6:00 - 6:30 am PT

Training

Wellness: How to Create an Awakening Experience

with Master Surendran, Accredited Feng Shui Master, Vastu Consultant, and Bio Energetican, Romina Nicolino, Director of Spa & Wellness at Amek Group, and Monica Cuervo, Senior Vice President at WATG and Wimberly Interiors

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

Why is the relationship between humans and the spaces they occupy so significant? What are the components of wellness design? And, how does the concept of hospitality design reach further than the hotel lobby and into our personal lives? We invite this panel of wellness gurus as they unveil the secrets to bringing the theme of awakening to fruition.

6:00 - 6:30 am PT

Case Study

Places that Awaken Us: Italy

with Valentina De Santis, CEO, Grand Hotel Tremezzo | Lake Como, Italy

Interviewed by Erik Attkisson, Founder and Chief Brand Strategist at Satellite Office, Inc.

Italy is one of the most amazing places on the planet to visit and its incredible and historical hotels are known worldwide. These properties have stories and designs beyond the imagination and thus, celebrities, professionals, tourists, and investors alike look to the very best properties to visit, to be inspired by, or to purchase as their own. For an unforgettable experience, look to Italy’s finest for both innovation and inspiration. Join us as Valentina describes her journey including the story of her family’s influence on this most amazing boutique hotel property.

6:00 - 6:05 am PT

Case Study

A Warm Welcome from Japan

with Yoshitaka Nojiri, Founder & President at TRUNK Co., Ltd.

6:00 - 7:00 am PT

Networking

Walk the Marketplace Hall

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

6:15 - 6:30 am PT

Networking

The Introduce Yourself Room

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

7:00 - 7:15 am PT

Opening

What is a Boutique Hotel? The Awakening.

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

We’re pulling into the station and the picture is becoming clearer. As we settle into our new, fresh world it is apparent that while many things may remain the same, many others are changed for the foreseeable future. Hear from the mother-daughter duo who has been behind and in front of the scene leading the charge for this glorious boutique enhanced world. What does it mean exactly? We can feel excitement in the air as hospitality comes back into focus...not as a money making machine (that’s a given), but coming back full force into the meaning of the words ‘boutique hospitality.’

7:20 - 7:50 am PT

Training

How to Turn Your Hotel into a Membership Club

with Boren Novakovic, CEO of PeopleVine and Julia Davis, Principal / Founder of Maslin Advisors

In our world of boutique hospitality, community and engagement cannot be overlooked. Join Boren and Julia as they take the virtual stages to present the key to an engaged and connected community: membership.

7:20 - 7:50 am PT

Training

5 Hotel Marketing Mistakes You're Making (& What To Do Instead)

with Amy Draheim, Founder of ABD Creative

Ever since the pandemic began, hospitality professionals have been rethinking the old ways of doing things. If the pandemic taught us anything, it's that evergreen strategies have little place in an industry that's constantly evolving. To be successful, we need to track changes as they come and respond in real-time. When it comes to marketing hotels, our strategies have shifted countless times in these last 18 months, and we've learned lessons about what's working, what's not, and where we should focus our marketing efforts. In this hotel marketing bootcamp, Amy Draheim shares 5 hotel marketing mistakes you're making and what to do instead. This presentation is full of actionable marketing insights around the topics of brand voice, email marketing, social media, packages/offers, and guest reviews.

7:55 - 8:35 am PT

Training

The Power of the Sense of Sight

with Lori Christopherson, Hospitality Account Sales Director - North America at Lutron Electronics and Tony Spata, Principal at Spata Global Design Group, PLLC

Come along for a LIVE tour of Lutron’s Global Experience Centers. You will get an in-depth understanding of the power of light intensity, the importance of color temperature, and the effects of the guest room experience. Tony Spata will also take the virtual stage to expand upon the impact of lighting, specifically in the sector of luxury hospitality.

7:55 - 8:55 am PT

Training

Investment 101

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

We all didn’t get an MBA in business, real estate or finance. That’s ok, as our own in-house expert, Jonathan Falik, will guide you through a talk on boutique hotel investment with some key insights regarding investment in boutique hospitality.

7:55 - 8:35 am PT

Training

Attracting New Talent

with Alexander Mirza, Founder & CEO of Mogul Hospitality

Hotels today must clearly focus on talent as the property becomes fully operational after the pandemic. Having a robust program must be prioritized in order to attract the top talent for each position. From cultural elements and caring attitudes, you must consider all of these and more: from technology to perks and incentives to training, it all must be taken into consideration. We will dive deeper into this subject matter with the Mogul himself, Alex Mirza.

8:30 - 9:00 am PT

Training

Revenue Strategy: Do Less. Make It Mean More.

with Kate Burda, CEO/Founder of Kate Burda & Co. & BLLA Committee Member

If you were to think about what’s important to a hotelier, increasing the top line and having a successful strategy may come to mind. However, creating this strategy and having it link to your vision and financial outcomes is not always so simple. Join Kate Burda as she puts forth a playbook of how to get higher levels of revenue performance, develop great strategy, and ultimately do less while making it mean more.

8:30 - 8:50 am PT

Training

How to Utilize Instagram to Drive Loyalty

with Agita Jaber, Director of Social Media at JF Capital Advisors

In this technological era, social media is a driving force for brand awareness and community building. Instagram, specifically, is crucial to establishing loyalty with customers on a neverending basis. We welcome Instagram expert, Agita Jaber, as she presents ways to properly set up the app, maximize its different features, and ultimately connect with guests through a sense of trust and reliability.

9:00 - 9:10 am PT

Networking

Walk the Marketplace Hall

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

9:10 - 9:40 am PT

Case Study

International Boutique Hotels on Purpose

with Massimo Ianni, Founder/Partner of Massimo & Partners and Paul Salmon, Chairman of Rockhouse Hotel & Rockhouse Foundation

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

To have a purpose is to have a mission. Whether that be to give back to the community, to provide quality services, or to simply spark joy in the lives of others, a purpose drives meaningful outcomes in our world. Join us as Massimo Ianni and Paul Salmon dive into the stories behind their mission-driven brands and hone in on the importance of having compassion, a creative mind, and an entrepreneurial spirit.

9:10 - 9:40 am PT

Think Tank

International Boutique Hotels on Wellness

with Hannes Illmer, Founder & Chairman at tt•consulting, Co-Owner of Arua Private Spa Villas, Co-Owner of Solea Boutique & Spa Hotel, Co-Owner of Villa Eden, and Board member of Skyalps

Interviewed by Regina Connell, Founder of Collective Work

Regardless of where you are in the world, wellness plays an essential part in how you connect with yourself, how you embrace your surroundings, and how you stay present in your day-to-day interactions. We invite these bright minds as they share their global perspectives on the value of mindful practices and holistic experiences within the sphere of luxury hospitality.

9:10 - 9:40 am PT

Think Tank

The Japanese Way of Creating a Boutique Hotel

with Masayuki Kinoshita, Chief Creative Officer of TRUNK Co., Ltd.

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

Japan’s geography can sometimes be quite challenging for hotel owners and developers. The boutique hotel space is perfect for this issue, particularly in design of a great hotel experience. The creativity, style and divine programs offered by Trunk House is beyond amazing, taking each room and overnight experience through it’s rich geisha history! All senses will be cared for during a guests stay. Listen and learn as the secrets of a great boutique hotel experience in Japan is described.

9:45 - 10:15 am PT

Think Tank

International Boutique Hotels on Community

with Manfredi Rizzuto, Owner of Susafa and Benjamin Dietsche, Executive Manager at CERVO Mountain Resort

Interviewed by Denise Korn, Founding Principal, Korn Design

Community is an undeniable source of inspiration for boutique hotels. Our industry is founded on people, and boutique hotels are a reflection of these people and a representation of their story. Hear from Manfredi Rizzuto and Benjamin Dietsche as they bring an international outlook to how our industry can embrace community on an even greater level.

9:45 - 10:15 am PT

Think Tank

International Boutique Hotels on Genuine Sustainability

with Kent Lindvall, Founder & CEO of Treehotel

Interviewed by Lisa Xie, Alumna of EHL

Genuine sustainability is actually hard to come by in hospitality. That is why when we came across Kent’s creation, Treehotel, we were immediately amazed. His hotel went viral due to its unique design, location and mission. How can we apply sustainable practices to our everyday routine? How can this path toward sustainable growth create a turning point for the future of boutique hospitality? We are excited to hear what this entrepreneur has to say and how he sees the future of hospitality shifting.

9:45 - 10:15 am PT

Think Tank

International Boutique Hotels on Family Travel

with Krystal Prakaikaew Na-Ranong, Co-Founder at The Slate

Interviewed by Kemi Wells, Founder & President at Wells Luxury Travel

Family travel is one topic that tends to get overlooked when we talk about boutique hotels. However, it is time we take another look at the power this type of traveler has. We will get an in-depth look at one luxury hotel in Thailand that has mastered the art of attracting affluent families. We will also get a chance to discuss the entrepreneur behind this successful hotel, Krystal Prakaikaew Na-Ranong, and get her advice on how boutique hotels can attract the right type of guests.

10:15 - 10:25 am PT

Networking

Walk the Marketplace Hall

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

10:30 - 11:00 am PT

Case Study

Sustainability. Period.

with David Rust, CEO of Sagra and Neil Midlane, Group Impact Manager at Wilderness Safaris

Interviewed by Julia Cosgrove, Vice President & Editor in Chief at AFAR

Food is a language. It’s an opportunity to connect with friends, to connect with the land, to connect with the community. Sustainable agriculture creates the foundation for an industry that values transparency, thoughtfulness, and environmental awareness. Join this panel of top minds as they illustrate the urgency to apply sustainable practices to our everyday lives and to do good for the people and to do good for the planet.

10:30 - 11:00 am PT

Think Tank

What Boutique Hoteliers Need to Know About the 2022 Food & Beverage Scene

with Travis Passerotti, Executive Chef at The Tasting Kitchen and Daniel Patterson, Chef & Founder of Coi Restaurant

Interviewed by Michael Politz, Publisher at Food & Beverage Magazine

What are the latest trends at hot restaurants and bars right now? Hear from two entrepreneurs as they discuss the ins and outs of operating the food & beverage side of hospitality and how they are managing the constant flux of what it means to be a restaurateur in today’s day and age.

11:05 - 11:35 am PT

Think Tank

Health & Happiness: How Boutique Hotels Are Taking This to the Next Level

with Jim Root, General Manager at Mii amo and Enchantment Group Director of Wellbeing

Interviewed by Dr. Jason Wersland, Founder & Chief Wellness Officer at Therabody

“Wellness” is a term that is widely used in hospitality. But, what does “wellness” truly mean? We welcome Jim Root and Dr. Jason Wersland to the virtual stage as they address the importance of wellness programs within the boutique space and how these programs translate to greater health and happiness.

11:05 - 11:35 am PT

Showcase

Wellness Trends: The Crazy & The Cool

with Kane Sarhan, Co-Founder & CCO at THE WELL, Sam Cooper, Director of Wellness Development at Canyon Ranch, and Jay Muller, Global Director; Hospitality at Eight Sleep

Interviewed by Lynn Curry, Principal of Curry Spa Consulting & BLLA Committee Member

Wellness practices have been around forever. Remember the day when your grandmother suggested you use vinegar to wash your vegetables with or to use beer for a great shine on your hair? We’ve come full circle as wellbeing today brings on a new meaning. During and after the pandemic, we have all realized that our health and wellbeing is the most important thing of all. New companies, features, products and practices have been emerging, even some that are quite bizarre. From spiritual wellness, to design to immunity, today we will discuss it all.

11:05 - 11:35 am PT

Think Tank

The Future of Culinary Experiences

with Ashley Wilkins, Founder & Creative Director of Islyn Studio and Lauren Greene, Owner of The Grove Cafe & Market

When it comes to partnerships, what you put in is essential to what you put out. Ashley Wilkins and Lauren Greene are a dynamic duo that put this notion into practice. Together, they are opening a new hospitality concept in an up-and-coming market and creating a culinary experience that is an authentic representation of the surrounding community. Join this pair as they reveal the importance of discovering unique opportunities and programs that can elevate the guest experience and help tell the story of a location and its inhabitants.

11:40 am - 12:10 pm PT

Networking

The Matchmaking Room

We bring our attention to the root of our industry: relationships. With this round of speed dating, we encourage you to head on over to the BLLA Speed Dating Hub and connect with like-minded, inspiring professionals.

11:40 am - 12:10 pm PT

Networking

Walk the Marketplace Hall

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

12:10 - 12:40 pm PT

Think Tank

Owner Operator Growth Strategies

with Atit Jariwala, Founder & CEO of BRIDGETON

Interviewed by Ronit Copeland, Founder & CEO of Copeland Hospitality & BLLA Committee Member

What does it look like to both own and operate a boutique hotel? Get top insights from one of New York’s most beloved hoteliers, Atit Jariwala. He will discuss his do’s and don’t of owning and operating his hotels with BLLA Program Planning Committee Member, Ronit Copeland.

12:10 - 1:10 pm PT

Case Study

The Future of Art: NFTs

with King of Midtown, Founder of The Crypt Gallery and Vaughn Davis, General Manager at Dream Hollywood

“NFTs (or “non-fungible tokens”) are a special kind of cryptoasset in which each token is unique — as opposed to “fungible” assets like Bitcoin and dollar bills, which are all worth exactly the same amount. Because every NFT is unique, they can be used to authenticate ownership of digital assets like artworks, recordings, and virtual real estate or pets (from coinbase).” Listen and learn as this discussion speaks of the intricacies and nuances of how this works and what the benefits are for the boutique hospitality industry. 

12:45 - 1:15 pm PT

Case Study

The Work from Home Phenomenon: How Hotels Are a Part of This

with Emmanuel Guisset, CEO & Co-Founder of Outsite

Interviewed by Regina Connell, Founder of Collective Work

We have seen hotels make a quick shift to co-working spaces since the beginning of the pandemic. But how are they continuing to innovate in this space? We will be sitting down with a hospitality entrepreneur, Emmanuel Guisset, to get his insights into how boutique hotels specifically will be able to outpace the big chains when it comes to the co-working trend.

12:45 - 1:30 pm PT

Think Tank

Why I Became a Hotelier

with Max Loong, Founder & Owner of Hidden Hills Villas and Michael Achenbaum, President & Founder at Gansevoort Hotel Group

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

“Corporate,” might be this hotel creator’s least favorite word. And at BLLA, we are on the same page. Boutique experiences are centered around localization, individuality, and heart; however, why are there new players entering the scene that come off somewhat bland? We will get a special chance to talk with daring leaders who will take us through their perspectives on how a boutique hotel should be structured as well as why they decided to become entrepreneurs in this industry.

1:15 - 1:25 pm PT

Networking

Walk the Marketplace Hall

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

1:30 - 2:00 pm PT

Case Study

Places that Awaken Us: Mexico

with Pilar Rios, Corporate Director of Sales and Marketing at Chablé Hotels, Andrés Saavedra Benitez, Co-Founder of MUSA, and Tara Medina, Co-Founder of MUSA

Interviewed by Kim Kessler, Founder of KIPR Global

Mexico is a stunning country. Not only is it physically beautiful, but it emanates a lifestyle that is harmonious, luxurious, and relaxing. Hear from this panel of thoughtful leaders as they describe their personal and professional connection to Mexico and how they share the magic of the environment with their everyday guests.

2:05 - 2:35 pm PT

Keynote

Awakening the Creative Process

with Todd English, Owner of Todd English Enterprises

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

You will be hearing from the icon himself, Todd English, as he speaks to the community about how he has built his empire and what he believes boutique hotels should be doing with their food & beverage programs.

2:40 - 2:55 pm PT

Networking

The Introduce Yourself Room

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

3:10 - 4:00 pm PT

Networking

Walk the Marketplace Hall

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