Posted 11/8/2012 - 9:44:27 AM

| | | | | | | | | |
What are these?

With all of the valuable information and insight that emerged from our recent Executive Roundtable (see story, page 26), from the urgent need for more time to design—good design—and the just-as-significant desire for all members of the team, whether fellow designers or clients, to rely on the expertise and education of the professional, another interesting piece of information surfaced. All of the participants sitting in that room truly appreciated the opportunity to be able to collaborate, discuss, advise and network with each other, even for just a little while. The eight members of the design community who were present unanimously agreed that they wish they had the ability to do it more often, and personally expressed thanks for getting them together to discover common ground.

The message wasn’t lost on me, nor left in Miami (where we held the Roundtable). After all, collaboration and community is not only valuable to them, it’s valuable to you—and to us, too. And it hit me: While it’s certainly nice being in a room together, it’s not always practical, or even possible. But that’s where the Internet comes in. So we’ve taken it a step further and, as a brand, formalized a networking group for the design community: Hotel Business Designer Forum.

Check it out. If you’re already a member on the professional networking site, LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com), join our newly formed group. In fact, a few of you have already joined and posted (thanks!). Simply search Hotel Business Designer Forum under the “groups” tab and send a request to join. It’s a “closed” group, which means it’s by invitation/acceptance only, ensuring that our online community is a safe place to share ideas and discuss industry-critical issues with your peers, free from commercial/promotional dialogue. But while it’s a closed group, it’s a place for open discussion—a place where colleagues can ask and give advice and get and provide feedback. Just think of it as another tool to better your business by collaborating and networking with those in your field. Also, as moderator of the group, I will often reach out to you for ideas and suggestions so we can continue to address your needs in the “business of hospitality style,” something our magazine tagline promises in each and every issue.

Let’s grow this community and keep the lines of communication open. Speaking of which… stay in touch with me, so I can stay in touch with you and the industry. Let me know what you think. After all, it’s your magazine. Please feel free to write a “letter to the editor,” or even just drop me a line. My email address is christinat@hotelbusiness.com.

And lastly, take a moment to follow me, @HBDChristina, on Twitter where there are daily tweets. If I see something pertinent—or interesting—I’ll make sure you do, too!