Hunter Conference
Schedule
Sunday, March 15
3:00 pm -
5:00 Pm
Registration & Information Desk
Lobby (1st Floor)
5:00 pm -
6:00 pm
Future C-Suite: The Next Generation of Hospitality Leadership
Dream Ballroom (1st Floor)
Kick off the conference with a look at how the next generation of hospitality leaders is redefining leadership. This session explores how rising executives are shaping culture, approaching mentorship, and making strategic decisions in a rapidly evolving industry—setting the tone for what’s ahead.
Monday, March 16
8:00 am -
7:00 Pm
Registration & Information Desk
Lobby (1st Floor)
10:00 am -
7:00 PM
The HUB
Triumph Ballroom (2nd Floor)
10:00 am -
7:00 PM
Tech Terrace
Terrace Lounge (1st Floor)
9:30 am -
9:45 am
Welcome to Your Home of Hospitality
Dream Ballroom (1st Floor)
An early-access guide designed to welcome you home. Navigate our new surroundings, explore this year’s fresh additions, and download the roadmap for the days ahead.
9:45 am -
10:00 am
AAHOA Leadership Forum
Dream Ballroom (1st Floor)
A vital perspective from the heart of the ownership community. Join AAHOA leadership as they bridge high-level strategy with the 2026 market realities for the independent and branded hotelier.
10:00 am -
11:00 am
Principles of Hotel Development
Dream Ballroom (1st Floor)
Learn the essential strategies and insights every hotel investor needs to succeed in today’s market.
11:30 am -
12:30 PM
The Table – What Would You Do? Real Scenarios. Real Choices.
Dream Ballroom (1st Floor)
Every career comes with crossroads—moments when the path forward isn’t obvious. In this highly interactive session, Sarah Moss, Anna Blue, and Ashli Johnson will set the stage by sharing real-world scenarios drawn from professional experiences.
Then it’s your turn: attendees will dive into the scenarios in small groups, debate options, and explore pros and cons. Together, we’ll uncover practical insights, fresh perspectives, and maybe even a few surprises along the way.
Attendees will leave with actionable strategies for the next time they face the question: What would you do?
Sign up for this highly interactive, small-group session at the link HERE.
11:30 am -
1:00 pm
Networking Lunch
Triumph Ballroom (2nd Floor)
1:00 PM -
1:15 pm
Live from the Hunter Mainstage
Georgia Ballroom (2nd Floor)
It’s the 2026 General Session! Join Lee and Teague Hunter as they take the stage at the 2026 Hunter Conference.
1:15 PM -
2:00 pm
Market Overview: Financial Analysis & Forecast
Georgia Ballroom (2nd Floor)
Industry experts provide an in-depth analysis of today’s financial landscape, discussing emerging trends, potential risks, and investment opportunities, along with future market predictions.
2:00 PM -
2:15 pm
Hunter Conference Award for Excellence & Inspiration
Georgia Ballroom (2nd Floor)
The 2026 Hunter Conference Award for Excellence and Inspiration honors Glade M. Knight, Founder and Executive Chairman of Apple Hospitality REIT, for his visionary leadership, industry impact, and dedication to community and education.
2:15 PM -
2:30 pm
Our Government. Our Business.
Georgia Ballroom (2nd Floor)
Gain insights into the federal and state policies shaping hospitality in 2026 with Rosanna Maietta, highlighting key priorities and trends affecting our industry.
2:30 PM -
3:00 pm
Drivers and Roadblocks for the US Hotel Industry
Georgia Ballroom (2nd Floor)
The economic outlook is increasingly complex. Elevated tariffs, persistent inflation, and signs of labor market softening are creating uncertainty, even as strong corporate earnings and anticipated interest rate cuts provide reasons for optimism. Both consumer and business markets are showing the hallmarks of a “K-shaped” economy, with uneven prospects across households and businesses. In this session, Adam Sacks will present Tourism Economics’ latest analysis, highlighting the key risks and emerging opportunities shaping the hotel industry in 2026 and beyond.
3:00 PM -
3:45 pm
A Conversation with Chris Nassetta
Georgia Ballroom (2nd Floor)
Celebrate the remarkable leadership of Chris Nassetta as he shares his personal journey, Hilton’s growth vision, and the bold decisions shaping the future of global hospitality.
3:30 PM -
4:00 pm
Networking Break
Triumph Ballroom (2nd Floor)
4:00 PM -
4:50 pm
Deals: Transactions Reimagined
Dream Ballroom (1st Floor)
Deals are still getting done—just differently. Hear from top investors, brokers, and lenders as they unpack how transactions are closing in today’s market, what’s driving valuations, and where the next opportunities lie.
4:00 PM -
4:20 pm
Focus Sessions
Triumph Ballroom (2nd Floor)
Brands: Balancing Growth | Stage 1
With new brand launches continuing, how are owners and brands navigating growth, portfolio strategy, and evolving guest expectations?
Finance: Tax, Insurance & Valuation Pressures | Stage 2
How are owners and investors responding to rising property taxes, insurance costs, and interest rate pressures—and what’s next for valuations?
4:30 PM -
4:50 pm
Focus Sessions
Triumph Ballroom (2nd Floor)
Operations: Elevating F&B Revenue | Stage 1
What if your F&B could be your strongest performer? Discover the fresh concepts, partnerships, and strategies transforming hotel dining from amenity to advantage.
Ownership: Extended Stay Evolution | Stage 2
How are extended-stay brands redefining the category—and what should owners know about growth drivers, differentiation, and maximizing returns across segments?
5:00 PM -
7:00 pm
Welcome Reception
Triumph Ballroom (2nd Floor)
8:30 PM -
11:30 pm
Wyndham Late Night
Dream Ballroom & Magnolia Lawn (1st Floor)
Tuesday, March 17
7:30 AM -
6:00 pm
Registration & Information Desk
Lobby (1st Floor)
7:30 AM -
6:00 pm
The HUB
Triumph Ballroom (2nd Floor)
7:30 AM -
6:00 pm
Tech Terrace
Terrace Lounge (1st Floor)
7:30 AM -
9:00 Am
Breakfast
Triumph Ballroom (2nd Floor)
9:00 AM -
9:45 AM
Wall Street Talks
Georgia Ballroom (2nd Floor)
Top investors reveal strategies to maximize hotel portfolio performance and navigate market opportunities in the year ahead.
9:45 AM -
10:30 AM
Main Street Talks
Georgia Ballroom (2nd Floor)
Hotel owners share lessons, strategies, and insights from the front lines of today’s hospitality industry.
10:30 AM -
11:00 Am
Networking Break
Triumph Ballroom (2nd Floor)
11:00 AM -
11:50 AM
Finance: Lending Strategies for $1–30M Deals
Dream Ballroom (1st Floor)
Gain actionable insights for financing hotel projects. Explore structures, strategies, and opportunities to secure optimal financing and maximize ROI.
11:00 AM -
11:20 AM
Focus Sessions
Triumph Ballroom (2nd Floor)
Brands: Aligning on Standards & Strategy | Stage 1
How are brands and owners aligning on brand standards, PIPs, and operational expectations—and where do conflicts arise?
Deals: Development, Design & Renovation Innovations | Stage 2
What creative approaches are helping reduce development and renovation costs without sacrificing design quality or brand integrity?
11:30 AM -
11:50 AM
Focus Sessions
Triumph Ballroom (2nd Floor)
Operations: Tech & AI in Hospitality | Stage 1
How can hotel owners harness AI—from pricing and marketing to staffing and guest experience—to boost performance and efficiency across portfolios?
Ownership: Planning for the Next Generation | Stage 2
How are hotel owners approaching succession planning and generational transitions to ensure longevity and leadership continuity?
12:45 pm -
1:50 PM
The Bharat Shah Leadership Speaker Series
Georgia Ballroom (2nd Floor)
Join Mit Shah, Founder & CEO of Noble Investment Group, as he sits down with Tony Ressler, Atlanta Hawks principal owner, to discuss leadership, vision, and building a winning legacy.
11:30 AM -
1:00 PM
Networking Lunch
Triumph Ballroom (2nd Floor)
2:00 pM -
3:00 pM
Key Statistics Shaping Hospitality in 2026
Georgia Ballroom (2nd Floor)
Experts break down the stats and forecasts that will shape the industry’s opportunities and challenges.
2:30 pM -
3:30 PM
Barks & Brews
Magnolia Lawn (1st Floor)
3:00 pM -
3:50 pM
The Performance Mandate
Georgia Ballroom (2nd Floor)
Where brand strategy meets operational execution. Hear how leading brands and operators align growth, discipline, and partnership to drive stronger returns and measurable owner value—even amid margin pressure.
3:00 pM -
3:20 pM
Focus Sessions
Triumph Ballroom (2nd Floor)
Finance: Debt, Equity & Deal Structuring | Stage 1
In today’s high-cost, low-liquidity environment, how are lenders, investors, and owners structuring capital stacks, underwriting risk, and executing acquisitions to keep deals moving?
Operations: Revenue Management Alignment | Stage 2
How are owners working with third-party managers and asset managers to drive alignment, optimize strategy, and maximize returns?
3:30 pM -
3:50 pM
Focus Sessions
Triumph Ballroom (2nd Floor)
Ownership: Portfolio Diversification | Stage 1
How are owners diversifying across segments, industries, and markets to capture growth and mitigate risk?
Deals: Buy vs. Build | Stage 2
How are owners deciding where to deploy capital in a market defined by high costs, limited supply, and unpredictable demand?
4:00 pM -
5:00 PM
Hosting the World: The Business of the FIFA World Cup
Georgia Ballroom (2nd Floor)
5:00 pM -
6:00 PM
Reception
Triumph Ballroom (2nd Floor)
8:00 pM -
12:00 AM
Hilton Late Night
Dream Ballroom & Magnolia Lawn (1st Floor)
Wednesday, March 18
7:00 AM -
10:00 AM
Breakfast
Lobby (1st Floor)