From June 2nd until June 4th 2019, The NYUSPS Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality hosted the 41st Annual NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference. Every year, this event brings the top minds in hospitality and real estate to New York City: over 2000 global leaders in hospitality, development, investment, and finance join the conference to hear the latest industry news and network.
A highlight of the program each year are the CEO panels, where the top executives of the world’s leading hotel companies reflect on trends in the industry. This year, we welcomed the CEOs of InterContinental Hotels Group, Accor, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Choice Hotels International, Marriott International, RLH Corporation and The Indian Hotels Company limited. We also checked in with Hilton CEO Christopher Nassetta, to celebrate the company’s 100th year of operations.
Another highlight of the conference this year was the presentation of The Honorable Ricardo Rosselló, Governor of Puerto Rico, about the recovery of tourism on the island in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Governor Rosselló discussed the multifaceted efforts that have been undertaken to rise from the ashes in this jurisdictionally complex territory, where the forces of commonwealth and national government, as well as private capital intersect.
Each year, Jonathan Tisch interviews prominent members of the business community, focusing on the current events and big ideas that feed the hospitality industry. This year, his guests were affiliated with Nobu, an organization that started with one restaurant and has grown into a global luxury brand in the food and beverage, hotel—and now—residential space. Academy Award-Winning Actor and Owner of Nobu Hospitality, Robert De Niro and Chef Nobu Matsuhisha discussed their visions for the future growth of the business.
Tisch Center students and alumni are well-represented at the event as conference volunteers and guests. Each year, we also celebrate Tisch Center scholarship winners as one of the luncheons.
See the related article to read more about an exciting new universal scholarship program for new graduate students.