The Lodging Conference

?? Over 1,200 executives are already signed up for The Lodging Conference. Join your colleagues. Register Now ??? https://lnkd.in/exMR6kxT #LodgingConference

??Registration is now open for the 30th annual #LodgingConference ?? https://lnkd.in/eYvFb7yY. More hotel owners attend The Lodging Conference than any other industry event. Join us Oct. 6th - 9th at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort and Spa. We will most certainly sell out early!

?? HOT OFF THE PRESS ?? The Lodging Conference in The Wall Street Journal, Hotel Dive, Skift and more... ?? https://lnkd.in/e8sxFkBf

Let’s Go Social! Download the conference photos. ????? Find yourself, friends, clients, and colleagues. Tag them with #LodgingConference so we can share it in our network ?? https://adobe.ly/4dX1Fzw

The resurgence of conferences and corporate retreats post-pandemic is bringing new dynamics to the world of business gatherings. At the Lodging Conference in Phoenix this October, held at the expansive JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort, industry leaders and participants enjoyed not only panels with CEOs of major brands like Marriott, Motel 6, and Wyndham but also a host of social activities, from lazy river races to guided desert hikes. This trend marks a return to in-person networking, where activities like pickleball, karaoke, yoga, and even casino nights are now integral to the experience. For attendees like Elyse Kirby, who attended multiple conferences this year, these extracurricular events are crucial for forging connections beyond brief bar conversations. Her pre-conference hike in Phoenix, for instance, led to valuable networking with industry peers, even when business synergies weren’t immediately evident. Yet, this shift also reignites a familiar debate: Are these activities meaningful networking opportunities or just “forced fun”? Some attendees, like Janice Chaka, a Boston-based career coach, emphasize the need for balance, urging participants to choose activities that align with their comfort levels and allow for essential downtime. Meanwhile, financial-services executive Chris McChesney notes that while some events like wine tastings can be engaging, others—such as yoga or pickleball—are less appealing due to concerns about attire or physical strain. Despite mixed feelings, data from travel management company Navan indicates that conference attendance is driving a rebound in business travel, nearing pre-pandemic levels, with 15% of business trips tied to conferences. Meeting planners and organizers emphasize that adding optional social activities enriches the overall experience, offering attendees a refreshing break from keynotes and panels while still maintaining the freedom to opt out. The evolving landscape of conferences highlights a blend of business insights, networking, and optional leisure, aiming to strike a balance that accommodates diverse preferences. As planners prepare for next year’s events, including ideas as daring as building rappelling, the focus remains on crafting experiences that enhance the value of professional gatherings while keeping them engaging and memorable. #BusinessTravel #NetworkingOpportunities #ConferenceLife #CorporateEvents #InPersonEvents #TravelTrends #LodgingConference #EventPlanning #ProfessionalGrowth #WorkLifeBalance

Hotel industry leaders gathered at The Lodging Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona, last week to discuss emerging trends in the hotel market. Here are the key takeaways from the world’s largest hotel finance and development event. https://hubs.li/Q02TMw1L0

Thank you to the entire AAHOA team. It’s a pleasure having such a large contingent of AAHOA owners and staff at The Lodging Conference every year. We look forward to many more years together…. and to #aahoacon25 in New Orleans next Spring

? Changemaker, Trailblazer, Champion ? We were thrilled to present the Peggy Berg Castell Award at this year’s #LodgingConference to Sheila Johnson, Founder and CEO of the Salamander Collection! Read more about the Award: https://lnkd.in/esGk9XTJ

At The Lodging Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona, Larry Cuculic, the CEO of BWH Hotels, leaned forward, his West Point-honed posture softening as he warmed to his subject. “We’re not just a mid-scale brand,” he said. “We now have a brand for every guest, a brand for every developer.” https://hubs.li/Q02TbZCY0

The Lodging Conference would like to thank all of our Speakers, Sponsors, Exhibitors, Attendees and the TLC/NAU/JW Marriott staff for helping to make 2024 a smashing success. See you next year!