2024 GUEST SPEAKERS & PANELISTS

David Ashen

dash design

President

David Ashen founded his award-winning design firm, dash design, in 2002, dedicated to using his innovative and strategic creative thinking to enhance the success of his clients. His market-savvy approach combines business acumen and a keen design eye.

Today, David’s reputation in design, coupled with his vast knowledge and experience in design and branding, enables the firm to work seamlessly with brand leaders in the hospitality, senior living, entertainment, retail, and mixed-use categories.

The firm’s work with global brands includes Marriott International, Hilton Worldwide, Hyatt, IHG, Resorts World, and GOOGLE to name a few.

Committed to giving back, especially to mission / purpose-driven non-profits that provide deep impact, David contributes his time and expertise with the Board of Directors for Thorn Tree Project, The Pixie Project, and is a Co-Founder and Board Member of the Ageless Living Collaborative.

David earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Factors Engineering at Tufts University, then a Master of Architecture at the University of Pennsylvania.

Malcolm Berg

EoA, Inc.

President and Design Director

Malcolm Berg is the founder, President and Design Director of EoA, Inc. Malcolm received his Master of Architecture degree from Harvard University's Graduate School of Design, and his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, with Concentration in Architecture, from the Massachusetts College of Art. His strong visual arts background, paired with a master’s thesis which eroded thresholds between architecture and landscape, developed into a strong career in experiential design. To that end, Resort Hospitality design emerged as a distilled medium to bring Architecture, Landscape and Interior Design into one experiential discipline. His focus on design is unequivocally about the narrative, about the human element – about the intimate relationship people have with their environment.

Rachel Berkin

Tarkett

Sustainability Product Manager

As the Sustainability Product Manager for Tarkett, Rachel facilitates the implementation of healthy materials, product certifications, and related processes. Her ten years of experience include achieving Cradle to Cradle v4 Certification and launching the first commercial shade cloth without flame retardants. Rachel’s industry engagement includes Chairing the Mindful Materials Manufacturing Engagement Group and holding the position of National Green Voice Chair at NEWH, Inc. She holds a master’s degree in environmental policy and sustainability management and lives in Long Island City, NY with her husband, two children, and dog.

Jason Berry

Knead Hospitality + Design

Founder/Principal

Jason Berry was raised in Los Angeles with a passion for cooking and dining. From a young age, he gravitated to the restaurant industry where his love of all things food could be combined with a deep respect for genuine hospitality. He received a BS in Business Entrepreneurship and Japanese from the University of Southern California and later earned an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. In over three decades in the restaurant business, Jason has worked with a wide variety of concepts from Wendy’s to California Pizza Kitchen and Houston’s (Hillstone) in both front and back of house positions. In 2004, he joined Rosa Mexicano as Regional Director of Operations, overseeing the company’s growth from three to nineteen locations around the world. He was named Chief Operating Officer in 2011. In 2014, Jason moved to Washington, D.C. and formed KNEAD Hospitality + Design with his partner Michael Reginbogin. Together, they have collaborated on the design and creation of what is now the KNEAD family of restaurants.

Gordon Boggis

Carnegie

CEO

Gordon Boggis is the CEO of Carnegie, a leading designer and manufacturer of sustainable commercial textiles and acoustic solutions. Carnegie is the only Certified B Corp in its industry segment.

Prior to Carnegie, Gordon led companies across a range of industries, with a strong focus on textiles, innovative materials, health and wellness and environmentally sustainable businesses. He’s passionate about harnessing the resources and talents of companies to be a force for good and deliver positive environmental change.

Gordon grew up in England and despite living in the USA for over 20 years, he still refers to “soccer” as “football.”

Jessica Casiano

Marriott International

Interior Design Manager

Jessica Casiano, an International Academy of Design and Technology (IADT) graduate holding a BFA in Interior Design, brings 12 years of diverse expertise, spanning procurement, project management, and interior design for renovations/new builds across North America. As an Interior Design Manager at Marriott International, she specializes in extended stay and dual-branded properties, offering design reviews and guidance on new build projects. Recognized for her achievements, Jessica was recently honored as one of the Boutique 18, BD Up-and-Coming Hoteliers at the 2023 Gold Key Awards. Her commitment to design excellence and contributions establishes her as a distinguished professional in the hospitality industry.

Vincent Celano

Celano Design Studio Co.

Founder and Principal

Vincent Celano, founder and principal of New York City-based Celano Design Studio Co., has made his name in hospitality design and architecture, working with brands like Grove Bay Hospitality Group, Elizabeth Blau & Associates, Clique Hospitality, Buddy Valastro, Marriott Hotels (Autograph Collection, Renaissance, Moxy, W Hotel), Tapestry Hotels by Hilton, and EVEN Hotels by IHG. Born in Toronto and raised in New York City, Celano discovered his passion for design and architecture from the neighborhoods, culture, and people around him. After graduating from New York’s Pratt Institute with a degree in architecture, Celano went on to work for some of the most sought-after firms in the industry. In 2006, he launched Celano Design Studio to service his extensive roster of internationally acclaimed hotels, nightclubs, and restaurants in design, architecture, and branding.

Kathy Chavez

LEO A DALY

Hospitality Market Sector Leader

An expert in hospitality design, with real world industry experience, Ms. Chavez’s strengths include team building, project planning, and program design. Working in the hospitality market for over 22 years, she works closely with her clients and brands to understand and achieve their project goals and objectives. Her proven track record for assembling and supporting project teams who create and implement design projects with the highest level of quality is evident in both her lasting relationships with her clients and the brands.

Jennifer Clawson

Marriiott International

Senior Director Global Design

Jennifer Clawson, Senior Director Global Design at Marriott International, oversees the renovation studio for Marriott’s ten select brands in North America. Clawson has been involved in the renovation space for 20 years and has always been focused on executing the brand vision while striving to be a valuable partner to owners in working through design challenges. She is currently responsible for development and implementation of the renovation program, and is passionate about design excellence and providing innovative and efficient solutions. She resides in the suburbs of Washington DC with her husband and three children.

Enrico Cleva

arch. Enrico G. Cleva

Architect & Owner

Enrico G. Cleva, is an architect and an international business development consultant specialized in international strategic partnerships between exhibitions and professional associations. Enrico is NEWH Milano President and funding member and ad-hoc Advisor to NEWH Executive Committee. He is consultant for the Interior Designers of Canada and represents Fiera Milano’s managed shows in different industry sectors in Canada & UK, with a focus on Host.Milano. Through his global network, Enrico promotes events on international markets and is consultant to shows like MIFF Malaysia and IFEX Indonesia. He runs his architecture firm on office, hospitality and residential projects.

Sarah Dandashy

Ask A Concierge/ Hospitality.FM

Travel Expert + Content Creator/Podcast Host

Sarah Dandashy is a verified travel expert, best-selling author, and TV personality with over 18 years of luxury hotel experience. Inspiring over 225+k on social, she delivers travel tips, advice, and knowledge of trends from the “frontlines of travel." Sarah is the author of the # 1 Best Selling Book, Hospitality From Within, hosts Visit West Hollywood’s The Creators podcast, and co-hosts the LinkedIn live show Good Morning, Hospitality. Follow her on social media under her brand, "Ask A Concierge," or catch her on the news breaking down the latest in travel on ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, Scripps, or Cheddar News.

J. Clif Dierking

PDSI

Partner/Client Relations Manager

As a member of PDSI’s Senior Leadership Team, Mr. Dierking is responsible for customer relations and key business development. Mr. Dierking also provides strategic leadership for real estate advisory services in hospitality, assisted living, corporate, and mixed-use projects, as well as tactical responsibility for all major accounts. Mr. Dierking plays a vital role in aligning the project management teams’ performance to support the owner representation services PDSI’s clients expect. His deep experience in project development and execution are key to PDSI’s mission of maximizing its clients return on investment.

Mr. Dierking’s has a B.S.B.A. from the University of Hawaii and a Master’s in Architecture from the Illinois Institute of Technology. Mr. Dierking is a registered architect in Maryland with an impressive background in the hospitality industry, management and architecture disciplines.

Grace Escaño-Maniatis

Auberge Resorts Collection

Director of Design

As Director of Design for Auberge Resorts Collection, Grace Escaño-Maniatis leads numerous projects for the luxury brand known for its one-of-a-kind properties and experiences that capture the soul of a destination. Over two decades in residential and hospitality, she has designed noteworthy projects internationally, from private residences, to resorts and iconic towers. Her work has left an indelible mark globally, shifting culture and shaping cities with influential brands and award-winning designers. She has garnered accolades of excellence in both architecture and interior design and is known for her collaboration and insight into delivering bespoke environments and
meaningful experiences.

Michelle Finn

BHN Group/Div NorthStar Travel Group

Vice President Design & Construction Products and Services

Finn oversees the management and development of The BHN Group’s hotel design & construction events and related brands, including the launch of ALISDESIGN+, a conference and exclusive trade fair that connects hotel owners, investors, developers with the hotel design, construction, and architectural communities.

Finn previously led the management and development of Boutique Design New York (BDNY), the BD Forum series, Gold Key Awards, Boutique Design Magazine, and other related products.

Finn has received numerous awards for innovation in trade fair and conference development, publishing, leadership and service. She is a long-standing member of NEWH. A Chicago native, Finn is based in the Windy City.

Kristen Freeland

IHG Hotels & Resorts

Creative Director & Brand Strategist

As creative lead of IHG’s in-house strategy group, Kristen Freeland shapes design & experience across 19 brands ranging from mid-scale to lifestyle. Her superpower is storytelling, and her love for hospitality is rooted in an early discovery of the power of travel. With the mission of bold design & holistic hospitality, she works with each brand to evolve and innovate across every aspect of the guest experience, pushing boundaries and balancing legacy with forward-thinking.

Kristen’s career began with Hilton Worldwide, where she managed new build, renovation & conversion projects across the North American full-service portfolio. Her exposure & interest in brand building led her next to West Elm, where she joined the team responsible for the creation of West Elm Hotels, and the launch of the company’s B2B division. Stretched across branding, activation, interiors & product development, she credits her Brooklyn stint with some of the best lessons of her career to date, and a deep appreciation for the many facets of storytelling.

Kristen holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in interior design from The George Washington University. She resides in Atlanta, GA with her husband, daughter and two dogs – and is always on the hunt for her next travel adventure.

Adam Glickman

Sonesta International Hotels

Vice President of Guest Experience and Brand

Adam Glickman is the Vice President of Guest Experience and Brand for Sonesta International Hotels, the 8th largest U.S. hotel company, with approximately 1,200 hotels across 17 brands in eight countries. Prior to joining Sonesta, Adam led brand strategy for Actabl, the newly launched technology brand behind the hotel industry’s leading business intelligence, labor management and operations support platforms, used by 10,000+ properties. He is a lifelong hotelier, entrepreneurial-spirited team leader, and has championed the development and marketing of multiple hospitality brands, hotel operations support tools and tech-driven businesses..

Adam’s experience includes leadership roles and brand development responsibilities with some of the world’s most recognizable hospitality companies, including IHG, HVS, Hilton and Margaritaville. Adam started his career in operations at the iconic and original Waldorf Astoria in Manhattan. With IHG, Adam championed the brand creation and launch of EVEN Hotels, an award-winning wellness lifestyle brand that earned a top spot on TripAdvisor’s Best Hotels ranking for the New York flagship. At other points during his 14 years at IHG, Adam had roles leading guest experience for Hotel Indigo & InterContinental in the Americas, partnerships under the Holiday Inn Club Vacations and InterContinental Alliance brands, and the creation of various owner distribution-channel products. As the Principal of Parallax, a brand strategy consulting firm, Adam led the creation of new franchise brands for Margaritaville and Sonesta, as well as pioneering new retreat, wellness technology and lifestyle concepts for brand owners and startup founders. Adam earned a BS in Hospitality Management from the Cornell Hotel School and an MBA from Goizueta Business School at Emory University. Adam is often sought out as a thought leader, speaker and writer on topics related to brand development, guest experience, service culture and engagement, cost optimization and hospitality technology.

Brady Hall

Kimball Hospitality

Director of Sales

Brady Hall is the Director of Sales for Kimball Hospitality. He is a true Maker of Possibility at Kimball International, leading with adaptability, courage and a visionary approach. He manages the company's sales representatives to collaboratively drive growth amongst existing and new client business. His responsibilities also include overseeing the KH Brand Directors that support individual hotel Brands and other key market verticals.

In past roles at Kimball Hospitality, Brady led key accounts of Kimball Hospitality's largest clients. Prior to joining the sales side of the hospitality business unit, Brady worked on the operations side as a Quality & Field Service Manager. He got his start with Kimball Hospitality as a field technician, working side-by-side with his grandfather, who was a longstanding Kimball International employee.

Karin Harrington

Studio Partnership

Founding Principal

Karin is the founding principal of Studio Partnership LLC, an award-winning interior design firm established in 2001. Karin has extensive experience in the hospitality, corporate, multi-family and country club design arenas and has held high level positions in the hotel design industry before founding her firm.

She is unique in her ability to represent the client’s interests and interpret their needs for successful projects through excellent communication skills, design expertise and respect for a client’s budget.
Karin is a frequent lecturer and panelist, published in leading industry magazines and recognized for multiple design awards including the NEWH Top ID 2020, NEWH Top ID 2021, Marriott Courtyard Design of the Year Award, and multiple awards in the Intercontinental Hotel Group for Design & Modernization.

Karin received her BS in Interior Design from Drexel University and holds professional level status with NEWH (Washington, DC chapter), ASID and IIDA.

Glenn Haussman

No Vacancy

Commentator

Glenn Haussman is the hospitality industry’s most well-known advocate, commentator, educator, and strategic advisor. In both 2022 and 2023 he was recognized by the International Hospitality Institute as the #1 Social Media Influencer in Hospitality, and his show, No Vacancy Live, was also named the #1 podcast in hospitality.

In July 2023 he and the No Vacancy team won an Industry Award from ICHRIE for the show’s dedication to education while in May 2022 he received the Leadership Excellence Award from SKAL USA for his tireless work bringing the hotel industry together during the Covid crisis.

Additionally, he hosts No Vacancy News Today, a news and analysis program focused on hospitality headlines; and Friday Night Audit, a comedy focused happy hour show. Well, he thinks it’s funny at least.

Hayley Morgan Heider

Looney & Associates

Senior Associate

Hayley is a seasoned design professional with a rich history at Looney & Associates, having joined the firm in 2006. Over the years, she has played a pivotal role in the success of numerous projects, showcasing her talent and leadership abilities. Some of the notable projects under her guidance include the Grand Hyatt Nashville, Renaissance Legacy Plano, Gulf State Park Lodge in Gulf Shores, Omni Barton Creek in Austin, and La Cantera Resort & Spa in San Antonio.

In addition to her role as a Senior Associate, Hayley holds a key position on the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) at Looney & Associates. As Director of People Operations, she spearheads people management and internal operations, while also providing valuable insight and guidance in the pursuit of design excellence. Her multi-faceted role underscores her commitment to not only elevating the design standards of the firm, but also fostering a dynamic and supportive work environment.

Kathleen Houlehan

Fairmont Designs

Vice President of Sales

With over 25 years of experience, Kathleen Houlehan is a seasoned sales strategist in the hospitality, mixed-use and commercial market sectors. Currently, she is the Vice President of Sales for Fairmont Designs, a global casegood manufacturer, with over 2000 international projects in over 20 countries.

Kathleen has previously held senior level sales and business development roles within the hospitality sector, with companies such as Toto and Tarkett Hospitality, bringing a high level of understanding and knowledge in design, development, and manufacturing throughout the project life cycle.

She serves as a Board Member of BDNY and her local NEWH San Francisco chapter.

Tom Ito

Gensler

Principal & Firmwide Hospitality Leader

Tom Ito launched Gensler’s Hospitality practice in the late 1990’s with the celebrated renovation of the Beverly Hills Hotel and has since expanded the practice to an international scale. As leader of the firm’s hospitality practice and principal in Gensler’s LA office, Tom provides overall direction for hospitality projects – assuring sustainable design, innovation, and strong client service. Tom has led and been part of leadership teams for complex hotel projects with clients throughout Asia, the Middle East, and Americas. His well-rounded experience gives him a comprehensive understanding of complex lifestyle projects and insight into delivering outstanding guest experiences.

Rado Ivanov

Marriott International

VP of Marriott Global Design US & Canada

In his current role as VP of Marriott Global Design US & Canada, Rado Ivanov oversees the design and construction of new-build and conversion projects for Marriott, Sheraton, Delta Hotels by Marriott, and Gaylord Hotels and Resorts, throughout North America. Most recently, Rado became the Global Design lead for Marriott’s newest brand – Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy (AMB).

As a licensed architect with over 25 years of experience, Rado’s expansive portfolio covers four continents and a diverse variety of project types. His passion for architectural excellence thrives when and where design and travel converge. Some of Rado’s recent work includes the new Marriott International Headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland, as well as the adjacent 245-key Marriott Bethesda Downtown Hotel, which opened as Marriott’s 8,000th property.

Rado also serves on the Advisory Board of Marriott’s Serve360 Council – the company’s sustainability initiative and commitment to creating positive and sustainable impact wherever we do business, guided by Marriott’s 2025 Sustainability and Social Impact Goals, as well as the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

In his free time, Rado loves traveling, skiing, playing tennis, volunteering, flying airplanes, and riding motorcycles.

Amy Jakubowski

Pierre-Yves Rochon

Principal and Managing Director

As a seasoned design executive with over 28 years of experience, Amy Jakubowski has managed significant design revenues exceeding $10M and construction budgets ranging from $25M to $500M. Her adaptability and process expertise have led her to excel in diverse projects, including mixed-use developments, renovations, and new builds. Amy has collaborated with major hotel brands such as Hilton, Waldorf Astoria, St. Regis, Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Peninsula, and more. She is a contributing author, a respected speaker at industry events, and has been recognized as one of the Top 30 Most Influential Women in Hospitality by Hotel Management, demonstrating her substantial influence in the field.
Amy’s impressive portfolio showcases her ability to seamlessly blend innovative design with functional efficiency.

Dionne Jefferson

Marriott International

VP Design and Project Management, Premium Brands

Dionne Jefferson is a strategic business leader and interior designer with over 25 years of experience driving business and design management strategies that champion superior guest experience, brand integrity, and organizational growth in the hospitality segment. As Vice President of Global Design, she oversees Marriott International’s full-service brands in North America. She and her team of architects, interior designers, and project managers successfully execute hundreds of new build, renovation, and conversion Marriott, Sheraton, Gaylord, Delta hotels, Marriott Vacation Clubs, and Apartments by Marriott BONVOY.

Ms. Jefferson has directed design teams for 12 Marriott brands across full and select service tiers; coincidently the same number of brands Marriott had the year she joined the company; developed prototypes and product initiatives, and managed projects domestically and internationally.

She is a featured speaker, juror, mentor, volunteer and Distinguished Award Alumni of Florida State University School of Interior Architecture and Design. She is a native Philadelphian and former Floridian, living in Maryland.

Ashli Johnson

Howard University

Executive Director of the Marriott Sorenson Center for Hospitality Leadership

Known as the Hospitality Sharp Shooter, Ashli Johnson brings nearly 20 years of leadership, consulting and academic experience with top hospitality brands to her role as Inaugural Executive Director of the Marriott Sorenson Center for Hospitality Leadership at Howard University where she continues the work of creating a more equitable and inclusive hospitality industry for Black professionals; in this first of its kind role, Ashli is tasked with building a pipeline of Black executive level talent and entrepreneurs to lead the hospitality industry.

Helen Jorgensen

Host Hotels & Resorts

Vice President, Design & Procurement

Ms. Jorgensen, VP Design & Procurement, is responsible for strategic sourcing and design management for Host Hotels & Resorts Inc., an S&P 500 company, and the largest lodging real estate investment trust along with one of the largest owners of luxury and upper-upscale hotels. Helen is accountable for maximizing value in design and execution including the strategic management of the FF&E for the portfolio. As a hospitality leader, she developed one of the first hospitality strategic partnership programs to drive reimagined hotel designs and value. She a 2018 Hospitality Design Magazine’s Platinum Circle Inductee, an advisory board member for Hospitality Design magazine and serves on the Host Hotels’ ESG Advisory Team. Helen holds a BS degree, Business Management and Mass Communications, Towson University Maryland, and received a Certificate of Graduate Studies Administration and Management from Harvard.

Kevin Ketschek

Hilton Hotels & Resorts

Senior Director of Design

As Senior Director of Design for Hilton’s seven Focused Service brands, Kevin seamlessly pivots between leadership and creative design solutioning. With a growing team of seventeen, he leads with empathy and a passion for design. After honing his creative talents and graduating from Pratt Institute with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior Design with honors, he amassed his expertise in hospitality design over two decades working for many notable firms like Daroff Design, Bogdanow Partners, Leo A. Daly, and R D Jones and Associates.

Expanding his perspective, Kevin transitioned to the brand side of hospitality, working for Marriott for 10 years before finding his home at Hilton. With fluent knowledge of hospitality practices, prototypes and pre-approved packages, and a pragmatic approach to the business of design, Kevin ensures value, longevity, and quality through smart and compelling designs.

Linda Laucirica

Marriott International

Senior Director, Design & Project Management, Global Design US & Canada

Building on a career with award winning architecture and interior design firms, Linda joined Marriott International in 2015 to evolve the Renaissance Hotels portfolio, Marriott’s first Lifestyle brand. Linda now includes design direction for Marriott’s Premium Distinctive and Luxury Brands including Le Meridien, Renaissance, Westin, Autograph Collection, Tribute Portfolio, and W Hotels.

Linda leads a team involved in property improvement plans, operating property renovations and new development projects. Linda is currently working on renovations for W Hollywood and W Austin, new construction for Westin Cocoa Beach and Le Meridien Anaheim, and conversion of Renaissance Daytona Beach to name a few.

Carl Long

Purchasing Management International

Senior Vice President

Carl is an advocate for the purchasing profession in the hospitality industry. He is a proud member of NEWH and gladly supports its role in educating the future of our industry. He is also a strong supporter of AHLA and its efforts to fight human trafficking through the No Room for Trafficking Initiative. Carl earned his bachelors and Masters degrees from Texas Christian University. He also earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Texas. He enjoys spending time with his family, walking his golden doodle, fishing, and playing the ukulele.

James Lumsden

Tarrison

Key Accounts Sales Executive

James has been an active Hospitality and Service Industry member since 2017. He was the managing partner at Liar Liar, a popular nightclub in downtown Toronto, for two years until 2019. After that, he and his partners launched Daisy Social on Queen St. West six months before the pandemic hit. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, James successfully managed the business's day-to-day operations and continued to navigate through the pandemic to this day. In addition, he opened Beach Shack Cafe on the waterfront in Mimico, where he hired, trained, and managed a team of ten employees. He was also responsible for sourcing and purchasing kitchen appliances and cafe equipment, supervising food prep stations to maintain quality control and comply with safety regulations. James is excited to join Tarrison as a Key Accounts Sales Executive, leveraging his expertise and experience in building and maintaining excellent vendor relationships.

Michelle Madison

MICHE.studio

Owner

Michelle is owner of MICHE.studio, which specializes in Hospitality interior design and Revit for Interiors, a custom program that offers Revit training and CAD to Revit Conversions. She has been in the DC metro area design industry for almost a decade, focusing on multi-family and hospitality, both new construction and renovation. Michelle is a well rounded designer who brings her formidable force of talent to every aspect of the design process. Being a part of the design community and paying it forward through leadership is very important to Michelle. She is proud to be entering her sixth year on the NEWH DC Metro Chapter Board as VP of Administration.

Vaki Mawema

Gensler

Managing Director and Principal

Vaki Mawema leads Gensler's Baltimore office as Managing Director and Principal. His leadership within Gensler has created an enterprising workplace culture that embodies creative passion, design excellence, exceptional client service, and promotes leadership and entrepreneurship. Vaki serves as the Chairperson of the Urban Land Institute’s Placemaking Product Council. He is known within the industry as a business leader and a champion of Baltimore, where he has led teams to deliver a number of the city’s most significant projects, such as the reimagination of Harborplace, the renovation of M&T Bank Stadium, the expansion of Baltimore Penn Station and the design of Under Armour’s world headquarters, one of the most sustainable projects ever designed by Gensler. He is a Co-chair of Gensler's Global Race and Diversity Committee that is focused on strategies to fight racism in the design industry and was named as one of Baltimore Business Journal's Leaders in Diversity for 2021.

Sean McNaboe

Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.

Project Manager

As a Project Manager for Sunstone Hotel Investors, I directly manage Capital Projects across seven properties. Throughout my seven years’ experience I’ve spearheaded renovations of 2,000+ guest rooms, exceeded 100,000 SF of meeting and ballroom spaces, and completed complex change of use projects. Most notably I led the transformation of the Downtown Washington, DC Renaissance to the Premium Wellness brand Westin. I am currently leading a conversion in Miami Beach from a Hyatt Unbound product to the luxurious Miami Beach Andaz.

Anissa Mendil

Mendil + Meyer Design Studio

Co-Founder + Creative Director

Anissa Mendil, a luminary in interior design, draws inspiration from the beauty of nature and the tapestry of global cultures. Influenced by the Southwest's beauty since her first visit in 1996, she later interned at Taliesin West, shaping her design ethos. Between Europe and the US, Anissa's diverse experiences formed her unique design perspective. Studying Classical Feng Shui and Sacred Geometry added mindfulness to her projects. Returning to Arizona in 2013, she and her husband Ben Meyer established Mendil + Meyer Design Studio in 2018. Anissa, a WELL AP-certified designer, prioritizes wellness, sustainability, and meaningful client relationships in her modern, uplifting designs.

Áine O'Connor

AOC Purchasing

Owner

With 15+ years of experience managing the procurement of high-profile hospitality projects around the world, Áine consults as a procurement specialist for a variety of notable clients and as a Senior Project Director at The Parker Company. Áine is the President of the International Society of Hospitality Purchasers (ISHP).

Lauren O’Neal

Marriott International

Senior Director, Brand Management

Lauren O’Neal is the Senior Director, Brand Management at Marriott International overseeing the Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy and Marriott Executive Apartments business. In this role, Lauren has primary responsibility for guiding the evolution and growth of these exciting brands. She is developing the brand strategies and collaborating closely across the Marriott enterprise to activate Brand Strategy & Operations, Marketing, PR Strategy, and Design & Development.

Lauren brings over 19 years’ experience across Brand, Marketing and Creative roles having worked in a number of industries in both client side and marketing agency positions. During her 12 years at Marriott, Lauren has had held a number of positions across Homes & Villas, Loyalty Marketing and the Creative & Content Studio helping to shape the brand identity for the award winning Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program as well as developing and executing global marketing plan strategies and programs while driving top line performance for the business.

Ashley Ewing Parrott

AEP Consulting + The Saturday Crowd

Principal/Founder

Ashley Ewing Parrott is an award-winning thought leader, speaker, and consultant with proven success in the hospitality industry who takes pride in balancing the scales of complex projects.

Well known for creative approaches to the development of nationally recognized branded, boutique and independent properties, her methods focus on fostering collaboration and teamwork. Parrott is a seasoned owner advocate who provides development and conversion consulting services as well as pre- and post-opening brand strategy and operational guidance for full-service properties across the globe.

Her consultancy boasts a proven, but flexible, process that champions multidisciplinary teams as passionate contributors while balancing budget, design, brand, and guest experience.

As Co-Founder of The Saturday Crowd, a full-service creative studio, she helps clients build narrative driven brands to drive customer engagement and loyalty.

Chet Patel

Baywood Hotels

Senior Vice President

Chet Patel, Senior Vice President with Baywood Hotels, located in Columbia, MD. Chet’s dynamic executive role in development and operations has been instrumental in Baywood’s accession to the top tier of hotel developers in the United States.

Chet is a lifelong hotelier- he was intimately involved in the operations of his parent’s first hotel in Southern New Jersey. After graduating from Rutgers University, Chet chose to follow his parents’ footsteps and become a full-time hotelier. In 1999, Chet joined Al Patel to start Baywood Hotels. Chet’s primarily responsible for the company vision in its development of new hotel projects and renovations and repositioning of existing assets.

Chet is part of an advanced team of hotel real estate professionals responsible for identifying, planning and executing hotel development opportunities across the eastern seaboard. Chet primarily oversees architectural/construction planning, hotel design and procurement for new development projects and existing hotels undergoing renovations. Chet’s knack for hotel design concepts is widely recognized by the major hospitality brands in the United States. The following is a list of brand committees that Chet belongs to:

● Design Directive Committee Involvement
o Fairfield Inn by Marriott for Gen 4
o Towneplace Suites by Marriott for Gen 4
o TRIA Board
● Owner Advisory Committee Involvement
o Holiday Inn Express by IHG OAC – Committee Chair*
o IHG Marketplace – Committee Chair*
o IHG Americas Board
o Avid by IHG OAC
o Tru by Hilton OAC
o Element by Westin
● Product Advisory Council Involvement
o Hilton
o Home2 by Hilton
o Hampton Inn by Hilton
● Capital Assessment Planning Execution Committee Involvement
o Marriott

Chet lives with his wife, Priti and two children, Kunal and Karina in Clarksville, Maryland. He is an avid skier and loves football.

Mitch Patel

Vision Hospitality Group, Inc.

Founder

Mitch Patel founded Vision Hospitality Group, Inc. in 1997 with the goal of creating a company dedicated to excellence with a focus on community and family. Over his career, Mitch and his team have developed over 60 hotels and currently holds a growing portfolio of 42 properties with a market cap of over $1 Billion. Vision also has a pipeline of 15 properties that are under development, which are affiliated with premier brands such as Hilton Worldwide and Marriott International.

Under Mitch’s leadership Vision has received many awards, as well as recognition for its efforts in development, community service and design. Vision has received the Marriott International Development Partner of the Year Award- Full Service, Marriott International Partnership Circle Award, Marriott International Developer of the Year Award- Select Service, Marriott International Serve 360 Award, the Developer of the Year Award for the Hampton Brand by Hilton Worldwide, and the Multi-Brand Developer of the Year Award by Hilton Worldwide.

Mitch serves on the Marriott International Franchise Advisory Council, the Hilton Worldwide Owner’s Advisory Council and the Executive Committee of American Hotel and Lodging Association. Mitch maintains his presence on boards of local organizations that support education and economic development in Vision’s hometown of Chattanooga, TN, and he is an advocate for ending human trafficking in the hospitality industry. His efforts have earned him national recognition, which includes his most recent honor of receiving the NSDAR Americanism Award.

Mitch holds a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Tennessee.

Libby Sims Patrick

Sims Patrick Studio

Founding Principal and CEO

Libby Sims Patrick, IIDA, LEED-AP, is the founding Principal and CEO of Atlanta-based Sims Patrick Studio (SPS). With more than 30 years of experience in the architecture and interior design industry, Libby is an expert in the design and conceptualization of nearly all space typologies, from commercial to residential and across numerous verticals. Drawing on a lifetime of creative endeavors, Libby brought her own firm to life in 1999, and has since spearheaded work on a multitude of projects throughout the United States, utilizing her wide breadth of knowledge to inform the firm’s ongoing work in the hospitality sector.

Libby has served as a featured panelist and speaker at local and national events, including NeoCon, HD Expo, and IIDA, and her award-winning work has been featured in notable publications such as Architectural Record, Boutique Design, Hospitality Design, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and Better Homes & Gardens, among others. Libby’s eye for color, use of planning, and aptitude for three-dimensional design direction has made her a force not just in the southeast, but in the broader design industry as she commands the helm of SPS.

Christie Patterson

InterMountain Hotels

Vice President of Development

Christie Patterson, Vice President of Development at InterMountain Hotels is focused on company-wide growth through identifying hotel development and 3rd party management prospects to further expand their hotel portfolio, and opportunities to provide renovations project management, interior design, and procurement services. Christie joined InterMountain, a family owned and operated company following a 32-year career with Marriott International in a variety of roles, the most recent 12 years in Lodging Development. A graduate of Salisbury State University, she majored in Business Management & Marketing. She obtained her Hotel Real Estate & Asset Management Certification from Cornell University and holds a real estate license in Maryland.

Thomas Penny

Donohoe Hospitality

President

Thomas Penny is President of Donohoe Hospitality, one of the Washington, DC Region’s largest and most experienced hotel management companies. In this capacity, Penny is responsible for growth, innovation and advancing a supportive and inclusive company culture that encourages upward mobility, while celebrating its team members for achieving best-in-class results.

With direct responsibility for 16 hotels, $220M in revenue and close to 900 associates, Penny is laser-focused on growing the business and creating opportunities for team members to ascend to the highest levels of the company. Penny is a leading voice for diversity at the ownership and executive levels of the hotel industry. He stresses the need for the boardroom to mirror the break room.

Through promoting deserving leaders within the company and attracting new talent, Penny has built a dynamic team committed to operational excellence through entrepreneurship, collaboration, adaptability, empathy, creativity and innovation.

Over the course of Penny’s 27-year career with Donohoe, he has been an inspiring leader and figure in the hospitality industry and company. As he advanced through the ranks, Penny has held leadership roles across multiple verticals at Donohoe hotels.

Penny presently serves on numerous industry, education and non-profit boards including the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA), Hotel Association of Washington, DC (HAWDC), Livingstone College, Marriott-Sorenson Center for Hospitality Leadership at Howard University, National Academy Foundation (NAF), DC Public Ed Fund, Raise DC, DC Workforce Investment Council (WIC), Visit Baltimore, Baltimore Workforce Investment Council (WIC) and is the co-chair for DC Central Kitchen’s “Bringing the Kitchen Home” Campaign.

Penny is an avid reader of history and leadership books. He cherishes time with his family and enjoys spending time near the water.

Jessica Pfeifer

Host Hotels & Resorts Inc.

Director of Design & Procurement

Jessica Pfeifer is the Director of Design & Procurement for Host Hotels & Resorts Inc., an S&P 500 company, and the largest lodging real estate investment trust. In her role, she is responsible for design management, as well as strategic procurement and purchasing decisions across Host’s portfolio of luxury and upper-upscale hotels.

Jessica started her career in hospitality over 16 years ago as a designer for Wilson Associates in NY. During her time at Wilson, she gained invaluable experience working on premier hotel projects, including the development of international prototype designs for multiple Marriott brands.

Jessica is an NCIDQ certified interior designer and licensed in the state of Maryland.

Lissa Pierce

IHG Hotels & Resorts

Head of Renovations & Design Management/ Premium Brands

Lissa is a certified Interior Designer with over 18 years of hospitality design experience. She joined IHG Hotels & Resorts in 2011 and currently serves as Head of Renovations & Design Management for the company’s Premium brand portfolio in the Americas region. Her responsibilities include managing the PIP, renovation, and project related design execution for these brands as well as supporting the development of efficient, owner focused processes for the Americas Design & Construction team.

She lives in Atlanta, GA with her husband Jeff and their pup Wallace. During her free time, she enjoys travel, good food, wine, and any opportunity to relax.

Cindy Potter

Hotel Asset Value Enhancement

Executive Vice President Asset Management

Andreas Profanter

NOA

Partner

Andreas Profanter, born in 1985, graduated from Innsbruck University with a master’s degree in architecture. Following his studies, he gained experience as an architect in various offices, including Arch. Renzo Gennaro's studio in Bolzano and Arch. Edouard Francois's studio in Paris. In 2013, Andreas joined NOA, eventually becoming a partner in 2015. Since then, he has played a key role in diverse projects, such as the design and execution of the Ötzi Peak 3.251m observation platform and the creation of the Transsensorial Gateway light and sound installation. He is a member of the Chamber of Architects and Planners of Bolzano.

Brian Quinn

Chief Development Officer

Sonesta Hotels & Resorts

Brian Quinn joined Sonesta as the Chief Development Officer with 20+ years of experience in executive roles in public companies and private equity firms. Prior to joining Sonesta in 2021, he worked at Choice Hotels, Driftwood Hospitality, InterContinental and Hilton Hotels Corporation. He served the American Hotel Lodging Association and Intercontinental Hotels Group Owners’ Association and Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association as a board member. Quinn currently serves on the United States Travel and Tourism Board. He led the development of the upscale segment strategy for IHG in the Caribbean and has experience in international strategic planning. His areas of expertise include hospitality, real estate, finance, acquisitions and hotel operations. Quinn brings these talents to Sonesta as he oversees the development effort for the company.

Casey Scalf

The Society

Director

As the Unicycle Mechanic, Casey is responsible for ensuring that everything remains in balance and moving forward. With more than 20 years of hospitality experience, Casey helps guide the team into the 5th Dimension by crafting a story that is exclusive to each exciting project. With a penchant for concepts, details and product design, each story is good to the last drop.

Leslie Schultz

Interior Image Group (IIG)

Chief Design Officer

Leslie Schultz is the Chief Design Officer at Interior Image Group (IIG), a national hospitality interior design, branding, and procurement firm. Leslie oversees all design, branding, and creative direction throughout IIG, providing mentorship and guidance to division leaders and design team members. With vast expertise leading and managing hospitality and commercial design projects, Leslie shares her extensive knowledge of major hotel brands, design processes, and trademark storytelling approach with IIG. She guides her team members to understand how people experience spaces and how to create one-of-a-kind environments that both engage the senses and evoke an emotional response for guests.

Prior to joining IIG in 2016, Leslie worked as the Principal of Interior Design at EoA in Miami. In this role, she led the design team from concept to completion through branded and independent hotels and resorts throughout the United States, the Caribbean and Latin America. Leslie got her start at RTKL in Miami, working exclusively on full-service hotel and cruise ship design projects. With an extensive hospitality portfolio spanning nearly two decades, Leslie’s passion for storytelling and placemaking is at the forefront of all IIG’s developments.

Andrea Dawson Sheehan

DDA Seattle

Founding Principal & Art Director

Not Helvetica. Artist, writer and designer, Andrea Dawson Sheehan, recognize the power of creating original spaces through storytelling. As founding principal and art director, she and her team believes in the power of utilizing architecture, interior design and art installations holistically as a dynamic visual language with the power to connect and spark curiosity. She and her team has spent the past 35 years experimenting with choreographed hospitality experiences infused with powerful and intentional art that seamlessly stimulate, provoke and ultimately engages the guest’s imagination and willing participation. Her international award-winning team at DDA Seattle and London, build spaces intended to trigger meaningful conversations with the power to open minds and change attitudes. Trained in fine art, interior design and architecture, she is personally involved with every project while constantly raising the bar of excellence and striving to stay current on international trends impacting design and art globally.

David Shove-Brown

//3877

Partner

David Shove-Brown, AIA, NCARB is Partner at //3877, an Architectural, Design, Interiors + Graphics firm with offices in Washington, DC specializing in residential [single and multi-family], commercial, restaurant and healthcare architecture + design. //3877 has completed projects throughout the United States and Europe. Mr. Shove-Brown holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture and a bachelor’s of science in architecture from Catholic University of America.

As a Partner at //3877, Mr. Shove-Brown has expertise in residential, restaurant and healthcare design. Mr. Shove-Brown’s work and commentary has been featured in Forbes Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Details Magazine, the Washington Post, Washingtonian Magazine, Hospitality Design Magazine, Boutique Design Magazine, Interior Design Magazine, Form Magazine and the Puerto Rican based El Nuevo Dia. In addition to print media, Mr. Shove-Brown has been on numerous podcasts including The Scrappy Entrepreneur, Business of Design and StyleNations.

He loves coffee [don’t talk to him before at least 2 espresso shots in the morning], bacon cheeseburgers, good beer, but most of all, being a dad.

Will Speros

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)

Communications Manager

Will Speros is the communications manager for the New York office of SOM. He previously served as an editor for Hospitality Design magazine for seven years, most recently as associate editor. He lives in Brooklyn.

Barry Sullivan

Hilton Hotels & Resorts

Director

Barry joined Hilton joined Hilton in 2015 to work on the launch of Canopy, Hilton’s entry into the Lifestyle market. Subsequently, he has participated in the launch of Motto and most recently Tempo that debuted in 2020. Barry and his team oversee the design of all Canopy, Motto, and Tempo projects in North America. Following the brand’s premier with Tempo Times Square in August, Nashville will be Tempo’s second hotel to open.

Justin Taylor

Marriott International

Sustainability Manager/Global Design Strategies

Justin is a Sustainability Manager within the Global Design Strategies team at Marriott International. He is responsible for the development and implementation of sustainability initiatives, programs, and strategies for the design and construction of new and existing Marriott properties globally.

Prior to joining Marriott, Justin was a Climate Associate on the LEED Technical Development Team at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) where he coordinated and managed the development the Energy and Atmosphere category for LEED versions 4.1 and 5.

In his free time, Justin loves traveling, playing pickleball, volunteering, hiking, and camping. He currently resides in Washington, D.C.

Bill Tom

Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Regional Vice President, Construction & Project Management

Bill Tom is Regional Vice President, Construction & Project Management, focused on project execution on Hyatt’s full-service, owned asset portfolio. He blends business, real estate and operational knowledge with design and construction acumen, creating innovative, value-added projects and designs. He combines over 30 years of diverse project management experience in owner/portfolio/asset management, operator and brand settings, in hospitality and multi-residential sectors.

Bill has worn the consultant hat with his firm, Rosedale Advisors, and leadership roles with Delta Hotels, Pyramid Advisors/Pyramid Hotel Group, and Hilton Hotels (including Doubletree/Promus). He pre-opened the Westin Boston, Copley Place as a management trainee, and is a graduate of Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, specializing in Hotel Planning and Design.

Kirsten Vaselaar

HRI Hospitality

SVP – Real Estate and Development

Kirsten Vaselaar, SVP – Real Estate and Development for HRI Hospitality (HRIH), is leading the development of the Tempo Nashville Downtown. During her 17 years with HRIH, Kirsten has lead the development of a variety of hospitality and residential housing projects – each with a focus on place-making and site specific, engaging design. The Tempo Nashville is located next to the forthcoming Nashville Yards development and will offer 306 rooms, 12,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting spaces, a state-of-the-art 1,600 SF fitness center, an outdoor pool and bar, event lawn, and a fifth-floor sky lobby with expansive views of downtown Nashville. HRIH has built a robust lodging platform over its 40-year history and currently owns and/or manages a diverse portfolio throughout the Nation’s premier lodging markets. Leveraging its seasoned leadership team, deep sector expertise and vast network of industry relationships, HRIH has opened a total of twelve new hotels over the past eight years.

Pete Welch

Continental Contractors, Inc.

President & CEO

After moving through the ranks of the hotel renovation industry for nearly 20 years, Pete Welch was determined to create a new kind of hospitality renovation company — one that worked smarter. It needed to be accessible to owners, project managers, architects, designers, and hotel personnel, and serve every customer with integrity. Since 2003 Continental Contractors, with Mr. Welch at the helm, has become one of the leading hotel renovation companies in the US. He is a well-respected leader within both construction and hospitality, and a frequent speaker at industry events. He leads Continental with agility and loyalty to his team and strives to bring exceptional value and quality to every project.

Harry Wheeler

Group One a JCJ Architectural Studio

Principal

Harry Wheeler AIA, NCARB, LEED is a principal at Group One a JCJ Architectural Studio, an award-winning hospitality design firm with 7 offices nationwide. Harry is a respected architect with over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, consulting on design, master planning, feasibility, entitlements, new construction, renovation, repositioning, and adaptive reuse. He has been a trusted advisor to groups across the spectrum including owners, developers, global hotel and hospitality brands and community leaders. Harry’s outgoing nature and drive to connect people with resources and knowledge has helped him develop a far-reaching network of influence in the hospitality industry and the National Real Estate market.

Tara Witt

Tarrison

Managing Partner

Tara Witt is a serial entrepreneur with a deep interest in optimizing processes, teams, and talents. She started her first hard goods distribution company at 25, and has co-founded and grown a variety of businesses since, including manufacturing, tech, and creative services ventures.

Grant Worrell

HRI Hospitality

VP - Design & Construction Management

Grant joined HRI 2011 and has successfully managed multiple historic adaptive re-use developments, new build hotels, large- and small-scale hotels as well as apartment renovations. Several key projects Grant managed include the The Tempo Nashville Downtown (Nashville, TN), Eliza Jane Hotel (New Orleans, LA), Aloft Philadelphia (Philadelphia, PA), Hilton Garden Inn Austin University Center(Austin, TX), Homewood Suites French Quarter (New Orleans, LA), The Strand Apartments & Aloft (New Orleans, LA). Grant received her bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University in Business Administration.

She started her career in Aspen, Colorado working on high-end hotels, commercial and multi-family projects as a development manager for Related Westpac. She then moved to Las Vegas where she was a design manager with The Cosmopolitan Hotel and Casino. There she oversaw the design and construction for building systems, heart of house spaces, restaurants, and Marque Day and Night Club.

Grant has a passion for design and construction with a focus on delivering projects on schedule and within budget.

Awards

Keynote Speakers

Clodagh

Clodagh Design

Founder and CEO

Clodagh

Clodagh Design

Founder and CEO

Scott Stratten

UnMarketing

President

Scott Stratten

UnMarketing

President

Owners Roundtable Participants

Jennifer Clawson

Marriiott International

Senior Director Global Design

Jennifer Clawson

Marriiott International

Senior Director Global Design

J. Clif Dierking

PDSI

Partner/Client Relations Manager

J. Clif Dierking

PDSI

Partner/Client Relations Manager

Kristen Freeland

IHG Hotels & Resorts

Creative Director & Brand Strategist

Kristen Freeland

IHG Hotels & Resorts

Creative Director & Brand Strategist

Adam Glickman

Sonesta International Hotels

Vice President of Guest Experience and Brand

Adam Glickman

Sonesta International Hotels

Vice President of Guest Experience and Brand

Jessica Iaconis

Universal Orlando Resorts

Assistant Director of Facility Design

Jessica Iaconis

Universal Orlando Resorts

Assistant Director of Facility Design

Helen Jorgensen

Host Hotels & Resorts

Vice President, Design & Procurement

Helen Jorgensen

Host Hotels & Resorts

Vice President, Design & Procurement

Kevin Ketschek

Hilton Hotels & Resorts

Senior Director of Design

Kevin Ketschek

Hilton Hotels & Resorts

Senior Director of Design

Linda Laucirica

Marriott International

Senior Director, Design & Project Management, Global Design US & Canada

Linda Laucirica

Marriott International

Senior Director, Design & Project Management, Global Design US & Canada

Sean McNaboe

Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.

Project Manager

Sean McNaboe

Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.

Project Manager

Ashley Ewing Parrott

The Saturday Crowd

Co-Founder

Ashley Ewing Parrott

The Saturday Crowd

Co-Founder

Chet Patel

Baywood Hotels

Senior Vice President

Chet Patel

Baywood Hotels