The Lodging Conference 2024 Agenda
MONDAY, OCTOBER 7th, 2024
Tom's Thumb Trailhead
6:00am
Hiking (SOLD OUT)
Sponsored by
6:00am
Hiking and Golf Snacks provided by General Mills Foodservice
Wildfire Golf Club, JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort and Spa
8:00am
Golf Tournament (SOLD OUT)
Golfers meet at 6:45 for breakfast. If you are unable to join us for the tournament, feel free to call the pro shop for individual tee times outside the tournament.
Sponsored by
Pickleball Courts
8:00am
Pickleball (SOLD OUT)
A fun way to kick-off The Lodging Conference. All levels are welcome including newcomers and experienced players.
Sponsored by
Lazy River
11:00am - 1:00pm
2nd Annual Lazy River Race
Participate as a racer or just cheer on your colleagues and raise money for charity while relaxing with cocktails and mocktails. Bring your sunscreen and join us for a fun time.
Sponsored by
Upper Lobby
11:00am - 8:00pm
Conference Registration | Name Badge Pickup
Lower Lobby
12:00pm - 5:30pm
Twenty6 Lounge
Additional Hours: Tuesday 7:00am - 5:30pm | Wednesday 7:00am - 5:30pm
Sponsored by
Pinnacle 1
12:00pm - 5:30pm
AHLA & AHLA Foundation Lounge
Additional Hours: Tuesday 7:00am - 5:30pm | Wednesday 7:00am - 5:30pm
Grand Saguaro South
2:25pm - 2:30pm
3 Forces Fueling the Hospitality Investment Outlook
Presented by:
John Chang, Senior Vice President, National Director, Research & Advisory Services, Marcus & Millichap
Grand Saguaro South
2:30pm - 3:15pm
GENERAL SESSION: Owners, Investors and Operators: Opportunities, Challenges & Trends
Moderator:
Jeanelle Johnson, Principal (Partner), PwC
Panelists:
Kate Henriksen, Co-CIO, RLJ Lodging Trust
Mitch Patel, Founder and CEO, Vision Hospitality Group, Inc.
Dave Pollin, Co-Founder and President, The Buccini/Pollin Group
Julie Richter, Chief Financial Officer, Concord Hospitality Enterprises
Ben Rosenbaum, Managing Director, Starwood Capital Group
GENERAL SESSION: Owners, Investors and Operators: Opportunities, Challenges & Trends
Kate Henriksen
Co-CIO
RLJ Lodging Trust
Jeanelle Johnson
Principal(Partner)
PwC
Mitch Patel
President/CEO
Vision Hospitality Group, Inc.
Dave Pollin
Co-Founder and President
The Buccini/Pollin Group
Julie Richter
Chief Financial Officer
Concord Hospitality Enterprises
Ben Rosenbaum
Managing Director
Starwood Capital Group
Grand Saguaro North
3:15pm - 4:00pm
ForWard: LEGO® Your Limits and Elevate your Leadership
LEGO® at Lodging, what could be better? Join us for a LEGO® Serious Play adventure to unlock your dreams and leadership goals. Through this playful yet powerful activity, you'll gain new insights, share perspectives, and have fun while contributing to meaningful conversations about the future of our industry. Brought to you by AHLA Foundation's ForWard initiative and our partners at the Penn State School of Hospitality.
Sponsored by
Moderator:
Anna Blue, President, AHLA Foundation
Foyer
4:00pm - 5:30pm
Massage Station
Additional Hours: Tuesday 7:00am - 5:00pm | Wednesday 8:00am - 3:00pm
Grand Canyon (Exhibit Hall) & Foyer
4:00pm - 5:30pm
Open Bar Happy Hour
Sponsored by
Ballroom Lawn
6:00pm - 9:30pm
Cocktail Party | Dinner
Sponsored by
Botanical Garden Lawn
8:30pm - 10:30pm
Wyndham Late Night Cocktail Party
Sponsored by
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8th, 2024
Revive Spa Lawn
6:30am - 7:30am
Yoga
Yoga mats will be provided and all levels are welcome.
Grand Canyon (Exhibit Hall) & Sunset Lawn
6:45am - 7:50am
Breakfast
Sponsored by
Upper Lobby
7:00am - 9:00pm
Conference Registration | Name Badge Pickup
Grand Sonoran Ballroom
8:00am - 8:10am
Welcome to The Lodging Conference
Harry Javer, Conference Founder & Producer, The Lodging Conference
President, The Conference Bureau, Inc.
President, The Conference Bureau, Inc.
Grand Sonoran Ballroom
8:10am - 8:25am
Speed Stats (Part I)
Presented by:
Rod Clough, MAI, President - Americas, HVS
Isaac Collazo, Vice President of Analytics, STR
JP Ford, CHB, ISHC, Principal and Director of Global Business Development, Lodging Econometrics
Rachael Rothman, CFA, Head of Hotels Research & Data Analytics, CBRE Hotels
Grand Sonoran Ballroom
8:25am - 8:45am
Economic Outlook
Presented by:
Bernard Baumohl, Chief Global Economist, The Economic Outlook Group, LLC
Grand Sonoran Ballroom
8:45am - 9:00am
Speed Stats (Part II)
Presented by:
JoAnna Abrams, Founder & CEO, MindClick
Lindsey Goedeker, Senior Vice President, Sales, Actabl
Mark V. Lomanno, Partner, Kalibri Labs
Tanya Venegas, Chief Experience Officer, HotStats
Grand Sonoran Ballroom
9:00am - 9:25am
Fireside Chat with Tony Capuano and Greg Dickhens
Moderator:
Greg S. Dickhens, Managing Partner, Trinity Investments
Interview:
Anthony Capuano, President and CEO, Marriott International, Inc.
Grand Sonoran Ballroom
9:25am - 9:35am
NEWH BrandED Scholarship Presentation
Introduction by:
Sandy Banks, President, NEWH
Presented by:
Lissa Pierce, Head of Renovations & Design Management – Premium Brands, IHG Hotels & Resorts
Scholarship Recipient:
Victoria Wooten, University of Houston
Grand Sonoran Ballroom
9:35am - 9:40am
AHLA Update
Presented by:
Kevin Carey, Interim President & CEO, AHLA
Grand Sonoran Ballroom
9:40am - 10:25am
GENERAL SESSION: A View from the Top
Sponsored by
Moderator:
Kevin Carey, Interim President & CEO, AHLA
Panelists:
Julie Arrowsmith, President & CEO, Motel 6 & Studio 6
Arash Azarbarzin, Principal & CEO, Highgate
Geoff Ballotti, President & CEO, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Joe Berger, President & CEO, BRE Hotels & Resorts
John Murray, President & CEO, Sonesta
GENERAL SESSION: A View from the Top
Julie Arrowsmith
President & CEO
Motel 6 & Studio 6
Arash Azarbarzin
Principal & CEO
Highgate
Kevin Carey
Interim President & CEO
AHLA
Geoff Ballotti
President & CEO
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Joe Berger
President & CEO
BRE Hotels & Resorts
John Murray
President & CEO
Sonesta
Grand Canyon (Exhibit Hall) & Foyer
10:25am - 11:15am
Refreshment Break
$1,000 cash drawing - Must be present to win.
Sponsored by
11:15am - 12:15pm
CONCURRENT THINK TANKS
Grand Saguaro South
T-1
Acquisitions & Transactions: Strategies and Updates
Hotel owners and investors talk about recent transactions and the pursuit of additional expansion.
Moderator:
Rachel Humphrey, Founder, Women in Hospitality Leadership Alliance
Panelists:
Joe Delli Santi, Chief Investment Officer, MCR
Navin Dimond, Chairman, Stonebridge Companies
Rob Leven, Principal & Chief Investment Officer, Procaccianti Companies
Mehul Patel, Managing Partner, CEO, NewcrestImage
Brad Rahinsky, President & CEO, Hotel Equities
Grand Saguaro West
T-2
Brands, Owners and 3rd Party Management: 2025 Strategies for Growth
Hotel chains are trading hotel ownership for franchising models and creating or acquiring new brands. 3rd party management M&A is on the rise. Find out what’s next and the impact on your portfolio and profits.
Moderator:
Russell C. Savrann, Partner, Sandman Savrann PLLC
Panelists:
David Duncan, President / CEO, First Hospitality
Aly El-Bassuni, President, Operations, Owner & Brand Relations, Aimbridge Hospitality
Warren Fields, CEO, Pyramid Global Hospitality
Pinal Patel, 2024-2025 Secretary, AAHOA
Dianna Vaughan, SVP, Global Owner Relations, Hilton
Grand Saguaro North
T-3
Connect with Active Lenders
Find out about the current financial environment from lenders offering a diverse range of hotel loans to meet your needs.
Moderator:
Mark J. Gerstein, Senior Advisor, McKinsey & Company
Panelists:
Brian Holstein, Principal, US Hotel Advisors
Michael I. Lipson, CEO, Chairman, Access Point Financial
John Pascal, Principal, Paramount Capital Advisors
Jared Schlosser, EVP, Hotel Lending and Head of CPACE, Credit, Peachtree Group
Chris Williams, Managing Director, Commercial Banking, Western Alliance Bank
Grand Saguaro East
T-4
Capitalize on the Demand for Luxury
Luxury demand continues to skyrocket. Learn about the latest transactions, top locations, distinctive
experiences and construction, design and consumer trends.
Moderator:
Stacy Shoemaker-Rauen, SVP, Design Group, Emerald | Editor-in-Chief, Hospitality Design Magazine
Panelists:
Erin Green, Vice President, Development & Acquisitions, Auberge Resorts Collection
Jenna Jacobson, Vice President of Luxury and Mixed-Use Development, Marriott International
Mark Kessler, President and COO, The Kessler Collection
Vicki Poulos, Head of Luxury and Lifestyle Brands, IHG Hotels & Resorts
K. Bryan Thrush, 1st Vice President, Development, Design and Construction, Host Hotels & Resorts
Wildflower Ballroom
T-5
Forecasts, Facts and Figures: Deciphering the Data
Get up-to-the-minute analysis of supply, demand, top markets, transactions, ADR, RevPAR and development pipeline.
Presented by:
Rod Clough, MAI, President - Americas, HVS
Isaac Collazo, Vice President of Analytics, STR
JP Ford, CHB, ISHC, Principal and Director of Global Business Development, Lodging Econometrics
Rachael Rothman, CFA, Head of Hotels Research & Data Analytics, CBRE Hotels
Grand Sonoran Ballroom, Grand Canyon (Exhibit Hall) & Sunset Terrace
12:15am - 2:00pm
Lunch
Sponsored by
Grand Sonoran Ballroom
12:55pm - 1:00pm
AAHOA Presentation
Presented by:
Miraj S. Patel, 2024-2025 Chairman, AAHOA
Grand Sonoran Ballroom
1:15pm - 1:20pm
Peggy Berg Castell Award
Presented by:
Anna Blue, President, AHLA Foundation
Recipient:
Sheila Johnson, Founder and CEO, Salamander Collection
Grand Sonoran Ballroom
1:20pm - 1:40pm
Fireside Chat with Sheila Johnson and Anna Blue
Moderator:
Anna Blue, President, AHLA Foundation
Interview:
Sheila Johnson, Founder and CEO, Salamander Collection
2:00pm - 3:00pm
CONCURRENT THINK TANKS
Grand Saguaro South
T-6
Keep the Momentum Going: Extended Stay
With a flurry of new brand activity, lower new build costs and streamlined operations, tailwinds are strong. Owners, operators and brands discuss the latest developments, key markets and franchise opportunities.
Moderator:
Jeff Weinstein, Editor-in-Chief, Hotel Investment Today
Panelists:
Jason Ballard, Head of Operations, Hyatt Studios, Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Rick Colling, VP Brand Leader, Homewood Suites, Hilton
Samantha Fisher, Chief Investment Officer, Island Hospitality Management
Paul Novak, Partner, Whitman Peterson
Mark Williams, Managing Director, Franchise Development, Extended Stay America
Grand Saguaro North
T-7
Private Equity Hotel Real Estate Deals
With significant capital on the sidelines, hear about the latest forecast for deals and returns.
Moderator:
Dennis Nessler, Editor-in-Chief, Lodging Magazine
Panelists:
Krystal England, CIO, TMGOC Ventures
Akshay Goyal, President, Riller Capital
Todd Ratliff, Managing Director, Hodges Ward Elliott
Steven Reinstein, Vice President, Investments, KHP Capital Partners
Eva Wassermann, Senior Managing Director, GEM Realty Group, Inc.
Grand Saguaro West
T-8
Brand Conversions: The Hottest Hotel Trend of the Year
The last two years have witnessed a huge number of conversions with no end in sight. From deal structure, to PIPs, cash flow, and more…Join in the independent and branded conversion conversation.
Moderator:
Bruce Ford, SVP and Director of Global Business Development, Lodging Econometrics
Panelists:
Jared Meabon, Senior Vice President, Development, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Harshil Patel, Vice President, Champion Hotels
Vinay Patel, President & CEO, Fairbrook Hotels LLC
Chad Sorensen, ISHC, Managing Director/CEO, CHMWarnick
Grand Saguaro East
T-9
Green Lodging: Is Sustainability Good for Business?
Build, buy and operate smarter with energy-efficient design, C-PACE loans, LEED construction, risk mitigation
and supply chain initiatives.
Moderator:
Rhiannon Jacobsen, Managing Director of U.S. Market Transformation and Development,
U.S. Green Building Council
U.S. Green Building Council
Panelists:
JoAnna Abrams, Founder & CEO, MindClick
Bharati Bhosale, Director, Global Sustainability, Hilton
Chris Kearney, PE, LEED AP, Vice President, EXP
Bali Kumar, Chief Operating Officer, PACE Loan Group
Jeffrey Simmons, VP Supply Management, Hospitality, Entegra
Wildflower Ballroom
T-10
Emerging Trends in Hospitality: Guests, Revenue, Purchasing & Labor
Get ready for the new year with the latest trends in leisure, group and business travel, labor, GOPPAR and consumer preferences.
Presented by:
Andrew Arthurs, President & Chief Operating Officer, Actabl
Mark V. Lomanno, Partner, Kalibri Labs
Laura Resco, Director – Hotel Intelligence Americas, HotStats
Andrea Stokes, Practice Lead, Hospitality, J.D. Power
Grand Canyon (Exhibit Hall) & Foyer
3:00pm - 3:45pm
Refreshment Break
$1,000 cash drawing - Must be present to win.
Sponsored by
3:45pm - 4:45pm
CONCURRENT THINK TANKS
Grand Saguaro South
T-11
Design - Fulfilling the Desires of Guests, Owners, and the Design Team
The importance of locale, a sensitivity to the environment, individuality and storytelling…top hospitality designers,
operators and brands discuss their latest projects and 2025 trends.
Moderator:
Gregg Wallis, Senior Editor, Hotel Business
Panelists:
Manny Dominguez, Principal, Cooper Carry
Ron Pohl, President, WorldHotels and BWH International Operations, BWH Hotels
Kiko Singh, Principal, Designer, DLR Group
Kirsten Vaselaar, SVP – Real Estate and Development, HRI Hospitality
Rebecca Weinstein, VP of Design, Highgate Hotels
Wildflower Ballroom
T-12
Select Service Update: Best Investment Opportunities in Hotel Real Estate
With a strong performance track record and operating efficiency, owners, investors, developers and brands talk about the competitive landscape, growth through conversion and development, target markets, new prototypes and much more.
Moderator:
Mark Woodworth, Principal, Woodworth Core Group
Panelists:
Ben Brunt, Managing Principal and Chief Investment Officer, Noble Investment Group
Jin Lee, CEO, ARA US Hospitality Trust
Tom Nee, Senior Vice President, Foundation Brands Development, Choice Hotels International
Christie Patterson, Vice President of Development, InterMountain Hotels
Richard Schaeffer, Vice President, Franchise Development, Red Roof
Grand Saguaro North
T-13
Buyers and Sellers: Financial Pressures, Distress and Market Uncertainty
Hotel owners, investors, lenders and brokers discuss getting deals done in a complicated environment.
Moderator:
Rajiv Trivedi, Managing Principal, TST Capital
Panelists:
Thomas J. Corcoran, President, TCOR Hotel Partners
Cyrus Khadivi, Regional Director, Ten-X
Gregory A. LaBerge, SVP, Chief Administrative Officer, National Director - Hospitality Services,
Marcus & Millichap
Marcus & Millichap
Trusha Patel, M.A., MBA, Founder & CEO, Platinum Holdings
Jeremy Tobin, Vice President, Hotel Group, Starwood Capital Group
Grand Saguaro East
T-14
The Development Pipeline: Opportunities and Challenges
The cost of capital to build hotels has increased significantly. Owners, developers, operators and brands discuss the current pace of projects and key factors impacting 2025 hotel development.
Moderator:
Daniel Lesser, Co-Founder, President & CEO, LW Hospitality Advisors
Panelists:
Rani Gharbie, Managing Director, Investment & Development, Americas, citizenM Hotels Group
Plato Ghinos, President, Shaner Group
Brad LeBlanc, Chief Development Officer and SVP, BWH Hotels
Dwayne Marshall, Chief Development Officer – Americas, Valor Hospitality Partners
David Wilner, SVP, Franchise Development, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Grand Saguaro West
T-15
Tech Solutions That Make Sense for Your Hotel Portfolio
Leverage the latest technologies to transform operations, data security, booking, staffing, analytics and guest experiences to maximize efficiency, revenue streams and profitability.
Moderator:
Marina MacDonald, Former CMO, Red Roof
Panelists:
Ian Ackland, Managing Director, Americas, Booking.com
Moneesh Arora, CEO, Unifocus
Brian Kirkland, Chief Information Officer, Choice Hotels International
Jeffrey Stephen Parker, CHTP+, Vice President of Property Technology, Sage Hospitality Group
Kamalesh (KP) Patel, 2024-2025 Vice Chairman, AAHOA
Main Pool
5:30pm - 9:30pm
Cocktail Party | Dinner
Sponsored by
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9th, 2024
Revive Spa Lawn
7:00am - 8:00am
Yoga
Yoga mats will be provided and all levels are welcome.
Upper Lobby
7:15am - 9:00pm
Conference Registration | Name Badge Pickup
Grand Canyon (Exhibit Hall) & Sunset Lawn
7:30am - 8:50am
Breakfast
$1,000 cash drawing - Must be present to win.
Grand Sonoran Ballroom
8:55am - 9:10am
Welcome Back
Harry Javer, Conference Founder & Producer, The Lodging Conference
President, The Conference Bureau, Inc.
President, The Conference Bureau, Inc.
Grand Sonoran Ballroom
9:10am - 9:55am
GENERAL SESSION: From the CEO's Perspective
Sponsored by
Moderator:
Rachel Humphrey, Founder, Women in Hospitality Leadership Alliance
Panelists:
Larry Cuculic, President & CEO, BWH Hotels
Kevin Davis, Americas CEO, JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group
Greg Friedman, Managing Principal, Chief Executive Officer, Peachtree Group
Greg Juceam, President & CEO, Extended Stay America
Lisa Lombardo, President, ARK
Miraj S. Patel, 2024-2025 Chairman, AAHOA
GENERAL SESSION: From the CEO's Perspective
Larry Cuculic
President & CEO
BWH Hotels
Kevin Davis
Americas CEO
JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group
Greg Friedman
Managing Principal,
Chief Executive Officer
Peachtree Group
Rachel Humphrey
Founder
Women in Hospitality Leadership Alliance
Greg Juceam
President & CEO
Extended Stay America
Lisa Lombardo
President
ARK
Miraj S. Patel
2024-2025 Chairman
AAHOA
Grand Sonoran Ballroom
10:00am - 10:45am
GENERAL SESSION: A View from the Top (Part II)
Moderator:
Glenn Haussman, Founder/Host, No Vacancy News
Panelists:
Barry A.N. Bloom, President & COO, Xenia Hotels and Resorts, Inc.
Liam Brown, Group President, United States & Canada, Marriott International
Zack Gharib, President, Red Roof
Rhiannon Jacobsen, Managing Director of U.S. Market Transformation and Development, U.S. Green Building Council
Jeff Wagoner, President & CEO, OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group
GENERAL SESSION: Leaders in Hospitality
Barry A.N. Bloom
President & COO
Xenia Hotels and Resorts, Inc.
Liam Brown
Group President,
United States & Canada
Marriott International
Zack Gharib
President
Red Roof
Rhiannon Jacobsen
Managing Director of U.S. Market Transformation and Development
U.S. Green Building Council
Glenn Haussman
Founder / Host
No Vacancy News
Jeff Wagoner
President & CEO
OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group
Grand Canyon (Exhibit Hall) & Foyer
10:45am - 11:30am
Refreshment Break
$1,000 cash drawing - Must be present to win.
Sponsored by
11:30am - 12:30pm
CONCURRENT THINK TANKS
Grand Saguaro South
W-1
Let’s Talk Finance: Capital Markets from Main Street to Wall Street
Ground-up development and acquisitions…Experts talk about trends and opportunities for owners and investors
who are looking to add assets or getting ready to enter the game for the first time.
Moderator:
Stacy Silver, President, Silver Hospitality Group
Panelists:
Michele Allen, Chief Financial Officer, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Mike Canning, Senior Vice President – Capital Markets, HALL Structured Finance
Justin Mayers, Vice President, CWCapital Asset Management
Brendan McCormick, CAIA, Managing Principal, Smith Hill Capital, LLC
Mehul Patel, Managing Partner, CEO, NewcrestImage
Grand Saguaro North
W-2
Distinctive Resorts
Owners, developers, brands and operators of independent, branded and soft-branded resorts talk about driving results to optimize value and offer a sneak peek of upcoming projects.
Moderator:
Jennifer Glatt, Editor-in-Chief, Hotel Management, Questex
Panelists:
Greg S. Dickhens, Managing Partner, Trinity Investments
Erik Eveleigh, VP of Development, Americas, SH Hotels & Resorts
Terri A. Haack, Managing Director, Wild Dunes Resort
Greg Perry, Vice President of Hospitality Investments, RREAF Holdings
Grand Saguaro West
W-3
Independent and Soft Brand: What is the Best Strategy for Your Hospitality Investment?
Independent hotel owners and operators offer their unique take on development and investment, long-term challenges, maintaining an identity and retaining control of their properties.
Moderator:
Luigi Major, MAI, Managing Director, HVS Americas
Panelists:
Thomas J. Corcoran, President, TCOR Hotel Partners
Peter Elefson, Vice President, US & Canada, Preferred Travel Group
Naveen P. Kakarla, President & CEO, HHM
John Keeling, Executive Vice President, Valencia Hotel Group
Tony Lariño, Managing Director, HEI Hotels & Resorts
Grand Saguaro East
W-4
Hotel Operations: Revenue, Cash Flow and Profitability
As expenses continue to grow, smart operators are executing innovative strategies to generate revenue, prioritize expenses and drive profitability across all departments. Find out how you can streamline your operations and increase cash flow.
Moderator:
Robert A. Rauch, CHA, CEO, R. A. Rauch & Associates, Inc | Founding Chairman, Brick Hospitality
Panelists:
Aimee Fyke, COO, Tharaldson Hospitality Management
Rahul Patel, 2024-2025 Treasurer, AAHOA
SJ Sawhney, Co-Founder and President, Canary Technologies
Ben Seidel, Principal, Stonebridge Companies
Michael Smoot, Partner, Hospitality National Practice Leader, Moss Adams LLP
Wildflower Ballroom
W-5
People and Culture: Creating an Impactful Strategy
Hear about the innovations in recruitment, engagement and retention to create diversity in hotel leadership and solve staffing shortages.
Moderator:
Matt Carrier, SVP, Federal Affairs, Policy, and Research, AHLA
Panelists:
Dr. Frederick J. DeMicco, Ph.D., RDN, Professor,
School of Hotel and Restaurant Management,
Northern Arizona University W.A. Franke College of Business
School of Hotel and Restaurant Management,
Northern Arizona University W.A. Franke College of Business
Lisa Lombardo, President, ARK
Rob Mangiarelli, President, Atrium Hospitality
Bharat Patel, Immediate Past Chair, AAHOA
Grand Sonoran Ballroom, Grand Canyon (Exhibit Hall) & Sunset Lawn
12:30pm - 1:45pm
Lunch
Sponsored by
1:45pm - 2:45pm
CONCURRENT THINK TANKS
Grand Saguaro South
W-6
Stylish Retreats: Lifestyle / Boutique Hotels
With above average ADR, high demand and competitive profit margins, the pipeline for lifestyle is red-hot across all segments. Find out about the latest brand offerings, hot trends, recent openings and the upcoming pipeline.
Moderator:
McKenna Luke, MAI, Managing Director, National Hospitality Practice Lead, Partner Valuation Advisors
Panelists:
Dina Belon, President, Staypineapple Hotels
Michael Handy, RVP, Lodging Development, Sonesta
Amy Hulbert, VP Boutique and Upscale Brands, BWH Hotels
Rika Lisslö, Vice President of Development, Americas, Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Robert A. Rauch, CHA, CEO, R. A. Rauch & Associates, Inc / Founding Chairman, Brick Hospitality
Grand Saguaro North
W-7
Game Plan for Upcoming Loan Maturities
Loans are coming due. The CMBS market is stalled. Funds are hovering for opportunities. What are the best strategies for all parties involved?
Moderator:
Lee Hunter, CHB, ISHC, Chief Operating Officer, Hunter Hotel Advisors
Panelists:
Adrienne Andrews, Managing Director, JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group
Loren Balsam, Chief Investment Officer, hotelAVE
Jim Butler, Chairman, Global Hospitality Group, Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell LLP
Prabhat Jayara, Senior Vice President Originations, Mag Mile Capital
Luke Millikin, Director & Sr. Relationship Manager, Wells Fargo Hotel Franchise Finance
Grand Saguaro East
W-8
Alternative Hotels: The Hot Trend in Development
From a short trip to an extended stay, the blending of work and leisure has opened the door to new options for travelers and new opportunities for developers, investors and brands to break new build protocols or convert existing properties into hotels. Find out about the challenges and opportunities in this growing sector.
Moderator:
David Eisen, Vice President and Editor-in-Chief, HOTELS Magazine
Panelists:
Daniel F. Benavides, Principal, Sandman Savrann PLLC
Paul Novak, Partner, Whitman Peterson
Diana Plazas-Trowbridge, Senior Vice President & Global Brand Leader - Select Brands, Marriott International
Morgan Sickles, Senior Vice President & Global Brand Leader – Select Brands, Marriott International
Grand Saguaro West
W-9
New Construction: Getting a New Build Off the Ground
Construction costs, capital and market conditions…Experts offer tips to take your project from pre-planning, design, financing and construction to grand opening and beyond.
Moderator:
CJ Arlotta, Managing Member, CJ Media Solutions, LLC
Panelists:
Scott Brown, NCARB, Principal, DesignCell Architecture
Jeff Mills, Director of Operations, The PENTA Building Group
Miraj S. Patel, 2024-2025 Chairman, AAHOA
Shivan Perera, Managing Director, Bridge Marketplace
Jason Spicer, Division Vice President, The Whiting-Turner Contracting Co.
Grand Canyon 10
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Autograph and Photo Session with Paige Spiranac
Sponsored by
Desert Suite 7
2:00pm - 4:00pm
LIIC/HotelNewsNow - Lodging Industry Investment Council
By Invitation Only
Grand Canyon (Exhibit Hall) & Foyer
2:45pm - 3:30pm
Refreshment Break
Sponsored by
3:30pm - 4:30pm
CONCURRENT THINK TANKS
Grand Saguaro East
W-10
Proactive Asset Management
Asset managers work collaboratively with operators to increase the value of hotel real estate for owners and investors. The panel will take a deep dive into creating a forward-focused plan to achieve targeted results.
Moderator:
Lan Elliott, Principal, Acacia Hospitality LLC
Panelists:
Michael Erlingis, Senior Vice President, Fulcrum Hospitality
Sarah Gulla, SVP, Asset Management, Pebblebrook Hotel Trust
Andrew Knauer, Executive Vice President, Global Hotel Asset Management, CBRE Hotels
Tracy Prigmore, Managing Partner + Founder, TLTsolutions + She Has a Deal
R. Rehan Zaid, Principal, Prominence Hospitality Group
Grand Saguaro West
W-11
Top-Line Growth: Sales and Revenue Management Strategies
Reach your target market and drive bookings with a strategic mix of pricing, digital marketing, demand forecasting, distribution channels and reputation and yield management to maximize occupancy, revenue and market share.
Moderator:
Cindy Estis Green, CEO and Co-Founder, Kalibri Labs
Panelists:
Stephanie Atkisson, SVP of Commercial Strategies, Raines Hospitality
Mercedes Blanco, Chief Partnerships Officer, The Hotel Network
Terri A. Haack, Managing Director, Wild Dunes Resort
Leticia Proctor, Executive Vice President, Donohoe Hospitality Services
Sarah Williams, Chief Commercial Officer, InterMountain Hotels
Wildflower Ballroom
W-12
Creating Value: PIPs and Renovations
Looking to update your hotel rooms and public spaces? Is your brand requiring a PIP? Looking for timely supply chain and cost management? Stand out in a competitive market with fresh and inviting guest rooms, indoor and outdoor spaces, dining experiences and more.
Moderator:
Roger Bloss, CEO, Alternative Hospitality
Panelists:
Bo Burdette, President/CEO, MGroup
Lissa Pierce, Head of Renovations & Design Management – Premium Brands, IHG Hotels & Resorts
Suzanne Saunders, SVP Design & Construction, Hospitality Ventures Management Group (HVMG)
Shannon Seay, Partner, H-CPM (Hospitality Construction Project Management)
Eleanor Waddell, Vice President, Strategic Growth, Avendra International
Wildfire Golf Club at the Driving Range and Nearby Practice Green
4:30pm - 5:00pm
The Paige Spiranac Challenge (Golf Course)
Sunset Lawn
5:30pm - 9:30pm
Lodging Conference Rocktoberfest & Rock n Roll Talent Show
Dinner, Drinks and Rock n Roll, a Lodging Conference tradition. Join your friends and colleagues as they sing, shred, drum and dance. You are invited to join the band on Wednesday evening at our dinner party on the lawn. To sign up and play with the band, kindly email erin@LodgingConference.com. Remember to wear your favorite Concert T-Shirt, Rocker Attire, or Octoberfest Dirndl and Lederhosen.
Sponsored by
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10th, 2024
Ballroom Lawn
8:30am - 10:00am
Breakfast Connect with Hotel Owners, Investors, Developers and Operators
All are welcome.
10:00am
Door Prizes
CONFERENCE ADJOURNS