NEW YORK CITY — This week at the 46th annual NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference, operated by information services and event company Questex (parent company of Hotel Management Magazine) in partnership with the NYU School of Professional Studies and its Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality, top industry executives, from CEOs of hotel brands to various investment and real estate executives, discussed the latest trends, economic influences and projections.
The NYU IHIIC hosted more than 2,100 delegates, 20 percent of whom were equity investors, representing more than $70 billion in hotel assets under management. Sixty percent of investor attendees attended the conference for the first time, demonstrating the increasing appeal of hospitality as an investment class.
The NYU IHIIC has been the touchstone for hotel investment and development in the Americas for over 40 years. Yearly, the conference program provides thought leadership through keynotes, general sessions, workshops and networking events. More than 180 industry executives participated in keynotes, general sessions and workshops.
This year’s event theme “Driving Alpha” showcased opportunities for those with expertise of the hotel/hospitality sector to drive profitability through operational innovation.
The opening keynote address was delivered by Ellen Zentner, managing director and chief U.S. economist at Morgan Stanley, who set the tone with an overview of the ever-evolving macroeconomic landscape and its impact on the hospitality industry and the capital markets.
Other prominent leaders who presented at NYU IHIIC include:
- Geoff Ballotti, president and CEO, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
- Brian Kelly, The Points Guy
- Gloria Guevara Manzo, chief special advisor, ministry of tourism of Saudi Arabia (and former secretary for tourism of Mexico and former president and CEO of the WTTC)
- Patrick Pacious, president and CEO, Choice Hotels International
- Craig S. Smith, CEO, Aimbridge Hospitality
- Larry Cuculic, president and CEO, BWH Hotels
- Chad Sorensen, CEO, CHM Warnick
- Kendra Plummer, CEO, Elise Capital
- Greg Juceam, president and CEO, Extended Stay America
- Tyler Morse, chairman and CEO, MCR Hotels
- Mit Shah, CEO, Noble Investment Group
- John Murray, president and CEO, Sonesta International Hotels
- Edward Pitonyak, CEO, Vici Properties
The “Leader of Finance Interview: Insights on Changing Markets” session explored the determining considerations that guide leadership, performance, and adaptability in uncertain times at a leading financial institution. David Solomon, chairman & CEO, The Goldman Sachs Group, shared insights on thriving in ever-changing markets, and discovering cross-sector lessons for success.
Blackstone President and COO Jon Gray received the inaugural Jonathan Tisch Active Citizenship Award. The award celebrates the positive impact and achievements of a leader in the hospitality industry. Gray also participated in a Fireside Chat with Tisch, covering the state of the industry and his philanthropy.
“The CEOs Check In: Industry Titans on Driving the Hospitality Market” session brought together the leaders of the world's major hospitality companies to share their insights on the shifts in the hospitality, travel and real estate markets. Anthony Capuano, president and CEO, Marriott International; Christopher J. Nassetta, president and CEO, Hilton; Elie Maalouf, CEO, IHG Hotels & Resorts; Mark S. Hoplamazian, president and CEO; Hyatt Hotels Corp.; and Sébastien M. Bazin, chairman and CEO, Accor shared the macro-trends that will have the most significant impact on the market, the events that will reshape the industry, and the strategies for surpassing goals. The session was hosted by Sara Eisen, anchor of Closing Bell on CNBC.
“For more than four decades, the NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference has been the go-to event for industry business leaders,” Alexi Khajavi, group president hospitality, wellness and travel, Questex, said in a statement. “In its first year under Questex management control, we have helped the conference grow while also delivering unparalleled content. The robust discussions and insights shared by industry leaders highlight the resilience of our sector and also paved the way for innovative strategies and renewed growth. I am particularly impressed by the forward-thinking approaches that emerged from the sessions. I expect they will set a strong foundation for future success."
Nicolas Graf, Jonathan M. Tisch Chaired professor and associate dean of the NYU SPS Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality, said, “This year’s event carried on the tradition of engaging discussions and debates, emblematic of our industry’s dynamism and its innovative thinking and actions. We look forward to seeing how the thought-provoking ideas and themes discussed here play out in the coming months and learning more about their impact when we gather again for the NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference in June 2025.”
A share of proceeds from the event will help fund student scholarships at the NYU SPS Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality and further support the program’s mission of educating and preparing future leaders and innovators for careers in global hospitality management, travel, and tourism.
NYU IHIIC 2025 is scheduled for June 1-3 at the Marriott Marquis in New York. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Andrew Walmsley [email protected].