NATHIC 2013 Moves to Chicago, Becoming Midwest's Sole Investment Event

NEW YORK (Sept. 4, 2013) ─ Questex Hospitality + Travel, the world's largest multinational media, event and e-commerce company serving the global hospitality and travel industry, today announced that its North America Hotel Investment Conference (NATHIC) will be held Nov. 20-22 at the newly renovated Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile, becoming the only event of its kind in the Midwest.

Now in its fifth year, the two-day event, previously held in Washington, has been re-energized with a new venue and enhanced agenda including a hospitality real estate showcase with top brokers and a "hotel shark tank" competition based on the popular reality television show that will offer endowment opportunities to hospitality school programs.

NATHIC, part of the International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF) summit series, attracts hotel owners, developers, operators, lenders, consultants and brand executives and is expected to draw 300 attendees.

The agenda will combine general sessions, breakout discussions and keynote speakers who will focus on a wide range of critical issues related to hotel development, ownership and management including financing, segment analysis, buying and selling hotels, franchising, operations, design and technology. Topics will include lending, structuring third-party agreements, transactions, repositioning, digital marketing, mobile targeting and a look into future trends by a panel of younger-generation hoteliers.

Marilyn McHugh, who oversees NATHIC as vice president of global events for Questex Hospitality + Travel, said this year's event will offer lodging and real estate industry professionals an even richer educational and networking forum designed "to create and finance investment opportunities and maximize existing ones in a world-class setting."

"We could not be more excited to head to Chicago this year," she said. "NATHIC has become the only hospitality investment conference of its kind in the Midwest. The program will attract attendees from around the country and address issues spanning the entire North American hospitality scene.

"The new NATHIC program also will offer extraordinary opportunities to network among some of the industry's most influential leaders and senior-level investment professionals. Combined with compelling panel discussions and presentations, NATHIC is a must-attend event of 2013."

Topics for the event were guided by the NATHIC Advisory Board, composed of a wide spectrum of prominent hotel owners, operators, franchisors, management companies, marketers and analysts to ensure content is immediately relevant to attendees.

Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile, just one block from Chicago's famed Michigan Avenue, is steps away from the city's theater district and acclaimed shopping and attractions. Following a recently completed a $25 million renovation, event attendees will enjoy the host hotel's updated guest rooms, public spaces, restaurant, health and fitness area and indoor pool.

For NATHIC sponsorship or speaking opportunities, contact Nick Diligente, business development manager, at [email protected].

For more information on the North America Hotel Investment Conference and to register for the event, visit www.nathic.com. An early-bird registration rate is available through Sept. 23.