NEWS AND EVENTS

The 2nd General Manager's Networking Session took place on 23 October 2012 at Hilton Singapore. The session began with an industry update by Ms Margaret Heng, Executive Director of SHA.

This was followed by a presentation by Mr Robert McIntosh, Executive Director of CBRE on "How Operators can help owners and themselves." The session ended with a sharing on cruise consumer insights by the STB.

The last General Manager's Networking Session for the Year 2012 was held on 12 December 2012 at Grand Park Orchard. The first presentation was by Master Goh Guan Leong from Way on Net Pte Ltd. His words of advice for 2013:

Year of Water Snake:

The year of the water snake is a year of conflict and struggles. This signifies an unpredictable year and one can expect big changes ahead.

Businesses may wish to take note of the following:

• Possible conflicts and confrontation between management and employees
• Advice: Be cool, observant and patient.
• Hotels are encouraged to review their employee handbook.
• To improve communication between management and staff
• Wait patiently for opportunities to come.
• Hotel Occupancy is expected to increase.
• Incorporate the element of wood into their premise as wood will bring about favourable energy.
• Wood also represents the direction "East". Consider incorporating oriental style into hotel decor.
• Introduce green in design and decor.

Micro Environment:

• Zodiac with above average luck: Rat, Tiger, Dog, Horse and Monkey
• Zodiac with Average luck: Rabbit, Dragon and Snake
• Zodiac with a challenging year ahead: Ox and Goat

The second presentation was by Ms Toh Sork Lee, Assistant Director, Hospitality Business of STB, who gave the GMs an update of the industry.

The event ended in a light-hearted fashion with a cocktail session at Bar Canary with the Chief Executive of STB, Mr Lionel Yeo and his team.