As we roll into the fall season, the hospitality and events industry continues to evolve. At Huddle, we’re keeping a close eye on the latest developments to ensure our clients stay informed about the changing landscape of event venues. Here’s a roundup of some exciting news in the hotel and venue space.

Major Hotel Chains in Growth Mode

The race for expansion among major hotel chains is heating up. Recent milestones and growth trends paint an interesting picture of the industry’s trajectory:

• Hilton is leading the pack with an impressive 6.3% compound annual growth rate in property count over the past five years. They recently celebrated the opening of their 8,000th property.
• Marriott isn’t far behind, having just inaugurated their 9,000th property with the stunning St. Regis Longboat Key Resort in Florida.
• Hyatt, while starting from a smaller base, has shown remarkable growth with a 25% compound annual growth rate in property count.

Looking at room counts, Hilton again emerges as a strong contender, with a 5% compound annual growth rate over five years. The company is on track for 7-7.5% growth this year alone.

These expansions are great news for event planners, as they mean more options and potentially better deals for hosting conferences and corporate gatherings.

Mixed Outlook for Asia Pacific Hotels

JLL’s latest Hotel Operators’ Sentiment Survey for 2024/2025 reveals a varied forecast across the Asia Pacific region:

• North, South, and Southeast Asian hoteliers are optimistic about strong performance in the coming year.
• Australasia and Greater China are more cautious, expecting better results in 2025 than in 2024.
• Luxury and budget sectors are particularly confident about occupancy rates, while mid-range hotels are less optimistic about revenue growth.
• Japan, Thailand, and India are the most bullish markets, anticipating growth in both revenue and profits.

For event planners considering Asia Pacific destinations, this mixed outlook suggests the importance of careful market selection and potentially favorable negotiations in some areas.

New Venues on the Horizon

Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana

Set to open in early 2025, this new property in Bossier City will offer:

• 545 rooms
• 25,000 square feet of meeting and conference space
• A 12,125-square-foot divisible ballroom
• Various dining and entertainment options

Its proximity to Shreveport Regional Airport makes it an attractive option for events drawing attendees from across the country.

Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa, Florida

Recently opened in July, this new Marriott property boasts:

• 252 rooms
• 9,000 square feet of meeting space
• A connection to the Bradenton Area Convention Center
• Unique amenities like water taxi access to nearby attractions

The upcoming expansion of the adjacent convention center will add even more options for larger events.

Venue Management and Improvements

• ASM Global has been tapped to operate the reimagined Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati, set to reopen in 2026 after a $240 million transformation.
• Huntington Place in Detroit has extended its contract with ASM Global and renewed its agreement with Premier Creative Group for audio-visual services.
• Kansas City is revitalizing its Barney Allis Plaza, creating new outdoor event spaces that will complement the nearby convention center. The project is slated for completion in 2026.

These developments showcase the ongoing investment in improving and expanding event facilities across the country.

We are excited about these new opportunities and changes in the venue landscape, and can’t wait to check them out in person. We’re here to help you navigate these options and find the perfect setting for your next event. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to monitor the evolving world of event venues!