THINC: The Hotel Investment Networking Conference

Organizers of The Hotel Investment Networking Conference (THINC) today released its final agenda for

the inaugural event to be held at the Hilton Chicago, May 15-16, 2014. Co-hosted by DePaul University School of Hospitality Leadership and Lodging Unlimited, the hospitality consulting company, the updated speaker list includes a virtual "who's who" of hospitality industry elite. Of particular note, Marcus & Millichap Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer Hessam Nadji has been named the conference's keynote speaker.

"It is extremely gratifying to have been able to compile these exceptional speakers and panelists, 100

percent of which are presidents, CEOs, owners investors and senior executives, for our very first THINC event," said Morris Lasky, co-chair and co-founder. "We have representatives from Marriott International, Hilton Worldwide, Starwood Capital Group, Interstate Hotels & Resorts, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, La Quinta Inns & Suites, Hostmark Hospitality Group and the Marcus Corporation, amongst others. We have purposefully put together a centralized event that immediately precedes the National Restaurant Show at Chicago's McCormick Place, should attendees like to stay for both events."

"We are particularly proud of our interactive THINC Tanks and three Power Panel General sessions,

Thursday at 3:45pm, Friday at 9:00am and a super power Panel closing out the event on Friday at 3:30pm," said Mary Lou Lasky, co-chair and co-founder. "Panelists consist of Nancy Johnson, executive vice president, Industry Relations, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group; Katherine Lugar, president & CEO, American Hotel & Lodging Association; Suril Shah, senior vice president, Starwood Capital Group; Jim Abrahamson, chief executive officer, lnterstate Hotels & Resorts; Bob Alter, president, Seaview lnvestors, LLC; Liam Brown, president, U.S. & Canada Select Service & Extended Stay Lodging and owner & franchise services, the Americas, Marriott lnternational; Greg Marcus, president & CEO, The Marcus Corporation; Pratik Patel, chairman, AAHOA; Bill Fortier, senior vice president of development, Americas, Hilton Worldwide; Greg LaBerge, national director, Marcus & Millichap Real Estate lnvestment Services; Richard P. Millard, chairman & CEO, Trust Hospitality; John Rutledge, president & CEO, Oxford Capital Partners, lnc.; Homer G. Williams, chairman, Williams / Dame & Associates, lnc.; and Chuck Tomb, principal, LRC properties, LLC.

"Furthermore, attendees have the opportunity to meet with these top level executives throughout the

two-day event in a series of formal and informal networking events."

Lasky noted that DePaul's School of Hospitality Leadership, which was formed just five years ago,

already has earned a reputation as an important educational resource and is graduating more than 50 students a year who are finding good leadership positions within the industry. In addition to providing student support, The School of Hospitality Leadership will benefit from the proceeds of the conference.

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network also is working with conference to raise awareness and funds to

combat the disease.

Additionally, THINC offers a series of in-depth discussions with top hotel power players, topics will

include "Creating a Hotel Portfolio," "Debt & Equity Finance Options," "Economic Indicators & Valuation Parameters," "Hotel & Restaurant Profit Generators," and "Branding Strategies & the Franchise Agreement," amongst others.

Cost for the two-day event is $895, which includes three general session power panels, speed

networking, interactive THINC tanks, two cocktail parties and multiple networking and food events. Additional information and electronic registration are available at www.thinc-conference.com, and the conference electronic brochure can be viewed at THINC Brochure .

Linda Chelmow
Conference Director
610-436-8400
The Lodging Conference, LLC

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