GNEX Conference Highlights
I believe Jonathan Stoker, Founder and Chief Executive officer of VOA (Vacation Ownership Advisor), described the GNEX Conference well. Jonathan said, “GNEX is not just an event; it’s a powerhouse of innovation, connection, and inspiration for the vacation ownership industry. It’s where the brightest minds unite to shape the future, creating friendships and strategic partnerships that lead to lasting success.”
He continues with a ‘massive shoutout’ to Paul and Sharon Mattimoe and the GNEX team. “At VOA,” he continues, “we’re grateful for the invaluable experiences, insights, and connections GNEX has provided. Jonathan stands out as a visionary force in the hospitality and vacation ownership sector, boasting an impressive 29-year tenure with industry giants like Hilton Worldwide and Marriott Vacation Club and we couldn’t have said it better.
The Global Networking EXperience (GNEX Conference) gave attendees ample opportunity to network with senior-level executives from more than one hundred companies, plus it memorable experiences, lavish social events, and a golf tournament.
Resort Trades found GNEX to be an industry event that delivered dynamic networking, providing great, up-close-and-personal opportunities to build relationships. Attendees had access to top level executives that spanned all areas of the vacation industry ranging from resort, travel club, and vacation ownership senior executives; to suppliers such as investors, legal experts, tech companies, and more.
By way of full disclosure, the Resort Trades team (consisting of Founder & CEO Tim Wilson and myself), missed the GNEX 2024 Golf Tournament held at the Miami Beach Golf Club on February 20, 2024, the opening day of the conference. But we heard a lot of jibes and jests later as contestants exchanged good-natured banter. The highlight of the day for us was the “60-Second Pitch.” Sponsors and attendees were given a 60-second opportunity to pitch their companies and introduce themselves to an audience of attendees. We were delighted to see so many old friends and new entrants into the industry and to hear their stories.
MC Jim Madrid (president of Advance Sports Technology, Inc.) masterfully orchestrated a fast-paced session. Some highlights for me were having the opportunity to see how many innovative technology companies were introduced. The number of companies introducing innovative technology was an eye opener.
New acquaintances met during the event included Janice Passos, CEO at Eteriz, Inc. who spoke of using AI to improve communications; James Harris, CRME and Kyle Trautwein from Revenue Analytics, a firm that formulates revenue models that can be used to structure pricing and service; Janice Passos, CEO of Eteriz, Inc., which utilizes AI in marketing and sales optimization; Eric Denston, FirstMark Tours & Travel; and Nick Nelson, owner of Discovery Resort Marketing, an online tour generation service.
The next day was a powerful insider look at what industry leaders forecast for the industry, The Boardroom. The Boardroom panel included:
- Rosario Rodriguez Rojo, CEO, Royal Holiday Group
- Alain J.A. Grangé, Principal, Grangé Group / The Playa Collection
- Rebecca Currier, Area VP, Sales & Marketing, Marriott Vacations Worldwide
- Warren Smith, Executive Vice President, Living Water Resorts
- Christopher Agnew, CFA, Chief Financial Officer, Exploria Resorts
- Jason Gamel, President & CEO, ARDA
- Robert Webb, Partner, BakerHostetler
- Shawn Brydge, Executive Vice President, Wellington Financial
- Ross Crowder, Chief Commercial Officer, arrivia
- Paul Mattimoe, President & CEO, Perspective Group
Day Two
The following day a number of attendees enjoyed a one-hour speedboat tour in a “Miami Vice”-styled tour of the Miami Coast. In the afternoon, Wendy Williams, a professor in the honors college at TCU, author, certified mindfulness instructor, and empathy trainer explained the role of transformative, research-based, experiential empathy training. Her course is designed to enable business leaders to create high-trust work environments, attract and keep top talent, and increase productivity and profits.
Following on from Wendy’s session and with her assistance, Jim Madrid added an industry-specific perspective on just how powerful “putting empathy to work” in your business can be. Madrid is an expert in Human Performance and Leadership. From Fortune 500 Companies like Boeing, Nordstrom, St. Regis Resorts and Hotels, Mercedes Benz, Lexus Banco Santander, Oakley to professional sports teams like Seattle Sounders FC, Seattle Seahawks, Washington Redskins, Utah Jazz, along with collegiate teams, Cal State Fullerton, Seattle U, UNLV, and now to youth sports clubs; Madrid and AST have helped organizations and individuals, achieve unprecedented, record-breaking results by their unique approach to “One Team, One Direction.”
The evening was capped with a pool-side party graced with the Fontainebleau’s gourmet answer to food and drink, accompanied by live music. Hosted by Arrivia and Catalyst, the entertainment was over the top with circus performers and dancing LED robots!
Day Three
SVP, Global Sales Operations & Field Operations, the Americas, for Marriott Vacations Worldwide John Ruble shared his industry perspective from more than 24 years in the business and provided insight into what makes Marriott successful year after year.
Later, Joseph Boccuzzi, Ph.D., principal 5G architect for NVIDIA, discussed current trends in AI/ML, advances in Generative AI (Large Language Models and Large Multi-Modal Models) as they evolve Vision AI & Robotics as well as the importance of creating Digital Twins. Joe’s mild-mannered and friendly demeanor belied his passion for his craft. Joseph has been designing cutting edge technology enabling digital communications for over 30 years and has worked for companies such as Bell Labs, Infineon, Intel, Broadcom and is now with NVIDIA.
Lastly, Ben Kincaid, Founder & CEO, Complete Threat Preparedness provided an insightful look at how to make improvements at your resort or business to reduce the risk of unexpected threats or disasters and how to prepare your employees to handle any situation.
Topping off the evening with a farewell cocktail party, GNEX drew to a close by recognizing its award winners.
Awards
The 14th Annual GNEX Vacation Industry Awards (formerly Perspective Magazine Awards) were presented at the Farewell Cocktails Party which also included a premium open bar, DJ and a stunning human red carpet!
The Official List of 2024 GNEX Vacation Industry Award Winners here.
Sharon Scott Wilson, RRP, (linkedin.com/in/sharonscottwilson) is publisher and content coordinator for the Resort Trades Media Group. Sign up for the free eMagazine here.
