NEW YORK— The NYU Hospitality Industry Investment Conference kicked off at the Marriott Marquis here last night with a cocktail reception buzzing with industry executives looking to make new deals and grow their business. The evening event, which was the first official gathering of the three-day conference being held through June 4, was bustling with activity, which pleased Lalia Rach, associate dean and director of the Preston Robert Tisch Center for Hospitality, Tourism and Travel Administration. “I hope people get to do what were known for doing— were here to help them make deals, network, help them to grow. Its been a year of great challenge. I think youll see at the general session a mood of hope, of optimism, although not unbridled enthusiasm,” Rach noted. “I think well see the corner being turned and an industry ready to move forward.” Kirby Payne, chairman of the America Hotel & Lodging association agreed. ” I expect there to be a lot more conversation, more networking. People are looking for answers, but there really isnt any one answer. Money is waiting to be invested in the right projects,” he said. — Stefani C. OConnor
