Max Starkov is Chief eBusiness Strategist, Point Blank Interactive in New York City and advises companies in the Travel and Hospitality verticals. Max also teaches a graduate course on "Hospitality/Tourism eDistribution Systems" at New York University. Max has an extensive eBusiness experience. He co-founded and served as CEO and Director of two eBusiness companies: Whale Media, Inc. (B2B travel technology infrastructure provider to the hospitality, corporate travel and convention and meetings markets) and Travelbreak.com, Inc. (B2C online travel marketplace). Under his leadership Whale Media won the prestigious 2001 Microsoft RAD Award for its ASP technology for the hospitality industry. Max has 17 years experience in pioneering and building successful travel businesses and eBusiness strategies for national and multinational leisure and hospitality companies. He has written numerous reports, industry research, and articles including: "How to Turn Lookers into Bookers" (article on recommendation technology in travel and hospitality), "Wireless in Travel and Hospitality: Hype or Necessity", "If I were Paul Blackney" (commentary on the consolidation in the online corporate travel space), "If I were Barry Diller" (commentary on USA Networks' acquisition of Expedia), "Independent Hoteliers: eBusiness Levels the Playing Field"(co-author with Jason Price), "If I were a Partner at Crosspoint Ventures" (investment opportunities in the travel industry), "If I were Henry R. Silverman" (commentary on the Cendant-Galileo deal), "Twelve Inexpensive Ways to Promote your Website". "Independent Hoteliers: How to Level the Playing Field Amidst Softened Economy"(co-author with Jason Price). Max has an MBA degree, Beta Gamma Sigma Honors, from Fordham University in New York and an MS in Economics degree. You can contact Max at maxstarkov@yahoo.com.