Confirmed Speakers Include David Pepper, Choice Hotels International; Jon Bortz, Pebblebrook Hotel Trust; Dorothy Dowling, Best Western International; and Janis Cannon, Choice Hotels International
MEMPHIS, Tenn., May 24 2018—Officials of the Southern Lodging Summit, an annual gathering of hoteliers specializing in development and operations in the southern United States, today announced it will host its annual conference August 28-29, 2018, in Memphis, Tenn. A discounted “Early Bird” rate runs through July 15, 2018.
Celebrating its 16th year, the conference kicks off with the organization’s signature luncheon at the world-famous Rendezvous BBQ Restaurant, offering networking opportunities with industry experts and event speakers such as those mentioned above plus several more.
“By nearly all measures, the upward trajectory of the hospitality continues unabated and looks to continue doing so for the foreseeable future, good news for SLS attendees,” said Chuck Pinkowski, owner of Pinkowski & Company and conference co-founder. “Our annual gathering is the perfect location for hospitality specialists to convene and discuss the outlook for the industry on both a local and national scale. Occupancy remains at or near historic highs, yet labor costs continue to rise and rate growth isn’t happening quickly or strong enough for many. The Southern Lodging Summit allows participants to plan for tomorrow with industry peers and experts.”
Following the Rendezvous luncheon and afternoon activity, the opening day offers the “March of the Ducks” at the Peabody and an evening cocktail reception and epicurean dinner. Day Two commences at the Memphis Cook Convention Center, kicking off with STR presenting past and current trends by Amanda Hite, President of STR, Inc. and exciting presentations about labor issues and answers and food and beverage profitability.
Additionally, the conference hosts an online auction that runs from August 1, 2018 at 12:00 a.m. through August 30, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. Auction items include packages for hotels and resorts, trips, and unique, one-of-a-kind experiences.
Celebrating its 16th year, the Southern Lodging Summit was co-founded by Pinkowski & Company, an independent hotel industry consulting firm headquartered in Memphis, and Metropolitan Memphis Hotel & Lodging Association. The hospitality industry event brings together hotel professionals who target the southern and mid-south region of the United States for development and operations. The annual event draws a diverse group of owners, operators, sales executives, financial institutions, architects, attorneys, and hotel company representatives.
Visit southernlodgingsummit.com.
