NEW YORK— Expectations for continued good times across the industry were voiced by a cross-section of hospitality executives during Saturday’s opening session of the American Hotel and Lodging Association’s Hospitality Leadership Forum, a one-day educational program held here at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center as part of AH&LA’s annual Fall Conference. Moderated by William Ferguson, chairman/CEO, Ferguson Partners Ltd. Advisory Group, the panel brought together a trio of industry disciplines: lodging, restaurant and design. Representing the various segments, respectively, were: Matthew Hart, president/CEO, Hilton Hotels Corp. and Stevan Porter, president/The Americas, InterContinental Hotels Group Plc; Edward Tinsley III, chairman/National Restaurant Association and president/CEO of Tinsley Hospitality Group, LLC; and Julia Monk, partner/BBG-BBGM, Brennan Beer Gorman/Architects and Brennan Beer Gorman Monk/Interiors. “I’m very optimistic about the business,” said Hart, who predicted industry fundamentals would remain strong for approximately the next five to seven years. Hart added areas the industry will have to deal with would be increasing consolidation and globalization. Porter also declared he was bullish on the industry outlook, but stressed there is a need to address issues such as immigration reform. “We are an enormous consumer of human capital,” he said. Tinsley indicated there had been a significant shift between lodging and restaurants that ostensibly benefits both. “Hotels have historically looked at restaurants as more of an amenity or cost centers. I think that has changed somewhat in now that it’s a profit center and opportunity,” he said, adding: “We look at our relationship with hotels more as a partnership.” “We are having such a great time right now,” said Monk, noting the activity she is seeing is largely unprecedented during her 25 years in business.
