Conference Schedule

Time:

Hiking

Time:

Golf Breakfast

Open to all golfers participating in the Wildfire Golf Club tournament.
Time:

Pickleball

Everyone will have a great time on and off the court. All levels are welcome including newcomers and experienced players.
Time:

Golf Tournament at the Wildfire Golf Club, JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort and Spa

Time: -

Conference Registration | Name Badge Pickup

Stop by the Lodging Conference registration desk to pick up your name badge before entering the conference center.
Time: -

4th Annual Lazy River Race

Participate as a racer, grab a drink, have a rubber duck compete for you, or just network and cheer on friends and colleagues.
Time: -

Twenty6 Lounge

Additional hours Tuesday 8:00am - 5:30pm and Wednesday 7:00am - 5:30pm
Time: -

Massage Station

Additional hours Tuesday 8:00am-5:00pm and Wednesday 8:00am-3:00pm
Time:

Afternoon Snack Bags

Time: -

GENERAL SESSION – The Dealmakers: Development

Moderator

  • Sloan F. Dean, III
    Founder/CEO, Stealth Company

Panelists

  • David Pepper
    Chief Development Officer, Choice Hotels International
  • Mark Sergot
    Chief Development Officer for the Americas, IHG Hotels & Resorts
  • Julienne Smith
    Head of Americas Growth, Hyatt Hotels Corporation
  • David Wilner
    Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Time: -

Break

Time: -

GENERAL SESSION - The Deal Makers: Owners, Investors, Operators Discuss Challenges and Opportunities

Moderator

  • Stephanie Ricca
    Editorial Director, Hotels, CoStar News

Panelists

  • Greg Kennealey
    Chief Executive Officer, Peregrine Hospitality
  • Rob Leven
    Principal and Chief Investment Officer, Procaccianti Companies
  • Mitch Patel
    Founder and CEO, Vision Hospitality Group, Inc.
  • Sam Patel
    CEO, Natson Hotels
  • Rob Smith
    CEO and President, Stonebridge Companies
Time: -

Behind the Deal: CFO Strategies (brought to you by FORWARD)

Moderator

  • Kevin Carey
    COO, AHLA
    President & CEO, AHLA Foundation

Panelists

  • Regina Pruitt
    CFO, Cote Hospitality
  • Julie Richter
    CFO, Concord Hospitality
Time: -

Headshot Lounge

Additional hours Tuesday 6:45am-5:30pm and Wednesday 7:30am-3:30pm
Time: -

Happy Hour

Time: -

Dinner and Cocktails

Time: -

Late Night Cocktail Party

Time: -

Yoga

Yoga mats will be provided and all levels welcome.
Time: -

Breakfast

Time: -

Conference Registration | Name Badge Pickup

Time: -

Welcome to The Lodging Conference

  • Harry Javer
    Conference Founder & Producer, The Lodging Conference
    President, The Conference Bureau, Inc.
Time: -

Speed Stats (Part I)

Presented by

  • Rod Clough, MAI, CRE, MRICS
    President - Americas, HVS
  • Isaac Collazo
    Head of Analytics, STR | CoStar Group
  • JP Ford, ISHC
    Principal, Lodging Econometrics
Time: -

Economic Outlook

Presented by

  • Bernard Baumohl
    Chief Global Economist, The Economic Outlook Group, LLC
Time: -

GENERAL SESSION - Executive Briefing Part I

Moderator

  • Rachel Humphrey
    Founder, Women in Hospitality Leadership Alliance

Panelists

  • Omer Acar
    CEO, Raffles Hotels & Resorts and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
  • Kevin Jacobs
    Chief Financial Officer, Hilton
  • Justin Knight
    Chief Executive Officer, Apple Hospitality REIT
  • Craig S. Smith
    Chief Executive Officer, Aimbridge Hospitality
  • Shai Zelering
    Managing Partner, Real Estate Group, Brookfield
Time: -

GENERAL SESSION - Executive Briefing Part II

Moderator

  • Glenn Haussman
    Founder/Host, No Vacancy News

Panelists

  • Satya Anand
    Group President, U.S., Canada and the Caribbean & Latin America, Marriott International
  • Larry Cuculic
    President and CEO, BWH® Hotels
  • Greg Friedman
    Managing Principal & CEO, Peachtree Group
  • Greg Juceam
    President and CEO, Extended Stay America
  • Rahul Patel
    2026-2027 Chairman, AAHOA
Time: -

NEWH Branded Scholarship Presentation

Time: -

Refreshment Break

$1,000 cash drawing. Must be present to win.
Time: -

CONCURRENT THINK TANKS

Time: -

Deals and Growth: Owners Preview 2027

Owners and investors discuss today’s market and share their outlook for investment and deal activity in the year ahead.

Moderator

  • Lan Elliott
    Co-Founder & Principal, Acacia Holdings
    Principal & Interview Host, It’s Personal Stories, A Hospitality Podcast

Panelists

  • Neil Amin
    CEO, Shamin Hotels
  • Barry A.N. Bloom
    President & COO, Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
  • Thom Geshay
    CEO & President, Davidson Hospitality Group
  • Ravi Patel
    President, Hawkeye Hotels
  • Dave Pollin
    Co-Founder and President, The Buccini/Pollin Group
    Chairman, PM Hotel Group
Time: -

Conversion-Friendly: Evaluate Your Brand, Concept and Positioning

As a lower cost alternative to new construction, conversion is fueling growth opportunities for owners and investors while brands are intent on growing their conversion-focused pipeline. Find out about the latest trends, projects and brands in the conversion space.

Moderator

  • Naveen Kakarla
    President & CEO, HHM Hotels

Panelists

  • Jason Cowan
    SVP, Core Brands Development, Choice Hotels International
  • Cartarwa Jones (CJ)
    Senior Vice President, Business Development, RLJ Lodging Trust
  • Dhiren Masters
    2026-2027 Secretary, AAHOA
  • Prath Mehta
    Director Asset Management, Westmont Hospitality Group
  • Mark Williams
    Managing Director, Franchise Development, Extended Stay America
Time: -

Financing for Acquisitions, Refinancing and Loan Modifications

Find the right loan program for you to grow your hotel portfolio, replace existing debt, access equity, or improve cash flow.

Moderator

  • Stacy Silver
    President, Silver Hospitality Group

Panelists

  • Barry Lieberman
    Head of Hotel Franchise Finance, Western Alliance Bank
  • Michael Lipson
    CEO, President, Access Point Financial
  • Rohit Mathur
    CEO, Bridge
  • Rushi Shah
    Chairman and CEO, Mag Mile Capital
  • Tracy Vasquez
    Market Executive, Wells Fargo Bank
Time: -

Leverage the Latest Data to Prioritize Your 2027 Growth Strategies

Presenters share the most up-to-date analysis of markets, segments, RevPAR, ADR and the construction pipeline.

Presented by

  • Rod Clough, MAI, CRE, MRICS
    President - Americas, HVS
  • Isaac Collazo
    Head of Analytics, STR | CoStar Group
  • JP Ford, ISHC
    Principal, Lodging Econometrics
Time: -

The AI End User: Owner, Operator and Brand Insights on Driving Profit

Hotel ownership groups, management companies and brands are increasingly adopting AI across their portfolios. Find out how AI is being used right now to improve top and bottom lines.

Moderator

  • Gilad Berenstein
    Founder, Brook Bay Capital

Panelists

  • John Barrar
    SVP, Technology Strategy and Innovation, Sandpiper Hospitality
  • Zack Gharib
    President, Red Roof
  • Pinal Patel
    2026-2027 Vice Chairman, AAHOA
  • Russell C. Savrann
    Principal, Sandman Savrann PLLC
  • Matt Schwartz
    CTO, Sage Hospitality Group
Time: -

Lunch

Time: -

AAHOA Update

Presented by

  • Rahul Patel
    2026-2027 Chairman, AAHOA
Time: -

Peggy Berg Castell Award

Presented by

  • Kevin Carey
    COO, AHLA
    President & CEO, AHLA Foundation

Recipient

  • TBA
Time: -

Fireside Chat: Castell Recipient and Kevin Carey

Time: -

CONCURRENT THINK TANKS

Time: -

Unconventional Hospitality: Glamping, Cabins, and Nature-Based Stays

Propelled by customer demand and brand launches, acquisitions and partnerships, outdoor destinations are seeing a surge in popularity. As the sector continues to grow, find out about the latest trends, brands and opportunities for franchisees, owners and developers.

Moderator

  • Alissa Ponchione
    Editor-in-Chief, Hospitality Design Magazine

Panelists

  • Noah Brodsky
    CEO, Under Canvas
  • Leon Fisher
    Chief Sales Officer, Zook Cabins
  • Brad LeBlanc
    SVP and Chief Development Officer, BWH® Hotels
  • Ben Weinberg
    Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Trailborn Hotels & Resorts
Time: -

High-Risk, High-Reward: Sourcing Opportunistic Investments

Identify opportunities, execute the transaction and assemble a skilled team to drive innovation and value creation to turn underperforming or distressed assets into high-performing properties.

Moderator

  • Jagruti Panwala
    President & CEO, Wealth Protection Strategies

Panelists

  • Suraj Bhakta
    Chief Executive Officer, NewGen Advisory, LLC
  • Pete Dannemiller
    Executive Managing Director, Hodges Ward Elliott
  • Seth Singerman
    Managing Principal, Founder, Singerman Real Estate LLC
  • Heather Turner
    CEO and Co-Founder, Tamarack Capital Partners
  • Robert J. Webster
    Vice Chairman, Co-Head of National Hotel Partners – East, CBRE Hotels
Time: -

New Construction: Building in Today’s Environment

Market conditions, inflation trends, C-PACE financing, labor pressures…Plan early to expand your presence in key markets and leverage innovative design and construction methods to launch on time and on budget.

Moderator

  • Russell C. Savrann
    Principal, Sandman Savrann PLLC

Panelists

  • Aaron Gentry
    Principal, TVS
  • Corey Haaland
    Vice President of Construction, Legacy Builders Inc.
  • Cory Jubran
    Senior Director of Originations, Nuveen Green Capital
  • Keith G. Mack
    Managing Principal, Gibraltar Capital Partners
  • Vinnie Spataro
    Project Executive, The PENTA Building Group
Time: -

Trends Shaping Today’s Hospitality Landscape

Capitalize on the latest data to optimize operations, guest engagement, profitability and asset value.

Presented by

  • Cindy Estis Green
    CEO and Co-Founder, Kalibri Labs
  • Khalid (Khal) Ladha
    Co-Founder, CEO, Roomiy Finance
Time: -

Commercial-to-Hotel Adaptive Reuse: Transforming Assets Into Thriving Hotels

As ground up hotel development continues to be pricey, many developers are converting existing commercial properties into hotels. Learn about the strategies, costs, challenges and upside of this profitable and growing trend.

Moderator

  • Craig Sullivan
    Principal, [CLIC] Media

Panelists

  • Jon Bloomberg
    Partner, Left Lane Development
  • Willis Cheng
    Vice President, Full-Service Brands, US West Regions, Marriott International
  • Mehul Patel
    Managing Partner, NewcrestImage
  • Kerry Ranson
    President of Operations & Partner, Raines
Time: -

Refreshment Break

$1,000 cash drawing. Must be present to win.
Time: -

CONCURRENT THINK TANKS

Time: -

Hotel Development: What to Expect in 2027

Owners, investors and operators discuss in-demand markets, segments dominating the pipeline and upcoming hotel debuts.

Moderator

  • Bruce Ford
    SVP and Director of Global Business Development, Lodging Econometrics

Panelists

  • Samantha Fisher
    CIO, Island Hospitality Management
  • Plato Ghinos
    President, Shaner Hotel Group
  • Mehul Patel
    Managing Partner, NewcrestImage
  • Vimal (Ricky) Patel
    2026-27 Treasurer, AAHOA
  • Hector Sanchez
    President, Ashford Inc.
Time: -

Design to Drive ROI, Customer Engagement and Market Share

Join our panel for an in-depth discussion covering the latest trends, guest preferences, smart technology and AI, multifunctional spaces, local experiences and the art of storytelling.

Moderator

  • Christina Trauthwein
    VP, Content & Partnerships, Hotel Business

Panelists

  • Brian M. Murch, AIA
    Hospitality Design Leader | Principal, DLR Group
  • Vicki Poulos
    Vice President, Luxury Lifestyle Brands - Kimpton and Hotel Indigo, IHG Hotels & Resorts
  • Alan Roberts
    VP, Brand Leader, Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton
  • Rob Uhrin
    Principal, Cooper Carry
Time: -

The Owner, Brand and Operator Relationship

Hotel brands and operators are increasingly being held to higher standards by owners. How can we align the interests of all parties to help owners and investors maintain product and service standards while achieving real ROI.

Moderator

  • Vanessa Williams
    Founder and Principal, Pivotal Hotel Advisors, LLC

Panelists

  • Laura Lee Blake
    President & CEO, AAHOA
  • Jay Burnett
    Executive Vice President, Investments and Development, Auro Hotels
  • Brad Gant
    Senior Vice President, Franchise Sales and Development, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
  • Michael Rosenman
    Regional Vice President, Select Brands, US East Regions, Marriott International
  • Jonathan Stanner
    President & CEO, Summit Hotel Properties, Inc.
Time: -

Syndicating Hotel Real Estate Deals

Whether you are creating or investing in a syndication or a fund, this session will take you through everything from formation to closing the deal including tips for sponsors and investors.

Moderator

  • Trusha Patel
    Founder & CEO, Platinum Holdings

Panelists

  • Ryan Bosch
    Principal, Arriba Capital
  • Navid Karedia
    Co-Founder and Principal, SLTX
  • Adnan Merchant
    Co-Founder | Managing Partner, M&W Law, PLLC
  • Tarun S. Patel, CHA
    Managing Principal, Sonari Capital Partners
Time: -

Private Equity Investments and Trends

Experts share their insights on core strategies to identify opportunities, structure and manage hotel investments, drive value and generate significant returns.

Moderator

  • Daniel H. Lesser
    Co-Founder, President & CEO, LW Hospitality Advisors

Panelists

  • Mark S. Adams
    Partner, Business Litigation, Blank Rome LLP
  • Glenn Alba
    Co-Founder & Managing Partner, TMGOC Ventures
  • Benjamin T. Leahy
    Partner, Cedar Capital Partners
  • Matt Livian
    Managing Director, Prospect Ridge
  • Carlos J. Rodriguez, Jr
    Co-Founder & CEO, Driftwood Capital LLC
Time: -

Cocktail Party | Dinner

Time: -

Conference Registration | Name Badge Pickup

Time: -

Breakfast

$1,000 cash drawing. Must be present to win.
Time: -

Welcome Back

  • Harry Javer
    Conference Founder & Producer, The Lodging Conference
    President, The Conference Bureau, Inc.
Time: -

Speed Stats (Part II)

Presented by

  • JoAnna Abrams
    President & CEO, MindClick
  • Cindy Estis Green
    CEO and Co-Founder, Kalibri Labs
Time: -

AHLA Update

Presented by

  • Rosanna Maietta
    President & CEO, AHLA
Time: -

Above & Beyond Award

Presented by

  • Dennis Weaver
    Founder, InterMountain Management

Recipient

  • Liam Brown
    Retired – U.S. & Canada Group President, Retired – Marriott International
Time: -

GENERAL SESSION - Executive Briefing III

Moderator

  • Rosanna Maietta
    President & CEO, AHLA

Panelists

  • Joe Berger
    President & CEO, BRE Hotels & Resorts
  • Ayesha Molino
    Chief Operating Officer, MGM Resorts International
  • Keith Pierce
    Co-Chief Executive Officer, Sonesta International Hotels
  • Ryan Rivett
    President & CEO, My Place Hotels
  • Jeff Wagoner
    President & CEO, OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group
Time: -

Refreshment Break

$1,000 cash drawing. Must be present to win.
Time: -

CONCURRENT THINK TANKS

Time: -

Soft Brands and Independent Hotels

Hotel owners and brands talk about the key challenges and achieving success in this highly competitive landscape.

Moderator

  • Jennifer Glatt
    Senior Contributing Editor, LODGING Magazine

Panelists

  • Ryan Amin
    Principal, Giri Hotels
  • Kimberly Christner
    President & CEO, Cornerstone Hospitality
  • Guy Cook
    Vice President, Luxury & Lifestyle Development, East, Hyatt Hotels Corporation
  • Kamalesh (KP) Patel
    2026-27 Immediate Past Chairman, AAHOA
  • Ron Pohl
    President of International Operations, BWH® Hotels
    President, WorldHotels
Time: -

Strengthening the Owner’s Business Model

Through a multi-pronged approach, strengthen your competitive positioning, reduce costs, diversify revenue streams and offer high-quality guest services to grow your profit margins.

Moderator

  • Esther Hertzfeld
    Editor, Questex/Hotel Management

Panelists

  • Norman Leslie
    Past Chair, IHG Hotel Owners Association
    CEO, National Hospitality Services
  • Leslie McClure
    President, TGC Hospitality Management, TGC Group
  • Chris O'Donnell
    President of Operations, Select Service, Aimbridge Hospitality
  • Vinay Patel
    President & CEO, Fairbrook Hotels LLC
  • Dina Winder
    Executive Vice President, Asset Management, Highgate
Time: -

Secure Your Construction, PIP or Renovation Loan

Cover the costs of constructing a new hotel or renovating an existing hospitality asset. Find out about current repayment terms, costs, interest rates and loan negotiation.

Moderator

  • Mark J. Gerstein
    Senior Advisor, McKinsey & Company

Panelists

  • Mike Canning
    Senior Vice President, Capital Markets, HALL Structured Finance
  • Steve Getty
    Director, MUFG Bank, Ltd.
  • Brian Holstein
    Principal, US Hotel Advisors
  • Jared Schlosser
    Head of Originations and CPACE, Peachtree Group
  • David A. Sudeck
    Partner, Real Estate, Co-Chair, Hospitality Practice, Blank Rome LLP
Time: -

Transaction Update: Buying and Selling Hotel Real Estate

From pricing to valuation, underwriting, resilient markets and macroeconomic headwinds, experts will guide you through selling for the highest return on your investment or buying to achieve the optimal result.

Moderator

  • Lee Hunter
    COO and Chairman, Hunter Advisors & Conference

Panelists

  • Skyler Cooper
    Senior Managing Director Investments, Marcus & Millchap
  • Anthony Falor
    Senior Managing Director, Transactions/Hospitality, Crexi
  • Darshan Patel, Esq.
    Principal, DPA Attorneys at Law
  • Nate Sahn
    Executive Vice President, Hotel Brokerage & Investment Sales, CBRE Hotels
Time: -

Lunch

Road food and healthy options.
Time: -

CONCURRENT THINK TANKS

Time: -

AI Tools Transforming Performance, Profitability and Guest Experience

What does AI actually mean for hotel operations, teams, margins, and decision-making? Find out about the latest AI platforms to drive revenue, forecast demand, boost marketing, enhance guest experiences and streamline operations.
Time: -

On Time and On Budget: Managing Hotel Renovations

Plan your renovation to minimize guest disruption, drive stronger performance, maximize profitability and deliver results that exceed owner and guest expectations.

Moderator

  • Stacy Shoemaker Rauen
    Co-Founder, Stay and Gather

Panelists

  • John Breuer
    Vice President, The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company
  • Brad Czechowski
    Partner, H-CPM (Hospitality CPM)
  • Suzanne Saunders
    SVP Design & Construction & Chief Elevation Officer, vate Renovations + Development By HVMG
  • Jared Wallker
    President, InterMountain Renovations
  • Chantell Walsh
    Vice President, Design & Construction, Strategic Hotels & Resorts
Time: -

Capitalize on Opportunities: Branded Residences and Mixed-Use

Branded Residences is one of the fastest growing asset classes around the world. Explore the latest trends, market growth, partnering with a brand, attracting residential buyers and strategies to maximize ROI.

Moderator

  • David Eisen
    Vice President & Editor-in-Chief, HOTELS Magazine

Panelists

  • Jaimie Cho
    Senior Director, Mixed-Use Development – US & Canada, Marriott International
  • Erik Eveleigh
    Vice President, Development Americas, Starwood Hotels
  • Barry Landsberg
    Principal, Landsberg Residential Consulting Inc.
Time: -

A Focus on Extended Stay: Development, Investment and Legal Perspectives for Expanding Your Portfolio

Capitalize on emerging opportunities. Investors, developers, lenders and their advisors will gain insights into the brands and markets to watch, the factors fueling demand and legal considerations shaping today's extended-stay landscape.

Moderator

  • Stan Kozlowski
    Principal, CooperWynn Capital

Panelists

  • Gary DeLapp
    President & CEO, stayAPT Suites
  • Eric Myers
    SVP Franchise Development, My Place Hotels
  • Nilesh Patel
    Partner, M&W Law, PLLC
  • David Setser
    RVP, Franchise Development, Sonesta International Hotels
Time: -

Refreshment Break

$1,000 cash drawing. Must be present to win.
Time: -

CONCURRENT THINK TANKS

Time: -

Financial Engineering: Cost Savings thru Taxes, Insurance and Risk Analysis

An overview of insurance costs, coverage, and underwriting practices, tax planning and smart strategies to save money for hotel owners.

Moderator

  • Ed Hoganson
    CFO and Chief Investment Officer, Crestline Hotels & Resorts

Panelists

  • Paul DiBenedetto
    Franchise Practice Leader, HUB International
  • Bob Johnson
    Managing Director, State and Local Tax Services, Baker Tilly
  • Nicole Rogers
    GM, Travel & Hospitality, Avalara
Time: -

Elevate Your F&B Operations

From concept, to design, menu development, outstanding quality and service standards and supply chain, keep up with emerging trends and innovations to meet guest expectations, protect your investment and grow your business.

Moderator

  • Robert A. Rauch, CHA
    CEO, R. A. Rauch & Associates, Inc
    Founding Chairman, Brick Hospitality

Panelists

  • Heather Altieri
    Vice President - Client Relations, Avendra International
  • Kathleen Hollis
    Chief Growth Officer, First Hospitality
  • Cameron Schultz
    CEO, Foodbuy Hospitality
Time: -

The Luxury Hospitality Landscape

From dining to design to transformative experiences, find out about the latest trends driving demand, rate performance, strategic growth, and the next generation of luxury.

Moderator

  • David Goldstone
    President - Hospitality, Enseo

Panelists

  • Vamsi Bonthala
    CEO, Arbor Lodging Partners
  • Prem Devadas
    President, Salamander Collection
  • John Keeling
    Executive Vice President, Valencia Hotel Collection
  • Tom Luersen
    President, CoralTree Hospitality
  • David Philp
    Chief Operating Officer, Canyon Equity LLC
Time: -

Proactive CapEx Strategies

Create an effective CapEx plan to prioritize projects, negotiate purchases, lower your operational costs, select sustainable products, ensure guest satisfaction and deliver growth and long-term success.

Moderator

  • Alan Benjamin, ISHC
    President, Benjamin West

Panelists

  • JoAnna Abrams
    Founder and CEO, MindClick
  • Renee Bagshaw
    CEO, Continental Contractors
  • Chequetta Dessources
    Vice President, Procurement Americas, IHG Hotels & Resorts
  • Christina Flannery
    Director, Capital Project Management, Park Hotels & Resorts
Time: -

Casino Night: Dinner, Drinks, Gaming and Rock n' Roll

Join us for a fun evening. Cheer on your friends and colleagues as they sing, shred, drum and dance. To sign up to play with the band, email erin@lodgingconference.com

Time: -

Breakfast

Time:

Door Prizes

Time:

CONFERENCE ADJOURNS