Brad Wilson (Chair)
CEO & Co-Partner - Ace Hotel Group & Atelier AceBrad Wilson is Managing Partner of Ace Hotel Group and the brand’s in-house creative agency Atelier
Ace, where he oversees growth and operations, develops new hotels and collaborative projects, and
leads operational and creative teams. After attending Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration,
Brad first honed his skills at major hospitality brands like Hilton International, Park Hyatt and Westin. He
launched the first W Hotel and helped to guide the Starwood brand’s early days, rising to Vice President
of Operations for W Worldwide. Directly prior to helming Ace Hotel, Brad helped build James Hotels from
the ground up, serving as CEO.
Alison Chi
Owner & Principal Consultant - Alison Chi & Company | Owner, Director of Development & Creative Director - tonychiAlison Chi is a design and development consultant with over 15 years of experience shaping thoughtful hospitality and residential experiences that connect culture, craft, and community.
She is the second-generation owner and Creative Director of tonychi, the globally renowned design studio founded by her parents, and the founder of Alison Chi and Company (ACC), a consultancy focused on wellness-driven, story-rich environments.
Educated in Paris and New York, Alison holds a Master’s in Real Estate Development & Hospitality from NYU and brings a holistic background spanning branding, creative direction, and concept development.
She works closely with Owners and Designers to create soulful developments—from Rosewood Hong Kong and The Newbury Boston to The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore.
Together with her partner, Dr. Bueno del Bosque, Alison is currently leading the next evolution of tonychi with a focus on tonychi Home and tonychi Hotels. Chi and Dr. Bueno del Bosque currently reside between New York City and San Francisco.
Amy Jakubowski
Principal & Managing Director - Pierre-Yves Rochon (PYR)Amy's enthusiasm for design is only matched by her passion for adventure and eagerness to inspire those around her. An award-winning hospitality design executive with nearly 30 years of experience, Amy developed her energetic leadership style while rising through highly-regarded design firms, including Wilson Associates, Puccini Group, BBGM, and JDA Associates. Attentive to client needs, Amy nurtures and invests in her client partnerships to ensure they yield success.
Having managed annual design revenues in excess of $10M and construction project budgets ranging from $25M to $500M, she has the experience, adaptable skills, and advanced understanding of process and prioritization to lead high-profile, complex design projects. Her diverse style is visible in signature properties across the globe, including The Intercontinental Barclay, Viceroy Morocco, and the branded triplex suites at The Lotte New York Palace Hotel.
While building an extensive portfolio, which includes mixed-use developments, hotel repositioning and renovation, new builds, restaurants, residential, retail, spa, gaming, corporate offices, and showrooms, as well as the development of brand prototypes and guidelines, Amy has partnered with global brands, such as IHG, Marriott, Hyatt, and Hilton, to name a few.
Named one of the Top 30 Influential Women in Hospitality and a recipient of a Gold Key Award, the hospitality and design communities have recognised Amy’s hospitality design and leadership acumen on multiple occasions.
Amy's exuberant personality has allowed her to cultivate meaningful relationships across the hospitality industry. She's an active member of ISHC, IIDA, and NEWH. She has presented at various conferences, including the LA Tourism Market Outlook Forum, HD Expo, ALIS, and BDNY. And multiple publications, such as Hotel News Now, Interior Design, and Boutique Design, have showcased her thoughts in print and online.
Outside of the design studio, Amy pours her excitement and enthusiasm into exploring what the world has to offer. With a minor in Photography, she loves capturing moments through her camera lens. She also spends her free time listening to live music, exercising, cooking, knitting, reading, and gathering with friends. But when she needs an adrenaline boost, she glides down ski slopes and soars through the sky as an experienced skydiver.
Amy is a Licensed Interior Designer in New York (#000280) and Nevada (#119-ID) and holds NCIDQ certification #0020425. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, she has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design.
Anwar Mekhayech
Co-founder - DesignAgencyAnwar Mekhayech co-founded DesignAgency with partners Allen Chan and Matt Davis in Toronto, Canada in 1998. Since then, DesignAgency has grown to become an award-winning international design studio that unites interior design, architectural and landscape concept, strategic branding and visual communications. With studios in Toronto, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and Barcelona, DesignAgency has a global reputation for creating exceptional environments and brands.
Recognised as an industry leader, Anwar has a sharp understanding of the vital role design plays in creating business success for clients. His international perspectives and expertise across strategy, concept development, design, art, and technology have guided DesignAgency’s growth to encompass multiple disciplines and helped establish its international presence. His studies in engineering and interest in travel and culture feed a passion for design and inspire his continued exploration of the ways design shapes the way we live, work, and enjoy the world.
Anwar has been instrumental in the creation of immersive environments and brand-defining experiences for visionary clients, including Four Seasons Hotels, Momofuku, NeueHouse, Generator, SBE, Pendry & Montage Hotels, Scotiabank Arena, The Drake Hotel and more.
Ayesha Khan
VP, Design, Hospitality - Brookfield PropertiesA prolific Sleeper contributor for over seven years, Ayesha is also VP of Design for Brookfield Properties’ hospitality division. As the daughter of a diplomat, Ayesha grew up in hotels and her earliest memories are of making her family members ‘check in’ to her make-believe ‘hotels.’ She has worked and lived in Dubai, Kuala Lumpur and Saudi Arabia, and now calls New York home.
Brad Zuger
Partner & Studio Leader – Rockwell GroupBrad Zuger, AIA is a Partner and Studio Leader at Rockwell Group with more than 15 years of experience in creating innovative design concepts for a broad range of typologies and scales. His rigorous, narrative-driven approach to architecture and design results in spaces that prompt curiosity and encourage connections between people.
Brad’s notable recent and current projects include COQODAQ (New York); COTE Las Vegas; Seahorse at W New York – Union Square; 550 Madison; Le Specialita (Miami); JEM (Miami); Williamsburg Wharf; Moxy East Village, including Cathédrale and Little Sister; and Fleur Bar at Moxy Chelsea; Moxy South Beach; and 15 Hudson Yards. His clients include Gracious Hospitality, Marriott International (EDITION, W Hotels, Moxy), Marina Bay Sands, The Ned, Dorsia, Hyatt Hotels, Mercer Street Hospitality, Related Companies, Lightstone Group, and Naftali Group. Brad received his Master of Architecture from the University of Southern California.
Francisco Lopez Cordoba
VP, Creative & Design Services (Global) – Four Seasons Hotels & ResortsFrancisco Lopez Cordoba has over 24 years’ experience in architecture and interior design, with a special focus in luxury hospitality and residential. Fran joined Four Seasons in 2023 an integral member of the Design Services team, providing functional leadership to regional Interior Design teams in the development of new and existing properties. In doing this, Fran supported the delivery of best-in-class designs across the entire Four Seasons portfolio. In addition to Interior Design, he also supported the Operations teams as well as Capital Planning to establish renovation scopes and help enhance properties globally.
In 2025 Fran was promoted to Vice President Creative Global. In this new role he will drive innovative design initiatives to enhance guest experiences and strengthen FS properties as industry leaders. He will be responsible for developing a visionary design strategy, from architecture to product. Fostering creative partnerships, and spearheading product innovation to shape the future of hospitality design.
Huxley Hogeboom
EVP, Design & Development – LEFT LANE DevelopmentHuxley leads design and development for all LEFT LANE projects and helped create the new luxury hospitality brand BARDO, which debuted in Savannah last year, and the upcoming RECESS lifestyle hospitality brand launching next year. LEFT LANE is developing hotel and multi-family projects in Savannah, Memphis, Pittsburgh, Providence, Phoenix, and Bozeman.
Huxley is an architect with over 20 years in the industry and was part of the founding executive team at Equinox Hotels, leading technical services with Related Companies and opening the first Equinox Hotel in Hudson Yards NYC in 2019. He also managed new-build hotel and resort projects at Four Seasons, including projects in Baku, Barbados, Dominican Republic, Tamarindo, Dalian, Qingdao, Suzhou, Seoul, Kyoto, and Tokyo over 9+ years.
Huxley is an International Associate with the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Member of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC), and a registered architect with the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA).
Jennifer Johanson
CEO – EDG Design
Jon Kastl
VP, Global Interior Design - Las Vegas SandsJon Kastl, LEED AP, brings to his role as Vice President of Global Interior Design at Las Vegas Sands, over 30 years of experience in hospitality, restaurant and residential design. Initially joining Marina Bay Sands in 2020, Jon focused on the repositioning of the iconic Marina Bay Sands integrated resort through the implementation of Las Vegas Sands’ initiative of “Design Excellence”. This award-winning repositioning remains ongoing and has established a new benchmark for luxury gaming and guest experiences in Southeast Asia and beyond.
In his new global role Jon remains focused on design leadership and development across all regions including Sands’ expansion plans in Singapore, Macau and the United States.
Prior to joining Sands, Jon was a Partner and Studio Director with Champalimaud Design where he worked on several signature projects including the historic renovation of Raffles Singapore, the relaunch of the iconic Hotel Bel Air, Los Angeles, and the Halekulani Okinawa.
Jon holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Cincinnati’s acclaimed College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning.
Kai Fejer
VP, Design – GencomSpecializing in high-end hospitality design and project management, Kai Fejer has years-long knowledge working in the luxury hospitality space. Throughout her career, Kai has represented internationally acclaimed hospitality brands and real estate developers managing capital projects (renovations and re-positionings) and new builds.
A Cornell University Hotel School alumnus, Kai lived and worked in Eastern Europe for 6 years in the restoration and re-development of the 2nd largest example of art nouveau-secessionist architecture in the world into a five-star luxury hotel. Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, Budapest opened in 2005.
Kai went on to work for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Corporate managing Design and Innovation for the Americas. During her last three years with Four Seasons, Kai authored and curated through imagery, the personality, sensory experience and ultimate design concept for all new Four Seasons hotels and resorts worldwide.
Kai joined Gencom as Vice President of Design late last year and currently oversees projects on Peninsula Papagayo in Costa Rica including Four Seasons and Andaz hotels and private residences as well as the imminent renovation and re-positioning of Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne in Miami.
Kimberly Jackson
Managing Director & Associate Principal - AvroKO (Miami)Kimberly Jackson is an associate principal at AvroKO and serves as the managing director for
AvroKO’s Miami studio. In her role as both manager and mentor, she leads AvroKO’s
multidisciplinary teams throughout the life of a project—from concept & design through
construction administration.
Kimberly has spent over 25 years managing projects at all scales. She brings design projects to life by developing strong relationships between AvroKO and the larger project team of owners, consultants, vendors, and contractors.
Prior to her work at AvroKO, Kimberly was responsible for architectural design in a variety of typologies including hospitality, retail, residential, and corporate interiors. She developed and maintained design and documentation standards for multiple international brands. She’s also designed furniture, textiles, fixtures, and lighting products for national and international retailers.
Kimberly studied architecture and visual arts at MIT, minoring in Music, and holds a graduate degree in architecture from Georgia Tech. She is a registered architect and a founding board member of the Hospitality Diversity Action Council. Previously, she served on the AIANY Diversity + Inclusion Council and was a core organizer for the Design as Protest collective.
Kristen Conry
SVP, Global Design – Marriott InternationalKristen is the Senior Vice President of Global Design at Marriott International, where she leads the architectural and design direction for the company’s growing portfolio in the United Sates and Canada. With a focus on innovation and excellence, Kristen empowers her team to shape distinctive experiences and strengthen brand value through thoughtful design and strategy. As trusted collaborators to Marriott owners and project partners, her team plays a vital role in delivering on the promise of Marriott’s 35+ brands
With over 20 years of experience in global hospitality architecture, design, and product development, Kristen has led high-performing teams and award-winning projects. Prior to joining Marriott in 2020, she held leadership positions at top-tier global firms, including Gensler and Hyatt.
Kristen holds a Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management, as well Master of Architecture and Bachelor of Science degrees from the University of Michigan. She actively serves on the board of 826 National, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting youth writing. Kristen resides in Maryland with her husband and their two children.
Meghann Day
President - HBA Americas & Partner - HBA San FranciscoMeghann carries a dual role as HBA’s President of The Americas and Partner at HBA San Francisco. During her 17-plus-year career at HBA, Meghann has been instrumental to the foundational success of HBA San Francisco with her mastery of skill, expertise in design and business management, and convivial nature. Under her leadership, the boutique studio has expanded its reach into Mexico and continues to earn national and international acclaim for its portfolio of work. As President The Americas, Meghann leads nationwide efforts to drive synergistic collaboration and ongoing innovation in design, further strengthen HBA Americas’ brand position globally, and mentor future generations of designers.
Her extensive global design portfolio encompasses five-star hotels & resorts, spas, wineries, luxury residences, and new-build developments. A student of the world, Meghann’s distinct sense of style and design is informed by her intrepid travels and curiosity of culture, which results in poetic spatial experiences that blend form with function. Meghann holds a degree in Interior Design from Kansas State University. She has been named to Boutique Design’s B18 and serves on the Hospitality Design Editorial Advisory Board.
Michael Bodsworth
VP, Design & Development Services – Montage InternationalMichael Bodsworth serves as Vice President, Design & Development Services for Montage International, the parent company for both Montage and Pendry Hotels & Resorts brands. In partnership with Montage’s Global Creative, Architecture & Design, Development Services and Operations teams, Michael facilitates the identification, engagement, and management of design consultants and their deliverables throughout all design phases, construction, and installation.
In this cross-functional role, Michael participates in concept and specification development, budgeting, value engineering efforts, documentation review and approvals, procurement strategy development, fabrication reviews, and final styling of projects. As a leader and contributor to his projects, Michael’s passion and commitment to both brands at Montage International is ensuring all projects are procured and fabricated at the highest quality and lowest total cost, without compromising the design intent of all those who have contributed. Prior to joining Montage International, Michael brings extensive luxury hospitality experience from his tenures at Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Rosewood Hotel Group, and Related Companies / Equinox Hotels and Resorts.
Paul McElroy
EVP, Design & Construction - Highgate Hotels (LUCID)Paul McElroy oversees all aspects of LUCIDs Design and Construction activities across the globe (LUCID is Highgate Hotels in house Design and Construction Division). Prior to joining LUCID, Paul was the Vice President of Design and Construction for Kyo-ya Hotels and Resorts and oversaw all of their portfolio renovations and redevelopments for its Hawaii region properties and The Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Francisco.
Paul began his construction career at Rider Levett Bucknall and during this 11 years with the construction consulting firm, he managed notable construction projects including the ground up construction of the Grand Waikikian by Hilton Grand Vacations Club, restoration of the Hilton Hawaiian Village Lagoon, renovation of The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort and redevelopment of the Sheraton Waikiki.
Over the course of his 25 year career, Paul has worked on projects in excess of $4 billion and is currently responsible for $1 billion in active projects across the LUCID platform. Paul’s leadership philosophy is rooted in methodically building the right teams, creating the right chemistry and environment, and empowering those teams to be the best they can be. Paul’s creative eye is the perfect complement to his core expertise of cost control, risk management and value creation.
A native of Donegal in the northwest region of Ireland, Paul earned a Bachelor Degree with honours in Quantity Surveying from the University of Ulster, Northern Ireland.
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GETTING THERE
We encourage attendees to take public transport if possible. Weylin is located off the Williamsburg Bridge at 175 Broadway – a five-minute walk from Marcy Avenue subway station.
ACCOMMODATION
We recommend the new Moxy Williamsburg – a four-minute walk from Weylin.
