Agenda for 2010 Mexico Resort Development Conference
DAY ONE: ARRIVAL
Sunday, September 12
Registration
Welcome Networking Cocktail Reception
DAY TWO: FINANCE
Monday, September 13
Registration and Continental Breakfast
Opening Remarks
Networking Break
Restructuring and Workouts: Recent Case Studies on Three Resort Properties That Have Been Successfully Restructured
12:00 - 1:30 pm
Jonathan Ellerby, Ph.D.
Author and Spritual Advisor, Canyon Ranch Health Resorts
1:30 - 2:45 pm
Debt Financing and New Sources of Capital
What exactly are the CKD´s and what are they looking for in terms of investments. We all know how difficult obtaining debt financing has become for the resort and hospitality industry and it’s certainly no different in Mexico. Find out who’s lending and what criteria they’re using. Also, learn what is keeping others from lending in this environment and what it will take for them to return to the market.
4:00 - 4:30 pm
4:30 - 5:30 pm
DAY THREE: Development and Marketing Day
Tuesday September 14
Registration and Continental Breakfast
Investment and Development Opportunities: Where to Invest Now and in the Coming Years
Networking Coffee Break
Project Amenity Programming
Careful planning and amenity programming, when combined appropriately, can set a project apart from the competition. As demand has slowed over the past few years, investors and developers have had to become more creative than ever, have had to understand their target market better than ever, and in most cases have had to incorporate a significant amount of “green” or “sustainable” components. And, to the surprise of some, “soft programming” has become more important than ever. No longer are a “signature” golf course and “world class” spa the only ingredients to success. These and other “not so obvious” amenities, and the “soft” programming aspects of a project, are more important than ever. Come learn what is working and why.
Marketing and Sales: Old methods vs. New Methods - What's Working Today?
Is Launch Marketing a thing of the past? Is selling a condominium building over a weekend still possible? Have pre-sales disappeared entirely? Unfortunately, the answer to these questions is YES. If that’s the case, then how do we market and sell resort projects in today’s market? What should we budget for marketing and branding new projects, or what does it take to re-brand and reposition an existing or half-built project? We could spend an entire day discussing these and other key questions, so this will be a fast and action-packed hour to work to get to the bottom of marketing and selling in today’s market.
Keynote Luncheon
Four-time LPGA Player of the Year, Lorena Ochoa
The construction industry has evolved substantially in Mexico in the past decade for a number of reasons; competition being the main reason. Learn about the different construction methods used in today’s most successful projects. Perhaps even more importantly, learn about the different types of construction team structures that can be implemented to satisfy institutional investors, smaller developers, and most importantly, the end user.
Coffee Break
3:15 - 4:15 pm
If You Build It, They Will Come: Blueprints for a Digital Engagement Strategy
In today's digital age, traditional advertising models alone will not deliver the results you're looking for. As social networking continues to grow, people have become increasingly blind to traditional advertising and prefer to engage with content that entertains, informs and educates them.
Our panelists will present their insights and opinions on how Digital Engagement Strategies will impact the Resort Industry. We will discuss how Resorts are reaching a broader user base through both online and mobile channels, how to create a personal connection to current and potential buyers and expand revenue, community and opportunity.
We will discuss:
- Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, how are these and other channels changing the way we do business?
- How are Resorts and Developers leveraging the power of YouTube?
- What are the most effective strategies to develop a competitive advantage in the Resort Industry?
- Ignite your existing online community and attract new members by amplifying the experience with relevant and engaging content.
- Expose new and relevant online communities to the brand by providing assets to encourage brand evangelism.
- Activate your audience by giving the compelling social experiences, encouraging advocacy.
- Build loyalty and increased engagement through ongoing conversation and brand experience.
Closing Remarks by Conference Chairs
Once faculty for the above sessions is confirmed, session leaders and panelists for each session will be listed along with the session descriptions. An email announcing the faculty will be sent out to prior Conference attendees and those on our opt-in email list. If you are not on the mailing list, you may subscribe by sending an email to the conference list manager.
