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Sunday, July 11
8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Registration
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Grand Opening Reception
Monday, July 12
6:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Registration
7-8 a.m.
Continental Breakfast
8 a.m.
Welcome
Gary Dietz, Publisher, Lodging Hospitality
8:10 a.m.
Conference Introduction
Don Landry, Top Ten Consulting
8:20 a.m.
Academic Sponsor Welcome
Dr. Ronald F. Cichy, Director and Professor
The School of Hospitality Business, Michigan State University
8:30-9:30 a.m.
General Session
The View From The Top
A cross-section of industry leaders—veterans and next generation, brands and owners—discuss the current state of the lodging industry and look at future opportunities.
9:30-10:30 a.m.
General Session
Cashing In On The Coming Rebound
The health of the hotel industry is improving monthly, and savvy owners and operators know how to capitalize on a rising tide. They share their secrets.
10:30-11:15 a.m.
Networking Break
11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Concurrent Sessions
Financing Track
Dealing With Distress
Owners of hotels under pressure have a limited number of options. A panel of experts discusses the best strategies for specific situations.
Opportunities Track
What’s Hot In Commercial Real Estate?
A panel of real estate experts examines which classes of property, including lodging and others, offer the best opportunities for acquisition and possibly even development.
Segments Track
Select Service In The Midwest
While the industry downturn has affected all segments, focused-service properties in the Heartland have fared as well as any property type. A group of owners, operators and brand executives forecast the future.
Operations Track
The Growing Role of Social Media Marketing
Hotel marketing has changed dramatically in the past few years. A panel of sales and marketing gurus shares best practices to exploit the wide range of new media options available.
12:30-2 p.m.
Luncheon
Lodging Hospitality Leadership Award Presentation
Keynote Presentation
2:15-3:15 p.m.
Concurrent Sessions
Financing Track
How To Buy Debt
A panel of financial experts examines the opportunities and challenges to buying debt in distressed lodging properties. It’s not as easy as it seems.
Opportunities Track
Development Case Study
A nuts-and-bolts look at the development process involved in a recently opened lodging project in the Midwest.
Segments Track
Indoor Waterpark Resorts: Where Are The Opportunities?
The Midwest was the birthplace of the indoor waterpark resort. Panelists examine opportunities for new development here and elsewhere and look at how some distressed properties are coping—or not.
Operations Track
Is Green Still Relevant?
As cost and revenue pressures mount, some operators have difficulty maintaining or adopting sustainable practices. A group of green experts explain how it can be done.
3:15-4 p.m.
Networking Break
4-5 p.m.
Concurrent Sessions
Financing Track
Asset Managers Share Their Secrets
Maximizing the value of a lodging property—particularly one in distress—is a job for the pros. A panel of seasoned asset managers outlines the necessary steps to ensure success.
Opportunities Track
Lodging-Market Potential Index: An Update
Introduced at last year’s MLIS, the L-MPI can guide investors to market areas that show potential for investment. The creators update the progress of the Index and present the latest results.
Segments Track
Lifestyle Brands: A Growth Story
Despite the industry downturn, lifestyle and boutique lodging continues to expand in popularity with consumers and developers. A look at the opportunities in this segment, especially in the Midwest.
Operations Track
Design On A Tight Budget
Faced with declining revenues and competitive pressures, lodging owners need to find ways to improve their properties without breaking the bank. A panel of designers and owners show how it can be done.
5:30-8 p.m.
Reception
Tuesday, July 13
6:30-10 a.m.
Registration
7:30-8:30 a.m.
Continental Breakfast
8:30-8:45 a.m.
Welcome Back
Conference Introductions
Gary Dietz, Publisher, Lodging Hospitality
Don Landry, Top Ten Consulting
8:45-9:45 a.m.
General Session
My Hotel Is Worth What?
Valuing hotels is especially tricky in this environment. A panel of valuation experts, brokers and owners look for common ground on where values are headed and how they can be determined.
9:45-10:45 a.m.
General Session
Segments Overview: What’s Hot, What’s Not
Times are tough, but some segments and markets in the industry are still thriving. Brand executives and hotel owners review what areas and types of properties are attracting the most investor interest.
10:45-11:30 a.m.
Networking Break
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Concurrent Sessions
Financing Track
Hotels In Default: What’s Next?
As a lot of owners are facing pressures from their lenders, what options should they pursue: negotiate new terms, pray and delay, hand over the keys or find alternatives.
Opportunities Track
Working With the FDIC
A lot of opportunities are available through the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., but investors need to know how to negotiate the playing field. Experts provide guidance on how to exploit this budding opportunity.
12:30 p.m.
Conference Adjourns |