This years Mid Atlantic Conference was held in Williamsburg Virginia at the Williamsburg Lodge. Innkeepers and Aspirings attended from up and down the east coast states.
Attending from Acorn IS this year was Marian Talbert, Helena Stamper and Mark and Lisa Kolb. In typical fashion, this year’s conference was a mixture of elegant southern charm and quality Innkeeper Education, Services and Products.
I had the privilege and honor of introducing Mike Blumenthal at the General Session. Mike is known nationally for his expertise and knowledge of all things related to Google Places. You know… the little RED Balloons when you search in Google?
He presented “Google is from Mars and You are from Venus”. Slide links are available online on his Blog at http://blumenthals.com/blog/2012/03/06/mid-altlantic-innkeepers-conference-keynote/ Attendees may contact Mike directly at mike@blumenthals.com to request a link to the full presentation.
I also had the opportunity to teach two Classes for Innkeepers, one Pre-Conference Session and one for the 40+ Aspiring Innkeepers that attended Sunday’s Session.
For Innkeepers
Local Places: Search, Smart Phones and More
https://acorn-is.com/pdf/ma-places.pdf
Google Places is one of the fastest growing forces in the Search World. Google Places data is now showing up in many different locations beyond traditional search capabilities on a laptop or PC. Smart business owners are learning how to take advantage of these advances to promote their properties and increase their occupancy. This session will show you WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW as a business owner regarding Google Places data in both traditional and new mobile device local markets!
Review and Reputation Management
https://acorn-is.com/pdf/ma-reputation.pdf
Reviews now have the power to impact your local placement. And it's not just about TripAdvisor any more! It is imperative that Innkeepers are aware of how to watch your reputation online, and how to mediate issues should they occur.
Pre-Conference Session
Internet Wellness Marketing Checks
https://acorn-is.com/pdf/ma-pre-con.pdf
Innkeepers that registered in advance, received a 17 page IMWC (Internet Marketing Wellness Check) that specifically reviewed their web presence for everything from Design, On and Off Page SEO, Social Media, News, Press and much more. This 2 ½ hour session went through all you need to know to establish the right marketing plan for growing your business!
For Aspirings
The Smart Innkeeper (to be) Series
https://acorn-is.com/pdf/ma-aspiring.pdf
Learn all the ins and outs regarding Web site creation, On and Off-Page SEO and How to understand and manage an on-going Marketing Campaign.
Also, this year we also offered the “Wear a Pin for a Chance to Win” Acorn University Giveaway, which we announced the winner via YouTube that you are welcome to watch below.
Side Note: The Pin's QR (Quick Reference) Code goes to https://acorn-is.com/gotguests in case you want to read more!
Finally, we had a great time videoing a variety of Innkeepers sharing their thoughts on Acorn Internet Services. Watch for their posting on our YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/acorninternet or on our Web site at https://acorn-is.com/client-testimonials.htm coming soon!
Many thanks to the amazing Pete Holladay for organizing another excellent Innkeeping show this year! And also for the Acorn Internet Services 10 Year Anniversary Surprise. If you weren't there you missed out on the "Once-in-a-Lifetime" serenade!
Lisa Kolb
Acorn Internet Services, Inc.
President and Co-Founder
Educating our Industry One Innkeeper at a Time!
Hi ACORN I. S. – Since we couldn’t attend the conference this year, it is great to receive your “report” Thanks! Congratulations on your 10-year Anniversary; we personally appreciate your support & expertise. This year Gus and I celebrate 25-years as innkeepers at the Scarborough Inn. WHEW!
Great summary for those of us who couldn’t make the conference – lots of links to follow and more reading/learning to do. Thanks very much!