Skift Global Forum 2017: Hear From Marriott, Airbnb and the Biggest Names in Hospitality
Photo Credit: Marriott CEO Arne Sorenson, speaking on stage at the Skift Global Forum 2016. Skift / Skift
Skift Take
From direct booking campaigns to the growing popularity of Airbnb, there's a lot to talk about with the most influential decision-makers in hospitality.
Marriott International CEO Arne Sorenson, just days after completing his company's long-awaited $13.3-billion acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, spoke at length about Marriott's plans for linking both companies.
Former Starwood Hotels & Resorts CEO Frits van Paasschen said he didn't think the timing of the Marriott acquisition wasn't in his former company's favor, especially for its shareholders.
Veteran hotelier Chip Conley, founder of Joie de Vivre Hotels and former global head of hospitality and strategy for Airbnb, told the audience what hotels could learn from Airbnb, and vice versa.
Former Two Roads Hospitality CEO Niki Leondakis, now CEO of Equinox Fitness Clubs, said that rea
