The Hilton Family of Hotels Launches Industry-First Personalized Group Web Pages Enabling Event Planners to Create Customized Web Pages for Events

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Following the launch of its unique online group bookings for small functions of up to 25 guest rooms, called e-Events, the Hilton Family of Hotels has launched the next phase of its electronic event planning tool: complimentary Personalized Group Web Pages.

Leading the newest generation of event planning online, Hilton, Conrad, Doubletree, Embassy Suites, Hampton Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton Grand Vacations, Homewood Suites by Hilton and The Waldorf=Astoria Collection hotels enable planners to customize their own Web page for business groups, special events and sports trips at more than 2,400 hotels in North America.

Features of the Personalized Group Web Pages include:

• The ability for event planners to create their own Personalized Group Web Page online 24/7 at no cost for any event that includes guest rooms¹;
• Complete control placed in the hands of the event planner without depending on hotel input or involvement unless requested;
• A means for event planners to promote their events and display important event details for attendees/guests all in one place;
• The ability for event planners to select their own chosen color scheme, two photos, and event details such as maps and schedules;
• A booking mechanism that directly links to the group block, providing easier and more accurate hotel and rate information for attendees/guests.

“The launch of Personalized Group Web Pages underscores our philosophy of putting even more choice and control into our customers’ hands by uniting around-the-clock online event planning with creative customization,” said Bob Brooks, vice president – eSales for Hilton Hotels Corporation. “With event planners juggling their business, social and family lives, the Hilton Family of Hotels e-Events makes it easier for them to take control of their event booking at their convenience.”

After event planners use the booking method of their choice to secure the event with guest rooms, they have the opportunity to set up their own Personalized Group Web Page by visiting http://www.hiltonfamily.com/GroupPage or they can provide their hotel representative with the information they would like to include on the Personalized Group Web Page and the page will be created for the event planner.

With unprecedented efficiency, e-Events enables planners to book meeting rooms and/or guest rooms for business, social events, family reunions, weddings and amateur sporting events 24/7 and receive immediate online confirmation of their booking. The online booking tools cater to groups requiring 25 rooms or less at more than 2,400 participating Hilton, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Doubletree, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton Grand Vacations, Homewood Suites by Hilton and The Waldorf=Astoria Collection hotels in North America.

A January 2007 study by PHoCusWright Group, which illustrates Hilton’s e-Events web page and alludes to Hilton Hotels as “An Industry Pioneer,” points out that “As the demographics of meeting professionals shift to younger, more technologically savvy individuals, there will be growing expectations for facilitated online interaction with suppliers to arrange and book group gatherings. These individuals are comfortable with self-service and are looking for 24/7 access and immediate results.”

How e-Events Works

Representing a first in the hotel industry, the Hilton Family of Hotels enables planners or organizers to book their next meeting or event online from start to finish, with no RFP and no waiting. Planners can book up to 25 guest rooms one year in advance, as well as meeting space, high speed Internet access, food and beverage, and audio/visual equipment online, 24/7. The planner receives instant confirmation of his or her event booking.

The company’s industry-leading technology, called OnQ, provides the infrastructure that links all Hilton Family hotels to a single-platform system, enabling planners to see availability across a wide variety of hotels.

Beginning in March 2007, the company’s small meetings service, called Hilton Direct (1-800-321-3232), began booking all sales calls made via phone on e-Events, underscoring the efficiency and functionality of the company’s online group bookings.

Event planners can earn Points & Miles® for qualifying events with the Hilton HHonors® Event Planner Program.

Guest List Manager (all-inclusive feature for event guest list management)

Offering an all-inclusive feature for guest list management, Guest List Manager enables planners to manage their room block, including instant, real-time online access 24/7 to their group reservation details and guest room info through their HHonors or Fast Reservations profile. Planners instantly can see who has booked guest rooms for their event, or they can reserve rooms on behalf of guests, and keep tabs on head counts. Online efficiency eliminates the need to call the hotel or wait for the hotel to upload rooming lists manually.

¹Planner-designed page will receive approval within three to five days of submitting.

About Hilton Hotels Corporation

Hilton Hotels Corporation is the leading global hospitality company, with more than 3,000 hotels and 500,000 rooms in 76 countries and territories, including 100,000 team members worldwide.

The company owns, manages or franchises a hotel portfolio of some of the best known and highly regarded brands, including Hilton^®, Conrad^® Hotels & Resorts, Doubletree^®, Embassy Suites Hotels^®, Hampton Inn^®, Hampton Inn & Suites^®, Hilton Garden Inn^®, Hilton Grand Vacations™, Homewood Suites by Hilton^® and The Waldorf=Astoria Collection^®.

The Hilton Family of Hotels adheres to founder Conrad Hilton’s philosophy that, “It has been, and continues to be, our responsibility to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality.” The company put a name to its unique brand of service that has made it the best known and most highly regarded hotel company: be hospitable®. The philosophy is shared by all brands in the Hilton Family of Hotels, and is the inspiration for its overarching message of kindness and generosity.

Hilton Hotels Corporation’s sponsorship of the U.S. Olympic Team will extend through the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Beijing, China, and includes the 2008 U.S. Paralympic Team(s) and the 2007 U.S. Pan-Am Team.

For more information about our company, please visit www.hiltonworldwide.com, and to learn more about our be hospitable philosophy, please visit www.behospitable.com.