San Francisco, CA--November 21, 2008--Registration is now open for the 2009 Ragatz Associates Ninth Annual Fractional Interest Conference, a highly anticipated annual forum which will discuss recent and anticipated influences affecting the unique resort real estate industry. The conference is scheduled for March 9-11 at The Fairmont San Francisco.
“While the recent financial crisis has affected every element of the real estate market, in the long term, shared-ownership products such as fractional interests are likely to be the first to rebound,” says consulting veteran Richard Ragatz, Ph.D. and event host. “The key is for the development community to be prepared and properly positioned for the turnaround, which is certain to come.”
Like many experts in the resort real estate industry, Ragatz believes that today’s affluent consumer is becoming increasingly in sync with “green” influences – purchasing only the amount of vacation time they can personally use and financially afford.
Attending this year’s conference is critical to companies currently in the fractional interest industry along with those considering entering this highly specialized field. Conference attendees will learn how some companies continue to make sales in a down economy, as well as about innovative marketing and sales strategies. With many troubled whole-ownership resort real estate projects throughout the U.S. today, it is critical for developers of these projects to understand whether their project is appropriate for fractional interests. Ragatz says that his conference will respond to such concerns.
The 2009 conference will emphasize conducting business in the fractional interest industry in today’s economy. Critical topics of discussion will include:
- Are troubled whole-ownership resort developments appropriate for fractional interests?
- The search for financing.
- Innovative marketing and sales strategies in a down economy.
- How affluent consumers make decisions in times of economic uncertainty.
- Insights and advice from industry experts.
The conference should be of major interest to companies already in the fractional interest industry (including private residence clubs and destination clubs), as well as to companies considering entering the industry. As in the past eight conferences, included will be formal presentations, panel discussions, and a series of small group break-out sessions. Last year’s conference attracted 750 participants from 41 states and 17 countries with rooms at the hotel sold out far in advance of the event.
The March 2009 conference will feature presentations from over 60 speakers, including representatives from the land development, hotel, finance, legal, internet and public media industries. Early confirmations have been received from representatives of Hyatt, Fairmont, Timbers Resorts, Preferred Residences, The Registry Collection, The Robb Report, Luxury Institute, The Harrison Group, The Little Nell, East West Partners, CapitalSource, and the American Resort Development Association, etc.
Results from the 2009 Edition of Ragatz Associates State of the Fractional Interest Industry will be presented, describing current conditions of the industry in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Current research on affluent consumers also will be presented.
Almost 25 companies are again supporting the conference at various sponsorship levels. Platinum sponsors include Ballard Spahr, Baker Hostetler, DCP International, Preferred Residences and The Registry Collection. Gold level sponsors include ARDA, LaTour Signature Group, Star Resort Group, Weinstock & Scavo, Greenberg Traurig, Sirkin Paul Associates and Fractional Homes International.
Registration for the conference is $950. For registrations prior to January 12, the rate drops $100 to a discounted price of $850. The regular registration fee for groups of three or more is $800 and the Early Bird registration fee for groups of three or more is $725. The hotel room reservation deadline is Feb. 6, 2009. To make reservations by phone, call 1-800-441-1414, and mention that you are attending the Ragatz Associates Fractional Interest Conference to receive the discounted rate.
For questions and registration information, visit www.ragatzassociates.com, or contact Sarah Winter at 541-686-9335 or info@ragatzassociates.com.
