June 21st, 2018
Hospitality Executive Exchange (HEE) is celebrating 10 years of conversations with two key programs in 2018. The first program, HEE West, was held in beautiful Coeur d’Alene, Idaho on April 29 through May 2 at the Coeur d’Alene Golf & Spa Resort. HEE has found a niche in the hospitality industry with its unique format and family feel that has resonated with multi-unit operators and select supplier partners.
Jen Robinson, CEO/Duchess of The Pineapple Group, LLC, who owns and operates HEE, stated, “Our goal in the beginning was to bring together our industry in a way where real and relevant conversations could be held without hesitation, among peers and colleagues. We wanted the program to feel relaxed, yet productive without all of the stress and hassles of a conference where you feel pulled in a thousand directions. We are extremely proud of how HEE has evolved and how every program is customized and different so that it remains fresh and energized.”
Hospitality Executive Exchange is a small, dynamic program that is based on face-to-face meetings carefully balanced with the right amount of networking and educational conversations. HEE is a program where everyone does everything together, making it a very relaxed environment for all participants and adds extreme value to those joining. HEE West had a theme of “Go for the Gold” and kicked off with a robust Conversations Create Change toolbox session and featured four-time Olympian in the luge, Ruben Gonzalez as the keynote. The message was clear: Passion, determination and effort are keys to success regardless of your dream.
The backdrop of northern Idaho provided many opportunities for networking with a view that was inspiring and lent itself to our Taste of Idaho tributes through culinary offerings and cocktails featuring the huckleberry. Colleen McClellan and Tim Kirkland were the general session speakers who brought customized conversations just for the HEE family. Networking activities included a Basil Hayden Tasting with brand ambassador, Jonathan Marks; a ‘50s sock hop aboard the Mish and Nock Cruise boat on Lake Coeur d’Alene; and our finale, presented by Breakthru Beverages, which included our final dinner and second annual Masters Glow in the Dark Golf Tourney and Fireworks Finale.
HEE has become one of the most talked about programs in the industry and a “must attend” for anyone in the national or regional accounts arena. Stuart Melia, Co-Chair of the HEE Advisory Board added, “HEE has filled a huge void in the marketplace and has become one of the premier programs that provide valued take-aways for multi-unit operators and select supplier partners. We all know that time away from the office has to be validated and this program definitely provides it. HEE is changing the way we do business by making it more cost effective and productive, while remaining on point for what is relevant and happening in the industry.”
The celebration of the 10th year anniversary will continue with HEE East. It will be held October 28-31, 2018 at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club in Ponte Vedra, Florida. Seats are limited for both select supplier partners as well as multi-unit operators, so email Jen Robinson (jen@thepineapplegroup.net) for information or to reserve a seat.