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2022 Agenda

Our agenda is updated regularly and subject to change.

Day 1 - Wed Dec 14th

6:30 AM - 7:00 AM

President's 5km

Kick off the event with a 5km run with the ILHA President. Meet outside the conference center.  Water bottles provided.  It will be dark, we will have a few extra headlamps.

Location: Meet Outside the Hotel Lobby

7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Registration

Registration is open all day

Location: Main Foyer

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Light Breakfast

Join us for a lite bite to start the day

Location: INSPIRE HUB - Main Foyer, Flagstaff & Mesa

9:00 AM - 9:10 AM

Conference Opening

ILHA President & Emcee

Location: INSPIRE Stage - Casa Grand

9:10 AM - 9:30 AM

Lodging Leadership 2.0 - Prepare & Pivot

Bill Walshe, CEO – Viceroy Hotels Hotels & Resorts

As hospitality professionals, we’ve been taught to prioritize how we act, and not how we react. But the last three years have changed that paradigm. Today, thoughtful leadership requires changing not only strategies, but mindsets, on a moment’s notice. What’s the secret to keeping your brand ideology relevant? How can you focus on your destination but create new paths there? And how can you get comfortable with change — for good?

Location: INSPIRE Stage - Casa Grand

9:30 AM - 5:00 PM

INSPIRE NETWORKING HUB

Located in the center and open throughout the event, INSPIRE Networking HUB has plenty of space to meet. Use the CHIME Live networking app to schedule 1 on 1 meetings with other attendees or just grab a coffee with people you meet organically.  There are also amazing spots to network through  the Arizona Biltmore.  We keep it stocked with refreshments

Location: INSPIRE HUB - Main Foyer, Flagstaff & Mesa

9:30 AM - 5:00 PM

INDUSTRY SHOWCASE

Open all day throughout the event.  Visit the stands of innovative suppliers and service providers that can help you grow your luxury hospitality business.  Don’t forget to collect great SWAG from each exhibitor and drop  of your business card to enter our famous raffle.  Every card you drop off is an entry to win amazing prizes.

Location: INSPIRE HUB - Main Foyer, Flagstaff & Mesa

9:30 AM - 10:15 AM

Innovation in a Disruptive Landscape

Imshan Jamal, MD & C0-Founder – EQ Group

Don DeMarinis, Senior Vice President of Sales – Agilysys

Matt Adams, Executive Vice President & COO, Evans Hotels

Moderator: Mathew Evins, Chairman & CEO – Evins Communication

How industry leaders have pivoted to maximize operational efficiency, elevate guest experience, reduce labor costs and face challenges

Location: INSPIRE Stage - Casa Grand

10:20 AM - 11:00 AM

Attracting the Luxury Traveler

Ron Pohl, President – World Hotels

Kenan Simmons, Senior Vice President – Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Benoit Racle, Vice President Brand Management – W Hotels Worldwide

Kris Singleton – Senior Vice President – DISH Business

Moderator: David Goldstone, Executive Vice President & Chief Sales Officer – World Cinema

Location: INSPIRE Stage - Casa Grand

11:30 AM - 12:15 PM

Building a Luxury Guest Experience

Frank Giacomini, Vice President Restaurants, Bars & Events – Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Amanda Armstrong, Senior Vice President Brand and Community Engagement, Encore

Christof Pignet, Vice President Client Experience – Jetlinx

Amanda Frasier, President of Ratings – Forbes Travel Guide

Moderator: Alex Susskind, Senior Director & Professor, Cornell University

Location: INSPIRE Stage - Casa Grand

12:15 PM - 1:15 PM

Lunch & Networking

Grab a bite in our networking lounge.  Connect with other attendees and visit our exhibitors.

Location: INSPIRE HUB - Main Foyer, Flagstaff & Mesa

1:15 PM - 2:00 PM

Roundtables

INSPIRE Round Tables are an opportunity for you to participate in topic-related discussions hosted by leaders in the industry.

Amenities War: How luxury hotels try to “wow” their guests with unique amenities: garden patios, coworking spaces, in-room offices, in-room speciality water, “bartender” or tap, themed rooms, workout equipment or classes, rooftop bars and more. Discuss ideas, what works, what doesn’t.

Moderator, Ofra Gelman, Principal, Dwell Design Studio

Pros and cons of being public vs. private? What do investors want to hear from companies?

Moderators: Rachael Rothman, Head of Hotels Research & Data Analytics, CBRE and Gloria Fu, Independent Board Director, Appreciate

How uniforms are evolving, trends and sustainability considerations

Moderator: Jolena Siegenthaler, National Sales Director, GPS Apparel, GAP Inc.

How personalized technology creates a better guest experience

Moderator: David Goldstone, SVP & Chief Customer Advocate, World Cinema

Profit meets purpose: Revenue generating opportunities

Moderator: Deb Belinsky, Founder, Partner, Tabl’eau Filtered Water

Location: INSPIRE HUB - Flagstaff & Mesa

2:00 PM- 2:45 PM

The Intersection Between Experience and Technology

David Mezuman, Co-founder & CEO – Duve

Patrick Huey, General Manager, We Care Spa

Stephen Davis, Chief Operating Officer – Integrated Insight

Moderator: Lisa Cain, Associate Professor – Florida International University

Research and insight into the role technology is having across the generations in hotel experiences

Location: INSPIRE Stage - Casa Grand

2:45 PM - 3:15 PM

Purpose Built: Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Goals for the Future

Marina Elsener, Director Sustainable Development, Diversity & Inclusion – Accor Hotels

Moderator: Michelle McLean-Bailey, Former Miss Universe, International Business Representative – Ohlthaver & List Leisure Group

What actions are companies taking to implement new strategies to reach net-zero in the face of climate change? With impact investing aligning to the younger generation, how can we do better?

Location: INSPIRE Stage - Casa Grand

3:15 PM - 4:00 PM

Creating a Brand Story - From Concept to Implementation

Tiffany Cooper, Head of Development – Kimpton Hotels & Resorts

Jennifer Barnwell, President – Curator Hotel & Resort Collection

Yossi Loeb, CEO – Regency Group

Moderator: Lisa Cain, Associate Professor – Florida International University

The vision behind the brand concept, positioning, creation and launch. Bringing it to life, from marketing to operations to OS&E

Location: INSPIRE Stage - Casa Grand

4:00 PM - 4:20 PM

In Pursuit of Great Guest Sleep

J.D. Velilla, Head of Sleep Experience – Simmons Hospitality

We invited back JD Velilla who presented one of INSPIRE’s most recommended sessions a few years ago.  We are in the sleep business but many hotels don’t understand the science of sleep.  Learn what your hotel needs to do to ensure your guests sleep well.

 

Serta Hospitality
Beautyrest

Location: INSPIRE Stage - Casa Grand

4:20 PM - 5:00 PM

Reinventing Wellness Space to Drive Revenue

Chris King, Chief Development Officer, Salamander Hotels & Resorts

Rika Lisslö , Vice President – Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Jessica Wadley, Vice President, Oakworks

Moderator: John Moore, Founder – The Spa Expert

Wellness is no longer confined to the spa as experiential travel and technology expand hotel wellbeing programming. Now the guest’s entire experience can be infused with opportunities for transformative, personalized, and extraordinary moments of wellbeing.

Location: INSPIRE Stage - Casa Grand

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Roundtables

INSPIRE Round Tables are an opportunity for you to participate in topic-related discussions hosted by leaders in the industry.

Sustainability & DEI: How hotels are reducing their carbon footprint and furthering their DEI initiatives

Moderator: Marina Elsener, Director, Sustainable Development, Diversity & Inclusion, North & Central America

Exceeding guest expectations through digital listening: The expectations of the luxury traveler are greater than ever before, both in cost-benefit and in ROE (Return on Experience.) Join us as we discuss how digital listening and conversation monitoring can be utilized to ensure guest satisfaction from pre-arrival through post-departure

Moderator: David Harrison, Executive Vice President, Evins Communications

How are independents staying competitive? Jen will talk about scale, vendors, profitability, marketing and more

Jennifer Barnwell, President, Curator Hotel & Resort Collection

Identifying ancillary revenue and driving new revenue streams: How to create experiences that operations can execute and leverage and enhance in-room amenities and in-room activations

Moderator: Dawn McGowan, Senior Sales Account Executive, RealTime Reservation

 

Location: INSPIRE HUB - Flagstaff & Mesa

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

HAPPY HOUR in the Industry Showcase

Grab a drink and visit the stands of our exhibitors

 

Location: Main Foyer, Flagstaff & Mesa

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

INSPIRE Celebration under the Stars

Join us as we catch up with old friends and meet new ones.  Great food and entertainment under the Phoenix mountains night sky.  Heaters are provided but dress for the cool Arizona night air.

Location: Reception area above the SPIRE Bar

8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

President's Dinner

PRIVATE INVITATION ONLY EVENT

Location: Renata's Hearth

Day 2 - Thurs Dec 15th

7:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Registration

Registration open until noon

Location: Main Foyer

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Light Breakfast

Join us for a lite bite to start the day

Location: INSPIRE HUB - Main Foyer, Flagstaff & Mesa

9:00 AM - 9:05 AM

Conference Opening

ILHA President & Emcee

Location: INSPIRE Stage - Casa Grand

9:05 AM - 9:25 AM

The Evolution of Luxury Hotels - What Does the Data Say

Tanya Venegas, Global Head of Customer Success – HotStats

Location: INSPIRE Stage - Casa Grand

9:25 M - 9:45 AM

Atari - Futuristic luxury hotel for the gaming market

Shelly Murphy, Founder and Managing Director – Atari Hotels

Discover a modern hospitality experience inspired by gaming culture. Fueled by imagination and built by our desire to play

Location: INSPIRE Stage - Casa Grand

9:30 AM - 5:00 PM

INDUSTRY SHOWCASE

Open all day throughout the event.  Visit the stands of innovative suppliers and service providers that can help you grow your luxury hospitality business.  Don’t forget to collect great SWAG from each exhibitor and drop  of your business card to enter our famous raffle.  Every card you drop off is an entry to win amazing prizes.

Location: INSPIRE HUB - Main Foyer, Flagstaff & Mesa

9:30 AM - 5:00 PM

INSPIRE NETWORKING HUB

Located in the center and open throughout the event, INSPIRE Networking HUB has plenty of space to meet. Use the CHIME Live networking app to schedule 1 on 1 meetings with other attendees or just grab a coffee with people you meet organically.  There are also amazing spots to network through  the Arizona Biltmore.  We keep it stocked with refreshments

Location: INSPIRE HUB - Main Foyer, Flagstaff & Mesa

9:45 AM - 10:25 AM

The Rising Trend of Luxury Hotel Residences

Peter Bazeli, Principal & Managing Director – Weitzman

Siva Selvan, Head of Global Hospitality Real Estate – Long and Foster Commercial

Sarah Khalifa – Vice President Mixed Use Development, Marriott International

Moderator: Gloria Fu, Independent Board Director – Appreciate

Why are more buyers calling hotels home? Today’s consumer likes the value associated with a brand and the impeccable service it offers

Location: INSPIRE Stage - Casa Grand

10:25 AM - 11:05 AM

Predicting and Planning for a Recession

Zach Demuth, Head of Americas Hotel Research – JLL

Dave Tessier, Founder & CEO – Hospitality Gaming Advisors

Jonathan Falik, CEO – JF Capital Advisors

Moderator: Rachel Rothman, Head of Hotels Research – CBRE

Will we have a recession, and if we do, what will happen to luxury travel? How to play offense/defense.

Location: INSPIRE Stage - Casa Grand

11:35 AM - 11:55 AM

The Performance of Luxury Hotels Now and Looking Ahead

Romy Bhojwani, Director of Hospitality Market Analytics – CoStar Group

 

Location: INSPIRE Stage - Casa Grand

11:55 AM - 12:15 PM

Innovating Reservations through Blockchain Technology

Mark Gordon, Co-Founder,  Chief Hospitality Officer – Pinktada 

Location: INSPIRE Stage - Casa Grand

12:15 PM - 1:00 PM

Industry Check-In: How Have Hotels Adapted to Thrive?

Michael Escalante, President Operational Effectiveness – hotelAVE Asset Management

Phil Keb, Executive Vice President – GENCOM

Rika Lisslö , Vice President – Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Chelsey Leffet, Managing Director, Northeast Leader – HVS

Moderator: Alex Susskind, Professor & Director, Cornell

An industry overview, trends in the luxury hotel space and the future

Location: INSPIRE Stage - Casa Grand

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Lunch & Networking

Grab a bite in our networking lounge.  Connect with other attendees and visit our exhibitors.

Location: INSPIRE HUB - Main Foyer, Flagstaff & Mesa

2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

Roundtables

INSPIRE Round Tables are an opportunity for you to participate in topic related discussions hosted by leaders in the industry.

Elevating the guest wellness experience beyond the spa

Moderator: Annie Davidson, Director, Luxury Account Management, Avendra

How to engage an affluent audience through brand storytelling: Best practices for approaching all audiences – media, guests and partners – to build brand and property advocates

Moderator: Michelle Kelly, Vice President, Evins Communications

Expansion in a time of uncertainty

Moderator: Chris King, Chief Development Officer, Salamander Hotels & Resorts

The challenges of building a brand in a seasonal destination

Moderator: Michael Brod, Managing Director, Canoe Place Inn

Location: INSPIRE HUB - Flagstaff & Mesa

2:45 PM - 3:25 PM

All-Inclusive and Luxury, the New Generation

Fernando Mulet, Executive Vice President & Chief Investment Officer – Playa Hotels & Resorts

Antonio Fungairino, Vice President Development – Apple Leisure Group

Carolina Lacerda, Senior Manager & Practice Leader for Latin America, Strategy and Transactions, Real Estate, Hospitality, Travel and Tourism, EY

Moderator: Anna Domingo, Founder – PADZZLE

Location: INSPIRE Stage - Casa Grand

3:30 PM

Raffle & Event Closing

This is your chance to win amazing prizes 

Location: INSPIRE HUB - Main Foyer, Flagstaff & Mesa

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