Kabani Hotel Group concluded its 9th Annual Hotel Investment Forum at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami, welcoming more than 300 hotel owners, investors, developers, lenders and executives for a full day of leadership, insight, and collaboration shaping the future of hospitality.
The day opened with Greg Friedman, CEO of Peachtree Group, presenting hospitality outlook and lending market update, with perspective on capital flows, deal activity and investment opportunities heading into 2026. Drawing from current market conditions, Friedman noted that while the industry faces moderating ADRs and tighter capital markets, the combination of limited new supply and anticipated rate easing could create strong momentum for investors over the next year.
John Lancet, senior managing director at HVS, followed with a comprehensive Florida Hospitality Market Outlook, sharing valuation trends and transaction insights that captured strong audience engagement.
Also covered during the day-long event, was:
A conversation with Mitch Patel: Moderated by Greg Friedman, this engaging session explored Vision Hospitality’s story, investment strategy, and the evolving alignment between hotel owners and brands in today’s market.
Fireside conversations: Thought leaders Geoff Ballotti of Wyndham and she's Sam Nazarian led discussions on guest trends, soft brands, AI-driven efficiency and brand innovation, including Wyndham’s Dazzler Select and Echo. A dynamic fireside chat moderated by Adil Kabani examined evolving traveler behavior and brand collaboration.
Industry Panel: The 2025 Hotel Industry Panel, “Adapting, Operating, and Growing in a Transforming Hospitality Market,” featured Red Roof's Zack Gharib, AAHOA's Kamalesh “KP” Patel, Best Western's Allie Neary, Peachtree Group's Brian Waldman, Choice Hotels' Robert Scribner, Ark Holdings' Azim Saju, Accor's Sonia Egyhazy and MW Law's Nilesh Patel, moderated by Suraj Dalal, partner, Kabani Hotel Group. Discussion topics included AI adoption, market outlook, conversions, interest rates, and owner-brand collaboration.
Networking and trade show: Attendees connected with a diverse range of hospitality professionals, leading hotel brands, capital partners, and solution providers across construction, design, and technology sectors. The dynamic trade show floor fostered meaningful connections, collaborations, and opportunities for business growth across every facet of the industry.
Sponsors and partners: Kabani Hotel Group extends its sincere appreciation to event sponsors and partners, including Marriott International, Hilton, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Red Roof, Choice Hotels, BWH Hotels, Rycon Construction, Curve Hospitality, Hospitality Finishes, Mag Mile Capital, Nashbuilt Construction, GF Hotels & Resorts, JD Telecom, Celtic Bank, ARK Holdings, Ten-X, Polydom.ai, Walker & Tudhope, and Florida International University.
“As this year’s sold-out Forum concludes, we’re proud of the relationships, insights, and opportunities it generated,” said Ahmed G. Kabani, founder and CEO of Kabani Hotel Group. “We look forward to welcoming the industry back to Miami for our 10th Annual Forum in 2026.”