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Bruce Ford of Lodging Econometrics is Master of Construction pipeline data. While I attended Choice Hotels Annual and he attended HD we discussed how industry suppliers could maximize opportunity. Great tips! Tomorrow we’ll take a look from the ownership side. 

It’s time to SOAR. Choice Hotels International Hotels has reintroduced it’s hotel ownership opportunities created for underrepresented entrepreneurs. Dubbed SOAR, Supporting Ownership Access & Representation, John Lancaster, VP Emerging Markets Franchise Development, shares how this program is changing lives and communities. #hotels #hotelinvestment.

Conversions are king! That’s especially true with Choice Hotels International, which had 74% of all 2023 deals fit into the conversion category. At Choice’s Annual Conference I caught up with CDO David Pepper to hear about the conversion market and the incredibly strong extended stay segment.

Anna Blue, President of AHLA Foundation, is at AHLA ForWard in Chicago. She shares the importance of this event to the hospitality industry and how it’s empowering women to find success in the hotel business.

The awesome Matt Hostetler, CDO with Red Roof, returns to learn a lesson about returning to FNA. Glenn, Craig and Producer Dave shake their heads in disbelief. Oh yeah, Glenn's in Vegas.... again!

Welcome to our new series, Icons & Experts. This exciting twice a month series is brought you by the Extended Stay Lodging Association and support from Dellisart Hospitality.  Please visit https://www.dellisart.com/
Every other week we’ll highlight either a person who’s had unmistakable impact on the hotel industry, or we’ll learn from extended stay experts how to maximize opportunity and find success in the extended stay hotel category. 
Our first episode features the incredible Mike Leven, an icon amongst icons in the hotel business. Leven has had significant impact on the hospitality industry from his early days 
Dedicated business leader & visionary philanthropist with a rich 50-year career in the hospitality industry, notably including the successful launch of Holiday Inn Express, serving as President of Days Inn of America, leading the company through a reorganization that resulted in growth from a 225-unit regional chain to one of the largest brands in the world. 
He also founded US Franchise Systems, Inc. (USFS), which franchises the Microtel Inns & Suites, Hawthorn Suites, and Best Inns and Best Suites hotel brands.
Plus, he was instrumental in creating the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), served as President of Las Vegas Sands Corp. and has been involved in countless charitable efforts. 
We hope you enjoy this series!