NEW YORK, November 8, 2021 – Today, the NYU School of Professional Studies Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality convened top hospitality industry executives and thought leaders from across the US and around the world for its 43rd Annual NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference at the New York Marriott Marquis in New York City. This leading hospitality forum is one of the first major industry conferences to resume in-person in NYC since the pandemic struck.
Jonathan M. Tisch, chairman and CEO of Loews Hotels & Co. and co-chairman of the board of Loews Corporation, who serves as Conference chair, opened the event, which spans three days (November 7-9) by delivering remarks on the state of the industry and providing a preview of the content to come. In his opening remarks, while he focused on the issues the hospitality, travel, and tourism industries continue to face due to the pandemic, he also stressed the opportunities at hand, specifically in the areas of business travel, global events, and the power of these industries to bring people together.
The first day of content was highlighted by thought-provoking general sessions with high-profile leaders and innovators sharing their insights.
“The CEOs Check-In: A View from the Top,” featured hospitality executives who discussed the evolving investment landscape, and how the hospitality industry is growing once again. Sara Eisen, anchor, “Closing Bell,” CNBC, moderated this discussion with Keith Barr, chief executive officer, IHG Hotels & Resorts; Sébastien M. Bazin, chairman and chief executive officer, Accor; Anthony Capuano, chief executive officer, Marriott International; David Kong, president and chief executive officer, BWH Hotel Group; and Christopher J. Nassetta, president and chief executive officer, Hilton. The executives shared positive outlooks as the industry focuses on 2022. From foreign travel resuming to family members and friends eager to be back together, they expect to see continued growth in the sector, with people feeling more comfortable with traveling. While the pandemic caused tremendous hardship, these leaders are clearly embracing the accelerated change that has come from it—particularly in the area of customer experience. They also see efficiencies across the sector, technology, and remote work, as being key influences now and in the months ahead.
During “Beyond the Boardroom,” one of the most popular sessions at the Annual NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference, Jonathan M. Tisch, chairman and CEO of Loews Hotels & Co. and co-chairman of the Board of Loews Corporation, interviews prominent business leaders for their perspective on the current business landscape. This year’s distinguished guest was Jamie Dimon, chairman and chief executive officer of JPMorgan Chase, who engaged in a thought-provoking discussion on the complex social, political, technological, and economic forces disrupting today’s world and their impact on the global travel and lodging industry. Dimon shared why he is in favor of bringing teammates and employees back to the office, placing an emphasis on the collaboration, creativity, and company culture it inspires. He also touched upon the importance of diversity and inclusion across all levels of the industry and shared insights into the work he and the JPMorgan Chase management team are doing to continue prioritizing D&I. Dimon also discussed his thoughts on technology, climate change, and the long-term growth of America, and more.
During “Reimagining the Workforce: Labor Challenges and Opportunities in Travel and Lodging,” Vanja Bogicevic, PhD, director of the HI Experiential Learning Lab and clinical assistant professor at the NYU SPS Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality; Tom McCaleb, managing director at Boston Consulting Group; and Oliver Bonke, advisor at Boston Consulting Group and member of the advisory board of the Tisch Center; discussed reimagining the travel and lodging workforce to meet the evolving labor challenges and opportunities across the hospitality industry, as described in a recently developed white paper they, along with colleagues at their respective organizations, authored. The white paper will serve as the launch point of a new think tank designed to identify and coordinate strategic solutions for key issues affecting the industry. Download the White Paper Here
