By: Betty Coker, Editor in Chief  For World Liberty TV

Global Hotel Titans from Hilton, Hyatt, Wyndham, IHG and Accor Define Hospitality’s Future at the NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum “CEO Panel”

Hospitality real estate investment leaders and decision-makers unite to drive innovation and identify new deal opportunities; Conference took place on May 31 – June 2nd in New York.

The 48th annual NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum (NYU IHIF), operated by Questex, a leading information services and event company, in partnership with the NYU School of Professional Studies (NYU SPS) and its Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality, had hospitality leaders from Hilton, Hyatt, Wyndham, IHG and Accor  participate on the “Global Hospitality CEO Panel: The View from the Boardroom.” At NYU IHIF which took  place on May 31 – June 2 at the New York Marriott Marquis in NYC.

On June 1, Christopher J. Nassetta, President and CEO, Hilton Worldwide; Mark Hoplamazian, President and CEO, Hyatt, Elie Maalouf, CEO, IHG Hotels and Resorts; and Sebastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO, Accor .

Shared boardroom perspectives on market dynamics, emerging trends and strategies for adapting to uncertainty. Sara Eisen, Anchor, Closing Bell, CNBC moderated the panel.

“We are excited to welcome this standout lineup of CEOs. Each brings a unique viewpoint and together they will create a dynamic exchange of ideas.

In this must-attend session, attendees gained insight into how they are shaping the industry,” said Alexi Khajavi, Group President, Living and Hospitality, Questex.

“NYU IHIF has served as a premier gathering for global business leaders, industry influencers and professionals for nearly five decades.

We look forward to convening the hospitality ecosystem to share actionable insights on the industry’s trajectory and to provide rich networking opportunities that foster lasting connections,” said Nicolas Graf, Associate Dean of the Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality.

Mr Graf will retire this year from his role as Associate Dean of the Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality.  Many people at the conference stood up and gave a very warm round of applause, thanking Mr. Graf for his many years of service, we at World Liberty TV, enjoyed his company for 5 years years an honorable man who did so much for the hospitality industry.We wish him the best in his next adventure in his life.

Other prominent leaders presenting at NYU IHIF included: David Pepper, Chief Development Officer, Choice Hotels, Satya Anand, Group President U.S., Canada and Latin America, Marriott International,   Kevin Osterhaus, President Global Lifestyle Brands, Hilton, Claire Wallace, SVP Acquisitions and Development, Pyramid Global Hospitality.

Omer Acar, CEO Raffles and Fairmont, Accor.., María Zarraluqui, SVP, Global Growth & Owner Relations, Hyatt Inclusive Collection,   Jonathan Halkyard, Chief Financial Officer, MGM Resorts International,  Scott Strictland, Chief Commercial Officer, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, and so much more.

Anthony Scaramucci, Founder and Managing Partner, SkyBridge and Founder and Chairman, SALT delivered  the keynote address.

Scaramucci is a financier, lawyer, broadcaster and former White House Communications Director. His address “Unbreakable Resilience: An Insider’s Perspective on Power, Communications and Business” provided a rare insider’s view into how geopolitical forces and societal dynamics are shaping today’s U.S. markets.

Drawing on his experience across global finance, media and government, he will explore what resilience truly means for leaders and businesses navigating volatility and uncertainty.

Alexi Khajavi, Group President, Living and Hospitality, Questex, did a wonderful job interviewing Mr. Scaramucci.

NYU IHIF featured more than 80 leading companies introducing the latest ventures, investments and innovations redefining guest experiences, operational efficiency and deal structures.

Danny Meyer, Founder and Executive Chairman, Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) received the Jonathan Tisch Active Citizenship Award.

The award celebrates the positive impact and achievements of a leader in the hospitality industry.

“It was an honor to present Danny with the Jonathan Tisch Active Citizenship Award. He is widely respected throughout the hospitality industry and has truly raised the bar with his commitment to prioritizing the experience of both guests and employees.

Danny is equally as passionate about using his platform to help address hunger relief and supporting organizations working to strengthen our communities,” said Jonathan M. Tisch, retired Executive Chairman of Loews Hotels & Co., and Chairman Emeritus, NYU IHIF.

Additionally, the second edition of BxR – Brand x Residential, which is dedicated entirely to investment, development and strategy within branded residences, was co-located with NYU IHIF for one full day of programming on June 2.

The event will bought together 200 branded residential pioneers and investors to connect, deploy capital and drive developments forward to build iconic branded residences of the future.

Close to 2200 people in attendance, from all over the world in attendance having an involvement in the Hospitality sector, had high level speakers, CEO’s, VIP dinners, Lunches, Receptions throughout New York City, It was the event to be at.

NYU IHIF supports the future of hospitality investment. A share of proceeds from the event will help fund student scholarships at the NYU School of Professional Studies (NYU SPS) Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality and further support the program’s mission of educating and preparing future leaders and innovators for careers in global hospitality management, travel and tourism.

About Questex: Questex fuels exceptional business connections—where every buyer and seller interaction matters. Through live events enriched with data insights and active year-round digital communities, we deliver measurable results. It happens here. 

About the NYU SPS Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality: The NYU SPS Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality, now celebrating nearly 30 years of academic excellence, is a leading center for the study of hospitality, travel, and tourism. Founded in 1995, the Tisch Center was established in response to the growing need for hospitality and tourism undergraduate and graduate education.

Its cutting-edge curricula attract bright, motivated students who seek to become leaders in their fields. The Tisch Center recently launched the Hospitality Innovation Hub (HI Hub), which will foster entrepreneurship and creative solutions for the industries it serves. Click here

See more about the 48th annual NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum NYC-2026, in our World Liberty TV, Business and Hospitality Channels by clicking here.