Global Hospitality Talk 2026 – Miami

8am

ARRIVAL

Registration with coffee, tea and breakfast pastries

9am

WELCOME

Can Faik, Co-Founder, Global Hospitality Talk

EVENT COMPÉRE
Rick Evans, CEO, Red Cloud

9.10am

JLL UPDATE

Jesse Pohl, Senior Associate, Investment Sales – Hotels & Hospitality Group, JLL

9.30am

DESIGNING THE COMEBACK: BREATHING NEW LIFE INTO LUXURY HOTELS

As guest expectations continue to evolve, luxury hotels are under increasing pressure to modernise while maintaining the character that made them iconic. This panel will explore the art of hotel renovation and how design, technology, and guest experience strategies are coming together to revitalize hospitality spaces for a new generation of travellers, creating environments that feel timeless, immersive, and operationally smarter than ever before.

Gonzalo Tudanca, Principal & Head of Design, HBA Miami
Eva Longoria, Partner & Studio Leader, Rockwell Group
Samer Shaath, Principal, NIVEK REMAS

Moderator
Michelle Guss, Vice President, Hospitality, Crestron

10.15am

– COFFEE/TEA & NETWORKING –

11am

LUXURY LANDSCAPES: SHAPING HOSPITALITY DESIGN ACROSS THE AMERICAS AND CALA

In this engaging session, we will explore the dynamic interplay between culture, innovation, and sustainability in the realm of luxury hospitality design.

As we delve into the unique contributions of CALA, we will highlight how its rich cultural diversity and emerging luxury market are influencing design trends across the Americas.

Stephanie Smith, Executive Interior Design Director, D&TS Luxury Americas, Accor
Emilio Perez, Head of Global Design, CLPS | Caribbean & Latin America | CALA, Marriott International
Bryan Liska, Senior Director Architecture & Design | Luxury, Lifestyle & Full Service | Latin America and Caribbean, Hilton
Amy Fothergill, Director, Interior Design, The Americas, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts

Moderator
Dallas Chapman, VP/GM, Bernhardt Hospitality

12 noon

– LUNCH & NETWORKING –

1.15pm

ATLANTIS THE ROYAL: CRAFTING A NEW ERA OF LUXURY

Join us for an in-depth exploration of the journey behind Atlantis The Royal, where luxury meets innovative design. This keynote will unveil the overarching story of the project, highlighting the creative concepts, intricate design processes, and procurement strategies that brought this iconic destination to life.

Carl Longman, Founder & Principal Design Director, CLD

1.30pm

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Leonard Parker, Founder, The Parker Company

MODERATOR
Rick Evans, Chief Executive Officer, Red Cloud

2.15pm

WOMEN AT THE HELM: SHAPING THE FUTURE OF CRUISE DESIGN

This empowering panel celebrates the trailblazing women transforming the cruise industry. The discussion will delve into how these visionary leaders are breaking barriers and redefining design to craft unforgettable experiences at sea.

Tatiana Sheveleva, Partner, Chapi Chapo Design, Owner, Chapi Design Inc.
Lauren Rottet, Founding Principal, Rottet Studio
Francesca Bucci, President, BG STUDIO

Moderator
Barbara Wiethoff, Partner, JOI-Design

3pm

– COFFEE/TEA & NETWORKING –

3.40pm

THE BRAND BLUEPRINT: MAINTAINING VISION AMIDST GROWTH

A unique collection of industry experts will unpack the playbook for scaling without selling out (on design or brand integrity, that is!)  From cultivating a deeply rooted set of key principles, to building adaptable brand guardrails that allow for innovation without losing identity, our panelists across brand, strategy, architecture and owner/developer, will share real-world strategies for keeping your path clear to shared success that result in keeping a brand’s core mission intact while unlocking its full commercial potential.

Colin Gorsuch, Vice President of Development, Key International Inc
John Michael Lawrence, Director of Projects, Mr. C Hotels and Residences
Chad Webre, Executive Director D&TS Luxury Americas, Accor
Vito F. Lotta, Founder, LOTTA Strategic Hospitality

Moderator
Darcy Lawrence, Strategy and Development Director, Hospitality, Principal, HKS

4.30pm

CLOSING REMARKS

Can Faik, Co-Founder, Global Hospitality Talk

– DRINKS & NETWORKING –

With thanks to VISO for sponsoring the drinks & networking