10:30 - 11:30 am EST

Networking

Lattes & Good Vibrations

What better way to start the day than with a cup of joe & networking? We invite you to unwind and connect with fellow attendees before the conference officially kicks off. 

11:30 - 11:45 am EST

Welcome

Welcome

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

Sponsored by Corporate Spending Innovations

Join Ariela, half of the mother-daughter duo behind BLLA, as she kicks off this year’s Boutique Hotel Investment Conference. Come with open minds and an eagerness to learn and connect. 

11:45 am - 12:30 pm EST

Mentorship

The Visionaries: A Casual Conversation

with Raul Leal, CEO of SH Hotels & Resorts, and Andrew Zobler, Founder & CEO of Sydell Group

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

Sponsored by Lockton

Ariela will be joined by two visionaries in the independent, boutique hotel world, and they will begin the conference by discussing overarching industry themes, obstacles, trends, and personal stories. Raul was CEO of Virgin Hotels for 10 years (since the beginning) before joining SH Hotels & Resorts. He is an expert at relationship building and being able to visualize what it takes to build a hotel brand. Andrew founded the beloved Sydell Group that created an array of hotel brands, including NoMad and The Ned. He is an expert at scaling authentically and creating experiences that are true to his mission. This will be an interactive session where we will mostly take questions from the audience, as will all sessions throughout the two days.

12:30 - 1:00 pm EST

Evidence

Mentorship with The Pomeranc Brothers

with Jason Pomeranc, Founder/Owner of SIXTY Hotels, Larry Pomeranc, Business Partner of SIXTY Hotels, and Michael Pomeranc, Real Estate & Hospitality Investment at SIXTY Hotels

Interviewed by Channing Henry, Managing Director, Head of US at PKF Hospitality Group

Sponsored by Nestle Premium Waters

There’s no question that the Pomeranc brothers are revolutionizing the luxury hotel landscape. As a dynamic trio, they are championing creativity and setting a precedent of what it means to be a boutique hotelier in a generation that craves unique and unforgettable experiences. We are ecstatic to welcome Jason, Larry, and Michael to the stage as they reflect on the evolution of their professional journeys (and partnership) and how they continue to push the boundaries of hospitality as we know it.

1:00 - 1:45 pm EST

Debate

Investing with an Environmental Conscience

with Marissa Ballan, Vice President, Global Investment Management at citizenM Hotels, and Benedetta Cassinelli, CEO & Co-Founder of Considerate Group

Interviewed by Samantha Ahuja, Shareholder of Greenberg Traurig

Sponsored by Greenberg Traurig

In an ever-shifting world, the term “sustainability” is at the forefront of everyday conversations and efforts to drive positive change in our community, society, and environment. Now, more than ever, we need to take into account the outcomes of our actions and the fundamental value of embracing intentional strategies to better our businesses and the people within them. What are the true benefits of adopting sustainability practices in your hotel or company? How can an effective sustainability strategy impact your profitability and your shareholders’ returns? In what ways can it benefit the local community and the relationship with your guests? We invite you to take a deeper look at these topics and hear from top minds in the industry.

1:45 - 2:45 pm EST

Networking

Lunch

Sponsored by cb5 Hospitality Group

Come say hello to fellow attendees and grab some nourishment to re-fuel your day. A huge thank you to Jody Pennette & cb5 Hospitality Group for sponsoring this meal!

2:45 - 3:15 pm EST

Evidence

Capital Markets Overview

with Rod Clough, President of HVS Americas

Interviewed by Daniel Peek, President & COO at Hodges Ward Elliott

Sponsored by Roomza and HFTP

In this age of hospitality, a strong sense of capital markets lies at the heart of justifying a concept to buyers and investors, as well as building dependable relationships with lenders and stakeholders. Where are the capital markets with respect to funding boutique hotels? Where can boutique hotel developers find capital providers? We welcome this panel of innovative leaders as they share how boutique properties will continue to flourish now and for many years to come.

3:15 - 3:45 pm EST

Mentorship

A Casual Conversation on Funding, Innovation & Startups

with Chris Hemmeter, Managing Director of Thayer Ventures

Interviewed by Richard Valtr, Founder of Mews

Sponsored by Mews and Pace Revenue

This is a really special moment for an investee and an investor to come together and talk candidly about their outlooks on funding, the power of innovation, and the realities of startups. Richard is a brilliant entrepreneur and the Founder of Mews, an innovative hospitality management cloud. He has extensive knowledge of the inner workings of hospitality and sees guests at the heart of what hoteliers do. He will be interviewing one of his investors, Chris, who is the Managing Director at Thayer Ventures and is highly acquainted with high-growth businesses in travel, hospitality, and technology. Having founded seven companies during his 35 years in business, Chris is no stranger to what it takes to develop and grow companies that will transform the industry. This is a session you won’t want to miss!

3:45 - 4:25 pm EST

Evidence

Boutique Hotel Investment: Equity

with Matt Livian, Managing Director of Prospect Ridge, and Homi Vazifdar, Founder & Executive Director of Canyon Group

Interviewed by Sarah Eustis, CEO of Main Street Hospitality

Sponsored by Lockton

Providing financing for a boutique hotel has been daunting in the past; however, the tables are turning. Equity solutions are becoming more available without the use of a brand. What are some tips on underwriting deals given some of the moving pieces in the equation, including inflation, construction costs, and raising interest rates? Who are the active players in the boutique and lifestyle sectors? Join these top minds as they provide insight into the existing climate for making the deal.

4:25 - 5:00 pm EST

Evidence

Boutique Hotel Investment: Debt

with Brad Bloom, Managing Director of Citi, and Rob Kivell, Vice President, Real Estate Financing Group at Goldman Sachs

Interviewed by Samantha Ahuja, Shareholder at Greenberg Traurig

Sponsored by Dragonfly Strategists

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. This panel will delve into the elements surrounding debt, such as the role of private capital & credit, the effects of inflation on hotel debt relations, the realities of direct lending, and ultimately, the key to generating a lucrative future within the independent boutique & luxury space.

5:00 - 6:45 pm EST

Networking

Aperitifs

Sponsored by Boutique Money Group

Join us as we celebrate this eventful day!