6:00 - 6:45 am PST

Wellness Conversation + Movement

Integrating Mindfulness in the Hotel Experience & Yoga

with Kim Kessler, Founder of KIPR Global and Andrew Sealy, Ambassador for Alo Yoga

Join hospitality wellness expert, Kim Kessler, as she begins this session with some ideas on how boutique hotels can incorporate mindfulness into their programming and experiences (this goes beyond yoga). How can boutique hotels genuinely attract mindful travelers? What can they do to ensure their wellness programming doesn’t become irrelevant? Then, she will be joined by a fellow Yogi, Andrew Sealy, who will lead attendees through a quick yoga flow to begin the conference.

6:00 - 6:15 am PST

Networking

Introduce Yourself

Come say hello on video with fellow attendees! First-come, first-serve basis.

6:00 - 7:00 am PST

Trade Show Hall

Explore the Industry’s Top Companies

We invite you to discover a curated selection of exceptional companies in the global hospitality industry. You will have the ability to chat with the company representatives directly in their virtual booth!

6:30 - 7:00 am PST

Workshop

Investment 101

with Jonathan Falik, CEO of JF Capital Advisors & BLLA Committee Member and Evan Weiss, COO & Principal of LW Hospitality Advisors

This is a workshop for entry-level hotel investment professionals. What are the basic terms in hotel investment? What are key strategies for steady growth? We welcome these bright minds as they present an educational approach to the various investment topics that lie at the core of boutique hospitality.

6:30 - 7:00 am PST

Workshop

Investment 201

with Jonathan Falik, CEO of JF Capital Advisors & BLLA Committee Member and Dan Lesser, President & CEO of LW Hospitality Advisors

This is a workshop for intermediate-advanced hotel investment professionals. In what ways can investment strengthen a boutique hotel or concept while enhancing profitability? How are financial decisions modeled on the boutique scale? Hear from these experts as they expand upon the importance of investment in today’s climate.

7:00 - 7:30 am PST

Speed Dating

Coffee & Commerce

Grab your morning cup of Joe and head on over to the BLLA Speed Dating Hub to engage in meaningful conversations, create lasting connections, and open the door to newfound possibilities.

7:30 - 7:45 am PST

Welcome

Update on BLLA and the Boutique Community

with Frances Kiradjian, Founder & CEO of BLLA and StayBoutique and Ariela Kiradjian, Partner & COO of BLLA and StayBoutique

The “Mother Daughter Duo of Boutique” will update the audience on what is happening with the official association for boutique hotels as well as commentaries on the future of our sector. Hear about major initiatives, upcoming plans and insights into the future of the sector.

7:50 - 8:25 am PST

Panel

Re-Building Amid a Pandemic

with Jay Stein, CEO of Dream Hotel Group

Interviewed by Kevin Rohani, Head of Development, Lifestyle Hotels, North & Central America of Accor & BLLA Committee Member

Jay Stein returns to the BLLA Events stage to give an update on his last chat with us in September of 2020 about where boutique hotels go from here. He will take a deep dive into the effects of the pandemic and what lessons can be learned from the last 15 months. What are the lasting effects of the pandemic going to be? What is happening with capital flow in the boutique market? Gain insights on a multitude of pandemic-related topics from food and beverage to collection brands to deal growth in Middle America; this a session you will not want to miss.

7:50 - 8:20 am PST

Hotel Project Presentation

Investment Opportunity: Patagonia

with Luis Gallotti, Co-CEO & Co-Founder of Amek Group & BLLA Advisory Board Member

The boutique hotel development landscape is ripe with activity and is projected to grow exponentially over the next few years. Attend the sessions of these owners/developers who are showcasing their current projects in the space. You may determine that you have an interest to further pursue these opportunities and will be able to connect with them here at the conference.

8:30 - 9:00 am PST

Keynote

Redefining the Luxury Hotel

with Nicholas Clayton, CEO of Capella Hotel Group

Interviewed by Frances Kiradjian, Founder & CEO of BLLA and StayBoutique

As the CEO of the No. 2 Hotel Brand in the World, Nicholas Clayton is well-versed in hotel development and operations - with an exceptional knack for the luxury lifestyle. But, how do you define luxury? What does luxury look like post-pandemic? Will guests still expect over-the-top service at luxury hotels? We welcome the visionary leader to speak to us about accentuating the social and cultural depth of boutique hospitality, as well as creating a path for boutique to shine bright amidst an ever-changing world.

9:05 - 9:20 am PST

Presentation & Case Study

Development Trends & The Profitability of Wellness

with Shafi Syed, Global Head of Hotel Development & Acquisitions of Equinox Hotels

Join Shafi Syed as he dives into the DNA of Equinox Hotels and offers insight into where development is headed within the global sphere of luxury hospitality. Where are the most profitable hotels gravitating towards in terms of wellness? What are key trends in designing hotel rooms of the future? How are leading hotels of 2021 preparing for revenge travel in terms of experiences?

9:20 - 9:40 am PST

Case Study

The Evolution of Staying Independent: Operations

with John Caparella, President of Evolution Hospitality

Interviewed by Frances Kiradjian, Founder & CEO of BLLA and StayBoutique

It’s no secret that today’s independent hotels are paving the path to a future that embodies the Boutique Lifestyle. We welcome this gifted leader and innovator as he shares his insight into staying independent amid a rapidly shifting hospitality industry. How do you keep the lifestyle culture after a consolidation of brands? What are the owner-operator relationships like with the Evolution Hospitality hotels? Hear about why completely independent hotels are growing not only in popularity but also profitability. 

9:25 - 9:55 am PST

Hotel Project Presentation

Investment Opportunity: Upstate New York

with David Kessler, Founder & CEO of Sandstone Partners LLC

The boutique hotel development landscape is ripe with activity and is projected to grow exponentially over the next few years. Attend the sessions of these owners/developers who are showcasing their current projects in the space. You may determine that you have an interest to further pursue these opportunities and will be able to connect with them here at the conference.

9:25 - 10:05 am PST

Panel

Owner-Operator Growth Strategies

with Rob Blood, Founder & President of Lark Hotels & BLLA Advisory Board Member and Ari Heckman, CEO of ASH NYC

Interviewed by Sarah Robbins, COO of 21c Museum Hotels

Join three owner-operator experts as they come together to discuss and debate key tactics for genuine expansion strategies. How do you plan for growth with authentic independent hotel collections? What are non-negotiables when it comes to this? What is it like wearing both the owner and the operator hat? Join these boutique hoteliers as they candidly converse about their blueprint plans.

9:25 - 10:10 am PST

Panel

Building the Next Wave of Boutique Hotels

with Eric Jafari, Chief Development Officer of Edyn Group and Richard Arnold, Chief Development Officer, Auberge Resorts and Allie Hope, Chief Development Officer of Virgin Hotels

Interviewed by Nile Tuzun, Founder & Chief Creative Storyteller of Studio Nilebrand

Join a panel of boutique development experts as they converse on building purpose-driven hotels that reflect the guiding objectives of championing innovation, delivering the unexpected, and sparking joy. How are hotels of the future enticing guests through experiences? What are major trends coming to boutique hotel development? Where are the next biggest hot spots for new opportunities? Join these leaders as they debate and strategize what is next for the next wave of hotels.

10:10 - 10:40 am PST

Hotel Project Presentation

Investment Opportunity: Mexico

with Don Pickens, Founder & Owner of Milagro Properties LLC

The boutique hotel development landscape is ripe with activity and is projected to grow exponentially over the next few years. Attend the sessions of these owners/developers who are showcasing their current projects in the space. You may determine that you have an interest to further pursue these opportunities and will be able to connect with them here at the conference.

10:10 - 10:40 am PST

Mentorship Circle

Ask Me Anything: Relationships with Third Party Operators

with David Bowd, Co-Founder & CEO of Salt Hotels & BLLA Advisory Board Member

David is a hotelier who builds with not only profit in mind, but also fulfillment. Having worked in management roles with Morgans Hotel Group, Ian Schrager and Andre Balzs, he has become quite the expert at opening successful boutique hotels. With now 35 years of driving the hospitality industry in new directions, he is now an icon in our industry - David also won BLLA’s “Iconic Hotelier of the Year” award. He also has a passion for education and in 2016, even launched “Salt School” which is an eight week course focusing on hospitality basics. Join this approachable, inquisitive hotelier as he mentors the community.

10:10 - 10:40 am PST

Case Study

Sustainability: The Profitability of an Important Trend

with Corinne Hanson, Corporate Director of Sustainability & Impact at SH Hotels & Resorts

Interviewed by Mark Keiser, Chief Development Officer of SH Hotels & Resorts & BLLA Advisory Board Member

10:45 - 11:10 am PST

Panel

Creative Debt Financing

with Warren de Haan, Managing Partner & Co-CEO of ACORE Capital

Interviewed by Samantha Ahuja, Shareholder of Greenberg Traurig & BLLA Advisory Board Member

We welcome these resourceful experts as they speak upon the significance of straying from the conventional path and exploring alternative ways to finance boutique hotels. Get a glimpse into how industry experts are putting together capital stacks as well as inside-views on how to build good relationships with capital partners.

10:45 - 11:10 am PST

Case Study

How the Heart and Soul of a Hotel Impacts Your Bottom Line

with Walter Isenberg, CEO of Sage Hospitality

Interviewed by Natasha Drisdelle, CEO & Co-Founder of Lord & Liberty Hotels

While some hotel owners think good design and a cool name make a great hotel, boutique hoteliers who are intimately involved with day-to-day operations understand the heart and soul of a hotel can greatly impact the guest experience, staff and guest loyalty, and ultimately, revenue. Join Walter Isenberg, CEO of Sage Hospitality, and Natasha Drisdelle, CEO of Lord & Liberty, as they discuss the often nebulous aspects of hospitality which can be the difference between guests feeling like a property is just a building with beds or feeling like it's a home away from home.

10:45 - 11:15 am PST

Panel

Financing a Boutique Hotel in Today’s Landscape
Part 1: Equity Financing

with Matt Livian, Managing Director at Prospect Ridge and Kevin Davis, Senior Managing Director of JLL & BLLA Committee Member

Interviewed by Jonathan Falik, CEO of JF Capital Advisors & BLLA Committee Member

Providing financing for a boutique hotel has been daunting the past, however, the tables are turning. Equity solutions are becoming more available without the use of a brand. If you can present the opportunity appropriately, your story will be more attractive for firms to get on board. Whether it is distressed cash, renovation or construction financing, the options may be strategically perfect at this time. All parties will need to come with details and an open mind. Join these skilled professionals as they parley and discuss through approaches to equity financing.

10:45 - 11:45 am PST

Panel

Financing a Boutique Hotel in Today’s Landscape
Part 2: Debt Financing

with Chris Kosonen, Managing Director of JP Morgan and Ben Rowe, Managing Partner at KHP Capital Partners and Brad Bloom, Managing Director at Citibank

Interviewed by Jonathan Falik, CEO of JF Capital Advisors & BLLA Committee Member

While taking on additional debt may not be especially appealing, it might be better suited for your particular situation at this time. Depending on your past performance, if you are able to prove your ability and the detailed plan going forward, you will be better able to control your outcome using debt financing. You may also need to bring in partners that know you and your situation. Debt financing may offer added convenience if you are using it for hotel construction. Your options increase with the use of this form of financing although it may be much harder in these days of COVID. In what scenarios is debt financing advantageous? How does this form of financing apply to the age of COVID-19? This panel will delve into the convenience of taking on additional debt, having the capacity to control your outcome, and being able to pave the way for a promising future within the luxury hospitality sector.

11:10 - 11:35 am PST

Case Study

Securing a Big Deal

with Richard Bosworth, CEO & General Partner of JC Hospitality Partners

Interviewed by Amy Jakubowski, Director of Interior Design of LEO A DALY

What does it take to finalize a stable deal? What are tips and tricks to taking a project to the finish line? How do you ensure your project is attractive to investors? Take a look at how “Boz” goes about structuring major partnerships and agreements as he makes his encore appearance on the BLLA Events stage.

11:10 - 11:55 am PST

Panel

Investment Strategies

with Michael Fuerstman, Co-Founder & Creative Director of Pendry Hotels and Brian De Lowe, President & Co-Founder of Proper Hotels

Interviewed by David Rochefort, President of Graduate Hotels & BLLA Committee Member

Get a glimpse into the thought processes of the trio of hoteliers dominating the U.S. hospitality industry. How are they choosing new opportunities? Why do they think it’s easier for boutique hotels to stand out among an otherwise sea of sameness? What makes their own companies attractive? Join BLLA Committee Member, David Rochefort, as he probes through the best strategies for getting investment with his two industry friends.

11:10 - 11:55 am PST

Panel

View from the Chief Financial Officer’s Desk

with Hilda Delgado, Chief Financial Officer of Viceroy Hotel Group and Ray Martz, EVP & Chief Financial Officer of Pebblebrook Hotel Trust

Interviewed by Andrea Foster, Senior Vice President of Development of Marcus Hotels & Resorts

Having the CFO position of a hotel brand is no small role, they are responsible for managing all financial actions of the company. Where do these executives see the great investment opportunities? What advantages do independent properties have in attracting, retaining, and compensating staff?Get an insider’s view into what some of the top CFOs in our sector are up to these days.

12:00 - 12:30 pm PST

Case Study + Mentorship Circle

Ask Me Anything: Funding a New Hotel Concept

with Robin Staten, Founder/CEO of Tiny Urban Escapes

Join this entrepreneur as she dives deep in to process of what it is like funding a hotel with a concept that has never been done before. Robin transforms up-cycled shipping containers and turns them into micro semi-glass private suites. She has a passion for authentic boutique hotel experiences as wells as sustainable tourism and changing the game on representation. You’ll get to ask Robin any questions you have!

12:00 - 12:30 pm PST

Workshop

Simplifying a Boutique Hotel Deal from A-Z

with Damon Lawrence, CEO of Homage Hospitality

We welcome Damon Lawrence as he peels away the complexities of a boutique hotel deal and walks us through the journey in its entirety. Hear from this remarkable visionary as he underlines key terms, explores the process of underwriting deals, and focuses on core concepts of alternative financing, construction, and debt and equity. This simple, yet thorough presentation will leave you eager to take on the contemporary era of boutique hospitality.

12:30 - 12:45 pm PST

Networking

Introduce Yourself

Come say hello on video with fellow attendees! First-come, first-serve basis.

12:30 - 1:00 pm PST

Trade Show Hall

Explore the Industry’s Top Companies

We invite you to discover a curated selection of exceptional companies in the global hospitality industry. You will have the ability to chat with the company representatives directly in their virtual booth! 

1:05 - 1:25 pm PST

Presentation

Valuations

with Jeffrey Brown, National Practice Leader, Hospitality & Gaming Valuation Group at Cushman & Wakefield

1:05 - 1:35 pm PST

Panel

Legal Considerations When Flagging

with Samantha Ahuja, Shareholder of Greenberg Traurig & BLLA Advisory Board Member

Interviewed by Moniqua Lane, Founder of The Downtown Clifton Hotel & BLLA Committee Member

Join lawyers, Samantha and Moniqua, as they discuss key points to consider when leaving a brand. What does it mean to be an authentically independent hotel, legally? What are things to look out for when your hotel is encumbered? These highly pertinent considerations will be worth a listen.

1:30 - 2:05 pm PST

Panel

Optimizing Your Assets

with Jennifer Barnwell, President of Curator Collection & BLLA Advisory Board Member and David Wolfe, Managing Partner of Skoloff & Wolfe

Interviewed by Romy Bhojwani, Senior Vice President of Brookfield Asset Management & BLLA Committee Member

What are their urban hotels doing to drive revenue? How are they thinking about programming and activations in the current environment? We welcome these inventive professionals as they dive into topics like distribution, marketing, uncovering value-adds, examining expenses, and working with the surrounding community.

1:30 - 2:05 pm PST

Panel

Food & Beverage: Value Creation

with Kaysilyn Lawson, Chief Operating Officer of Marcus Samuelsson Group, Todd Birnbaum, Partner of FOC and Tom Dillon, Founder & CEO of APICII

Interviewed by Jody Pennette, Founder & CEO of cb5 Hospitality Group

Whether we recognize it or not, food & beverage plays a pivotal role in spotlighting the creativity and vibrancy of a boutique hotel. It’s a driving tool for revenue, a reflection of lifestyle, a way to enhance human connection. But, how does food & beverage raise the value of an asset? Why is it so important to keep local vendors? What truly is the purpose of food & beverage in a boutique hotel? Hear from these leading visionaries as they relate food and beverage to topics of technology, marketing, and wellness, and ultimately bring forth an awakened awareness as to what food and beverage means to hospitality.

1:30 - 2:10 pm PST

Case Study

Asset Management: Real-Time Issues in a Pandemic Environment

with Jack Westergom, CEO of Manhattan Hospitality Advisors & BLLA Advisory Board Member

Interviewed by Jonathan Falik, CEO of JF Capital Advisors & BLLA Committee Member

1:30 - 2:15 pm PST

Case Study

Procurement Strategies

with Neil Locke, Principal of Neil Locke Hospitality and Michael Kitchen, Partner at Aparium Hotel Group

Interviewed by Davonne Reaves, President of The Vonne Group

Get a rare peek into a successful partnership between Aparium Hotel Group and Neil Locke Hospitality. How did they create a fruitful partnership? What did they build together? What were the aspects that made this a win-win collaboration? Join hospitality friends as they remember and converse on why and how they have been able to continually create success stories. 

1:30 - 2:15 pm PST

Panel

A Conversation on Valuation

with Jacob Iftah, Managing Partner at Kin Capital Partners Inc. and David Solomon, Chairman of Solomon Capital Group

Interviewed by Ronit Copeland, Managing Director of Copeland Ltd. & BLLA Committee Member

Amid an ever-changing world, valuation lies at the heart of justifying a concept to buyers and investors, as well as cultivating dependable relationships with lenders and stakeholders. What advantages do boutique hotels have when it comes to the type and level of valuation? What are the fundamentals about valuation that haven’t changed even following a pandemic? We welcome these innovative leaders as they illuminate the factors of valuation and share how irreplaceable boutique properties will continue to flourish.

2:15 - 2:45 pm PST

Mentorship Circle

Ask Me Anything: Relationships with Lenders

with Omar Palacios, COO, CFO & Partner of Geolo Capital & BLLA Advisory Board Member

We welcome this boutique investment leader as he mentors a group of spirited pioneers and shares the importance of maintaining connections, as well as engaging in social experiences that can give rise to thoughtful boutique properties. Within 20 years in the industry leading teams in finance, treasury, accounting and corporate development, Omar has a wealth of knowledge to share.

2:15 - 2:45 pm PST

Presentation

Capital Markets

with Daniel Peek, President, Hotel Group of Hodges Ward Elliott & BLLA Advisory Board Member

2:50 - 3:20 pm PST

Keynote

Scaling a Boutique Hotel Collection

with Andrew Zobler, CEO of Sydell Group

Interviewed by Ariela Kiradjian, Partner & COO of BLLA and StayBoutique

Sydell Group has been a long-time standing player in the boutique hotel game. Constantly disrupting hotel models and gathering the coolest travelers into town, they know how to scale a collection. Hear from the CEO himself as he gives the audience a peek into how they built the empire they hold now.

3:50 - 4:20 pm PST

Speed Dating

End of Day Gathering

The excitement doesn’t end here! Head on over to the BLLA Speed Dating Hub to engage in meaningful conversations, create lasting connections, and open the door to newfound possibilities.

4:20 - 5:00 pm PST

Trade Show Hall

Explore the Industry’s Top Companies

We invite you to discover a curated selection of exceptional companies in the global hospitality industry. You will have the ability to chat with the company representatives directly in their virtual booth!