Attendees from across Europe and around the world converge in London to attend the first FORUM Conference, which served as 2009’s main event for the European shared-ownership industry.
By Matt McDaniel, editor

2009 was bad enough. And in a year without a conference held by the Resort Development Organisation (RDO; formerly known as the Organisation for Timeshare in Europe or OTE), at least some shared-ownership professionals were neither pleased with how 2009 had gone so far nor entirely optimistic about 2010.

“We were all disappointed we were not going to have an event this year, but then we had this event,” said RCI Vice President of Development Dimitris Manikis. “Everybody was a bit negative in the beginning, but everybody’s leaving with a smile on their faces – we heard some great success stories, and I think we’re all ready for a challenge in 2010. We’re a great bunch of people, great companies, great people to work with, and I think we’re going to have a great year.”

So what turned people’s attitudes around? It was, in this case, participation in The FORUM Conference, held 9 and 10 December at the Sofitel London Heathrow Hotel. The FORUM was a not-for-profit event arranged and hosted by Generator Systems and Perspective Magazine to enable the European timeshare and fractional industry and international guests to reflect on the economic downturn of 2009 and discuss best practices and innovative ideas for 2010.

An Event Overview
Spanning all aspects of the shared ownership industry, The FORUM drew from the experience and knowledge of more than 30 industry experts from Europe, USA, Asia, South Africa and Mexico. A combination of seasoned veterans (and a few outstanding newcomers), inspiring speakers, panelists and moderators took a look at the difficulties of the past year and then looked forward to new opportunities.They discussed everything: legal and financial hurdles, the need to adapt and the desire for change, new sales and marketing techniques, regional and local challenges and more. But perhaps most importantly, topics actually were discussed by everyone.

Each person in attendance was given ample opportunity to pose questions, make comments, and even disagree with a presenter, which happened more than once. This combination of expert advice and instant vox populi feedback translated into real-world answers and oftentimes practical, workable solutions to challenges facing our industry. The FORUM provided an honest, open and frank environment to share views and encourage cooperation as we enter a new era.

What’s more, in various sessions participants broke down the issues by geography, evaluated and analyzed the latest industry statistics and facts, and talked directly with RDO leaders about legislative changes and other issues facing shared ownership. According to FORUM attendees, two of the main reasons for attending the event were networking and hearing the latest industry news. The FORUM powerfully met both these objectives: Shorter sessions and an intimate and relaxed setting for coffee breaks and lunches maximized networking opportunities, and knowledgeable speakers coupled with a truly interactive format meant that those there heard up-to-the-minute reports on what was going on in shared ownership worldwide.

Importantly, the conference content worked on two levels: Long-time industry players were able to glean knowledge from their peers, while new entrants to the industry could learn a great deal.

“There was practical information that we need. Especially for us, a development that’s just starting to go into the fractional industry, so this is exactly the kind of forum that we need to gain credible information and all the details we don’t know about,” said Regan Berger, sales and marketing director for Promotora Golf Fain S.L. “[The legal session] which essentially opened our eyes to a few things that we hadn’t thought about thus far.”

“It’s always good at least once a year to catch up with your fellow industry experts and to swap stories and to see how they’re getting on in this business,” said long-time industry player Peter Booth, managing director of Pestana Vacation Club. “And once again find out if you can learn a little bit, because you never stop learning in this business and there’s always something to pick up and take away and implement back home at your resorts. For me it’s been enlightening and a couple of things that I’ve penciled in to follow up when I get back to Madeira.”

Popular Sessions
Session highlights according to attendees were the sales and marketing and fractional sessions, as well as the open-agenda, open-mic Gloves Off! session.

In the session, Selling & Marketing to the new consumer: What Works for You?, panelists and participants shared what worked and what didn’t over the past 12 months; listened with interest as Philip Watson, managing director of Worldwide Timeshare Hypermarket, described a new TV advertising program that looks set to unleash a sustainable cost-effective route to market; and heard Paul Mattimoe, CEO of Perspective International, describe how his consumer publication, Owners Perspective Magazine – through aligning with major brands outside of the industry, such as British Airways – was proving that consumers have a greater appetite for timeshare and fractional products than some would think.

In another session, Is Fractional the Future of the Shared Ownership Industry?, panel speakers and members of the audience opened up about what actually was selling in 2009, providing actual sales totals at various properties worldwide. Attendees also discussed the various definitions of the word fractional and debated the differences between fractional and timeshare interests. It was clear that most fractional developers still wanted to disassociate themselves from the timeshare industry, despite hearing that the two products were in fact legally considered the same type of product.

The Gloves Off! session lived up to its name, as attendees fiercely continued their examination of fractionals and where again some fractional developers still battled with definition issues, even when comments came from other developers and even fractional exchange companies to the contrary. But most importantly, this session allowed for a much needed group discussion to take place that involved major players in the industry debating (and essentially shaping) the future of the shared ownership industry – something that in Europe, at least, is extremely rare. On a separate topic in this same session, delegates also got into a quite-spirited and controversial discussion of how to rid the industry of unscrupulous holidaypack scammers.

But the meeting was not all about heated debate on serious subjects. The FORUM scored a major coup in featuring two industry icons, each of whom had scarcely spoken at shared-ownership events during the past 10 years. John Spence, chairman and owner of Karma Royal Group, has over 25 years in the business, but he delighted the crowd with brilliantly funny anecdotes from his pre-resort music-industry days and his early days in our business. Roy Peires, chairman and founder of Club La Costa Resorts & Hotels, fascinatingly explained how his company came to be among the leading lights of timeshare in Europe and one that is, by its innovative and progressive approach, defining the standard and shaping the way in which its more than 50,000 members enjoy their holidays.

Summing It Up
“Without an RDO conference [in 2009], there were few opportunities for all interested parties within the industry – developers, exchange companies, finance companies – to actually get together in one place and at one time and not just socialize, but talk business,” said Michael Myers, Interval’s vice president of resort sales for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.” And without it, we would have had to wait a whole year. If you don’t bring the industry together, it tends to go off in separate directions.”

Others agreed with Myers’ assessment. “It’s very easy to get down when you read doom and gloom in the papers all the time,” commented Leslie McCann, group marketing director for Seasons Holidays Plc, who effused about The FORUM and then mentioned an additional benefit to attending: “If you just come away from an event like this with one idea and make it your own, that’s what it’s all about, really.”

Overall, people seemed to really enjoy the event in addition to appreciating its business benefit. Further attendee feedback indicated they also believed the conference was a good value for the money and that it was well-organized, two reasons why those who took the time to comment rated the meeting as either good or excellent overall.

“It’s been fantastic, bringing everyone together,” saidRobin Mills, communications chairman for RDO. “I’m really grateful for what Generator and Perspective have done. It’s been the right mixture of networking, sessions, individual speakers and party.”

Possibly most significant, however, is that many attendees left the conference with a positive outlook for the future of the industry. “It’s been a great time for the industry to come together, and I think we’ve accomplished a lot,” says Interval International Managing Director David Clifton.

“It looks like people are optimistic that 2010 is going to be better than 2009.”

Generator Party Rocks The FORUM
Of course, there was a Generator party at The FORUM – and Generator-hosted bashes are renowned for their great music, freeflowing drinks and let-down-your-hair fun.

The evening began with an elegant dinner and good conversation. A supposed maître d’, chef and server turned out to be a trio of gifted operatic singers in an extremely entertaining comic routine that captivated the entire audience.

Later, as people moved from the dining to the dancing, an energetic and talented cover band got people moving and grooving right away. It also didn’t hurt to have the conference’s “Generator Girls,” who were dressed all in white and had been serving champagne at the entrance, move inside and invite attendees to join them on the dance floor.

It has been said that many times that our industry “knows how to party,” and perhaps it is best to borrow a phrase from Las Vegas: What happens at the Generator party stays at the Generator party.

“There were a few sore heads this morning,” noted Robin Mills on the day after the party, “including mine.”

In conjunction with The Forum (www.perspectivemagazine.com/forum/) vacation ownership industry event taking place in London December 9th and 10th, Generator Systems and SPI Software are pleased to announce plans for a strategic interface between their industry-leading technology systems for developers of vacation ownership real estate.

Generator Systems is the global leader for optimizing vacation ownership sales results with their award-winning technology and multimedia platform. SPI Orange provides comprehensive information management and accounting software for marketing, point-of-sale, finance, owner servicing and resort management. The interface will automate the flow of data between the systems, reducing the time required for entering tour data and generating sales documents among other benefits.

Pete Jones, founding partner of Generator Systems comments, “We continually strive to provide features and functionality that enhance the sales process for our clients and this initiative with SPI Orange is an example of Generator Systems’ commitment to innovation.”

Matt Brosious, vice-president of sales and marketing for SPI Software adds, “We think that Generator Systems and SPI Orange are technology leaders and furnish the best available solutions for vacation ownership developers. Companies employing both Generator and SPI will benefit from a seamless sales deck to back-office integration.”

The strategic interface is planned to be available in the second quarter of 2010. For additional information please inquire directly to Generator Systems or SPI Software.

About Generator Systems
Generator Systems Ltd, with its European Head Office in the UK, is the global leader in integrating technology into the sales process within the leisure real estate marketplace. Working with sales teams in the timeshare, fractional, condo and whole ownership sales sectors, Generator has multi-award-winning installations in over 85 sales decks, working with over 1,000 sales people across six continents and translated in 14 languages. For further information please contact Generator Systems at 011 44 1604 825540, email sales@generator-systems.com or visit www.generator-systems.com.

About SPI Software
SPI Software provides developers and operators of vacation ownership (timeshare, fractional, private residence club and others using either traditional or points-based usage strategies) with its .NET-based software as either an enterprise suite of software called Orange Systems, or in specific modules to handle marketing, sales, property management, finance, maintenance fee and receivables servicing, centralized reservations or Website access operations. Founded in 1978 and based in Miami, FL, SPI can be reached at 305-858-9505, sales@spiinc.com or www.spiinc.com.

The FORUM Conference ( http://www.perspectivemagazine.com/forum ) to be hosted by Generator Systems and Perspective Magazine for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries on 9-10 December in London will be treating guests to a presentation from Richard Dolan, a globally recognized motivational speaker.

Richard has spoken alongside global leaders and icons, authors, actors, television personalities and inspiring teachers such as the 43rd President of the United States George W. Bush, 42nd President of the United States William Jefferson Clinton, former President Vicente Fox of Mexico, Sir Richard Branson, Donald Trump, Michael Phelps, Andre Agassi, Barbara Walters, Quincy Jones, Hillary Swank, Martha Stewart, Anthony Robbins, Bob Greene, Dr. Oz , Luc Robitailles and Peter Guber.

Richard Dolan is CEO of the Bydolan Group of Companies, a selfleadership and corporate messaging practice. Richard has worked with sales professionals and corporations representing billions in sales and market momentum since 1993.

Richard is a stand for causing irreversible transformation in the way people see, seek and realize life’s highest aspirations – with magic, grace and ease. At the heart of Richard’s ideology lies Richard’s masterful competence in the Ontology of human beings; the study of human-beingness. An examination of who we are in the matter of succeeding.

Richard unapologetically guides participants during his talk through life’s ‘tough stuff’, to dig deep and get to the cause of what’s working, and not working.

You will be moved, touched and empowered by the possibilities your life represents, as they unfold through your participation during Richard’s talk, which covers – Buying Life Rich Real Estate: Matching people with place and purpose. Harnessing uncommon luxury for the common man.

For more information on The FORUM Conference visit www.perspectivemagazine.com/forum

Source: http://www.perspectivemagazine.com/richard-dolan-to-discuss-life-rich-real-estate-at-the-forum-conference-in-london-01629

December will see the highly anticipated FORUM Conference take place in London hosted by Generator Systems and Perspective Magazine.

Taking on the responsibility to ensure that the vacation ownership industry in Europe had an opportunity to meet, network and discuss the ups and downs of the past year, the two well know suppliers to the industry globally have taken a far from typical approach which has sparked intrigue amongst industry professionals.

Announced as a not for profit event with any excess proceeds going to charity, the FORUM Conference team set about to arrange almost no promotion of the event for all but the last six weeks prior to the event itself, furthermore, delegate registration was not opened until just five weeks before which in itself created an amount of hype and interest.

Now with less than a month to go, the conference schedule and its array of speakers and panellists have been announced and industry professionals have spent the last couple of weeks rushing to confirm one or more of just 200 tickets.

Unlike most conferences, The FORUM has no keynote speakers delivering in-depth presentations on their specialist subjects. Instead, with the exception of some brief 15 minute inspirational stories, all other sessions based around panels of experts with the emphasis of getting straight down to business and involving the 200 strong audience to freely enter into a debate about each topic at hand.

This format aims to cover more topics in the time allotted and as well as the chosen topics it will give the chance for the attendees to raise and discuss topics specifically important to them adding value to both the conference and their experience at the event – in fact there’s even one session planned for near the end of the second day called “Gloves Off” where there are no panellists and no set topics, just another change for delegates to revisit the main topics of the past couple of days and ask further questions of previous panellists or cover newer topics that may have arisen as a spin off to other sessions.

With unofficial references to likening this conference to the Coliseums of Rome and a Gladiatorial affair, The FORUM has attracted more than 25 industry experts who will give up their time to contribute to the event, sharing experiences, successes, failures and ideas with all who attend. Spanning all aspects of the shared ownership industry this innovative event will draw from veterans and exciting newcomers alike from around the world with Europe, USA, Asia, South Africa, Mexico and Canada all represented during panel sessions.

The difficulties of the past year will be addressed initially, but then the conference will look forward to new opportunities and the best ways to prepare for 2010 covering legal and financial hurdles, the need to adapt and the desire for change, new sales and marketing techniques and most importantly try to answer and suggest solutions to questions from the interactive audience of industry professionals which would undoubtedly touch upon consumer confidence, credibility, resales, is fractional ownership the new timeshare, unlawful practises of discount membership clubs (not timeshare) and much more.

Has the credit crunch made the industry realise its vulnerability? Has it inspired entrepreneurial individuals to help reinvent the wheel and take notice of consumer needs and desires when adapting their product ranges? Will we see a new reinvigorated, more accepted industry in 2010? Or will new legislation cripple us all?

For Answers – Attend The FORUM

For more information and to book one of the limited remaining tickets visit www.perspectivemagazine.com/forum

The upcoming timeshare and fractional ownership business conference in London, aptly named The FORUM (9-10 December 2009), will take on a series of debates between panel experts and the audience of 200 industry professionals.

One of the main questions this year has been the rapid increase in positive media focus around fractional ownership products, in particular property related. There are however, many views on where this product sits in relation to a wider industry, is it a traditional property product, or part of the shared ownership industry – as both styles exist, how will this be translated to consumers, who have heard the term fractional ownership but as yet are widely uneducated about its benefits.

The session “Is fractional the way forwards for the shared ownership market? “ is a must see for all timeshare and fractional property developers and will ask pertinent questions such as, Is fractional the way forwards? How much fractional inventory is really being sold out there? Is there any real difference between fractional and timeshare? What is the appetite for one versus the other in the market and how will this change in 2010? Whose responsibility is it to correctly educate consumers? Is fractional ownership an affluent only product, or could it become mass market? What selling methods are proving most effective? What are the key ingredients for a successful fractional property development?

Hear from experts from the pure Fractional side, from the timeshare side and from those selling both – what is the future of shared ownership and which horse should you back?

Don’t miss this session and many others, visit http://www.perspectivemagazine.com/forum for more information on sessions, speakers, sponsors and to book remaining tickets subject to availability.

About The FORUM Conference
The FORUM Conference is being hosted by Generator Systems and Perspective Magazine, supported by RCI, Interval International, Worldwide Timeshare Hypermarket, Howard Kennedy, Connex and Life Rich Real Estate. The FORUM is an innovative shared ownership industry event that draws from the experience and knowledge of more than 25 industry experts from Europe, USA, Asia, South Africa & Mexico. A combination of veterans and exciting newcomers, inspiring guest speakers and moderators will take a look at the difficulties of the past year, but then look forward to new opportunities, legal and financial hurdles, the need to adapt and the desire for change, new sales and marketing techniques and most importantly try to answer and suggest solutions to questions from the interactive audience of industry professionals.
For more information visit www.perspectivemagazine.com/forum

About Generator Systems
Generator Systems Ltd, with its European Head Office in the UK, is the global leader in integrating technology into the sales process within the leisure real estate marketplace. Working with sales teams in the timeshare, fractional, condo and whole ownership sales sectors, Generator has multi-award winning installations in over 70 sales decks, working with over 1,000 sales people across 6 continents and translated in 11 languages.

For more information email sales@generator-systems.com or call +44 (0) 1604 825540

About Perspective International
Perspective Magazine is the most read independent B2B publication for the shared ownership industry globally, offering exclusive interviews, news and reviews on all aspects of timeshare, fractional ownership, private residence clubs and resort real estate. Winner of two Innovative Marketing Awards and Media Sponsor of 18 major industry conventions around the globe with official distribution to all delegates at each event just adds to the highly targeted print and online subscription base of more than 20,600 industry professionals and the additional online exposure offered through its network of news and press release sites.

For more information visit http://www.perspectivemagazine.com, call +1 407-792-2343 (USA) or +44 191 250 3501 (UK) or visit our online media centre at http://www.perspectiverates.com

Interval International, a leading global provider of vacation services and an operating segment of Interval Leisure Group (Nasdaq: IILG), today announced its role as a Major Supporter of The FORUM, a conference that will cover all aspects of shared ownership. Hosted by Generator Systems and Perspective Magazine, the event is anticipated to draw 200 industry leaders to the Sofitel London Heathrow Hotel next month.

“We are proud to play a leading role at The FORUM and look forward to the discussions and networking opportunities, which should be enlightening and productive,” said Darren Ettridge, Interval International’s vice president of resort sales and service for Europe, Middle East, and Africa.

Two Interval executives will be among the industry experts participating in the panels scheduled for 9th and 10th December. David Clifton, managing director for Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia, will join the opening session “So You Think You Had It Bad!?!” and Ettridge will speak on both the “Triumph Out of Adversity” and “Is Fractional the Future of the Shared Ownership Industry?” panels.

“We are delighted that Interval International is a Major Supporter of The FORUM, a not-for-profit networking and conference event for the European marketplace,” said Paul Mattimoe, chief executive officer of Perspective International Ltd. “The company’s significant support has helped us gather more than 25 key industry figures from around the world to share their insights in a new, innovative format that promises to address possible solutions to the most pertinent questions being asked today.”

About Interval International
Interval International operates membership programs for vacation owners and provides value-added services to its developer clients worldwide. Based in Miami, Florida, the company has been a pioneer and innovator in serving the vacation ownership market for more than 33 years. Today, Interval has a network of approximately 2,500 resorts in more than 75 countries and offers its resort clients and about 2 million member families high-quality products and programs through offices in 26 cities in 16 countries.Interval is an operating segment of Interval Leisure Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: IILG), a leading global provider of membership and leisure services to the vacation industry.

Priority Booking of those industry professionals that pre-registered their interest in attending The FORUM Conference is now underway – but delegate places will go on general release shortly after 5pm GMT today.

Due to the Forum Debate style of this not for profit conference, delegate places are strictly limited to just 200 so those wishing to attend need to act fast to secure tickets; which are limited to 3 per company.

Hosted by Generator Systems & Perspective Magazine, this first of its kind event boasting more than 25 speakers from around the world, will tackle not only the difficulties being encountered by the timeshare and fractional ownership industries in these uncertain economic times, but also discuss possible solutions by breaking the mould of traditional conventions and allow the event to be audience driven and interactive; replacing long presentations with topical “forum” styled debates between delegates and expert panelists.

Details of the speakers, sessions and sponsorship opportunities are now available at www.perspectivemagazine.com/forum

Remember: Delegate Registrations open to all shortly after 5pm GMT time today!

Details of the highly anticipated event arranged and hosted by Generator Systems and Perspective Magazine are now unfolding.

This first of its kind, not for profit event has stirred curiosity within the industry for its totally different approach to promoting and hosting a conference. Details of the speakers, sessions and sponsorship opportunities are now available at www.perspectivemagazine.com/forum.

Boasting more than 25 industry leaders from around the world, gathering to share the highs and lows of the past year with an audience of distinguished professionals, this promises to be a packed two day schedule. Panel sessions, inspirational case studies and networking time will break the mould of traditional conventions. The event has been designed to be audience driven and interactive; replacing long presentations with topical “forum” styled debates between delegates and expert panelists.

Delegate places, which are limited to 200, are yet to be released however close to that number have already registered their interest in attending and will have a priority booking window ahead of general release. Those wanting to attend can still register their interest up until Thursday 29th October to benefit from the priority booking system.

To register your interest in attending visit http://www.perspectivemagazine.com/forum/register

The FORUM will be held at the luxurious Sofitel London Heathrow Hotel on 9-10 December 2009.

The FORUM Conference, 9-10 December 2009 to be hosted by Generator Systems and Perspective Magazine at the luxurious Sofitel London Heathrow Hotel has maintained an air of mystery around its format and choice of speakers but today is giving the industry a first glimpse of its schedule as they launch the event website at www.perspectivemagazine.com/forum and  www.generator-systems.com/events 

The FORUM is predominantly based around panel sessions that will allow delegates to address the current hard times. Panellists will share their experiences, both good and bad in order to provide information that will help developers, marketers and suppliers operate more efficiently and profitably as we get ready to enter a new era.

Next week, just 200 delegates will be given the opportunity to confirm their attendance for what will certainly be a new style of conference, arranged with the expertise of, and hosted by two of the industry’s most innovative companies.

Delegates from around the globe will to attend, covering all aspects of timeshare and fractional ownership from development, design, sales, marketing, legal, financial and related products and services. Delegate rates are just £395 (+VAT where applicable) which includes access to all sessions, coffee breaks , lunch for two days, invitation to the Gala Dinner and the legendary Generator Party!

Limited sponsorship opportunities are still available – for details email paul@perspectiveinternational.com or cheryl.stevens@generator-systems.com

For up to the minute details on the event, including venue, speakers, sponsors, and schedule we recommend you regularly visit www.perspectivemagazine.com/forum  and  www.generator-systems.com/events 

(source: http://www.perspectivemagazine.com/the-forum-conference-gets-ready-to-release-delegate-places-01304)

The FORUM, hosted by Generator Systems & Perspective Magazine will be held at the prestigious 5* Sofitel London Heathrow Hotel on 9-10th December 2009 where a series of carefully constructed panel sessions and an audience of industry leaders will discuss and debate the main topics of 2009 and best practises for 2010.

“We are proud to support the FORUM as a Major Supporter” said Darren Ettridge, Interval International’s vice president of resort sales and service for Europe, Middle East and Africa. “Our team looks forward to a full participation in the debates and discussions that should be both enlightening and productive. It is always good when Europe’s industry professionals get together and we congratulate Generator Systems and Perspective Magazine for organizing this unique event.”

The FORUM already has limited availability for attendance – industry professionals can currently register their interest in attending by visiting http://www.theperspectivemagazine.com/forum

Further details of sessions, speakers and moderators will be released shortly. Some sponsorship opportunities are still available, interested companies should email sharon@perspectiveinternational.com for more information.