Under the leadership of Jason Gamel, President of ARDA, the Industry’s top professionals recently gathered at the beautiful Diplomat Hotel and Resort in Hollywood, Florida. As expected, this ARDA conference did not disappoint. The newly changed format of the conference was more interactive and beneficial for everyone who attended. 

I have attended the ARDA conferences for over a quarter century, and in the past, the annual ARDA spring conference was focused primarily on education. There were always multiple sessions and lectures on every aspect of the Timeshare Industry. It encouraged developers to bring more representatives from their resorts, so they could take advantage of all the lectures and panels. ARDA conferences were sometimes larger, but not necessarily as engaging, especially for the smaller developer and vendors.

That has certainly changed. This year, the focus was truly on networking and giving a chance for everyone to meet and discuss their businesses and services. Companies like RCI had large networking areas and the ARDA lounge also offered a great place to meet. I think it is fair to say that due to all the mergers we have seen in the last decade, that the independent operators had less of an opportunity to professionally network at past conferences. The consensus this year was that ARDA has listened to the independents, and has adjusted the format of their conference to accommodate everyone equally. Having Mike Brown as Chairman of ARDA and Jason Gamel as the President seems like the ultimate combination of providing leadership that will continue the growth of the Timeshare Industry, or now better known as the Vacation Ownership Industry. 

ARDA and CRTA, as well as AMDETUR and ACOTUR, have many common objectives; one which is to unite and provide knowledge and networking opportunities to all the good players in the industry.  marketplace. The next international event will be in Toronto, Canada, September 19^th, 20^th and 21^st.. This event will be of special interest to anyone who markets to Canadians or offers services to Canadians who are Timeshare owners.  On behalf of the entire Board of Directors of CRTA, and the executive team of GNEX, I look forward to welcoming you to our country this fall!