Social networking has always been a part of club life, and today, as the rest of the world is quickly adopting the latest online social media tools, clubs seem to be falling behind. This session examines both the benefits and potential drawbacks that introducing social media and networking tools can have within the club industry.

Learning Objectives:
1. Get an overview of the evolution of social networking and the reasons to its success.
2. Learn how other industries are utilizing social networking concepts and applications.
3. Find out how social networking tools can be best utilized within the club industry.

Vache Hagopian is director of marketing for Jonas Software.

LEED certification is the internationally recognized green building certification and almost a thousand hotels are LEED certified. This presentation gives participants an introduction to LEED, discusses the financial ramifications of LEED and gives controllers an understanding of how attempting LEED certification may affect their jobs.

Learning Objectives:
1. Understand LEED and how the certification process works.
2. Gain awareness of the potential economic ramifications of LEED.
3. Learn what effects LEED has on a controller’s job.

Darren Johnston is a lead consultant for Union Leasing Corporation.

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 college business administrator at Conrad N. Hilton College — University of Houston and HFTP Global Treasurer. Terry L. Price, CHAE, CHTP, CPA is executive IT manager at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa and HFTP Global President. Raman (R.P.) Rama, CHA, CHAE, CHTP is vice president and director of technology and telecommunications for JHM Hotels and HFTP Global Secretary. Jules A. Sieburgh, CHTP is a hospitality consultant at O'Neal Consultants and HFTP Global Immediate Past President. Tom Smith, CHAE is chief financial officer at Westmoor Country Club and HFTP Global Vice President.

This discussion analyzes the current economy’s impact on clubs and includes an analysis of historical data and how this data is impacting the clubs’ budgeting process. Share your thoughts and ideas on how clubs are increasing revenues and/or cutting costs and expenses and the impact it has on memberships. Hear how these ideas are impacting any accounting requirements (GAAP) or tax issues for tax exempt 501(c)7 clubs. Be prepared to bring these winning strategies back to your club.

Learning Objectives:
1. Discover how clubs are dealing with the economy.
2. Learn how clubs are planning for the future by increasing revenue and cutting expenses.
3. Hear marketing ideas and winning strategies.

James J. Hankowski, CPA is a partner at Condon O’Meara McGinty and Donnelly LLP.

Transitioning from paper to paperless reduces your storage space costs and helps your organization become green and more efficient by allowing faster and reliable access to your documents anywhere, anytime. This session is a one-stop resource for information after transitioning to a paperless system, accounts payable and invoice approval system. Learn about the success where automation paid off in increased efficiency, time and money savings. This is an Industry Award application and won the Hospitality Technology Hotel Visionary Award in 2010.

Learning Objectives:
1. Learn how to track status of invoices in the approval process.
2. Discover how to earn cash discounts and keep vendors happy.
3. Learn how to access any information and any document from anywhere in the world.

Raman (R.P.) Rama, CHA, CHAE, CHTP is vice president and director of technology and telecommunications for JHM Hotels and HFTP Global Secretary.

You see scandalous postings on the Facebook page of a person who applied for a job with your organization. You decide not to hire the person and get sued for discrimination, invasion of privacy and a swarm of other claims. This session details how an employer can legally exploit social networking sites to its benefit, in hiring decisions, firing decisions, strategic planning and protecting its trade secrets.

Phillip R. Maltin, JD is a partner at Gordon and Rees, LLP.

Are demands for your time and performance making it difficult to focus on what you are trying to achieve? Dan Thurmon helps you regain control of your accelerated life and achieve greater results in the midst of change. This session teaches and illustrates how to effectively manage multiple responsibilities. Learn how to accomplish more of your important tasks in less time with precision, confidence and satisfaction.

Dan Thurmon, CSP, is president of Motivation Works, Inc. He has delivered thousands of presentations across the country and overseas. He appeared on national television, including The Late Show with David Letterman, and traveled to the front lines of Iraq and Afghanistan to bring entertainment and encouragement to the troops. He has authored two books — “Success in Action” and “Off Balance On Purpose.”