Longtime SMS|Host users are familiar with the Host Users Group (HUG); however, many new faces have joined the Springer-Miller Systems (SMS) client base and may not be aware of this fantastic group! HUG was formed over 30 years ago to assist SMS clients in maximizing their SMS|Host system. The organization serves its members by providing a united forum through which users can share knowledge, create solutions, network with each other and with vendors, and influence product direction.
HUG is a member-run organization led by a Board of Directors driven to extract the highest benefits from their Springer-Miller software. The HUG Board is comprised of Host users from all over the country. Members of the Board volunteer their time to plan the yearly conference and produce valuable tools for all HUG members. Any Host User is eligible to join the HUG Board, and there are many benefits to joining, such as
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Involvement in SMS product development
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Yearly meeting with Senior Leadership of Springer-Miller Systems about product and company direction
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Making Industry contacts
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Client / Vendor Relationship strengthening
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HUG Conference fee waived & travel costs for HUG Conference reduced by 50%
If you want to learn more about the HUG Board of Directors, you can learn more here.
The HUG Board of Directors leads in planning one of the most anticipated events each year, the Annual HUG Conference! Every fall, Host Users travel to an SMS|Host property to exchange knowledge and facilitate learning with their peers. There are many reasons to attend the Annual HUG Conference:
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to perform better at your job
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to become a better manager
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to position yourself for promotion
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to grow your network
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to gain valuable contacts
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to learn about the future and roadmaps of SMS|Host
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to get one one-on-one time with the SMS team
Through user-led sessions focused on experiential sharing, the hands-on Sandbox, educational breakouts, roundtable discussions, keynotes, and lots and lots of networking, you will learn about the great possibilities available with your existing hotel systems.
This year’s Annual HUG Conference will be at the Abbey Resort in Fontana, Wisconsin on November 13-15, 2023. This conference is organized by users, for users and provides a welcoming environment to exchange knowledge and enhance your skills.
With over 60 sessions, attendees can participate in a mix of training, discussions, and demonstrations on effectively utilizing the tools within their system. These sessions cover various topics, such as creating rates and packages, managing revenue, housekeeping, and working with vacation rentals.
Sessions provide attendees with best practices and practical instructions on configuring their automated night audit, managing correspondence, handling owner rotation, and mastering the new out-of-order screens. There will be a variety of broader sessions addressing industry themes, including cybersecurity, resort fee usage, and planning for the future of SMS|Host.
Breaks, meals, and social events provide networking opportunities with users who share similar work experiences. These connections and the exchange of insights and solutions can be incredibly valuable.
During the conference, attendees will also have the chance to schedule one-on-one meetings with subject matter experts from SMS. These meetings are invaluable and allow you to ask any questions, get clarification, and see what the experts have to say.
To end the HUG Conference on a fun note, SMS throws a Themed Celebration on Wednesday night every year to celebrate a great week of learning, congratulate the Board on their hard work, further networking opportunities, and have a little fun after an information-packed week.
Now that you know more about the HUG organization, we hope to see you at the 2023 HUG Conference in November! Register for the conference or learn more about HUG at https://smshug.org/hug-2023-conference/