Hospitality Industry Luminaries on Roster for NYU Conference

NEW YORK—Business titans and thought leaders in the hospitality industry will be among the featured panelists at the 40th Annual NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference.

Hosted by the NYU School of Professional Studies (NYUSPS) Jonathan M. Tisch Center for Hospitality and Tourism, the conference will be held June 3-5 at the New York Marriott Marquis in New York City, and will feature panel discussions, workshops and networking events that provide data, analysis, perspectives, insights and opportunities for professionals in the field.

Jonathan M. Tisch, chairman and CEO of Loews Hotels & Co. and co-chairman of the board of Loews Corporation is the conference chair; Jeffrey Stewart, founder, Walnut Hill Advisors, serves as the conference vice chair; Dennis Di Lorenzo, Harvey J. Stedman Dean, NYU School of Professional Studies, serves as the conference host; and Nicolas Graf, associate dean, NYU School of Professional Studies Jonathan M. Tisch Center for Hospitality and Tourism, is the conference co-host.

This year’s one-on-one conversations will feature Preet Bharara, former U.S. Attorney, Southern District and NYU Distinguished Scholar in Residence at NYU School of Law, on June 4.

On June 5, during his annual “Beyond the Boardroom” session, Tisch will speak with special guest The Honorable Ricardo Roselló, governor of Puerto Rico. They will discuss recovery efforts on his island nation after Hurricane Maria, which left Puerto Rico and its citizens without power and critical services for many months, greatly affecting the island’s tourism and hospitality sector. This one-on-one discussion will provide a revealing insider’s view into the challenges faced during the crisis, as well as those still ahead.

Additional highlights of this year’s conference include “The CEOs Check In: A View from the Top,” which will take place on June 4. Moderated by Betty Liu, anchor, Bloomberg Television, and founder and CEO, Radiate, this panel will include Sébastien M. Bazin, chairman and CEO, AccorHotels; Jim Murren, chairman and CEO, MGM Resorts; Christopher J. Nassetta, president and CEO, Hilton; and Arne Sorenson, president and CEO, Marriott International.

“The Leaders’ Forum” kicks off the second day of the conference, with Eric Danziger, CEO, Trump Hotels; William J. Ferguson, co-chairman and co-CEO, Ferguson Partners; Colleen Keating, COO, Americas, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG); David Kong, president and CEO, Best Western Hotels & Resorts; and Thomas C. Morey, SVP, general counsel, and secretary, Park Hotels & Resorts. Scott D. Berman, principal and hospitality industry leader U.S., PwC, will serve as moderator.

Also on June 5, “The Leaders Check In – Part Two” will focus on the most critical issues affecting the hotel industry. Adam F. Weissenberg, vice chairman and global transportation, hospitality, and services leader for Deloitte, will moderate the discussion. Panelists will include James Allen, chairman, Hard Rock International, and CEO, Seminole Gaming; Ken Greene, president, Americas, Radisson Hotel Group; Stephanie Linnartz, global chief commercial officer, Marriott International; and Greg Mount, president and CEO, RLH Corporation.

In addition, Michael S. Shannon, chairman of KSL Capital Partners, will be presented with The IREFAC C. Everett Johnson Award for his business acumen in leading his organization to new levels of financial success, according to the organization.