Now that we are all fully into the swing of 2017 with Donald Trump already inaugurated as the 45th President of the USA, it seems rather late in the month to wish all HOSPA members, sponsors and partners a Happy New Year.
However, I believe to do so is more important than ever - given the ongoing threat of terrorism and the current climate of economic and political uncertainty both at home with Brexit, and abroad with key elections that could affect the UK in the coming months. May 2017 exceed every expectation and let’s hope that the forthcoming months bring prosperity and good health for all of us!
Following HOSPACE2016, thank you to all of you that completed the feedback forms - your views and suggestions are so valuable and much appreciated. As the HOSPACE venue, the Sofitel at London Heathrow’s Terminal 5, has worked very well for us for many years and we are grateful to them for all their support. However, the HOSPA team believed it was time for a change, and that was certainly backed up by your comments. Most of you are already aware that we are changing to an easily accessible, top central location in the capital for 2017, so please ensure you have 2 November at The Lancaster London in your diaries. We are currently working on the exhibiting and sponsorship packages and naturally the delegate prices, so we will share those with you shortly. Once again, we will present the ‘HOSPA Professionals of the Year Awards’, for each of our three communities: Finance, Revenue Management and Technology, during the HOSPACE Gala Dinner - so please start thinking of who you might like to nominate for these prestigious accolades.
Though HOSPACE is the major event on the HOSPA calendar, one of our priority objectives is to keep all our members updated throughout the year about the latest industry issues, developments and legislation affecting hospitality Finance, Revenue Management and IT. A key way we do this is through our popular programme of regular meetings and events. We have already held a well-attended one on Finance at the splendid and luxurious One Aldwych in London’s West End.
This covered the vitally important subject of the looming Apprenticeship Levy. We had excellent speakers from the government’s Skills Funding Agency, and were given the opportunity to see the Apprenticeship Levy software in action. Throughout each year, we run members’ meetings in London, the Midlands and Scotland. The exciting news is that this year we are hoping to add some additional UK locations to the list. If any hoteliers out there would like to host an event and showcase their properties to the HOSPA membership, then please get in touch! The full schedule of 2017 HOSPA Meetings and Events, with dates and locations, will be announced shortly. Do keep an eye on the HOSPA website for details - when doing so, remember we also list other industry happenings that are potentially of interest to you all.
HOSPA’s Professional Development team continues to work tirelessly for the benefit of the learners. The January exams have just taken place as we go to print - and the awards for the most successful past candidates will be celebrated at a new HOSPA event - the Annual Student Awards Ceremony, held this year at the Hilton on Park Lane, London.
Finally, as this is still the pantomime season, ‘Springderella’! Those of you who attended Springboard’s charity ‘panto’ will probably still be smiling. A hilarious production, made all the funnier by the performances of some very senior hospitality industry leaders - who knew there was such hidden talent and desire to camp it up on stage?! Please do take the time to look at www.Springboard.uk.net to find out more and see how you could get involved and support the wonderful work that they do.
Keep in touch - this is your Association and I always welcome feedback and any suggestions you may like to share: Jane.Pendlebury@hospa.org
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