Press Releases

Hospitality America’s PEACH Con 2025 Charts the Future of Hospitality Leadership

GREENVILLE, S.C.— As hospitality faces labor shortages, shifting guest expectations, and technology disruption, Hospitality America’s PEACH Con 2025 brought together more than 50 hotel leaders, corporate partners, and industry experts to address the trends redefining the guest experience. With the theme “Navigating New Frontiers; Where Trailblazers Thrive,” the three-day leadership conference equipped attendees with strategies to strengthen performance today while preparing for hospitality’s future.

HSMAI Foundation Publishes Special Report on AI’s Impact in Hospitality Talent Management

The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Foundation has released a special report, “AI-Powered Workforce: Hospitality’s Next Evolution,” examining how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming talent management for hotel sales, marketing, and revenue management teams. The first installment of the Foundation’s ongoing quarterly talent insights series, the report offers practical guidance for hospitality leaders on embedding AI into professional development, recruitment, and retention strategies.

Joy Barlow Named General Manager of the Historic Colony House Motor Lodge in Roanoke, Virginia

The Colony House Motor Lodge, one of Roanoke’s most distinctive mid-century modern landmarks, announced the appointment of Joy Barlow as general manager. Barlow will oversee all operations at the 67-room boutique property, which officially reopened in August 2025 following a multi-million-dollar restoration that preserved its iconic Googie-style architecture while introducing modern hospitality amenities.

Launching Its Visionary Hotel Jobs Program INNclusivity Brings Opportunity to Intellectually Diverse Adults: Major Benefits to Partner Hotels

ORLANDO - INNclusivity, a visionary, innovative approach to hotel training and hiring, is transforming the lives of adults with developmental disabilities and providing exceptional benefits to participating hotels. A rapidly expanding non-profit organization, unique to the hospitality industry, INNclusivity provides this often-neglected group with opportunities that offer gainful employment, newfound capabilities and a place in the workforce, while setting goals for a more secure and productive future. Founded by veteran hospitality executive Mike Schugt, INNclusivity partners with vocational schools and local hotels to identify potential workers, provide training and find suitable jobs within the hospitality industry. INNclusivity has expanded from its Orlando headquarters where four properties are part of the program, to hotels in Atlanta, New Orleans, Pittsburgh and San Francisco. In Fall, 2025, the organization will take its singular concept to Europe, expanding to Germany.

Empower your team to deliver exceptional guest experiences!

Property leaders! Don’t miss the chance for your team to learn from Gil Mulders, Founder of The Talent Network and expert in customer-centric leadership, and with hands-on experience in renowned hotel brands such as Hilton and Crowne Plaza. An excellent coach, he previously served as Head of Learning, Europe, at IHG Hotels & Resorts. He will provide your team with the tools they need to deliver exceptional service.

Hilton Cares Scholarship Program Unlocks Doors of Opportunity, Empowering Lifelong Learning and Career Growth

As the world’s best hospitality workplace, Hilton is constantly searching for new ways to support the growth and advancement of its team members around the world. Hilton Cares, launched in partnership with the Hilton Global Foundation and Scholarship America, is a scholarship program for the 2025-2026 academic year designed to create opportunities for growth and advancement for current and aspiring students. Hilton is proud to award scholarships to 63 community members and 27 Hilton team members. The program was launched to recognize Hilton’s achievement as the No. 1 world’s best workplace in the world in 2023.

MEININGER: Accommodation Partner of ESN

European hotel group MEININGER Hotels and the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) have entered into a strategic partnership to jointly promote international student mobility. ESNcard holders now receive exclusive discounts when booking through the official MEININGER website, giving them access to affordable short-term accommodation across all group properties. MEININGER currently operates 36 hotels in 26 European cities, with additional openings in the pipeline.

Egyptian Hotels Association Signs Strategic Partnership with Sommet Education to Empower Egyptian Hospitality Talent

The Egyptian Hotels Association (EHA) is investing in a skilled workforce to boost Egypt's hotel sector, announcing a major two-years partnership with Sommet Education, world leader in hospitality education. This agreement, including Sommet Education renowned Glion Institute of Higher Education and Les Roches, was signed in the presence of H.E. the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy.

Marriott International Announces Retirement of Leeny Oberg, Chief Financial Officer and EVP, Development, in 2026

Marriott International (Nasdaq: MAR) today announced that after 26 years with the company, Leeny Oberg, Marriott’s Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, Development, has decided to retire effective March 31, 2026. Two long-time Marriott veterans have been named her successors. Next year, Jen Mason will become the company’s Chief Financial Officer and Shawn Hill will take on the role of Chief Development Officer.

Preferred NextGen Leadership Council Celebrates Milestone First Year, Uniting Tomorrow’s Stars of the MICE Industry

Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest independent hotel brand, is proud to celebrate the first anniversary of the Preferred NextGen Leadership Council (PNLC), a forward-thinking initiative offering insights into the future of the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) segment through the leadership of the next generation of decision makers. Marking a successful inaugural year – with its innovative approach and strategic importance – the PNLC addresses the rapidly changing dynamics of the industry by empowering and nurturing the next generation of leaders through education, mentorship, community, and purpose. Designed to accelerate professional growth, expand influence, and equip talent with the tools needed for long-term success, the PNLC represents the future of the industry through the vision, insights, and innovation of its members.