On October 16, 2019, the Cornell Hotel Society’s New England Chapter partnered with Boston University’s School of Hospitality Administration to present the ninth annual Boston Lodging Pulse. Designed to provide forward-looking insight on the latest national and local market industry forecasts and create an interactive discussion amongst professionals in the hospitality industry, the event has drawn a growing crowd year after year. Rachel Roginsky ’79, Principal of Pinnacle Advisory Group, provided the “pulse” portion of the program featuring an outlook on the National and local Boston lodging markets, exploring trends in both revenue and expenses.

Moderated by Harry Wheeler, Principal of Group One Partners, this year’s panel discussion focused on hospitality design, providing insight on recent trends, their impact on travel, and the brands role in design. Panelists included Stephen Kallaher, Vice President, Corporate Development, Hyatt Hotels and Amber Woody, Director of Interior Design, Upscale Brands, Choice Hotels, and Lisa MacGillivray, Executive Vice President, Hospitality, marlo marketing. The panelists’ different backgrounds provided attendees with an interesting conversation touching on the brands departure from prototypical designs, ways to deliver for the next generation of travelers, how to provide that Instagram moment, and the best ways to incorporate a hotel’s design in the property’s story and messaging. Panelists also shared their development and opening experiences with some of Boston’s newest and upcoming hotels including the Cambria Boston Downtown, the Hyatt Place Boston Seaport, and the Moxy in Boston’s Theater District.

As a result of the event’s sold out attendance and the generosity of the event’s Title Sponsor, Group One Partners, the 2019 Boston Lodging Pulse raised over $3,000 for both the local chapter’s scholarship fund and Boston University’s School of Hotel Administration.