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A Look Ahead at The Lodging Conference
Now in its 18th year, the Lodging Conference brings together hotel owners, presidents, CEOs, developers, architects, designers, and other industry insiders for networking connections, educational round-table discussions, and deal-making opportunities.
The conference, which will be held at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix Oct. 2-5, will focus on the improving economy and growing development opportunities.
"The industry is moving ahead," says Morris Lasky, conference chairman and CEO of Lodging Unlimited Inc. “This year, we’ve sold out all of our sponsorships and exhibitor spots and are expecting full capacity with our attendance. It’s a good sign that shows people are getting back in the game.”
Lasky, who has been a part of the lodging industry since 1955 and consulted on a long list of hotel projects over the years, explains that his contacts and experience help make the program particularly exciting and engaging.
“I’m in a really good cat-bird seat to see what’s happening in the industry right now,” he says. “I probably make a thousand calls to see what people are interested in. As a result of a huge number of conversations, I formulate the sessions accordingly.”
Sessions will include “What’s Ahead in the Economy,” featuring Bernard Baumohl, chief global economist, the Economic Outlook Group; “A View From the Top,” featuring CEOs and presidents of leading hotel companies; a discussion about how first time buyers or builders can get in the game with their first hotel; a panel about loan strategies and restructuring featuring finance gurus; and a session about independent hotels, moderated by Megan Sullivan, Lodging Magazine’s managing editor.
The event will also include the features that attendees have come to expect over the years such as the kick-off annual golf tournament, elaborate cocktail parties, intimate roundtable discussions, and Deal Corral meetings, which give attendees the chance for one-on-one meetings with industry experts.
The Lodging Conference, which will draw approximately 1,500 people this year, started small back in 1995. Lasky explains that the inaugural event attracted just 65 people. Since then, it has grown into one of the largest tradeshows in the industry, with attendees and speakers from all over the world.
“I started the conference mainly so I could meet other people in the industry, but it’s grown to have a life of its own now,” Lasky says. “A lot of the people that are at our conference today were at our first one. People repeat coming back year after year after year.”
For more information visit www.thelodgingconference.com.
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