The Independent Lodging Congress (ILC) in New York is less than a month away! I’m excited to be a media sponsor for this event to connect with fellow industry pros and gain insight to the latest hotel trends in 2017.

Here’s a sneak peak at some of these trends:

If you missed my interview with ILC’s President & Chairman, Andrew Benioff, a few weeks ago, be sure to check it out to learn more about this event and what differentiates it from other hospitality industry events.

To sum it up: ILC is a place of discovery, collaboration, and idea generation for owners and operators of independent hotels. Through three days of meaningful and relevant panels, deep dive breakouts, and of course, great food and beverage, they strive to connect visionaries and thought leaders inside (and outside) the independent lodging sector for the betterment of our industry and the guests they serve.

Now entering its 5th year, ILC 2017 will take place October 4-6 at the William Vale Hotel in Brooklyn, one of the most instagrammable hotels around. The property has a strong sense of community as it often hosts pop-up markets and open-to-the-public events (think yoga on the roof). ILC deeply identified with the hotel’s comradeship.

This year, they’re incorporating several elements:

• ILC Town Hall. There’s a reason this is called a Congress and NOT a conference. The Town Hall will cover a topic chosen by attendees. How? You can submit your brilliant (and hopefully controversial) topics related to indie hotels and hospitality while registering. The sooner you do, the more likely your topic will get taken to the stage.
• INDIEtalks. Last year, ILC debuted an INDIEtalk series where some amazing orators spewed their knowledge and left folks inspired.
• Roudtable. On Wednesday (Oct 4) afternoon, you’ll have the chance to chit-chat with some industry trailblazers. You know, the guys who are usually too busy to reply to your emails.
• Health. Last year we had an awesome Community Bike Ride. This year, there’s yoga on the roof. Namaste?

Of course, there will be a variety of panels and break-out sessions as well.

One thing I appreciate about this event is the diversity of happenings surrounding it. A huge part of the Independent Lodging Congress has to do with giving back. That’s why each year, they hold their annual Auction in honor of Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence Region.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence Region is the 3rd largest BBBS region in the nation with 1200 kids currently waiting to be paired up with their perfect Big. It costs $1500 a year to support one kid in making a match, so every dollar counts.

As a Big Sister myself with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County, I appreciate this cause. While auction bidding takes place at ILC itself, some travel bundles available this year are available for review before the show.

Each year, ILC also holds their riveting INDIE Awards in which the public nominates and votes for winners in 4 different categories. The four INDIE Award recipients will receive recognition and an award at this year’s Congress.

Anyone interested in 2017 hotel trends and connecting with independent hotel leaders would be remiss to not consider this event. Let me know if you’ll be attending! If you haven’t registered yet, use promo code SH15 for 15% off!