“Having been innkeepers for 11 years, there is always something to learn in this ever-changing industry. The Conference offers great networking opportunities, new vendors, idea-packed learning sessions and fun new friends.”
Karen DeBord (Phillips),
Bedford Landings Bed & Breakfast
The theme this year is "Unlocking Your Cul-INN-ary Creativity."
Below is the 2024 conference schedule with all new sessions and speakers Wednesday is dedicated to all culinary sessions.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17
9:00am – 6:00pm (Palm Court Ledge)
Registration
10:00am – 4:30pm (Ballroom A)
Aspiring Innkeeper Seminar: A Day in the Life of an Innkeeper
There is no substitute for real-life experience! A panel of seasoned innkeepers will walk you through “A Day in the Life of an Innkeeper – Aspiring, Perspiring, Retiring. If you are serious about investigating your passion to operate a bed and breakfast, it is imperative to go into business with your eyes open to those decisions that are important for a successful and fulfilling personal experience. Learn more and register.
5:00pm – 7:00pm (Palm Court)
Dinner Reception
Sponsored by eviivo
Join colleagues in the Tradeshow Marketplace for dinner and a cash bar will be available. Renew friendships, meet new people, and take time to visit with Marketplace exhibitors in a relaxed setting. This is the perfect opportunity to start networking.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18
7:00am – 5:00pm (Palm Court Ledge)
Registration
7:30am – 8:45am (Palm Court)
Continental Breakfast
8:30am – 8:50am (Palm Court)
Welcome
9:00am – 5:00pm (Palm Court)
Tradeshow Marketplace
9:00am – 9:30am: Concurrent Sessions
How to Get Better Payment Processing Service & Costs and Protect Your Identity and Data (PA Ballroom A)
Wynn Salisch, Casablanca Payments
Navigating the world of payment processing and cybersecurity can be daunting even for the most experienced business owner. Deciphering a complex maze of fees becomes critical to ensure you’re not overspending on card transactions, and data security’s constantly emerging threats can feel a lot like playing an unending game of whack-a-mole. Join Wynn, who has over 50 years of experience in hospitality management, payment processing, and cybersecurity, as he explains how the payments industry operates and how to control costs, reduce chargebacks, and protect your personal identity and your business from data pirates.
Learn how to Boost Direct Bookings & Enhance the Guest Experience (PA Ballroom B)
Cindy Bachmann, Innkeeper’s Advantage
Join us for an exclusive presentation by Innkeeper's Advantage, the premier provider of comprehensive property management solutions for inns and bed-and-breakfasts. Discover how our “all-in-one” cutting-edge software can streamline your operations, boost direct bookings, and enhance guest experiences. All of this while saving you money. We will showcase key features such as automated reservation and rate management, seamless website integration, and powerful marketing tools designed to increase your occupancy rates and revenue. See firsthand how Innkeeper's Advantage can transform your business, providing you with the tools to stay ahead in the competitive hospitality industry. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your property management strategy!
9:45 am – 10:15am: Concurrent Sessions
Elevate Your Guest Experience with InnStyle (PA Ballroom A)
Jon Taylor, InnStyle
Innkeepers: Dawn Flower-Webb, Mooreland Garden Inn, PA; Marie Krouch, The Fountain House of Carlisle, PA
Discover how InnStyle’s bedding and bath solutions can enhance your guest experience. Join fellow innkeepers to explore InnStyle’s latest collections, offering comfort and style at an affordable price point. Hear firsthand success stories from fellow innkeepers who have partnered with InnStyle to elevate their guest experience. Learn how investing in quality sheets can pay for themselves over time.
Take a 360 View of Your Marketing (PA Ballroom B)
Marty Etzel, ThinkReservations
As you close out 2024 and get ready for 2025, it's time to reflect on making changes to your marketing. What worked, what didn't and what are some new ideas to try in 2025? This presentation will focus on the different channels to market and how you can stand out to a looker, a booker and a guest at every step of their interaction with you and your marketing. We'll provide key insights from our ThinkReservations team from various perspectives such as former owners, support team and veteran industry colleagues.
What’s Protecting your Guests and your Property? (PA Ballroom CD)
Devlon Cowart & Chuck Heinlein, Pro Fire Safety
Our goal is to Educate B&B owners about the devastating effects of home fires and other home safety issues, like carbon monoxide, flooding and freezing. Today’s homes present numerous safety challenges. Unfortunately, most home and business owners are unaware of the hidden dangers they face. We provide a high quality early warning network of fire protection for your home or Bed and Breakfast. The minimum codes and the minimum products are just that, the minimum. The codes require the minimum, but all the experts recommend more protection, better protection and more coverage for our homes and businesses. We will discuss the dangers and share our solution.
10:30am – 11:00am: Concurrent Sessions
Chronicles of Clicks: Tales of Triumph with Google Ads (PA Ballroom A)
Jeff Logan, Logan Marketing
Have you ever questioned whether Google Ads is worth it or just a money pit? Curious about which terms to target with an ad? Join our 30-minute spotlight session to discover the exact workings of Google Ads and the key terms you should be targeting right now to boost your bookings. We’ll showcase real examples from B&Bs, Inns and Vacation Rentals we manage and their impressive results. Learn how you can turn a modest $100 monthly ad spend into $5,000 in bookings!
How are Innkeepers Like Pilots? Turning Your Business on Autopilot (PA Ballroom B)
Jamey King, eviivo
Question: How are you able to pilot your business without being at the cockpit 24/7? Join us on a journey as we navigate the software that truly allows you to run your daily operations on autopilot. Discover how a streamlined, all-in-one solution can allow your business to take off. Learn how to remove the excess baggage of time-consuming manual tasks and too many extranets. And see why automation is making owners and operators more focused, alert and motivated to take their accommodation to new heights.
11:15am – 12:15am (PA Ballrooms)
Keynote Speaker
Roberta Pipito, Homemade Delish
Roberta is an award-winning chef; TV Host and Lifestyle contributor to local and national networks across the country. Roberta has been called "Philadelphia's Rachael Ray." Coming from a long line of family cooks in Brazil and Italy, she enjoys the art and science behind food as well as the tast. She is recognized for her recipes and wants the world to see that "With creativity and imagination, you can style anything to your taste."
12:15pm – 1:15pm (Palm Court)
Lunch
Sponsored by Logan Marketing
1:15pm – 5:15pm (Ben Franklin)
Serv Safe Course
Instructor: Joceyln Makin
4-hour ServSafe Course including Managers Examination. Additional fee of $175 per person. Registration closed on 10/18/24.
2:15pm – 3:15pm: Concurrent Sessions
Creating Welcoming & Inclusive Experiences (PA Ballroom A)
Dr. Debra Blair, Professor, School of Tourism & Hospitality Management, Temple University
The essence of Hospitality is providing Welcoming and Inclusive experiences for all of our guests and visitors. In today’s experience economy the degree to which we engage and build on our welcoming and inclusive strategies will ultimately affect our service culture and impact our bottom line. Through this session we will discuss ways to build on your current service strategies, understand the types of challenges that influence inclusion and explore a few practical solutions for navigating our diverse customers.
Cake & Muffin Mixology (PA Ballroom B)
Jan Pask, Luther Ogden Inn, Cape May, NJ
Jan, an innkeeper for 28 years, is a firm believer in working smarter, not harder. She will share lots of semi-homemade ideas for a sweet course using Krusteaz mixes such as coffee cakes, muffins, quick breads and cornbread (some are gluten free). While some may think “mixology” is devious on some level, the products are delicious, a real time saver and INN Good Taste.
Scaling Success: Strategic Staffing for your Establishment (PA Ballroom CD)
Danielle Hoffer, Hoffer Consulting Services
There are times in the life of a business when you need another set of hands. When you are a small organization, what is the right path to take to get the work done? Do you hire an employee? Is it better to just contract the work to an individual or a vendor? These are important questions to ask and this session will help provide insights to compliance obligations and best practices to consider when making these decisions.
3:15pm – 4:00pm (Palm Court)
Break in Tradeshow Marketplace
4:00pm – 5:00pm: Concurrent Sessions
Marketing on a Shoestring: Strategies for Growing your B&B (PA Ballroom A)
Jenny Marofsky, Owner, Agency Jen
Are you struggling to stand out in a crowded market or frustrated that your marketing efforts aren’t delivering results? Does it feel impossible to maximize your limited marketing budget and still attract guests year-round? In this workshop, we’ll address these common challenges faced by Bed & Breakfast owners and offer strategic solutions to help your business thrive. Discover innovative tactics tailored for small B&Bs that will allow you to compete with larger chains, manage seasonal fluctuations, and build a loyal customer base. You’ll learn how to effectively differentiate your B&B, leverage your local tourism market, and finally connect your marketing efforts to measurable results. We’ll guide you through developing an achievable marketing plan that saves you time and maximizes your limited budget—whether it's brand building, generating more bookings, or managing online reviews. Grow smarter and stress less with our actionable tips designed specifically for your unique business needs.
Dietary Restrictions: Understanding Food Allergies, Intolerances and Dietary Preference (PA Ballroom B)
Debra Miller, Kane Manor Inn (Kane, PA)
Many inn guests today have dietary restrictions based on religion, physical reactions and/or self-imposed dietary habits. Guests may request menus that are vegan, gluten-free, kosher and/or more. Such restrictions can present challenges for small innkeepers and food/breakfast service. This session will provide innkeepers information and insight on:
- Prevalence and types of dietary restrictions
- Food allergies versus intolerances
- Food preferences and special diets
- Navigating food product labeling
Importance of Napkin & Toilet Paper Folding (PA Ballroom CD)
Craig George, The Annville Inn (Annville, PA) & Don Zelek, 1825 Inn Bed & Breakfast (Palmyra, PA)
Napkin folding is an easy way to add an artistic appeal to elevate your table setting décor. Even a simple napkin fold can add elegance and give a new look to the table setting. Craig will showcase the various table settings and napkin folds he uses at his Inn throughout the year. Use of a toilet paper fold gives your guests the confidence that the bathroom has been cleaned since the last guest has used the room. Subtle but effective. Don will demonstrate how make a rosette toilet paper fold.
6:00pm – 8:30pm
Cul-INN-ary Competition Dinner (Palm Court)
We’ll start with time for mingling and bumping into friends and colleagues for conversation. Then after dinner, you’ll have the opportunity to test your culinary skills against other innkeepers. This is your opportunity to work with your team (those sat at your table) to create an award-winning recipe and breakfast menu. Additional fee of $50 per person.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19
7:00am – 5:00pm (Palm Court Ledge)
Registration
7:30am – 8:45am (Palm Court)
Buffet Breakfast
9:00am – 4:00pm: Tradeshow Marketplace Open
9:00am – 10:00am - Concurrent Sessions
Forecasting Reporting: Diagnosing the Health of Your Business (PA Ballroom A)
Cindy Bachmann, Innkeeper’s Advantage
Enhance your ability to understand what the large amounts of search, booking and abandonment data can tell you about your property. Learn advanced techniques to predict future reservation potential, and identify possible challenges such as rate issues, advertising performance and website behavior. Through practical exercises and expert guidance, you'll gain the skills to accurately interpret actionable reports for data-driven decision-making and strategic planning. Ensure your property’s future success by mastering these essential forecasting and reporting skills.
Knife Skills & Mise en Place (PA Ballroom B)
Hannah Smith, Inn on Church Road (Hershey, PA)
This class teaches you the most important skills you need to master for meal prepping success. In this session, Hannah teaches you proper knife cuts, tips for safety and efficiency, as well knife care. Plus, we'll talk about how to Mise en Place - put “everything in its place” while prepping.
How to be a Great Inn and Avoid Burnout? (PA Ballroom CD)
Lankford Blair, Magnolia House Inn (Hampton, VA), Linda Smith, Rachael’s Dowry Bed & Breakfast (Baltimore, MD), Donell Ayers, Frosty Hollow Bed & Breakfast (Coudersport, PA)
A panel of seasoned innkeepers will address their success in building a great Inn experience for guests and the habits and skills to stay physically, mentally, and professionally on top of the game. They will share tips on how to keep yourself motivated, avoid burnout, and enjoy a personal life while juggling the demands of innkeeping. Learn the importance of how prioritization and planning can help you get “the right stuff done.” The most valuable asset you have is not your property…it’s your time.
10:00am – 11:00am (Palm Court)
Break in Tradeshow Marketplace
11:00am – Noon: Concurrent Sessions
Attracting Attention & Visitors to your Inn using Influencer Marketing (PA Ballroom A)
Greg O’Loughlin, SWELL
The new generation of travelers use social media to inspire their travel plans and bookings. Influencer marketing strategies – collaborating with people who have large social media followings – are becoming more essential to grow visibility and attract new guests to your inn. This session will explore ways to effectively test and implement influencer marketing while offering guidance on the necessary time/resources to be effective (and enjoy it!) as well as the potential pitfalls to avoid.
Gardening for Guests (PA Ballroom B)
Christa Shoreman, Penn State Extension Master Gardener
The love of gardening is universal and can create instant connections between strangers. Whether your space is large or small, with a little creativity, you can fashion a green space that can be both functional and eye-catching. In this presentation, Master Gardener Christa Shoreman will offer tips for choosing herbs, vegetables, and flowers for decoration and culinary use. She will talk about practical considerations such as maintenance and accessibility and expectations for a working garden’s appearance. Finally, she will explore ways that you can connect guests to other gardening resources to enhance their time spent in your establishment and the larger community.
Unlocking W-INN-ing Strategies for Business Success with your SBDC (PA Ballroom CD)
Robin Burtner, Director, Shippensburg University SBDC
Come find out what a Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is and how it can help with your business success. SBDC Programs deliver professional, high-quality, individualized business advising and technical assistance to existing small businesses and pre-venture entrepreneurs. SBDCs provide problem-solving assistance to help small businesses access capital and improve business planning, strategy, operations, financial management, personnel administration, marketing, and more. Learn about what core services are offered, unique programs in some SBCCs, and how you can access yours.
Noon – 1:00pm (Palm Court)
Lunch
1:15pm – 2:00pm (Palm Court)
Tradeshow Marketplace
2:00pm – 3:00pm: Concurrent Sessions
Creating Transformational Customer Experience (PA Ballroom A)
Dr. Judy Morley, PhD
Every customer deserves the best possible experience. Dr. Judy Morely, You Do You Coaching, shares why the customer experience is crucial for building repeat business, customer referrals, and increased profitability. This workshop highlights what it means to provide a transformational customer experience. We'll look at your business from the customer's perspective and identify ways to go from good to great. Topics covered include:
- Identifying with the customer
- Reviewing your environment
- Creative communication strategies
- Interactions that promote your brand
- Empathy and understanding emotions
- Choosing responses for optimal outcomes
- Recovering from mistakes
Participants will leave with a clear understanding of how to take ordinary customers and turn them into raving fans!
Snap & Share! Cell Phone Photography for Social Media Success (PA Ballroom B)
Ali Waxman, Waxman Photography
Ali will share his secrets on how to take the best photos with a cell phone camera of your breakfast dishes and then effectively use them on social media.
What’s in Your Operations Manual? (PA Ballroom CD)
Robin Stauffer, Retired Innkeeper (Pheasant Field B&B, Carlisle, PA)
Why do I need an operations manual? What do I include in my operations manual? What would happen if your inn had to run without you? Who holds the passwords? Where are the shut-off valves? What is your preventive maintenance schedule? What are the processes and procedures for dealing with out-of-the-ordinary situations? This session will help answer those questions and offer a table of contents for creating or updating your property’s manual on all of the where, what, when, and how of running your operation.
3:00pm – 4:00pm (Tradeshow Marketplace Closes at 4:00pm)
Break in Tradeshow Marketplace
4:00pm – 5:30pm | Regional Meetings
Attendees are encouraged to network with your fellow innkeepers by State.
PA Innkeepers (PA Ballroom A)
VA Innkeepers (PA Ballroom B)
Other Innkeepers (PA Ballroom C)
5:30pm | Dinner on Your Own
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20
7:00am – 9:30am (Palm Court Ledge)
Registration
7:30am – 8:45am (Palm Court)
Buffet Breakfast
9:00am – 10:15am: Concurrent Culinary Sessions
Culinary success: Crafting profitable Menus for Bed and Breakfast Owners (PA Ballroom A)
TJ Quinn, Chief Food Service Officer, Kitchen Kettle
Join us for an immersive seminar tailored for specifically innkeepers eager to elevate their culinary offerings and boost profitability. This comprehensive workshop will delve into the art and science of menu creation, focusing on unique needs and challenges faced by innkeepers.
Making Food Make Sense & Cents at Your Inn (PA Ballroom B)
Theo Stanton, Chef, The Mansion at Noble Lane
Chef Theo will show and tell how to turn food at the inn from a cost center to a profit center. With a number of culinary-based packages and add-ons, including high tea, picnic baskets, and s'mores kits, he'll showcase eight "easy" ways to add to your bottom line and the guest experience that even the kitchen-adversed can master.
Sustainable Innkeeping in the Kitchen (PA Ballroom CD)
Mich Sherman, Chef & Owner, The Yorkshire Inn
Join us for an engaging session on Sustainable Innkeeping in the Kitchen, where we explore innovative practices for eco-conscious hospitality. As a chef and bed and breakfast owner with over 20 years in the hospitality industry, I will share insights on how to integrate sustainability into your culinary operations.
Key Topics Covered:
- Farm-to-Table Principles: Learn how to source local ingredients to create delicious, seasonal menus that support local farmers and reduce your carbon footprint.
- Waste Reduction Strategies: Discover practical tips for minimizing food waste in your kitchen and implementing effective composting practices that benefit both your business and the environment.
- Sustainable Menu Planning: Explore how to design menus that highlight local produce and reduce reliance on imported goods, while also catering to diverse dietary preferences.
- Guest Engagement: Find out how to involve your guests in your sustainability efforts, from garden tours to cooking classes that showcase the importance of local foods.
By the end of this session, you will be equipped with actionable strategies to enhance the sustainability of your kitchen, create memorable dining experiences, and foster a deeper connection with your guests and the environment. Join us in making a positive impact in the world of hospitality!
10:15am – 10:30am | Break
10:30am – 11:45am: Concurrent Culinary Sessions
Biscuits, Scones, and Pop Tarts made Gluten Free (PA Ballroom A)
Hannah Smith, Inn on Church Road (Hershey, PA)
In this session, Hannah teaches you how to create gluten free breakfast treats that everyone will enjoy. We'll discuss types of gluten free flours and give an overview on how to use them. Plus, learn how to use proper technique when making these doughs, which can be applied to all of baking.
The 5 P's: Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance (PA Ballroom B)
Bill Collier and John Reis, Executive Chefs
Executive Chefs Bill and John will share tips and tricks on how to plan, prep food, present food on the plate without garnishing, and other breakfast options besides a casserole. The will identify the proper equipment needed in your kitchen to be efficient and discuss the importance of knowing your cooking capabilities in order to serve your guests an inviting and delicious breakfast.
TBD (PA Ballroom CD)
11:45am Prize Drawings (must be present to win)
Noon Adjourn