1. Think In Innovation
Open Innovation
Innovation Project Challenge
Idea Contest for Innovative Projects

2. The Lopesan “Meet the Expert”
Programme
The proposed project is the development of a programme of presentations, talks
and discussions given by world famous experts in all the various fields of human
endeavour. Speakers could include, for example, authors, actors, artists, musicians,
sportsmen and women, television directors, film producers, inventors, medical
practitioners, lawyers, heads of international businesses or charities and possibly
politicians
These events would be presented up to three times per week in the low season and
shoulder months and take place in the late afternoons in the hotel theatre or
function room. They would be open to all hotel guests free of direct charge.
The objective of the programme is to differentiate the Lopesan Group offering from
its competitors, to create an interesting and stimulating holiday experience for
resident guests and can be expected to attract new clientele and increase
occupancy.

3. Choose the challenge your project is related to:
1. New Technologies
Ideas with the aim of introducing improvements in Technologies of the
Information (TICs).
2. Sustainability
Ideas with the aim of introducing improvements in quality, corporate
responsibility, environmental protection, sustainability, energy saving,
recycling, etc.
3. Products and services
Ideas with the aim of introducing improvements in
product/service creation for our customers.
4. Food and Beverage
Ideas with the aim of introducing improvements in processes of the
food and beverage area.
5. Accommodation
Ideas with the aim of introducing improvements in processes and
services regarding our customers, in the frame of the accommodation
area:
a) Entertainment
b) Housekeeping
c) Reception
d) Public Relations

4. Which is your proposal for the project value? Describe it briefly (5 lines maximum).
• Up to 3 afternoon presentation 2 hour sessions per week commencing 5.00pm
• Experts explain aspects of their work and answer questions from interviewer and
guests
• Some simultaneous translation facility may be required
• Free admission for hotel residents but chargeable refreshments will be available
What is the difference between your solution and the options already existing on
the market or in our company? Describe it briefly (5 lines maximum).
• Cruises operate similar programmes, where guests are “captive”.
• Hotels do not run similar programmes on a regular basis
• Similar programmes form the basis of arts and book fairs across the world, eg
Cheltenham Book Fair, and are very popular. People are prepared to travel great
distances to attend and pay for sessions as well as accommodation.

5. Project Team
How many persons are needed to implement the project?
A specialist member of the (existing) events team, plus part time translators are
required
Which professional profiles are needed? Describe briefly (5 lines maximum).
The programme manager should be an experienced events co-ordinator, ideally
having worked at senior management level for a major international festival and
having high level contacts throughout the international “lecture” circuit.
• Is there an investment of capital needed? Describe the estimated amount and
explain briefly (10 lines maximum).
• No physical change to the hotel is necessary, providing suitable theatre or function
space exists
• Some audio equipment may be required to facilitate simultaneous translation
• Investment will be required to set up and market the programme, although some
elements of this will complement or even substitute for parts of the existing
marketing budget
•

6. What time horizon does the project have? (The time needed for project implementation).
Explain shortly (5 lines maximum).
Which benefit/profit do you expect from the project? Ponder each variant from 1 to 5:
 Increase in invoicing: Cost reduction:
 Improvement of customer satisfaction: Improvement in staff satisfaction:
Less staff absenteeism: Better staff rotation:
 Brand awareness:
 Brand prestige:
Standardization of products, services, processes:
Security and hygiene at work:
What kind of innovation do you want to introduce? (Tick one or more options which you
think correspond to the innovation.)
 Product:
 Service:
Process:

7. Impact of the innovation:
Can the resulting innovation be considered as disruptive or as incremental?*
* It is considered as disruptive if it changes completely the current product, service or process which is going to
be improved. It is considered as incremental if it results in an evolution of the current product, service or
process which is going to be improved.
Reply and explain (10 lines maximum):
This proposal is very much incremental. It augments the product offering and services on offer to
guests from the Lopesan Group . Its successful implementation should add to the prestige and
standing of the Group in the hotel market place, helping to create or reinforce an image as
influencers and innovators.

8. Point out shortly which are the strong points of your project
and explain why it should have priority with reference to
other projects.
(10 lines maximum)
1. Enhances guest satisfaction and increases likelihood of securing brand loyalty;
2. Project matches likely demands of target market;
3. Designed to increase turnover in the low and shoulder season, through increased
occupancy and possibly enhanced room rates;
4. Relatively simple to implement programme;
5. Can achieve cost certainty in setting budget - some costs are notional (eg
accommodation for experts);
6. Socially responsible initiative – programme has educational as well entertainment
value;
7. Encourages guest interaction and allows development of related activities;
8. Possible “spin offs” from programme eg publicity surrounding expert;
9. Commercially profitable.

9. Measurable Results
Which means and parameters are you proposing to measure
the project results?
For example: If you expect a sales increase or an improvement of the profit margins,
how do you think you can measure the referred increase or improvement and be
sure that it’s a result of the good management of our project and not of other
strategic actions or circumstances not related to the project?
Difference between forecast low and shoulder season occupancies without the
programme and actual achieved occupancies;
Difference between forecast average room rate in low and shoulder season without
the programme and actual achieved room rate.
Guest surveys to determine whether the programme attracted them and how
satisfied they were with the sessions they attended;
Measurement of project profit ie incremental turnover less all direct costs;

10. Measurable Results
Which means and parameters are you proposing to measure
the project results?
For example: If you expect a sales increase or an improvement of the profit margins,
how do you think you can measure the referred increase or improvement and be
sure that it’s a result of the good management of our project and not of other
strategic actions or circumstances not related to the project?
Difference between forecast low and shoulder season occupancies without the
programme and actual achieved occupancies;
Difference between forecast average room rate in low and shoulder season without
the programme and actual achieved room rate.
Guest surveys to determine whether the programme attracted them and how
satisfied they were with the sessions they attended;
Measurement of project profit ie incremental turnover less all direct costs;