2026 Hospitality Leadership Summit | Innovation & Networking in Hospitality

Hospitality Leadership Summit: EI through AI

Friday, April 10, 2026*
Wightman Mansion, 43 Hawes Street, Brookline

*PLEASE NOTE: Tickets are sold out. Ticket-holders: See the “Know before you go” event guide below.

Boston University School of Hospitality invites students, faculty, professionals, and hospitality enthusiasts to the Hospitality Leadership Summit, a dynamic day of inspiration, insightful discussion, and meaningful networking. Join forward-thinking leaders—from journalists and entrepreneurs to owners and operators—as they share innovative ideas and explore the cultural shifts shaping the present and future of hospitality. This year’s Summit centers on Hospitality AI and poses the timely and consequential question: In today’s transformative era of widespread artificial intelligence, how can the hospitality industry embrace AI’s benefits while preserving the unique human experiences that define its value?

Announcing the 2026 Hospitality ICON Award
This year’s award celebrates a leader who believes technology can help foster human connection. Debby Soo, CEO of OpenTable, will be honored for her leadership at OpenTable, which has accelerated its adoption and development of cutting-edge technologies to support the dining ecosystem of restaurants and diners. Under her guidance, OpenTable is helping future-proof restaurants and the industry at-large, while empowering diners to adapt to the changing discovery landscape. Read the press release.

Become a Sponsor

PLEASE NOTE: Tickets are sold out.

Event Co-Chairs:
Mara Littman, Executive Director of Strategic Operations & Corporate Relations
Eleni Granas, Clinical Assistant Professor of Hospitality and Events Management; Director of Event Curriculum & Planning
Eli Feldman, Adjunct Professor of Restaurant Innovation, Owner, Shy Bird, and Founder, Colette

Agenda

8:15 AM: Registration Opens

9:00 AM: Welcome Address – Dean Arun Upneja at School of Hospitality Administration
Keynote Address – Chris Sedore, Vice President for Information Services & Technology and Chief Transformation Officer, Boston University

9:15 AM: The Simmer: Live Podcast Recording
Kristen Hawley, founder of Expedite & Brandon Barton, CEO of Bite (Hosts)
with Judy Thelen, CEO & Co-Founder of beli
followed by Q&A

10:30 AM: Networking Break

10:45 am – 12:45 pm: $50k Hospitality Innovation Competition & $20k Student Wellbeing Competition – Final Round

12:45 PM: Lunch & Networking

1:45 PM: Afternoon Panel: The Medium is the Message
Moderated by Eli Feldman, Adjunct Professor of Restaurant Innovation, Owner, Shy Bird, and Founder, Colette
Evan Armstrong, Founder & CEO, The Leverage
Deirdre Auld, CEO & Partner, Coda Restaurant Group
Josh Sharkey, CEO & Co-Founder, Meez
Gretchen Thomas, Chief Creative Officer for Barcelona Wine Bar and Co-Creator of Conserva
followed by Q&A

3:00 PM: Networking Break

3:15 PM: Maddy Shannon, Head of Product Strategy, SpotOn, presents Hospitality as Product, Product as Hospitality

3:30 PM: ICON Award Presentation to Debby Soo, CEO of OpenTable
fireside chat with Dean Arun Upneja followed by Q&A

4:45 PM: Closing Remarks

5:00 PM: Announcement of Hospitality Innovation Competition Winners

5:15 PM – 6:00 PM: Reception

*Agenda is subject to change.

2026 Summit Speakers

Event Guide: Know Before You Go

Date: Friday, April 10, 2026
Location: Wightman Mansion, 43 Hawes Street in Brookline
Arrival & Check-in: Plan to arrive early. Seating is limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.* You will receive an email from TPNI with important check-in information.
Morning & Full-Day Admission: Doors open at 8:15 am. Attendees are advised to arrive early. Doors will close promptly at 9:00 am.
Afternoon Admission: Doors open at 1:30 pm. The session begins promptly at 1:45 pm.
Parking and Transportation: SHA Summit Transportation Guide
What to Wear: Business casual attire. Get into the Experience Innovation spirit by incorporating metallic elements. For inspiration, see the style guide in the TPNI Events App. Use the show code BUSHA.

*Please note that this event is sold out! Complimentary ticket-holders are not guaranteed seating. A viewing lounge will be available to accommodate late arrivals.

Questions? Please contact busha@bu.edu