PROGRAM
2025
As a Latin American forum targeted to a worldwide audience, we take special care of our attendees providing simultaneous interpretation (Portuguese - English – Spanish) in all sessions. This advantage encourages interaction among participants, indispensable for achieving a good business and discussions environment.
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Sunday, March 23
All hours are expressed in EST
07:00 pm -9:00 pm
Enjoy an Inmmersive Pre-Forum Cocktail Reception - An evening to connect, celebrate, and kick off SAHIC Rio 2025
Mirante do Museu de Arte do Rio (MAR) - Praça Mauá 5, Saude , Rio de Janeiro - Exclusive for registered attendees
Monday , March 24
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Registration - Badge pickup
8:00 am - 9:00 am
Networking Express - A great way to break the ice | Rio de Janeiro 3
Meet, exchange business data and then move on to the next person. Introduce yourself to numerous strategic contacts in 60 minutes.
8:30 am - 9:10 am
Networking Coffee | Sponsors' Exhibition
General Sessions | Rio de Janeiro 1 -2
9:15 am - 9:45 am
Opening Conference - Welcome remarks
9:45 am - 10:15 am
I-Talk
Exploring the Economic Horizon: Insights into LATAM, Brazil & The Caribbean's Economic Outlook. What has happened in the last 12 months, and what is ahead? Uncover the latest global trends and regional forecasts and know how can they affect the hotel and tourism industry.
Presented by:
Reinier Schliesser - Principal Economist at CAF - Development Bank of Latin America and The Caribbean
10:15 am - 10:40 am
I-Talk
Hotel Performance in Latin America & The Caribbean: Trends, Insights, and Future Outlook. Learning from the Past to Shape the Future in Latin America and the Caribbean
Presented by:
Patricia Boo - Regional Director, Latin America, STR
10:40 am - 11:00 am
Keynote Session
Powering the Future of Hospitality: Exclusive Insights from a Global Leader
Keynote Speaker:
Camil Yazbeck - Global Chief Development Officer - Accor - PM&E Division
Interviewed by: Peter Greenberg - Travel Editor - CBS News
11:00 am - 11:35 am
Debate Panel
Redefining Investment Strategies: Adapting to a New Global Landscape. With a global scenario shaped by new political leadership, changes in trade policies, and adjustments in financial markets, what strategies are investors adopting to navigate this new reality? This panel will explore how these global dynamics are transforming capital flows to Latin America and other emerging markets, and how the hospitality, tourism, and real estate development sectors can position themselves to attract investment.
Speakers:
Gastão de Souza Mello Valente – Managing Directo - GIC
Marcelo Dzik – CFO - Even
Rodrigo Reali - Director of Investments - HSI
Moderated by: Diogo Canteras - Founding Partner, HotelInvest
11:35 am - 12:15 pm
Debate Panel
Focus on Brazil: Opportunities and Challenges in the Growth of the Hotel Sector in the State of Rio de Janeiro. What You Need to Know to Do Business in a destination coveted by foreign investors and primarily controlled by local investors?
Speakers:
Gustavo Tutuca – State Secretary of Tourism of Rio de Janeiro – State Secretariat of Tourism of Rio de Janeiro
Ramiro Fidalgo - Assistant Secretary of Tourism of Rio de Janeiro - State Secretariat of Tourism of Rio de Janeiro
Abel Castro - Chief Development Officer - Accor Americas - PM&E Division
Rogerio Basso - Head of Tourism - IDB Invest
Moderator: Ricardo Mader - Managing Director LATAM - JLL VALUATION & ADVISORY SERVICES, LLC.
12:15 pm - 12:40 pm
Debate Panel
Leadership: Women Redefining the Future of Hospitality and Tourism
Speakers:
Chieko Aoki -Fouder & CEO - Blue Tree Hotels.
Tiffany Cooper - Head Development Americas - Mandarin Oriental
Moderated by: Amrita Bhalla - Advisory Board Member for Women in Tourism and Hospitality - Canada
12:40 pm - 02:10 pm
Networking Lunch hosted by CNC + Hospitality Contribution Recognitions 2025 | Spirit Bar & Swimming Pool Terrace
02:10 am - 03:30 pm
Thematic Round Tables
Network and interact during these thematic working meetings aimed to expose common challenges, share experiences and best practices, whilst stimulating collaboration. Meet among attendees in these co-working spaces that invite to open discussions and interactive conversations in a less formal setting to bridge and link.
Round One - TRT 1 | Rio de Janeiro 3 Meeting Room
Is Franchising the Growth Engine of Today’s Hospitality Industry? Understanding Brand Value-When to Consider?-Analyzing Development Stages and Segments for success - Modern Agreements and Trends
Co-Chairs:
Juan Paredes- Director Development, CALA - Marriott International
Jorge Zaragoza Alaniz - Director, Development – Accor - Mexico, Central America & Caribbean - PM&E Division
Maurice Chartier - Founding Managing Partner - Grupo Consutur
Luis Alberto Tito - Director Hotel Development Latin America - BWH Hotels
Luciana Kuzuhara - Sr. Manager, Development Brazil - Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Cristiano Gonçalves - VP Development, South America & the Caribbean - Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Juan Camilo Castaño - CDO - GHL Hoteles
Co-Chair Moderator: Raúl Calvet - CEO, Managing Partner, Market Intelligence & Advisory, Colliers CAAC
Round One - TRT 2 | Copacabana Meeting Room
Innovation, Technology, Architecture/Design, F&B, and Talent: Future-Proofing Hospitality Projects. Reshaping the future of hospitality projects. This session explores how scalable solutions, thoughtful design, and people-centered strategies can future-proof properties, enhance guest experiences, and drive profitability for owners and investors.
Co-Chairs:
Ricardo Manarini, Country Manager Brazil – BWH Hotels
Pedro Cardoso - VP Procurement Astore – Accor Americas - PM&E Division
Fernanda Bertolini - Sr. Director Design and Project Management - CALA - Marriott International
Juan Carlos Ordoñez - Director de Desarrollo - Grupo SIXSTAR Hotels
Liora Haymann - Managing Director & Principal - OBMI
Victor Venâncio Dias - Director of Digital Solutions LatAm - SAMSON GROUP
Gabriela Patocchi - VP - EDSA
Carolina Pinheiro - VP Development LATAM - Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Co-Chair Moderator: Amrita Bhalla - Managing Director - A.B Consulting
03:30 pm - 04:10 pm
Networking Coffee Break | Sponsors' Exhibition
General Sessions | Rio de Janeiro 1 -2
04:10 pm - 04:50 pm
Debate Panel
Branded Residences: The Fusion of Luxury and Hospitality in 2025. What Shapes Will They Take in the Future? Is there room for Midscale, too? With rising construction costs and increasing customer expectations for amenities, branded residences have emerged as an essential component in luxury development, whether in urban or resort settings. Developers are integrating hospitality into luxury residences, offering personalized experiences and exceptional services that elevate the value of the asset. To what extent does branding add financial value to a real estate project? What Shapes and Forms will Branded Residences Take in Coming Years? Is it viable to extend this model to the midscale and lifestyle segments? Could Latin American countries, with lower average incomes compared to more developed nations, be the perfect setting to test this hypothesis?
Speakers:
Luis Mirabelli - VP Development - Accor - Hispanic America & Caribbean - PM&E Division
Michael Leon Volko - Senior Director Development, CALA - Marriott International
Cristiano Gonçalves - VP Development, South America & the Caribbean, Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Carolina Pinheiro - VP Development LATAM, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Paulo Mancio – Executive Director – CBRE Hospitality
Moderated by: Vinicius Medeiros - Chief Editor - Hotelier News
4:50 pm - 5:40 pm
Debate Panel
Industry Insights: Hotel Leaders Reflect and Look Ahead
Speakers:
Thomas Dubaere - CEO - Accor Americas - PM&E Division
Gustavo Viescas - President, Latamc - Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Andres Fajardo - CEO -GHL Hoteles
Ron Pohl - President of WorldHotels and International Operations, BWH Hotels
Bojan Kumer -Regional Vice President, Hotel Development, Caribbean & Latin America - Marriott International
Moderated by: Peter Greenberg - Travel Editor - CBS News
05:40 pm - 06:30 pm
Debate Panel
Positioning Latin America as a Key Investment Destination Amid Global Economic Shifts. What Makes a Destination an Attractive Opportunity for Hotel Investment? Experts from the region will share insights on the policies, incentives, and opportunities that make Latin America a pivotal player in the global investment landscape.
Daniel Cordova - Director of Business Investment Promotion Division - PROMPERÚ
Jessica Alomía Mendez - Investment and Connectivity Director - Ministry of Tourism of Ecuador
Sidney Levy - President - Invest.Rio
Carlos Henrique Menezes Sobral - National Secretary for Infrastructure, Credit, and Investments – Ministry of Tourism of Brazil
Moderated by: Raúl Calvet - CEO, Managing Partner, Market Intelligence & Advisory - Colliers CAAC
06:30 pm - 06:45 pm
Inspiring Session
A 20-Year Journey of Success
Inspiring Speaker:
Luis Barrios - Executive President - Promotora y Operadora de Hoteles Norte 19
Interviewed by: Arturo Garcia Rosa - Presidente y CEO - SAHIC
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Networking Cocktail | Spirit Bar & Swimming Pool Terrace
Tuesday , March 25
8:15 am - 8:55 am
Networking Coffee | Sponsors' Exhibition
General Sessions | Rio de Janeiro 1 -2
8:55 am - 9:00 am
Welcome back remarks
9:00 am - 9:15 am
I-Talk
Equitable Solutions for Sustainable Tourism
Presented by: Paula Peláez - Director Advisory Services - IDB Invest
9:15 am - 09:50 am
Debate Panel
Regenerative Tourism and Experiential Hospitality – The Future of Holistic Travel
How can hospitality evolve from sustainability to regeneration? In this panel, regenerative travel visionaries will share how their projects are transforming destinations and communities, creating a deeper connection between travelers and the environment. Explore how immersive experiences and co-evolving practices inspire interconnectivity and present unique opportunities for investors shaping the future of hospitality.
Speakers:
Emilio Izquierdo – CEO - Proyecto “MARAEY”
Luca Franco - CEO & Founder - Luxury Frontiers
Marco Larrea - Principal - EDSA
Moderated by: Ana Ramirez, LEED AD, WELL AP. - Principal, KALĀ Design Group - Co-Founder Ancestral Handmade Hotels
09:50 am - 10:10 am
Keynote Session
Powering the Future of Hospitality: Exclusive Insights from a Global Leader
Keynote Speaker:
Leeny Oberg, CFO & Executive VP Development - Marriott International
Interviewed by: Peter Greenberg - Travel Editor - CBS News
10:10 am - 10:30 am
I-Talk
Future Demand Trends for Latin America and the impact of Short-Term Rental
Presented by:
Ricardo Souza - Revenue Growth Leader - Mexico, Latin America and The Caribbean - Lighthouse
10:30 am - 11:00 am
Debate Panel
Condo Hotels and Fractional Ownership (Multipropiedade) as “Funding” Mechanisms for New Hotels
Speakers
Caio Calfat - President - ADIT Brazil
Paulo Augusto Mendonca - Partner - Marrey Mendonca Advogados
Moderated by: Diogo Canteras - Founding Partner - HotelInvest
11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Thematic Round Tables | TRT Round Two
Network and interact during these thematic working meetings aimed to expose common challenges, share experiences and best practices, whilst stimulating collaboration. Meet among attendees in these co-working spaces that invite to open discussions and interactive conversations in a less formal setting to bridge and link.
Round Two - TRT 3 | Rio de Janeiro 3 Meeting Room
Money matters - Funds, Banks, Investment Consultants and Advisors Roundtable -Strategies securing access to capital in a changing landscape
Co-Chairs:
Danilo Monteiro - Senior Director - CBRE Capital Market
Leonardo Mesías Martínez - Principal Executive - Sustainable Tourism Division- CAF- Development Bank of Latin America and The Caribbean
Santiago Porta - Head Origination & amp; Structuring - Real Estate and Manufacturing - IFC - World Bank Group
Rodrigo Reali Abdelnur - Director of Investments - HSI
Raphaela Freitas Rocha - Executive Manager - AgeRio
Co-Chair Moderator: Daniel Arevalo - Sr. Investment Officer Corporates Division - IDB Invest
Round Two - TRT 4 | Copacabana Meeting Room
One Panel Wasn’t Enough: Branded Residences Deserve Their Own Table! Unpacking the Model Redefining Hospitality – What’s Still Left to Understand (and Ask)?
Co-Chairs:
Ricardo Manarini, Country Manager Brazil – BWH Hotels
Edouard Schwob - SVP Development - Accor Americas - Luxe & Lifestyle
Carolina Pinheiro - VP Development LATAM - Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Cristiano Gonçalves - VP Development, South America & the Caribbean- Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Paulo Mancio – Executive Director – CBRE Hospitality
Michael Leon Volko - Senior Director Development, CALA - Marriott International
Co-Chair Moderator: Vinicius Medeiros - Chief Editor- Hotelier News
12:30 pm - 01:50 pm
Networking Lunch | Rio de Janeiro 1 -2
01:50 pm - 02:00 pm
I-Talk
The Hotel Sector and Rio’s Economy: Current Landscape and Opportunities
Presented by: Pedro Simōes - Head of Market Intelligence -Invest.Rio
02:00 pm - 02:40 pm
Debate Panel
All-Inclusive 2.0: Redefining the Guest Experience for the Next Generation
The all-inclusive model has evolved, and this panel will explore how leading hotel chains are innovating to attract the next generation of travelers. From personalization to exclusive and sustainable experiences, we will discuss how hotels can adapt to changing consumer expectations without losing the essence that makes the all-inclusive model so appealing
Speakers:
Fernando Fernandez - VP Development - Inclusive Collection - Hyatt
Guilherme Cesari - Head of Development - Accor Americas - Luxe & Lifestyle
Fernanda Brunetta - Sr. Director, Openings and Integrations, LATAMC - Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Paula Muñiz - Head of Development - Brazil - Melia Hotels
Joanna Ayala – Director, Development, CALA - Marriott International
Moderated by: Osvaldo Chudnobsky - Managing Partner - Brazil - Horwath HTL
02:40 pm - 02:55 pm
Inspiring Session
Visionaries who make the road - Dreams are always the beginning of everything
Inspiring Speaker: Emilio Izquierdo Jiménez - Founder - MARAEYRJ
Interviewed by: Arturo Garcia Rosa - Presidente y CEO SAHIC
02:55 pm - 03:10 pm
I-Talk
From Strategy to Action: How AI is creating value for Hotel Operations
Presented by: Victor Venâncio Dias - Director of Digital Solutions LatAm - SAMSON GROUP
03:10 pm - 03:25 pm
I-Talk
Real Estate Funds: Strategies, Challenges, and Opportunities in an Evolving Market
Presented by:
Moise Politi - Managing Partner - REC Gestao de Recursos
03:25 pm - 04:05 pm
Debate Panel
Midscale Hotels: Driving Growth in Accessible Hospitality
Speakers:
Claudia Piña - Development Manager - Accor - Colombia, Ecuador & Peru - PM&E Division
Armando Ramirez - Director, Development Argentina, Brazil & Paraguay Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Juan Paredes - Director Development, CALA - Marriott International
Richard Rehwaldt - Vice President Latin America - BWH Hotels
Moderated by: Santiago Berraondo - Senior Director - JLL's Hotels & Hospitality Group
04:05 pm - 04:20 pm
I-Talk
What’s on the Brands’ Not-To-Do List for 2025?
In an increasingly competitive environment, brands must not only innovate but also avoid mistakes that can harm their reputation and customer connection. Which are the missteps that hospitality and tourism brands must avoid in 2025. From poorly executed digitalization to failing to meet sustainability expectations, Peter will share his insights on what should not be part of the strategy for a brand that aims to remain relevant and successful.
Presented by: Peter Greenberg - Travel Editor - CBS News
04:20 pm - 04:50 pm
Debate Panel
The Owner’s Perspective: Navigating the Future of Hospitality Investments
Asset management, financial challenges, and how they maximize return on investment in a highly competitive sector. The discussion will explore owners’ priorities, from selecting operators to adopting new technologies, and how the changing expectations of guests are influencing their strategic decisions.
Speakers:
Gustavo Rezende - CEO Grupo GR - Wyndham Olimpia- Wyndham Gramado
Paulo Eduardo de Oliveira Malheiros - Director - Westin All-inclusive - Porto de Galinhas
Moderador: Arturo Garcia Rosa - President & CEO - SAHIC Group
04:50 pm - 05:20 pm
Vision 2030 – Future Challenges and Opportunities for the Tourism and Hospitality in the Region
Speakers:
Mauro Rial - Chief Operations Officer - Accor - NHAM region (North, Hispanic Americas) - PM&E Division
Diogo Canteras - Founding Partner - HotelInvest
Rogerio Basso - Head of Tourism - IDB Invest
Emilio Izquierdo – CEO - Proyecto “MARAEY”
Moderator:
Arturo Garcia Rosa - President & CEO - SAHIC
05:30 pm - 06:30 pm
Final Toast !
This is a preliminary agenda subject to change