NEW YORK, May 10, 2019—Top executives and thought leaders in the hospitality industry will be among the featured panelists at the 41st Annual NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference. Hosted by the NYU School of Professional Studies (NYUSPS) Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality (sps.nyu.edu/tisch), the Conference will be held June 2-4 at the New York Marriott Marquis in New York City, and will feature panel discussions, 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, and analysts convene to discuss current issues, as well as the future of the industry. Contributions from sponsor organizations of the event provide student scholarships and support the educational programs of the NYUSPS Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality, which has served the industry by producing global leaders in hospitality and tourism for nearly a quarter of a century.
On Sunday evening, June 2, Kevin J. Jacobs, chief financial officer of Hilton, will host a welcome reception to celebrate Hilton’s 100 years. On June 3, Christopher J. Nassetta, president and chief executive officer of Hilton will participate in a one-on-one conversation with Andrew Ross Sorkin, New York Times columnist and CNBC co-anchor. Hilton is the Conference’s Diamond-level sponsor.
Geoff Ballotti, president and chief executive officer of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, will receive the Hotel News Now Stephen W. Brener Silver Plate Award on June 3. The day will also feature, “The CEOs Check In: A View from the Top,” which will be moderated by Kelly Evans, anchor, The Exchange, and co-anchor, Power Lunch, on CNBC. This all-star panel will include Keith Barr, chief executive officer, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG); Sébastien M. Bazin, chairman and chief executive officer, Accor; Mark S. Hoplamazian, president and chief executive officer, Hyatt Hotels Corporation; Patrick Pacious, president and chief executive officer, Choice Hotels International; and Arne Sorenson, president and chief executive officer, Marriott International.
On Tuesday, June 4, during his annual “Beyond the Boardroom” session, Conference Chair Jonathan M. Tisch will speak with the owners of Nobu Hospitality—Robert De Niro, Academy Award-winning actor, director, and producer; Chef Nobu Matsuhisa; and Meir Teper—about how the organization has successfully leveraged itself by starting with one restaurant and growing into a global luxury brand that encompasses a footprint in the food and beverage, hotel—and now—residential space.
During the panel, “Anatomy of a Transaction,” also presented on June 4, The Honorable Ricardo Rosselló, governor of Puerto Rico, will discuss the destruction caused by Hurricane Maria in 2017, and how the island’s tourist infrastructure and tourism industries are being resurrected. The panel, moderated by Arthur Adler, chairman, Americas, Hotels and Hospitality Group, JLL Hotels & Hospitality, also will feature Tyler Morse, chief executive officer and managing partner at MCR, who will discuss the transformation of the iconic former TWA terminal at New York’s JFK Airport into a first-class hotel.
The June 4 “The Leaders Check In – Part Two” panel will focus on the consolidation, scale, and structure of the hotel industry. Scott D. Berman, principal, PwC, will serve as moderator. Featured panelists will include Chris Cahill, deputy chief executive officer, Accor; John L. Cohlan, chief executive officer, Margaritaville Holdings; Elie Maalouf, chief executive officer, Americas, InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG); and Greg Mount, president and chief executive officer, RLH Corporation.
Also on June 4, Mitesh Shah, chief executive officer, Nobel Investment will be presented with this year’s IREFAC C. Everett Johnson Award for his leadership and business acumen. Michael Murphy, head of lodging and leisure capital, First Fidelity Companies, will present the Award.
Jonathan M. Tisch, chairman and CEO of Loews Hotels & Co. and co-chairman of the board of Loews Corporation, is the Conference chair; Jeffrey Stewart, founder, Walnut Hill Advisors, serves as the Conference vice chair; Susan Greenbaum, interim dean, NYU School of Professional Studies, serves as the Conference host; Nicolas Graf, associate dean, NYU School of Professional Studies Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality, is the Conference co-host; and Dorothy A. Jennings, executive vice president, HVS, is the Conference coordinator.
Members of the media who wish to cover the Conference must request press credentials in advance by emailing Alka Gupta at aag13@nyu.edu or Michael DeMeo at michael.demeo@nyu.edu.
Individuals who are interested in attending the Conference who are not members of the media can learn more and register here.