Hundreds of hoteliers and innkeepers gathered in Niagara Falls at the 2011 Annual Conference in May to hear from the industry’s most recognized speakers, to be entertained by dynamic presentations, and to network with the industry’s top suppliers.

Hoteliers and innkeepers enjoyed the Annual Conference's
welcome reception held at The Conference Center Niagara Falls.
(Pictured from left to right) John Campbell, Chairman of the
American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA); K. William Gunther,
Managing Director of the R.I.T. Inn & Conference Center,
Rochester; Victor Nelson, General Manager of the
Ramada Geneva Lakefront; Chuck Tomajko,
President of The Fairlawn Inn, Hunter.

Vikram Singh demonstrated for attendees how to use
website analytics for hotel marketing during the education session
"Google Analytics: Improve your Hotel Website’s Performance".

Pat Maher, Partner at The Maher Group, spoke to hoteliers at the
"Achieving Environmental Excellence" education session
about how the industry is preparing to meet the needs of the
future green traveler.

Isaac J. Collazo, Vice President of Performance Strategy &
Planning for InterContinental Hotels Group PLC,
spoke to attendees about implementing performance
strategies that work for hotels.

Judson Laipply, Comedian and "Evolution of Dance" creator,
entertained attendees with an inspirational message
about what it takes to be successful in business.

Judson Laipply performs his famous "Evolution of Dance".
His signature dance is featured on YouTube as the
third most popular video.

Judson Laipply, pictured with honor society
inductees and faculty from Niagara University's
College of Hospitality & Tourism Management.

Jay Karen, CEO of Professional Association of
Innkeepers International, presented never-before-seen
kinds of opportunities for success-minded innkeepers
during the education session "Innkeeping Ain’t What it Used to Be".

Hoteliers heard about the latest regulatory updates
that directly impact properties, including the new
Hospitality Industry Wage Order, directly from
Steve Ingraham, Senior Stakeholder Liaison, IRS.

Erin Hannigan, Sales Executive for STR (Smith Travel Research)
spoke about seasonal performance and future occupancy
trends to help hoteliers plan strategies, as the industry
continues to find its footing in a struggling economy.

NYSH&TA members enjoyed the Silent Auction and
Cocktail Reception prior to the Stars of the Industry
Gala & Awards Banquet. The Silent Auction and
Cocktail Reception proceeds benefit the
Fred & Gertrude England Hospitality Education Foundation.

The winners at the 2011 Stars of the Industry Gala and Awards Banquet.