This years conference includes 14 general session panels, emphasizing industry trends, consumer behavior patterns, and marketing breakthroughs. There are over 40 speakers, including 20 new industry experts and the conference opens with a 2-hour Fractionals 101 for newcomers.

Some of the highlights include:

Trends in the Primary Resort Real Estate Markets

In which experts will come together on one panel to discuss recent and anticipated trends in the most important markets. It is apparent that the main markets are becoming more and more integrated - more mixed-use resorts, more cross-over in consumer use and demand, etc. Today's intelligent developer must have a knowledge base beyond their own specific product line.

The panelists represent top experts in their markets and include:

• RESORT HOTELS: Lindsay Culbreath, Smith Travel Research
• RESORT TIMESHARE: Howard Nusbaum, American Resort Development Association
• FRACTIONAL INTERESTS: Dick Ragatz, Ragatz Associates
• VACATION HOMES (whole-ownership): Rick Norton, Norton Consulting
• MASTER PLANNED RESORT-RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITIES: Jim Chaffin, Chaffin Light

Trends in the Primary Resort Real Estate Attractors

A new session at this year's Conference will address recent, current and anticipated trends in the three most important resort real estate attractors. Panelists also will discuss how such trends impact market demand for resort real estate.

Panelists represent top experts in their industries. Included are:

• SKI industry: Michael Berry, President of the National Ski Area Association
• SPA industry: Michael Tompkins, President of Miraval Resorts and Spas
• GOLF industry: Ed Gowan, President of the Arizona Golf Association

Full details are on the Ragatz Conference website.