Speakers

From a young age, my passion for art, design, sustainability, and architecture has been a driving force in my life. I earned my Bachelor’s in Architecture from Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra in the Dominican Republic, and in 2013, I relocated to Miami to pursue a Master’s in Interior Architecture, complemented by a Certificate in Yacht and Cruise Ship Design from Florida International University (FIU). In 2015, I achieved the LEED Green Associate credential, reflecting my commitment to sustainable design practices.

With over 12 years of experience, I have had the privilege of collaborating with esteemed architectural and interior design firms on high-profile commercial, hospitality, and luxury residential projects. My portfolio includes work for renowned brands such as Hilton Hotels, IHG, Shell Oil HQ, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, TUI Cruises, and Baha Mar. My focus has always been on delivering goal-oriented design solutions that meet the unique needs of each project.

In 2017, I began to actively engage with the interior design community, joining the IIDA Miami Chapter and sharing my knowledge as an instructor at the Miami International School of Art and Design. This teaching experience has honed my mentorship and consultancy abilities. I earned my NCIDQ certification in 2018, becoming a Registered Interior Designer in Florida. My advocacy efforts were recognized in 2020 when I was honored with the IIDA Bragg Award for “Star of the Year.”

I have also contributed to the industry as an Influencer in the CSI Cruise Ship Interiors program and participated in the Future Leaders programs in 2022 and 2023. Additionally, I serve on the advisory boards for the SDS Sustainable Design Summit (2022-2023) and the FIU School of Architecture and Arts (2020-2024).

Design is my passion, and my goal is to craft unique spaces that elevate both functionality and beauty. There is no greater reward than witnessing a client’s vision come to life through my design expertise. It’s this transformative process that continually fuels my dedication to the field of design and architecture. I am excited to bring this passion and commitment to the Future Leaders Program, where I aim to inspire and empower the next generation of design professionals.

Alex is responsible for setting the strategy, plan, negotiate/execute hotel deals and manage the growth and expansion of all brands for IHG Hotels & Resorts in Central America & Caribbean countries.

Alex has more than 25 years of practical, hands-on experience with hotels, resorts, brand management, real estate, and operation. He has worked on hundreds of hotel assets, negotiations and hotels performances across the United States, Latin America & Caribbean.

Prior of joining IHG, Alex was the Head of Development and Vice President development for Latin America & Caribbean for Choice Hotels International and Radisson Hotels Group Americas, where he was responsible for the growth of all brands.

Alex was President & Founder of ALBA Hospitality from 2020 to 2022, where he was responsible in strategic asset positioning, management contract negotiations and hotels real estate transactions.

Alex worked for Hilton Hotels Corporation from 2007 to 2020 holding various Management positions in Development, Brand Management for Full & Focused Service, Owners Relations, and Training. With Hilton, Alex successfully negotiated and executed over 30 hotels deals, totalling +4,400 rooms between luxury, full, collections, all suites, and focused services brands.

Ana-Maria Girtu is an accomplished Director of Cruise Hotel Operations at The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, based in Monte Carlo, Monaco. With over a decade of experience in the cruise, travel, and tourism industry, Ana-Maria excels in leading hospitality operations with a strong emphasis on event management, sustainability, and IT integration.

Ana-Maria oversees Guest Services, Entertainment, MICE Operations, and Housekeeping Operations across the fleet, consistently enhancing operational efficiency and guest experience while championing environmental sustainability.

Ana Ramirez is speaking at Hotel & Resort Design South, their full bio will be available shortly.

Andres Pacheco is the Vice President of Planning and Development at Enjoy Group Hospitality Company, bringing over 20 years of extensive experience in the hospitality industry. Throughout his career, he has successfully overseen the development of a diverse portfolio of hotel properties, ranging from boutique inns to large-scale resort complexes. Andres expertise lies in guiding projects from initial conceptualization through detailed planning, design, procurement and construction to turnkey completion. His strategic vision and meticulous attention to detail ensure each project aligns with market trends and brand standards while optimizing operational efficiency. Andres is renowned for his ability to analyze complex projects, identify potential challenges early, and deliver innovative solutions that drive growth and profitability. His leadership has been instrumental in expanding the company’s portfolio nationally and internationally. Committed to excellence and sustainability, Andres continuously seeks innovative approaches to create memorable guest experiences while maximizing value for stakeholders. His passion for the industry and dedication to excellence make him a key driver of Enjoy Group ongoing success.

Anna Peretz, a Sr. Design Manager within Sonesta’s Architecture, Design and Construction department, joined Sonesta in 2023 and oversees design support for Sonesta’s franchise projects and brand design positioning of Sonesta Essential, MOD, Classico, Signature Inn, and James brands and collections. Anna works with franchise owners and key stakeholders in Sonesta’s Brand, Onboarding, Franchise Ops, and Development teams to provide design expertise in executing the required brand standards of all Sonesta brands through renovation and new construction. Anna draws from her industry experience and insight to guide the deployment of capital to the areas of highest impact.

Anna’s tenure in hospitality has included experience in Interior Design firms, luxury residential design firms, branding agencies, and working for the world’s largest hospitality brand. Anna enjoys traveling the world, exploring new restaurants, working out, and anything that connects her back to her passion – the hospitality world, business, and people. Anna holds an MBA from the University of Maryland and B.S. in Interior Design from Marymount University. She is also a LEED GA and a sustainability advocate. Anna was born in USSR, grew up in Israel, and moved to NYC when she was 20 years old, and is currently residing in Maryland. Above all, she cherishes time with her family and is always looking forward to the next adventure with her husband and their three kids.

Bruce Goff, FASID has been with IHG Hotels and Resorts for 7 years after a decades long career with Domus Design Group an architecture and design firm.  Prior to IHG he was responsible for the architecture and design of Harrah’s Hotels, JDV hotels, as well as numerous other resorts and gaming properties.  

Currently a Renovation Manager with responsivity for IHG’s upscale and lifestyle brands such as voco and Hotel Indigo and having worked across almost all of IHG’s 19 brands he has a depth and breadth of knowledge from the owner, franchiser, and developer. 

Leaning into IHG goal of ‘True Hospitality for All’ he bridges the goals of brand and owner’s ROI with hotels that deliver true guest love. 

Cristina Stefani is a Marketing & Communication Strategist at Aquafil, where she leads the company’s marketing initiatives for circular economy projects across various industries, including aviation, hospitality, contract, and marine. Her work centers on promoting sustainable practices and driving innovation within these sectors, aligning Aquafil’s vision of a circular economy with market trends, user demand, and customer needs.

Cristina is particularly focused on the “R2R” (Regenerated to be Regenerable) project, which highlights Aquafil’s commitment to circularity. Through “R2R,” the company aims to foster a more sustainable and circular future by building a network of adopters dedicated to reducing environmental impact through eco-design practices.

With a background in economics and over 20 years of experience, Cristina brings a unique perspective to her role, blending sustainable solutions with business growth strategies. Her expertise includes crafting impactful campaigns, nurturing strong relationships with stakeholders, and identifying opportunities for sustainable development.

Cynthia Guthrie is Founder and President of Guthrie & Associates, Inc. established in 1990 and currently serves as Executive Advisor on the Executive Board of Directors for NEWH, Inc. among other positions served on the local and international level since 2003. Known for her passion and commitment to the hospitality industry she has been recognized for her leadership and selected by her peers to receive the Joyce L. Johnson Recognition of Excellence Award among other industry awards. Most important to Cindy is providing a platform to encourage students to focus their future to hospitality and connecting professionals.

Cuauhtémoc Martínez is a professional with extensive experience in the management and design of urban and resort hotel projects, with a comprehensive approach covering all stages from concept development to opening. Throughout his career, he has led the opening and renovation of over 3,000 hotel rooms in Mexico and the Caribbean, significantly contributing to the development of the hotel industry in the region.

In addition, Cuauhtémoc has conceptualized and developed eight hotel brands—four in the Economy & Midscale segment, and four in the Upscale & Luxury segment—establishing himself as a leader in creating brands that respond to market needs and trends.

With a deep understanding of the sector’s challenges and opportunities, Cuauhtémoc Martínez continues to be a prominent leader in the evolution of hotel projects and the creation of unique guest experiences.

Gamal El Fakih Rodriguez currently serves as Vice President of Operations for Marriott’s luxury brands in the Caribbean and Latin America. Prior to joining Marriott, he lived and worked in 11 different countries gaining experience with some of the leading luxury hotel companies in the world. While his background is mainly within the operations disciplines, his passion for training and development also took him to gain two professional stints in the academic world at the Institute of Tourism and Hospitality of Quebec in Montreal-Canada and Les Roches International School of Hotel management in Switzerland, where he led the practical training program for these two leading hotel schools of the world.

An alumnus from the Hotel School of Venezuela, Gamal obtained his bachelor’s degree in hospitality management on 1992 followed by a master’s degree from the University of Angers (France) and post-graduate studies at The Hague Hotel School (Netherlands) and Cornell University (USA). He is also an award-winning author with his book “The Forgotten Recipes from Venezuelan Andes”, winner on the 2011’s edition of the Gourmand Awards for Best Cookbooks in the World in Paris. He also contributed with a chapter on craft-based learning in the book “Education strategies for the next generation leaders in hospitality management” published by IGI Global in 2015.

Giancarlo is an interior architect / designer with over 20 years of experience in the architecture & interior design field. He is Principal & Creative Director at Urban Robot Associates (UR).

Urban Robot Associates (UR) is a design collective located in Miami Beach, specializing in architecture, interior design, landscape architecture and urban planning. UR’s team works collaboratively to develop a multidisciplinary approach to all projects to bring about a unique vision and create experiences that are meaningful, memorable, and functional. Whether a luxury single-family residence, dynamic restaurant, historical hotel, precious natural resource, brand identity, or city policy— UR strives to elevate the human experience from the quotidian to the cinematographic. The firm draws upon on its team’s diverse design backgrounds to bring about singular narratives that are true to concept and tailored to each project. UR endeavors to tell stories by making places.

Javier Calle, USGBC LEED, is a recently reincarnated design professional.
After 24 years in the retail design world, Javier followed his instincts,
“cut the cord,” and took the plunge into the entrepreneurial world, as a
founding partner of Studio DADO, a Miami-based design firm that
specializes in creating memorable interior spaces on cruise lines and in
the hospitality industry.

In his previous life, Javier worked as a senior associate at RTKL Associates,
Washington, D.C., during which time he travelled the world, practicing and
perfecting his craft.

A graduate of Southern Polytechnic State University, Marietta, Georgia,
Javier started as a retail specialist, and cut his teeth on many large-scale,
highly visible projects, such as the exclusive Mexico City-based
departmental store, El Palacio de Hierro. In another challenging project,
he was a part of the designing team behind Royal Caribbean’s behemoth
vessel, The Oasis of the Seas.

Javier’s drive for excellence is strongly marked by his passion for achieving
the right balance between his love for classic, timeless design that has the
fluidity to adapt to the demands of the present and the need for being
anchored in functionality and industry standards.

The same passion shapes his life outside work. Javier takes great pride in
providing a wonderful life for his children, and is a generous mentor for
young designers. An avid outdoorsman, Javier is a huge soccer fan and an
avid bicyclist.

Jessica Shea is Hilton’s Vice President of Wellness, Retail & Leisure Operations, leading the spa and wellness, retail, recreation and membership strategy, operations and development for the Americas. Jessica is a globally recognized thought leader in the wellness & hospitality industry, with over 20 years experience developing and leading hotels and spas. She has a passion for creating meaningful guest experiences that drive business performance.

With over 34 years in creative design, John specializes in commercial interiors, particularly in Latin American and Asian markets. He’s collaborated on strategic design, branding, and artistic direction for various firms, aiming to fuse local cultures into innovative concepts. An FIU Advisory Board member and Adjunct professor, John channels his passion for creative energy and technological processes into pioneering ideas.

Professional Registrations Licensed Interior Designer, Florida ID-0003735
National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ)
Professional Affiliations: International Interior Design Association
Member: Florida International University Advisory Board, Interior Architecture Department Member & Adjunct Professor

With over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Johnathan holds an exceptional combination of visionary design expertise and seasoned leadership.

Known for creating environments that forge deep, personal connections with guests, Johnathan has led the design and delivery of some of the world’s most prestigious hotels and residences. His work stands out for its meticulous attention to detail, design elegance, and operational excellence.
Prior to joining Marriott, Johnathan served as Principal of GA Group in New York. In addition, he held pivotal roles at Yabu Pushelberg, where he managed their New York and Toronto studios, led high-profile projects, and fostered a collaborative, innovative design culture.

A licensed architect and interior designer, Johnathan holds a Master of Architecture degree from the New Jersey Institute of Technology’s School of Architecture and a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Design from Ball State University.

Juan Jose Marcos is speaking at Hotel & Resort Design South, their full bio will be available shortly.

Hilari Jones is a Studio Design Leader, Hospitality and Principal at HKS. Her passion lies at the intersection of sustainable design and problem-solving, believing in the potential of design to address pressing environmental challenges within the sphere of high-end luxury spaces. Hilari is drawn to innovative approaches that prioritize sustainability without compromising high standards of brand quality, functionality, or aesthetic appeal.

Kavitha Iyer is Vice President of Architecture and Design at Choice Hotels International. An Architect and Designer with over 20 years of experience in Hospitality and designing for travel, she is responsible for leading Design strategy for IHG’s brands in the Americas.

Kavitha and her team of talented Creatives collaborate closely with Brand, Development and Operations to imagine and define distinctive design experiences which align closely to each Brand personality.
With an emphasis on guest centric experience, Kavitha and her team lead various Design initiatives across the portfolio, ranging from testing and piloting new concepts, and creating comprehensive Design guidance to implement projects. In her past few years at IHG Hotels & Resorts, she has been responsible for creating distinct visions for new Brands like Atwell Suites and voco, as well as leading the transformational Creative direction for Lifestyle, Luxury and Premium brands like Hotel Indigo, InterContinental Hotels and Crowne Plaza.

Prior to joining IHG Hotels & Resorts, Kavitha was the Director of Global Design Strategies at Marriott International where she led and launched several high-profile Design initiatives which focused on transformative next generation experiences for various brands.
Kavitha’s love of art and travel fuels her continued passion to spend her free time painting, appreciating new and old destinations, and being inspired by the everyday.

Graduate from The University of Louisville w/ Bachelor of Science Degree in Architectural Interior Design, Minor Art History. 38 years of experience. Luxury Residential, Yacht, Restaurant and other Commercial Interiors. Alumni of the year award 2018 from University of Louisville. President of ASID Florida South Chapter 2024-2025. City of Hollywood Planning and Design Board 2016-2026. Interior Project Locations: Fisher Island, Sunny Isles, Boca Raton, Palm Beach, Los Olas Isles, The Florida Keys and Gramercy Park in New York. Designed Custom Furniture, lighting, Wallcovering and Fabrics.

Kimberly Jackson is a Senior Associate at AvroKO and serves as the Managing Director for AvroKO Miami. In her role as both manager and mentor, she leads AvroKO’s multidisciplinary teams throughout the life of a project to bring Hospitable Thinking into every space AvroKO designs.

Prior to her work at AvroKO, Kimberly designed spaces across a range of typologies including hospitality, retail, single and multifamily residential, and corporate interiors. She assisted her clients in developing and maintaining design standards for several international brands. She has also developed furniture, textiles, fixtures, and lighting product lines for both boutique and international brands.

Kimberly is a member of the AIA Diversity + Inclusion committee and the Hospitality Diversity Action Committee.

As Director of Hotel Maintenance, Dry Dock and Refit at Aida Cuises Marc Spingler oversees all refurbishment and drydock projects for the AIDA fleet including financial planning, development and implementation of interior design and fleet standards. Recently, Marc was a member of the leadership team for the AIDA evolution project starting with AIDAdiva and played a key role in the sustainable refit program.

Marc joined AIDA Cruises in 2001 onboard the ships for more than seven years gaining expertise in the cruise hotel operation mainly as hotel director. Throughout his career Marc has held several executive positions in the shore-based fleet operation and was appointed in 2021 for his current role.

As President of the Americas, Meghann leads operations and strategic vision for all 5 HBA offices, including supporting our Partner Brands represented in the States. Over a 18+ year tenure with HBA, Meghann has been integral to the growth of the San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta and New York studios. As HBA looks forward, Meghann leads the senior leadership team responsible for the next era of growth and innovation. Her diverse background in design and business management – including an extensive portfolio of globally renowned hotel and resort projects – makes her uniquely suited for the ever-evolving challenges of the global design landscape.

With a degree in Interior Design and Business Administration from Kansas State University and extensive experience working closely with her clients in the design industry, Meghann is extremely adept with client communications, project management, and scheduling. Her professional and personal interests are diverse – she is an avid traveler and student of the world, and her extensive international travels have informed her strong sense of design and style. With her diverse background and her dedication to her clients, her staff, and to the design industry Meghann is a key asset and a valuable member of the HBA team.

Mitch Parker is a founding Partner of The Parker Company and a hospitality procurement industry expert. In his 40th year with the company, Mitch Co-Directs the FF&E Division and acts as a Partner Administrator for FF&E projects. He is a past President of the International Society of Hospitality Purchasers (ISHP), and a Platinum Circle Award Recipient as a member of The Parker Company. Mitch is a graduate of the University of Colorado with a Bachelor of Arts.

As a Senior Project Director at The Parker Company, Nancy Smith brings over 39 years of diverse expertise in projects in the hospitality industry and beyond. Her extensive experience highlights skills in strategic sourcing and applying innovative solutions, enabling her to tackle complex projects with ease. She excels in expert negotiation and the ability to leverage supplier relationship management to optimize project outcomes while adhering to a holistic project management approach to the project. She prioritizes maintaining the fundamental vision of the designer while identifying cost saving opportunities and ensuring that client objectives are met without compromising quality. Her dedication to consistently delivering successful project outcomes has established her as a trusted partner for The Parker Company’s clients. She excels in analysis, adaptability, problem-solving, and troubleshooting, all of which contribute to her effectiveness in this dynamic field.

Fluent in French and Spanish, she thrives in diverse, multicultural environments and enjoys collaborating with teams from various backgrounds.

Her passion lies in providing exceptional service and value to clients and designers alike, with each project contributing to the growth of the hospitality sector, each individually representing a measurable accomplishment upon completion.

Nate Siehr is Principal and Co-Founder of The Big Key Group, a Miami-based real estate development firm specializing in premium branded residences and condo-hotel projects. From 2014 to 2023, he served as Vice President of Full Service Hotel Development at Marriott International, where he oversaw more than 80 development agreements, contributing over 13,000 hotel rooms and 540 branded residences—primarily in the lifestyle and soft-brand hospitality space—to the company’s portfolio. Previously, Nate led as Marriott’s Global Transaction Accounting Policy group, worked as a Transaction Research Analyst at Duke Energy, and spent eight years with PwC’s Private Company and Global Capital Markets advisory practices in Los Angeles, Charlotte, and Zurich, Switzerland, notably assisting General Motors through three years of its bankruptcy. Nate holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Southern California. Originally from Wisconsin, he now lives in Miami Beach after relocating from Los Angeles in 2023.

Paul founded Bishop Design in 2004, an award-winning brand with studios in Dubai and Miami.


His most celebrated work spans luxury resorts, lifestyle hotels, fine dining restaurants, and fast-casual concepts. He has collaborated with some of the industry’s most prominent hospitality brands and developers, including Accor, Ennismore, InterContinental Hotels, Mocca Group, Major Food Group, and Sault Hospitality.


In 2021, Paul expanded into the Americas, establishing a new studio in Miami’s Ironside district. This move has led to several high-profile projects, including Sereia, a modern, seafood-forward restaurant in Miami’s Coconut Grove in collaboration with two-Michelin-starred chef Henrique Sá Pessoa; MIKA, a concept created with Mocca Group and six-Michelin-starred chef Michael White; and Carbone Vino, developed with Major Food Group.


Paul is also the co-founder of Custard, a dynamic hospitality firm focused on concept ideation, operations, and strategy.

Sabine Grimes, Founder and Principal of Unison Group is a proven thought leader in shaping the future of spatial and human-centered design, steering a myriad of multifaceted development projects internationally. Sabine’s deep fascination with the multi-dimensional aspects of art and culture informs her progressive vision. Her studio excels in creating innovative environments, from luxury hotels and branded residences to retail explorations. Her creative abilities surpass the field of interior design

through her commitment to innovation, she strives to enhance and advance every realm she engages with. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, she continually redefines industry standards by perpetually transcending the limits of possibility and exploring new curiosities.

Sarah Hartman is Vice President of Design for Sandals and Beaches Resorts.

Sarah was born in Melbourne Australia and has lived throughout Japan, Holland, South Africa, and finally settling in New York for University at Parsons School of Design.  Sarah relocated to Miami, Florida after graduation, enjoying high end residential design and retail design, seeing planes fly overhead and getting the travel bug again. 

Sarah interviewed with a small office for Sandals and Beaches Resorts and never looked back.  She has been with the in house design team, in the capacity of interior designer when the office was brand new, and today 30 years later as Vice President of Design for the chain, managing an office of thirty people. 

Sarah lives in Pinecrest, with her husband, two daughters, two dogs and a cat.  Sarah’s mantra is to enjoy life, every day to the fullest, travel anywhere.

Throughout his career, Sherif Ayad has developed retail, hospitality, multifamily, entertainment and mixed-use projects that yield the highest profit for investors by simply addressing and exceeding the expectations of today’s consumers. His attention to detail and focus on pragmatic design solutions have been his trademark for design excellence and client representation in all aspects of commercial projects. Sherif Ayad has been recognized in the Commercial Interior Design profession for outstanding design Projects by numerous design books, magazine publications and national design awards. Since 1979, Sherif has been responsible for hundreds of successful projects within the US and internationally. He has worked with some of the most renowned retailers and commercial developers around the world, gaining him a wealth of design knowledge and experience.

 Stefan Bez is speaking at Hotel & Resort Design South, their full bio will be available shortly.

“I think everyone should remember whenever you see a successful Interior design, someone once made courageous and brilliant decisions.”- Tatiana Sheveleva

Born and raised in Kazakhstan, Tatiana Sheveleva has always believed in following her dreams and trusting in her talent. From the beginning of her career as an international Designer, she has been actively involved in large-scale projects with Five-Star Hotel Brands such as Park Hyatt, Andaz Hyatt, The Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, Baccarat, The St. Regis, and Intercontinental, to name a few. Tatiana leads her teams with the same drive and determination that led her to where she is today. Crediting inspiration from her heritage, Tatiana invokes a uniquely luxurious, crafty, and sharp approach. Her work transcends expectations and challenges convention, resulting in timeless spaces that leave a lasting impression.

In the realm of high-end design, where aesthetics and functionality dance in perfect harmony, Chapi Design Inc. has carved a distinct niche for itself. Specializing in luxury projects across the globe, Tatiana and her dynamic team have consistently pushed the boundaries of creativity, earning them a reputation for excellence and innovation. Their commitment to crafting extraordinary spaces is not just a claim

it’s a testament substantiated by a staggering seven prestigious awards garnered in the past three years.

The impressive list of awards includes:

• Gold Key Award

• Ahead Award

• Stella Award

• IDA Gold Award

• Luxury Hospitality Award

• International Hospitality Award Winner

• BLT Award

These accolades reflect not only the firm’s creative prowess but also its ability to understand and translate the unique vision of each client into tangible form.

A 40-year hotel veteran, Tom came to Mainsail in 2012 as the opening General Manager of the Epicurean Hotel Tampa and was instrumental in curating the Epicurean experience. Five years into his tenure with the company, Tom was promoted to Vice President of Operations where he was responsible for operational oversite for open and future hotel projects. Since then, Mainsail has opened 8 additional lifestyle hotels for a total of 13 total operating hotels and is currently working with the team on the development of several more.

Tom came to the Mainsail from the Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando, where he worked for nine years, most recently as the Executive Assistant Manager at the 750-room Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. Prior to Loews, Tom began his career with Hyatt Hotels, starting with the Hyatt Regency New Orleans. His 20-year stint with Hyatt eventually brought Tom to Tampa to work at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay and the Hyatt Regency Tampa.

A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Tom is originally from Morristown in upstate New York.

Tom is credited with successfully opening the first new build Autograph Collection hotel in the United States. He takes great delight in proving that hotels can provide a food and beverage experience that feels more like an independent chef driven restaurant than what hotels have been reduced to in the last few decades. He also enjoys implementing innovative concepts throughout the operation that helps to set Mainsail Hotels apart from the pack.

As President of Design Poole, Trisha leads a studio based in Winter Park, Florida with a studio in Toronto, Canada. Her experience in architecture, interior design and graphic design enhances the team’s design vision for every detail of the project telling a story through thoughtful, interpretive design. With passion for excellence and extraordinary experiences she inspires the team’s award-winning upscale hospitality portfolio of large resorts, hotels, vacation ownership and multifamily projects. With more than 3 decades of experience Trisha brings focus to the business objectives while balancing the creation of unexpected design.

Trisha is active within the industry as a speaker and judge with regional and international trade fairs and conferences. She has been involved with NEWH Inc. since 1989 and through her passion for giving back to the industry she has created international programs and initiatives that support the industry and students pursuing careers in hospitality.

Founder – LOTTA Strategic Hospitality

Vito Lotta is a hospitality design strategist and client advisor, specializing in aligning investment objectives with guest-centric, brand-driven solutions. As the founder of LOTTA Strategic Hospitality, he partners with owners, developers, operators, and creative teams to maximize the potential of hotel assets through strategic clarity and seamless collaboration.

With over 30 years of industry leadership—including 15 years as Vice President of Architecture & Design at Hilton—Vito has shaped global hospitality brands, balancing visionary design with operational and financial realities. His expertise in brand creation, market positioning, and cost-effective design execution ensures projects deliver lasting value.

A licensed architect and respected industry thought leader, Vito has led teams at Hilton, Gensler, and Gettys. He continues to influence the future of hospitality through advisory roles, speaking engagements, and design juries, driving innovative, guest-focused solutions that support both brand ethos and business success.