The Hospitality Show 2024: Full Schedule

3:00pm CDT

Welcome to The Hospitality Show & Opening Remarks

Monday October 28, 2024 3:00pm - 3:15pm CDT

Kick off your experience with a warm welcome and insightful opening remarks from industry leaders. Get a preview of what’s ahead and set the tone for an inspiring event.

Speakers

Kevin Jacobs

Chief Financial Officer & President, Global Development, Hilton

Kevin Jacobs is chief financial officer and president, Global Development for Hilton, and leads the company's finance, real estate, corporate strategy, development and architecture and construction functions globally. Mr. Jacobs joined the company in 2008 as senior vice president... Read More →

Alexi Khajavi

President, Questex Hospitality, Travel & Wellness

Monday October 28, 2024 3:00pm - 3:15pm CDT
Main Stage (Ballroom Level)

Main Stage

Registration Pass All Access Pass
Audience General Manager, Operator, Management Company, Owner, Strategic Procurement, Sales & Marketing, Technology

3:15pm CDT

GM Awards powered by AHLA

Monday October 28, 2024 3:15pm - 3:55pm CDT

Main Stage (Ballroom Level)

The GM Awards are our industry's most prestigious national awards program aimed to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of our nation's top GMs. Honor the unsung heroes of our industry whose contributions go above and beyond just making guests smile. We'll honor the top GMs in six categories:

Resort
Independent
Extended stay
Full-service
Select service
GM Lifetime Achievement Award

Speakers

Liam Brown

Group President US & Canada, Marriott International

Monday October 28, 2024 3:15pm - 3:55pm CDT
Main Stage (Ballroom Level)

Main Stage, Awards

Registration Pass All Access Pass
Audience General Manager, Owner, Operator, Management Company
Qtag featuredsession

3:55pm CDT

Navigating the Dynamics of Ownership and Management

Monday October 28, 2024 3:55pm - 4:25pm CDT

Main Stage (Ballroom Level)

The multi-faceted management, ownership and franchising relationship deconstructed. Kevin Jacobs, CFO and President, Global Development, Hilton, and Mitch Patel, President and CEO, Vision Hospitality Group, will talk about unity, strategic partnerships and the power that comes from aligning these relationships.

Speakers

Kevin Jacobs

Chief Financial Officer & President, Global Development, Hilton

Mitch Patel

Founder and CEO, Vision Hospitality Group Inc.

With $3,000 in savings, Mitch I. Patel founded Vision Hospitality Group, Inc. in 1997 with the goal of creating a company dedicated to excellence with a focus on community and family. Over his career, Mitch and his team have developed over 60 hotels and currently hold a 42-property... Read More →

Monday October 28, 2024 3:55pm - 4:25pm CDT
Main Stage (Ballroom Level)

Main Stage

Registration Pass All Access Pass
Audience Owner, Operator, Sales & Marketing, General Manager, Management Company
Qtag featuredsession

4:30pm CDT

Keynote Session | José Andrés: Changing the World Through the Power of Food

Monday October 28, 2024 4:30pm - 5:30pm CDT

Main Stage (Ballroom Level)

Internationally recognized culinary innovator, author, educator, humanitarian, and chef/owner of José Andrés Group – shares his passion and belief in the power of doing good. His non-profit World Central Kitchen has delivered over 350 million meals worldwide to people affected by natural disasters, the pandemic, the war in Ukraine and most recently, in Gaza. Named one of Time’s “100 Most Influential People,” in both 2012 and 2018 and the recipient of the 2015 National Humanities Medal, José Andrés believes ‘food is a basic human right’ and he stops at nothing to make sure that right is upheld. Hear for yourself, how he does it in this lively discussion.

Speakers

José Andrés

Owner/Chef, José Andrés Group

Named one of Time’s “100 Most Influential People” in both 2012 and 2018 and recipient of the 2015 National Humanities Medal, José Andrés is an internationally recognized culinary innovator, author, Emmy Award-winning television personality, humanitarian, and chef/owner of... Read More →

Monday October 28, 2024 4:30pm - 5:30pm CDT
Main Stage (Ballroom Level)

Main Stage, Keynote

Registration Pass All Access Pass
Audience General Manager, Management Company, Operator, Owner, Sales & Marketing, Technology, Strategic Procurement
Qtag featuredsession

7:00pm CDT

Welcome Reception sponsored by DIRECTV HOSPITALITY

Monday October 28, 2024 7:00pm - 10:00pm CDT

Tobin Center for the Performing Arts

Did you know that San Antonio hosts some of the largest Day of the Dead celebrations in the country? Rooted in rich Mexican heritage, this beautiful holiday honors life, memory, and cultural legacy.
Celebrate with us at The Hospitality Show and immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Día de los Muertos at our highly anticipated Welcome Reception!

Dress to impress! Get ready for an unforgettable night of fun, celebration, and valuable conversations.

RSVP: Login to the Registration Resource Center with your badge number and email address. Upon logging in, select "upgrade my registration" and select the Welcome Reception on the "add-ons" page after the main package selections. The Welcome Reception is open to all pass holders for The Hospitality Show on a first-come, first-served basis. All attendees must be 21+.
Round-trip transportation is provided to and from the convention center (main entrance) and the Tobin Center. Buses will run from 6:30pm to 10:30pm.

Monday October 28, 2024 7:00pm - 10:00pm CDT
Tobin Center for the Performing Arts 100 Auditorium Cir, San Antonio, TX 78205

Networking

Registration Pass All Access Pass, Expo Pass
Audience General Manager, Management Company, Operator, Owner, Sales & Marketing, Technology, Strategic Procurement

9:00am CDT

Opening Remarks

Tuesday October 29, 2024 9:00am - 9:02am CDT

Main Stage (Ballroom Level)

Speakers

Kevin Carey

Interim CEO & President, AHLA

Alexi Khajavi

President, Questex Hospitality, Travel & Wellness

Tuesday October 29, 2024 9:00am - 9:02am CDT
Main Stage (Ballroom Level)

Main Stage

Registration Pass All Access Pass
Audience Management Company, General Manager, Operator, Owner, Sales & Marketing, Strategic Procurement, Technology

9:10am CDT

AI Unlocked: Innovating the Future of Travel

Tuesday October 29, 2024 9:10am - 9:32am CDT

Main Stage (Ballroom Level)

Join a lively discussion on AI and the long game for the travel industry. How can owners and operators make tech work for them? How do they best use technology to enable their vision and create their future identity? Accenture's Liselotte De Maar, and Salesforce's Jeff Thoman, talks with AHLA's interim CEO, Kevin Carey, about how to view AI, not as a goal within it itself, but part of an integrated system. They will discuss the global implications and impact of this technology on business now and in the future.

Speakers

Kevin Carey

Interim CEO & President, AHLA

Liselotte de Maar

Managing Director, Accenture

Liselotte is a Strategy Managing Director leading the Travel Industry in North America and Strategy for the Travel Industry globally. She focuses on Strategy & Consulting for travel clients to design a seamless travel experience, drive efficient operations and create value from new... Read More →

Jeff Thoman

Senior RVP, Hospitality, Salesforce, Inc

Jeff Thoman serves as the Senior RVP, Hospitality at Salesforce, bringing a wealth of experience from both the hospitality and technology sectors. With a career spanning over two decades, Jeff has consistently demonstrated the ability to drive sales growth and build strong client... Read More →

Tuesday October 29, 2024 9:10am - 9:32am CDT
Main Stage (Ballroom Level)

Main Stage

Registration Pass All Access Pass
Audience General Manager, Management Company, Operator, Owner, Sales & Marketing, Strategic Procurement

9:30am CDT

Charity Activity: Build Hygiene Kits

Tuesday October 29, 2024 9:30am - 11:30am CDT

'Meet Me in the Lobby' Activation (Expo Hall)

Join fellow attendees in building 1,000 hygiene kits made from recycled soap and toiletries for those in need. All kits will be donated to a local shelter after the event.

Powered by Clean the World

Tuesday October 29, 2024 9:30am - 11:30am CDT
'Meet Me in the Lobby' Activation (Expo Hall)

Networking

Registration Pass All Access Pass, Expo Pass
Audience General Manager, Management Company, Operator, Owner, Strategic Procurement, Sales & Marketing, Technology

9:32am CDT

Commercial Strategies: Collaborative Insights

Tuesday October 29, 2024 9:32am - 10:02am CDT

Main Stage (Ballroom Level)

This session brings together top executives from airlines and hospitality to discuss the latest trends in commercial strategy. Doreen Burse from United Airlines, Kristie Goshow from KSL Resorts, and Scott Strickland from Wyndham Hotels & Resorts will share their expertise on market challenges, revenue optimization, and innovation in a rapidly evolving travel industry. This discussion will offer practical takeaways for staying competitive and driving growth.

Moderators

Kevin Carey

Interim CEO & President, AHLA

Speakers

Doreen Burse

Sr. Vice President Worldwide Sales, United Airlines

Doreen Burse is senior vice president of worldwide sales at United Airlines. In this role, she oversees the global sales strategy, enhancing existing business travel programs and building new partnerships to improve the United for Business customer and partner experience.Prior to... Read More →

Kristie Goshow

Chief Commercial Officer, KSL Resorts

Kristie Goshow brings a diversity of hospitality and travel industry experience to her role as KSL Resort’s chief commercial officer. Her responsibilities at KSL are extensive and include strategy and brand development, marketing and sales demand creation and consumer/guest experience... Read More →

Scott Strickland

Chief Commercial Officer, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Tuesday October 29, 2024 9:32am - 10:02am CDT
Main Stage (Ballroom Level)

Main Stage

Registration Pass All Access Pass
Audience General Manager, Management Company, Owner, Operator, Sales & Marketing, Strategic Procurement, Technology

10:02am CDT

The Wealthy Franchisee Keynote & Fireside Chat

Tuesday October 29, 2024 10:02am - 10:55am CDT

Main Stage (Ballroom Level)

Why settle for average when you can be extraordinary? Scott Greenberg reveals the game-changing steps to elevate your franchise operations. This isn't about more marketing or hiring better employees; it's about unlocking the full potential of your existing operations to achieve consistent, profitable results. Learn tactics to supercharge productivity, reduce stress, and enjoy running your business while elevating customer interactions.

Speakers

Scott Greenberg

Keynote Speaker, Author, Franchise Expert

Scott Greenberg is a keynote speaker, author, and business consultant, specializing in leadership, team dynamics, and operational efficiency. His books offer practical strategies for building high-performing teams. Renowned for his engaging workshops and keynotes, Scott combines motivational... Read More →

Geoff Ballotti

President & CEO, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Geoff Ballotti is the president and chief executive officer of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchisor with approximately 9,100 hotels across 24 iconic brands in 95+ countries united by the award-winning loyalty program, Wyndham Rewards. Under his leadership... Read More →

Tuesday October 29, 2024 10:02am - 10:55am CDT
Main Stage (Ballroom Level)

Main Stage, Keynote

Registration Pass All Access Pass
Audience Owner, Management Company, Operator, Sales & Marketing, Strategic Procurement, General Manager
Qtag featuredsession

11:00am CDT

Expo Opens

Tuesday October 29, 2024 11:00am - 5:00pm CDT

Expo Hall

Expo Hall Hours: Tuesday, October 29 from 11am-5pm and Wednesday, October 30 from 11am-4pm.

Tuesday October 29, 2024 11:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Expo Hall

Expo

Registration Pass All Access Pass, Expo Pass
Audience General Manager, Management Company, Operator, Owner, Sales & Marketing, Strategic Procurement, Technology

11:30am CDT

TechOvation & Tech Acceleration Awards

Tuesday October 29, 2024 11:30am - 12:45pm CDT

Solutions Stage (Expo Hall)

Watch live as HTNG presents their 2024 TechoOvation and Tech Acceleration awards.

HTNG's TechOvation Award recognizes and rewards the latest technology innovation throughout all sectors of the hospitality industry.

HTNG's Technology Acceleration Award recognizes companies that have taken specific steps to advance innovation in hospitality.

Moderators

John Burns

President, Hospitality Technology Consulting

Born and educated in Canada, Mr. Burns began his career managing university conference centers in Ottawa and then in Vancouver. In 1980 he joined Hyatt International Hotels, initially as Assistant Director of Sales at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver and later in the corporate HQ in... Read More →

Speakers

Sandy Angel

Senior Director, Technology & Information, AHLA

Tuesday October 29, 2024 11:30am - 12:45pm CDT
Solutions Stage (Expo Hall)

Solutions Stage - Expo

Registration Pass All Access Pass, Expo Pass
Audience Technology, Strategic Procurement, Operator, Owner, Management Company, General Manager, Sales & Marketing

12:00pm CDT

Hospitality Workforce Solutions

Tuesday October 29, 2024 12:00pm - 12:20pm CDT

Spotlight Stage (Expo Hall)

A discussion regarding a permanent solution to meet your labor needs.

Speakers

Robert Lubin

Managing Partner, American International & Immigration Law

Robert Lubin (Managing Partner) attended law school at the University of Miami in Florida, where he earned his J.D. and LL.M., Masters of Law in Taxation. Mr. Lubin has since practiced business immigration and investor immigration law for over 35 years. He has been innovative... Read More →

Neil Sawyer

Sr. Attorney, Partner, American International & Immigration Law

Neil Sawyer (Sr. Attorney, Partner)received his J.D. from New England Law I Boston in 2018 and has been practicing business immigration law in the Washington, DC and San Diego, California areas. After moving from Maggio-Kattar, a D.C. based immigration firm where he assisted foreign... Read More →

Tuesday October 29, 2024 12:00pm - 12:20pm CDT
Spotlight Stage (Expo Hall)

Spotlight Stage - Expo

Registration Pass All Access Pass, Expo Pass
Audience General Manager, Management Company, Operator, Owner, Technology

1:00pm CDT

F&B Trends – Stories From The Hotel P&L

Tuesday October 29, 2024 1:00pm - 1:25pm CDT

F&B Theatre (Expo Hall)

Discover the evolving role of Food & Beverage (F&B) in driving profitability in the hospitality industry. Presented by Hotstats, this session delves into the latest F&B trends and their direct impact on hotel profit and loss (P&L) statements, providing critical insights that go beyond the surface of traditional revenue streams.

In today’s challenging economic environment, hotel F&B operations can no longer be viewed as a secondary offering. They are essential, revenue-driving assets that, when optimized, can significantly boost RevPAR (Revenue Per Available Room), TRevPAR (Total Revenue Per Available Room), and GOP (Gross Operating Profit). Using real-world examples and in-depth financial data from Hotstats, we’ll uncover how changes in consumer preferences, operational strategies, and menu innovation are reshaping the way hotels approach their F&B programs.

Tuesday October 29, 2024 1:00pm - 1:25pm CDT
F&B Theatre (Expo Hall)

F&B Theatre - Expo

Registration Pass All Access Pass, Expo Pass
Audience Operator, General Manager, Management Company, Sales & Marketing, Strategic Procurement, Owner

1:00pm CDT

Smart Growth: Strategic Hotel Development

Tuesday October 29, 2024 1:00pm - 1:30pm CDT

Solutions Stage (Expo Hall)

Explore how strategic decisions in hotel development can drive profitability. This panel brings together experts in real estate, finance, legal, design, and technology to discuss market analysis, sustainable practices, and operational efficiency strategies. Gain insights into the latest trends and best practices to ensure your hotel projects are both innovative and profitable.

Moderators

Daniel Lesser

Co-Founder, President & CEO, LW Hospitality Advisors

Daniel H. Lesser, Co-Founder, President, & CEO of LW Hospitality Advisors has more than forty years of specialized experience worldwide in hospitality related: real estate appraisals, economic feasibility evaluations, investment counseling, asset management, receivership, and transactional... Read More →

Speakers

Ryan Bosch

Principal, Arriba Capital

Ryan brings over two decades of expertise as a Principal at Arriba Capital. With a remarkable portfolio encompassing over $2 billion in total capitalizations across 140 deals, Ryan has built a reputation for excellence in hospitality debt & structured finance.Ryan has vast experience... Read More →

Nilesh Patel

Senior Attorney, MW Law

Nilesh Patel is a dedicated commercial real estate and hospitality attorney at MW Law. Spending 15 years growing up inside of a motel/hotel, Nilesh has a wide range of experience in protecting business owners’ interests. This unique upbringing has given him a deep understanding... Read More →

Daniel Peek

President, Hotels & Hospitality, Americas, JLL

Daniel C. Peek serves as JLL's President of Hotels & Hospitality for the Americas region. Based out of JLL’s Tampa office, Peek focuses on driving client relationship management, investment sales, financing, tax and asset management strategies. Over the course of his career, he... Read More →

Joe Piantedosi

Executive Vice President, Asset Management, Park Hotels & Resorts

Joseph M. Piantedosi serves as Executive Vice President, Asset Management of Park Hotels & Resorts Inc. Mr. Piantedosi joined Park in 2017 and was named Executive Vice President in 2023. Prior to joining Park, Mr. Piantedosi served as Vice President, Asset Management at DiamondRock... Read More →

Tuesday October 29, 2024 1:00pm - 1:30pm CDT
Solutions Stage (Expo Hall)

Solutions Stage - Expo

Registration Pass All Access Pass, Expo Pass
Audience General Manager, Management Company, Operator, Owner, Sales & Marketing, Strategic Procurement, Technology

1:30pm CDT

Enhancing Efficiency: 5 Steps to Touchless AP Automation in Hospitality

Tuesday October 29, 2024 1:30pm - 1:50pm CDT

Spotlight Stage (Expo Hall)

If you’re finding it harder to automate your back office these days, you are not alone. Economic turbulence and capital constraints are holding more hospitality management groups back and rising payment fraud is chipping away at profits. But one growth-generating tool may lie in a surprising place: your accounts payable department. Join us for this educational session as we discuss the unique constraints faced by hospitality management groups and their impact on growth, reveal how conventional approaches to processing and paying invoices hinder cash flow and leave back office teams vulnerable to fraud, and provide an action plan for liberating capital and mitigating risk with invoice-to-pay automation.

What you will learn:

- Emerging Trends In Payment Fraud and the latest stats
-How traditional AP processes trap cash and leave AP teams vulnerable to fraud
-The growth-generating benefits of implementing invoice-to-pay automation
-Successful strategies for liberating working capital and mitigating the risk of fraud
-An action plan for automating the invoice-to-pay process

Speakers

Jack Moysey

Director of AP Automation, Edenred Pay

Tuesday October 29, 2024 1:30pm - 1:50pm CDT
Spotlight Stage (Expo Hall)

Spotlight Stage - Expo

Registration Pass All Access Pass, Expo Pass
Audience General Manager, Management Company, Operator, Owner, Sales & Marketing, Technology, Strategic Procurement

1:45pm CDT

The Sensory Experience & the Impact on Profitability

Tuesday October 29, 2024 1:45pm - 2:15pm CDT

Solutions Stage (Expo Hall)

What makes a guest's stay memorable? Why do some hotels inspire guests to wax poetic about them on social media? Come find out about the subtle ways to boost your likeability, endear yourself to guests and enhance profits.

Moderators

Sarah Dandashy

Travel + Hospitality Consultant, Ask A Concierge

Sarah Dandashy is a verified TV travel expert, best-selling author, and keynote speaker. With over 18 years of experience in hospitality, Sarah's career took off as a luxury hotel concierge, where she earned numerous accolades and laid the foundation for her widely recognized brand... Read More →

Speakers

Scott Eddy

Founder, MrScottEddy

After 10 years in investment banking, I moved overseas and lived in Europe and Asia for 17 years. While living in Bangkok, I started the first digital agency in Asia, we were the 'go-to' agency when the region was really establishing itself as a destination, and it remained the biggest... Read More →

Matt Edgar

President, Pineapple Audio

Matt Edgar is a pioneering entrepreneur and CEO, known for elevating the hospitality industry through innovative audio experiences. As the founder of Pineapple Audio, he has redefined how sound enhances customer engagement and ambiance in public spaces, driving increased satisfaction... Read More →

Brent Hayhurst

Vice President, Program Development, Curator Hotel & Resort Collection

As Vice President of Program Development, Brent is responsible for creating member value through preferred vendor partnerships and agreements. Brent leverages a variety of management and leadership experience with roles in the hospitality, telecommunications, and energy industries... Read More →

Steve Palmer

Founder and Chief Visionary Officer, Indigo Road Hospitality Group (IRHG)

Best-selling author, TedX speaker, James Beard semifinalist, industry leader, mental health advocate, restaurateur, and more, Steve Palmer is founder, managing partner and most significantly, chief vision officer, of the nationally recognized Indigo Road Hospitality Group (IRHG... Read More →

Tuesday October 29, 2024 1:45pm - 2:15pm CDT
Solutions Stage (Expo Hall)

Solutions Stage - Expo

Registration Pass All Access Pass, Expo Pass
Audience General Manager, Management Company, Operator, Owner, Sales & Marketing, Strategic Procurement, Technology

2:00pm CDT

From Reactive to Proactive: Reduce Operational Costs with Smart Device Management

Tuesday October 29, 2024 2:00pm - 2:20pm CDT

Spotlight Stage (Expo Hall)

In today's fast-paced hospitality industry, operational efficiency is key to profitability. Yet many businesses still rely on reactive maintenance practices that lead to unexpected downtime, higher costs, and disruptions to guest experiences.

Speakers

Michelle Potorski

Vice President and General Manager, B2B Duracell Professional North America, Procell

Michelle Potorski is the Vice President & General Manager of Duracell B2B sector. In this role, Michelle is responsible for driving the global strategy, growth, and operations of the Procell brand as well as Duracell OEM. She oversees product development, marketing, sales, and customer... Read More →

Tuesday October 29, 2024 2:00pm - 2:20pm CDT
Spotlight Stage (Expo Hall)

Spotlight Stage - Expo

Registration Pass All Access Pass, Expo Pass
Audience General Manager, Management Company, Operator, Owner, Sales & Marketing, Strategic Procurement, Technology

2:00pm CDT

Changing Mindset – How High Performing Teams Think Differently

Tuesday October 29, 2024 2:00pm - 2:25pm CDT

F&B Theatre (Expo Hall)

Transform your team's performance by shifting their mindset towards innovation and adaptability. This session will explore the strategies high-performing teams use to think differently and stay ahead.

Understand why traditional approaches no longer suffice and identify reasons for change.
Learn how to cultivate a mindset that embraces new ways of thinking.
Discover the power of speed and innovation as key drivers of success.

Speakers

Scot Turner

Founder & Managing Director, Auden Hospitality

With an extensive and dynamic career spanning continents and decades, Scot Turner stands out as a thought leader in the hospitality industry. His profound expertise was honed in the bustling environments of high-profile establishments across England, Europe, and the Middle East, but... Read More →

Tuesday October 29, 2024 2:00pm - 2:25pm CDT
F&B Theatre (Expo Hall)

F&B Theatre - Expo

Registration Pass All Access Pass, Expo Pass
Audience General Manager, Operator, Owner

2:30pm CDT

Enhancing Hospitality Design: Advanced Network Solutions and Strategic Partnerships

Tuesday October 29, 2024 2:30pm - 2:50pm CDT

Spotlight Stage (Expo Hall)

Hospitality projects can be complex, and understanding your options can significantly influence your design decisions. Join Belden, Tellabs, and UberData for a brief discussion on advanced network solutions, powering options, and how collaborating with the right partners can facilitate innovative approaches and enhance guest experiences.

Speakers

Tim Spurgeon

VP of Enterprise Sales, Tellabs

Tim Spurgeon, Vice President of Enterprise Sales, has been with Tellabs since 2016. In his tenure, he has overseen sales operations across the U.S. and International territories. Under his leadership, Tellabs secured key wins with prestigious clients such as the Orlando International... Read More →

Ron Tellas

Sr. Solution Architect, Enterprise Solutions, Belden

Ron Tellas is a subject-matter expert in RF design and electromagnetic propagation and joined Belden in 2016 to help define the roadmap of technology and applications in smart buildings. He now takes these experiences to incorporate systems, equipment and connectivity into network... Read More →

Jeff Van Horne

CEO | President, UberData Networks

Jeff is the CEO and President of UberData Networks, a leading data communications system integrator specializing in Optical LAN solutions for the Hospitality market. A graduate of The Ohio State University and Southern Methodist University with multiple degrees in Electrical Engineering... Read More →

Tuesday October 29, 2024 2:30pm - 2:50pm CDT
Spotlight Stage (Expo Hall)

Spotlight Stage - Expo

Registration Pass All Access Pass, Expo Pass
Audience Strategic Procurement, Sales & Marketing, Owner, Management Company, Operator, General Manager

2:30pm CDT

Bold Tech for Boutique Success: Enhancing The Guest Experience

Tuesday October 29, 2024 2:30pm - 3:00pm CDT

Solutions Stage (Expo Hall)

How can technology free up your employees to better serve guests. We'll hear from top women in hospitality about what technology is accomplishing on property that really makes the difference in guest experience and your bottom line. Learn how you can accomplish the same thing at your property, no matter the size.

Moderators

Suzanne Bagnera, PhD, CHA

Assistant Professor & Director, Executive Education, Florida International University, Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management

Suzanne Markham Bagnera, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor and the Director of Executive Education at the Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Florida International University. She brings more than 22 years of higher education experience and more than 25 years of... Read More →

Speakers

Suchi Reddy

Chief Information Officer, Visual Matrix

Suchi Reddy is the Chief Information Officer at Visual Matrix, where she oversees IT and Operations teams. With over 25 years of experience, she has a proven track record in project management, quality control, and information security across various industries. Her expertise includes... Read More →

Kristie Goshow

Chief Commercial Officer, KSL Resorts

Amy Hulbert

Vice President, Boutique and Upscale Brands, BWH Hotels

Amy Hulbert is vice president of boutique and upscale brands for BWH Hotel Group. A 25-year veteran of the hospitality design industry, Hulbert joined the company in 2010 and now leads the brand team in helping promote the successful growth and performance of its upscale and boutique... Read More →

Dina Belon

President, Staypineapple Hotels

"With almost 30 years in the hospitality industry, Dina has spent the past eight years in progressive leadership roles with Staypineapple Hotels. She started leading real estate assets and transitioned to Chief Operating Officer, followed by her most recent appointment as President... Read More →

Michelle Session

Principal, Westline Properties LLC

Michelle is an accomplished executive with over 20 years of experience in hospitality and real estate. As Chief Operating Officer of Jensen Orehi Properties and Principal of Operations and Strategy at Kensington Investment Group, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership for the... Read More →

Tuesday October 29, 2024 2:30pm - 3:00pm CDT
Solutions Stage (Expo Hall)

Solutions Stage - Expo

Registration Pass All Access Pass, Expo Pass
Audience Management Company, Operator, Owner, General Manager, Technology, Sales & Marketing, Strategic Procurement

3:15pm CDT

Marketing Masterclass: How To Thrive in A Competitive Landscape

Tuesday October 29, 2024 3:15pm - 3:45pm CDT

Solutions Stage (Expo Hall)

In today’s crowded and competitive marketplace, standing out is more critical than ever. Join this interactive panel session where marketing experts—from independent businesses to branded management groups—will share actionable strategies to elevate your brand and help you stand out. Discover how to build a new or lasting reputation, maximize both online and offline channels, and drive revenue while fostering customer loyalty. Walk away with practical insights to boost your marketing efforts and set your business apart at any budget.

Moderators

Kaleigh Wiese

CEO + Founder, Ode Places + Méldeen

Kaleigh is a creative force, problem solver, brand strategist, and business consultant with nearly 20 years of experience supporting hospitality and service-based companies. She has helped over 1,000 businesses, both fractionally and within a creative agency capacity, discover their... Read More →

Speakers

Melanie Calcagno

Vice President of Sales, Jacaruso Enterprises

Melanie’s real-life, in-the-trenches business experience includes 20+ years in the hospitality industry. Her diverse knowledge of operational and sales expertise captivates audiences. Using storytelling, techniques in relationship selling and how to close a sale, Melanie teaches... Read More →

Kimberly Erwin

Principal, Lotus Marketing

Kim is an exceptional hotel marketing professional with extensive expertise across a variety of prominent travel brands. Beginning her career at Hilton Hotels as an on-property sales coordinator, she later served as Director of Private Label Brands at The Mark Travel Corporation... Read More →

Keath Jacoby

Owner & CMO, Hotel Lucine

Keath Jacoby is a co-owner and CMO of of Hotel Lucine, a new 61 room boutique hotel located in Galveston, TX. She is a marketing and branding expert and community developer who has a passion and enthusiasm for working with startups, lifestyle brands, and entrepreneurs. For more than... Read More →

Donte Johnson

General Manager, Thompson Atlanta - Buckhead

A native of Washington, DC and graduate of Saint Peter’s University (2001, Communications), Donte Johnson began his career in the hospitality industry in 2001 with Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants and during his time with the company held several positions including concierge, director... Read More →

Tuesday October 29, 2024 3:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
Solutions Stage (Expo Hall)

Solutions Stage - Expo

Registration Pass All Access Pass, Expo Pass
Audience General Manager, Management Company, Operator, Owner, Sales & Marketing, Strategic Procurement, Technology

3:30pm CDT

Using Technology to Eliminate Crime and Combat Human Trafficking

Tuesday October 29, 2024 3:30pm - 3:50pm CDT

Spotlight Stage (Expo Hall)

The hospitality industry is particularly sensitive to criminal activities, given the transient nature of guests, easy access to semi-public areas, and guests' unfamiliarity with their surroundings. However, much of hotel security is focused in the building itself rather than around the perimeter. In this session, we'll discuss the role of license plate recognition (LPR) cameras in bolstering hotel security in the parking lot, where just under 10 percent of all violent crimes occur (per National Institute of Justice reporting). LPR cameras provide a crucial layer of protection by capturing and analyzing license plates in real time, identifying known suspect vehicles or vehicles associated with trafficked persons, and alerting security teams proactively. LPR technology also provides critical evidence when a guest or employee reports that a crime has occurred, leading to an actionable investigative avenue for a detective. This session will detail best practices for deploying intelligent technology like LPR cameras in a layered approach to strong perimeter security in hotels of all sizes.

Tuesday October 29, 2024 3:30pm - 3:50pm CDT
Spotlight Stage (Expo Hall)

Spotlight Stage - Expo

Registration Pass All Access Pass, Expo Pass
Audience Technology, Operator, Owner, Management Company, General Manager

4:00pm CDT

Property Management: Past, Present, and Future

Tuesday October 29, 2024 4:00pm - 4:30pm CDT

Solutions Stage (Expo Hall)

No area is more critical to successful property operations, and profitability, than Property Management. Managing a property successfully has always been central. Today - with more pressure than ever on the bottom line, realizing efficiencies to effectively manage labor costs, and keeping up with quickly evolving guest preferences - it’s never been more important to draw on the time tested practices of the past, and leverage the latest technology. This panel brings together a uniquely experienced, creative group of property management experts, asset managers and innovators to guide hoteliers toward property management success - now, and in the future.

Moderators

Michael Frenkel

President, MFC PR, Travel Conversations LLC

Michael Frenkel is a hotel industry investor, advisor, thought leader and strategic communications/Go to Market consultant. He founded the industry’s leading public relations firm, MFC PR, in 2000, and its top thought leadership platform and strategic consultancy, Travel Conversations... Read More →

Speakers

Chris O'Donnell

Chief Operating Officer, Atrium Hospitality

As Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Atrium Hospitality, Chris O’Donnell is responsible for oversight of all operational performance throughout the company’s award-winning hotel portfolio in 27 states. As one of the nation’s largest hotel operators, Atrium Hospitality manages... Read More →

Charles Oswald

CEO, Aperture Hotels

Charles is CEO of Aperture Hotels, a third-party hotel management company operating Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, and independent upscale and upper-upscale hotels in the select service, compact full-service, and lifestyle categories.With a background in hotel investment, development... Read More →

Adam Harris

CEO, Cloudbeds

Adam Harris is the co-founder and CEO of Cloudbeds, the hospitality management platform powering more reservations and happier guests for lodging businesses worldwide. His people-centered leadership, alongside a fully-remote, distributed workforce of 700+ people in more than 40+ countries... Read More →

Jacob Messina

CEO, Stayntouch

Jacob Messina, CEO of Stayntouch, is a seasoned leader with a profound understanding of technology's critical role in the hospitality sector. Before taking the reins at Stayntouch, he served as the Senior Vice President of Technology & Innovation at MCR Hotels, where he oversaw technology... Read More →

Tuesday October 29, 2024 4:00pm - 4:30pm CDT
Solutions Stage (Expo Hall)

Solutions Stage - Expo

Registration Pass All Access Pass, Expo Pass
Audience Management Company, General Manager, Operator, Owner, Technology

6:00pm CDT

River Walk Block Party: Hard Rock, sponsored by Hotel Management

Tuesday October 29, 2024 6:00pm - 9:00pm CDT

Hard Rock Cafe

Networking on a new level! Enjoy three networking parties as you hop around the River Walk.

Party 1: Howl at the Moon, sponsored by Procell
Party 2: Hard Rock Cafe, sponsored by Hotel Management
Party 3: Merkaba, sponsored by Clear

Tuesday October 29, 2024 6:00pm - 9:00pm CDT
Hard Rock Cafe 111 W Crockett St, San Antonio, TX 78205

Networking

Registration Pass All Access Pass, Expo Pass
Audience General Manager, Management Company, Operator, Owner, Sales & Marketing, Strategic Procurement, Technology

6:00pm CDT

River Walk Block Party: Howl at the Moon, sponsored by Procell

Tuesday October 29, 2024 6:00pm - 9:00pm CDT

Howl at the Moon

Networking on a new level! Enjoy three networking parties as you hop around the River Walk.

Party 1: Howl at the Moon, sponsored by Procell
Party 2: Hard Rock Cafe
Party 3: Merkaba, sponsored by Clear

Tuesday October 29, 2024 6:00pm - 9:00pm CDT
Howl at the Moon 111 W. Crockett Street St. #201, San Antonio, TX 78205

Networking

Registration Pass All Access Pass, Expo Pass
Audience General Manager, Management Company, Operator, Owner, Sales & Marketing, Strategic Procurement, Technology

6:00pm CDT

River Walk Block Party: Merkaba, sponsored by Clear

Tuesday October 29, 2024 6:00pm - 9:00pm CDT

Merkaba

Tuesday October 29, 2024 6:00pm - 9:00pm CDT
Merkaba 111 W Crockett St St.Suite 205, San Antonio, TX 78205

Networking

Registration Pass All Access Pass, Expo Pass
Audience General Manager, Management Company, Operator, Owner, Sales & Marketing, Strategic Procurement, Technology

9:00am CDT

Welcome Back

Wednesday October 30, 2024 9:00am - 9:02am CDT

Main Stage (Ballroom Level)

Speakers

Kevin Carey

Interim CEO & President, AHLA

Alexi Khajavi

President, Questex Hospitality, Travel & Wellness

Wednesday October 30, 2024 9:00am - 9:02am CDT
Main Stage (Ballroom Level)

Main Stage

Registration Pass All Access Pass
Audience General Manager, Management Company, Operator, Owner, Sales & Marketing, Strategic Procurement, Technology

9:02am CDT

AHLA Foundation Message & Intro to Talk of the Titans: Leading Beyond Boundaries

Wednesday October 30, 2024 9:02am - 9:12am CDT

Main Stage (Ballroom Level)

Speakers

Anna Blue

President, AHLA Foundation

Anna Blue brings more than two decades of social impact leadership to her role as President of the AHLA Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. A seasoned executor, Anna’s career has centered on advancing deep-rooted systemic change in urban education... Read More →

Wednesday October 30, 2024 9:02am - 9:12am CDT
Main Stage (Ballroom Level)

Main Stage

Registration Pass All Access Pass
Audience General Manager, Management Company, Operator, Owner, Sales & Marketing, Strategic Procurement, Technology
Qtag featuredsession

9:12am CDT

Keynote Session | Talk of the Titans: Leading Beyond Boundaries

Wednesday October 30, 2024 9:12am - 10:00am CDT

Main Stage (Ballroom Level)

Sheila Johnson, Founder & CEO of Salamander Collection, and FOX Sports Broadcaster, Erin Andrews discuss their paths as trailblazing women, sharing insights on leadership, resilience, and creating meaningful connections in the world of business, sports, media, and hospitality. They explore how diversity, teamwork, and staying authentic have shaped their success, offering advice to aspiring leaders on building a lasting impact.

Speakers

Sheila Johnson

Founder & CEO, Salamander Collection

Sheila Johnson is Founder & CEO of Salamander Collection. Rated the top luxury hotel brand by USA TODAY, the company operates luxury properties centered around unique destinations in the US and the Caribbean including Salamander Middleburg, which is one of only five properties in... Read More →

Erin Andrews

FOX Sports Broadcaster

Erin Andrews is an Emmy nominated sports broadcaster as part FOX Sports’ A Team. Andrews can be seen weekly on “FOX NFL Sunday,” a show that records a staggering 56.4 million unique viewers, doing sideline coverage and features, as well as reporting for “America’s Game of... Read More →

Wednesday October 30, 2024 9:12am - 10:00am CDT
Main Stage (Ballroom Level)

Main Stage, Keynote

Registration Pass All Access Pass
Audience General Manager, Management Company, Operator, Owner, Sales & Marketing, Strategic Procurement, Technology

9:30am CDT

Charity Activity: Build Hygiene Kits

Wednesday October 30, 2024 9:30am - 11:30am CDT

'Meet Me in the Lobby' Activation (Expo Hall)

Join fellow attendees in building 1,000 hygiene kits made from recycled soap and toiletries for those in need. All kits will be donated to a local shelter after the event.

Powered by Clean the World

Wednesday October 30, 2024 9:30am - 11:30am CDT
'Meet Me in the Lobby' Activation (Expo Hall)

Networking

Registration Pass All Access Pass, Expo Pass
Audience General Manager, Management Company, Operator, Owner, Strategic Procurement, Sales & Marketing, Technology

10:00am CDT

The Profitable Stay: Leveraging Hotel Technology

Wednesday October 30, 2024 10:00am - 10:25am CDT

Main Stage (Ballroom Level)

Explore how cutting-edge technology can revolutionize hotel operations and drive profitability. Industry leaders will discuss the integration of digital tools—from smart room technology to AI-driven customer service solutions—that enhance guest experiences while optimizing costs. Discover how data analytics can inform strategic decisions and streamline processes. Whether you're looking to upgrade your property tech or overhaul your operational approach, this session will provide valuable insights into harnessing technology to ensure your hotel's success in a competitive market.

Moderators

Alex Alt

Executive Vice President, Oracle Hospitality and Oracle Retail

As Executive Vice President of Oracle Hospitality and Oracle Retail, Alex is responsible for driving technology innovation and delivering business critical solutions to hospitality and retail customers worldwide. With progressive leadership roles in technology and industry operations... Read More →

Speakers

Jennifer Barnwell

President, Curator Hotel & Resort Collection

As President of Curator Hotel & Resort Collection, Jennifer Barnwell teamed up with multiple visionaries to launch this one-of-a-kind platform in November 2020. Curator Hotel & Resort Collection provides independent hotels and resorts with the power to compete together through program... Read More →

Brian Kirkland

Chief Information Officer, Choice Hotels

Brian Kirkland is Chief Information Officer for Choice Hotels International, one of the world’s largest hotel companies. He oversees the company’s Information Technology organization, and is responsible for leading overall IT strategy, development, and infrastructure, all aligning... Read More →

Greg Land

Global Industry Leader - Hospitality, AWS

Greg Land serves as Global Industry Leader in the Travel & Hospitality industry vertical, with responsibility for go-to-market strategy, business development and industry solutions development for accommodation, lodging, casino and cruise customers.Prior to joining AWS, he served... Read More →

Scott Wilson

President, Sabre Hospitality

As president of Sabre Hospitality, Scott Wilson oversees the company’s efforts to provide seamless retailing, distribution, and fulfillment solutions that meet the needs of hoteliers worldwide and deliver curated and personalized guest experiences. His leadership is instrumental... Read More →

Wednesday October 30, 2024 10:00am - 10:25am CDT
Main Stage (Ballroom Level)

Main Stage

Registration Pass All Access Pass
Audience Owner, Technology, General Manager, Management Company, Operator, Sales & Marketing, Strategic Procurement
Qtag featuredsession

10:25am CDT

Green to Gold: Sustainability as Profit

Wednesday October 30, 2024 10:25am - 10:50am CDT

Main Stage (Ballroom Level)

Discover how going green can also mean increasing your profits. Experts will discuss the economic benefits of sustainable practices in the hospitality industry, from energy-efficient operations to waste reduction and eco-friendly amenities. Learn about the latest sustainability trends that not only appeal to eco-conscious guests but also reduce costs and drive revenue. This session is perfect for hoteliers looking to enhance their environmental footprint while boosting their bottom line.

Moderators

Michael Morton

Senior Vice President of Brand Management and Member Services, BWH Hotels

Michael Morton is Senior Vice President of brand management and member services for BWH Hotels. Morton’s responsibilities include key departments within the hotel company, including owner relations, revenue management, education and training, design, supply and global quality assurance... Read More →

Speakers

Joanna Abrams

Founder & CEO, MindClick

JoAnna Abrams is Founder and CEO of MindClick, a supply chain data and analytics company dedicated to advancing positive environmental and social impact in the global hospitality industry.Through ratings and analytics for more than 150,000 products from hundreds of manufacturers... Read More →

Ian Koehler

VP, Global Marketing & Customer Experience, Guest Worldwide

Ian Koehler is the Vice President, Global Marketing & Customer Experience of Guest Worldwide, a Sysco company and leading global provider of hospitality products and solutions for the hospitality, healthcare, and education markets. In his role, Ian is responsible for the development... Read More →

Anick Levesque

Managing Director, Green Key Global, Green Key Global

As the Managing Director of Green Key Global, North America’s leading sustainability certification program, Anick plays a critical role in advancing sustainability efforts in the hospitality sector.Anick works with industry players across the globe to ensure that the Green Key Global... Read More →

Emilio Tenuta

Senior Vice President & Chief Sustainability Officer, Ecolab

Emilio Tenuta's 40-year tenure at Ecolab includes more than 25 years of technical, marketing and business management experience in various industries including Food and Beverage, Pharmaceutical, Lodging, Healthcare, Primary Metals and Automotive. For the past 15 years, Tenuta has... Read More →

Wednesday October 30, 2024 10:25am - 10:50am CDT
Main Stage (Ballroom Level)

Main Stage

Registration Pass All Access Pass
Audience Owner, Management Company, Strategic Procurement, Operator, Sales & Marketing, Technology, General Manager
Qtag featuredsession

10:50am CDT

Closing Remarks

Wednesday October 30, 2024 10:50am - 10:55am CDT

Main Stage (Ballroom Level)

Speakers

Kevin Carey

Interim CEO & President, AHLA

Alexi Khajavi

President, Questex Hospitality, Travel & Wellness

Wednesday October 30, 2024 10:50am - 10:55am CDT
Main Stage (Ballroom Level)

Main Stage

Registration Pass All Access Pass
Audience General Manager, Management Company, Operator, Owner, Sales & Marketing, Strategic Procurement, Technology

11:00am CDT

Expo Opens

Wednesday October 30, 2024 11:00am - 4:00pm CDT

Expo Hall

Expo Hall Hours: Tuesday, October 29 from 11am-5pm and Wednesday, October 30 from 11am-4pm.

Wednesday October 30, 2024 11:00am - 4:00pm CDT
Expo Hall

Expo

Registration Pass All Access Pass, Expo Pass
Audience General Manager, Management Company, Operator, Owner, Sales & Marketing, Strategic Procurement, Technology

11:30am CDT

Next-Gen Hospitality: Embracing AI with Salesforce

Wednesday October 30, 2024 11:30am - 11:50am CDT

Spotlight Stage (Expo Hall)

Evaluate your readiness for AI and explore how to seamlessly adopt Salesforce’s AI solutions. Position your business as a leader in innovation and service excellence within the hospitality industry.

Speakers

Jack Wang

Lead Solution Engineer, Salesforce

Jack is a Lead Solution Engineer at Salesforce with over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, spanning operations, management, and technology consulting. He has supported high-touch, high-volume, and gaming businesses, ranging from independent hotels to global chains... Read More →

Wednesday October 30, 2024 11:30am - 11:50am CDT
Spotlight Stage (Expo Hall)

Spotlight Stage - Expo

Registration Pass All Access Pass, Expo Pass
Audience Technology, Operator, Management Company, Sales & Marketing

12:30pm CDT

The Future of Cities & Reimagined Hospitality

Wednesday October 30, 2024 12:30pm - 1:00pm CDT

Solutions Stage (Expo Hall)

As cities reimagine and rebuild their urban centers, hospitality must adapt and reimagine it's future alongside this change. How can hotels be a part of this revitalization and add to it in dynamic and new ways. Learn about the new frontiers of opportunity from those reshaping our cities and envisioning new ways to utilize the urban core.

Moderators

David Goldstone

Chief Revenue Officer & Executive Vice President, WorldVue

David Goldstone has served in various executive management positions within the industry for over 20 years. He is one of only five recipients of the prestigious AH&LA’s John Whitaker Award for his dedication and commitment to the hotel industry. He is an experienced executive... Read More →

Speakers

Jordan Bernstein

Head of Development Strategy & Operations, Mint House

In his role at Mint House, Jordan is responsible for driving the strategic direction and implementation of the company’s growth and development.Mint House is a premium residential hospitality operator in the short-term rental category. Mint House partners with real estate owners... Read More →

Michael Jacobson

President and CEO, Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association

Michael Jacobson was named President and CEO of the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association (IHLA) in October of 2018. In his role, he is proud to represent the 1,500 hotels and other hospitality stakeholders throughout the state. Since joining the organization, Michael has bolstered... Read More →

Joshua Miller

Senior Vice President, Revenue Optimization, Towne Park

Joshua Miller is Towne Park’s Senior Vice President of Revenue Optimization. In this role, he is responsible for maximizing parking revenue for both Towne Park and its clients, overseeing the commercialization, sales, client support, and success of parking solutions. With over 35... Read More →

Tracy Payne

Senior Interior Designer | Principal, Populous

Tracy Payne has 25 years of experience designing fresh and innovative hospitality-driven interiors including bars, clubs, hospitality, branded environments and sportsvenues. Her expertise in the design of premium spaces that tell an authentic and unique story is well respected in... Read More →

Wednesday October 30, 2024 12:30pm - 1:00pm CDT
Solutions Stage (Expo Hall)

Solutions Stage - Expo

Registration Pass All Access Pass, Expo Pass
Audience General Manager, Management Company, Operator, Owner, Sales & Marketing, Strategic Procurement, Technology

1:00pm CDT

Achieving Superior Service: 2024 Hospitality Forecast

Wednesday October 30, 2024 1:00pm - 1:20pm CDT

Spotlight Stage (Expo Hall)

Explore some of the communication and hospitality trends driving best-in-class guest service featured in Relay's 2024 Hospitality Report. From contactless tech & AI to automated guest systems, the report explores how emerging technology is not here to replace guest personalization, but enhance it. During this session, discover top hiring challenges, the impact of high levels of communication on guest experience, the technology investments your peers are making, and more. Relay is a real-time cloud-based platform that enables instant, push-to-talk communications and streamlined operations for frontline teams, improving efficiency and collaboration across the hospitality industry and beyond.

Speakers

Derek Pando

Director of Product Marketing, RelayPro

Derek Pando is the Director of Product Marketing at Relay. Prior to Relay he worked at various high-growth enterprise software companies including Zoom, Salesforce and LinkedIn, where he held a variety of different marketing roles. He holds an undergraduate degree in Political Science... Read More →

Wednesday October 30, 2024 1:00pm - 1:20pm CDT
Spotlight Stage (Expo Hall)

Spotlight Stage - Expo

Registration Pass All Access Pass, Expo Pass
Audience General Manager, Management Company, Operator, Owner, Sales & Marketing

1:00pm CDT

Leading The Future - 5 Proven Strategies to Drive Engagement, Cultivate Wellness and Avoid Burnout

Wednesday October 30, 2024 1:00pm - 1:25pm CDT

F&B Theatre (Expo Hall)

Unlock the secrets to thriving in the hospitality industry by prioritizing self-care and fostering a cohesive, high-performing team. This session will equip you with the tools to build a culture of clarity, recognition, and engagement.

Understand the importance of self-care in maintaining effective leadership.
Learn strategies for clear and consistent communication to enhance team cohesion.
Discover the impact of recognition on team performance and morale.
Explore methods to achieve team agreement and co-create an execution-focused culture.

Speakers

Matt Rofe

Hospitality Leadership Coach, Matt Rolfe Coaching

Matt Rolfe is a coach, speaker, bestselling author, and entrepreneur dedicated to empowering leaders in the hospitality industry. Specializing in personal development, employee engagement, and strategic execution, Matt mentors the top 10 percent of the industry's leadership teams... Read More →

Wednesday October 30, 2024 1:00pm - 1:25pm CDT
F&B Theatre (Expo Hall)

F&B Theatre - Expo

Registration Pass All Access Pass, Expo Pass
Audience General Manager, Management Company, Operator, Owner

1:15pm CDT

Creative Ways to Build and Strengthen Today's Hospitality Workforce

Wednesday October 30, 2024 1:15pm - 1:45pm CDT

Solutions Stage (Expo Hall)

Learn about the many pathways for recruiting and retaining workers. Scholarships, apprenticeship programs and mentorship opportunities, and much more will be covered in this thoughtful discussion about how to foster the next generation of hospitality leaders.

Speakers

Jennifer Clark Fugolo

VP of Industry & Stakeholder Relations, AHLA Foundation

Jennifer Clark Fugolo is Vice President of Industry & Stakeholder Engagement for the AHLA Foundation. She oversees DE&I-informed program development and drives stakeholder engagement efforts that influence the adoption of AHLAF’s programs among the hotel industry and external partners... Read More →

Calvin Banks

SVP, People Development and Culture, Pyramid Global Hospitality

CALVIN J. BANKS JR.Sr. Vice President of People Development and CulturePyramid Global HospitalityCalvin J. Banks Jr. is responsible for the people development and organizational culture strategies at Pyramid Global Hospitality.Calvin brings more than 25 years of experience in the... Read More →

David Faro

Sr. Manager of Workforce and Business Development, National Restaurant Association

David Faro is a seasoned expert in workforce development and public administration. Currently serving as the Senior Manager of Workforce & Business Development at the National Restaurant Association, David collborates on high-impact initiatives that support the industry, the economy... Read More →

Kymberly Kuebler

Vice President Talent, Aimbridge Hospitality

Kymberly Kuebler is VP of Talent for Aimbridge Hospitality, the global leader in hotel and resort management. With more than 20 years’ experience in talent management, Ms. Kuebler’s responsibilities include attracting, retaining, and developing associates to support the company’s... Read More →

Adam Robinson

Co-Founder & CEO, Hireology

Adam Robinson is Co-Founder and CEO of Hireology, where he’s on a mission to help businesses succeed by building exceptional teams and workplace culture. He's a nationally recognized keynote speaker, author of The Best Team Wins: Build Your Business Through Predictive Hiring and... Read More →

Wednesday October 30, 2024 1:15pm - 1:45pm CDT
Solutions Stage (Expo Hall)

Solutions Stage - Expo

Registration Pass All Access Pass, Expo Pass
Audience Sales & Marketing, Owner, Operator, Management Company, General Manager, Technology

1:30pm CDT

How Work Gets Done in Hospitality with Slack

Wednesday October 30, 2024 1:30pm - 1:50pm CDT

Spotlight Stage (Expo Hall)

Delivering exceptional travel experiences continues to be the surest way of impressing customers and guests - and the best route to sustainable growth. There's a new, more efficient way to get work done when it all happens in Slack. Learn how hospitality leaders transform work to improve guest experiences by bringing their people, workflows, apps, customer data, and AI into a single work operating system.

Speakers

Whitney Henriquez

Lead Specialist Solution Engineer, Slack

Wednesday October 30, 2024 1:30pm - 1:50pm CDT
Spotlight Stage (Expo Hall)

Spotlight Stage - Expo

Registration Pass All Access Pass, Expo Pass
Audience Technology, Management Company, Operator, General Manager, Owner

2:00pm CDT

Live Hotel F&B Menu Read with Celebrity Chef Brian Duffy

Wednesday October 30, 2024 2:00pm - 2:25pm CDT

F&B Theatre (Expo Hall)

It's Not Just About Brand Loyalty Anymore... What Sets You Apart?

Are you making an impact with your guests beyond the front desk? It’s time to talk about your menu. What are your offerings? How creative are you? Are you incorporating the uniqueness of your property’s locality? What makes you better than the place down the street?

Join one of the USA's top Chef & Menu consultants, Chef Brian Duffy, for an eye-opening session. Bring your menu or simply listen to what Chef Duffy has to say. What’s the worst that could happen? You might keep serving eggs from a box—or you might just revolutionize your guest experience.

Presentation Highlights:

Improve Your Food Offerings and Kitchen Operations: Learn strategies to elevate your menu and streamline your kitchen processes for maximum efficiency and quality.
Adopt Culinary Technologies: Discover the latest culinary technologies and equipment that can revolutionize your kitchen’s performance and output.
Process and Culture for Success: Understand the critical processes and cultural elements needed to propel your operation to new heights.
Real and Upfront Assessments: Gain insights from 3 real-world assessments and learn to navigate common industry challenges with confidence.

Speakers

Brian Duffy

Owner, Duffified Experience Group

Chef Brian Duffy is one of the most passionate human beings in the hospitality world. His attention to details mixed with a deep love and passion for people drives him. He is the “real deal”. He makes an enormous impact on his clients and the staff he trains. When he speaks... Read More →

Wednesday October 30, 2024 2:00pm - 2:25pm CDT
F&B Theatre (Expo Hall)

F&B Theatre - Expo

Registration Pass All Access Pass, Expo Pass
Audience General Manager, Operator, Owner, Management Company, Sales & Marketing

2:00pm CDT

Brand Proliferation & Future Impact

Wednesday October 30, 2024 2:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

Solutions Stage (Expo Hall)

New brands are popping up everywhere. Come unpack this trend from multiple angles from the owner to the traveler and from the brands themselves. We'll help you make sense of it and understand what it means for the future of hospitality and your operating principles.

Moderators

Esther Hertzfeld

Senior Editor, Hotel Management

Esther Hertzfeld is senior editor at Hotel Management magazine, writing about the hospitality ecosystem, trends and relevant industry topics. Esther has been a contributing editor for the magazine since 2013 and served as the technology editor for many years before joining the magazine... Read More →

Speakers

Rebecca Mervis

Senior Director, Brand Management, Hampton by Hilton, Hilton Worldwide

Rebecca Mervis is the deputy lead for global brand strategy and management, leading key initiatives to strengthen brand positioning, market expansion, and cross-regional consistency for global powerhouse brand, Hampton by Hilton.

Zach Demuth

Global Head of Hotels Research, JLL

Based in New York City, Zach Demuth is the Global Head of Hotels Research in JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group. Mr. Demuth oversees the global hotel research platform and drives the group’s content and data analytics efforts. He is responsible for identifying industry trends across... Read More →

Jason LaBarge

Executive Vice President, Raines Co.

Jason LaBarge is the Executive Vice President at Raines Co. He brings over 20 years of hands-on experience in the hospitality industry. In his role, Jason oversees the day-to-day operations of the company. His responsibilities include supporting hotel strategy in operations, human... Read More →

Indy Adenaw

SVP, Upscale Brands, Choice Hotels

Indy Adenaw is the Senior Vice President and General Manager, Upscale Brands for Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the largest and most successful lodging franchisors in the world. In this role, he leads brand, operational and commercial performance for Cambria... Read More →

Ryan Rivett

President/CEO, My Place Hotels

Ryan Rivett is a charismatic leader and engaged entrepreneur in the hospitality industry. At the helm of a vertically integrated organization encompassing more than 40 companies and more than 600 employees, Ryan’s scope of responsibility as a corporate executive, real estate developer... Read More →

Wednesday October 30, 2024 2:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Solutions Stage (Expo Hall)

Solutions Stage - Expo

Registration Pass All Access Pass, Expo Pass
Audience Management Company, Operator, Owner, Sales & Marketing, General Manager

2:45pm CDT

Responsible Sourcing...Strategies and Solutions

Wednesday October 30, 2024 2:45pm - 3:15pm CDT

Solutions Stage (Expo Hall)

How do you navigate responsible sourcing from F&B to technology to housekeeping to renovations and then some – we’ll cover it all. We’ll look at sourcing from multiple points of view – brand, management companies, independents and vendors, to find the best strategies to meet the challenges of this complex landscape.

Moderators

Jennifer Glatt

Editor-in-Chief, Hotel Management, Questex

Jennifer Glatt is the Content Director for Questex Hospitality and the Editor-in-Chief of Hotel Management. She drives the content strategy across the HM website and magazine as well as the group’s hotel operations events, including Hotec Design, Hotec Operations and The Hospitality... Read More →

Speakers

Jen Collins

Co-Founder & President, Procure Impact

Jen Collins is Co-Founder & President of Procure Impact, a B2B Marketplace that helps corporations achieve their social impact goals and objectives through their everyday purchases. Procure Impact works collaboratively with procurement, retail, and purchasing departments to identify... Read More →

Wednesday October 30, 2024 2:45pm - 3:15pm CDT
Solutions Stage (Expo Hall)

Solutions Stage - Expo

Registration Pass All Access Pass, Expo Pass
Audience Management Company, Operator, Technology, Strategic Procurement, General Manager