The event attracted Vice Presidents, Partners and CEOs from Metlife; Kettler Management; VIP Corporate Housing; Del Suites (Canada); Regency Living; Wolff Services; Houlihan Lokey; Ballard Spahr; Weichert; CORT Furniture; National Corporate Housing; Third Point Capital; The Highland Group; Northeast Suites; Oasis Corporate Housing; Clyde and Co; STR Global and BridgeStreet Global Hospitality.
The opportunity
After a brief welcome and introductions, attendees discussed the state and outlook for the Americas corporate housing and extended stay sectors. Piers Brown outlined the reasoning behind the conference launch – what makes the SAS Americas launch compelling, and attendees gave their views on how the event will help shape the category within the hospitality sector, like the comparable Serviced Apartment Summit Europe now in its fourth year.
Attendees shared their key objectives for the future, including ‘success criteria’, and there was a brief discussion on what attendees have learnt from other hospitality conferences.
Session generation
Next, attendees were split into groups to highlight their top 3 most important topics to be included on the conference agenda, which were shared and reviewed collectively with suggested additions / amendments and improvements. Topics offered included the need for data benchmark analysis; how to appeal to the investor; technology and distribution; demographics / psychographics; liability management; technology and new platforms; OTA’s and distribution; case studies and more.
Recommended speakers and industry experts
After a brief focus on recommending those industry experts and speakers, sponsors and media / supporting partners for the event, the meeting was brought to a close with Piers Brown outlining the next steps required.
Attendees and invited guests were treated to some wine tasting and exceptional cuisine at Il Fornaio Cucina Italiana, Reston later that evening.
Industry leader comments:
“I thought the advisory committee meeting was fantastic. SAS Americas 2016 already promises to be the place for all those seriously looking to grow their business in the corporate housing, extended stay and serviced apartment sectors within the region” Terry Green, Partner, Clyde and Co.
“There is an unprecedented level of interest in the Serviced Apartment/Aparthotel sector, as witnessed by C-Suite level of attendees that convened in Reston VA. Every area of the sector was represented – Operators, Fund Managers, Investment Banking, Legal Professionals, Suppliers, Multi-Family, and Industry Data professionals, which speaks to the demand to bring SAS to the Americas. What was clear from the dialogue, is that transparency of data will drive investment and ultimately value to the Owners/Operators/Investors/Brands in the space. April 2016 is a must attend event for any business leader that wants to be connected” Sean Worker, President and CEO, BridgeStreet Global Hospitality
“The SAS Americas advisory meeting was a great learning experience and motivator. There is nothing I like better than smart people challenging me to look at our industry from new perspectives, and this was just over an afternoon. It’s clear lots will be achieved at the conference and exhibition in April 2016.” Steve Frey, CEO, Oasis Corporate Housing.
“The SAS Americas 2016 advisory committee meeting was a huge success. The positive approach, sense of engagement and feedback from many CEO’s in attendance, clearly demonstrates there is a compelling requirement for a highly focused conference and exhibition to drive the sector forward. I learnt a lot and am delighted to be the facilitator for this process. I look forward to welcoming industry leaders to the event in NYC, April 2016.” Piers Brown, CEO, IHM.
“I know that the industry of Serviced Apartments/Corporate Housing in North America is not new, however the concept of Serviced Apartments/Corporate Housing is not a concept that is familiar to a great many corporate clients that we see. A conference like this can only help to spread the concept throughout our markets and bring investment to our industry.” Cliff Norton, Director of Sales, Del Suites, Canada.
