October 2008

How can companies proactively manage uncertainty? What actions can be taken to assure that they not only survive, but also thrive as circumstances change?

Georgia Tech College of Management and Revenue Analytics are providing a forum for discussing these issues as hosts of the Fourth Annual Revenue Management and Price Optimization Conference on November 11–12 at the Georgia Tech Global Learning Center in Midtown Atlanta.

The event's theme focuses on how organizations can Stay Ahead of the Curve by effectively employing advanced strategic and analytic techniques to stem profit erosion as the economy slows.

The first day of the conference features keynote addresses by senior executives in respected organizations who are using data-driven techniques to gain insight about customer behavior and develop revenue strategies and process improvements. Keynote addresses will be given by:

• Mark Shafer, senior vice president of revenue and profit management for Disney Parks and Resorts
• Dave Roberts, senior vice president of global revenue management for Marriott International
• Brad Thompson, chief pricing leader of GE Corporate

In addition, breakout talks and discussion panels consisting of industry leaders will address targeted topics related to the use of technology and process improvement to continually execute in a rapidly changing environment.

"The challenging economic environment has created opportunity for new approaches to unlock the potential within a company" says Revenue Analytics Chairman and CEO Robert Cross, co-host of the conference. "We are fortunate to have some of the world's foremost experts to explore innovative techniques to succeed despite a downward economic trajectory."

The optional second day includes six half-day, hands-on workshops taught by authorities in the field. Course topics include primers on revenue management and pricing as well as advanced subjects such as Optimization of Negotiated Deals and Analytically Driven Pricing Strategies.

"When we chose the topic Stay Ahead of the Curve, we were anticipating a slowing economy," said Mark Ferguson, operations management associate professor at Georgia Tech and co-host of the conference. "As it turns out, the timing of the conference is perfect for this gathering of professionals and academics to discuss the application of advanced data-driven techniques to aid companies in managing profitability when every dollar counts."

Learn more about the conference at http://www.revenuemanagementconference.com/ or contact Jennifer Wooley, assistant director of client marketing for Georgia Tech's Distance Learning and Professional Education unit at 404-385-7460 or