Dear Colleague,
Welcome to the 29th Annual edition of The Lodging Conference. With more than 2800 friends and colleagues in attendance, this year's event will be the largest gathering of Presidents, CEO's, hotel owners, investors and developers ever at the The Lodging Conference.
The hotel industry got back on track in 2022 and 2023 with record ADR’s, robust leisure demand and improving group and business travel. 2024 is experiencing record levels of renovations and conversions, but new construction is slow given the lack of affordable debt. Will the tide change in 2025? Will the elections have an impact on hospitality? How much will interest rates drop and how can we control rising costs? These topics and more will be discussed at TLC 2024.
Over the next three days, you will receive up-to-date expertise on finance, investing, development, operations, tech, franchising, construction, design and more. You will hear from engaging speakers, participate in thought-provoking sessions, and enjoy an upscale, relaxing, fun atmosphere with first-class food and beverage, networking opportunities, evening events and the ambiance of the beautiful JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa.
Conference Highlights Include:
- 4 General Sessions and 27 Think Tanks featuring some of the industry’s foremost hotel owners, operators, and brand leaders.
- On Monday at 2:30, we will kick off with owners, developers and investors in a must-attend General Session discussing Opportunities, Challenges and Trends followed by a fun and creative session presented by ForWard at The Lodging Conference.
- Bernard Baumohl, Chief Global Economist, The Economic Outlook Group, LLC - Ranked as the most accurate forecaster by The Wall Street Journal.
- Tony Capuano, President & CEO of Marriott International.
- Sheila Johnson, Founder and CEO of Salamander Collection, the 2024 recipient of The Peggy Berg Castell Award, an AHLA Foundation Project recognizing woman leaders in the hospitality investment arena.
In addition to meeting with and learning from your colleagues during our Think Tanks and General Sessions, there are dozens of ways to network, relax, and have fun. Here are a few highlights...
- The Lodging Conference kicks off on Monday morning with Hiking at Tom's Thumb Trailhead and a Pickleball Tournament at the JW Marriott. The Golf Tournament is sold out but you can book tee times for Monday afternoon, Tuesday and Wednesday. Just call the Golf Pro Shop at 480‑473‑0205.
- Also on Monday, the 2nd Annual Lodging Conference Lazy River Races sponsored by Staypineapple Hotels kicks off at 11 AM. You can participate as a racer or just cheer on your colleagues.
- On Monday, starting at 11 AM, pick up your badge, enjoy an engaging General Session, meet friends in the exhibit hall and join us for Happy Hour, followed by our Gala Opening Dinner Reception.
- The Lodging Conference features three gourmet meals each day accentuated by our incredible evening dinner cocktail parties. On Wednesday night join us for our Rock n Roll Rocktoberfest and Talent Show. Wear your lederhosen, dirndls, dress as your favorite rock star or wear your favorite concert attire. Encourage your colleagues as they sing, shred, drum and dance. Email erin@lodgingconference.com to sign up to play with the band.
- Tuesday and Wednesday begin with Group Yoga and a full breakfast followed by General Sessions and productive, educational Think Tanks where YOU have a chance to participate, ask questions and get involved.
A huge thank you to our sponsors, speakers and exhibitors, the entire team at The JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, and the amazing TLC Team: Elizabeth Wolff-Javer, Linda Chelmow, Brent Tinter, Chris, Paul and Sue Zullo, Josephine Anderson, Erin Fitzgerald, Naomi Gibson, Shawne Schillaci, Laurie Naumann, Gary Kane, Meredith Comfort, Tut Suwanasung, John King, Colton Wands, the Kovaleski clan, Jack Javer, the students and staff from Northern Arizona University, and Len Zullo who will always be with us.
We sincerely appreciate that you are here, and we will do our best to make sure you have a great experience.
Thank you for joining us. Have a Great Conference.
Harry Javer
Conference Founder and Producer, The Lodging Conference
President, The Conference Bureau, Inc.
harry@lodgingconference.com