From Hospitality to Gastronomy

The Growing Influence of Restaurants and Diverse Revenue Streams in Hotels

• Embassy Suites and Motto by Hilton Hotel Tower

  David Merritt

  President

  Merritt Development Group

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  Andy Patel

  Andy Patel is a 20-year hospitality professional with a major focus in Austin and the surrounding market. Over the course of his career, he has developed 7 hotels ground up in the Austin market with another 2 that are currently under construction. Andy and Lodgic Hospitality have a strong focus in select-service Hilton and Marriot branded assets that range from 85-150 keys. Just recently, Lodgic Hospitality was awarded the 2022 developer of the year award from Hilton for their most recent project which is the Tru by Hilton Austin Arboretum. Furthermore, Andy also runs the operational aspect of Lodgic Hospitality’s Austin projects. Between development and operations, Andy Patel and his team have a vast wealth of knowledge on what it takes to get hospitality projects off the ground in Austin all while making them successful.

  Lodgic Hospitality

  Regional Director, Austin Market

  Hilton Garden Inn

  Andy Patel

  Regional Director, Austin Market

  Lodgic Hospitality

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  Sarah Fox

  Sarah has 20 years of architectural design experience across a variety of projects that include hospitality, multifamily, and mixed-use lifestyle developments. She prizes a collaborative design approach and applies intensive research from environmental, cultural, and historical contexts as essential tools in the creation of an intelligent and purposeful design. Her design process is inspired by a legacy of artistry in architecture, and she applies technology to traditional techniques and materiality to bring a modern authenticity to all her projects.

  Perkins Eastman

  Principal | Hospitality Practice Area Leader

  The Sinclair

  Sarah Fox

  Principal | Hospitality Practice Area Leader

  Perkins Eastman

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  Brett Pitt

  Brett Pitt is President of Merriman / Pitt Anderson (MPA), an architecture and interior design firm specializing in Industrial/Manufacturing, Hospitality (Hilton & Marriott brands), Multi-Family, Commercial/Office, and Mixed-Use projects. With over 25 years of experience in the Austin architecture industry, Brett has led MPA's business development, client management, and project oversight since its inception in 2012. His diverse portfolio includes Corporate Office, Medical Office, Tenant-Improvement, Mixed-Use, Hospitality, Multi-Family, Schools, Retail, Financial, Civic, Religious, Energy, Transportation/Aviation, and Industrial/Manufacturing projects. Brett's broad experience ensures optimal design value and construction feasibility for his clients' investments.

  MPA Architects (Merriman Pitt/Anderson)

  President

  Brett Pitt

  President

  MPA Architects (Merriman Pitt/Anderson)

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  Fey Carroll

  Fey Carroll is the Director of Construction for Hai Hospitality, overseeing a portfolio that includes the iconic Austin restaurants Uchi, Uchiko, and Loro. With a 20-year tenure in the construction industry, Fey has dedicated the past decade to specializing in high-end restaurant builds. Prior to her current role, Fey served as the Project Executive of the High-End Restaurant/Brewery Division at a prominent Austin-based general contractor. A native Austinite, Fey takes great pride in her roots and has left an indelible mark on the city’s landscape. With over 50 local projects under her belt, including AIA award-winning design spaces, she has not only shaped physical structures but has also played a pivotal role in enhancing the architectural aesthetics of Austin. Fey’s expertise extends beyond her hometown, as she oversees construction projects across Texas and the nation. In the face of intricate design challenges and ongoing industry shifts, she remains resolute in her commitment to delivering uncompromising quality.

  Hai Hospitality

  Director of Construction

  Fey Carroll

  Director of Construction

  Hai Hospitality

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  Anissa Sabawala

  Anissa is a construction industry veteran with over 35 years of experience spanning site due diligence, design, construction, FF&E, and occupancy. As Senior Director leading Cushman & Wakefield’s Project Development Services (PDS) teams in Austin and San Antonio, she provides leadership for all aspects of our project management service line, including client relations, project execution, business operations and financial management. As a regional lead, Anissa is a strong thought leader focused on developing and maintaining long-term client relationships through best-in-class program oversight and project delivery. Anissa is a registered architect (AIA) and LEED AP BD+C professional who practiced architecture in Houston, Austin, and New York City. In addition, she spent over 10 years as a general construction Project Executive and CMAR, overseeing nation account rollouts of both ground up and interior fit-outs, for Fortune 500 companies across the United States. She has completed projects as a designer, an architect, and construction manager in over 20 U.S. states, Mexico, and Canada. Her portfolio spans low to mid-rise ground up and interior fit-outs and her expertise in design, construction and project management combine to give her a strategic advantage in serving our clients. A passionate mentor and dedicated leader, Anissa consistently provides clarity and delivers excellence to her clients, colleagues, and project teams.

  Cushman & Wakefield

  Senior Director, AIA LEED AP BD+C

  Moderator

  Anissa Sabawala

  Senior Director, AIA LEED AP BD+C

  Cushman & Wakefield

Elevating The Consumer Experience

Trends in Hospitality, New Developments, Evolving Amenities and More!

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  Channing Henry

  Channing Henry joined the PKF hospitality group in 2019 as Managing Director | Head of US, leading the US consulting practice from the New York office. With more than 15 years in hospitality development and consulting, she brings a development perspective to the firm’s extensive advisory work. Channing advises hotel developers and owners on highest and best land use analyses, capital strategies and fundraising services, brand positioning and negotiation, and planning and development services in the US, Canada, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Channing co-developed the 148-key Downtown LA Proper Hotel, a historic rehabilitation project, in partnership with the Kor Group. She also partnered with BV Resorts on a 1,500-acre luxury resort master plan in Baja Mexico and a New York consortium on a 400-acre sustainable master plan in Dominical, Costa Rica. Channing has led the pre-development and performed extensive advisory work for urban hotels in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Fort Worth, and Todos Santos, Mexico, for brands ranging from Aman Resorts to Bunkhouse and Soho House. Channing previously worked as a development manager for the Kor Group, where she helped expand the Viceroy and Tides brands in Latin America and Miami. She began her career in real estate as a consultant with Robert Charles Lesser (RCLCo) in Los Angeles, where she performed market and feasibility studies for public and private sector developments across all land uses. Channing was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to Argentina and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Princeton University and an MBA from Yale’s School of Management. Channing is on the Leadership Committee for ULI’s Recreational Development Council and an Executive Committee member of the South Park Business Improvement District (BID) Board in Downtown Los Angeles.

  PKF Hospitality

  Managing Director - Head of US

  Channing Henry

  Managing Director - Head of US

  PKF Hospitality

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  Joe Rentfro

  Valued leader and senior executive with 25 years of experience in real estate, brand development, finance, marketing, and sales. Successfully managed business operations in various industries such as master-planned communities, home-building, resorts and tourism destinations, marinas, golf courses, retail and F&B, business and industrial parks, and higher education.

  Thomas Ranch

  Managing Director

  Thomas Ranch Masterplan

  Joe Rentfro

  Managing Director

  Thomas Ranch

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  Soraya Spencer

  Soraya Spencer is an accomplished entrepreneur and hospitality professional with a remarkable journey that spans continents. Born and raised in Algeria, Soraya's passion for culinary arts led her to pursue her dreams on an international scale. After graduating from the renowned Paul Bocuse Institute, Soraya embarked on an extraordinary career in the hospitality industry. Her commitment to culinary excellence and innovative concepts quickly caught the attention of industry leaders. A pivotal moment in Soraya's career came when she played a key role in opening the first restaurant school in Shanghai World Expo, in collaboration with the City of Lion. This groundbreaking endeavor showcased her ability to combine her culinary expertise with her entrepreneurial spirit. For the following seven years, Soraya thrived as a valued member of the renowned Maximal Concepts team in Hong Kong. Her remarkable contributions earned her numerous accolades and franchise opportunities, solidifying her reputation as a visionary in the industry. In search of new horizons, Soraya made the bold decision to move to Dallas nine years ago. There, she brought her entrepreneurial spirit to life by opening her own restaurant, Gather Kitchen. It was during this time that she crossed paths with Mike Hoque from Hoque Global, and their shared vision for excellence and innovation aligned perfectly. As Hospitality Director for Hoque Global, Soraya's exceptional leadership skills and dedication to creating exceptional experiences for guests propelled her into a senior leadership position as Senior Vice President of Hospitality. In this role, Soraya is responsible for conceiving and bringing to life new concepts that not only prioritize profitability but also prioritize the well-being and growth of employees. Soraya's unwavering focus on both the artistry and business aspects of the hospitality industry sets her apart as a dynamic and influential leader. Her ability to create innovative and profitable concepts while fostering a positive work environment has been instrumental in the success of the organizations she has been a part of. With a global perspective, an unmatched passion for culinary arts, and a commitment to creating exceptional experiences, Soraya Spencer continues to shape the landscape of the hospitality industry, leaving a lasting impact on guests and employees alike.

  Hoque Global

  SVP, Hospitality

  Vineyard at Florence

  Soraya Spencer

  SVP, Hospitality

  Hoque Global

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  Mark Rivers

  Mark heads resort development activities for Canyon Ranch, the venerable wellness brand with destination properties in Tucson, AZ; Lenox, MA; Woodside, CA; and, the spa at The Venetian in Las Vegas. Canyon Ranch is currently developing its first, ground-up luxury wellness resort in the Austin market. For 20+ years, Mark has been a thought leader and development pioneer in the hospitality space. He is the original master developer of the campus that is now home to the Driftwood Golf & Ranch Club. A development principal of Solage Hotels and Resorts in Napa Valley, he is a former executive of Mirage Resorts, the Steve Wynn-founded, Las Vegas-based company. Today, he is the Managing Partner of the acclaimed Sweetens Cove Golf Club in Tennessee and its sister company, Sweetens Cove Spirits. Mark has also built a deep and successful portfolio of properties over the years in hospitality, retail and mixed-use placemaking. In 2009, he was the recipient of the International Economic Development Council’s worldwide award for Best Development and Reuse, reflecting his transformative project in downtown Boise, Idaho. Mark is based in Austin.

  Canyon Ranch

  Head of Resort Development

  Canyon Ranch Austin

  Mark Rivers

  Head of Resort Development

  Canyon Ranch

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  Pete Chalfant

  Pete Chalfant brings 20 years of experience in the management and delivery of project types, with a focus on hospitality and corporate campuses. Pete joined Gensler in 2000, and he has been involved with Gensler's hospitality practice since then, working on several award-winning projects including Intercontinental-Houston, Hilton Americas, Gaylord National, Deloitte University and Fairmont Austin Hotel. In addition to his role in design production, he also serves on the region's project management steering committee. In 2004 he helped start Gensler's Historic Buildings Group - a firmwide initiative to create a network of Gensler's employees who have experience in working with Historic Buildings. He also helped write the by-laws for Preservation Texas. Pete specializes in managing the construction administration process for large-scale, highly complex projects, but also excels at fast-track deliveries. His diligent follow-through and collaboration excellence contributes to his many successful relationships with clients, consultants, and contractors. Pete knows how to meet and exceed his clients' expectations, from the "big picture" to the smallest details.

  Gensler

  Hospitality Practice Area Leader

  Canopy by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk

  Pete Chalfant

  Hospitality Practice Area Leader

  Gensler

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  Glenn Hart

  Glenn Hart handles Business Development and Marketing for Broaddus Construction, an Austin based general contractor focusing on multifamily, retail, industrial, aviation and healthcare construction around Texas. Glenn, or “LinkedGlenn” as many know him online as a glennfluencer, was born in Austin and has been involved in the design and construction world in a variety of roles since graduating from UT School of Architecture in 2001. Glenn’s self designated title Austin Aficionado and passion for the city has led to co-hosting duties on popular Austin-centric podcast BoomATX interviewing interesting Austinites doing interesting things. He is actively involved in local industry organizations including SMPS Austin where he was Pandemic President as well as ULI Austin recently serving on Marketplace and Impact Awards committees. While he often longs for the Austin of yesterday, he gets just as excited for what is still to come for this #boomtown he calls home.

  Broaddus Construction

  Director of Business Development

  Moderator

  Glenn Hart

  Director of Business Development

  Broaddus Construction