Tisch Center Focus
NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference Celebrates 30 Years
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| Click the thumbnail images to view the Hospitality Conference photos. | ||||||
The lodging industry’s highly anticipated forum, the New York University International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference is celebrating its 30th year. Hosted by the NYU Tisch Center, the Conference returns to the historic Waldorf=Astoria hotel June 1–3, 2008. General sessions and workshops target current issues and trends in industry, international development, finance, law, and operations. An expected record number of participants will interact with sponsors and patrons, making deals and decisions that will impact design, markets, and profitability.
NYU Tisch Center Divisional Dean Lalia Rach again moderates the opening session—“One-on-One with the CEOs.” This year, the session features three intimate discussions with individuals of merit and significance for the global hotel industry: Jonathan D. Gray, senior managing director and co-head of the Real Estate Group, The Blackstone Group; J. Willard Marriott, Jr., chairman and CEO, Marriott International, Inc.; and Barry S. Sternlicht, chairman and CEO, Starwood Capital Group.
Returning for his 14th year as conference chair is Jonathan M. Tisch, chairman and CEO, Loews Hotels; co-chairman of the board and Office of the President, Loews Corporation. In his tenure as chair, Tisch has instituted changes to the program, including an expansion of the focus of the conference to branding, strategy, and distribution. And, while many claim to be part of the creation of the conference, Dorothy Jennings, executive vice president of HVS, is among the few who can truly wear that mantle; she has been the conference coordinator all 30 years of its existence.
Legendary real estate mogul Donald J. Trump, chairman and president of The Trump Organization, is the featured speaker for the Monday luncheon. On Tuesday, Tisch conducts his “Beyond the Boardroom” branding interview with this year’s featured guest Frits van Paasschen, CEO of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide.
Among the unique aspects of the conference is the involvement of Tisch Center students. Undergraduate and graduate students volunteer at the conference, providing them with firsthand experience in the management of a major event and up-close exposure to leading industry executives.