By: Resort Trades
(24-11-2001)

Washington, D.C. - The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) expects over 3,600 timeshare professionals to attend the 2002 International Resort Development Convention and Exposition “Expedition 2002: Beyond Boundaries” from April 13 to 16 at Bally’s/Paris Las Vegas. The theme, “Expedition 2002: Beyond Boundaries,” trumpets ARDA’s determination to chart a route to success for the timeshare industry. ARDA''s goals during the 2002 Convention are to provide resources and information to help timeshare professionals conquer industry challenges – be they geographic boundaries, economic conditions, consumer confidence issues, or legal and regulatory actions.

Perhaps the most valuable benefit of the ARDA Convention is the opportunity to network. In 2001, ARDA debuted the highly successful “Town Square” format, which centralized key Convention activities in a single location. Now, in 2002 the Town Square concept will be further developed and expanded. Located in the Paris Las Vegas Hotel’s 85,000 square foot Paris Ballroom, the Town Square will host over 340 exhibit booths, debates on hot timeshare topics, a broadcast booth and live telecasts of “ARDA-TV,” and food and seating areas for attendees looking to take a break. In addition to the Town Square, ARDA will offer two separate VIP lounges where Trustees and Chairman’s League members can conduct business.

There will also be no shortage of events to keep attendees busy. Events kick off on Friday, April 12, with a charitable golf tournament with all proceeds to benefit the ARDA International Foundation. Following the tournament at Stallion Mountain Country Club, the title sponsor of the event, RCI, is also putting on a Dinner and Celebration that evening for all Convention attendees.

Saturday, April 13, will feature two of ARDA''s most popular programs -- "Principles of Resort Timesharing," which provides an overview of the industry for the newcomer; and "Global Marketplace," which takes an in-depth look at the international aspects of timeshare. In 2002, "Global Marketplace" will include three different segments: a case study of industry pioneer Hapimag from 1963 to the present, a look at the impact of timeshare on Mexico''s tourism, and a panel on "Crossing Cultural Barriers," which will discuss the challenges and rewards of doing business outside U.S. borders.

On Sunday, April 14, ARDA holds the popular, sure-to-sell-out Crystal Ball Luncheon. This year, ARDA is focusing this program on the changes in the industry as a result of the September 11th terrorist attacks on American soil. With leisure travel dropping and the economy tightening, how will these realities impact the industry, and how are companies responding?

One of the feature social events at ARDA 2002 will be the Awards Gala where ARDY winners will be announced and there will be a special performance by headliner comedian Howie Mandel, sponsored by Holiday Systems International.

The 2002 Convention hosts a full agenda of educational sessions, interactive forums, workshops and exhibits designed to position industry players for success in the current economic environment. Over forty regular educational sessions will range from topics like, the popular “Fundamentals” series for newcomers to the industry, to a session on developing AICPA Guidelines. There will also be specialized programs, such as the “Sales Management Seminar,” a four-hour event that instructs experienced sales staff how to further hone their skills. ARDA also plans an encore of 2001''s "Great Debate" series, including a pro vs. con debate on first-day incentives.

A few 2002 session topics, include:

A case study of Sunterra: from boom to bankruptcy and back

How to maximize receivables, even in a tough economy

"Meet the State Regulators"-- a chance to interact with regulatory officials from states throughout the nation

The role of OPC in a changing marketplace

Disaster preparedness and crisis management -- how to ensure your resort is prepared for anything

"Timesharing without Boundaries" -- an examination of alternate types of timesharing, such as boats, planes, and Harley Davidsons

"Creating Urgency without Pressure" -- an interactive discussion of methods and approaches to successfully close a sale

The popular "State of the Vacation Timeshare Industry," which will unveil the latest in research, studies and statistics on the industry

Participants will also be invited to examine HOAs and resort management, financing, points systems, industry technology and the internet, human resources, sales and marketing, personal enrichment seminars, international timesharing, resort design and conversion, and fractionals.

Whatever your unique segment of the timeshare business, ARDA 2002 is a must-attend event. These few days in Las Vegas not only promise fun and excitement you''ll never forget, but will also provide the access, resources and information you''ll need to maximize your business success in 2002.

The American Resort Development Association is a non-profit trade association located in Washington, D.C. ARDA represents the interests of nearly 1,000 members, including second home resorts, vacation timeshare developers, fractional interests as well as timeshare homeowners'' associations and individual timeshare owners across the country. For more info on the ARDA Convention 2002, visit www.arda.org or call ARDA at 202.371.6700.


CONTACT:
Karen Valanzano
202.371.6700 x. 313
kvalanzano@arda.org