 |
 |
 |
|
“Abacus is the leading travel facilitator in Asia Pacific…find out more how we can help you meet the needs of your travelers at www.abacus.com.sg” |
Welcome to Abacus BlogCentral@WITAt WIT, the discussion is never one-way nor is learning and discussion confined to the meeting room. That’s because we believe learning is 360 degrees, and that everyone should have an opportunity to comment and share their views, opinions and ideas about what’s taking place at WIT and in the industry. Inspired by a speaker? Disagree with some of the statements being made? Want to share an idea that popped into your head during one of the sessions? Blog it. Don’t keep it in. We have some great prizes going out to the lucky bloggers out there during the two days of WIT conference, so let’s keep the ideas flowing and spread the learning. Let's build the WIT Ideas BankSo these were some of the key ideas we picked up from the first day of WIT. What did you pick up? Let's build up the WIT Ideas Bank together.“DMOs have no business being there if they are not relevant.” “Opportunity exists if there is a gap between experience and common sense.” “If you can’t build it and implement it in less than 12 months, don’t do it.” “We are so used to doing everything at once and getting nothing.” “It’s in the tough times that the best ideas come out.” “The best ideas come out when survival is at stake.” “This is the right time to invest in people.” “The winners in the online travel space will be those who … survive, adapt, focus.” “Don’t be held hostage to your own business model to the extent of extremism.” “When everybody’s telling you not to do it, do it.” “Entrepreneurship is creating magic out of opportunity.” “Have a thick skin – feedback is public.” “In 10 years time, everything will be possible and primary on mobile.” “Mobile brings context to Internet services.” “Service is not dead.” “Vietnam and the Philippines are the two markets to invest in.” “The baby springbok do not know how to fear the lion.” “Asia is full of big companies, small brands.” “Asia has to reconnect with its authenticity.” “We have to put the fun back in travel. It shouldn’t have to be so brutal.” “The intermediaries do not care about your brands, they care more about building their relationship with their customer.” |
Robbie Cooke was the best speaker because... Effective presentation and gets to the point.
Interesting stories, good ideas/brains
I think that Tim Hughes was the best speaker because... Articulate. Up-to-date on the latest developments. Consumer-focused. Funny. Always had a different view.
I think Martin Symes was the best speaker because... Every Year he's the best. There's no need to tell why. I believe everyone agrees.
It was very exciting and great conference and as I repeated, YOU ARE
AMAZING!!!
All 3 of us, Mori-san, Tomizuka-san and myself, have been talking that there
are so much to rethink and plan for the future session.
Obviously they have enjoyed their exposure at the conference.
Great speakers, great audience, in all a great conference. Enjoyed the workshop on 23 Oct. Can't wait to see how the mobile technology will improve the overall travel experience!
Congrats SH on yet another great WIT. The speakers were enlightening, the venue good, the food abundant and delicious :-) and the Abbamania party a blast. But you were the "star", carrying off yet another fun yet enlightening conference. Congrats to your team too...everything was near perfect. Look forward to WIT 2009!
is there a central photo repository? Did anyone take photos and upload them to Flickr or Facebook or so?
- Ed: Yes there is... please check out www.webintravel.com > About Us > WIT Gallery 2008. We will be adding more photo's over the next few days.
A quote I live by = "if it was easy, everyone would be doing it"
Keep the chins up team as the positive will survive.
Now....back to the food tables for me.
A quote I live by = "if it was easy, everyone would be doing it"
Keep the chins up team as the positive will survive.
Now....back to the food tables for me.
Perhaps one of the most understated comments I have ever heard.
These are words to the wise.
Sitting from my vantage point of cyberspace, it is interesting to watch how people handle their different elephants.
The big one of course is the financial meltdown and the resulting impact to every market both geographic and segment. In the opening ITB Speech the Minister stated openly that recovery was not coming for 2 years.
But also many speakers at WIT have their own individual elephants. Some handle it well - others not so well.
Elephants can be trained. So perhaps one key lesson is we all need to become elephant trainers since we cannot afford the cost of a professional!
Adapting and innovating on zero budget is just like being such a trainer.
Cheers
The Worldhotels Party was another winner and I think the best party in the history of WIT. The venue allowed for lots of social networking and fun, which is what it should be about. So thank you, thank you! Another great WIT, with continued thought provoking sessions for the beginner and the informed. Every year another innovator and every year another reason to make sure that WIT is on your schedule for the following year.
It's now almost lunchtime on day 2 and us WITters are feeling like a small family. Well I feel that way anyway. I am happy that I did not do too much ABBA last night as I decided to hit the sack early. After some training this morning I am here again for another day. I am full of ENTHUSIASM! Why does it take so long for some to answer a question. If only everyone can be like Mr AirAsiaX. Fresh, smart, to the point, inspiring! Did anyone see Tiger Woods yesterday? It was him....I swear!
Is this the time when Asia finally feels like it has come to its own. While not kicking the Eagle while he is down, there is an immense source of pride that the meltdown is driven by and affecting most - the USA.
The house is full, the people are hugging and we are rocking and rolling!
For Newbies - come with an open mind - it will get filled
I hope to pick up more on the advancement of technology and its impact on travel, and pick up ideas from some of the leading exponents of online travel such as Ctrip from China and Recruit and Ikyu from Japan.