2010 ARDA Timeshare Industry Convention

The convention hall is clear and the corridors quiet and empty. The 2010 ARDA convention has ended and we are all back home reflecting on our experiences and discussions that held our attention during the week.


Several topics stood out both officially, and unofficially. Whether you were involved in a session, or talking to a colleague in the corridor, you likely were involved in conversations about Social Media Marketing, Technology, Timeshare Resale’s or of course, RCI.

Social Media Marketing started first thing Tuesday morning with a session on teaching sales forces to use and train through social media networks such as Twitter and Facebook. Simultaneously a session on website design and marketing was being held by some of the industry’s top internet marketers. The theme then continued into the hallways with the revealing of new smart phone apps by 6Dimensions Consulting for the Resort Trades and AskMando.com. A first ever Scavenger Hunt was held using text messaging clues and RCI was quick to show their own new interactive skills and technology. Unmistakably our marketing and media platforms are changing in today’s world. The timeshare industry made it clear last week that we are not afraid to branch out into the world of tomorrow’s media, marketing and technology trends.

Every buyer, seller, resort sales agent and Developer knows that Timeshare Resale’s have long been the quiet elephant in the room. Finally, it is at the forefront of discussion and ARDA is working diligently to help everyone involved with the proposition of its Model Resale Act. All developers like it or not, are realizing the issue can no longer be swept under the carpet and that an agreement must be made between themselves and resale companies in order to protect the product and the clients.

In many circles, in fact the majority of them, RCI was almost always mentioned. It seemed that the industry has noticed RCI’s renewed strength, energy and advancements in technology. When speaking to Chip Rogan, Vice President of Sales for InnSeason Resorts, who recently signed with RCI, Chip stated that “We are thrilled with the innovative cutting edge technology and tools RCI will be providing us to enhance the sales and ownership experience for our customers and team members”. This clearly says it all about the mood of RCI’s current flow within the industry.

Clearly there is a sense of change in the air within the timeshare industry. After attending the 2010 convention, it should be clear to everyone that our industry will flex and mold to the needs and trends of our market, clients and colleagues.