<p><span class="p-body">On <b>December 1, 2025,</b> the NYU SPS Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality and the HI Hub Incubator welcomed four Hilton leaders for an insightful conversation on entrepreneurship, hotel ownership, and the future of hospitality. The panel featured:</span></p> <ul class="p-list"> <li><span class="p-body"><b>Grant Guinn - Former Hilton Executive &amp; Hotel Owner</b></span></li> <li><span class="p-body"><b>Andrew Harp - VP Brand Leader, Tru by Hilton</b></span></li> <li><span class="p-body"><b>Talene Staab - VP Brand Leader, Home2 Suites by Hilton</b></span></li> <li><span class="p-body"><b>Courtney O’Donnell -&nbsp; Director of Development, Northeast Region at Hilton</b></span></li> </ul> <p><span class="p-body">The session was moderated by <b>Dr. Richie Karaburun, Clinical Associate Professor, NYU SPS Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality</b>, and offered students a rare inside look at how Hilton’s brand ecosystem operates and how emerging professionals can build meaningful careers in the industry.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">A major theme of the discussion centered on Hilton’s portfolio of 24-26 brands, including fast-growing hard brands like Home2 Suites, as well as new soft brands, such as Outset, that combine boutique individuality with Hilton’s global distribution system. Speakers emphasized that many new owners are eager to launch boutique hotels, but beginning with a branded property can provide structure, credibility, and foundational support. They also highlighted the role of advisory groups, PIPs, and market assessments when bringing a brand into a new city.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Technology and data were front and center as well. Hilton’s unified systems, including a POS platform used by most of its hotels, allow for consistent standards and streamlined innovation. Panelists discussed AI-powered forecasting, feasibility reports, and guest-feedback analysis, as well as the “Connected Room” concept that enables guests to personalize lighting, HVAC, and entertainment through their mobile devices. A case study from Home2 Suites illustrated how changes, such as redesigning the breakfast program based on data, require patience and a full commitment to implementation before measurable improvement appears.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Throughout the conversation, panelists emphasized that relationships are at the heart of hospitality. Building trust with owners, walking hotels together, and understanding each property’s unique culture were described as essential to long-term success. They also spoke candidly about working with management companies, ensuring brand consistency, and how banks often value experience as much as capital when considering hotel financing.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">The event concluded with advice for students: say yes to opportunities, seek mentors, and avoid boxing yourself into one path. The session left students with actionable insights and inspiration, emphasizing how broad, interconnected, and opportunity-filled the hospitality industry truly is.</span></p>