UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Most industries continue to evolve as technology rapidly develops, and the hospitality industry is no different.
That’s why Penn State’s Hospitality Leadership Institute in the School of Hospitality Management is partnering with Penn State Executive Programs in the Smeal College of Business to present Big Digital Marketing for Hospitality Executives in downtown Philadelphia on April 8.
Faculty presenters include Brian Cliette, instructor in social media and marketing for the School of Hospitality Management at Penn State. Cliette specializes in online and social media marketing, hospitality sales and marketing, eCommerce development, search engine optimization and Web analytics. He has worked as a social media and new media marketing consultant for various companies and is the author of multiple books about social media and online marketing.
“Over the next several years as technology develops, digital marketing will only take on a more prominent role in overall customer communication strategies,” Cliette said. “To excel at expansion, connection and growth in the coming years, companies will have to learn how to stand out with digital strategy.”
Cliette also noted that digital marketing has become about telling a brand’s story through digital content.
“Without content to tell a story, clients will grow closer to competitors who spend time connecting, sharing and rewarding them for their loyal engagement,” Cliette said.
Led by hospitality management experts, the professional development opportunity is specifically designed for hospitality industry executives who want to understand and successfully incorporate digital content marketing strategies effectively and efficiently.
Participants will learn big digital basics, how to evaluate investments in digital marketing, best practices in digital platforms and content strategies, the ins and outs of online advertising, and legal and ethical considerations.
Specifically, this event will benefit upper-middle and senior hospitality managers who are charged with influencing direction of their organization’s marketing and technology strategy. Members of Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) who attend earn continuing certification units.
“Hoteliers and restaurateurs know the pace of change in digital marketing is rapid fire, and there is a need for professional focus and frameworks to develop strategies before investing in the digital landscape,” said Donna Quadri-Felitti, director and associate professor for the Penn State School of Hospitality Management. “As a certified hospitality digital marketer, a HSMAI earned designation, I am happy that HSMAI has conferred continuing certification units to this Penn State Executive Program, knowing that keeping current is vital to reaching consumers digitally."
Among other presenters is Susan Patterson, who is a Penn State alumna and client success consultant for CrowdCompass, the world’s largest developer of mobile event and conference apps.
“It is important for big business owners and managers to know how to make their lives easier through technology,” Patterson said. “The hospitality industry is an around-the-clock industry, so any resource to make the process go faster or make it easier is something that the people in our field should understand.”
Also presenting is privacy and data security attorney Odia Kagan, who is a certified information privacy manager and certified information privacy professional in the United States and European Union.
Big Digital Marketing for Hospitality Executives will be held at the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown, 201 N. 17th St., Philadelphia. Class size is limited. Register and get more information.
About Penn State Executive ProgramsPenn State Executive Programs works with leading organizations world-wide to develop leadership and organizational capabilities to address pressing business challenges. Customized learning solutions and open-enrollment programs for executives are offered in strategy and leadership, cyber risk management, supply chain management, and finance. Learn more at www.smeal.psu.edu/psep.