2023 Boutique Hotel Owners Conference
Day 1: October 10th Agenda
10:30 AM PST
Networking - Provence Outdoor Lobby
Registration Opens
10:30 - 11:45 AM PST
Networking - Bogie's
Brunch
11:45 AM- 12:15 PM PST
Welcome - Provence Room
Welcome, Grounding & Setting an Intention, Sponsored by Capital One Travel
Join Ariela with some special guests to set the tone for the gathering.
Ariela Kiradjian, Partner & COO, BLLA and Co-Founder, StayBoutique
12:15 - 1:05 PM PST
Panel - Provence Room
Top Issues Owners Face Today, Sponsored by Tripleseat
Explore the challenges in boutique hospitality through "Top Issues Owners Face Today." Our panel of esteemed hoteliers and experts spotlights concerns shaping the modern landscape. Dive into topics like market competition, personalization, sustainability, tech integration, and more. Gain strategic insights and actionable solutions, delving deep into the hurdles boutique hotel owners confront. Whether you're an owner, industry professional, or hospitality enthusiast, this panel provides valuable takeaways for addressing boutique hotel challenges.
Peter Twachtman, CEO, Lark Hotels
Sarah Eustis, CEO, Main Street Hospitality
Channing Henry, Managing Director, Head of US, PKF hotelexperts
1:05 - 1:35 PM PST
Panel - Provence Room
A Solution to the Human Capital Challenges in Hospitality, Sponsored by Nestle Premium Waters
Hear from this hospitality expert as he discusses his new book, “Talent Disruption: People Are The Brands.” All attendees present will receive a signed copy!
Alexander Mirza, Founder & CEO, Mogul Hotels & Resorts
Channing Henry, Managing Director, Head of US, PKF hotelexperts
1:35 - 2:15 PM PST Provence Room
Surprise Keynote!
We have invited one of our favorite hotel executives to lead a really special workshop for the community.
2:15 - 3:15 PM PST
Panel - Provence Room
Creating the Ultimate Boutique Hotel Tech Stack, Sponsored by Dragonfly Strategists & SHR
Join an insightful panel of tech experts, hoteliers, and innovators to explore creating cutting-edge technology ecosystems for boutique hotels. Learn how to integrate reservation systems, guest apps, smart room features, and more for elevated guest experiences. Dive into challenges like customization, scalability, and staying ahead in tech. From personalized service to operational efficiency, discover the potential of a well-designed tech stack. This discussion reveals the digital transformation of boutique hospitality. Understand the key to seamless, modern guest journeys in the boutique hotel realm.
Caryl Helsel, Founder & CEO, Dragonfly Strategists
Kelly Popp, Senior Director of Business Development, SHR
Cara Federici, Founder & CEO, tech theory group & Madison Melle Agency
3:15 - 3:45 PM PST
Networking - Provence Patio
Break
3:45 - 4:30 PM PST
Panel- Provence Room
Building a Regenerative Hospitality Business, Sponsored by Thuma
Immerse yourself in sustainable impact with "Building a Regenerative Hospitality Business." Our expert panel, featuring eco-visionaries, hoteliers, and sustainability advocates, explores regenerative practices' transformative potential in hospitality. Discover business models surpassing sustainability, actively revitalizing communities and the environment. We will bring to light strategies to seamlessly integrate regenerative principles, from design to guest experiences. This panel offers insights into fostering a truly regenerative future, reducing carbon footprints, and nurturing ecosystems. Join us to uncover regenerative blueprints reshaping hospitality for the better.
Cale Genenbacher, Founder & CEO, LOGE Camps
Oliver English, Co-Founder & CEO, Common Table Creative
Kurt Bjorkman, COO, The Ranch at Laguna Beach
Ginger Pierce, Executive Chef, 1 Hotel West Hollywood
Ariela Kiradjian, Partner & COO, BLLA and Co-Founder, StayBoutique
4:30 - 5:30 PM PST
Breakout - Fairway Room
Boutique Hotel Development: Creating Unique Hospitality Gems, Sponsored by SHR
Explore "Boutique Hotel Development" as our panel unveils the secrets behind crafting unique and captivating boutique hotels. With industry visionaries, hoteliers, and design experts, discover how architecture, design, and storytelling create spaces that leave a lasting impact. From strategic planning to sustainability, delve into the process of crafting boutique hotels. Join us to unearth the elements that turn hospitality dreams into unforgettable guest experiences.
Phil Bates, CEO, TMC Hospitality
Adriana Marianella, Principal, Mara Partners
Angel Redondo, Vice President of Real Estate and Business Development, StayPinneapple Hotels
Nile Tuzun, Founder & CEO, Studio Nilebrand
4:30 - 5:30 PM PST
Breakout - Provence Room
Evening Out the Playing Field: Hotel Tech Focus on AI, Sponsored by StayBoutique
Delve into how AI transforms guest experiences, optimizes operations, and reshapes hotel competition. This discussion showcases AI's diverse applications, from personalized services to revenue management. Whether a tech enthusiast, hotel owner, or curious about industry advancements, this problem-solving hub offers insights into harnessing AI's potential.
Vaughn Davis, CEO, Relevant Hospitality
Tamina Würth, Founder & CEO, AIvolution
H.B. Siegel, CEO, HBS Strategy
RJ Jain, Founder & CEO, Price.com
5:30 - 6:00 PM PST
FREE TIME
6:00- 8:00 PM PST
Networking - The Cave (behind Stonehaus)
Drinks, S’mores & Light Dinner
2023 Boutique Hotel Owners Conference
Day 2: October 11th Agenda
9:00 - 10:00 AM PST
Networking - Bogie’s
Breakfast
10:00 - 10:45 AM PST
Conscious Workshop - Provence Room
Cultivating Purpose, Sponsored by TIEWN
This will be a fun, introspective and engaging exploration of what it means to cultivate purpose for yourself, your business, your customers and your community. Intrigued? Did you know that a McKinsey report recently found that 70% of people do not feel aligned with their purpose at work. They want to be more purposeful, but only 50% of us even know what our purpose is! Join us for a creative conversation on how our purpose changes as we age, how our success scripts have impacted the decisions we have made, and whether they are helping your flourish or stunting your growth. Explore how your guests and customers may be exploring their purpose when they arrive at your doorstep and how to better facilitate that journey. The ripple effect of living and working on purpose is bigger than you may imagine. Let's find that spark and bring it with you wherever you go.
Kari Cardinale, SVP of Digital & Alumni Strategy, Modern Elder Academy
10:45 - 11:05 AM PST
Spotlight - Provence Room
Project Spotlight: Nômade, Sponsored by Tripleseat
We will get an in-depth view of the structure and concept of Nômade People, a beloved hospitality brand based in Mexico. Many are familiar with the Nômade hotel in Tulum, a place that redefined what a beach hotel looks and feels like. Throughout the design and operations of their hotels, they are centered around bringing harmony to innate human experiences and the natural world. From tribal beats on Thursday nights to shaman-lead meditations on Tuesday mornings, Nômade People is a pillar of what vibrant hotel programming is. We are excited to take a deep dive with their CEO and get a insider’s view on how Nômade People has redefined hospitality.
Andrew Miele, CEO, Nômade
Ariela Kiradjian, Partner & COO, BLLA and Co-Founder, StayBoutique
11:05 - 11:40 AM PST
Panel - Provence Room
The Advantages of a Small Hotel, Sponsored by Dragonfly Strategists
Led by experienced hoteliers, entrepreneurs, and experts, this session explains the rewards of managing a small hotel. From personalized experiences to community-building, we explore how these advantages set small hotels apart. Discover how flexibility, authenticity, cost-efficiency, and niche opportunities contribute to their success. Join us to shed light on the path to a thriving small hotel venture.
Maya Mallick, Owner & Creative Director, The Culver Hotel
Maxwell Wait, Co-Founder, Orli La Jolla
Ariela Kiradjian, Partner & COO, BLLA and Co-Founder, StayBoutique
11:40 AM - 12:25 PM PST
Panel - Provence Room
Beyond Creating Memories...The Fascination Phenomenon, Sponsored by Capital One Travel
It’s time we begin to have a new perspective of hotel design. We are entering a new chapter and looking beyond aesthetics and instead focusing on how spaces create a sense of awe and wonder. Join these leaders as they discuss ways to implement the next generation of hotel design.
Jenn Scheurich, Vice President, Head of Capital One Travel, Lounge, & Retail Experience, Capital One Travel
Nile Tuzun, Founder & Chief Creative Storyteller, Studio Nilebrand
Dave Neupert, Owner, Gold-Diggers
12:25 - 12:55 PM PST
Workshop - Provence Room
The Masterclass on Luxury
We have invited a world-renowned luxury and lifestyle expert to conduct a workshop specifically tailored for our attendees. This session aims to enlighten hoteliers on the intricacies and evolving trends of the new era of luxury. Our expert will provide invaluable insights and knowledge that will undoubtedly reshape the way we perceive and cater to the modern luxury market.
Dr. Daniel Langer, CEO, Équité
12:55 - 1:55 PM PST
Networking - Bogie’s
Lunch
1:55 - 2:40 PM PST
Breakout - Fairway Room
Creating Meaningful Hotel Brand Narratives
Our panel of branding experts, hoteliers, and storytellers explores crafting authentic narratives in boutique hotels. Learn to resonate with guests through stories reflecting the hotel's identity. Explore the fusion of design, service, and ambiance that brings narratives to life. From unique voices to emotional connections, discover the power of narrative in shaping boutique experiences. Discover the secrets of leaving lasting impressions, whether you're a branding enthusiast or a hospitality pro seeking to infuse character into your establishment.
Janet Eason, Founder, Eason Branding
Gizem Ozcelik, Founder & CEO, GO PR
Andrea Quagliata, Founder, Blind Villains
Alexis Lanman, CMO, New Waterloo Hospitality
1:55 - 2:40 PM PST
Breakout - Provence Room
Food & Beverage Concept Development, Sponsored by Nestle Premium Waters
Join culinary experts, hoteliers, and designers for a discussion on crafting exceptional dining experiences. Discover how local flavors, aesthetics, and innovation combine to create memorable journeys for guests. Explore menu curation, ambiance design, sustainability, and the fusion of culture and cuisine. Whether you're a hospitality pro or a food enthusiast, this panel offers unique insights into elevating F&B in boutique hotels. Experience the creative synergy of taste, design, and hospitality that defines this exciting realm.
Peter Wright, Division Manager, Nestle Premium Waters
Jason Jenkins, VP of Hotel Sales, Tripleseat
2:40 - 3:05 PM PST
Networking - Provence Patio
Break
3:05 - 3:50 PM PST
Panel - Provence Room
Boutique Hotel Operations & Growing Pains, Sponsored by Greenberg Traurig
Unveil successful boutique hotel operations in our panel. Led by hoteliers, experts, and industry leaders, we explore excellence in boutique hospitality management. Learn to curate seamless guest experiences, optimize staff management, and balance personalized service with efficiency. Explore challenges of uniqueness within standards, from sustainability to technology. Gain behind-the-scenes insights, whether you're a pro or enthusiast. This panel shows the intricate choreography for boutique and distinctive stays.
Anton Moore, General Manager, Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC
Mallory Studer, General Manager, Oyster Bay Boutique Hotel
Alison R. Weinberg-Fahey, Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig
Audrey Laurent, Principal, Mac&Lo Hospitality