Why the Knowledge Exchange is a Different Kind of Conference
Attending conferences is something I don’t always look forward to, even as a meeting professional.
I always like education sessions and gaining key takeaways from them, but I also want an opportunity to network.
When the conference isn’t conducive to connecting with my fellow attendees, it can be really difficult to make those connections. Not to mention how awkward it can be when you are attending a conference for the first time and don’t know anyone else there.
We hear the same thing from our members.
Not only is there a need for quality sessions, but there is a huge want for those connection times to exchange problems or ideas with fellow conference attendees.
These two principles are the spirit behind HFTP’s newest conference – the Knowledge Exchange.
What is an Educational Meet-up?
This conference is unlike any other conference we’ve created.
One of the great things about HFTP conferences is the fact that programs and schedules are really designed from attendee feedback, the Knowledge Exchange is no different.
We have secured all new faces to lead education sessions on some of the hottest topics in hospitality finance, like: Human Resource Hot Topics, Insurance and Risk Management, Healthcare Reform Effects and How Hacks Happen.
And we’ve provided an atmosphere that allows you to meet-up with fellow colleagues to discuss what is most important to you, because we all know that two heads is better than one when it comes to solving work-related issues.
1. You Decide What is Discussed at the Conference
Based on feedback from our conference and convention attendees, HFTP wanted to build a conference that allows the attendee to have a voice in what the key takeaways are – whether that be learning in the various sessions or from other attendees.
HFTP will provide registered attendees a chance to participate in a learning survey prior to the conference. We want to know what you want to learn at the conference.
Then, we are going to do our best to provide those identified topics at the Knowledge Exchange.
This way, attendees will be able to get out of the conference what they put into it.
But the learning doesn’t stop there.
2. More Time for Discussions Outside of Sessions
We know networking is one of the main advantages to attending a face-to-face meeting and HFTP wants to give you the tools to make this conference worthwhile to you.
We’ve extended the beverage breaks and moved them to a networking lounge instead of a hallway to allow attendees a chance to talk to each other about topics they want to address. You can choose to continue the conversation from the sessions or we’ll have some designated topics in the networking lounge during certain breaks.
Having an issue with the new 990 form and no one else in your office understands? Do you want to ask around about how others are handling an HR issue you have? Well now we’re giving the avenue to do just that.
Attendees can even use the networking lounge to catch up with HFTP staff. Gain insight on HFTP topics, such as the certification program, chapter issues or what HFTP is up to as a global organization in 2012.
And since the Knowledge Exchange is geared to not only learning in the sessions but learning outside the sessions, the Networking Lounge will be open before the conference even starts. This allows you to immediately start getting to know who you’ll be in sessions with for the next day and half (and helps with the awkward situation of not knowing anyone else at the conference).
Register Today
No matter what avenue of the hospitality finance industry you represent, the Knowledge Exchange offers multiple opportunities for attendees to gain and exchange the knowledge needed to succeed in 2012.
We hope you’ll join us for this new and unique conference experience.
Register for the Knowledge Exchange>
March 21-22, 2012
Omni Mandalay Hotel
Dallas, Texas
Steven Stout, CAE, is director of meetings and special events for HFTP.
