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March 17-18, 2027
Location: JW Marriott Atlanta Buckhead
Chapter Leaders ONLY – please use the below URL to register for the Chapter Leaders Summit & the Mike Leven Leadership Conference
Reimagined for 2027, the HSMAI Mike Leven Leadership Conference is expanding its reach and impact. Hosted by HSMAI and the HSMAI Foundation and supported by the Michael and Andrea Leven Foundation, this signature event has historically been an invitation-only gathering for HSMAI chapter leaders. In 2027, for the first time, the conference will be open to the broader HSMAI community.
Leadership today requires more than managing people. It demands commercial insight, strategic thinking, adaptability, and the ability to lead through constant change. This unique event focuses specifically on the leadership skills and business acumen required to succeed in hospitality commercial disciplines. Through inspiring speakers, peer learning, practical workshops, and access to some of the industry’s most respected leaders, attendees will gain actionable insights they can immediately apply to:
- Advance their careers and leadership effectiveness
- Improve team performance and collaboration
- Strengthen commercial decision-making and business results
- Navigate emerging challenges, including AI, talent development, and market transformation
- Build valuable industry relationships
Whether you’re leading yourself, leading a team, or leading an organization, you’ll leave with new perspectives, practical tools, and ideas that can positively impact you, your team, and your business.
| Attendee Type | Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Chapter Board Leaders | $350 |
| Current Americas, Advisory, Rising Leader & Foundation Board/Council Members | $350 |
| Organizational Members (qty of tickets based on member level) | $0 |
| Member Early Registration (Hotel & Partner members) – before 2/3/27 | $695 |
| Member Regular Registration (Hotel & Partner members) – after 2/3/27 | $895 |
| Non-Member Early Registration (Hotel & Partners) | $1010 |
| Non-Member Regular Registration (Hotel & Partners) | $1210 |
| Student/Faculty | $175 |
Who is the event designed for?
HSMAI’s Mike Leven Leadership Conference is designed for hospitality commercial professionals at every stage of their leadership journey, including:
- Current and aspiring leaders across sales, marketing, revenue management, distribution, and commercial strategy who want to expand their leadership capabilities and industry networks
- HSMAI chapter leaders and volunteers seeking to strengthen their leadership impact
- Emerging leaders and high-potential talent looking to accelerate their growth
- New managers developing the skills needed to lead teams and drive results
- Experienced leaders seeking fresh perspectives, new ideas, and development beyond what their organizations currently provide
Throughout the day, participants will explore the leadership capabilities that matter most for hospitality commercial professionals, including strategic thinking, relationship building, cross-functional collaboration, commercial acumen, change leadership, innovation, and talent development. Through a combination of inspiring voices, peer learning, practical application, and meaningful networking, attendees will leave with new perspectives, stronger connections, and actionable ideas to elevate their impact.
Wednesday, March 17
8:30AM – 9:30AM | Chapter Presidents & Managing Directors Breakfast (by invitation)
10:00AM – 5:00PM | Chapter Leaders Summit
5:30 – 6:30 PM | Leadership Conference Welcome Reception – Reconnect with colleagues, meet new peers, and kick off the experience with networking and conversation among hospitality’s next generation and established leaders.
Thursday, March 18
6:30 – 7:00 AM | Wake & Activate – Start the day with a wellness experience designed to energize the mind, body, and spirit.
8:00 – 9:00 AM | Fuel Up & Connect – Interactive networking breakfast with peer discussions and opportunities to engage directly with industry leaders.
9:00 – 10:00 AM | Opening Keynote – An inspiring conversation with one of hospitality’s most respected leaders, focused on leadership, innovation, and the future of the commercial profession.
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Leadership Learning Labs – Interactive workshops and facilitated discussions exploring the skills, mindsets, and behaviors that drive career growth and business success.
12:00 – 12:45 PM | Nourish & Flourish Lunch – Connect with peers and continue the conversations while fueling up for the afternoon.
12:45 – 1:30 PM | Gilbert Awards & Leadership Conversations – Celebrate excellence in hospitality leadership and hear directly from industry trailblazers about the lessons that shaped their journeys.
1:45 – 3:30 PM | Leadership Learning Labs – Choose from collaborative workshops, peer-to-peer problem solving, leadership roundtables, and practical sessions designed to help you lead with greater confidence and impact.
3:45 – 5:00 PM | Leadership in Action: The Closing Experience – A high-energy finale that brings together the day’s insights, inspiration, and connections, leaving attendees with ideas and actions they can immediately apply to their careers, teams, and organizations.
5:00 – 6:00 PM | Closing Reception – Celebrate, reconnect, and continue building relationships with fellow commercial leaders from across the industry.
Friday, March 19
8:30 AM – 2:00 PM | HSMAI Americas Board of Directors Meeting (by invitation)
We are pleased to welcome attendees to the JW Marriott Atlanta Buckhead, our host hotel for the Mike Leven Leadership Conference. Located in the heart of Atlanta’s vibrant Buckhead district, the beautifully renovated hotel offers sophisticated accommodations, exceptional service, and direct access to world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment. Its elegant meeting spaces and convenient location provide the ideal setting for meaningful conversations, valuable networking, and leadership development.
DETAILS
JW Marriott Atlanta Buckhead
3300 Lenox Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 30326
Tel: +1 404-262-3344
RESERVATIONS
Our reserved room block includes a $217/night++rate. The cut-off date is Tuesday, February 23, 2027 at 5:00pm ET.
Click Here to secure a room in our hotel room block.
The closest airport near JW Marriott Atlanta Buckhead is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). ATL is located approximately 18.0 miles from the hotel. The hotel does not provide a shuttle. Taxis and ride shares are plentiful, and the hotel is directly across the street from the Lenox Marta Station.
PARKING
Ticket quantity is based on the level of Organizational Membership.
