2024 Boutique Hotel Owners Conference
Day 1 - September 16, 2024
9:45 - 10:30 AM
Louie's
Light Bites
10:30 - 11:30 AM
Provence Room
Welcome, Grounding & Setting an Intention
with Ariela Kiradjian, Partner & COO, BLLA and Co-Founder, StayBoutique, Headline Sponsor pitches, and Clayton James, Executive Creative Director, Équité and Jess Starwood Founder at SunRaven Apothecary and The Wild Path
.
11:30 - 12:15 PM
Provence Room
Top Issues Owners Face Today
with Homi Vazifdar, Founder & Exec, The Canyon Group, Jon Sakshaug, CEO, Hotel Emma, Ken Cruse, Founder/CEO, Soul Community Planet (SCP) Hotels, and Allison Weinberg-Fahey, Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig
Sponsored by Nestle Premium Waters, Greenberg Traurig
Dive into the critical challenges confronting boutique hotel owners today. Explore topics such as labor shortages, sustainability demands, evolving guest expectations, and navigating economic uncertainties. Gain strategic insights and practical solutions to address these pressing issues, ensuring resilience and success in a competitive hospitality landscape.
12:15 - 12:45 PM
Provence Room
Boutique Hotel Case Study: MUSA
with Tara Medina, Co-Founder, MUSA
This case study dives into MUSA's Mexico property, a shining example of how boutique hotels can lead the way in regeneration and sustainability. MUSA is a story of interconnectedness, collaboration, and resilience. We explore MUSA’s innovative approach to eco-friendly design, sustainable operations, and community engagement, which has transformed the property into a beacon of environmental stewardship. The study highlights how MUSA has integrated local culture and natural resources into its guest experience while minimizing its environmental footprint. By prioritizing regenerative practices, MUSA not only enhances the local ecosystem but also sets a new standard for sustainability in the boutique hotel industry.
12:45 - 2:15 PM
Louie's
Lunch
2:15 - 2:30 PM
Provence Room
Industry Report
with Rod Clough, President, HVS Americas
Gain valuable insights into current trends and future forecasts shaping the boutique hotel industry. Discover key market dynamics, consumer preferences, and technological advancements crucial for strategic decision-making and sustainable growth.
2:30 - 3:30 PM
Fairway Room
“Connect with Strangers” by BLLA
With Clayton James, Executive Creative Director, Équité, Rod Clough, President, HVS Americas, Tara Medina, Co-founder, Musa, Homi Vazifdar, Founder, The Canyon Group, Vikram Sood, Managing Director, The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, Alexandra Walterspiel, President, Sensei
Participate in themed hubs where attendees engage in intimate discussions, brainstorming, and collaborative problem-solving on industry challenges. Build connections, share insights, and drive innovation together.
3:30 - 4:00 PM
Creating the Ultimate Boutique Hotel Tech Stack
with Deborah O’Donnell, Director of Strategic Sales, DIRECTV HOSPITALITY, Alex Kirkwood, Founder/CEO, Kirkwood Collection, Ariela Kiradjian, Partner & COO, BLLA and Co-Founder, StayBoutique
Sponsored by DIRECTV HOSPITALITY
Join a dynamic conversation between a leading hospitality tech vendor and an experienced boutique hotel owner as they explore the essentials of building a cutting-edge tech stack tailored for boutique hotels. Discover the latest innovations, learn what truly delivers results, and understand the pitfalls to avoid. In this interactive session, the audience will actively engage with the panelists, collaborating to tackle real-world tech challenges that boutique hotels face today.
4:00 - 4:30 PM
Provence Room
The Power of Experiential Programming
Explore how boutique hotels can craft unique, immersive experiences to differentiate themselves in the competitive hospitality market. Attendees will learn how to create memorable guest interactions that foster loyalty, enhance brand identity, and drive revenue. Discover the latest trends and strategies in experiential programming that can transform your hotel into a must-visit destination.
Sponsored by WAY
4:30 - 5:15 PM
Provence Room
Communal Creativity: Boutique Hotel Operations
with Kurt Bjorkman, COO, The Ranch at Laguna Beach, Ashleigh Narcelles, VP of Sales & Revenue Strategy, Oliver Hospitality, Vikram Sood, Managing Director, The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe and Ryan Landes, SVP, Business Development & Brand Relationships at Enseo
Sponsored by PeopleVine
Discover how fostering a culture of innovation can enhance guest satisfaction, operational efficiency, and staff morale. Gain insights into leveraging communal spaces, integrating local culture, and implementing sustainable practices to create a unique and memorable guest experience.
5:15- 6:00 PM
Provence Patio
Free Time
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Louie's
Pre- Party
8:00 - 10:00 PM
Provence Room
Awards Dinner Celebration
2024 Boutique Hotel Owners Conference
Day 2
8:00 - 9:25 AM
Louie's
Breakfast
9:25- 10:00 AM
Provence Room
Keynote: Evolving Boutique Travel
with Alexandra Walterspiel, President & Chief Operating Officer, Sensei, and Ariela Kiradjian, Partner & COO, BLLA and Co-Founder, StayBoutique
Sponsored by Greenberg Traurig, DIRECTV HOSPITALITY
Boutique hotels are typically lifestyle and experience-driven properties. In a world where wellness tourism is valued at over $800B and growing at an astounding 12% YOY, travelers are now seeking transformational experiences that more and more include a focus on their wellbeing, and the hospitality sector is evolving to adapt and cater to a post-pandemic world where experiences and health are currency. In today’s world, consumers are more and more attuned to the importance of sleep function, mental health, connection to nature, and more. Furthermore, they are seeking personalized and curated experiences that will improve these areas and thus their well-being. At the boutique property level, this is something owners can assess for their own continued success. In this session, hear from Alexandra Walterspiel, President and COO of Sensei, creators of ultra-luxury wellness retreats, how they’ve built a world-leading wellness program that seamlessly blends tech, personal data, and evidence-based programming to deliver results to both guests AND the organization.
10:00 - 11:30 AM
How to Win at the Game of Life
with Deano Sutter, Executive Mindset Coach, Deano Sutter Consulting
In this session, we’ll uncover strategies to turn life’s challenges into opportunities for success. We’ll delve into how your brain shapes your reality and how to break free from limiting patterns. You’ll leave with insights on navigating life’s complexities, embracing challenges, and mastering your own unique game. Get ready to discover the secrets to thriving, not just surviving, so you can win your life.
10:30 - 11:05 AM
Provence Room
The Advantages of Owning a Small Hotel
with Kimberly Walker, Creative Director, Nomada Hotel Group, Moody Nashawaty, Founder, The Yara Hotel, Ariela Kiradjian Partner & COO, BLLA and Co-Founder, StayBoutique and Alex Kirkwood, Founder/CEO, Kirkwood Collection
Sponsored by Hopper
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.
11:05 - 12:05 PM
Fairway Room
“Connect with Strangers” by BLLA
with Kimberly Walker, Creative Director, Nomada Hotel Group, Cory Schisler, Partner, The Madrona, Adam Weisblatt, Founder, Last Word Hospitality, Rydhima Brar, Founder, R/terior Studio, Ken Cruse, Founder/CEO, SCP Hotels, Kurt Bjorkman, COO, The Ranch at Laguna Beach, and Raan Parton, Owner, Apolis
This session provides an opportunity for boutique hotel owners to network and share experiences. Attendees will discuss industry trends, challenges, and innovative strategies in a collaborative environment. The meetups aim to foster partnerships, inspire new ideas, and strengthen the boutique hotel community.
12:05 - 12:40 PM
Provence Room
Aesthetic Intelligence
with Rydhima Brar, Founder & Principal, R/terior Studio, Cory Schisler, Partner, The Madrona, and Raan Parton, Owner/creative director, Apolis
Sponsored by WAY
Explore the power of aesthetic intelligence in transforming your boutique hotel. Gain insights into how refined design and sensory experiences can elevate brand perception, foster emotional connections with guests, and drive loyalty. Learn practical tips from experts on integrating aesthetic principles to enhance your property's uniqueness and appeal.
12:40 - 1:00 PM
Provence Room
Building a Membership Club
with Mobolaji Akintunde, Global Head of Revenue, Peoplevine
Sponsored by PeopleVine
This session covers key strategies for developing exclusive offerings, fostering community among members, and leveraging membership programs to drive revenue and loyalty. Hear from experts on best practices and innovative ideas to enhance guest engagement and retention.
1:00 - 2:30 PM
Louie's
Lunch
2:30 - 2:45 PM
Provence Room
Navigating the Marketing Maze Part 1
with Danny Benaderet, Chief Sales Officer at The Madison Melle Agency & Tech Theory Group & Tech Theory Group
Sponsored by Enseo
Dive into storytelling techniques that highlight your hotel's unique identity and values. Learn how to create authentic, memorable stories that foster emotional connections, enhance guest experiences, and build lasting brand loyalty.
2:45 - 3:00 PM
Provence Room
Navigating the Marketing Maze Part 2
with Meaghan McMahon, Sales Manager at Wallop
Sponsored by Enseo
Dive into storytelling techniques that highlight your hotel's unique identity and values. Learn how to create authentic, memorable stories that foster emotional connections, enhance guest experiences, and build lasting brand loyalty.
3:00-3:30 PM
Provence Room
Food & Beverage Concept Development
with Peter Wright, Division Manager, Nestle Premium Waters, Adam Weisblatt, Founder, Last Word Hospitality and Mitch Prensky, Founding Partner / Chief Culinary Officer at COJHO Hospitality Consultancy
Sponsored by Nestle Premium Waters
Explore the latest trends, menu design, and create memorable dining experiences. Gain insights from industry experts on how to align your F&B offerings with your brand, attract guests, and drive revenue through culinary excellence.
3:30 - 4:15 PM
Provence Room
End-of-Day Reflections and Open Mic Q&A
Sponsored by Mews