Hotel booking agents, hotels and venues are set to debate the latest industry topics at the Hotel Booking Agents Association (HBAA) Annual Forum 2008, 11th-12th September at the Park Inn Heathrow.

This year’s theme: “HBAA 2.0” will provide the forum with a specific focus on the impact of communication technology in today’s travel sector. The agenda will also address industry issues including: hotel ownership and the effect this is having on the sector, crisis management, flexible pricing, RFP’S and corporate social responsibility (CSR).

The 2008 forum will also offer parallel syndicates sessions covering topical aspects; succeeding in the current climate, dynamic pricing, impact of e-commerce.

For the first time in it’s ten years, the HBAA will be hosting a joint event with the Institute of Travel Management. Members will look at every aspect of how the relationship between agency, hotel/venue and corporate works and how it can be enhanced by better understanding of each other’s viewpoints. The debate will also highlight the changing landscape and map a route through it.

Along with the forum, the HBAA will present the association’s first awards on day one of the event. The inaugural industry awards will reward professionals who have excelled in this field and provide a benchmark for best practice among the booking agents, hotels and venues. The awards will feature eight categories: Training&Development, Promoting Excellence within the Industry, Best Client Meetings and/or Accommodation Procurement Team, Commitment within the Community, Best Environmental Practise and The Tim Gasson Award.

The Forum is an opportunity for HBAA members (agents) and partners (hotels and venues) to discuss debate and define industry trends and best practice.

Sue Burgess, chairman of the HBAA said: “The HBAA Annual Forum is a vibrant and vocal arena for industry discussion and debate. I cannot think of another event ever that will bring together senior representatives of every stage of the supply chain in such a thorough and comprehensive programme. We look forward to welcoming members, partners and representatives from corporate organisations to the 2008 forum to continue the HBAA’s objective of promoting professionalism in the industry.”