PHOENIX, Ariz., July 27, 2026 — Harry Javer, Producer and Founder of The Lodging Conference, one of the industry’s leading events for Hotel Owners, CEOs and Deal Makers, announced today that Liam Brown, 2026 Chair of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) Board of Directors and former Group President, U.S. and Canada, Marriott International, will be recognized as the recipient of the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award at The Lodging Conference on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
The prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an individual who has provided outstanding, life-long contributions to the hospitality industry. Past recipients include Minaz Abji, Executive Vice President, Host Hotels & Resorts; Jack DeBoer, Chairman, Value Place; Tom Corcoran, President & CEO, TCOR Hotel Partners; Patrick H. Ford, Chairman, CEO and Founder, Lodging Econometrics and New England Hotel Realty; John Q. Hammons, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts; Michael Leven, Former President of Holiday Inn worldwide; Joe McInerney, President & CEO, McInerney Hospitality International; Gary Mendell, CEO & Founder, Shatterproof; Leland C. Pillsbury, Co-Chairman & CEO, Thayer Lodging Group; Hasmukh (H.P.) Rama, CEO & Chairman of the Board, JHM Hotels; Randy Smith, Chairman and Founder, STR; Arne Sorenson, President & CEO, Marriott International; Jonathan M. Tisch, Co-Chairman of the Board and a member of the Office of the President of Loews Corporation, and Chairman and CEO of its subsidiary, Loews Hotels & Co.
Mr. Brown began his career with Marriott International in 1989. He served in multiple General Manager and regional positions across Marriott’s brand portfolio from 1989 until 1999. From 1999 to 2018, he held various corporate positions including EVP Development for Select Service & Extended Stay lodging products, and as President for Franchising, Owner Services and MxM Select Brands, North America. In January 2019, Mr. Brown moved to London to serve as President & Managing Director, Europe; soon after, the Middle East and Africa were added to his responsibilities. Since 2021, Mr. Brown has served as Group President for U.S. and Canada, overseeing Marriott’s portfolio across thousands of hotels. He stepped down from his role as Group President in March 2026 and will retire from the company this month.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to be a recipient of the Lodging Conference’s Lifetime Achievement Award,” said Mr. Brown. “It’s a distinct privilege given past honorees who have done so much for the hospitality industry.”
“The Above and Beyond Lifetime Achievement Award has always recognized more than professional success,” said Harry Javer, Founder and Producer of The Loding Conference. “It honors individuals whose leadership has strengthened our industry and whose character has inspired the people around them. Liam exemplifies those qualities. Throughout his remarkable career, owners knew he would listen, associates knew that he genuinely cared. As Liam often says, ‘It’s always been about the people.’ No one has lived that philosophy more authentically than Liam Brown.”
About The Lodging Conference
Featuring a high-powered roster of 150+ industry experts and an audience of 3,000+ Hotel Owners, CEO’s and Deal Makers, the 31st Annual Lodging Conference will take place October 5-8, 2026 at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Arizona. The event will feature great networking, wonderful food, fun events and thought-provoking sessions focusing on critical industry trends in finance, development, ownership, management, operational, design and franchise strategies. For more information or to register, please visit www.LodgingConference.com.
Please Direct Press Inquiries to:
Linda Chelmow
linda@lodgingconference.com
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