Cavallo Point - the Lodge at the Golden Gate

Reflecting on 40 Years of Growth and Nearing 700 Members, Preferred Hotel Group Takes a Confident Stance, Bolstering its Worldwide Presence and Image

CHICAGO " November 10, 2008 " At its 2008 Annual Conference this month, Preferred Hotel Group called on its members to Aspire, communicating a message of strength and confidence borne out by the companys 40-year record of growth and innovation. Member hoteliers, PHG executives and alliance partners were among the 250 attendees who gathered Nov. 1-5 at San Diegos Grand Del Mar resort to network, learn and share strategies for success in a shrinking travel market.

It was a chance to reflect on the organizations growth as it marks its 40th year " with new membership figures nearing 700 hotels and resorts in more than 75 countries. It was an opportunity for Chairman and CEO John Ueberroth to outline the measures being taken to create opportunities in todays challenging economic climate. And it was a chance to honor longevity, as attendees rose to recognize Wally Hickel, former Governor of Alaska and President of downtown Anchorages Hotel Captain Cook, who has attended the Preferred Annual Conference for 30 years straight.

Key among these strategies is an expanded worldwide presence that includes new, senior-level Directors of Sales in Sao Paulo, Mexico City, Singapore, Hong Kong, Sydney and New Delhi, with more executive appointments coming soon in New York and Europe. A series of short-term campaigns for I Prefer, the companys guest benefit program, are in place to generate reservations among Preferreds most loyal travelers, while more customer events for 2009 promise to provide member hotels with even greater branded exposure. The company also recently launched new, user-friendly brand web sites to increase online revenues with additional sites slated for early 2009.

This years conference brought in more guest speakers and panel discussions, including the first-ever travel agent panel. Headlining the guest speakers was Howard Putnam, former Southwest Airlines CEO, who presented high-flying strategies for bottom line improvement. Ubercool Founder Michael Tchong discussed the evolving luxury consumer, tourism expert Dr. Lalia Rach led attendees through global travel trends, and Tom Asacker, author of A Clear Eye for Branding, exposed the brand identity delusion.

GIFTTS Recognition Ceremony

For the third year, Preferred Hotel Groups GIFTTS program (Great Initiatives for Todays / Tomorrows Society) gave conference attendees a chance to celebrate luxury with purpose as they honored member hotels and partners who have made a positive impact through significant philanthropic, community and environmental endeavors. Presiding over the GIFTTS Recognition Ceremony were Brooke Ueberroth, Vice President, Communications, and Sarah Clark, Vice President, Marketing.

The highlight of this years ceremony was the naming of the new Cavallo Point Lodge in Sausalito, Calif., as Hotel of the Year. Cavallo Point Lodge was singled out for its extraordinary efforts across all three areas of the GIFTTS Program from environmental design features that far exceed standards, to its leadership role with The Institute at the Golden Gate and other environmental organizations, to its passionate support of The Good Night Foundation, which raises funds for health, education, the environment and the eradication of poverty on both a local and global levels.

Furthermore, Ueberroth and Clark bestowed Pineapple Awards on member hotels who stood out in each of GIFTTS three categories. Earning Pineapple Awards in the area of Philanthropy were Eden City Hotels, the Hard Rock Chicago and The Charles Hotel.

Environmental winners were Sundance Resort, the Mauna Lani Resort and Hotel New Otani The Main.

In the Community category, winners were Dreams Cancun Resort & Spa, The Saint Paul Hotel and Peabody Hotels.

To demonstrate support, The Ueberroth Family Foundation will donate $5,000 to each of the Pineapple Award winners to be used to further their efforts.

Among the many innovative programs in the spotlight were Hard Rock Chicagos Denim for Donations, which allows employees to wear jeans to work on Fridays in exchange for a $5 charitable donation; The Charles Hotel and its executive chef Peter Davis, whose annual Big Pig Gig raised more than $260,000 this year alone for sustainable farming; and the Mauna Lani Resort, the largest generator of solar electric power among luxury resorts worldwide, whose eco-distinctions include turning carbon offset into a rewarding resort experience by creating opportunities for guests to plant a native tree during their stay.

The ceremony also applauded the 61 hotels that participated in GIFTTS consumer program, The Giving Room, through which participants pledge to set aside 10% of the three-month revenue of one designated room or suite to the hotels charity of choice. Donations were matched by the Ueberroth Family Foundation. In its second year, The Giving Room succeeded in tripling participation and doubling monies raised to more than $40,000, benefiting worthy organizations around the world such as The Hunger Project, the Spanish Association Against Cancer, Guangzhou Foundation for Disabled Persons, and Intermon Oxfam.