This video features a panel discussion for independent lodging properties and their owners, operators and marketers. The discussion covers
- Financial strategies and emerging aid programs available
- Marketing during the crisis
The panelists focus on things you can do right now, as well as being strategic about the return of guests.
Panelists
- From Odysys
- Ben Lloyd – VP of Marketing, Strategy & Customer Success. Host, InnspeakPodcast
- Kent Schnepp – CEO
- Stephen Fofanoff – Sales Manager & Innkeeper
- Rob Fulton – ALP Co-CEO www.alplodging.org
Links to Resources
Many links & resources are mentioned in the discussion, here are the pertinent links:
General
Financial Programs/Assistance
- https://www.sba.gov/disaster-assistance/ – information on and application for financial assistance programs
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianthompson1/2020/04/01/frequently-asked-questions-on-the-cares-business-loans/ – plain english breakdown of the programs available
Marketing
- https://odysys.com/academy – We’ve opened this resource up to any property, work through the academy now, improve your direct bookings when that’s a thing again…
- https://sparktoro.com/blog/marketing-right-now-is-hard/ – great thoughts & examples of how to approach marketing during the crisis
- https://www.airbnb.com/openhomes/covid19relief – host COVID-19 responders
- AHLA hotel lease volunteer form for properties willing to collaborate with local/state/fed govt
- https://www.hospitalityhelps.org/ – from cloudbeds for lodging providers ready to supply beds as field hospitals
- https://stillinnbusiness.com/ – list your property, generate story ideas
- https://www.support-small-biz.com/ – list gift certificate/card
- Destination Development Association: A few recent webinars about marketing your destination during the crisis have been interesting
- Steamboat Inn example – turning a customer email into a social post
- Maitland Manor example Facebook / Instagram – “Great Sourdough Bake-a-Long”
…And just a few nuggets from the chat during the webinar
