The fun and sun of the Fontainebleau and Miami Beach will certainly be a nice change of pace from cool and cloudy Cleveland, but that's not what I'm most looking forward to at the Lifestyle/Boutique Hotel Development Conference.
I'm looking forward to hearing from Marriott's Tim Miller about the Edition brand, from keynoter Jake Stein about what Expedia is up to (and the ensuing questions from hoteliers), from valuation guru Steve Rushmore with his take on the lifestyle and boutique segments and from experts who will discuss if (and where and how) financing can be found.
I'm looking forward to seeing the always interesting Tim Dixon, the owner and developer of the hugely successful Iron Horse Hotel in Milwaukee, who will discuss his latest attempts at development through EB-5 investments. I'm looking forward to hearing from Chick Armstrong of Hampshire Hotels & Resorts about the new Dream hotels in South Beach and Manhattan.
That's just a handful of the topics and speakers slated for the Fontainebleau from Oct. 19-21. The lifestyle and boutique segments of the hotel industry continue to grow, both through the development of independent and branded properties — and the in-between soft brands like Autograph and Ascend, whose leadership will be in attendance. Come learn, network and see why developers, investors and brand companies are so focused on these segments.
The conference opens with a reception Wednesday evening and is followed by a day and a half of educational and networking programming. There's still time to register.
I hope to see you there.