The Hunter Hotel Investment Conference has revealed that John McKibbon III, founder of M3 and chairman of McKibbon Hospitality and McKibbon Places will be the 2025 recipient of the Hunter Conference Award for Excellence and Inspiration.
Each year, the award honors a hotelier who exemplifies exceptional leadership, citizenship and innovation. As a third-generation entrepreneur and the driving force behind several hospitality companies, McKibbon has shaped the industry while championing the importance of service and community.
McKibbon’s journey in hospitality began in 1977 when he joined his family’s business. With his father having pioneered one of the earliest Holiday Inn franchises, he quickly followed suit, taking on roles as hotel GM and regional manager before assuming leadership of the company in the early 1990s. Under his guidance, McKibbon Hospitality evolved into a recognized leader in hotel development, real estate and management, with a portfolio of more than 100 properties, according to the company.
Building on his success with McKibbon Hospitality, McKibbon became the first hotelier to bring hospitality accounting online by founding M3, a provider of hotel accounting software today. Recently, M3 sold a majority interest to Blackstone, with McKibbon remaining involved as a major investor. He also founded McKibbon Places, a company dedicated to hotel development and renovation.
“I am honored and humbled to receive this recognition from Hunter,” said McKibbon. “Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside some of the best, brightest and most dedicated leaders and innovators who have inspired me to think bigger and have helped bring McKibbon Hospitality, M3 and McKibbon Places to life. I’ve always been passionate about hospitality and with everything I’ve done, I have strived to make a positive impact on others, whether it be our guests, clients, industry partners or community members. That is the legacy I hope to leave behind.”
Beyond his business achievements, McKibbon’s greatest accomplishments are grounded in his personal values. McKibbon is an advocate for education and mentorship, partnering with universities like his alma mater, Florida International University, and the University of South Florida, to nurture the next generation of hospitality leaders. Through the McKibbon Family Foundation, he and his wife, Letitia, champion nonprofit organizations that matter most to them, covering a variety of causes. Additionally, through the McKibbon Hospitality Foundation, every single dollar earned through hotel fundraising events and volunteer hours donated is matched, enriching the communities where McKibbon Hospitality operates.
“John’s impact on the hospitality industry is profound, but what truly sets him apart is his unwavering commitment to service and community,” said Lee Hunter, chairman, Hunter Hotel Investment Conference. “His legacy goes far beyond business achievements—he has created an environment where people are encouraged to grow, give back and make a meaningful difference. John embodies the spirit of excellence, leadership and service this award is meant to recognize.”
McKibbon will receive the award on March 18 at 10:45 am ET, during the 36th Hunter Hotel Investment Conference in Atlanta.
