LOS ANGELES—The Boutique & Lifestyle Lodging Association (BLLA) is set to launch the Stay Boutique Leadership Conference Oct. 3-5 at the UCLA Luskin Conference Center, replacing the association’s annual leadership symposium.
Designed to congregate the leaders and influencers in the community, the new conference will dissect the new boutique mindset and forecast ahead to what boutique means for 2018, according to the organization.
Viceroy Hotel Group CEO Bill Walshe will give a keynote speech on the influence of luxury. He joins more than 50 speakers representing Absolut Elyx, Bang & Olufsen, Nighthawk Breakfast Bar, Ace Hotels, Tenants of the Trees, Runyon Group and others.
Topics will include millennial powerhouses, redefining the retail landscape, the new Hollywood, how to treat influencers, the world of boutique F&B, and more.
“We’re excited to launch the new wave of hospitality conferences at this year’s inaugural Stay Boutique Leadership Conference, tied into the launch of BLLA’s brand-new Stay Boutique platform, the world’s first-ever boutique direct booking platform,” said Frances Kiradjian, founder and CEO, BLLA. “As an association, our vision has always been to disrupt the space and we’re eager to learn what’s next for the world of boutique.”
“We’ve noticed a sort of repetition in the hospitality conference world, hoteliers talking about hotels over and over again. Our industry hasn’t been able to think quite outside the box yet in terms of educational events and BLLA is finally changing that,” said Ariela Kiradjian, VP, BLLA. “We’re creating an experience to inspire boutique-thinkers through innovative ways. Boutique hotels became extremely popular from their unconventional ways, so why hasn’t the hospitality conference space followed? BLLA isn’t afraid to do what’s different; we thrive because of that.”
Winners of BLLA’s annual Boutique Awards of more than 14 categories will also be revealed at the conference, including Boutique/Lifestyle Hotel of the Year, Hotelier and Person of the Year, and Top Boutique Influencer. Attendees will have a chance to participate in networking sessions, an opening gathering, cocktail reception and a gala awards dinner and ceremony.
