/ Miami

Amanda Reuss

Senior Director of Digital Marketing
Peregrine Hospitality

Amanda’s role at Peregrine Hospitality sits at the intersection of brand storytelling and revenue generation, overseeing digital strategy across a diverse portfolio of independent hotels and resorts. Deeply invested in the full guest journey, Amanda champions the use of data and technology behind the scenes to protect and elevate high-touch, personalized experiences luxury boutique guests expect from their first online interaction. Her background centers on tech stack optimization and full-funnel digital execution, proving that independent operators can leverage modern infrastructure to drive direct bookings without diluting brand authenticity.

Bashar Wali

Founder & CEO
This Assembly

Bashar Wali is a founder, father, and hotel fanatic—a pragmatist hungry to experience life not as it’s packaged, but as it is. As founder and CEO of This Assembly and Practice Hospitality, he draws on a 30-year career in hospitality, known for his philosopher-meets-hotelier approach to pushing limits in the lifestyle space. He’s done every job in a hotel, from frying an egg to negotiating a deal, working at Starwood Hotels, leading global acquisitions at Grand Heritage Hotels, and serving 15 years as President/CEO of Provenance Hotels, growing it from five to 15 properties and into a national, award-winning brand. Bashar’s message is unwavering: service is what you deliver, hospitality is how you make people feel. He’s the consummate Host of the Soirée, ever in pursuit of a shared humanity among friends, colleagues, and strangers. He lives in Portland, Oregon with his wife and kids.

Colin Whitney

VP of Flexibility
HTS (Hopper Technology Solutions)

Colin Whitney is VP of Product, Flexibility at HTS (Hopper Technology Solutions), where he leads product and revenue strategy for HTS’ flexibility offerings, including Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) for airlines and hotels. Colin has spent 7+ years at the company, where he has worked on developing HTS’ flexibility products and leading global partnerships with leading travel brands and financial institutions.

Emma Hind

Director, Customer Success Operations
Cloudbeds

Gautam Sharma

President
Global Vision Hotels

Gautam Sharma is the President of Global Vision Hotels, where he leads the company’s strategic growth, hotel development, and operational excellence. He has played a key role in the expansion and development of the enVision Hotels brand, successfully repositioning properties, enhancing guest experiences, and driving revenue growth across the portfolio. With extensive expertise in hotel operations, sales, and asset optimization, Gautam is dedicated to creating long-term value for owners, investors, and associates. His leadership emphasizes innovation, quality, and sustainable growth, establishing Global Vision Hotels as a respected leader in hotel ownership, development, and management.

Josh Graham

Head of Market Development
Cloudbeds

Mandy Murry

Founder
Murry Hotel Advisory & Stewardship

Mandy Murry leads Murry Hotel Advisory & Stewardship and serves independent hotels as a fractional COO and CMO. She fixes revenue leaks, tightens operations, sharpens brand, and upgrades guest experience with operator-level discipline. She has owned a boutique hotel, run the floor as a GM, and led from the kitchen as an Executive Chef. A three-time cancer survivor, she brings humanity, clarity, and real authority to every room she touches.

Marie-Pier Germain

Co-President
Germain Hotels

A committed leader and accomplished executive, Marie Pier Germain is one of the most dynamic figures in Canada’s independent hotel industry. Representing the third generation at the helm of Germain Hotels, she brings a contemporary, people-focused vision deeply rooted in Canadian values. For nearly 20 years, she has played a key role in the group’s growth, which now includes 20 hotels, 15 restaurants, and three distinct banners. She leads digital strategy, guest experience, employer brand positioning, and IT development, while also contributing to the design and launch of new properties. With a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Queen’s University and an EMBA from McGill–HEC, she serves on the board of the Canada Council for the Arts, and l’Alliance de l’industrie touristique du Québec. A mother of three, she is passionate about human connections, women’s leadership, and passing on the spirit of hospitality to the next generation.

Marta Penda

Head of Sales
Cloudbeds

Nancy Huang

VP of Marketing
Cloudbeds

Pritesh Patel

Owner
Hotel Pommier

Pritesh is Owner and Chief Operator of Hotel Pommier, an Iowa based independent boutique hotel brand. A former PwC consultant, Pritesh made waves on social media by walking away from legacy franchise agreements to prove that independent community minded hotels can outperform global brands in regional markets. He has transformed a portfolio of economy franchise properties into modern and thriving locations. Featured in Skift as part of the “unflagging” movement, Pritesh is passionate about the intersection of hospitality technology, independent branding, and community focus.

Rafael Blanes

Chief Growth Officer
Cloudbeds

Richard Castle

Co-Founder & COO
Cloudbeds

Richard Castle is the co-founder and COO of Cloudbeds, the intelligent unified platform powering hotel growth worldwide. Under his purpose-driven leadership, Cloudbeds has grown into a company that has generated billions of dollars in revenue for thousands of properties alongside a fully-remote, distributed workforce of 650+ people in more than 40 countries. Together with his co-founder, Adam Harris, they have amassed awards for culture, product, and innovation including Forbes’ America’s Best Startup Employers, Inc’s Best Workplaces, and EY Entrepreneur of the Year.

Sebastien Leitner

VP of Partnerships
Cloudbeds

Sebastien Leitner, VP of Partnerships at Cloudbeds, heads up global partnerships and industry relations. Sebastien’s team partners with solution providers, associations, educational institutions, and major distribution partners to complement and enhance Cloudbeds’ value proposition. Prior to Cloudbeds, Sebastien worked at Expedia in various roles managing Expedia’s lodging connectivity solutions. After studying Hotel Management and Business Administration in Germany, Sebastien started his career in hospitality working for Le Meridien Hotels and Swissotel in Europe. Sebastien has been a board member of HEDNA since January 2014 and currently serves as President.

Sanjay Patel

Owner Operator
Wildwood Inn

A first-generation hotelier in the United States, Sanjay Patel entered the hospitality industry in the early 1990s and purchased his first hotel in 1992. Over the past three decades, he has built a successful career owning, operating, and repositioning both branded and independent hotels. His hands-on approach has given him extensive expertise in hotel operations, revenue management, guest experience, marketing, and asset optimization. Sanjay has successfully navigated changing market conditions, economic cycles, and evolving traveler expectations while consistently focusing on profitability and long-term growth. Known for his entrepreneurial mindset and operational excellence, he has developed a reputation for transforming underperforming properties into thriving businesses. Today, he continues to invest in the hospitality industry, mentor future hoteliers, and share practical insights gained from more than 30 years of real-world experience, believing that hard work, adaptability, and exceptional service are the foundation of lasting success.

Vipul Dayal

President
VNR MGMT, LLC

Vipul Dayal is President and CEO of VNR Management and General Manager of Hotel 1550 SFO Airport, where he leads hotel operations, revenue strategy, and business development. A recognized leader in the hospitality industry, Vipul serves on the California Hotel & Lodging Association Board of Directors and has held leadership roles with AAHOA, including chairing its Independent Hoteliers Committee. He is passionate about helping independent hotels compete through innovation, technology, and operational excellence while mentoring fellow entrepreneurs. His work is driven by a commitment to building lasting businesses, developing strong teams, and creating a meaningful impact in both hospitality and education.