6:00 - 6:15 am PT

Networking

The Introduce Yourself Room

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

6:00 - 6:30 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!

6:30 - 7:00 am 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.

7:00 - 7:15 am PT

Opening

Awakening the Hospitality Industry

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

Our theme for this conference is certainly fitting for the times we are in today. We felt the word Awakening is a very good way to describe a sort of recognition and realization of where we’ve been and where we’re going. We believe we are returning to true, meaningful, personalized hospitality that comes with an awareness of our customers and our organizations. Is it a rude awakening? We think not, however, it is a clear focus on a revival of the word ‘community.’ We will begin this glorious day of friendship and learning, coming together to celebrate our wonderful boutique community that has developed since our founding 12 years ago and has skyrocketed over the past year and a half.

7:50 - 8:20 am PT

Keynote

Awakening Our Teams

with James Bermingham, CEO of Virgin Hotels

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

Hospitality is going through something, together as a community. We have been faced with relentless struggles and having to hold resiliency more than ever. We welcome hospitality expert, James Bermingham, as he instills promise in our future and delves into the process of navigating hotel companies through these uncertain times. Leading one of the fastest growing lifestyle brands in the industry, James, will take a deep dive into how he believes the leaders should be inspiring and motivating the people that create their company culture.

8:00 - 8:45 am PT

Think Tank

Awakening the Independent Spirit

with Samantha Ahuja, Shareholder at Greenberg Traurig LLP & BLLA Advisory Board Member and Luis Gallotti, Co-Founder / Co-CEO of Amek Group & BLLA Advisory Board Member and Omar Palacios, COO, CFO & Partner at Geolo Capital & BLLA Advisory Board Member and Mark Keiser, Chief Development Officer at EOS Hospitality & BLLA Advisory Board Member and Carolyn Schneider, Partner & President at Casetta Group & BLLA Advisory Board Member

Join this panel of BLLA Advisory Board members as they come together to voice BLLA's initiatives and share their understanding of the "awakening" that is happening in our beloved industry of daring leaders.

8:25 - 8:55 am PT

Think Tank

Winning Back Boutique Hotel Talent

with Pablo Migoya, Managing Director at Hotel Hugo and Hotel Hendricks and Brian Cooke, Global Director of Corporate Sales at Freehand Hotels & Generator Hotels

Interviewed by Cara Federici, CEO of The Madison Melle Agency & tech theory group & BLLA Committee Member

Now is the time for owners and operators to truly focus on their strategies to not only retain staff but to create for new positions. Things like enhanced benefit options (ex: work from home part of the time) to extended days for holidays and more. Openly discussing how staff can have a greater work/life balance through online programs and zoom calls with departments or management. Recognition programs including celebrating employees, goes a long way towards a happy team. Adding new technologies to help employees feel safe and productive is also a great enhancement to your talent toolkit.

8:25 - 8:55 am PT

Case Study

Places that Awaken Us: Upstate New York

with Marc Chodock, Managing Partner at Escape Hospitality and Sims Foster, Co-Founder of Foster Supply Hospitality

Interviewed by Ashley Wilkins, Founder & Creative Director of Islyn Studio

Say, two years ago, when you asked a New Yorker where they would be for a Holiday weekend, they would normally say, “The Hamptons.” But today, you are more likely to hear them say, “The Catskills, or Hudson Valley.” Get an insider’s view on how to create successful boutique hotels in that area, what it takes to build a team and why that destination is one of the biggest hot spots in the U.S. Hear from some original boutique hoteliers in the area as they share why this part of the world awakens them.

9:00 - 9:30 am PT

Showcase

Hotel Associations Update the Community

with Andy Ingraham, President, Founder & CEO of NABHOOD and Bob Gilbert, President & CEO of HSMAI and Chip Rogers, President & CEO of AHLA and Thomas Atzenhofer, Deputy CEO of HFTP and Marie Audren, Director General at HOTREC and Larry Trabulsi, President of HAMA and Ken Greene, President & CEO at AAHOA and Thomas Atzenhofer, Deputy CEO at HFTP

We are a small industry when it comes to bringing together all the great hospitality associations. It’s all about the people and we at BLLA celebrate each and every one of them, their leaders and their members. We balance each other and befriend all of them. Lifting up one of us lifts up our entire industry. Hear from some of the best organizations lead by the most amazing executives in this brief but friendly 30 minute session.

9:00 - 9:30 am PT

Case Study

The Artisan of Boutique Hospitality

with Katherine Lo, Founder & President of Eaton Workshop

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

We are thrilled to welcome this bright entrepreneur to our stage to share her story and insights of what it takes to be an entrepreneur in the boutique hospitality space. Katherine grew up in Hong Kong watching her father build the Langham Group which may be the best hospitality training one could receive. She then went on to build Eaton Workshop which aims to build
platforms for creative and social and environment impact” through hotel experiences. Katherine will be joined by BLLA’s COO and StayBoutique’s Founder, Ariela, to talk about all things boutique.

9:20 - 9:30 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!

9:35 - 10:05 am PT

Think Tank

Awakening the Purposeful Traveler

with Peter Cole, Founder of Eclectic Companies

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

What do authentic boutique hotels hold that big chains cannot replicate, no matter how hard they try? Community. We’re talking about the real and raw community, not just making a hip lobby area. Hear from the man who took Design Hotels to new heights and was a core reason that the beloved collection was able to keep its authenticity amid new partnerships. Peter will be joined by BLLA Founder, Frances, to have a candid conversation on community and purpose.

9:35 - 10:05 am PT

Think Tank

At the Heart of Leadership

with Jon E. Bortz, Chairman & CEO of Pebblebrook Hotel Trust

Interviewed by Jennifer Barnwell, President of Curator Hotel & Resort Collection

We truly embrace heartfelt hospitality throughout our boutique hotels and the Curator Collection top executives are leading the way for their participating boutique hotel brands. What is it that runs through the veins of the people operating and working in these great properties? We hear from 2 incredible leaders paving the way for those members of their assortment of fine brands.

9:40 - 10:35 am PT

Think Tank

How Hotels Can Be a Part of Doing Good

with Jackie Roby, Chief Excellence Officer at Inspired Journey Consulting and Jonah Stillman, CEO at GenGuru and Jorge Pérez, Founder of Tierra del Volcan

Interviewed by Jake Haupert, Co-Founder & CEO of Transformational Travel Council

Boutique hospitality is a launching pad for positive change. That being said, boutique hotels have the power to create people-centric experiences and encourage mindful tourism, especially during this modern era of travel. Join these exceptional leaders as they speak to the significance of transformational travel and the future of travel in a world that is adapting to the explosive rise of Gen Z tourists.

10:10 - 10:50 am PT

Think Tank

An Inside Look: The Boutique Hotel Labor Crisis

with Jim McPartlin, Chief People Officer at Highgate

Interviewed by Guy Maisnik, Partner & Vice Chair of Global Hospitality Group®, JMBM

There is no doubt that our industry has been through a lot these past twenty months. But, as a community of resilient leaders, we will find our footing, repave the pathway to success, and set an expectation for others to follow. What does our industry need to do in order to get to this steady and secure place? What actions do managers need to take and what technology needs to be changed? Join these top minds as they explore the future of boutique hospitality through an operational perspective and underline how creativity, human understanding, and flexibility may just be part of the solution.

10:10 - 10:40 am PT

Think Tank

What Boutique Hoteliers Need to Know About Labor Laws

with Jay Krupin, Partner at Baker & Hostetler LLP

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

Navigating today’s law for the labor we employ in our hotels, can be confusing and difficult. cities, states and even countries have differing regulations in place and these laws need clear interpretation, particularly all the new COVID-19 rules. This discussion will begin to prepare listeners for what to watch out for to ensure you and your team are following best practices and the law itself.

10:10 - 10:40 am PT

Think Tank

General Managers: The New Role

with Hemal Jain, General Manager at Alila Villas Uluwatu, Sergio Maclean, Principal Owner, Mac&Lo LLC Hospitality Management & Consulting and Nick Knight, General Manager at The Siren Hotel, ASH NYC

Interviewed by Denise Korn, Principal / Creative Director at Yellow&

A General Manager has a title that will never be the same again. Many of the industry’s beloved GMs are a big part of what saved our industry during the pandemic. We will be joined by global operating experts who have vastless experience and wisdom on how to properly manage a boutique hotel. We will even be joined by Hemal, who will be tuning in from Bali! They will guide our community through ways to lead a team in today’s landscape.

10:40 - 10:55 am PT

Networking

The Introduce Yourself Room

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

10:40 - 11:00 am PT

Rewind

Rewind: Watch a Session from the 2021 Boutique Hotel Investment Conference

Enjoy a blast from the past!

10:40 - 11:00 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!

11:00 - 11:15 am PT

Showcase

How Many Types of Boutique Hotels Are There?

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

Oh, we must have caught your eye with this panel title! Yes, did you know that there are fourteen different types of boutique hotels? The movement has massively grown and has now transformed from a “trend” to its own community and soon to be its own industry. Hear from BLLA partners, the Mother-Daughter Duo of Boutique, Frances & Ariela Kiradjian, as they present their findings on the various types of boutique hotels.

11:00 - 11:30 am PT

Think Tank

The Boutique Hotel Experience...Alfresco

with John Flannigan, CEO & Founder of Wylder Hotels and Nicole Robinson, Chief Marketing Officer of andBeyond

Interviewed by Regina Connell, Founder of Collective Work & BLLA Committee Member

Adventure boutique is an experience. It encompasses unique destinations, breathtaking surroundings, and outdoor activities that are simply unforgettable. What does adventure boutique truly mean? What measures can be taken to provide an extraordinary experience to everyday guests? How can ROI be obtained from outdoor hotels? We welcome this panel of innovative boutique hoteliers as they identify ways to reach beyond the imagination and build alfresco experiences that will leave guests wanting more.

11:00 - 11:40 am PT

Think Tank

Gentrification: How Boutique Hotels Can Set the Stage for Change

with Nina Grondin, Partner & Co-Founder at Curioso

Interviewed by Sequoyah Hunter-Cuyjet, Vice President at Determined by Design

As boutique hoteliers, we have a commitment to uphold the value of community and foster long standing relationships with local inhabitants. We must ask ourselves, how can we show up for others, and how can we create an awareness of gentrification in our contemporary world? Hear from these top minds as they reveal the ways to make a difference in our industry and make a difference in our world.

11:35 am - 12:05 pm PT

Case Study

Center Stage: The Chloe

with Robert LeBlanc, Founder & CEO of LeBLANC+SMITH

Interviewed by Dave Neupert, Owner of Gold-Diggers

We are bringing The Chloe to the center stage to spotlight its defining characteristics and understand the Founder’s story behind creating this glamorous and unique spot in the hub of New Orleans. Through a shared love of both music and hospitality, Robert and Dave will casually discuss this interesting boutique hotel project and review how the project was executed so beautifully.

11:35 am - 12:05 pm PT

Think Tank

Boutique Hotel Investment

with Tyler Morse, Chairman & CEO of MCR

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

Get a snapshot view to what is going on in boutique hotel investment. BLLA Program Planning Committee Member, Jonathan Falik, is bringing Tyler Morse, who has some of New York’s most loved hotels on his belt like the TWA Hotel and the High Line Hotel. What are the latest trends in investing in these types of hotels? Why should investors continue to focus on independent boutique hotels?

11:35 am - 12:05 pm PT

Think Tank

Sourcing for a New Boutique Hotel: The Battle Grounds

with Kevin O’Shea, Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer at Salt Hotels

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

It is no secret that boutique hotels are revolutionary. That being said, there is a great deal of strategy and innovation that goes into the hotel’s development. How can you effectively source furniture, staff, and construction workers for an upcoming boutique hotel? What factors should be at the forefront of your mind during the sourcing process? Join the owners of Salt Hotels as they offer their tips and tricks into what practices work best and what practices truly create a more challenging battle ground.

11:35 am - 12:05 pm PT

Think Tank

The Structure of a Successful Boutique Hotel Ownership and Investment Platform

with Benjamin Habbel, CEO of Aethos Hotels and Tom Burns, Managing Director at EOS Investors

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

Success factors in today’s boutique hotel industry combine many well throught-out strategies including bringing the right team together all the way to selection of the investors or lending element to discussions on the vision, the architects and designers, the financial elements to the decision on operator vs. go it alone. It takes an army and precise decisions along the way to create a truly great boutique hotel project. We have three hospitality experts joining us to discuss the overview of boutique hotel ownership and what the investment landscape looks like.

11:35 am - 12:05 pm PT

Think Tank

The Next Generation of Boutique Hotel Owners

with Charlotte Gomez de Orozco, Founder of HOY Hotel Paris and Jonathan Morris, Owner of Hotel Dryce

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

The entrepreneurial spirit has become a defining factor for millennials with happiness in their careers. What does it take to become an entrepreneur in hospitality? We will be joined by two exceptional boutique hotel owners and they will take the community through how they have built their hotels and why they find purpose in their career choices.

12:10 - 12:20 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!

12:20 - 12:50 pm PT

Showcase

Netflix Sees the Power of Boutique Hotels

with April Brown, Co-Founder & Motelier at The June Motel and Sarah Sklash, Co-Founder & Motelier at The June Motel

Interviewed by Carolyn Schneider, Partner & President of Casetta Group & BLLA Advisory Board Member

In 2019, April Brown attended a BLLA event and shared the concept of “Motel Makeover” with a select audience. Now, two years later, April and Sarah have their own Netflix series that is broadcasted to an audience of millions. Get an inside look at how their June Motel brand came to be and what they learned from being able to share their story with the world. Boutique hotels are gaining awareness, and this is just the beginning of a promising future for our beloved sector.

12:20 - 12:50 pm PT

Showcase

The New Age of Travel Influencers

with Brittany Connor, Account Director – PR & Digital at Hawkins International PR and Valérie Vaillancourt, Senior Digital Strategist at Hawkins International PR

Mastering social media is a must for any brand – especially when you’re on a mission to inspire travelers to choose your property on their next big adventure. Influencers have become an essential part of the travel marketing mix, but what was once a tactic used solely at the top of the funnel can now be harnessed to drive conversions, increase bookings, and help brands address the ever-growing need for original social content. Join Digital Marketing Experts, Brittany Connor and Valérie Vaillancourt of renowned PR + Digital Agency Hawkins International for their take on the new age of travel influencers, and tips and tactics for how you can leverage creators to reach your marketing goals – from inspiration to conversion.

12:20 - 1:00 pm PT

Think Tank

Ask Me Anything: Creating a Boutique Hotel Brand

with Eric Jafari, Chief Development Officer of Edyn Group and Jayson H. Seidman, Founder & Managing Partner of Sandstone

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

Boutique hotels have become the most profitable trend in hotel history. (You probably already knew this if you came to BLLA’s Boutique Hotel Investment Conference this year). However, what are new hotel collections/brands doing to stand out in a now very competitive field? Hear from two entrepreneurs in this space as they guide our community through how they have been able to successfully build boutique hotel brands.

12:55 - 1:25 pm PT

Think Tank

The Evolution of Luxury: Reducing Friction During Travel

with David Zipkin, Founder of Tradewind Aviation and Ira Bloom, CEO of ÀNI Private Resorts and Andy Hogg, Founder of The Bushcamp Company

Interviewed by Jennifer Hawkins, Founder & CEO of Hawkins International, Maverick Creative, & BLLA Advisory Board Member

Following such a difficult year, the world of travel has changed dramatically, and the new reality is that travel and hospitality should be synonymous with ease, harmony and simplicity. The best and most fulfilling experiences are when we don’t notice friction, whether it be getting back on the road to visit friends and family, booking a bucket list splurge trip after working remotely, or embracing the trend toward private travel. Join travel, PR and social media veteran Jennifer Hawkins as she chats with some of best in the business – including a private aviation company, an all-inclusive private resort collection, and a sustainability minded safari operator – to explore how seamless processes from start to finish can transform a trip into the trip of a lifetime and what the future of luxury hospitality looks like.

12:55 - 1:25 pm PT

Showcase

Center Stage: Cap Karoso

with Evguenia Ivara, Co-Founder and CMO of Cap Karoso

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

When BLLA’s COO, Ariela Kiradjian, heard about a new type of hotel being built in Indonesia, she immediately reached out to learn more. When she was able to talk on video chat with the founder, Evguenia Ivara, Ariela immediately knew she needed BLLA’s community to hear this story. Introducing Cap Karoso, “a modern traveler’s refuge,” and a “sanctuary for the curious epicurean” soon to be opening in the Indonesian island of Sumba. Join us to get the chance to hear the who, why, where, what and how of building a hotel that is completely disruptive to the typical business model our industry is so used to replicating.

1:30 - 1:40 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!

1:45 - 2:15 pm PT

Think Tank

The Tech Stack - Now & Future

with Sebastien Leitner, VP Strategic Partnerships at Cloudbeds

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

What is it about technology and hospitality that creates so many conversations around choosing the perfect tech stack? Is there even such a thing? Technology must be handled with kid gloves, as the right solutions can mean creating a revenue-producing hotel property vs. one that sucks the life out of your staff and customers as well as your operations in general. Sebastien and Frances will review some of the most important decisions you can make, beginning with the selection of the hotel reservations platform and much more.

1:45 - 2:15 pm PT

Think Tank

It's Time to Rethink Our Relationships with Our Customers

with Richard Valtr, Founder at Mews

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

2:20 - 2:50 pm PT

Showcase

Driving Revenue to Your Boutique Hotel with Food & Beverage

with Amber Asher, CEO of Standard International & BLLA Advisory Board Member

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

It has been clear over the past twelve years that communal areas in a hotel can be the most profitable...if done correctly. Food & beverage outlets normally take the lead on this due to current society’s obsession with entertainment and experiences. Join BLLA board member, Amber Asher, and BLLA education committee member, Jody Pennette, as they share their insights into how boutique hotels can create or shift their food & beverage outlets into stable revenue.

2:20 - 2:50 pm PT

Think Tank

Hospitality Drives Relationships - Sponsored by World Cinema

with David Goldstone, Senior Vice President & Chief Customer Advocate at World Cinema and Anthony Gambini, Owner & CEO at Premiere Advisory Group

Interviewed by Brett Randall Jones, Principal at David Baker Architects

The hospitality industry has and always will be centered around relationship-building. We are in a rare industry where the professionals actually like each other as people. Join executives as they come together to converse over the why and how relationships create success, especially in this niche.

2:55 - 3:25 pm PT

Keynote

Awakening the Experience

with Steve Wilson, Founder of 21c Museum Hotels

Interviewed by Sarah Robbins, COO of 21c Museum Hotels

21c Museum Hotels changed the boutique hotel landscape forever. Steve’s vision of combining his love for art and hotels showed the industry that multi-concept hotels are able to thrive. Don’t miss this very special opportunity to witness the COO interview the Founder and reminisce over creating such a spectacular brand as well as debate over awakening the experience that is boutique hospitality.

3:30 - 3:45 pm PT

Closing

Award Winners + Prizes

The moment you’ve all been waiting for! Join us as we announce the 2021 Award Winners!

3:50 - 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!

3:50 - 4:20 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.