The Leaders Forum panel at AHICE 2010

 The Accommodation Association of Australia (AAoA) has thrown its weight behind the second annual Australasian Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition (AHICE) by coming on board as a supporting partner.

The decision means AHICE, now has the support of the accommodation industry’s two leading associations, with Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA) having been a partner over the last 18 months.

Accommodation Association Chief Executive Officer Richard Munro said the decision to support AHICE was made because of the opportunities the conference offered to the Association’s members to improve management skills, network and hear from industry leaders.

“This is an event we wanted to be aligned with as the Accommodation Association of Australia. It’s important that our members keep abreast of the challenges facing the sector,” he said.

HM (Hotel and Accommodation Management) magazine is hosting AHICE and the publication’s Managing Editor, James Wilkinson, said having the Accommodation Association onboard was significant.

“The Accommodation Association has grown significantly over the last six months and this new partnership will enable the event to attract a greater number of Hoteliers and aspiring leaders in both 2011 and beyond,” he said.

“We have assembled a fantastic program that will look at the major trends in the travel industry, analysed by some of this region’s most influential Hoteliers.

“With both the TAA and the Accommodation Association on board, we are excited about what will be achieved with the event in 2011 and we’re looking forward to AHICE becoming the foremost event for hotel staff, industry consultants and suppliers.”

AHICE will be held at Four Seasons Hotel Sydney on September 2, prior to the HM Awards, with the 2011 event also hosted by HM magazine that evening.

Early bird registration is still available for just $350 per delegate and a special deal of ‘four for the price of three’ is also currently on offer. Bookings are available online at www.ahice.com.au or by calling 1300 789 845 (within Australia).

Combination packages are also available for both the AHICE conference and the HM Awards being held later that night. Packages start from just $400 per person (for both events) and full details are also available at www.ahice.com.au