Which hospitality events should YOU be attending in 2026?

In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with John Burns, President of Hospitality Technology Consulting, to review the top hospitality events of 2026. From tech expos to independent hotel shows, cruise industry summits, and AI-focused conferences, we cover what’s happening, who should attend, and why these events are game-changers for hoteliers, developers, and investors.

In this episode, we cover:

• The global power of ITB Berlin and why it’s more than just a trade show.
• Networking gold at Hunter Conference Atlanta and what makes it a must-attend.
• Insider tips from HFTP Executive Vendor Summit, AAHOA Philadelphia, Sea Trade Cruise Summit, and more.
• How direct bookings and AI are shaking up the hotel industry.

Whether you’re a hotel owner, operator, developer, or just love staying ahead in hospitality, this episode is your roadmap for networking, learning, and making deals happen.

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UbP3xSHCc-M

Links:
John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-burns-1a6139/
Hospitality Technology Consulting: https://www.burns-htc.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/252

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

Can AI stop your next big hotel claim before it happens?

In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Sriram Nalla, Hospitality Vertical Lead at WithCoverage, to discuss his unique journey from music management and entrepreneurship to transforming the insurance industry for hotels.

Topics Covered:

• How WithCoverage is disrupting traditional hotel insurance with AI-powered solutions
• Stories of hotels saving 20-25% on premiums and improving coverage
• Tips for aspiring leaders in hospitality and entrepreneurship
• The importance of curiosity, networking, and building trust in business.

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7cegKtiXR-I

Links:
Sriram on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sriram-nalla/

WithCoverage: https://withcoverage.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/251

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

Steve Carran & David Millili sit down with Mark Harmon, Founder of Auberge Resorts Collection, on this episode of The Modern Hotelier.

From studying law at Princeton and UC Law to becoming one of the most influential leaders in luxury hospitality, Mark shares how he transitioned from Silicon Valley attorney to visionary hotel developer behind some of the most iconic boutique resorts in the world.

Mark also shares his philosophy on leadership, empathy, innovation, and why hospitality is ultimately about creating meaningful experiences — not just rooms.

In this episode, we explore:

• How Auberge Resorts redefined luxury hospitality
• Why 50-room hotels can be wildly profitable
• The power of design, real estate, and residential-style experiences
• Workforce housing challenges in resort markets
• Advice for the next generation of hospitality leaders

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/luY77HXb6f0

Links:
Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-harmon-2184851/
Auberge Resorts: https://auberge.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/250

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.