The Refinishing Touch Blog

We've just returned from this week's Buyer Interactive Trade Alliance and Conference: Purchasing and Design West (BITAC) sponsored by Hotel Interactive, and had a chance to meet with both current and potential clients amongst 75 different groups. Amidst strengthening old friendships and forging new ones, we heard a lot of the talk at this year's event about the current conditions of the marketplace and where the hospitality industry stands. Based on the buzz at the event, it continues to ring true that the financial state of our nation has had its effect on the hospitality industry.

In the panic of the financial situation many capital budgets have been frozen and hotel owners and developers are realizing the need to be proactive whenever possible. We learned from our industry friends that the feeling is that renovations are more important than ever. Since a good number of the new builds in the pipeline may be shelved, industry players are coming to realize that keeping existing properties in a competitive stance is extremely important.

Another hot topic at the event was the greening of the industry. A panel discussion at the event discussed the definition of "green" in the hospitality industry and the need for universal standards throughout. The industry brings in a whole new set of issues and obstacles when it comes to implementing green standards and proves to be a challenge that everyone agreed is well worth the effort.

The hospitality business is one built on relationships. BITAC and Hotel Interactive understand this and cultivate it within their events. With a format lending itself to free thinking and relationship building without any constraints, BITAC is always an event that The Refinishing Touch looks forward to and is delighted to participate in.

Labels: BITAC, economy, Green, Hospitality