2016 is already underway with tentative dates selected for March 13-15, 2016. Interested individuals can stay updated on news and announcements by visiting: http://www.independentlodgingsummit.com or emailing pbarnhill@ibchotels.com or bobbie@indepentlodging.org.
About ILS
The InnDependent Lodging Summit & Trade Show is the only conference that specifically addresses independent/boutique small and large hoteliers and supporting activity providers with current and forward thinking data and news. From the trade show that offers one-stop shopping for every hotelier to the networking and educational programs and esteemed guest speakers, this annual event provides independents resources and information needed to be successful in the changing hospitality landscape. For more information, visit: http://www.independentlodgingsummit.com/.
With the exception of historical information, the matters discussed in this news release may include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance due to numerous risks and uncertainties and are described in greater detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Although we believe our current expectations to be based upon reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that our expectations will be attained.
For more information visit www.innsuitestrust.com or www.sec.gov