Independent hotel strategies for the events economy By Aaryan Patel and Jin Laxmidas Major events – concerts, festivals, sporting tournaments, conventions, and city-wide activations – can transform a market’s demand curve overnight. For independents, the events economy represents both risk and outsized opportunity. While national brands benefit from centralized sales … [Read more...] about Optimizing Events
Independent Hoteliers
Design as a Differentiator
How independent hotels can stand out through thoughtful design By Aaryan Patel and Jin Laxmidas Independent hoteliers continue to shape the character and diversity of America’s lodging industry. While branded hotels rely on uniformity to reinforce identity and recognition, independent properties have the freedom – and the opportunity – to distinguish themselves through … [Read more...] about Design as a Differentiator
The Power of Place
A hyper-local strategy gives independent hotels a competitive edge By Aaryan Patel and Jin Laxmidas Independent hotels continue to represent one of the most agile segments of the lodging industry. Their ability to adapt quickly to shifting guest expectations remains a core advantage, particularly as travelers increasingly seek authentic, community-rooted experiences … [Read more...] about The Power of Place
A Ripple Effect
Sumit Dalwadi's philanthropy reverberates locally and globally By Cathleen Draper When Sumit Dalwadi visited his grandmother at her home in India as a child, he witnessed something remarkable. Often, people knocked on his grandmother’s door, seeking something to eat. She’d do more than serve them leftovers from the previous day. Instead, she’d prepare them a fresh, hot … [Read more...] about A Ripple Effect
The Declarations of Independents
Building and communicating a brand beyond the visual By A.D. Thompson Coca-Cola ties itself to nostalgia, simplicity, happiness. Apple, meanwhile, remains something of a status symbol, its cutting-edge rep still inspires loyalty that has fans lining up on new product release day. Patagonia lives and breathes sustainability, appealing to the environmentally minded. … [Read more...] about The Declarations of Independents