Sailing into the 21st Century : Iowa Innkeepers Sail Toward Higher Profits in 2008

Feb. 14, 2008 - PRLog -- Sunday, March 2, 2008, will be filled with educational workshops and many specifically for anyone desiring to become an innkeeper.  (The industry refers to these individuals as Aspiring Innkeepers.)  Andracchio will be talking about commercial innkeeping insurance BASICS during the Sunday afternoon session. "This will include understanding property coverage, valuation of property, mechanical features, business income, equipment breakdown coverage; then we will switch to general liability, slips & falls, guest activities, host liquor liability; then we will touch lightly on Work Comp," said Andracchio.

Sunday evening, for the full assembly, Andracchio plans to review the latest CLAIMS and how to prepare for what may be thrown at an innkeeper as 2007 was a year of unusual claims, massive water damage, followed by massive ice damage.  Andracchio also plans to discuss guest activities covering murder mystery events, wine serving/selling, wine tours preparation, affiliation with outside vendors (massage, restaurant, bicycles, etc).  There will also be a question and answer session that will include some door prize fun for participants.

As a third generation independent insurance agency, TRICOR has teamed with national and regional carriers so that innkeepers can get all their shopping done with one dedicated agency. TRICOR is an active member of 4 state innkeeping associations and has made presentations to many city, state and regional innkeeping groups.

With an emphasis on the innkeeping/hospitality industry, Chuck Andracchio has the knowledge required to understand all of the specific and unique needs of innkeepers. Commercial Liability, Personal Liability, Property coverage, Contents coverage, Liquor Liability, Workers' Compensation, Commercial Auto coverage, restaurant coverage, special event coverage, interim innkeeping coverage, whatever your concerns may be, TRICOR has the coverage product to address your specific needs.  From past experience with Andracchio, association leaders know it is his objective to obtain "Preferred Pricing"  for IBBIA members whenever possible -- another benefit of belonging to the IBBIA.

Sunday's education forums will also include a presention by Janice Hurley and Patti McPherson from BedandBreakfast.com.  These two national speakers will be giving a 3+ hour Intensive Presentation that will include the topics of Internet marketing, online reservations, yield management, and property management software. This dynamic learning experience will be followed by a Wine and Cheese Party.

According to IBBIA's Webmaster, Amelia Painter, "today’s innkeeper must incorporate technology into their business – the industry today is an Internet-driven market. The success or failure of your B&B depends on how effectively you use the Internet as a marketing tool."  This annual conference is one of the key educational arms of the association.  According to Painter and other experts in the industry, search engine marketing, taking reservations online, and marketing an inn on the Internet are now essential to the success of an innkeeper.  

Attendees will spend two days immersed in the bed and breakfast industry. This informative and inspirational event is a rare chance to learn what it takes in this age of technology to operate a quality and highly successful bed and breakfast inn.

The public is invited to sign-up and attend the Aspiring Innkeeper Sessions on Sunday, March 2, 2008  from Noon to 3:30pm where Andracchio and other guest speakers will explain how aspiring innkeepers should approach the decision to become an innkeeper and assess their ability to enter the profession.  "We've worked hard to keep the price for Aspiring and New Innkeepers as low as possible," said Pam Adams, conference chair. "This is an educational opportunity every person considering the ownership of a B&B needs to take advantage of -- we are offering business-oriented workshops to the public at this year's conference."

If you think you're ready to experience the romance and luxury of owning your own bed and breakfast inn - a place you can call your home as well as your business - then this innkeeper's conference is the place to start. While owning and running your own Bed & Breakfast Inn offers a desirable lifestyle, Innkeeping is a business. And as with any business, success takes work, commitment and education. The lure and romance of owning a B & B shouldn't overshadow the reality. This conference will reveal the nuts & bolts of B&B ownership and management.

For further information call (800) 888-4667 or go online to www.iabedandbreakfast.com/conference.htm for full rate information and registration forms.

Website: www.iabedandbreakfast.com