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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: 2:30 PM
Panel Discussions: 3:00PM - 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 ultra-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:
Abe Salam – CEO, EPIC Revenue Management
“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.
Curacity
A new generation booking and distribution platform redefining how hotels drive direct revenue. Curacity will share how premium properties can regain control over demand, distribution, and guest relationships — while preserving brand desirability.
Alex Zhardanovsky - CEO, PRIMA
PRIMA will explore how digital tools can simplify internal operations, empower hotel teams, and create smoother workflows that ultimately elevate service quality and guest satisfaction.
Sébastien Félix – Founder & CEO, Influence Society
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.
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 ultra-luxury 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
SOCIETIES Is Not About Trends. It's About Direction.
Attendance is complimentary.
Seats are limited.
Registration is mandatory.
Join us at the Consulate General of France in New York and be part of the conversations shaping the future of hospitality.
