Hospitality investment conference attracts industry leaders.

Reflecting the dynamic nature of the global hospitality industry, New York University's 21st Annual Hospitality Industry Investment moved to Times square and the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel this year.

The conference, hosted by the Center for Hospitality, Tourism, and Travel Administration at NYU's School of Continuing and Professional Studies, and held June 6 to 8, drew an unprecedented number of more than 1800 hospitality executives. The overwhelming positive response showed once again that the annual conference is viewed by industry leaders as a premier hospitality event, valued for its ability to attract the most influential industry leaders as much as for its informative workshops and seminars.

Jonathan M. Tisch, president and CEO of Loews Hotels, chaired conference for the fifth consecutive year. On Monday, June 7th, the luncheon address was presented by news-anchor, author, and Peabody and Emmy Award-winner Tom Brokaw. Bob Pittman, president and chief operating officer of America Online, presented the mid-day address on Tuesday, June 8th.

"This was not only the biggest conference yet, it was also the last of the Millennium," said Tisch. "This year's event gave us a chance to both reflect on the recent developments in the hospitality industry, as well as to explore the vast opportunities and challenges we will face in the next decade, and beyond."

"Change was the key element of NYU's 21st Annual Hospitality Industry Investment Conference," said Lalia Rach, director of the Center for Hospitality, Tourism and Travel Administration. "Our new location at the Marriott Marquis hotel allowed us to expand our line-up of workshops and place a greater emphasis on technology and the international marketplace. Senior hotel executives from every corner of the globe convened at the Crossroads of the World, Times square, to discuss ideas, network for opportunities and conclude new ventures."

At the awards luncheon on Monday, June 7th, hosted by NYU President L. Jay Oliva, the highly prized Stephen Brener Silver Plate Award was presented to Joseph McInerney, CEO of Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). On Tuesday, June 8th, the IREFAC C. Everett Johnson Award was presented to J.W. Marriott.

This year's workshops covered a wide-range of hospitality-related topics, including: industry trends and predictions; changes in design trends; international market spotlights; boutique and theme hotels; hotel investment concepts; legal case studies; and best hotel deals.

The Center for Hospitality, Tourism and Travel Administration at NYU's School of Continuing and Professional Studies was established in 1992 to respond to the industry's burgeoning needs for education and professional training. Since then, it has grown rapidly in both size and reputation, now enrolling more than 400 students in a full range of undergraduate or graduate degree programs, certificate programs, and non-credit courses as well a series of highly respected industry forums.

The Marriott Marquis Hotel is the first teaching hotel for the Center for Hospitality, Tourism and Travel Administration. The concept of the teaching hotel is adapted from the successful teaching hospitals program. It distinctively blends classroom learning and professional experience. Selected classes are taught at the hotel; department heads and executive committee members serve as faculty and guest lecturers; and the physical plant of the hotel serves as the laboratory allowing students to visually comprehend information.