Explore differences between club dining and traditional restaurants, as well as a means to respond. This session concentrates on areas of operating characteristics, labor challenges, product cost variables and revenue disparity so that club professionals can walk away with a stronger rebuttal to the charge that food and drink on the table is leading to money out the window. Recent trends and developments in food and beverage to stimulate revenue and member usage are also addressed before launching into an interactive discussion with attendees.

Learning Objectives:
1. Understand key differences between club dining and traditional restaurant operations.
2. Learn how to refute the premise that food and beverage losses are indicative of mismanagement.
3. Discover new techniques for increasing member appetites.

Stephen Robinson, ACA, CPA is a director at McGladrey & Pullen LLP. Tammy Tassitano, CPA is a partner at McGladrey & Pullen LLP.

This session gives an overview of the key metrics and basics for understanding financial statements. Learn how this information and understanding will increase your marketability as a manager and help grow your career. Gain the tools needed to implement this process at your property or with your management and leadership group.

Learning Objectives:
1. Discover techniques used to read a financial statement.
2. Understand and interpret key financial terms.
3. Learn how to develop and deliver a similar course at your hotel.

David Lund, CHAE is regional controller at The Fairmont San Francisco.

The economy, outsourcing, downsizing, corporate restructuring and job elimination are many of the causes of suddenly finding yourself out of a job. With unemployment at 9.8%, almost one out of 10 people you know are unemployed. This presentation prepares you for this possibility by analyzing what steps to take “if it happens to you,” tips and suggestions to make you the best candidate, what you can do to be a better interviewer in your current position and how you can apply this skill in the future.

Learning Objectives:
1. Review changes to today’s employment market finding hidden opportunities and maximizing social media’s potential.
2. Develop a plan of action that can be used if and when you need it.
3. Learn interviewing techniques that will make you a better interviewer and a better candidate.

Bruce Freier, CPC is president of Executive Referral Services, Inc.

This session discusses contemporary issues – from IRS developments to effectively communicating financial information to your board and or committees. Expand your knowledge base on the most recent issues in the private club environment. Attend this dynamic session and gain knowledge from a panel with many years of experience in the club industry.

Learning objectives:
1. Discuss the IRS/tax updates.
2. Obtain new club-related information.
3. Improve financial and compliance reporting.

Kevin P. Foley, CPA is a partner at Condon O’Meara McGinty & Donnelly LLP. James J. Hankowski, CPA is a partner at Condon O’Meara McGinty & Donnelly LLP. James J. Reilly, CPA, JD is a partner at Condon O’Meara McGinty & Donnelly LLP.

Hotels review metrics and ratios on a regular basis to help assess operational results. Oftentimes, a more critical review of activities can identify areas of concern – even help to pinpoint areas where fraud could be occurring and not be detected through normal internal controls activities. This session covers real-life examples of fraud in the hospitality industry, how it can be detected and general motivations for employees to commit fraud. Using these methods, you will be better equipped to analyze your internal financial statement and detect abnormalities and possible fraud.

Learning Objectives:
1. Discover common and emerging fraud schemes in the hospitality industry.
2. Learn some tips and techniques for assessing fraud risks and analyzing data.
3. Review real life examples of fraudulent activity and how they were discovered.

Lori Richardson, CHAE is senior manager at Moss Adams, LLP.

Are you ready to become a volunteer leader or looking to become more involved with your HFTP membership? Learn why membership feedback on new hospitality industry developments is important to HFTP and how it can lead to quality programs and services. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn about the HFTP Global Board of Directors, Executive Committee and Council positions available.

Learning Objectives:
1. Understand the importance of becoming a volunteer leader.
2. Learn about the Board of Directors and Executive Committee, which makes up the HFTP leadership team.
3. Identify several key factors of why HFTP relies solely on its membership to participate and serve on HFTP Councils and Committees.

Lisa Funk, CHAE is a director of finance at Alexis Hotel and HFTP Global vice president. Terry Price, CHAE, CHTP, CPA is chief information officer for The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa and HFTP Gobal immediate past president. RP Rama, CHA, CHTP, CHAE is vice president and CTO/CIO for JHM Hotels and HFTP Gobal treasurer. Tom Smith, CHAE is chief financial officer for Westmoor Country Club and HFTP Gobal president. Jerry Trieber, CPA, CHAE, CFE, CFF is director of field accounting for Crestline Hotels & Resorts and HFTP Gobal secretary.

Learn to think outside the box using three simple, powerful tools you can apply immediately and forever to access your gold mine of unrealized potential. Discover strategies to take you and your organization beyond what you ever imagined and find out how to use the most powerful motivational force on this planet.

Mike Rayburn, CSP is a captivating keynote artist who has performed eight times at Carnegie Hall and has his own show on the strip in Las Vegas. He was voted “Solo Artist of the Year” by American Entertainment Magazine and “America’s Campus Entertainer of the Year.” He is an innovative business owner and has recently been featured in USA Today, Newsweek, Billboard, Gig, American Entertainment and Successful Meetings magazines.