Scott Berman of PwC hosted by DS Xpress, Parksman Parking, Global Maps Group and Memorial Breast Cancer Center
Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management recently welcomed business and community leaders to the Biscayne Bay Campus for an Aventura Marketing Council/ World Class Chamber of Commerce Chairman’s Roundtable luncheon. The event, co-hosted by DS Xpress, Parksman Parking, Global Maps Group and Memorial Breast Cancer Center, featured Scott Berman – principal and industry leader of PwC (Pricewaterhouse Coopers) Hospitality & Leisure Group.
City of Aventura Mayor Enid Weisman served as emcee in FIU’s beautiful Wine Spectator Restaurant Management Laboratory and expressed appreciation for “dream team cuisine” provided by Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, Bonefish Grill, Captain Jim’s Seafood, Edible Arrangements, Mo’s Bagels, Novecento 900 and Yakko-San.
Rolando Aedo, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of the Greater Miami Convention Center & Visitors Bureau, introduced Berman, who emphasized, “Today, the hospitality industry is very healthy. We measure this using the metrics of occupancy, room rates and revenue per available room.” He also pointed out that consolidations, short-term accommodation rental companies, on-line travel agents and global market volatility are among factors “disrupting” the traditional economic model for hotels.
“Miami is performing twice as good as the rest of the country – from the small hotels all the way up to the very large convention hotels,” Berman said. “There will be 54,000 hotel rooms operating by the end of this year. Occupancy rates have gone up to close to 80 percent since 2009; and eight in every ten rooms are now filled year-round.”
Before it was time for Berman to check out, he encouraged support for the March 15 vote on a proposed headquarter hotel for the Miami Beach Convention Center being endorsed by leaders including Bill Talbert, President of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.
During the meeting, AMC members learned more about FIU and the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management from Vice Provost Dr. Steven Moll. “This is a world-class program teaching students to be food and management ‘scientists.’ We’re preparing them for what the future of the industry will hold. FIU is now the fourth largest university in America with over 54,000 students on our campuses in Miami-Dade and Broward.”
Steering towards Parksman Parking success, Ben Launerts shared the mission of the full-service valet parking and parking management to help clients create the best experience possible for their residents and guests; and consistently enhance the prestige of hotels, residential and office buildings.
DS Xpress founder Dimitry Shaposhnikov provided a high-speed download of full-service capabilities offered by the custom web development and application firm with departments including search engine optimization, graphic design, promotional strategies plus comprehensive 24/7 online printing services.
Turning to fantastic geographics, Global Maps Group managing director Gustavo Oribe highlighted how co-founder and designer Marcelo Becerini creates artistic and colorful map posters. The picturesque maps enable visitors and locals to understand the landscape of cities, while businesses appreciate gaining awareness and attracting new customers.
Maria Nash explained the Memorial Breast Cancer Center offers an interdisciplinary approach, which includes discussions with specialists involved in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer; innovative treatment options; and FDA approved clinical trials provided by an unparalleled team of experts dedicated to helping breast cancer patients become breast cancer survivors. For more information, visit hospitality.fiu.edu; parksmanparking.com; dsxpress.com, globalmapsgroup.com, memorialcancerinstitute.com.
For hospitality industry news and facts, follow Scott Berman on Twitter @Berman_Scott.
