Leadership

Robert A. Smit, CHA

Principal


A strategic, passionate and innovative hospitality industry leader, Robert Smit has held senior leadership positions with Marriott, Hilton and Intercontinental Hotels Group. He is experienced in multi-brand, multi-unit operations and finding creative solutions to real world problems. Robert is responsible for guidance, supervision and growth of property operations, revenue management, sales and marketing, creative food and beverage concepts of a portfolio of hotels, restaurants and bars while driving quality, improving guest experience, associate satisfaction, total revenue and profitability.


Robert has worked with several large hotel management companies and complex ownership groups to improve operations and has supervised portfolio of hotels including upscale full service, select service, luxury, branded and independent boutique assets. He worked for Hilton Hotels Corporation in several key management positions including Director of Front Office, Director of Rooms, Operations Analyst, AGM and GM. Robert has been successful in leveraging technology to improve productivity and guest experience. Robert has held increasing senior leadership responsibilities including Regional Director, Regional Vice President, Vice President, and President.


As General Manager, Robert was recognized with several brand awards including the Marriott International General Manager Global Leadership Excellence Award, Marriott International Financial Excellence Award, #1 in Guest Satisfaction and Overall Quality in the Greater LA area for three consecutive years, a three-time winner of IHG Quality Excellence Awards, Sunstone Hotels two-time Chairman Circle Award and two-time Service Excellence Award.


Robert created a team to develop a new contactless guest experience operating model for AutoCamp an outdoor hospitality brand. He leveraged technology partners and sourced new products to address guest and team member concerns due to Covid-19. As a result, this model was embraced by guests which appreciated the contactless experience, enhanced cleanliness standards and safety protocols. This allowed the properties to safely reopen and exceed occupancy and revenue expectations during full operational months. He was invited to join other international hospitality and technology industry leaders on a live webinar on the topic of "Contact-Free Experiences When You Travel" in June 2020. A link to the recorded webinar is here.

Robert has been a guest speaker at several local universities and colleges on the topic of operations, sales, revenue management and technology. He is very involved in the mentoring of future hospitality leaders. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and is an AH&LA Certified Hospitality Administrator. Robert's community involvement includes Executive Board of the American Heart Association, President of the Brentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, Chair of the Long Beach Visitors and Convention Bureau and Chair of the Riverside Restaurant Association. He enjoys a wide variety of musical styles including jazz and classical, as well as outdoor activities including hiking, tennis and golf.

Robert is an advisory board member with STS Capital Partners, WorkTribe Dynamics and Revolution Travel Group, Ltd.

HENK C. POUDEROYEN, CHA

Principal


Henk Pouderoyen completed his college education in the Netherlands, then completed a Hotel & Restaurant College Program in New York. He has been involved in all aspects of hotel operations - from early years with Hyatt Hotels and other companies - to upscale resorts to business hotels.


Henk was General Manager for over 18 years, while renovating and successfully repositioning many of the properties (from 75 to 260 rooms) he was responsible for. Among the brands that Henk managed and renovated as General Manager were InterContinental and Radisson Hotels. Henk's project management and renovation experience includes Marriott, Hilton, Sheraton, IHG and independent hotels around the country.


Henk enjoys staying active in his community having been a member of the Ventura Rotary, Visitor & Convention Bureau of the Santa Maria Valley, co-founded a Downtown Revitalization District in Santa Maria, CA, fundraising in a number of locally-based charities, and enjoys tennis, golf and soccer.


Founder and Principal Hotel Renovation Solutions

Margaret P. Develey, MBA, CMP

Food, Beverage, and Meeting Industry Professional

Whether you are looking for a keynote speaker who can increase your audience's awareness on subjects of contemporary and internationally accepted proper business behavior and protocol, or need simple and practical advice to improve your business relationships and increase your company's bottom line. Margaret Develey assists people to project the professional image necessary in today's business environment.

Margaret Develey is a consultant, speaker and writer. Her company, The Develey International Group, specializes in Business Etiquette, Dining Styles and International Protocol. Her expertise in the above fields enables her to work successfully with clients from all professions, ages and backgrounds.

Her international background makes her a fascinating keynote speaker for luncheon and dinner occasions where she discusses dining etiquette dos and don'ts with style and finesse. Ms. Develey has a Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts, coupled with twenty years of managerial experience in the Hospitality Industry.

Credentials

  • MBA Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts

  • CMP Certified Meetings Professional from the Convention Industry Council

  • Certified Corporate Etiquette & International Protocol Consultant from The Protocol School of Washington®

  • Author of "Impress" the pocket guide to business protocol and dining etiquette

  • Contributing Writer to The Signal Newspaper of "Lessons in Etiquette"

  • Over two decades in the hospitality industry both in Europe and the United States

  • Conducts Etiquette Seminar at USC and L.A. Mission College

Founder and Principal The Develey International Group