Industry Titans Stephen A. Wynn, J.W. (Bill) Marriott, Jr., Geoff A. Ballotti, Sébastien Bazin, Mark Hoplamazian, Christopher J. Nassetta, Jonathan D. Gray, Barry Sternlicht, and Others Are Among All-Star Conference Lineup
NEW YORK, May 11, 2015 — The biggest names in hospitality—including Stephen A. Wynn, chairman of the board and CEO of Wynn Resorts, Limited, and J.W. Marriott, Jr., executive chairman of the board of Marriott International, Inc.—will be among the featured panelists at the 37th Annual NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference. Hosted by the NYU School of Professional Studies Tisch Center for Hospitality and Tourism (sps.nyu.edu/tisch), the Conference will be held May 31 to June 2, 2015 at the New York Marriott Marquis, and will feature general sessions, workshops, and networking events that provide data, analysis, perspectives, insights, and opportunities for professionals in the field.
Sponsored by leading hospitality organizations, the Conference is the premier hospitality finance and development forum of its kind, during which global hotel CEOs, owners, developers, investors, lenders, analysts, and other hospitality leaders gather to discuss current issues and the future of the industry. Contributions from the patron and sponsor organizations of the event provide student scholarships and support academic programs of the NYU School of Professional Studies Tisch Center for Hospitality and Tourism, which is celebrating 20 years as a leading center for the study of hospitality and tourism.
Wynn is the luncheon speaker on Monday, June 1, and will be introduced by Conference Chair Jonathan M. Tisch, chairman of Loews Hotels & Resorts and co-chairman of the Board and Office of the President of Loews Corporation. On Tuesday, June 2, Tisch will interview Marriott during his annual “Beyond the Boardroom” session, in which he will delve into the factors that drive Marriott’s success.
Other notable sessions at the NYU Hospitality Conference include, “The CEOs Check In: A View from the Top,” on June 1, moderated by Katherine Lugar, president and chief executive officer, American Hotel & Lodging Association. Panelists are Geoff A. Ballotti, president and chief executive officer, Wyndham Hotel Group, LLC; Sébastien Bazin, chairman and chief executive officer, Accor; Mark Hoplamazian, president and chief executive officer, Hyatt Hotels Corporation; and Christopher J. Nassetta, president and chief executive officer, Hilton Worldwide.
Also on June 1, “The Titans of Real Estate” panel will feature industry giants Jonathan D. Gray, global head of real estate of Blackstone, and Barry Sternlicht, chairman and CEO of Starwood Capital Group. They will share, compare, outline, and define their views of the industry and their approaches to success with Craig Karmin, hotel and real estate reporter for The Wall Street Journal.
On June 2, “A View From The Owner’s Seat” features some of the principal hospitality, finance, and hotel real estate executives in the country, including moderator Rick Ross, chair of Hotels and Leisure, Dentons; Mark W. Brugger, president and chief executive officer, DiamondRock Hospitality Company; Chad L. Crandell, managing director and president, CHMWarnick; Dan Hansen, president and chief executive officer, Summit Hotel Properties, Inc.; Michael G. Medzigian, managing partner, Watermark Capital Partners, LLC; and Marcel Verbaas, president and chief executive officer, Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
Moderated by Adam F. Weissenberg, Global Travel, Hospitality & Leisure leader for Deloitte & Touche LLP, “The Leaders Check In – Part Two” panel will feature C-suite executives reflecting upon the state of the industry and deliberating about the most critical issues affecting this continuously evolving and expanding business sector. Panelists include David P. Berg, chief operating officer, Carlson; William J. Ferguson, chairman and chief executive officer, Ferguson Partners Ltd.; David Kong, president and chief executive officer, Best Western International, Inc.; Laurens Leurink, president, Expedia Lodging Partner Services; and Elie Maalouf, chief executive officer, The Americas, IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group).
Registration for the Conference is now open. Members of the media who wish to cover the Conference must request press credentials in advance by e-mailing Cheryl Feliciano at cheryl.feliciano@nyu.edu.
As part of the NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference’s continuing initiatives to remain environmentally friendly, the Conference brochure is available only online. A mobile application featuring the agenda, speaker bios, enhanced networking opportunities, and Conference news and updates will also be available for download.
For more information, please visit sps.nyu.edu/hospitalityconference or follow the NYU School of Professional Studies Tisch Center on Twitter at http://twitter.com/nyuhospitality.
