2022 Agenda
Our agenda is updated regularly and subject to change.
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.
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
For any enquiries email us at [email protected] or phone us at +1 561-203-0855