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Record-Breaking Lodging Conference 2025 Reveals Optimism, Innovation, and the Power of Women in Hospitality
- Stacy Silver
- Oct 14
- 4 min read
More than 3,000 hospitality leaders gathered at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge to celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Lodging Conference. This year’s milestone conference underscored the industry’s resilience and readiness to navigate a complex economic and political landscape. “Despite some industry headwinds, we had a record attendance this year,” said Harry Javer, president and founder of The Lodging Conference. “Challenging times are often the best times to invest!”
Uncertainty Reigns—but So Does Opportunity
While uncertainty was a recurring theme throughout the conference, the overall mood among attendees was cautious optimism—an understanding that uncertainty also breeds opportunity.
In the opening economic outlook session, Bernard Baumohl, chief global economist for The Economic Outlook Group, described today’s environment as “one of the more bizarre moments in U.S. economic history.” He explained that the U.S. has reached a point where it is impossible to disentangle politics from economics—an overlap fueling confusion and volatility. With tariffs, inflation, cross-border tensions, and the ongoing government shutdown all contributing to uncertainty, Baumohl said forecasting the economy with any confidence beyond the next few months has become increasingly difficult.
Industry executives echoed that blend of realism and resilience. Barbara Purvis, president and founding principal of Essex Hotel Management, noted that while the Federal Reserve’s recent rate cut has sparked a psychological boost, it is too early to see meaningful shifts in long-term financing. “The rate cut primed the pump,” she said, suggesting optimism alone could begin reviving deal activity. Nina Becker, principal of Waystone Equities, agreed that conditions remain uneven. “At this moment, it feels like a mood ring with some behind-the-curtain adjustments,” she observed, adding that while some mid-market and refinancing deals are advancing, it may not yet be enough to move the broader market.
Baumohl pointed to signs of strain across travel infrastructure, noting reports of federal workers, such as air traffic controllers, calling in sick due to delayed pay. “If this escalates,” he warned, “it could have a direct impact on travel.” At the same time, he cautioned hoteliers about the risk of giving up too much pricing power. Even as traveler spending on lodging has fallen in recent months, occupancy levels have remained relatively stable, suggesting that rates may be dropping unnecessarily. This comes at a time when hotel supply is still low and airline data shows travelers paying more for flights.
Despite these concerns, Baumohl highlighted several bright spots: a strong stock market, tight credit spreads, and steady consumer spending across dining, retail, and travel. He emphasized that there are no clear indicators of a recession, instead framing the current slowdown as psychological rather than structural.
Women Leading the Way in Hospitality’s Next Chapter
For Purvis, that sense of confidence also ties into leadership and representation. “Progress has been slow, but we’re beginning to see more talented women take the helm and the stage, and they’ll be the change agents,” she said. “Money will follow success. It will be refreshing when we no longer have to discuss this issue, and then we’ll know we’ve made it.” Becker shared a similar sentiment, noting that access to capital, culture, and accountability are deeply intertwined challenges. She called for more visibility around investment-led funds, mentorship-backed grants, and low-interest loans for women-led ventures—tangible solutions that could accelerate equity at the top.
“Although there have been constant barriers for women in C-Suite positions in our industry, this year’s conference featured more women on the podium than ever before,” said Liz Wolff, vice president of The Lodging Conference.
When asked about the greatest challenges and opportunities for the industry, both leaders pointed to talent as the defining issue. Purvis cited the ongoing difficulty of finding and retaining skilled professionals, while Becker emphasized the need for greater flexibility, genuine mentorship, and clear paths to advancement. Yet both see technology as a major opportunity: the chance to use AI and innovation not as a replacement for hospitality, but as a means to elevate service delivery, productivity, and the overall guest experience.
Rosanna Maietta, president and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, added that the industry’s greatest challenge and opportunity are one and the same: understanding how hospitality truly works. “Many policymakers still don’t grasp our ecosystem, which leads to unnecessary regulation,” she said. “We have to come together as a united industry under the AHLA umbrella and be proactive. That means engaging in local politics, telling our story at every level of government, and showing how hotels support jobs, retail, and community growth.”
The conference also served as a stage for awards and announcements:
Leeny Oberg, CFO and executive vice president of development for Marriott International, received this year’s Peggy Berg Castell Award, which honors leaders who have turned their success into ladders others can climb. Oberg, who will retire from Marriott in March, was recognized for her lasting impact on the company’s financial and development strategy and for her mentorship and leadership across the industry.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts introduced Dazzler Select by Wyndham, a new franchise offering designed for independent hoteliers in the economy lifestyle space. It is an extension of its boutique Dazzler brand.
Sonesta International Hotels Corporation launched Americas Best Value Studios by Sonesta, an extended-stay extension of Americas Best Value Inn.
Marriott International unveiled the Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy™, a new platform offering outdoor-focused, design-forward accommodations set in remarkable destinations, underscoring travelers’ growing desire for nature-inspired experiences.
From its first gathering in 1995 to this landmark 30th year, The Lodging Conference offers attendees networking, education, and collaboration. The energy at this year’s event reflected an industry that, while operating in uncertain times, amid confusion and change, believes that uncertainty can become the foundation for opportunity.
