08-15-2005

PURCHASE, N.Y. | MasterCard International today announced that the hospitality industry's leading minds and most influential leaders from around the world will gather at the annual 2005 MasterCard Global Hospitality Forum. This year's events will take place in London on Sept. 13, in Miami on Sept. 27, and in Singapore on Dec. 7, and will focus on building loyalty and maximizing customer potential.

Presented in partnership with Zagat Survey, the world's leading provider of consumer survey-based dining, travel and leisure information, the MasterCard Global Hospitality Forum represents the ongoing commitment of MasterCard to help hospitality industry professionals gain a better understanding of the marketplace to drive business. Each one-day event will bring together more than 200 hospitality industry leaders including hotel chain executives, general managers, restaurateurs, chefs, and operations staff to discuss the most important issues and developments affecting their businesses and profitability.

"The MasterCard Global Hospitality Forum provides an ideal venue for hospitality executives to gain in-depth knowledge of the global issues and trends shaping the industry today and likely to have a profound impact in the future," said Julie Blacklock, vice president, Travel & Entertainment Industries Acceptance, MasterCard International. "The Forum underscores our continuing commitment to deliver the tools, research and expertise that hospitality industry participants need to meet the changing demands of consumers and outpace competition."

Among the industry speakers at the 2005 MasterCard Global Hospitality Forum are Tim and Nina Zagat, co-founders and co-chairs of Zagat Survey; Daniel Hogan, publisher of HOTELS Magazine; Jeffrey Weinstein, editor in chief of HOTELS magazine and HOTELS' Investment Outlook; and Lisa Hughes, vice president and publisher of Conde Nast Traveler Magazine.

According to Nina Zagat, "The 2005 MasterCard Global Hospitality Forum focuses on what drives customer satisfaction and loyalty in the hospitality industry. Zagat Survey is pleased to continue its relationship with MasterCard, whose leadership and deep understanding of the hospitality industry have been instrumental in making this Forum a success."

"HOTELS Magazine is excited about the opportunity to work with MasterCard and Zagat to create a lively and important forum for hoteliers to discuss the most important aspect of their business: driving profits," said Jeffrey Weinstein. "In this competitive marketplace, the time could not be better to bring together top executives to talk about how to best deliver service and create customer loyalty -- two key drivers of profitability."

In addition to leading industry speakers, panel discussions on best practices and maximizing new opportunities will be held at each session. MasterCard will also present consumer research and trends specific to each region.

This year's series will take place at the Dorchester Park Lane in London, the Mandarin Oriental in Miami, and the Grand Hyatt in Singapore. For information or to register to attend any of the 2005 MasterCard Global Hospitality Forum events, please visit www.globalhospitalityforum.com or call 1-888-830-6110.

Contact
Tristan Jordan
Phone: 914-249-5724
Email: tristan_jordan@mastercard.com

Organization
MasterCard International
http://www.mastercard.com
10255 W. Higgins Road, Suite 720
USA - Rosemont, IL 60018-5606
Phone: (847) 375-4014