STOWE, VT – December 13, 2016 – The 2016 Host Users Group conference was attended by over 300 individuals representing more than 100 different hotels, resorts and spas. They gathered at the Innisbrook Resort in Florida for five days of learning and networking. Distinguished as the only users’ group within the hospitality technology industry run by the users, for the users, HUG provides members with a united forum through which users can share knowledge, create solutions and influence product direction for Springer-Miller’s products that include the SMS|Host® property management system, SMS|Touch Point-of-Sale and SpaSoft®Spa Management System.
This 2016 Conference provided a forum for Springer-Miller’s product experts to unveil a large slate of SMS|Host enhancements due in the impending v21 release, as well as upcoming technology advances including the introduction of SQL Server and the ability to run SMS|Host in a hosted environment.
“Our job is making our customers’ lives and jobs easier,” commented Rob Selwah, President of Springer-Miller Systems. “We all want that seamless hospitality experience where the technology is an enabler, not a blocker, and we’re excited to have the opportunity at the Host Users Group Conference to reveal these enhancements that will help our customers provide that experience to their guests.”
Click here to watch the product announcements released at the 2016 Host Users Conference
“The Host Users Group provides an incredible opportunity for users of the SMS|Host system to come together,” commented Rich Morehouse, Director of Revenue and Central Reservations of Snowbird Resort and the chair of the 2016 Host Users Group Board of Directors. “It’s a very unique group in our industry and we’re proud to continue to build upon 26 years of HUG Conferences and collaboration with the Springer-Miller Systems team.”
Other highlights of the 2016 conference agenda included over 70 breakout sessions with content and training targeted to multiple roles: front desk, reservations, information technology, revenue management, golf/spa/recreation, food and beverage, housekeeping/engineering, and accounting. Professional speaker, Christine Cashen, provided a keynote presentation entitled “Stop Global Whining!”
Sessions and discussion groups led by SMS|Host users offered other users the unique opportunity to learn best practices from their peers. Springer-Miller product experts also led in-depth training and industry trend discussion sessions.
The HUG Board of Directors sets the agenda for the conference as well as the strategic direction for the users group, focusing on enhancing the networking and educational value for all the members. Through a monthly newsletter and online presence, the HUG Board of Directors extends the user community beyond the conference.
The 2016 HUG Board of Directors includes Rich Morehouse, Snowbird Resort; Marie Bell, Darien Lake; Denise Spain, ARAMARK Mesa Verde; John Miller, Purgatory Resort; Justin Davis, Provident Resorts; Adrienne Dyson, Lake Austin Spa Resort; Edgar Rhee, Pebble Beach Resorts and Rick Arrington, Edgewater Beach Resort.
The 2017 Host Users Group Conference will be held November 12-16, 2017 at Nemacolin Woodlands in Western Pennsylvania. In addition to content specific for users of the SMS|Host Hospitality Management System, the 2017 conference will also include discussions and trainings for users of Springer-Miller’s SpaSoft Spa Management System. Look for a complete conference agenda and registration to be available in mid-2017.
