ALIS DESIGN+ 2026 Pr0gram

The ALIS DESIGN+ program is updated as of September 23, 2025. Please check back as programming is underway and we are regularly making updates.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2026

7:30am-6:30pm

REGISTRATION + INFORMATION

10:30am-12:00pm

RAPID RENDEZVOUS

12:00pm-6:30pm

TRADE FAIR EXHIBIT HALL

12:30pm-1:30pm

ALIS DESIGN+ KICK-OFF + NETWORKING LUNCH IN THE TRADE FAIR EXHIBIT HALL

12:10pm-12:50pm

  • Join the conversation as these industry visionaries discuss how the current outlook is redefining their expansion plans, portfolio analysis, and potential collaborators. Get guidance on the trends they love and hate, and what designers need to get on their radar.

    Moderator:

    David McCaslin, Partner, CapStar Advisors

    Panelists:

    Amy Hulbert, Vice President, Boutique and Lifestyle Brands, BWH Hotels

    David Kuperberg, Managing Director - Real Estate, Majestic Hospitality

    Steen Petri, Managing Director, Investments, HEI Hotels & Resorts

    Vicki Poulos, VP of Luxury & Lifestyle Brands, IHG Hotels & Resorts

     Will Woodworth, Senior Vice President, Investments, Peachtree Group

1:30pm-3:15pm

GENERAL SESSION

  • Hosts:

    Jeff Higley, President, The BHN Group by Northstar

    Michelle Finn, Vice President Design & Construction Products and Services, The BHN Group by Northstar

  • Leading hotel executives go behind the forecast numbers to identify this year’s opportunity zones, danger zones and how hotel owners can successfully navigate a market in flux. Learn how they plan to make the numbers work to grow their portfolios and their bottom lines and how data and design will help make that happen.

    Moderator:

    Kevin Carey, Chief Operating Officer & Senior Executive Vice President, AHLA      

    Panelists:

    Jason Brown, Co-founder & CEO, Blue Flag Capital

    Daniel del Olmo, President & Co-CEO, Sage Hospitality Group

    Greg Friedman, Managing Principal, CEO, Peachtree Group

    William Huston, Founder and General Partner, Bay Street Hospitality

    Ben Rafter, Chief Executive Officer, Hotel Equities / Springboard Hospitality

    Ben Rowe, Managing Partner, KHP Capital Partners

  • Development experts from hotel investment and ownership giants share their strategies for taking full advantage of the trends that will deliver top IRR in 2025 and beyond. They go behind the raw data to detail where and how to look for and execute on projects that will move the needle for ROI.

    Moderator:

    John Fareed, Global Chairman, Horwath HTL

    Panelists:

    Eric Jacobs, Chief Global Officer, Aimbridge Hospitality

    Dan Hansen, Head of Americas Development, Hyatt Hotels Corporation

    David Kellam, Vice President of Architecture, Design and Construction, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

    Bobby Molinary, Chief Development Officer, Select Brands, Marriott

    Edouard Schwob, Global SVP Raffles, OE & Fairmont and Luxury Americas, Accor

    Matt Wehling, SVP Development US and Canada, Hilton

3:30pm-4:25pm

INTERACTIVE ROUNDTABLES

  • Get expert advice on how strategic planning for the lifecycle of hotel project budgets can keep stakeholders aligned and moving toward their goals — from pre-planning to opening day.

    Moderator:

    Lan Elliott, Principal & Co-Founder, Acacia Hospitality LLC

    Panelists:

    Raj Contractor, SVP Head of Investments, Host Hotels and Resorts

    Greg Dickhens, Principal & Managing Partner, Trinity Investments

    Craig Lovett, Managing Director of Development, Trinity Investments

    Michael Rock, Senior Vice President, Head of Asset Management, Host Hotels and Resorts

  • Gain actionable insights on how construction industry executives are getting out in front of a shifting business landscape and cushioning other project team members against the impact of eventualities from new code requirements to wars and wildfires.

    Moderator:

    Michael Dallas Havener, Senior Vice President, Development, Design & Construction, Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc.

    Panelists:

    Renee Bagshaw, Chief Operating Officer, Continental Contractors, Inc

    Vebhi Inan, Project Executive, Suffolk Construction

    James Marthinsen, Vice President, Development, Design & Construction, Host Hotels & Resorts

    Erik Rowen, President, McKibbon Places

  • See a new shade of green as pioneers in future-forward sustainability from inside and outside the hotel industry show how to bring the cutting edge of eco and biophilic design to real-time, real-budget hotel projects.

    Moderator:

    Bill Browning, Founding Partner, Terrapin Bright Green LLC

    Panelists:

    Loriane Icibaci, Director, Superuse Studios North America

    Mersy Maradiaga, Sustainability Manager, Turner Construction

    Dean Maltz, Partner, Shigeru Ban Architects Americas

    Grant McCargo, Cofounder and Executive Chairman, Urban Villages

3:30pm-4:15pm

  • Understanding client priorities from debt service to labor-saving layouts and secret incremental revenue drivers provides a new kind of inspiration for hotel design that works as beautifully as it looks.

    Moderator:

    Fred Brandstrader, Vice President of Construction, Hyatt Corporation

    Panelists:

    Kevin Filer, Senior Vice President of Design & Construction, Davidson Hospitality Group

    Chelsea Hershelman, Vice President of Design and Development Services, CoralTree Hospitality

    Mabry Lulli, SVP, JLL

    Bryan Thrush, 1st Vice President, Development, Design & Construction, Host Hotels & Resorts

    Kenzie Vath, Vice President of Strategic Innovation, Pacific Hospitality Group

4:25pm-5:00pm

  • Level up your soft-brand skill set as these stakeholders provide a how-to on compliance with standards, differences in scope, ways to improve alignment and formulas for maintaining an independent spirit in a big brand family.

    Moderator:

    Tracey Sawyer, Founder/ CEO, Sawyer and Company Design

    Panelists:

    Zeke C. Cooper, President & CEO, DreamCatcher Hotels

    Erik Frisbie, Director, Brand Management - Autograph Collection & Tribute Portfolio, Marriott International

    Victor Roberts Garcia, Senior Interior Design Manager, Collections Brands | Global Design US & Canada, Marriott

    Chris Williams, Co-Founder, Wolves Not Sheep

5:00pm-6:30pm

NETWORKING RECEPTION + RAFFLES #1 + #2

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2026

8:00am-5:00pm

REGISTRATION + INFORMATION

9:00am-11:15am

GENERAL SESSION

  • Stop wasting time on AI DIY. Get schooled in how to put this power tool to work in key areas of design and business management as industry experts offer fast-track upgrades to AI strategies Use their takeaways to direct this tech to speed up rote work and free up your team to explore new creative horizons.

    Moderator:

    Lawrence Adams, Director, Majestic Hospitality

    Panelist:

    Kathleen Dauber, Partner, HBA Associates Los Angeles

    Mary Gilmore, Partner | Director of Interior Design, Campo Architecture & Interior Design

    Sean Harry, Managing Principal, Digital Practice, WATG

    Michael Suomi, President, Suomi Design Works

    Wendy Nugent, Director, Generative AI Program, Choice Hotels International

  • Host:

    Mary Scoviak, Custom & Design Content Director, Hotel Investment Today by Northstar

  • Join us as we kick off the ALIS DESIGN+ general session honoring the industry’s agents of change with the presentation of this year’s NEWH Structures of Hospitality Excellence (SOHE) Award winner and scholarship recipients. Now in its second year, the SOHE award honors a construction firm that goes above and beyond in their approach to project execution and process excellence. Judges evaluated submissions based on the quality and scope of the project, the firm’s collaboration and leadership style, and its broader contributions to the industry, including mentorship, corporate values, and engagement with the architecture community. Particular attention was given to firms that demonstrate a deep understanding of how thoughtful construction impacts the guest experience and drives innovation to bring the project vision to life.In conjunction with the SOHE Award, NEWH will also present three scholarships totaling up to $20,000 to students pursuing a certificate, technical diploma, or associate degree in fields such as construction, construction management, electrical technology, pipe fitting, plumbing and heating technology, and related disciplines at a construction trade school. SOHE Scholarships are sponsored by leading industry partners: Continental Contractors ($10,000), Architectural Concepts ($5,000), and Delta Faucet ($5,000), with scholars’ travel sponsored by ALIS DESIGN+ ($5,000).

    In conjunction with the SOHE Award, NEWH will also present three scholarships totaling up to $20,000 to students pursuing a certificate, technical diploma, or associate degree in fields such as construction, construction management, electrical technology, pipe fitting, plumbing and heating technology, and related disciplines at a construction trade school. SOHE Scholarships are sponsored by leading industry partners: Continental Contractors ($10,000), Architectural Concepts ($5,000), and Delta Faucet ($5,000), with scholars’ travel sponsored by ALIS DESIGN+ ($5,000). 

    Hosts:

    Renee Bagshaw, Chief Operating Officer, Continental Contractors, Inc

    Michelle Finn, Vice President Design & Construction Products and Services, The BHN Group by Northstar

    Chris Tucker, CEO, NEWH, Inc.

  • Gain insights into what’s ahead for the hotel investment, design, architecture, and construction worlds from the leaders who are shaping the future of this industry. Get a sneak peek at the next cultural signposts and share their innovative approach on the best tactics to capitalize on the changes for 2026 and beyond. Visionaries from investment and management to design, purchasing and construction explore actionable opportunities in this special session presented by ALIS DESIGN+ in association with AHLA and NEWH.

    Moderator:

    Mary Scoviak, Custom & Design Content Director, Hotel Investment Today by Northstar

    Panelists:

    Adriana Cisneros, CEO, Cisneros Group Karen O'Neil ç

    Kristen Conry, Senior Vice President of Global Design, Marriott International

    Lori Horvath, Executive Assistant, JLL

    Kavitha Iyer, Vice President of Architecture and Design, Choice Hotels International

    Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos, President and COO, Flag Luxury Group

    S. Lovey Parker, Executive Director & Founder, Black Hoteliers & Investors Association (BH&IA)

    Jessica Werner, Chief Creative Officer, Sage Hospitality Group

10:30am-6:00pm

TRADE FAIR EXHIBIT HALL

11:30am-12:20pm

INTERACTIVE ROUNDTABLES

  • Delve into investors’ new formulas for evaluating how to optimize their assets in today’s market. Drill down as hoteliers and brands discuss PIP requirements, timing and costs and revenue-generating opportunities revealed by renovations versus the enticements to tap into the conversion potential of an upmarket flag or a hot segment. Take note of the role designers and asset managers can play.

    Moderator:

    Daniel Lesser, Cofounder, President and CEO, LW Hospitality Advisors

    Panelists:

    Luisa Gonzalez, Director of Design - Full Service & Collections, Hilton Worldwide

    Laura McKoy, Creative Director + Vice President of Interior Design, Omni Hotels and Resorts

    James Merrihew, Senior Asset Manager, McKibbon Equities

    Dane Patunoff, Senior Vice President Development & Construction, KHP Capital Partners

    Bridget Rooks, VP, Architecture Design and Construction, Sonesta                     

    Jackson Thilenius, Senior Principal, DyeLot Interiors

  • Fine tune your project planning as these experts forecast how changing business climate could affect sourcing, supply chains and project management in 2026-27. Delve into how tech and inventive contingencies can optimize risk mitigation and enable quick pivots that will keep expenses and schedules in line.

    Moderator:

    Ken Shannon, President, Leisure & Hospitality Design International

    Panelists:

    Alan Benjamin, President, Benjamin West

    Jennifer Chesek, Vice President, Hospitality & Senior Living, Beyer Brown

    Clif Dierking, Vice President, Project Development Services, Inc

    Nick DiMaio, Vice President, Capital Planning & Project Management | Select Service, Peregrine Hospitality

    Jeff Mazmanian, Senior Vice President, Project Management, Cumming Group

  • Meet the new investment and design models that are shaking up the brand-scape of hospitality. Listen and learn as the visionaries behind these blue-sky concepts discuss what investors and designers need to know to share their groundbreaking business plans to capitalize on untapped potential.

    Moderator:

    Raj Chandnani, Managing Partner, Cortner Group

    Panelists:

    Sam Bakhshandehpour, CEO, Jose Andres Group

    Ryan Diggins, Co-Founder, Gravitas Development

    Jon Kully, Managing Partner, Left Lane Development

    Sandi Lesueur, Founder | CEO, VIRTU Resort & Residences

    Mike Weiss, Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Castle Peak Holdings and Trailborn

1:00pm-2:00pm

NETWORKING LUNCH

2:00pm-2:30pm

  • Meet the winner of NEWH’s second annual Structures of Hospitality Excellence (SOHE) award as they discuss the technical advances and collaborative engagement that inspire construction firms to help shape the guest experience long before project completion. The SOHE winner and the distinguished judging panel offer owners and designers a walk-through of the evolving scope of skills that bring hospitality visions to life.

    Moderator:

    Renee Bagshaw, Chief Operating Officer, Continental Contractors, Inc

    Panelists:

    Fred Brandstrader, Vice President of Construction, Hyatt Corporation

    Suzanne Saunders, SVP Design & Construction & Chief Elevation Officer, Elevate Renovations + Development By HVMG

    David Tracz, Partner, //3877

    Bryan Thrush, 1st Vice President Development, Design and Construction at Host Hotels & Resorts

2:45pm-3:35pm

INTERACTIVE ROUNDTABLES

  • Move beyond a rehash of what high-spend travelers want. Learn how these thought leaders are using guest expectations as stepping off points for new 5-star approaches inspired by their fresh vision and impassioned mission. Get an inside look at how they’re rethinking everything from site selection to specifying to create luxe hotels and resorts that make their own markets.

    Moderator:

    Mary Scoviak, Custom & Design Content Director, Hotel Investment Today by Northstar

    Panelists:

    Alinio Azevedo, Managing Director, Luxury and Lifestyle Investments, Driftwood Capital

    Richard Bailey, Chairman, Pacific Beachcomber

    Sara Felch, Vice President, Design (Americas), Kerzner International

    Verena Haller, Global Head of Design & Creative Services, The Lifestyle Group, Hyatt

  • Get advice from industry experts on how they are managing workflows, budgets and timelines in a business climate that can change weekly or even daily. Discover their go-to strategies for determining right-sized contingencies and flexible back-up plans to cover disruptions from natural disasters and labor shortages to trade tensions that stall supply chains. Learn how collaborations can help all stakeholders outsmart today’s challenges.

    Moderator:

    Christine Shanahan, Principal, HVS Design

    Panelists:

    Brian Belcher, Senior Associate | Architect, Looney & Associates

    Kenya Jones-Lowell, Interior Designer, Rice Fergus Miller

    Duk Kim, Senior Principal, Global Hospitality Leader, Stantec

    Darrin Phillips, CEO, Top Shelf Project Management

    Jared Walker, Executive Vice President, InterMountain Renovations

  • Join this step-by-step exploration of how to heighten the bottom-line impact of design from ideation to ribbon-cutting. Prepare for a master class in uncovering efficiencies and incremental revenue. Get top tips for how to take advantage of project-long alignment with clients and other stakeholders to meet project goals.

    Moderator:

    Chad Sorensen, Managing Director and CEO, CHMWarnick

    Panelists:

    Keith Oltchick, Chief Development Officer, Remington

    Trisha Poole, Founder and President, Design Poole

    Duane Schroder, Chief Growth Officer, Waterford Hotel Group

    Gary Womack, Co-Founder, Managing Principal, Acumen Development Partners

2:30pm-2:50pm

  • Step up your strategy to accelerate the upside of the developer-design collaboration as these industry veterans provide action steps to translate aligned, data-based decisions into a maximized value-add for hotels.

    Leader:

    David Tracz, Partner, //3877

    Speaker:

    Jack Shay, Executive Vice President, Clearview

3:00pm-3:45pm

  • Lean into the expertise of these cross-disciplinary segment specialists to deliver elevated experiences throughout hotels. Borrow their insider tips on everything from creating luxurious guest spaces within a stringent materials list to crafting membership concepts that serve up appeal to new markets.

    Moderator:

    Trica Jean-Baptiste, Founder, Morgensheer Hospitality

    Panelists:

    Adam Goldstein, Partner/Design Director, Studio Collective

    Kay Lang, President + CEO, Kay Lang + Associates

    Patrick O’Hare, VP Development, Partner, EDG Design

    Lauren Rottet, Founding Principal, Rottet Studio

4:00pm-5:00pm

NETWORKING RECEPTION + CLOSING REMARKS