Schedule
Thursday, April 16th, 2026 from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM @ FIU's Biscayne Bay Campus
MORNING SESSION
09:00 AM - 10:00 AM | Registration & Networking | Lobby
Join us to mix, mingle and network with other faculty, students, and industry professionals before the start of the TIED @ the Bay Conference.
10:00 AM - 10:20 AM | Welcome Address | Ballroom
Welcome from FIU (Florida International University), HSMAI (Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International), HFTP (Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals) and FRLA (Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association).
Joseph Cilli
Assistant Dean
Florida International University
FIU
Robert Levine
CEO
ComOps
HSMAI
Mihai Bote
President
HFTP South Florida
HFTP
Dale Gomez
Associate Professor
Florida International University
FIU
Mitchell Meredith
Director Beverage Education
Florida International University
MC
Welcome address sponsored by:
10:20 AM - 10:50 AM | General Keynote Session | Ballroom
Jenifer Jones
Vice President, Global Data and Analytics and Regional CIO - North America at Bacardi
Jenifer Jones has spent the last twenty years embedded in the world of data science and data innovation to bring advanced analytics, supported by machine learning, to the forefront of how to drive business direction. She is an expert on translating business need into data driven solutions, and representing that back through visual story telling to focus recipients on key actions that will push disruptive change. This is all done through her extensive knowledge and experience in statistical analysis, data mining, data warehousing, master data management, business process design and end user report development. During her careers in IBM, Deloitte, and Estee Lauder she worked with BI applications including Hyperion Essbase, Microsoft Analysis Services, SAP Business Objects; ERP processes including Order to Cash, Demand to Build; ERP applications including SAP and Microsoft Dynamics SL; and programming languages including R, Python, and SQL. Jenifer has a graduate degree in Operations Research and Statistics and an undergraduate degree in Industrial Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM | Breakout Sessions (4 Tracks)
The breakout tracks will examine how data, technology, and innovation are transforming revenue strategy, operations, academic inquiry, and entrepreneurial growth across the hospitality industry.
Revenue Management & Commercial Strategy | ROOM 115
From Data to Decisions: AI-Powered Revenue Management in the Real World that Supports Total RM Optimization
Jeff X. Li
SVP Technology Strategy & Solutions
Daitrix
MODERATOR
Jennifer Teplicki
Director of Revenue Management
Ritz Carlton
PANELIST
Julie Beas
VP of IT
Seminole Hard Rock
PANELIST
Jeff Donnelly
Head of Asset Management
& Owner Relations
Oracle
PANELIST
Session sponsored by:
Operations | ROOM 114
Future-Ready Operations: AI, Automation & Workforce Strategy at Scale
Jorge Rodriguez
Hospitality Executive
MODERATOR
Leslie Well
General Manager
Ft. Lauderdale Marriott
PANELIST
Mychal Milian
General Manager
Waterstone Resort & Marina
PANELIST
Rafaela Dulanto
Major Client Experience Specialist
SpotOn
PANELIST
Session sponsored by:
Research/Academic | ROOM 117
The Human-AI Balance
Andrew Moreo
Associate Professor
Florida International University
MODERATOR
Seden Dogan
Assistant Professor of Instruction
University of South Florida
PANELIST
Jessie Fischer
CEO
GuestOS
PANELIST
Tavya Chang
Vice President
Starwood Hotels
PANELIST
Session sponsored by:
Entrepreneurship | ROOM 120
The Intelligent Horizon: Navigating AI, Automation, and Robotics in 2026 for Travel & Leisure & Hospitality
Mihai Bote
President
HFTP South Florida
MODERATOR
Emil Man
Business Information Security Officer
BCG X
PANELIST
Michael Vorsanger
Co-Founder
Nootan Labs
PANELIST
Cihan Cobanoglu
Provost
Virscend University
PANELIST
Session sponsored by:
LUNCH & KEYNOTE
12:00 PM - 01:30 PM | Lunch & Keynote Presentation | Ballroom
Mary Rogers
Executive Vice President - Turnberry
Seasoned Hospitality Operations professional with a strong background in the hotel industry and a proven history of success. Expertise spans all facets of hotel and condo-hotel operations, including hotel development, design, asset management, sales and catering, event management, financial oversight, leadership, pre-opening initiatives, and ownership, franchise, and licensee relationship management. Maintains a superior network and engaging relationships with major hotel brands and hospitality operators, facilitating strategic alignment and growth opportunities. Recognized for consistently achieving goals through effective leadership, strategic execution, and a commitment to guest satisfaction, associate engagement and total quality management.
AFTERNOON SESSION
01:30 PM - 02:15 PM | Sponsor Showcase | Lobby
The Sponsor Showcase will feature interactive exhibitor tables in the hallway where attendees can engage directly with sponsoring organizations, explore new technologies, and build industry connections.
02:15 PM - 03:00 PM | Breakout Sessions (4 Tracks)
The breakout tracks will examine how data, technology, and innovation are transforming revenue strategy, operations, academic inquiry, and entrepreneurial growth across the hospitality industry.
Revenue Management & Commercial Strategy | ROOM 115
The Commercial Impact of Technology Debt: Building a Prioritized Roadmap
Mike Wells
Senior Account Executive
Infor
MODERATOR
Caroline Gates
Senior Director of Sales
The Access Group
PANELIST
Sofya McIntosh
SVP of Sales & Customer Success
ComOps
PANELIST
Session sponsored by:
Operations | ROOM 114
Frictionless Guest Journeys: Designing Operations Around What Guests Actually Need
Alberto Santana
Chief Revenue Officer
Alliants
MODERATOR
Sam Sutter
VP & Hotel Manager
Fontainebleau Miami Beach
PANELIST
Corinne Heyl
Vice President of Hotel Operations
The Boca Raton
PANELIST
Kevin Ives
Hotel Manager
Pier Sixty-Six Resort
PANELIST
Session sponsored by:
Research/Academic | ROOM 117
Bridging the Gap: Preparing the Next Generation of Hospitality Leaders for a Tech-Driven Industry
Suzanne Bagnera
Assistant Professor & Director of Executive Education
Florida International University
MODERATOR
Gabriela Yidi
Account Executive
Toast
PANELIST
Emily Dailey
Founder & CEO
PenDailey Consulting
PANELIST
Michael Escalante
CEO and Founder
R5 Hospitality Solutions
PANELIST
Session sponsored by:
Entrepreneurship | ROOM 120
AI and the Modern Hospitality Sales Team: Empowering People to Drive More Revenue
Jason Doebrich
CEO & Founder
CORK Tech Advisors
MODERATOR
Gregory Sukornyk
CEO & Co-Founder
Oli Labs
PANELIST
Benjamin Devisme
Senior Problem Solver
Quinta
PANELIST
Ashish Khullar
Consultant - Travel, Transportation & Hospitality
Tata Consultancy Services
PANELIST
Session sponsored by:
03:00 PM - 03:15 PM | Afternoon Break
Join us for a refreshing afternoon break with light refreshments and time to connect with fellow attendees.
03:15 PM - 04:00 PM | Breakout Sessions (4 Tracks)
The breakout tracks will examine how data, technology, and innovation are transforming revenue strategy, operations, academic inquiry, and entrepreneurial growth across the hospitality industry.
Revenue Management & Commercial Strategy | ROOM 115
Modern Group Strategy: Aligning Sales, Revenue & Operations for Maximum Profitability
Eric Szymanski
Sales Solutions Consultant
Amadeus
MODERATOR
John Blezio
Director of Sales & Catering
Miccosukee Casino & Resort
PANELIST
Kim Snow
VP Commercial Strategy
Aimbridge
PANELIST
Alexandra C. Zotic
Senior Area Manager
Expedia Group
PANELIST
Session sponsored by:
Operations | ROOM 114
Launching a career in Operations, Commercial Strategy (RM + Marketing + Sales), or Innovation
Robert Levine
CEO
ComOps
MODERATOR
Mutluhan Kucuk
Complex Managing Director
Loews Miami Beach Hotel
PANELIST
Marlon Serbin
Vice President of Sales
SMARTLINEN
PANELIST
Jason Craparo
Chief Executive Officer
Hovr
PANELIST
Session sponsored by:
Research/Academic | ROOM 117
Experiential Hospitality Powered by Technology: Guest Experiences and Digital Finance
Luana Nanu
Assistant Professor
University of South Florida
MODERATOR
Murat Kizildag
Associate Professor
University of Central Florida
PANELIST
Anil Bilgihan
Professor
Florida Atlantic University
PANELIST
April Caldwell
CoFounder & CEO
fayVen
PANELIST
Brody Enwright
Sr. Dir. of Growth & Operations
Threshold 360
PANELIST
Session sponsored by:
Entrepreneurship | ROOM 120
From Operator to Innovator: How Hospitality Leaders Are Building Tech-Driven Ventures
Jackie Tornes
VP Operations/General Counsel
Valls Group
MODERATOR
Ani Meinhold
GM/Partner
Phuc Yea
PANELIST
Mohan Koka
General Manager
Kimpton Surfcomber
PANELIST
Nikolay Hotze
Managing Director & General Manager
Nobu Eden Roc Hotel Miami Beach
PANELIST
Session sponsored by:
CLOSING & RECEPTION
04:15 PM - 05:00 PM | Closing Remarks | Ballroom
Join us for a closing panel featuring leaders from HFTP, HSMAI, FRLA, and FIU, moderated by the Dean, to reflect on the day’s insights and the future of hospitality innovation.
Michael Cheng
Dean
Florida International University
MODERATOR
Dale Gomez
Associate Professor
Florida International University
PANELIST
Robert Levine
CEO
ComOps
HSMAI
PANELIST
Mihai Bote
President
HFTP South Florida
HFTP
PANELIST
Jackie Tornes
VP Operations/General Counsel
Valls Group
PANELIST
Closing remarks sponsored by:
05:00 PM - 06:30 PM | Networking Reception | Ballroom
Conclude the day with a networking reception sponsored by the Bacardi Center of Excellence, where refreshments and handhelds will be served as attendees connect, collaborate, and celebrate the event’s key takeaways.
Networking reception sponsored by:
