LOS ANGELES—The Boutique & Lifestyle Lodging Association (BLLA) is slated to host its annual three-day leadership symposium at UCLA’s Luskin Conference Center on Oct. 24-26.
Hospitality insiders, including CEO Jay Stein of Dream Hotel Group, CEO Trevor Horwell of Nobu Hospitality Group and CEO Brooke Barrett of Denihan Hospitality, will share the latest discoveries in the boutique lifestyle space, according to BLLA. During the conference’s first two days, panelists will take on topics such as Airbnb, wellness and nightlife, while concentrating on industry trends, forecasts and executive level insights. Technology, hotel investment, fashion, social media and culinary excellence will be additional topics at the helm of panel discussions.
On the third day of the leadership symposium, attendees will learn about a newly formed alliance with the UCLA Extension, which has secured BLLA’s commitment to and academic understanding of relevant topics in the field of boutique and lifestyle education. Additionally, the day will include industry workshops with presentations on finance, branding, concept, design and F&B.
“We are connecting the best in the industry to discuss topics of interest to tomorrow’s boutique and lifestyle hotelier, and to educate the hospitality industry in a way that hasn’t been done previously,” said Frances Kiradjian, BLLA founder and CEO. “We have collaborated with UCLA Extension to offer a world-class education program, the first of its kind, to give hospitality enthusiasts a chance to develop their knowledge of the boutique lifestyle space.”
Attendees will also have a chance to participate in networking sessions aimed to form and shape quality relationships within the luxury, lifestyle and boutique sector. Other events on the symposium itinerary include an opening gathering, a cocktail reception and a Gala Awards Dinner and ceremony being held at the Beverly Hills Hotel & Bungalows.