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

Panelists:

Kathleen Dauber, Partner, HBA Los Angeles

Elsie Florio, Vice President | Marketing, PM Hotel Group

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

Sean Harry, Managing Principal, Digital Practice, WATG

Michael Suomi, President, Suomi Design Works

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

Christine Tucker, CEO, NEWH, Inc.

Don’t let 2026 happen to you. Follow the thought leaders who are proving that you can take control of your business and your “world” in our main stage session, celebrating this year’s agents of change. Jumpstart your 12-month planning with a forecast for what’s ahead for the hotel investment, design, architecture and construction worlds from the decision-makers who are shaping that future. Get a sneak peek at the next cultural signposts and learn their innovative approach on 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. You are not going to want to miss what these visionaries have to say: You won’t want to miss this walk-through for delivering record performance and positive impact in 2026.

Moderator:

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

Panelists:

Adriana Cisneros, CEO, Cisneros

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

Lori Horvath, Managing Director, JLL, PDS Hotels & Hospitality Americas Practice Lead

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