Saturday, June 28, 2025
The Boutique Hotel Investment Conference, the flagship event hosted by the Boutique Lifestyle Leaders Association (BLLA), is set to make a highly anticipated return to New York City on June 4, 2025.
This year’s conference promises to be an unparalleled gathering for key players in the boutique and luxury hospitality sectors.
The event will take place at the historic Florence Gould Hall, offering a dynamic platform for owners, developers, investors, and other professionals in the boutique hotel industry to engage in high-level discussions and networking opportunities.
A Focused Approach to Boutique and Luxury Hospitality
BLLA’s annual conference has become the premier gathering dedicated entirely to independent boutique hotel investment. Unlike other industry conferences, this event is uniquely curated with a sharp focus on the boutique hospitality segment. It offers a specialized experience that aligns with the values, strategies, and growth challenges faced by boutique hotels. The conference is poised to tackle a broad array of relevant topics, from emerging opportunities to creative financing solutions, all through the lens of boutique hospitality.
This year’s theme, “Cultivating Independence in Boutique Hospitality Investment,” will guide the day’s discussions, focusing on how boutique hotels can thrive in a competitive and ever-evolving market. The conference will explore innovative investment strategies, address sustainability in growth, and delve into the market-defining trends that are shaping the future of the industry.
Keynote Spotlight: Inside Corinthia’s Global Growth Strategy
One of the most highly anticipated segments of the conference is the keynote session featuring a conversation with Simon P. Casson, CEO of Corinthia Hotels, and Pradeep Raman, Managing Director of The Surrey – A Corinthia Hotel. They will be joined by Ariela Kiradjian, COO of BLLA, in an exclusive discussion about Corinthia’s approach to global expansion and development.
Corinthia Hotels, one of the world’s most prestigious luxury hotel brands, has garnered attention for its remarkable growth in the boutique and luxury sectors. This keynote will offer rare insight into how the brand scales with precision, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to maintaining its boutique ethos. Topics will include Corinthia’s global investment strategy, development pipeline, and how the company balances innovative expansion with its core values, ensuring a deep commitment to both legacy and innovation.
For industry professionals, this conversation promises to provide invaluable lessons on achieving growth without sacrificing the character, quality, or guest experience that boutique hotels are known for. The discussion will also touch on the importance of design-led repositioning and thoughtful acquisitions, providing a model for boutique hotels aiming for long-term value creation.
Powerhouse Panels: Industry Insights and Discussions
Beyond the keynote, the Boutique Hotel Investment Conference 2025 will feature a robust lineup of panels, where some of the most respected leaders in boutique hospitality will share their expertise and vision for the industry’s future. These panels will cover a range of crucial topics, providing insights and actionable takeaways for attendees.
Redefining Investment in Boutique & Luxury Hotels
This session will feature industry experts such as Glynn Aeppel (Glencove Capital), Elizabeth Mullins (Flâneur Hospitality), and Sarah Eustis (Main Street Hospitality). Together, they will discuss how boutique and luxury hotel investments are evolving, what today’s investors seek, and how boutique hotel owners and operators can position their properties for future success. The discussion will also delve into innovative financing strategies and creative investment approaches that are driving the industry forward.
Deal Structuring in a Complex Market
As the market for boutique hotels becomes increasingly complex, understanding how to structure deals in a way that meets the needs of both investors and developers is crucial. Guy Maisnik (JMBM) and Samantha Ahuja (Greenberg Traurig) will explore the nuances of deal structuring, examining how to navigate today’s challenges in the financial landscape. They will provide essential insights into navigating capital markets, the importance of legal and regulatory considerations, and the keys to successful deal-making in the boutique hotel sector.
Luxury Development in Boutique Hospitality
With senior leaders from renowned hospitality brands like KReMM, Rocco Forte Hotels, Montage International, and Mandarin Oriental, this session will provide expert guidance on luxury development in the boutique hotel space. Panelists will discuss what sets boutique hotels apart in terms of development and design, focusing on how to build properties that are both luxurious and authentic. Sustainable growth strategies and cutting-edge innovations in hotel design will also be explored, with a special emphasis on what it takes to build and maintain a property that reflects the values and essence of boutique hospitality.
Equity Investment: Aligning Vision and Value
An important discussion for those seeking capital for boutique hotel ventures, this panel will feature experts from KHP Capital Partners, Ohana Real Estate Investors, HotelAve, and Highgate. The focus will be on aligning the vision of owners and operators with the value-driven investment strategies that attract equity partners. As the boutique hotel market becomes more competitive, understanding how to structure equity investments to ensure alignment with long-term goals is critical to success.
Food & Beverage Profitability
Another key aspect of boutique hotel operations, food and beverage (F&B) profitability, will be explored by leaders in the industry such as Sam Bakhshandehpour (José Andrés Group), David Rodolitz (VCR Group), and Peter Wright (Nestlé Premium Waters). This panel will address how boutique hotels can maximize F&B revenue while maintaining high-quality offerings that enhance the guest experience. It will also touch on the importance of sustainability and unique culinary experiences in attracting guests and creating a profitable operation.
New Partnerships, New Paths Forward
In her welcome address, Ariela Kiradjian will unveil several exciting new initiatives from BLLA, including expanded educational resources and innovative partnerships with like-minded organizations. These initiatives aim to foster global growth, enhance industry collaboration, and provide boutique hotel professionals with the tools and networks they need to succeed in an increasingly complex landscape.
Registration Now Open: Secure Your Spot
The 2025 Boutique Hotel Investment Conference promises to be an invaluable event for anyone involved in boutique hospitality investment. With its expertly curated programming, impressive lineup of speakers, and unparalleled networking opportunities, it is the must-attend event of the year for anyone looking to make their mark in the world of boutique hotels.
Event Details:
- Date: June 4, 2025
- Location: Florence Gould Hall, 55 E 59th St, New York City
- Registration: Available at www.bllaevents.com/2025-bhic
This one-day event will be an essential gathering for boutique hotel professionals, offering the opportunity to forge new partnerships, discuss innovative investment strategies, and shape the future of the boutique hospitality industry.
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