Dhalia recently organised its annual conference in the Portomaso Suite at the Hilton Malta.

This year’s annual conference was once again an opportunity for Dhalia’s employees and associates to get together and review performance in 2004.

As a matter of fact, 2004 was characterised by the launch of new branches and services.

In October, Dhalia saw the opening of Luxury Living (a branch specialising in upmarket property), offices in Valletta and Gozo, a fully-fledged letting branch as well as a unit that specialises in the provision of real estate services to prospective overseas buyers wishing to retire in Malta.

A loyalty product, the Advantage Card, was also introduced late last year. Changes were also witnessed at the human resource level given that experienced managers took on new challenges making space for property consultants with management potential to assume managerial positions.

The theme of the conference was Setting the Standard.

In his welcome address, Franco Valletta, Dhalia’s Chairman and CEO, briefly presented the Company’s strategic direction for the coming three years with an emphasis being placed on consolidating existing initiatives and, most importantly, consistently investing in the education and training of Dhalia’s members to ensure the delivery of the highest quality service to customers.

Director Chris Grech took the floor next, drawing upon his 25 years experience in the property business.

Mr Grech shared a number of interesting observations on the present market behaviour and evolution of the real estate industry over the past three decades.

This year’s guest speaker was John Huber, senior manager at KPMG, who posed a series of reflections on the expatriate’s perspective on Malta. Mr Huber provided detailed insight into taxation and investment-related matters that render Malta an attractive destination for expatriates to either buy property or invest funds.

Certificates and awards were later delivered in recognition of service excellence and best performance during 2004.