A Unique Conference Run by The Users, for The Users
Stowe, Vermont – December 3rd, 2019 – This year, Springer-Miller Systems celebrated their 30th year anniversary of the Host Users Group Conference in Kohler, Wisconsin at The American Club, a five-star, five diamond hotel that has been part of the hospitality industry for over 50 years. The Host Users Group Conference (HUG) is a unique conference in the sense that it is run by the users, for the users. Each year, a different SMS|Host property hosts the conference, and the planning and execution is led by a group of voluntary board members, all users of Springer-Miller solutions.
“At Springer-Miller Systems, our goal is to make the lives of our customers easier. We strive each and every day to improve our software and make the user experience as seamless and intuitive as possible. Having said that, the Host Users Group Conference is a great opportunity for SMS users to come together and share knowledge, gain new experiences, and help influence product direction to maximize the utilization of our software at their properties,” stated Rob Selwah, President of Springer-Miller Systems.
Attended by over 40 vendors that represent SMS’s diverse range of partners and 101 first time attendees, HUG users were able to collaborate, attend training sessions, share knowledge through different solutions and talk about experiences from their own properties. Over the course of five days, users along with 24 Springer-Miller software experts were able to take time to step away from their own operations to network amongst their industry peers, and learn more about how other properties are using the software to their benefit. In addition, with over 90 individual break-out sessions, attendees were able to focus on enhancing their business strategies and increasing their SMS knowledge to bring back to their properties.
“I’ve been to many conferences in the past that are run by the vendor, however, HUG is truly unique because it is led by the SMS Host users,” commented Erin Butler, Director of Systems & Integrations for Regency Hotel Management and the HUG Board Secretary. “By attending this conference, attendees can discuss their own experiences using the software, while also sharing their stories and learning from one another, which is truly invaluable.”
After a fun week of learning, attendees were able to experience the Springer-Miller Systems annual HUG conference tradition of a Gala and themed party on the final evening. This year’s theme was “Under the Sea,” where everyone was highly encouraged to dress up and end the week by joining colleagues to create new memories. “It is the ultimate chance to find that HUG buddy, hang out and talk, and make a connection for life,” explained Marie Bell, IT Manager for Six Flags Darien Lake and HUG Board Chair.
The HUG Board and Springer-Miller Systems are thrilled to announce their upcoming 2020 Host Users Group Conference (HUG), which will be held from November 8-12, 2020 at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort in Sandestin, Florida. Don’t miss your chance for a week of networking, strategizing, and learning with members from the SMS team, other SMS|Host users, and the HUG board. For more information about our 2020 Host Users Group Conference, please visit www.smshug.org.
