United States Hosts Investors, Exhibitors, Sponsors And Partners From Canada, Germany And Many More Countries For A Bold Real Estate Triumph At The Lodging Conference 2026

At The Lodging Conference 2026, thousands of hotel owners and real estate and financial investors are anticipated to analyse the state of the industry against the recent global economic changes and forecast changes in the rate of interest. Taking place at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, participants will include important market participants from Canada, the U.S. and internationally. With over 3,000 attendees from all levels of the hotel investment field, the conference provides an opportunity for participants to address the trends and challenges facing the hotel industry and consider the future of hotel investments, including hotel development, capital and debt financing, technology, and design.

In the last 30 years, The Lodging Conference has offered participants the opportunity to address the key issues involving the ownership, franchising and development of hotels and resorts. In addition, the conference has offered participants an opportunity to network and conduct business in an informal setting. As the industry continues to evolve and change, the conference will examine how the hotel industry will integrate new technology, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and modular construction. In addition, the conference will explore the intersection of the physical hotel asset and the digital world.

Major Franchisers and Brand Strategy: Navigating Pipeline Expansion and Conversion Cycles

At the heart of the 2026 conference floor is a robust representation of global hotel brand franchisers and management groups seeking to expand their developmental footprints across North America and beyond. Industry giants including Marriott International, Hilton, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Choice Hotels International, and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts are actively engaging with hotel owners and regional developers to secure new construction pipelines and brand conversion commitments.

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|                        MAJOR HOTEL BRAND EXHIBITORS (2026)                        |
+------------------------------------+----------------------------------------------+
| Organization Name                  | Primary Strategic Focus                      |
+------------------------------------+----------------------------------------------+
| Choice Hotels International        | Midscale, Extended Stay & Select Service     |
| Extended Stay America              | Long-term Lodging & Economy Extended Stay    |
| Hilton                             | Global Full Service, Select & Focused Service|
| Hyatt Hotels Corporation           | Luxury, Upper Upscale & Lifestyle Brands     |
| IHG Hotels & Resorts               | Global Multi-Brand Franchising & Conversions |
| InterMountain Hotels               | Select Service Development & Management      |
| Marriott International             | Global Portfolio Franchising & Asset Mgmt    |
| My Place Hotels                    | Midscale Extended Stay & New Construction    |
| Red Roof                           | Economy & Upper-Economy Franchising          |
| Sonesta International Hotels       | Multi-Tiered Brand Expansion & Conversions   |
| stayApt Suites                     | Apartment-Style Extended Stay Development    |
| Valencia Hotel Collection          | Boutique & Independent Luxury Management     |
| Wyndham Hotels & Resorts           | Global Value & Midscale Franchising          |
+------------------------------------+----------------------------------------------+

The 2026 market environment has placed renewed emphasis on extended-stay brands and flexible conversion models, as developers seek predictable yield in an era of elevated debt costs. Companies specialising in extended-stay accommodation, such as Extended Stay America, My Place Hotels, and stayApt Suites, are exhibiting alongside boutique and lifestyle management operators like the Valencia Hotel Collection and regional owner-operators like InterMountain Hotels. Meanwhile, mainstream franchisers like Sonesta International Hotels and Red Roof are pitching flexible franchising structures to owners looking to reposition non-flagged or under-performing real estate assets.

Industry leaders attending the conference underscore the importance of long-standing commercial relationships. Geoff Ballotti, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, highlighted the collaborative nature of the event, noting that the conference consistently fosters deep, multi-decade partnerships that result in tangible deal creation and pipeline growth. Similarly, Julienne Smith, Chief Development Officer for the Americas at Hyatt Hotels Corporation, emphasised that executive dialogue during the Phoenix event directly advances ongoing development negotiations across primary, secondary, and resort markets.

The Technological Paradigm: AI, Automation, and Operational Efficiency

A defining theme of The Lodging Conference 2026 is the rapid integration of artificial intelligence, automated workflow systems, and advanced property management technology into hotel operations. On the exhibition floor, a diverse coalition of property technology (proptech) and software providers is demonstrating tools designed to optimise back-office workflows, automate revenue management, elevate guest engagement, and reduce administrative overhead.

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|                      TECHNOLOGY & AUTOMATION EXHIBITORS (2026)                    |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Company                           | Specialised Technology Solution               |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Actabl                            | Business Intelligence & Labor Operations      |
| Amazon Business                   | Enterprise Procurement & Supply Automation    |
| Broadband Hospitality             | High-Speed Internet Access & Network Infra    |
| Docyt                             | AI-Driven Accounting & Back-Office Automation |
| eGlobal                           | ATM & Electronic Payment Solutions            |
| hotelkit GmbH                     | Collaboration & Workflow Management Software  |
| HotStats - a Duetto Company       | Monthly Profitability & Benchmarking Data     |
| Inn-Flow                          | Hotel Accounting & Payroll Management Software|
| Mews                              | Cloud-Based Property Management System (PMS)  |
| MLP Solutions                     | Telecommunications & Network Systems          |
| Norcom Solutions                  | Telecommunications & Guest Room Tech         |
| Ocra                              | Automated Parking & Asset Monetization Tech   |
| Otelier                           | Business Intelligence & Operations Automation |
| RobotLAB                          | Autonomous Robotics for Hospitality Services  |
| Sage Software                     | Enterprise Financial Management Software      |
| Salto Systems                     | Electronic Access Control & Smart Locks       |
| SuitePad                          | In-Room Digital Guest Tablet Solutions        |
| Unifocus                          | Workforce Management & Labor Optimization     |
| VNP Solutions                     | Network Security & IT Infrastructure          |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------------------+

The emergence of enterprise software solutions like Actabl, Docyt, Inn-Flow, Otelier, and Sage Software reflects a growing industry mandate for real-time financial tracking and AI-powered accounting automation. These platforms enable hotel owners to consolidate operational metrics, monitor labour expenditures, and adjust pricing strategies dynamically. Data intelligence firms like HotStats – a Duetto Company provide asset managers with comprehensive profitability bench-marking, moving beyond traditional Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) metrics to evaluate gross operating profit per available room (GOPPAR).

In physical guest operations, technology vendors are deploying hardware and cloud solutions designed to streamline guest interaction and facility management. Mews exhibits cloud-native property management infrastructure, while Salto Systems displays advanced key-less entry and access control hardware. In-room technology developers such as SuitePad offer digital guest engagement tablets, and RobotLAB demonstrates autonomous robotic systems engineered to handle internal logistics and room delivery. Telecommunications and infrastructure specialists, including Broadband Hospitality, MLP Solutions, Norcom Solutions, and VNP Solutions, showcase the fibre-optic and high-speed Wi-Fi backbones necessary to support smart-hotel ecosystems. Additionally, specialised software providers like Ocra focus on optimising guest parking logistics to convert ancillary services into high-margin revenue streams.

Capital Markets, Debt Financing, and Real Estate Advisory

As commercial real estate stakeholders evaluate capital structures, refinancing obligations, and asset valuations, financial institutions and advisory firms form a pivotal component of The Lodging Conference ecosystem. Lenders, debt brokers, investment bankers, and legal advisers are meeting with property owners to structure debt packages, execute recapitalisation, and assess transaction feasibility.

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|                   FINANCE, ADVISORY & REAL ESTATE EXHIBITORS                      |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Firm Name                         | Sector / Service Offering                     |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Access Point Financial            | Specialty Hotel Direct Lending & Capital      |
| Adams Keegan                      | HR, Payroll & Benefits Administration         |
| Avalara                           | Tax Compliance & Automation Software          |
| Bridge                            | Real Estate Investment & Financial Advisory   |
| Kalibri                           | Revenue Strategy & Commercial Data Analytics  |
| Largo Hospitality Finance Group   | Commercial Mortgage Brokerage & Debt Placement|
| Lodging Econometrics              | Global Hotel Development Pipeline Research    |
| Mag Mile Capital                  | Commercial Real Estate Mortgage Banking       |
| Marcus & Millichap                | Commercial Real Estate Investment Brokerage   |
| Peachtree Group                   | Direct Real Estate Private Equity & Lending   |
| Sandman Savrann PLLC              | Legal Counsel Dedicated to Hospitality Real Estate|
| Stewart Title Guaranty Company    | Commercial Title Insurance & Escrow Services  |
| TriNet USA, Inc.                  | Professional Employer Organization (PEO)      |
| United Midwest Savings Bank       | SBA & Commercial Hospitality Lending          |
| US Hotel Advisors                 | Hospitality Investment Advisory & Capital Placement|
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------------------+

Specialised capital providers such as Access Point Financial, Peachtree Group, Largo Hospitality Finance Group, Mag Mile Capital, and United Midwest Savings Bank are offering direct debt, mezzanine financing, and SBA loans tailored for hotel acquisition, conversion, and construction. Investment brokerages including Marcus & Millichap and US Hotel Advisors are facilitating property transactions, while real estate data powerhouse Lodging Econometrics provides pipeline intelligence to help developers identify under-saturated geographic markets. Corporate compliance, legal advisory, and administrative specialists—including Sandman Savrann PLLC, Stewart Title Guaranty Company, Avalara, Adams Keegan, and TriNet USA, Inc.—provide necessary transaction structuring, legal protection, tax automation, and human resource frame-working.

Architecture, Construction, Supply Chain, and Procurement Dynamics

Rising materials costs, labour shortages, and stringent brand standards have forced hotel developers to seek innovative construction and design solutions. The 2026 exhibition hall features a diverse cross-section of architectural firms, general contractors, modular builders, interior design studios, and procurement specialists.

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|                  CONSTRUCTION, DESIGN & PROCUREMENT EXHIBITORS                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Organization                      | Core Capability / Focus Area                  |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Amerail Systems, Inc.             | Exterior Hotel Renovation & EIFS Solutions    |
| Avendra International             | Strategic Procurement & Supply Chain Mgmt     |
| Baxter Construction               | General Contracting & Commercial Construction |
| Cavco                             | Modular & Prefabricated Structure Mfg         |
| CC Patio                          | Commercial Outdoor Furniture & Custom Patio   |
| Continental Group                 | Hotel Renovation & Construction Services      |
| Cozy Comfort LLC                  | Specialised Bedding & Hospitality Textiles    |
| Crystal Hospitality Group         | FF&E Procurement & Turnkey Interior Solutions |
| CSE Hospitality                   | Custom Furniture & Design Manufacturing       |
| Curve Hospitality                 | Custom FF&E Manufacturing & Interior Design   |
| DesignCell Architecture           | Specialised Hospitality Architecture Firm     |
| Dial Professional (Henkel)        | Commercial Hygiene & Cleaning Products        |
| Eclipse Hospitality Purchasing    | Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment (FF&E) Buying  |
| Encore Global                     | Event Technology & Audio-Visual Production    |
| Entegra                           | Procurement Services & Foodservice Advisory   |
| Greens Distribution               | Logistics & Warehousing for Hospitality Goods |
| H-CPM                             | Construction Project Management & Advisory    |
| Infinity Drain                    | Architectural Drainage Systems                |
| InterMountain Renovations         | Property Improvement Plan (PIP) Execution     |
| másLabor                          | H-2A & H-2B Foreign Labor Visa Processing     |
| McWane Group                      | Architectural Products & Plumbing Infra       |
| Mscapes                           | Commercial Landscape Architecture & Design    |
| MSI                               | Architectural Surfaces, Tile & Countertops    |
| NEWH, Inc.                        | Hospitality Industry Network & Scholarship    |
| Overland Construction             | Commercial Hotel Construction Management      |
| PMC - Parking Management Company  | Valet & Parking Asset Management              |
| Procter & Gamble Professional     | Commercial Cleaning & Sanitization Products   |
| Questco                           | Human Resources & Workforce Risk Management   |
| R.D. Olson Construction           | Commercial General Contracting & Development  |
| Reeco                             | AI-Driven Procurement & Inventory Platform    |
| Rise Modular                      | Volumetric Modular Construction Technology    |
| River Ridge Renovations           | General Renovation & Capital Improvement      |
| RK Hospitality Design             | Interior Design & Architectural Styling       |
| Steel Tech USA                    | Light Gauge Steel Framing & Structural Systems|
| Symmons Industries                | Commercial Plumbing Fixtures & Valves         |
| Wayfair Professional              | Commercial Interior Furnishings & Direct Supply|
| Zook Cabins                       | Prefabricated Cabin & Glamping Structures      |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------------------+

To compress construction schedules and mitigate on-site labour constraints, developers are increasingly turning to modular and prefabricated building techniques. Exhibitors such as Rise Modular, Cavco, and Zook Cabins are presenting factory-built structural solutions that reduce project timelines while maintaining high quality standards. Structural framing innovators like Steel Tech USA and exterior façade specialists like Amerail Systems, Inc. offer durable materials designed to withstand climate stress and minimise long-term maintenance overhead.

In general contracting and renovation management, legacy builders such as R.D. Olson Construction, Baxter Construction, Continental Group, Overland Construction, River Ridge Renovations, and InterMountain Renovations are presenting turnkey capabilities for executing Property Improvement Plans (PIPs) mandated by national brands. Specialised architectural and interior design firms, including DesignCell Architecture, RK Hospitality Design, and Mscapes, showcase modern space designs aimed at maximising communal guest areas and energy efficiency.

On the interior furnishings, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) front, procurement groups such as Avendra International, Eclipse Hospitality Purchasing, Entegra, Crystal Hospitality Group, Curve Hospitality, CSE Hospitality, CC Patio, Cozy Comfort LLC, MSI, Infinity Drain, McWane Group, Symmons Industries, and Wayfair Professional exhibit supply chain management strategies designed to safeguard developers against logistics bottlenecks. Operations specialists such as másLabor address critical staffing shortages through legal foreign-visa processing, while PMC – Parking Management Company and commercial hygiene leaders like Procter & Gamble Professional and Dial Professional (a division of Henkel Consumer Brands) offer essential day-to-day facility services. Institutional support and academic research are represented by entities like NAU: School of Hotel and Restaurant Management and industry professional networking association NEWH, Inc.

The Informal Summit: Deal-making in a Relaxed Environment

While the structured panels and exhibit booths deliver critical industry data, delegates consistently note that the true value of The Lodging Conference lies in its casual, relationship-oriented format. Set against the Sonoran Desert landscape, the event features outdoor breakfasts, golf outings, a pickleball tournament, and evening entertainment, including an annual open-band celebration where industry leaders perform.

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|                        KEY EXECUTIVE TESTIMONIALS & PERSPECTIVES                  |
+--------------------------+------------------------------+-------------------------+
| Executive                | Organization                 | Perspective             |
+--------------------------+------------------------------+-------------------------+
| Geoff Ballotti           | Wyndham Hotels & Resorts     | Emphasizes multi-decade |
|                          |                              | connections and direct  |
|                          |                              | deal productivity.      |
+--------------------------+------------------------------+-------------------------+
| Julienne Smith           | Hyatt Hotels Corporation     | Highlights high deal    |
|                          |                              | appetite among owners   |
|                          |                              | and regional partners.  |
+--------------------------+------------------------------+-------------------------+
| Liam Brown (Ret.)        | Marriott International       | Notes unmatched value   |
|                          | (United States & Canada)     | for franchisee and      |
|                          |                              | owner engagement.       |
+--------------------------+------------------------------+-------------------------+
| Raj Trivedi              | TST Capital                  | Points to relaxed       |
|                          |                              | environment accelerating|
|                          |                              | real estate transactions|
+--------------------------+------------------------------+-------------------------+
| Bruce Ford               | Lodging Econometrics         | Identifies conference as|
|                          |                              | essential hub for hotel |
|                          |                              | development leads.      |
+--------------------------+------------------------------+-------------------------+

This relaxed framework creates an environment where C-suite executives, private equity partners, and independent hotel owners can hold straightforward discussions regarding property acquisitions, debt restructuring, and franchise agreements. Raj Trivedi, Managing Principal of TST Capital, remarked that conducting business in a relaxed environment enables decision-makers to exchange ideas candidly and conclude complex transactions more efficiently than in traditional corporate settings.

Outlook for 2026 and Beyond

As The Lodging Conference 2026 concludes its proceedings in Phoenix, the consensus among participants is one of pragmatic optimism. While capital markets remain selective and construction costs require careful management, consumer demand for experiential travel and extended-stay lodging remains resilient. Hotel operators who leverage advanced artificial intelligence, maintain strict financial controls, and adopt modern construction methodologies are well-positioned to capitalise on the next cycle of industry growth.

Through its combination of high-level strategic alignment, comprehensive exhibitor showcases, and peer-to-peer networking, The Lodging Conference continues to solidify its position as the premier assembly for the global hotel investment community.