Langella Appointed as Vice President Development/Facilities Operations

Waterford, CT (January 7, 2003) – Waterford Management, a subsidiary of Waterford Hotel Group, Inc., has named Nicholas Langella as Vice President Development/Facilities Operations. The company is currently developing the state-owned Connecticut Convention Center, which will be operated by Waterford Management.

Langella will oversee all phases of a project from management and consulting contracts to initiating start-up operations. “Waterford has a strong infrastructure of operations, and sales and marketing resources that would benefit any existing facility. With Nick on the board, we are now able to focus on the expansion of our convention center management division, and provide a unique management entity to the industry,” stated Terry Bickhardt, President of Waterford Management. “Waterford’s roots are in the hospitality industry, dating back two decades. Their extensive knowledge of hotel and convention facility operations should make for an attractive package to the city/state looking to deal with one entity and the economies of scale that one package offers,” added Langella.

Prior to joining Waterford, Nick opened, and was General Manager of the Rhode Island Convention Center, a $350 million convention center/hotel complex, in Providence, RI. Before joining the Rhode Island Convention Center, Nick was Operations Manager for the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. His biggest challenge came from opening this 1.8 million square foot, $500 million Convention Center in 1986. Nick began his career in 1980 at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York – home of the NHL’s N.Y. Islanders.

A graduate of St. John’s University, Nick is a member of the International Association of Exhibit Managers, Professional Conference Managers Association, International Association of Assembly Managers, International Convention Center Conference (Chairman), Convention Center & Exhibition Hall Committee, Meeting Planners International, National Association of Consumer Shows, Rhode Island Hospitality Association, Providence/Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau, Rhode Island Children’s Crusade, Children’s Friends & Services, Rhode Island Airport Corp, Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, Rhode Island Sports Council, Special Parent Advisory Board city of Cranston and Western Cranston Little League (National Champs 1996). Nick, his wife, Cathy, and their four sons make their home in Cranston, R.I.

Waterford Hotel Group and Waterford Management have experience operating virtually every type of hospitality property, including limited service properties, all-suite hotels, conference centers, convention facilities, and large full service and resort properties. The company’s approach to development and operations is hands-on, and features frequent site visits and constant communication with customers and partners. Additionally, Waterford offers centralized accounting, financial reporting, strategic marketing, human resources, and day-to-day operations management systems to increase market share and profitability at all locations.

Waterford Hotel Group, with offices located in Waterford, currently operates 27 properties nationally. Franchises managed include Marriott, Starwood, Six Continents, Choice, Cendant, and Radisson, as well as independents. For more information, visit our website at www.waterfordgroup.net.