NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum explores the future of global hospitality

The NYU IHIF hosted more than 2,200 attendees, 20 per cent of which were equity investors, representing more than $132B in hotel assets under management. 25 per cent of investor attendees attended the conference for the first time, demonstrating the increasing appeal of hospitality as an investment class.

The NYU IHIF has been the touchstone for hotel investment and development in the Americas for over 40 years. Yearly, the conference agenda delivers unparalleled thought leadership through keynotes, general sessions, workshops, and networking events. Over 170 top industry executives delivered unparalleled thought leadership through panels, fireside chats, case study presentations and roundtable discussions.

This year’s event theme “Engagement Drives Returns,” underscored the NYU IHIF as the unique platform for the hospitality investment ecosystem with curated tracks and deep content for three days of networking, insights and deal-making.

The opening keynote address was delivered by Matthew Luzzetti, chief U.S. Economist, Deutsche Bank with a look at the macro-economic forces driving success in the hospitality real estate market.

Jeff T. Blau, CEO, Related Companies delivered a keynote where he shared his insights on innovative approaches, stakeholder engagement strategies, and value-creation principles guiding complex real estate developments, with a focus on Hudson Yards as a landmark regeneration project.

The Global hospitality CEO panel: The view from the boardroom on global collaboration and growth brought together the leaders of the world's major hospitality companies to share their insights on the shifts in the hospitality, travel, and real estate markets. Geoff Ballotti, president & CEO, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts; Sébastien Bazin, chairman and CEO, Accor; Anthony Capuano, president and chief executive officer, Marriott International; Mark Hoplamazian, president and chief executive officer, Hyatt Hotels; Elie Maalouf, global chief executive officer, IHG Hotels & Resorts; and Christopher J. Nassetta, president and chief executive officer, Hilton shared strategies and insights on engaging with markets to sustain success; as well as how innovative partnerships—and M&A deliver new opportunities for global collaboration and growth in changing markets. The session was moderated by Sara Eisen, anchor, CNBC.

Barry Sternlicht, Chairman & CEO, Starwood Capital Group received the Jonathan Tisch Active Citizenship Award. The award celebrates the positive impact and achievements of a leader in the hospitality industry. Sternlicht also participated in a Fireside Chat with Tisch, covering the state of the industry and his philanthropy.

Additionally, Anthony Capuano, president & CEO, Marriott International received the Silver Plate Award for Excellence in Hospitality; JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, and Trinity Investments received the HAMA U.S. Asset Management Achievement Award.

Other prominent leaders who presented at NYU IHIF included:

• Rosanna Maietta, president & CEO, AHLA
• Laura Lee Blake, president & CEO, AAHOA
• Ryan Bosch, principal, Arriba Capital
• Deric Eubanks, chief financial officer, Ashford Inc.
• Andrea Grigg, global head, hotel asset management, CBRE Hotels
• Ramsey Mankarious, chief executive, Cedar Capital Partners
• Benedetta Cassinelli, co-founder & CEO, Considerate Group
• Sourav Ghosh, executive vice president & chief financial officer, Host Hotels & Resorts
• Deanne Brand, senior vice president, strategy, analytics, Risk & Treasurer, Host Hotels & Resorts
• Tiffany Cooper, head of development, Americas, Mandarin Oriental
• Mit Shah, chief executive officer, Noble Investment Group
• Benjamin Brunt, managing principal & chief investment officer, Noble Investment Group
• Afshin Kateb, chief financial officer, head of hospitality, Palladius Capital Management
• Tim Abram, managing director, Starwood Capital Group

Select announcements made at NYU IHIF, include:

• Hotel CEOs on the ‘human need’ for travel in the face of uncertainty
• Marriott opens inaugural StudioRes amid focused midscale growth
• Hotel execs cautiously optimistic for rest of 2025 after frustrating start to year
• There's a U.S. Travel Deficit, Too – Hotel CEOs Call for a Fix
• CoStar, Tourism Economics Downgrade U.S. Hotel Forecast Through 2026
• Analysts, economist outline factors behind more conservative US hotel outlooks
• Starwood Hotels development chief talks brand revival, growth opportunities

NYU IHIF attendees had the opportunity to meet with 70+ leading companies such as Accor, Hilton, Marriott International, Ministry of Tourism Saudi Arabia, Asser Development Authority, Aimbridge, Ashford, BWH Hotels, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Jefferies and Turismo de Portugal introducing the latest ventures, investments and innovations redefining guest experiences, operational efficiency and deal structures.

“NYU IHIF is where the global hospitality industry sets its agenda. The caliber of attendees and insights make it an unmissable event for anyone driving growth, innovation or capital in hospitality investment,” says Alexi Khajavi, group president hospitality and wellness, Questex. “In addition to our robust conference agenda, this year we expanded networking events and dedicated 50 per cent of the event for one-on-one networking and collaboration. The strategic roundtables, interactive sessions, Capital Meets, an investor lounge, content-led networking sessions and unique networking events connected the capital in the room with the key partners who can generate the returns.”

A share of proceeds from the event will help fund student scholarships at the NYU SPS Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality, and further support the program’s mission of educating; and preparing future leaders and innovators for careers in global hospitality management, travel and tourism.