These days you don't get too much for FREE, however there is an exciting gathering in Christchurch that accommodation and tourism operators need only invest their time.
We urge you to put a ring around 6 October 2009 in your diary to attend "TourismTech" a one day tourism technology expo in Christchurch.
As business owners, we spend a lot of time working IN our business. We are experiencing difficult trading times, the world is rapidly changing, the consumer is looking to trade and communicate with us differently.
Motella supports this bold initutive that will allow operators to up skill and connect with the latest technology trends. We suggest that you get off the ride on lawn mower and set aside some time to work ON your business!
Seekom and Systems for Business, are bringing together a variety of tourism technology providers and speakers. Technology providers will include:
- Property Management System (PMS) providers
- Online booking and sales channel distribution systems
- Sales agents
- Website designers – including content managed website solutions
- Search engine optimisation specialists
- Online video providers
- Financial solutions – online accounting and transaction processing
- Internet solutions and broadband billing
- Telecommunications providers – including VOIP solutions
TravelTech
1 September 2009
TourismTech 09, a technology expo and information day for the tourism industry, is being held for the first time at the Hotel Grand Chancellor in Christchurch on October 6th. It is being organised by the industry for the industry.
Simon Casey of Seekom, one of the organisers of the expo, says, “TourismTech is free for tourism operators to attend where they can meet industry experts in one place, have their technology questions answered, see the latest products and services being offered by leading technology companies, and network with each other.”
Mr Casey said that the expo is based on a similar model to the Travel Technology show in London earlier this year that he and his partner Nicky attended.
“We have been very pleased with the enthusiastic response from technology companies to participate in this exciting event. We have several companies from Australia participating and if it proves to be popular with tourism operators, it could well be held in other centres in the future,” says Mr Casey.
Colin Kelly of Systems for Business, a co-organiser, says, “An important part of the expo will be educative seminars on the use of technology and these will be presented by industry experts. Topics include social networking, online bookings, content managed websites, etc., which tourism operators need to understand if they want to successfully grow their business in an online world.”
Two keynote speakers will be talking on the very popular topic of social media. One is Jack Yan from Jack Yan Associates who presented a “standing room only” seminar on this topic at the Small Business Expo in Wellington recently. The other is Steve Wilson of Social Eyes Consultancy who as part of his PhD research is looking at the emerging trends in social media tracking and marketing.
Although registrations will be accepted on the day, those that register online will have an express check-in on the day and go in the draw for a number of spot prizes.
Information on who is attending and presenting at the expo can be found at www.tourismtech.co.nz. Free tickets can also be created there for attendees.
