SOCIETIES New York City: Consulate General of France in New York | Feb 19, 2026

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF HOSPITALITY

Hospitality is entering a defining decade.

Luxury expectations are rising.
Digital touchpoints are multiplying.
Brands are becoming experiences long before the guest arrives.

At the intersection of culture, design, service, and innovation, hospitality is evolving — not through trends, but through vision and execution.

Under the patronage of Cédrik Fouriscot, Consul General of France in New York, Influence Society invites you to join an esteemed group of hoteliers and hospitality executives for this industry gathering. This afternoon event will feature a lineup of leading minds in our field sharing topical and relevant insights into what's tangibly propelling our industry forward. A private cocktail reception will be held onsite immediately following the discussions.

Location: Consulate General of France at 934 Fifth Avenue, between East 74th and 75th

Thursday, Feb 19, 2026 

Welcome: 3:00 PM

Panel Discussions: 3:30PM - 6:00 PM

Cocktail Reception: 6:00PM - 7:30 PM

From Heritage to Innovation

This edition of SOCIETIES is not about chasing technology, rather it’s bringing into focus how the most advanced hospitality brands are evolving — with intention.

Throughout the afternoon, speakers will explore:

• How luxury hotels are redefining brand expression in a digital-first world
  
• How to recapture “lost” revenue
  
• How innovation can support service, without replacing it
  
• The evolving role of websites, platforms, and content as strategic assets in an IA-world
  
• How digital ecosystems can elevate desirability and long-term brand equity
  

Technology is a tool. Hospitality remains the art.

Keynotes & Conversations

SOCIETIES brings together voices operating at the highest level of hospitality — from ultra-luxury operators to innovation and revenue leaders — to share grounded, real-world perspectives.

Featured sessions include:

‍Sébastien Félix
Founder & CEO, Influence Society
‍
“Hospitality, Now Powered by AI”
‍
A dedicated intervention on how artificial intelligence is reshaping discovery, visibility, and digital ecosystems in hospitality. This session positions AI as a strategic layer — supporting design, storytelling, and performance — not as a replacement for human-driven service.

‍Abe Salam
CEO, EPIC Revenue Consultants
‍
“How to Find Money in Your Hotel’s Sofas… Literally!”
‍
A pragmatic and insightful session uncovering hidden revenue opportunities within hotel operations. From overlooked assets to smarter revenue structures, this keynote explores how hotels can unlock value without compromising guest experience or brand integrity.

Anne-Sophie Baret
Wellness & Hospitality, Club Med Fusion Creator
‍
“Wellness 2026: The New Competitive Advantage in an Ultra-Connected World"
‍
In 2026, wellness is no longer an amenity — it’s a core competitive advantage in an ultra-connected world. Discover how leading hospitality brands turn wellbeing into measurable loyalty, revenue, and long-term brand power.

‍Alex Pensyl
Sr. Director of Growth, Curacity

"The Power of Brand: From Storytelling to Sales—Creating Exceptional Guest Experiences in Luxury Hospitality"

How do the world's top luxury hotel brands turn heritage and storytelling into exceptional guest experiences — and measurable revenue? Industry leaders explore brand strategy, modern traveler expectations, PR that drives results, and the trends shaping the future of luxury hospitality.

Alix Padnos-Leon, Director of Marketing, Baccarat Hotels & Resorts

Carrie Demarte, Director of Sales Marketing at The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel

Krishnan Kaushal, Social Media Marketing Manager, The Pierre New York

‍Alex Zhardanovsky
CEO, PRIMA & Michael Ridard - Partner, Riviera Dining Group
‍
“Winning the war on hospitality fragmentation” 
‍
Discover how transformative technologies can elevate service quality and guest satisfaction while generating passive revenue for hotels. This panel explores how curated access, direct relationships, and infrastructure built for the top end of the market can better serve iconic restaurants, luxury hotels, and the guests they share - without discounting, noise, or operational friction.

An Afternoon of Meaningful Conversations

SOCIETIES is not a trade show.
Not a tech demo.
Not a conference.

It is a curated, editorial experience designed for leaders actively shaping hospitality brands.

Expect:

• Visionary keynotes and panel discussions
  
• Concrete insights grounded in real operational experience
  
• Perspectives from hoteliers and industry partners
  
• A refined, off-the-record environment encouraging dialogue and exchange
  

Hosted within a diplomatic and cultural institution, SOCIETIES creates space for long-term thinking beyond short-term tactics.

Who Should Attend

• Owners & Executives of Hospitality Brands
  
• General Managers
  
• Directors of Sales, Marketing & Digital
  
• Brand, Experience & Innovation Leaders
  
• Hospitality decision-makers shaping the next generation of guest experiences