AGENDA

Tuesday, August 18

Lunch, Panel Discussion, Duck March, and Reception

12:00pm–1:30pm
Lunch with the Speakers

The Rendezvous
52 S 2nd St, Memphis, TN 38103
Casual Attire

One of the Summit’s most popular events, Lunch With The Speakers offers a unique opportunity to mingle with the speakers, reconnect with familiar faces, and make valuable new connections—all while enjoying world-famous Memphis BBQ at The Rendezvous(opens in new tab). With top-tier networking and legendary food, this event fills up fast. Be sure to register early! Special guest speaker: Glenn Haussman, NoVacancy News.

Sponsored by Ecolab

2:00pm
Welcome & Introduction

Wayne Tabor, President, MMHLA
Doug Browne, President, Peabody Hotel

2:00pm–3:00pm
Artificial Intelligence Panel

The Peabody Hotel
Skyway Room
149 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103

Please join us on Tuesday, August 18 after Lunch With The Speakers for the Artificial Intelligence Panel Discussion.

Discover how AI is transforming the hotel industry at this year’s Southern Lodging Summit. Join Craig Sullivan, Principal of CLIC Media, as he leads a dynamic panel discussion on the innovative ways hotels are leveraging AI. The session will explore real-world applications of AI in revenue management, reservations, guest communications, and overall hotel operations. Register now!

Moderator: Craig Sullivan, Principal of CLIC Media

Panelists:

Kate Burda, Founder & Innovator, Kate Burda & Company
Suzanne Markham Bagnera, Ph.D., CHA, CED, Director, Hospitality Executive Education, Florida International University
Jackson Granstaff, Producer, Hospitality Practice Leader, Virtus

4:45pm–5:15pm
Duck March (Duck Master)

The Peabody Hotel
Lobby
149 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103

Each year, we recognize an industry icon by making them an Honorary Duck Master, an honor reserved for Memphis’ elite. Join us before the opening night cocktail reception as our Honorary Duck Master leads the waterfowl through the lobby of the legendary Peabody Hotel(opens in new tab).

Honorary Duck Master: Mark Woodworth

5:00pm–6:30pm
IHG Opening Reception

The Peabody Hotel
Skyway Room
149 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103
Business/Cocktail Attire

The IHG Opening Cocktail Reception is an opportunity to begin a great evening of social interaction with industry colleagues, long time friends and new ones. Enjoy cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. After the reception, feel free to explore downtown Memphis and enjoy dinner out on the town. And while you're in Memphis, be sure to experience the sights and sounds of Memphis, Beale Street, Graceland and more. Ice sculpture by Premier Ice Sculptures(opens in new tab).

Sponsored by IHG

Wednesday, August 19

All-Day Conference & Networking

Renasant Convention Center
255 N Main St, Memphis, TN 38103
Business Casual Attire

6:30 am
Coffee Service Begins

7:15 am–8:00 am
Breakfast, Registration & Exhibits

Sponsored by US Foods

8:00 am–8:10 am
Welcome & Introduction

Speakers:

Wayne Tabor, President, MMHLA
Tom Goodwin, Chairman, MMHLA

8:10 am–9:00 am
Industry Trends & Forecast

Hear from the most authoritative sources of hospitality information on where the industry has been in the last few years and where it is going in the future. What are the trends with new brands and concepts?

Moderator: Mark Woodworth, Woodworth & Associates

Panelists:

Isaac Collazo, Vice President, Analytics, STR

Sponsored by Thomas Construction

9:05 am–9:25 pm
National & State Legislative Update

How is the immigration, foreign trade and tariffs affecting our industry? What is happening with inbound tourism? How are we going to solve our labor shortage of 900,000 job openings? What other government controls can we look for on our business? Get the answers from the people who know.

John Jarrard, Director of State & Local Government, AHLA

9:25 am–9:35 am
Networking & Hospitality Break

Sponsored by AHLA

9:35 am–10:30am
Acquisition, Investment & Development

The Acquisition, Investment and Development Panel will explore the current landscape of hotel development, highlighting emerging opportunities and the challenges shaping our industry today. Join moderator, Lee Hunter, as he leads this insightful and timely discussion.

Moderator: Lee Hunter, COO, Hunter Hotel Advisors

Panelists:

Pace Cooper, President & CEO, Cooper Hotels
Billy Gilchrist, Senior Vice President,Originations, Peachtree Group Credit
Shelbie Lock, Director, Development Southeast, Hilton

10:35 am–11:25 am
Visionary Viewpoints

Join top hospitality presidents and CEOs for an in-depth discussion on market-level crisis leadership. This expert panel will explore the impact of occupancy declines, uncover the root causes, and share strategic solutions for recovery and growth. Gain valuable insights into how the hospitality sector is adapting and evolving in response to ongoing challenges.

Moderator: Isaac Collazo, Vice President, Analytics, STR

Panelists:

McLean Wilson, Managing Partner & Head of Asset Management, Kemmons Wilson Hospitality Partners
Kerry Ranson, President of Operations & Partner, Raines Company
Joe Greico, Executive Vice President of Development, Gibson Hospitality Ventures

11:25 am–11:35 am
Networking & Hospitality Break

11:35 am–12:10 pm
Extended Stay Panel

Join us for an in-depth discussion on the growing Extended Stay segment. The Extended Stay Panel will explore key trends, evolving challenges, and the future of extended stay lodging. Don’t miss insights from industry experts on how this sector continues to transform. Register now!

Moderator: Stephen Kallaher, Chief Hospitality Officer, Carlisle, LLC

Panelists:

Jimmy Taylor, VP of Operations, IHG
Josh Drewry, Regional Vice President, Extended Stay Brands, Choice Hotels International
Whitney Knight, Director, Homewood Suites Brand Management