Friedman presented a hospitality and lending market outlook, covering capital flows, deal activity and investment prospects for 2026. He said that moderating ADRs and tighter capital markets, combined with limited new supply and expected rate easing, could drive investment momentum next year.
John Lancet, HVS senior managing director, presented a Florida Hospitality Market Outlook, outlining valuation trends and transaction insights. The event included a conversation with Patel, moderated by Friedman, on Vision Hospitality’s history, investment strategy and the evolving relationship between hotel owners and brands.
Fireside conversations featured Ballotti and Sam Nazarian, SBE Entertainment Group’s CEO, discussing guest trends, soft brands, AI efficiency and brand innovation, including Wyndham’s Dazzler Select and Echo. A session moderated by Adil Kabani explored traveler behavior and brand collaboration.
The 2025 Hotel Industry Panel, “Adapting, Operating and Growing in a Transforming Hospitality Market,” included Zack Gharib of Red Roof; Kamalesh “KP” Patel of AAHOA; Allie Neary of BWH Hotels & Resorts; Brian Waldman of Peachtree Group; Robert Scribner of Choice Hotels International; Azim Saju of Ark Holdings; Sonia Egyhazy of Accor Ltd and Nilesh Patel of MW Law, moderated by Suraj Dalal of Kabani Hotel Group. The panel discussed AI adoption, market outlook, conversions, interest rates and owner–brand collaboration.
Kabani Hotel Group is led by founder and CEO Ahmed Kabani, former head of Marcus & Millichap’s national hospitality group. He launched the company with partners Luis Garino, Suraj Dalal, Kian McLean and Lucas Mondino.
“As this year’s sold-out Forum concludes, we’re proud of the relationships, insights and opportunities it generated,” Kabani said. “We look forward to welcoming the industry back to Miami for our 10th Annual Forum in 2026.”
In 2024, Kabani hosted its 8th Annual Hotel Investment Forum at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami on Oct. 24 under the theme “The Time Is Now,” featuring panels, sessions and networking for industry connections.
