11 Reasons to Attend This Year’s Independent Lodging Congress in San Francisco – By Andrew Benioff
11 Reasons to Attend This Year’s Independent Lodging Congress in San Francisco
The Independent Lodging Congress is more than a conference; it’s an experience
Yes, it is that time of year again. Time to get ready for Autumn, and we couldn’t be more excited. Following a fantastic INDIE Cultivate event in New York, it is time to direct our focus on San Francisco and this year's INDIE Congress. The Independent Lodging Congress (ILC) has always been an epicenter for creativity, collaboration, and ingenuity in the hospitality industry. This year, ILC's premier event, promises to elevate that experience to an unprecedented level. View the complete agenda and speaker list here.
INDIE Congress is our most popular event. It is a two-and-a-half-day conference covering all things hospitality. Here are ten compelling reasons why you shouldn't miss it:
1. Networking with Diverse Minds:
With an expected attendance of over 300 participants from hotels, F+B, design, and finance, the congress promises to be a hotspot for robust networking. It's an unmatched opportunity to foster new business relationships, collaborations, and possibly new ventures.
2. The Immersive San Francisco Experience:
INDIE Congress kicks off with an immersive experience, highlighting the art, community, and hospitality that defines San Francisco. Walking through the iconic spots of this vibrant city, attendees will soak in its rich history and culture, setting the tone for the subsequent days.
3. Pioneering Discussions on Legacy Branding:
The panel on “Creating a Legacy” promises to explore how timeless brands have maintained their charm and how their strategies can be infused into the hospitality sector. These insights will be instrumental for independent hoteliers looking to build a lasting brand image.
4. Unraveling the Complexities of De-flagging:
Christine Magrann's discussion on deflagging will give attendees an in-depth understanding of the process, its financial implications, and the circumstances under which it can benefit.
5. Loyalty Programs for Indies:
In an era where customer loyalty is golden, understanding if and how loyalty programs can benefit independent hotels is crucial. This panel promises actionable insights on differentiating indie hotels from their branded counterparts.
6. Workshops and Breakout Sessions:
From understanding Artificial Intelligence to HR practices and LGBTQ+ travelers' needs, the workshops on Day 3 will provide hands-on knowledge on diverse topics. These sessions will enable attendees to gain practical skills and insights, propelling their businesses forward.
7. Design Revelations:
In the hospitality sector, design isn't just about aesthetics. Julie Coyle's insights on alternative hotel design concepts, human-centric design, and integrating local influences will redefine how attendees perceive and implement hotel design.
8. The Future of Food & Beverage in Hospitality:
Food is no longer an afterthought. Understanding the changing dynamics of F&B in hospitality can redefine guest experiences. This session will spotlight how F&B is no longer just about sustenance but an integral part of the travel narrative.
9. Sustainability in Practice:
As the world gravitates towards sustainable practices, understanding ESG, the differences between LEED and WELL and their real-world implications become essential. The insights from Tien-Yueh Kubach and Javier Rojas Rodriguez promise to be transformative.
10. A Glimpse into the Future:
Understanding economic indicators, current investment climates, and trends shaping hospitality's future will give attendees the knowledge to make informed decisions for their ventures. The sessions led by industry stalwarts will provide a macro view of where the industry is headed.
11. The Motel Renaissance:
The resurgence of motels is a phenomenon worth understanding. Jersey Banks' discussion will shed light on the growing allure of motels and how they can potentially redefine the hospitality landscape.
ILC is partnering with the Argonaut Hotel. A recipient of the AAA Four Diamond Award for 19 consecutive years, the Argonaut boasts a location just as noteworthy as its accolades and high-touch service. Guests wake to views of the San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge before venturing mere steps to explore Ghirardelli Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, and some of the city’s best parks.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of San Francisco's Fort Mason, this year's INDIE Congress is more than just a conference. It's an experience, a journey, and a treasure trove of knowledge. Whether you're an industry veteran or an aspiring hotelier, the insights and experiences from this event promise to be invaluable.
Don't miss the chance to be part of this transformative event. Mark your calendars for October 23rd to 25th in San Francisco, and prepare to immerse yourself in a world of hospitality revelations at the INDIE Congress 2023.
About Andrew Benioff
Mr. Benioff has 25+ years’ experience in real estate finance and transactional activities and 15 years experience in the operation and management of luxury hotels. He is the founder of the Independent Lodging Congress, the premier gathering of independent hoteliers, restaurateurs, designers, financiers, investors, tech start-ups and media companies focused on the independent and boutique hospitality sector. Mr. Benioff is also the Founder and Chairman of the Philadelphia Real Estate Council, a nonprofit organization of real estate executives focused on the mid-Atlantic region.
Author of numerous articles, Mr. Benioff has discussed real estate finance in the pages of Scotsman’s Guide, Hotel Business, Hotel Real Estate, and the Cornell Real Estate Review. He has appeared as a guest speaker for the real estate programs of Cornell University, Villanova University, the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business, and Temple University, and has served as a panelist and moderator at numerous national real estate conferences.