Each year, in late January, we host a Global Hospitality Expo that brings hospitality leaders together to share insights, explore ideas, build relationships, and make bold plans. This year was no different – except for the spectacular setting.
Yes, our 2017 Global Hospitality Expo was the first Expo to be held outside of the Chicago area. And the beautiful Hilton Bonnet Creek of Orlando proved to be a marvelous site for our 20th annual industry event.
More than 400 customers and suppliers joined our leaders and associates at this sun-drenched resort. This year’s Expo theme – Discover what’s new. Realize what’s next. – captured the essence of a hospitality industry poised for progress.
At Expo, members of our Merchandising team helped customers discover new, innovative products.
Our senior leaders kicked off the event with an engaging look at the latest American Hotel initiatives and improvements. The memorable Expo moments also included a lively keynote from Billy Beane, the one-of-a-kind Major League Baseball executive and subject of the film “Moneyball.” Other highlights of this special week included:
- Customer and supplier breakout sessions
- Rotating supplier presentations
- An exclusive customer trade show
- Vibrant product and room displays
- Annual Expo awards dinner
This Expo also featured our First Annual Duck Derby in the resort’s lazy river. The clever fundraising race brought in $35,722, which was distributed to over 40 charities.
As in year’s past, the final night of Expo week celebrated the achievements of our supplier partners and our dedicated associates.
The 20th annual Expo, like those that came before it, is a tradition that sets us apart and embodies our commitment to improving all that we do for our customers, our suppliers, and our associates.