For the current agenda, please visit lodgingconference.com

View Day: Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday

Agenda

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5th, 2025
View Day: Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday
Wildfire Golf Course, JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort and Spa
6:00pm
Glow Putt: Glow in the Dark Putting Contest and Networking Reception
A great way to kick off the Lodging Conference. Join in the fun as a golfer or cheer on participants of all skill levels as they engage in friendly competition. You must be registered for The Lodging Conference 2025 in order to participate.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 6th, 2025
View Day: Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday
You must be registered for The Lodging Conference 2025 in order to participate in hiking, pickleball or the golf tournament. These events run concurrently so you may only register for one.
6:00am
Snacks for Hiking, Pickleball and Golf
Provided by

Piestewa Peak
6:00am
Hiking (SOLD OUT)
Enjoy picturesque views on a hike in the Phoenix Mountain Reserve. Difficult and moderate options available. Led by Dukout Adventures. Bring sunscreen and bottled water.
Sponsored by

Meritage Tavern Terrace
7:05am
Golf Breakfast
Open to all golfers participating in the Wildfire Golf Club tournament.
Pickleball Courts
7:30am
Pickleball (SOLD OUT)
Everyone will have a great time on and off the court. All levels are welcome, including newcomers and experienced players.
Sponsored by


Wildfire Golf Club, JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort and Spa
7:45am
Golf Tournament (SOLD OUT)
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

Upper Lobby
10:00am - 8:00pm
Conference Registration | Name Badge Pickup

Lazy River
11:30am - 1:30pm
3rd Annual Lazy River Races
Do you have what it takes to float past your colleagues? Participate as a racer, cheer on your colleagues, or grab a rubber duck to compete on your behalf.
Sponsored by

Lower Lobby
12:00pm - 5:30pm
Twenty6 Lounge
Additional Hours: Tuesday 7:00am - 5:30pm | Wednesday 7:00am - 5:30pm
Sponsored by

Exhibit Hall Foyer
2:00pm
Afternoon Snacks
Sponsored by

Grand Saguaro South
2:00pm - 2:45pm
GENERAL SESSION:
The Dealmakers: Development
Moderator:
Stephanie Ricca, Editorial Director, Hotels, CoStar News
Panelists:
Christian Charnaux, EVP and Chief Development Officer, Hilton
Daniel P. Hansen, Head of Americas Development , Hyatt Hotels Corp.
David Pepper, Chief Development Officer, Choice Hotels International
Kevin Schramm, SVP of Essential and Suites Brand Development for America and Canada, IHG Hotels & Resorts
Amit Sripathi, EVP & Chief Development Officer, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

GENERAL SESSION: The Dealmakers: Development

Christian Charnaux
EVP and Chief Development Officer
Hilton

Daniel P. Hansen
Head of Americas Development
Hyatt Hotels Corp.

David Pepper
Chief Development Officer
Choice Hotels International

Stephanie Ricca
Editorial Director, Hotels
CoStar News

Kevin Schramm
SVP of Essential and Suites Brand Development for America and Canada
IHG Hotels & Resorts

Amit Sripathi
EVP & Chief Development Officer
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Grand Saguaro South
2:45pm - 3:30pm
GENERAL SESSION:
The Dealmakers: Owners, Investors and Operators Discuss Challenges and Opportunities
Moderator:
Mitch Patel, Founder and CEO, Vision Hospitality Group, Inc.
Panelists:
Barry A.N. Bloom, President and Chief Operating Officer, Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
Naveen P. Kakarla, President & CEO, HHM
Dave Pollin, Co-Founder and President, Buccini Pollin Group | PM Hotel Group
Ben Rosenbaum, Managing Director, Starwood Capital Group
Jeff Wagoner, President & CEO, OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group
GENERAL SESSION: The Dealmakers: Owners, Investors and Operators Discuss Challenges and Opportunities

Barry A.N. Bloom
President and Chief Operating Officer
Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Naveen P. Kakarla
President & CEO
HHM

Mitch Patel
Founder and CEO
Vision Hospitality Group, Inc

Dave Pollin
Co-Founder and President
Buccini Pollin Group
PM Hotel Group

Ben Rosenbaum
Managing Director
Starwood Capital Group

Jeff Wagoner
President & CEO
OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group
Grand Saguaro South
3:30pm - 3:40pm
NEWH BrandED Scholarship Presentation
Introduction by:
Sandy Banks, President, NEWH, Inc.
Presented by:
Lara Hernandez, SVP Brand Management Americas, Hilton

Recipient:
Truly Long, Student, Master of Science of Technology Commercialization, Hospitality Concentration, University of Texas Austin

Grand Saguaro South
3:40pm - 4:30pm
Maintaining FORWARD Momentum
Real change happens when we move together. Join for an engaging panel and interactive discussion on how organizations across the hotel and lodging industry can collaborate to accelerate leadership by women - because it takes all of us.
Sponsored by

Moderator:
Jennifer Fugolo, Vice President of Industry & Stakeholder Engagement, AHLA Foundation
Panelists:
Susan Barry, Member, Steering Committee, Female Founders in Hospitality
Rachel Humphrey, Founder, Women in Hospitality Leadership Alliance
Lynette Montoya, President & CEO, Latino Hotel Association

Foyer
4:00pm - 5:30pm
Massage Station
Additional Hours: Tuesday 7:00am - 5:00pm | Wednesday 8:00am - 3:00pm

Grand Canyon 4
4:00pm - 5:30pm
Headshot Lounge
Stop by to have your photo taken.
Additional Hours: Tuesday 6:45am - 5:30pm | Wednesday 7:30am - 3:30pm
Sponsored by

Grand Canyon (Exhibit Hall) & Foyer
4:00pm - 5:45pm
Open Bar Happy Hour
Sponsored by

Ballroom Lawn
5:45pm - 8:30pm
Cocktail Party | Dinner
Sponsored by

Botanical Garden Lawn
8:30pm - 10:30pm
Late Night Cocktail Party
Sponsored by

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7th, 2025
View Day: Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday
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

Retail Shops Hallway
7:00am - 1:00pm
Coffee Culture Starts Here
Additional Hours: Wednesday 7:30am - 1:30pm
Sponsored by

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.
Grand Sonoran Ballroom
8:10am - 8:25am
Speed Stats (Part I)
Presented by:
Rod Clough, MAI, President - Americas, HVS
Isaac Collazo, Head of Analytics, STR | CoStar Group
JP Ford, ISHC, Principal and Director of Global Business Development, Lodging Econometrics
Andrea Grigg, Senior Managing Director and Global Head of Hotel Asset Management, 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 and CEO, MindClick
Cindy Estis Green, CEO and Co-Founder, Kalibri
Lindsey Goedeker, SVP, Sales & Interim CRO, Actabl
Tanya Venegas, Chief Experience Officer, HotStats Inc

Grand Sonoran Ballroom
9:00am - 9:45am
GENERAL SESSION: Executive Briefing (Part I)
Sponsored by
Moderator:
Rachel Humphrey, Founder, Women in Hospitality Leadership Alliance
Panelists:
Arash Azarbarzin, Principal & CEO, Highgate
Liam Brown, Group President, United States & Canada, Marriott International
Greg Friedman, Managing Principal, Chief Executive Officer, Peachtree Group
Craig Smith, CEO, Aimbridge Hospitality
Michelle Woodley, President, Preferred Travel Group

GENERAL SESSION: Executive Briefing (Part I)

Arash Azarbarzin
Principal & CEO
Highgate

Liam Brown
Group President, United States & Canada
Marriott International

Greg Friedman
Managing Principal, Chief Executive Officer
Peachtree Group

Rachel Humphrey
Founder
Women in Hospitality Leadership Alliance

Craig Smith
CEO
Aimbridge Hospitality

Michelle Woodley
President
Preferred Travel Group
Grand Sonoran Ballroom
9:50am - 10:30am
GENERAL SESSION: Executive Briefing (Part II)
Moderator:
Glenn Haussman, Founder/Host, No Vacancy News
Panelists:
Joe Berger, President & CEO, BRE Hotels & Resorts
Kevin Davis, Americas CEO, JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group
Zack Gharib, President, Red Roof
Justin Knight, Chief Executive Officer, Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc
Kamalesh (KP) Patel, 2025-2026 Chairman, AAHOA

GENERAL SESSION: Executive Briefing (Part II)

Joe Berger
President & CEO
BRE Hotels & Resorts

Kevin Davis
Americas CEO
JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group

Zack Gharib
President
Red Roof

Glenn Haussman
Founder/Host
No Vacancy News

Justin Knight
Chief Executive Officer
Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc

Kamalesh (KP) Patel
2025-2026 Chairman
AAHOA
Grand Canyon (Exhibit Hall) & Foyer
10:30am - 11:15am
Refreshment Break
$1,000 cash drawing - Must be present to win.
Sponsored by

11:15am - 12:15pm
CONCURRENT THINK TANKS

Grand Saguaro North
T-1
2026 Deal Flow: Acquisitions, Values, Pricing and Competition
Deal makers discuss the main drivers fueling transactions, the hot sectors, the locations with the most upside and offer their insights for the year ahead.
Moderator:
Daniel H. Lesser, Co-Founder, President & CEO, LW Hospitality Advisors
Panelists:
Michael Bernath, SVP, Acquisitions & Dispositions, Peachtree Group
Kate Henriksen, Co-CIO, RLJ Lodging Trust
Justin Leonard, President, DiamondRock Hospitality Company
Azim Saju, Chief Executive Officer, ARK Holdings
Stephen Zsigray, President and CEO, Ashford Hospitality Trust

Grand Saguaro West
T-2
The Value of a Brand: Choosing the Right Flag or Going Independent
What makes the most sense for your assets and new projects? Topics include the owner/brand relationship, market generators, brand availability, incentives, benefits and costs.
Moderator:
Rajiv Trivedi, Managing Principal, TST Capital
Panelists:
Mark S. Adams, Partner, JMBM | Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell LLP
Thom Geshay, Chief Executive Officer & President, Davidson Hospitality Group
Lara Hernandez, SVP Brand Management Americas, Hilton
Vinay Patel, President & CEO, Fairbrook Hotels

Grand Saguaro East
T-3
Insights into the Debt Markets
Find out about the short-term and long-range forecasts for hotel underwriting, refinancing, and new development.
Moderator:
Katie Vivian, Hotel Loan Originator, Largo Hospitality Finance Group
Panelists:
Adrienne Andrews, Managing Director, JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group
Brian Holstein, Principal, US Hotel Advisors
Barry Lieberman, Head of Hotel Franchise Finance, Western Alliance Bank
J. Dana Tsakanikas, Chief Investment Officer & Managing Director, Access Point Financial
Tracy Vasquez, Executive Director, Wells Fargo Bank

Wildflower Ballroom
T-4
The Uptick in Mixed-Use Development
If your pipeline includes a mixed-use project, leverage hotel, residential, commercial, and recreational spaces to make your project economically viable and ensure a maximum return on investment.
Moderator:
Russell C. Savrann, Partner, Sandman Savrann PLLC
Panelists:
Neil Amin, Chief Executive Officer, Shamin Hotels
Anne Bertsch, Vice President, North America Full Service Development, Marriott International
Mark Laport, President, CEO, Concord Hospitality
Ersal Ozdemir, Founder and Owner, Keystone Group
Pinal S. Patel, 2025-2026 Treasurer, AAHOA

Grand Saguaro South
T-5
Up-To-The-Minute Data to Help You Plan Your Next Move
Get the latest analysis of supply, demand, top markets, transactions, ADR, RevPAR and the development pipeline.
Presented by:
Rod Clough, MAI, President - Americas, HVS
Isaac Collazo, Head of Analytics, STR | CoStar Group
JP Ford, ISHC, Principal and Director of Global Business Development, Lodging Econometrics
Andrea Grigg, Senior Managing Director and Global Head of Hotel Asset Management, CBRE Hotels

Grand Sonoran Ballroom, Grand Canyon (Exhibit Hall) & Sunset Lawn
12:15am - 2:00pm
Lunch
Sponsored by
Grand Sonoran Ballroom
1:00pm - 1:05pm
AAHOA Update
Presented by:
Kamalesh (KP) Patel, 2025-2026 Chairman, AAHOA

Grand Sonoran Ballroom
1:05m - 1:10pm
Peggy Berg Castell Award
Presented by:
Kevin Carey, COO, AHLA | President & CEO, AHLA Foundation
Recipient:
Leeny Oberg, Chief Financial Officer and EVP, Development, Marriott International
Grand Sonoran Ballroom
1:10pm - 1:30pm
Fireside Chat with Leeny Oberg and Kevin Carey
Moderator:
Kevin Carey, COO, AHLA | President & CEO, AHLA Foundation
Interview:
Leeny Oberg, Chief Financial Officer and EVP, Development, Marriott International
Grand Sonoran Ballroom
1:30pm - 1:50pm
Fireside Chat with Shaun White, Olympic Gold Medal Snowboarder
Moderator:
David Flueck, Global Officer, Loyalty, Cards, & New Businesses at Marriott International (and Outdoor Enthusiast)

2:00pm - 3:00pm
CONCURRENT THINK TANKS

Wildflower Ballroom
T-6
Insights into Hotel Private Equity
The hotel sector has been a hot market for investors. Key players in the private equity space provide in-depth analysis about the latest trends.
Moderator:
Stacy Silver, President, Silver Hospitality Group
Panelists:
Pete Dannemiller, Managing Director, Hodges Ward Elliott
Michael D. DiPrima, Executive Vice President, CBRE Hotels
Robert D. Kline, CEO and Co-Founder, Chartres Lodging Group, LLC
Jeff Stulmaker, Partner & Chief Investment Officer, KHP Capital Partners
David Sudeck, Partner & Co-Chair, JMBM Global Hospitality Group

Grand Saguaro East
T-7
Authenticity: Boutique and Lifestyle Hotels
These hotels set themselves apart through design, personalization and experiential innovation. The panel will discuss investment activity, expansion into new markets, value creation and maximizing ROI.
Moderator:
Jeff Weinstein, Editor-in-Chief, Hotel Investment Today
Panelists:
Kimberly Christner, President & CEO, Cornerstone Hospitality
Catie Cramer, Head of Luxury and Lifestyle Development, US, Hyatt Hotels Corp.
Mike Hirschler, Chief Growth Officer, Staypineapple Hotels
Benjamin T. Leahy, Principal, Cedar Capital Partners
David Tessier, Founder & CEO, Hospitality Gaming Advisors Inc.

Grand Saguaro West
T-8
Value-Add: Finding Opportunities to Drive Income and Capital Appreciation
With new builds hard to pencil, owners and operators are repositioning and renovating to create value. Find out how to get the most out of your hotel investments.
Moderator:
Mark J. Gordon, Managing Partner, Intrinsic Hotel Capital
Panelists:
Neil Flavin, Chief Operating Officer, HVS Asset & Hotel Management Division
Eric Jacobs, Chief Global Growth Officer, Aimbridge Hospitality
Russ Shattan, Partner, MCR
Rob Smith, CEO and President, Stonebridge

Grand Saguaro North
T-9
Under Construction: New Build Trends and Challenges
Barriers to entry, the cost of desirable sites, financing, design, supply chain, budget and keeping the project on track…Find innovative solutions to overcome the many challenges across sectors and markets.
Moderator:
Bruce Ford, SVP and Director of Global Business Development, Lodging Econometrics
Panelists:
Scott Andrews, SVP, Head of Hospitality Finance, Commercial Real Estate Banking, City National Bank
Scott Brown, NCARB, Principal, DesignCell Architecture
Neil Patel, President, Excel Hotel Group
Jeff Walker, Project Executive, The PENTA Building Group

Grand Saguaro South
T-10
Travel and Operations: Trends Shaping the Hospitality Industry
Capitalize on emerging opportunities with data driven analysis focused on travel, customer satisfaction, labor and sales, marketing, and revenue management to optimize hotel profit and grow asset value.
Presented by:
Cindy Estis Green, CEO and Co-Founder, Kalibri
Steven Moore, Chief Executive Officer, Actabl
Andrea Stokes, Practice Lead, Hospitality, J.D. Power
Tanya Venegas, Chief Experience Officer, HotStats Inc

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 North
T-11
Design to Maximize Value
Craft a revenue-generating design strategy to optimize space, leverage technology, enhance the guest experience and meet your objectives, deadlines and budget.
Moderator:
Alissa Ponchione, Editor-in-Chief, Hospitality Design Magazine
Panelists:
Craig Amos, Chief Development Officer, RLJ Lodging Trust
T.Jack Bagby, Principal, Cooper Carry
Kevin Grass, Managing Principal and Head of Design & Development, Noble Investment Group
Katie Popp, VP of Design & Construction, Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Grand Saguaro East
T-12
From the Buy and Sell Side: Essential Elements of a Hotel Deal to Meet Strategic Goals
The acquisition and disposition cycle…Navigate the complexities of the market, evaluate target properties, finalize the capital structure, plan your exit strategy and identify potential buyers.
Moderator:
Lee Hunter, Chief Operating Officer, Hunter Hotel Advisors
Panelists:
Ami Bhow, Vice President, NewGen Advisory
Thomas J. Corcoran, President, TCOR Hotel Partners
Anthony Falor, Senior Managing Director, Crexi
Victor Gutierrez, Senior Vice President, Ten-X
Greg Warren, Principal, Sandman Savrann PLLC

Wildflower Ballroom
T-13
Outdoor-Centric Hotels: Glamping, Cabins, Adventure and Luxury
With an increasing demand for unique and immersive travel experiences, a growing market share, and a diverse group of investors and operators, find out who the players are, the major market drivers, key trends and the competitive landscape.
Moderator:
David Eisen, Vice President and Editor-in-Chief, HOTELS Magazine
Panelists:
Drew Allison, Executive Vice President of Operations, IHM Outdoors Island Hospitality Management
Bobby Molinary, Chief Development Officer, Select Brands U.S., Marriott International
Paul Novak, Partner, Whitman Peterson
Ben Rafter, Chief Executive Officer, Hotel Equites and Springboard Hospitality

Grand Saguaro West
T-14
Finding and Keeping Your Guests: Driving Revenue Thru Reputation, Loyalty, and Revenue Management
From searching and booking to arrival, departure and post-stay, leverage all of the tools to drive customer satisfaction, curate guest experiences, identify new market opportunities, evaluate emerging technologies and boost revenue.

Moderator:
Kristie Goshow, Chief Commercial Officer, Peregrine Hospitality Group

Panelists:
Mercedes Blanco, VP Enterprise Growth, Lighthouse
Karen Rapley, Vice President, Revenue Strategy, Pebblebrook Hotel Trust
Betsy Steckler, Director, Partner Services, North America, Booking.com
Sarah Williams, Chief Commercial Officer, InterMountain Hotels

Grand Saguaro South
T-15
Source Your Funding: Acquisition, New Build, Renovation
Accelerate your long-term growth strategy with an in-depth discussion to help you identify the best financing options, and work through the challenges, considerations and requirements to qualify and secure your loan.
Moderator:
Daniel H. Lesser, Co-Founder, President & CEO, LW Hospitality Advisors
Panelists:
Mike Canning, Senior Vice President, Capital Markets, HALL Structured Finance
Steve Getty, Director, MUFG Bank, Ltd.
John Pascal, Principal, Paramount Capital Advisors
Shivan Perera, Managing Director CRE, Bridge
Rushi Shah, Chairman and CEO, Mag Mile Capital

Main Pool
5:45pm - 9:30pm
Cocktail Party | Dinner
Sponsored by
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8th, 2025
View Day: Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday
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
8:50am - 9:10am
Welcome Back
Harry Javer, Conference Founder & Producer, The Lodging Conference
President, The Conference Bureau, Inc.
Grand Sonoran Ballroom
9:10am - 9:35am
Fireside Chat with Sam Nazarian and Stacy Shoemaker Rauen
Moderator:
Stacy Shoemaker Rauen, Founder, Joy of Design
Interview:
Sam Nazarian, Chairman and CEO, sbe

Grand Sonoran Ballroom
9:35am - 9:38am
AHLA Update
Presented By:
Rosanna Maietta, President & CEO, AHLA

Grand Sonoran Ballroom
9:40am - 10:25am
GENERAL SESSION: Executive Briefing (Part III)
Sponsored by
Moderator:
Rosanna Maietta, President & CEO, AHLA
Panelists:
Greg Juceam, President & CEO, Extended Stay America
Beth McMahon, President & CEO, Hotel Association of Canada
Ayesha Molino, President & COO, ARIA, & Vdara | Chief Public Affairs Officer, MGM Resorts International
John G. Murray, President & CEO, Sonesta Hotels
Leeny Oberg, Chief Financial Officer and EVP, Development, Marriott International

GENERAL SESSION: Executive Briefing (Part III)

Greg Juceam
President & CEO
Extended Stay America

Rosanna Maietta
President & CEO
AHLA

Beth McMahon
President & CEO
Hotel Association of Canada

Ayesha Molino
President & COO ARIA, & Vdara
Chief Public Affairs Officer MGM Resorts International

John G. Murray
President & CEO
Sonesta Hotels

Leeny Oberg
Chief Financial Officer and EVP, Development
Marriott International
Grand Canyon (Exhibit Hall) & Foyer
10:25am - 11:30am
Refreshment Break
$1,000 cash drawing - Must be present to win.
Sponsored by

11:30am - 12:30pm
CONCURRENT THINK TANKS

Grand Saguaro North
W-1
Luxury Knows No Bounds: Luxury and Upper Upscale Hospitality
What's new and exciting? Find out about wellness innovations, curated experiences, prime locations, the upcoming pipeline, the growing popularity of villas and residences and much more.
Moderator:
Christina Trauthwein, VP, Content & Partnerships, Hotel Business
Panelists:
James Carroll, President & CEO, Crestline Hotels & Resorts
Andrea Grigg, Senior Managing Director and Global Head of Hotel Asset Management, CBRE Hotels
John Keeling, Executive Vice President, Valencia Hotel Collection
Vicki Poulos, Vice President, Luxury & Lifestyle Brands, IHG Hotels & Resorts

Grand Saguaro East
W-2
Conversions = Repositioning, Flexibility
High construction costs and a challenging lending environment have led to conversion-focused brands and activity. The panel discusses key takeaways to reposition your hotel and drive revenue.
Moderator:
Craig Sullivan, Principal, [CLIC] Media
Panelists:
Aaron Dearborn, President, Amerail Systems, Inc.
Karen Gilbride, Global Vice President, avid hotels, Atwell Suites & Garner, IHG Hotels & Resorts
Tom Nee, Senior Vice President, Development – Foundation Brands, Choice Hotels International
Miraj S. Patel, Immediate Past Chairman, AAHOA
Jared Walker, President, InterMountain Renovations

Grand Saguaro South
W-3
Eagerly Anticipated Hotel Development
The panel will discuss current market conditions, critical implications and challenges, legal strategies, hotels set to open in the coming months and the development pipeline across sectors and locations.
Moderator:
Robert A. Rauch, CHA, CEO, R. A. Rauch & Associates, Inc | Founding Chairman, Brick Hospitality
Panelists:
Jean-Luc Barone, Chief Executive Officer, White Lodging Services
Krystal England, Chief Investment Officer, TMGOC Ventures
Al Patel, President, Baywood Hotels
Nilesh Patel, Partner, MW Law
Mark Williams, Managing Director, Franchise Development, Extended Stay America

Wildflower Ballroom
W-4
Risk Management: Taxes, Fees and Regulations
Over the past few years, municipalities have aggressively increased tax responsibilities for hotel owners and at the same time, fees and regulations have surged. Experts discuss steps you can take to mitigate risks and relieve the financial burden.
Moderator:
Jagruti Panwala, President & CEO, Wealth Protection Strategies
Panelists:
Bob Johnson, Managing Director, Baker Tilly
Vimal (Ricky) Patel, 2025-2026 Secretary, AAHOA
Nicole Rogers, GM, Lodging, Avalara
Rana Rehan Zaid, Principal, Prominence Hospitality Group

Grand Saguaro West
W-5
Extended Stay (Reality) Check Up
Is Extended Stay still hot? Owners and investors discuss the latest trends and strategies, including the cost of construction and capital, impact fees, amenity creep, new entrants in the space, zoning, the development pipeline, and much more.
Moderator:
Keith Mack, Managing Principal, Gibraltar Capital Partners
Panelists:
Gary A. DeLapp, President and CEO, stayAPT Suites
Lisa Giaimo, Vice President, Franchise, Extended Stay America
Stan Kozlowski, Principal, CooperWynn Capital
David Martin, Chief Executive Officer, Hotel Management and Consulting

Grand Sonoran Ballroom, Exhibit Hall & Sunset Lawn
12:30pm - 1:45pm
Lunch
Sponsored by

1:45pm - 2:45pm
CONCURRENT THINK TANKS

Grand Saguaro North
W-6
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, M.A., MBA, Founder & CEO, Platinum Holdings
Panelists:
Matt Larson, Chief Business Officer, Emerson Equity LLC
Adnan Merchant, Managing Partner, MW Law
Shumair Panjwani, Partner, Investor Relations, SLTX Capital
Tarun S. Patel, CHA, Managing Principal, Sonari Capital Partners

Grand Saguaro West
W-7
CapEx: Meet the Problem-Solvers
CapEx has been delayed for too long. Our team of experts will help you plan a cost-effective investment strategy, minimize disruption, keep your project on track and add value to your assets.
Moderator:
Alan Benjamin, ISHC, President, Benjamin West
Panelists:
Renee Bagshaw, Chief Operating Officer, Continental Contractors, Inc.
John W. Breuer, LEED AP BD+C, Vice President, The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company
Christina Flannery, Director, Capital Project Management, Park Hotels & Resorts
Michael Dallas Havener, SVP Development, Design & Construction, Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc.

Grand Saguaro East
W-8
Sustainable Initiatives in Operations and Development
The panel will provide a framework for successfully building, renovating, maintaining and operating hotels to meet environmental goals, appeal to guests and grow your bottom line.
Moderator:
Stacy Shoemaker Rauen, Founder, Joy of Design
Panelists:
JoAnna Abrams, Founder & CEO, MindClick
Jean Garris Hand, VP & Global Head, Sustainability, Hilton
Chris Kearney, PE, LEED AP, Vice President, EXP
Caro Rosecliff, Founder & CEO, Cliff Climate
Shawn Tuli, Chief Investment Officer, HHM

Wildflower Ballroom
W-9
Improve Your Hotel's Operational Efficiency and Boost Revenue
A review of key performance indicators to help you achieve operational excellence and increase your bottom line.
Moderator:
Lan Elliott, Co-Founder & Principal, Acacia Holdings
Principal & Interview Host, It's Personal Stories, A Hospitality Podcast
Panelists:
Nele Breitbart, EVP & Head of Asset Management, Waramaug Hospitality
Chris Hague, Chief Operating Officer, Hotel Asset Value Enhancement, Inc
Rob Mangiarelli, Chief Executive Officer, Atrium Hospitality
Leslie McClure, President of TGC Hospitality Management, TGC Group
Vinay Patel, President and CEO, Fairbrook Hotels

Grand Saguaro South
W-10
Economy and Select Service Hotels Continue to Deliver Results
Fundamentals are solid. Find out about the key drivers fueling performance, profit margins and investment activity.
Moderator:
Robin McLaughlin, Senior Editor, LODGING Magazine
Panelists:
Laura Lee Blake, President & CEO, AAHOA
Jin Yong Lee, Chief Executive Officer, Acrophyte Hospitality Trust
Brian Parker, Senior Vice President, Development, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Jignesh Patel, CEO, JNR Management Inc.
Richard Schaeffer, Vice President, Franchise Development, Red Roof

Grand Canyon (Exhibit Hall) & Foyer
2:45pm - 3:30pm
Refreshment Break
Sponsored by

3:30pm - 4:30pm
CONCURRENT THINK TANKS

Wildflower Ballroom
W-11
Resorts: Trends for 2026 and Beyond
Immersive experiences, purposeful design, authenticity…The panel will share valuable insights on investment, development, brands and emerging trends.
Moderator:
R. Mark Woodworth, Principal, Woodworth Core Group
Panelists:
Anne Bertsch, Vice President, North America Full Service Development, Marriott International
David Callaghan, Vice President, Business Development, RCI
Brittney Jones, Chief Development Officer, Brittain Resorts & Hotels
Lucas Karpiuk, Principal, Land-Ron, Inc.
Jared Meabon, SVP, Full Service and Lifestyle Development, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Grand Saguaro East
W-12
Renovation: A Focus on ROI
Position your hotel for success with a refresh or a scheduled renovation to meet PIP requirements. Avoid the stress, get your project to the finish line, meet guest expectations, manage tariffs and unexpected costs and increase your ADR.
Moderator:
CJ Arlotta, Managing Member, CJ Media Solutions, LLC
Panelists:
Brad Czechowski, Partner, H-CPM (Hospitality Construction Project Management)
Doug Dreher, CEO, The Hotel Group, an Affiliate of Hotel Equities
Kevin King, Vice President Projects & Business Development, Digney York Associates, LLC
Suzanne Saunders, SVP Design & Construction & Chief Elevation Officer, Elevate Renovations + Development By HVMG

Grand Saguaro West
W-13
F&B: Operations, Procurement and Design Strategies to Drive Profitability
Learn how innovative approaches to operations, design and supply chain are helping hotel owners and operators optimize RevPAR, elevate guest experiences, and increase operational efficiency.
Moderator:
Esther Hertzfeld, Executive Editor, Hotel Management/Questex
Panelists:
Valentina Castellon, Hospitality Interior Design Leader | Principal, DLR Group
Robert Habeeb, Founder and CEO, Maverick Hotels & Restaurants
Phil Hummel, VP, Client Services, Hospitality and Lodging, Entegra
Danielle Monhollon, Sr. Director of Business Development, Foodbuy Hospitality

Grand Sonoran Room H
3:30pm - 5:30pm
LIIC/CoStar News - Lodging Industry Investment Council
By Invitation Only

Sunset Lawn
5:30pm - 9:30pm
Rock Vegas at The Lodging Conference. Rock n' Roll + Gaming = Fun, Fun Fun!
Dinner, drinks, gaming and Rock'n Roll. Dress up as your favorite Vegas Character. 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.
Sponsored by

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9th, 2025
View Day: Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday
Wildflower Terrace
8:30am - 10:00am
Breakfast Connect with Owners, Investors, Developers and Operators
All are welcome.

10:00am
Door Prizes

CONFERENCE ADJOURNS