Our 2016 Trade Show is "New and Improved" for Vendors!

To our Innkeeping Industry Partners, My most important message:  We heard you! The 2016 Trade Show will be improved for YOU! First of all, I’m pleased to be the Conference Manager for the 2016 conference and show – and I am very excited to make improvements on the trade show, in particular. As some of you know, I was on “your side of the table” in my previous life – as a manufacturer, my company exhibited in about 30 shows every year. So, I do understand your challenges, and I intend to do everything I can to make the 2016 show successful for all of us. Here are some of the improvements we already have planned: More days of trade show! The trade show will open on Monday, January 11 at 3 pm – so, for many attendees, this will be the first activity. (There may be a pre-conference workshop going on, but for those who are arriving that day,this will definitely be their first stop.) In addition, the Welcome reception will be held in the exhibit hall, so that even those who attend the pre-conference workshop will be sure to join us on the trade show floor around 5:30. Longer hours! We heard you – that while serving lunch in the exhibit hall does draw the Innkeepers in, there was not enough time for lunch and visiting booths. So, we will extend the dedicated trade show time for one more hour on both Tuesday and Wednesday. This means we will be starting the conference programming earlier each morning and shortening the breakouts by a few minutes in order to provide this extra time for trade show. Enhanced vendor listings in the Conference Program with a brief explanation of what your business offers, not just your company name. More advance communication with Innkeepers and registered attendees – such as December emails with enhanced vendor listings that encourage Innkeepers to make appointments. We will be forming a Conference Community Committee soon – and I encourage you to volunteer. The purpose of this committee is to create ways to make the conference and trade show more cohesive and to build more of an inclusive industry community – let’s get innovative! This industry is small and we all need each other to thrive…you value the Innkeepers as your customers and Innkeepers cannot run their businesses without reliable suppliers like you. We are grateful for your past support, and we truly hope you’ll be part of our “new and improved 2016 Innkeeping Conference & Trade Show! Please do not hesitate to send me your comments, questions or ideas – I look forward to working with you to make the biggest and best show ever. And, don’t forget our Early Bird promotion for trade show booths running now through June 10.  Buy now for the best possible price. http://www.innkeepingshow.com/exhibitor-information to register. See you in Austin! Sincerely, Ruth Ann Hattori, Conference Manager

PAII News You Can Use 5-26-2015

Our Recipe & Photo Contest dishes up social media exposure:  There’s still time (but not much) to send in your entries for our recipe and photo contest. What sets your savory egg dish apart from the rest? Is there a secret (that you’re willing to share) to your pancakes? Our Summer photo categories are exterior porches, interior dining room, and breakfast (a plate close up).  And remember – entries will be featured in the monthly e-newsletter, posted on PAII’s Facebook and Google+ pages and the winners will be featured in the quarterly Innkeeping Now Magazine. Check out ‘the rules’ at Photo and Recipe Contests.  Contest closes June 15th (extended deadline). If You’ve Got It, Flaunt It: Amenities Influence Booking Decisions:  Every innkeeper’s marketing aims to influence the booking decisions of travelers – to choose their inn, of course. With the essentials covered – price, reviews, location, convenience – travelers look to amenities.  Which ones?   Here’s the top 3: free in-room Wi-Fi (74%), free Breakfast (60%) and in-room amenities (58%).  Read more on prioritizing your marketing message at Driving Bookings With Amenities. It’s Like a Puzzle – 2016 Innkeeping Conference in Austin: The frame of your 2016 Innkeeping Conference is in place – and we’re now putting the pieces in place to complete the picture. Speakers for general and breakout sessions, industry partners for the trade show, presenters for the Association Leaders meeting and Aspiring Innkeepers Seminar – are being selected.  As commitments and contracts are finalized, we’ll add the info to our Innkeeping Show website.  Here’s a tidbit:  the first exhibitor to join the trade show is an international company!  A new website for the Nevada B&B Guild: KUDOS to the Nevada Bed & Breakfast Guild – they have a stunning new website. We especially like the “Let’s Build Your Itinerary” feature.  Read more at Industry News. From our Archives:  Inn Property Valuation presented at the 2014 Innkeeping Show Inquiring minds – innkeepers planning to sell their inn (which is everyone, eventually), aspiring innkeepers  – want to know ‘what is the inn worth?’  The B&B Team present the essentials:  What are the common valuation methods (formulas) for B&B Inns? What’s the difference among financially viable, financially feasible, and lifestyle properties? And, what will banks finance? Until Next Week -  ~Kris Ullmer, PAII Executive Director Conference Update: New this year for the conference we will be helping to organize carpools to and from the airport and have a list online (which will be available shortly) of area restaurants within walking and short driving distance of the conference. We will also be adding area attractions and things to do as well in the near future. http://innkeepingshow.com/ News You Can Use: Driving Bookings with Amenities http://www.koddi.com/driving-bookings-amenities/  Over Half of Lodging Website Visitors Prefer to View Videos http://www.orourkehospitality.com/blog/over-half-of-hotel-website-visitors-prefer-to-view-videos Industry News: Nevada B&B's guild launches website http://www.nevadaappeal.com/news/16414899-113/nevada-bbs-guild-launches-website Social Media & SEO Changes Innkeepers Should be aware of: Bing Adds Mobile-Friendly Label To Their Mobile Search Results   http://searchengineland.com/bing-adds-mobile-friendly-label-to-their-mobile-search-results-218818 Featured Past PAII Webinar from our Archives Inn Property Valuation https://vimeo.com/user17593333/review/91226161/e78b8ef8d1 Innkeeping Recipes: From the Country Inns in the White Mountains: http://www.countryinnsinthewhitemountains.com/ Rum Raisin French Toast from the kitchen of the Inn at Ellis River http://www.countryinnsinthewhitemountains.com/recipe-Inn-at-Ellis-River.htm Upcoming Webinars: Please register at http://www.innkeeping.org/?page=webinars (you will need to login to your PAII account) Wednesday, June 10, 2015, 2:00 PM EST The Innkeeper's Dilemma - to Renew or not Renew your Trip Advisor Business Listing -Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast Wednesday, June 17, 2015, 2:00 PM EST Reputation Management with a Channel Manager Do you own the first page of Google Search results for your brand name? This webinar will focus on ways to manage your inn's online reputation. Learn how to use a channel manager to dominate the first page of Google for branded queries. -Cloudbeds Wednesday, June 24, 2015, 2:00 PM EST The 5 Greatest Marketing Challenges In a recent survey, over 400 innkeepers let us know their biggest marketing challenges. We will present practical solutions for the top five: planning your social media strategy, tracking return on investment, working with OTAs, understanding SEO, and perfecting your photos. -Bedandbreakfast.com Wednesday, July 1, 2015, 2:00 PM EST Email + Social Media: Strategies & Tools Let's be frank. It's tough being disciplined enough to send regular emails to your former guests and chat with them on social media. But studies consistently show that innkeepers who do enjoy more new guests and more repeat guests.This webinar will share with you some tools, strategies, and organizational tips you can use to hone your email and social marketing strategies. -Cloudbeds Wednesday, July 15, 2015, 2:00 PM EST Understanding the Guest Experience, presented by Liz Day Ever wondered what your guests experience during the entire booking process? Join Liz Day from RezStream as she helps you market your property better by understanding how guests find your website on the search engines, what they want when they arrive on your website, and how to guide them through the booking process. Don’t forget about the analytical reporting review as she helps you understand what you need to look at and how to process that information. - RezStream Wednesday, August 12, 2015, 2:00 PM EST Attracting Millennials to Your Bed and Breakfast The younger generation frequents different online mediums and also looks for different things out of life and travel. Attracting younger people to your bed and breakfast is key to business growth and knowing what attracts them and where to find them is important to long term business stability and sustainability. Learn how to customize your marketing to appeal to the younger generation, where to find them and what drives and motivates them.                 -Forfeng Designs/Forfeng Media Wednesday, August 19, 2015, 2:00 PM EST (Promo Webinar) RezStream Cloud, presented by Josh Wise Thinking of upgrading your reservation software? See why many hoteliers are talking about the RezStream Cloud. No longer do you need to be in the office to see what’s happening at the property, simply login to your account on your laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Learn about the benefits of the property management software and the features that helps you run your business better. - RezStream Wednesday, October 21, 2015, 2:00 PM EST 10 tax tips for B&Bs We will discuss the tax treatment of Bed & Breakfasts and give 10 tax tips every B&B owner should know.  We will discuss entity selection, maximizing deductions, tax minimization strategies, and long-term planning for the B&B owner. -Legare, Bailey and Hinske, LLC

Speakers Wanted for our January 2016 Conference

The Professional Association of Innkeeper International (PAII) is planning to hold our 2016 Conference & Trade Show in Austin, TX on January 10-14. We are pleased to invite you to propose to deliver keynotes, break-out sessions or even a 4-6 hour Pre-conference workshop. The Pre-Conference day would be Monday, January 11. Keynotes and break-outs will be presented on Tuesday, January 12 and Wednesday, January 13.

For over 20 years, PAII has been the only national association serving the owners and operators of Bed and Breakfast type inns. Like many other small business segments, many of our attendees are husband and wife teams, many of whom have left or retired the corporate world to pursue this intimate style of hospitality. And, like most small firms, they seek education about every aspect of running a business.

Please note: consultants or other types of vendors (current or would be) specific to the Innkeeping industry whose speaking proposals are accepted will be required to purchase a booth and participate in the Trade Show. (If your business is not a vendor to the innkeeping industry, that requirement would be waived.) If you are based in Texas, you may qualify for our “made in TX” table-top section, for which the cost is lower than a booth.

We thank you in advance for your interest in joining us in Austin! Please address an questions to conference@paii.org.

Please download and return the fillable form for consideration:

http://c.ymcdn.com/sites/innkeeping.site-ym.com/resource/resmgr/smcions/2016_Innkeeping_Conference_P.pdf

PAII News You Can Use 5-19-2015

In this week’s News You Can Use Getting a negative online review is like getting a slap in the face – and in fact, “SLAPP” laws (Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation) made legal recourse available for ‘false statements of fact’. However, a majority of states have now enacted “anti-SLAPP” laws, which are then invoked by the consumer.  Where does that leave you, the innkeepers, when a negative review has been posted? At the keyboard once again, carefully crafting a response to turn an undesirable customer comment into a positive one, while demonstrating to potential guests your concern for the guest experience and your inn. Gain more insight at How to respond to negative online reviews. Our sincere congratulations to PAII members Tog and Doreen Pearson, as they celebrate the 30th anniversary of putting out the welcome mat for visitors to Greenwich, Connecticut.  From ‘white elephant'  to ‘boarding house’ to gracious inn, the Stanton House has earned an outstanding reputation and occupancy rate to match. Now, the newest challenge:  "There's a lot of pressure from Airbnb, especially as you go farther upstate," Doreen Pearson said. "We have lots of inspections and licensing and that all costs money. ... It's not an even playing field at all."    Read more at Greenwich B&B marks anniversary in uncertain times for inns Not just for “newtons” anymore – have you ever served figs at breakfast?  This unusual baked fruit dish is a welcome starter on a chilly morning – which happens now and then in Minnesota. We discovered this nutrition-rich (anti-oxidant, calcium, iron and more) recipe on the website of the Minnesota B&B Association. Enjoy – and be inspired! -Kris Ullmer, PAII Executive Director Deadline for entering is June 1, 2015: Details and Contest Rules for the PAII Member’s Recipe Contest For Our Summer Innkeeping Now Magazine! http://paiiinnkeepers.blogspot.com/2015/05/paii-recipe-contest-for-our-summer.html and PAII Photo Contests For Our Summer Innkeeping Now Magazine! http://paiiinnkeepers.blogspot.com/2015/05/photo-contests-for-our-summer.html News You Can Use: How to respond to negative online reviews (this one is very interesting because it talks about the SLAPP laws) http://www.hotelnewsnow.com/Article/15854/How-to-respond-to-negative-online-reviews Light and Lines, Technical Tips and Tricks for Shooting Interior, Architectural and Still Life Photography http://blog.fotolia.com/us/2015/05/11/light-lines-technical-tips-tricks-for-shooting-interior-architectural-still-life-photography/ Industry News: Greenwich B&B marks anniversary in uncertain times for inns http://www.greenwichtime.com/business/article/Greenwich-B-B-marks-anniversary-in-uncertain-6252507.php Hospitality industry looks for regulation of short-term rentals http://poststar.com/news/local/hospitality-industry-looks-for-regulation-of-short-term-rentals/article_8d6a6f26-4b35-5d01-b562-6b5067d3972e.html Social Media & SEO Changes Innkeepers Should be aware of: Bing Showing Most Recent Facebook Post in Company Knowledge Graphs http://www.thesempost.com/bing-facebook-post-knowledge-graphs/ Featured Past PAII Webinar from our Archives: Budgeting and Bookkeeping for B&Bs https://vimeo.com/user17593333/review/91226161/e78b8ef8d1    Innkeeping Recipes: From the  Minnesota Bed and Breakfast Association http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/ Baked Figs w/Mascarpone & crushed amaretti from the kitchen of the Rivertown Inn http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/recipes.php?r=18 Don’t forget, We have set up an e-mail address questions@PAII.org for you to ask questions and make comments directly to your board. Upcoming Webinars (free for members) Please register at http://www.innkeeping.org/?page=webinars (you will need to login to your PAII account) Wednesday, May 20, 2015, 2:00 PM EST Pros & Cons of offering Pet Friendly Rooms Before you open or convert your property to being pet friendly, you must first decide if you are willing to make your property accommodate the needs, wants and potential issues as well as the potential profits that pets and their owners can bring to your property. Learn about the pros and cons of offering pet friendly rooms, where and how to advertise and how to make sure your property is covered for liability. -Forfeng Designs/Forfeng Media Wednesday, June 10, 2015, 2:00 PM EST The Innkeeper's Dilemma - to Renew or not Renew your Trip Advisor Business Listing -Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast Wednesday, June 17, 2015, 2:00 PM EST Reputation Management with a Channel Manager Do you own the first page of Google Search results for your brand name? This webinar will focus on ways to manage your inn's online reputation. Learn how to use a channel manager to dominate the first page of Google for branded queries. -Cloudbeds Wednesday, June 24, 2015, 2:00 PM EST The 5 Greatest Marketing Challenges In a recent survey, over 400 innkeepers let us know their biggest marketing challenges. We will present practical solutions for the top five: planning your social media strategy, tracking return on investment, working with OTAs, understanding SEO, and perfecting your photos. -Bedandbreakfast.com Wednesday, July 1, 2015, 2:00 PM EST Email + Social Media: Strategies & Tools Let's be frank. It's tough being disciplined enough to send regular emails to your former guests and chat with them on social media. But studies consistently show that innkeepers who do enjoy more new guests and more repeat guests.This webinar will share with you some tools, strategies, and organizational tips you can use to hone your email and social marketing strategies. -Cloudbeds Wednesday, July 15, 2015, 2:00 PM EST Understanding the Guest Experience, presented by Liz Day Ever wondered what your guests experience during the entire booking process? Join Liz Day from RezStream as she helps you market your property better by understanding how guests find your website on the search engines, what they want when they arrive on your website, and how to guide them through the booking process. Don’t forget about the analytical reporting review as she helps you understand what you need to look at and how to process that information. - RezStream Wednesday, August 12, 2015, 2:00 PM EST Attracting Millennials to Your Bed and Breakfast The younger generation frequents different online mediums and also looks for different things out of life and travel. Attracting younger people to your bed and breakfast is key to business growth and knowing what attracts them and where to find them is important to long term business stability and sustainability. Learn how to customize your marketing to appeal to the younger generation, where to find them and what drives and motivates them.                 -Forfeng Designs/Forfeng Media Wednesday, August 19, 2015, 2:00 PM EST (Promo Webinar) RezStream Cloud, presented by Josh Wise Thinking of upgrading your reservation software? See why many hoteliers are talking about the RezStream Cloud. No longer do you need to be in the office to see what’s happening at the property, simply login to your account on your laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Learn about the benefits of the property management software and the features that helps you run your business better. - RezStream Wednesday, October 21, 2015, 2:00 PM EST 10 tax tips for B&Bs We will discuss the tax treatment of Bed & Breakfasts and give 10 tax tips every B&B owner should know.  We will discuss entity selection, maximizing deductions, tax minimization strategies, and long-term planning for the B&B owner. -Legare, Bailey and Hinske, LLC

Upcoming Webinars (free for members)

(More dates and topics coming soon!) Please register at http://www.innkeeping.org/?page=webinars (you will need to login to your PAII account)

Wednesday, May 20, 2015, 2:00 PM EST
Pros & Cons of offering Pet Friendly Rooms
Before you open or convert your property to being pet friendly, you must first decide if you are willing to make your property accommodate the needs, wants and potential issues as well as the potential profits that pets and their owners can bring to your property. Learn about the pros and cons of offering pet friendly rooms, where and how to advertise and how to make sure your property is covered for liability.
-Forfeng Designs/Forfeng Media

Wednesday, June 10, 2015, 2:00 PM EST
The Innkeeper's Dilemma - to Renew or not Renew your Trip Advisor Business Listing
-Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast

Wednesday, June 17, 2015, 2:00 PM EST
Reputation Management with a Channel Manager
Do you own the first page of Google Search results for your brand name? This webinar will focus on ways to manage your inn's online reputation. Learn how to use a channel manager to dominate the first page of Google for branded queries.
-Cloudbeds

Wednesday, June 24, 2015, 2:00 PM EST
The 5 Greatest Marketing Challenges
In a recent survey, over 400 innkeepers let us know their biggest marketing challenges. We will present practical solutions for the top five: planning your social media strategy, tracking return on investment, working with OTAs, understanding SEO, and perfecting your photos.
-Bedandbreakfast.com

Wednesday, July 1, 2015, 2:00 PM EST
Email + Social Media: Strategies & Tools
Let's be frank. It's tough being disciplined enough to send regular emails to your former guests and chat with them on social media. But studies consistently show that innkeepers who do enjoy more new guests and more repeat guests.This webinar will share with you some tools, strategies, and organizational tips you can use to hone your email and social marketing strategies.
-Cloudbeds

Wednesday, July 8, 2015, 2:00 PM EST (TBA)

Wednesday, July 15, 2015, 2:00 PM EST
Understanding the Guest Experience, presented by Liz Day
Ever wondered what your guests experience during the entire booking process? Join Liz Day from RezStream as she helps you market your property better by understanding how guests find your website on the search engines, what they want when they arrive on your website, and how to guide them through the booking process. Don’t forget about the analytical reporting review as she helps you understand what you need to look at and how to process that information.
- RezStream

Wednesday, August 12, 2015, 2:00 PM EST
Attracting Millennials to Your Bed and Breakfast
The younger generation frequents different online mediums and also looks for different things out of life and travel. Attracting younger people to your bed and breakfast is key to business growth and knowing what attracts them and where to find them is important to long term business stability and sustainability. Learn how to customize your marketing to appeal to the younger generation, where to find them and what drives and motivates them. 

-Forfeng Designs/Forfeng Media

Wednesday, August 19, 2015, 2:00 PM EST (Promo Webinar)
RezStream Cloud, presented by Josh Wise
Thinking of upgrading your reservation software? See why many hoteliers are talking about the RezStream Cloud. No longer do you need to be in the office to see what’s happening at the property, simply login to your account on your laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Learn about the benefits of the property management software and the features that helps you run your business better.
- RezStream

Wednesday, September 9, 2015, 2:00 PM EST (TBA)
Wednesday, September 16, 2015, 2:00 PM EST (TBA)
Wednesday, September 23, 2015, 2:00 PM EST (TBA)
Wednesday, October 7, 2015, 2:00 PM EST (TBA)
Wednesday, October 14, 2015, 2:00 PM EST (TBA)

Wednesday, October 21, 2015, 2:00 PM EST 

10 tax tips for B&Bs

We will discuss the tax treatment of Bed & Breakfasts and give 10 tax tips every B&B owner should know.  We will discuss entity selection, maximizing deductions, tax minimization strategies, and long-term planning for the B&B owner.

-Legare, Bailey and Hinske, LLC

PAII News You Can Use 5-12-2015

We begin with 2 articles discussing online reviews which factor into your inn’s Online Reputation.   There is a significant correlation between online reputation and bookings: 78% of travelers say reviews help them feel more confident in their booking decisions, while 53% of them will simply ignore a hotel that has no reviews. Consumers are relying more heavily on user-generated content than on self-promotional advertisements and studies confirm that 95% of travelers say online reviews are completely trustworthy. (!!) The spotlight on Millennials continues in “How Hotels Can Challenge Airbnb for Millennials' Hearts”.  We highly recommend clicking on the “2014 report” link which analyzes the millennial business traveler vs the millennial leisure traveler. MBT’s spend more per business trip due to the stage of their career; they’re not brand loyal yet, and loyalty built with current millennial business travelers will carry over to leisure travelers eventually. Another option for your marketing plan soon:  Amazon Destinations.  With the tag line: “Hit the road: Book local getaways” you won’t see any flight options as Amazon Destinations emphasizes drive destinations and weekend getaways.  This could be a good fit for Inns & B&Bs.  Properties set their own rates and availability calendars through the Amazon Local Business Portal, could discount rooms when it makes sense and offer full-price inventory during peak periods to “a large qualified audience,” the Amazon sales pitch states. We wrap up this issue with a focus on food.  Does your food photography entice guests?  Beth Campbell & Christian Giannelli share tips in the Featured Past PAII Webinar from our Archives. The Bed and Breakfast Association of Kentucky http://www.kentuckybb.com/ is the source of our featured recipe:  Lemon Souffle' Pancakes from the kitchen of the 1851 Historic Maple Hill Manor B&B. Thanks for reading! ~Kris Ullmer, PAII Executive Director  kris@paii.org   Deadline for entering is June 1, 2015: Details and Contest Rules for the PAII Member’s Recipe Contest For Our Summer Innkeeping Now Magazine! http://paiiinnkeepers.blogspot.com/2015/05/paii-recipe-contest-for-our-summer.html and PAII Photo Contests For Our Summer Innkeeping Now Magazine! http://paiiinnkeepers.blogspot.com/2015/05/photo-contests-for-our-summer.html Welcome to our first International Vendor! Little Hotelier, read more about them at http://paiiinnkeepers.blogspot.com/2015/05/welcome-to-our-first-international.html   News You Can Use: 5 Ways To Leverage The Hidden Benefits Of Online Reviews http://blog.leonardo.com/5-ways-to-leverage-the-hidden-benefits-of-online-reviews/ From Lookers To Bookers: How Your Online Reputation Can Be Your Best (Or Worst) Asset http://www.hospitalitynet.org/news/4069902.html Industry News: How Lodging Can Challenge Airbnb for Millennials' Hearts http://adage.com/article/digitalnext/hotels-challenge-airbnb-millennials-hearts/297893/ Amazon Travel Launches New Brand, Amazon Destinations http://skift.com/2015/04/21/amazon-launches-new-hotel-service-and-brand-amazon-destinations/ Social Media & SEO Changes Innkeepers Should be aware of: Buffer adds Scheduling for Pinterest http://www.bigfootdigital.co.uk/2015/05/buffer-adds-pinterest-should-you-take-the-leap/ Featured Past PAII Webinar from our Archives Food Photography (some tips to help you take your contest photos!) https://vimeo.com/user17593333/review/64802782/90d0a5ad50 Innkeeping Recipes: From the Bed and Breakfast Association of Kentucky http://www.kentuckybb.com/ Lemon Souffle' Pancakes from the kitchen of the 1851 Historic Maple Hill Manor B&B and Alpaca & Llama Farmhttp://www.kentuckybb.com/recipes.php?r=14 Upcoming Webinars (free for members)  (More dates and topics coming soon!) Please register at http://innkeeping.site-ym.com/forums/Posts.aspx?topic=1097789 (you will need to login) Wednesday, May 20, 2015, 2:00 PM EST Pros & Cons of offering Pet Friendly Rooms Before you open or convert your property to being pet friendly, you must first decide if you are willing to make your property accommodate the needs, wants and potential issues as well as the potential profits that pets and their owners can bring to your property. Learn about the pros and cons of offering pet friendly rooms, where and how to advertise and how to make sure your property is covered for liability. -Forfeng Designs/Forfeng Media Wednesday, June 10, 2015, 2:00 PM EST The Innkeeper's Dilemma - to Renew or not Renew your Trip Advisor Business Listing -Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast Wednesday, June 17, 2015, 2:00 PM EST Reputation Management with a Channel Manager Do you own the first page of Google Search results for your brand name? This webinar will focus on ways to manage your inn's online reputation. Learn how to use a channel manager to dominate the first page of Google for branded queries. -Cloudbeds Wednesday, June 24, 2015, 2:00 PM EST The 5 Greatest Marketing Challenges In a recent survey, over 400 innkeepers let us know their biggest marketing challenges. We will present practical solutions for the top five: planning your social media strategy, tracking return on investment, working with OTAs, understanding SEO, and perfecting your photos. -Bedandbreakfast.com Wednesday, July 1, 2015, 2:00 PM EST Email + Social Media: Strategies & Tools Let's be frank. It's tough being disciplined enough to send regular emails to your former guests and chat with them on social media. But studies consistently show that innkeepers who do enjoy more new guests and more repeat guests. This webinar will share with you some tools, strategies, and organizational tips you can use to hone your email and social marketing strategies. -Cloudbeds Wednesday, July 15, 2015, 2:00 PM EST Understanding the Guest Experience, presented by Liz Day Ever wondered what your guests experience during the entire booking process? Join Liz Day from RezStream as she helps you market your property better by understanding how guests find your website on the search engines, what they want when they arrive on your website, and how to guide them through the booking process. Don’t forget about the analytical reporting review as she helps you understand what you need to look at and how to process that information. - RezStream Wednesday, August 19, 2015, 2:00 PM EST RezStream Cloud, presented by Josh Wise Thinking of upgrading your reservation software? See why many hoteliers are talking about the RezStream Cloud. No longer do you need to be in the office to see what’s happening at the property, simply login to your account on your laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Learn about the benefits of the property management software and the features that helps you run your business better. - RezStream Have questions about PAII? Email questions@paii.org

Professional Association of Innkeepers International  l  295 Seven Farms Drive, Suite C-236 Charleston, SC 29492  l  membership@paii.org  l  856-310-1102  l  www.innkeeping.org

Welcome to our First International Vendor!

The first all-in-one small hotel business solution launches in the U.S.

Little Hotelier, a top-of-the-line reservation and property management system for small hotels, bed and breakfasts, inns and motels, has today announced its expansion into the U.S. to offer the local market’s first all-in-one hotel business solution.

“We are excited to be able to satisfy the increasing demand we have been receiving from U.S. hotels, inns and lodges, particularly as hotel occupancy within the U.S. market is forecast to hit a record high in 2015^[1] and automation technology will be crucial for small hotels. Little Hotelier is specifically designed to enable small accommodation providers around the world to manage their online presence and compete on the global stage – and now properties in the U.S. can join our customers around the world to benefit from exactly this,” says Bronwyn Karaoglu, Little Hotelier evangelist.

Little Hotelier’s solution aims to empower small hoteliers through award-winning, best-in-class technology. Taking a three-pronged approach to small hotel management, the system includes a property management system (PMS), an online reservation system and a channel manager that connects small hotels to more than 250 of the world’s leading online distribution channels.

Using a ‘pooled inventory’ model, Little Hotelier allows small hoteliers to have all their rooms online at the same time, and also manage all their inventory from one place to drastically reduce the risks of overbookings and double bookings that come with manual inventory management.

The system’s complete automation capability also enables hoteliers to work more efficiently by eliminating otherwise manual administrative work.

In its recent survey of U.S. hotels and inns with less than 50 rooms, Little Hotelier found that time spent on manual administrative work was a major frustration, with 65 percent of respondents saying that time wasted on managing reservations across multiple sites was their biggest challenge.

Ms Karaoglu says: “By consolidating the three systems into one, we’re solving a very significant problem that small hotels in the U.S. are facing. Updating inventory across distribution channels, in particular, is a painful task, with a large number of innkeepers saying overbooking and double booking is a constant risk.”

The Little Hotelier system is now live and innkeepers can sign up instantly by visiting www.littlehotelier.com.

Little Hotelier FREE launch event in Big Bear Lake, CA

Little Hotelier will be holding a launch event on Wednesday 10^th June 2015 at Cienaga Creek Ranch, Big Bear, California.

PAII News You Can Use 5-5-2015

You showed us – that you are eager for ‘news you can use’ to operate your B&B, your business, or your future B&B.  How so? Last month, our first edition of the monthly e-newsletter (INNfo) was ‘opened’ by over 1/3 of you – more than 3500 views from present/previous PAII members.  The weekly ‘news you can use’ which you’re reading now is opened by over 42% of recipients – this is sent to current PAII members only.We’ll now be sending both of these e-newsletters to all of you – and of course, we look forward to welcoming back many of you to PAII membership, now that you can see one of the membership services.  And, when you look at that inviting list of upcoming webinars, know that renewing your PAII membership will grant you access. Meet your PAII Board of Directors: Jerry Phillips-Wisconsin, Jack North-Virginia, Julie Rosen-Missouri, Kris Ullmer-Exec. Director, Lynn Carlson – North Carolina, Janice DeLerno - Louisiana.  (Missing:  Heather Turner - Connecticut) Here we are on the steps of the Mayhurst Inn, where we met for 2+ days to strategically plan ‘what’s next’ for PAII … I thank each of these innkeepers for taking the time away from their inn, traveling at their own expense , and investing their analytical and creative skills.  Jack & Pat at the Mayhurst Inn generously put us up and put up with us! We dug thru boxes of files, longed for a cassette recorder to play the ‘aspiring innkeeper education series’ from the 1990’s, and focused on renewing and positioning PAII programs to continue to be the ‘go-to’ association for our industry. In this issue of News You Can Use: While any B&B stay is special, many innkeepers create special packages, often with a local flavor, to entice guests – these aren’t discounts, but rather packages that up-sell services / amenities and save the guest time – which has been called the ‘new currency’. “Best Practices For Displaying Special Offers On Your Website” gives tips for making your packages simply irresistible. You’ll sleep better knowing that Twitter has added a “Retweet with Comment” feature … problem solved! Thanks to our friends at bedandbreakfast.com, what we know has been confirmed: 3 out of 4 travelers say B&Bs have better amenities than hotels – and the info grid shows just that in “Hotels vs Bed & Breakfasts”! An excellent source of innkeeper-tested recipes is often your state bed & breakfast association’s website! The innkeepers in Indiana share their favorite recipes (link in article below) and we especially like the 14 categories (including “just peachy”) from which to choose.  Enjoy! ‘til next week -Kris Ullmer, PAII Executive Director Details and Contest Rules for the PAII Member’s Recipe Contest For Our Summer Innkeeping Now Magazine! http://paiiinnkeepers.blogspot.com/2015/05/paii-recipe-contest-for-our-summer.html and PAII Photo Contests For Our Summer Innkeeping Now Magazine! http://paiiinnkeepers.blogspot.com/2015/05/photo-contests-for-our-summer.html News You Can Use: Best Practices For Displaying Special Offers On Your Website http://blog.leonardo.com/best-practices-for-displaying-special-offers-on-your-website/ 5 Ways Lodging Can Use Twitter’s 'Retweet with Comment' Feature http://www.e-marketingassociates.com/5-ways-hotels-can-use-twitters-retweet-with-comment-feature/#comment-2246 Industry News: Hotels vs. bed and breakfasts [INFOGRAPHIC] http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/info/travelers/travel-inspiration-guides/hotels-vs-bed-and-breakfasts Surprise! Airbnb comes in dead last as Millennials’ preferred accommodation http://www.tnooz.com/article/surprise-airbnb-comes-in-dead-last-as-millennials-preferred-accommodation/ Social Media & SEO Changes Innkeepers Should be aware of: Facebook is retiring it’s Like Box plugin on June 23 (but there is a replacement) http://thenextweb.com/insider/2015/04/19/facebook-is-retiring-its-like-box-plugin-on-june-23/ ref: https://developers.facebook.com/docs/plugins/page-plugin Featured Past PAII Webinar from our Archives: The Art & Science Of Scones http://player.vimeo.com/external/91318860.sd.mp4?s=987f5156eb9ac6b88e6b0cd781571f28&profile_id=112 Innkeeping Recipes: From the Indiana B&B Association http://www.indianabedandbreakfast.org/ Sweet Potato Biscuits from the kitchen of the Carousel Inn http://www.indianabedandbreakfast.org/recipes.php?r=62 Upcoming Webinars (free for members) (More dates and topics coming soon!) Please login and go to the registration links at http://www.innkeeping.org/forums/Posts.aspx?topic=1097789 Wednesday, May 6, 2015 Google Local - Only The Top 3 Remain! Google Search Engine Result Pages (SERPs) have recently changed yet again! Yes - it's a known fact that Google changes all the time - but their most recent change for "Bed and Breakfast" and "Lodging" phrases has minimized the Local playing field down to the top 3 contenders.  Local Listings 4-7 have dropped away.  If you used to be in the 7 pack, you may not be ranking locally at all now.  If you are not aware of the difference between Local and Organic (FREE) placement, and haven't recognized this latest change and its effect on your placement, we welcome you to come to this webinar to learn more about Local vs. Organic, and what role your Website does and doesn't play in the Google Search Result Pages.  It's a must know for all Innkeepers and Property Owners! -Acorn Internet Register at http://www.innkeeping.org/forums/Posts.aspx?topic=1097789 (you must login to the PAII site) Wednesday, May 20, 2015 Pros & Cons of offering Pet Friendly Rooms Before you open or convert your property to being pet friendly, you must first decide if you are willing to make your property accommodate the needs, wants and potential issues as well as the potential profits that pets and their owners can bring to your property. Learn about the pros and cons of offering pet friendly rooms, where and how to advertise and how to make sure your property is covered for liability. -Forfeng Designs/Forfeng Media Register at http://www.innkeeping.org/forums/Posts.aspx?topic=1097789 (you must login to the PAII site) Wednesday, June 24, 2015 The 5 Greatest Marketing Challenges In a recent survey, over 400 innkeepers let us know their biggest marketing challenges. We will present practical solutions for the top five: planning your social media strategy, tracking return on investment, working with OTAs, understanding SEO, and perfecting your photos. -Bedandbreakfast.com Register at http://www.innkeeping.org/forums/Posts.aspx?topic=1097789 (you must login to the PAII site) Wednesday, July 15, 2015 Understanding the Guest Experience, presented by Liz Day Ever wondered what your guests experience during the entire booking process? Join Liz Day from RezStream as she helps you market your property better by understanding how guests find your website on the search engines, what they want when they arrive on your website, and how to guide them through the booking process. Don’t forget about the analytical reporting review as she helps you understand what you need to look at and how to process that information. RezStream Register at http://www.innkeeping.org/forums/Posts.aspx?topic=1097789 (you must login to the PAII site) Wednesday, August 19, 2015 RezStream Cloud, presented by Josh Wise Thinking of upgrading your reservation software? See why many hoteliers are talking about the RezStream Cloud. No longer do you need to be in the office to see what’s happening at the property, simply login to your account on your laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Learn about the benefits of the property management software and the features that helps you run your business better. RezStream Register at http://www.innkeeping.org/forums/Posts.aspx?topic=1097789 (you must login to the PAII site) Have questions about PAII? Emailquestions@paii.org