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George Seli

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  • 4 min

RI Marketplace Reports 40% Increase in Hotel Transactions, Expects to Reach $1 Billion in Asset Sales in 2026

📈 RI Marketplace was founded in 2017 as an online commercial real estate auction platform, notably growing 40% in hospitality transactions from 2024 to 2025. At the 2026 Hunter Hotel Investment Conference in Atlanta, Damien Smoter highlighted their distinct marketing and underwriting strategies. In 2025, RI Marketplace sold 48 hotels worth over $250 million, with an average of 15 bidders per hotel. They aim for $1 billion in asset sales this year, already reaching over $400 million.
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Maribeth Bisienere Celebrates 30 Years at Disney, Promotes Women's Leadership and Diversity Initiatives in Hospitality

🏖️ Maribeth Bisienere marked 30 years at The Walt Disney Company in August. She oversees 33 Walt Disney World Resort hotels. Approximately 80,000 employees work at Disney World, with 1 in 32 Florida jobs tied to Disney. More than 8,000 cast members are enrolled in Disney Aspire, the education program. In the past five years, over 3,700 staff were promoted from hourly to salaried roles. Disney emphasizes diversity, with many initiatives supporting women and minorities in leadership.
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  • 3 min

Groupe GM and ADA Cosmetics Lead Sustainable Personal Care Revolution in Hospitality with Eco-Friendly and Custom Formulations

🛌 Groupe GM and ADA Cosmetics innovate hotel amenities with eco-friendly products, ensuring up to 99% natural ingredients and eliminating harmful substances. Midscale hotels prioritize reliability, modern packaging, and efficiency, while luxury segments focus on individuality and sensory distinction. Sustainable practices include refillable solutions and plastic-free accessories like bamboo combs. ADA emphasizes bespoke experiences through curated scent workshops and personalized branding. These initiatives cater to eco-conscious travelers, enhancing guest experiences and reducing environmental impact.
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AI-Powered Revenue Management Systems Enhance Hotel Profitability by Streamlining Group Sales and Decision-Making Processes

💻 AI is enhancing hotel operations through advanced Revenue Management Systems (RMS). 🌍 Maricarmen Cadenas of IDeaS Revenue Solutions highlighted its advantages, including significant time savings, error reduction, and the use of wide-ranging data sources. For instance, AI can instantly compare booking patterns to maximize profit. By dynamically assessing bookings, AI helps inform sales strategies, optimizing the mix of group and transient business to boost profitability and ensure effective utilization of event space.
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  • 4 min

Carlos Rodriguez Jr. Named CEO of Driftwood Capital as Company Expands Luxury and International Ventures with $3.5 Billion Assets Under Management

🏨 On January 22, Driftwood Capital appointed Carlos Rodriguez Jr. as CEO, succeeding Carlos Rodriguez Sr., who became executive chairman. Since co-founding in 2015, the duo grew Driftwood to manage $3.5 billion in assets and 90 hotels. In 2025, they restructured for growth and launched a luxury division. Targeting international expansion, they aim for Costa Rica, Mexico, and the Caribbean, enhancing cost-effective renovations and leveraging financing capabilities. The company scaled from a $50 million to a $2.5 billion GP fund.
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  • 3 min

Hunter Conference Panel Highlights Importance of Human Capital and Entrepreneurial Spirit in Overcoming Hospitality Challenges

🏨 March 17, the Hunter Conference hosted a panel with leaders like Alpesh Patel, Bo Patel, Mitch Patel, and Azim Saju. They discussed strategies for navigating profit pressure in the hospitality industry, emphasizing human capital. Examples showcased career advancement, such as a housekeeper becoming a General Manager since 2017. Mitch Patel noted rising hotel investments, with 89 hotels developed between 2011-2014. Construction costs remain high but are stabilizing, offering new opportunities. Entrepreneurs must embrace calculated risks for growth.
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  • 4 min

Hunter Conference 2024 Highlights Favorable Market for Hotel Buyers Amidst Macroeconomic Uncertainty and Projected 0.6% RevPAR Growth

📈 On March 16, the Hunter Conference, now in its 37th year, was held at the Signia by Hilton Atlanta. The event, hosted by Teague and Lee Hunter, provided a platform for hotel industry networking and learning amid macroeconomic challenges such as stock market volatility and tariffs. The panelists discussed a 15% increase in transaction volume from last year. Despite a projected 0.6% RevPAR growth, the market offers a “phenomenal buying opportunity” due to low capital costs and private equity interest.
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  • 4 min

New Perspective: Thom Geshay Brings Management Expertise to His Role as AHLA Vice Chair

🏨 Thom Geshay, CEO of Davidson Hospitality Group since 1988, shares insights on hospitality trends and his role with AHLA. He highlights a divergence in industry performance across segments and emphasizes sustainability. Davidson focuses on specialized, full-service properties. AHLA's advocacy will gain momentum with events like the 2026 World Cup. Geshay’s leadership principles include passion, inclusivity, and risk-taking. His outlook for the industry is optimistic, with major events set to boost engagement and economic impact.
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