Hawaii Hospitality - July/August 2014 - (Page 33)

TALK STORY WITH GEORGE SZIGETI Expo Helps Businesses Work Together As the saying goes, "Time sure flies when you're having fun," and those in the hospitality industry know there's never a dull moment in our business. This year is no exception. And while the tourism industry is working hard to address the softness Hawaii has experienced in the first quarter, I remain optimistic that by working together and adapting our products and services to the needs of today's discerning customers, we will be a positive force in helping get our economy back on track. One event that continues to do a great job bringing our industry stakeholders together is the Hawaii Lodging, Hospitality and Foodservice (HLHF) Expo. Now in its 20th year and taking place July 9 and 10 at the Neal Blaisdell Center, the HLHF Expo has become one of Honolulu's most anticipated annual events and provides invaluable networking and learning opportunities to move businesses forward. As the largest trade exposition in Hawaii, it's also the only event providing access for industry buyers to a full range of products and services for the state's most important economic sectors. Last year's Expo drew nearly 4,500 buyers representing the purchasing needs of Hawaii's hotels, restaurants, caterers, attractions, colleges, concessions, convenience stores, country clubs, government agencies, health clubs, hospitals, interior designers, nightclubs, military housing, food service, supermarkets, shopping malls, schools and many others. The exhibition was impressive, with hundreds of vendors showcasing their latest innovative products, equipment and services ranging from energy-efficient bathroom fixtures and paper goods to air conditioning, point-of-sale systems and remodeling. The marketplace's design to bring buyers and vendors together in an efficient manner on the showroom floor ensures maximum productivity enjoyed by all attendees. The reality is that everyone throughout the Aloha State benefits from Hawaii's $15 billion tourism industry. The Expo brings together those who can make a difference- not only for the good of their businesses, but also for the betterment of our home as a whole. I would like to thank everyone involved in the Expo, and especially Douglas Trade Shows, the buyers and the exhibitors for their continued support after all of these years. Please encourage your colleagues, associates, friends and family who have a stake in the industry to get involved. Finally, save the date for the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association's (HLTA) Scholarship Golf Tournament on Aug. 14 at the Hawaii Prince Golf Club. Registration information is available at www.hawaiilodging.org. George D. Szigeti is president and CEO of the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association (HLTA). CLEAN TALK WITH ROSE Cleaning for Health: A Pathogen Alert for the Hospitality Industry Community-acquired infections are threatening Hawaii's hospitality industry every day, and the effects can be serious for guests, staff and properties. The spread of viral and bacterial infections such as these is prompting a need for more education and monitoring, and for better hygienic practices at our restaurants and hotels. Community-acquired infections include Legionella, norovirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), tuberculosis (TB) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Considering that some of these microorganisms are capable of surviving on surfaces for several months, the instance of contamination is high-so disinfecting environmental surfaces in addition to cleaning is essential. What's the difference between cleaning and disinfecting? Cleaning removes foreign material; disinfecting reduces the number of pathogenic microorganisms. In hotel guest rooms, food service areas and recreational and common areas, disinfecting for the health of guests and employees must be a primary concern along with cleaning for appearance. Unlike healthcare facilities, the hospitality industry is not as aware of the dangers of infectious diseases. To date, for example, no recognized organization has created standards for cleanliness in lodging. There are no universally accepted cleaning definitions. Technology measurements, such as ultraviolet lights, ATP tests and microfiber systems, are just beginning to appear on the market. Research on guest room cleanliness has prompted a change in cleaning for health in hotels, and media coverage and public reaction have increased demands for higher standards of cleanliness on the part of hotels. Traditional housekeeping cleaning methods are no longer enough. New systems and advanced technologies are needed to face new microbial invaders. Housekeeping managers and supervisory personnel must become well versed on infection prevention and communicable diseases, and the hospitality industry needs to develop advanced cleaning procedures and processes that address infectious diseases as part of ongoing training programs. A good model is the Hong Kong Hotels Association's "Guidelines on Infection Control & Prevention in the Hotel Continued on page 34 www.hawaiihospitalityonline.com 33 http://www.hawaiilodging.org http://www.hawaiihospitalityonline.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Hawaii Hospitality - July/August 2014

Women at the Top
Halekulani Celebrates 30 Years
Digital Pursuit
It's Expo Time!
Technology in the Kitchen
Meet Chef Sheldon Simeon
News Briefs
Talk Story with George Szigeti
Clean Talk with Rose Galera
At the Table with Roger Morey

Hawaii Hospitality - July/August 2014