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The California Lodging Investment Conference [CLIC]8 lit up Long Beach on March 5-6, 2025, bringing together the brightest minds in hospitality to talk shop, shake hands, and shape the future of the industry. Held at The Westin Long Beach, this premier event was packed with powerhouse speakers, industry-changing insights, and enough networking to make LinkedIn jealous. From AI-powered hotels to crisis-proof PR strategies, here are the top takeaways that had everyone buzzing at [CLIC]8.
1. The Hospitality Market is on Fire
If you’re in the California hotel game, good news—business is booming! Bruce Ford, SVP and Director of Global Business Development for Lodging Econometrics, shared that thanks to the upcoming Olympics and World Cup in 2026, the Golden State’s hotel market is stronger than ever.
2. AI is Here to Take Your Boring Tasks, Not Your Job
The rise of artificial intelligence in hospitality was a hot topic, with a lively discussion led by Glenn Haussman of No Vacancy Live. Experts like Tim Edgar (Hotel/Green Investors), Jackie Collins (Gallagher), and Cesar Wurm (IHG) reassured the audience: AI isn’t about replacing people—it’s about making jobs better. Think automation of the mundane so staff can focus on wowing guests. The key takeaway? Work with AI, not against it, and let it handle the repetitive stuff.
3. Crisis Management & PR: Your Hotel’s Lifeline
Fires, floods, bad Yelp reviews—California hotels have seen it all. A powerhouse panel moderated by PR pro Chris Daly (DalyGray) drove home the importance of having a crisis communication plan in place before disaster strikes. Whether it's a natural disaster or a social media meltdown, having a proactive strategy is the difference between bouncing back and losing business.
4. Giving Back to Hospitality’s Future
Jason Riederer from AHLA highlighted a major issue: workforce challenges in the hospitality industry. [CLIC] is doing its part by investing in the next generation, donating over $75,000 in scholarships over the past eight years, including $3,000 this year. The message was clear: supporting young talent isn’t just a feel-good move—it’s a must for the industry’s survival.
5. Internships & Education: The Key to Fresh Talent
The industry is evolving, and so are its future leaders. A panel featuring Timothy Flohr (Hospitality Internships), Lisa Cain (FIU), and Suzanne Bagnera (FIU) emphasized the need to adapt to Gen Z’s expectations. They also highlighted the importance of executive education, particularly in AI and hospitality. Dr. Bagnera even created the first-of-its-kind AI and hospitality course—because the future isn’t waiting around!
6. The Secret to Conference Success? Longer Breaks!
Turns out, networking doesn’t just happen in panel sessions. This year’s longer breaks gave attendees more time to make meaningful connections (and strike deals!). The verdict? Less rushed coffee runs, more productive conversations, and partnerships that could shape the industry’s next big moves.
Conference Highlights
Beyond the big takeaways, [CLIC]8 had plenty of standout moments:
Women in Hospitality Leadership: Rachel Humphrey and Lan Elliott led an inspiring discussion on advancing women in the industry, challenging both men and women to push for inclusivity at the top.
Lan Elliott and Rachel Humphrey of the Women in Hospitality Leadership Alliance Hotel Development of the Year Awards: The prestigious award, sponsored by Lodging Econometrics, went to Red Roof Inn - Hometown Studios in Ridgecrest, CA (Extended Stay) and The Fairmont Breakers Long Beach (Full Service Select Service). The latter’s transformation from a historic hotel to a senior living facility and back to a luxury stay was a standout story of adaptive reuse done right.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Hospitality icons Dorraine Lallani (Westmont Hospitality Group) and Joseph Fan (Brighton Management) were recognized for their decades of game-changing contributions to the industry. [CLIC] founder Craig Sullivan summed it up best: “Dorraine Lallani is the hospitality professional we should all aspire to be.”
[CLIC]8 wasn’t just another conference—it was a launching pad for the future of California’s hospitality industry. From AI innovations to crisis preparedness, from scholarships to smarter networking, attendees left with actionable insights and new connections that will keep the industry thriving. If you missed it, don’t worry—there’s always next year. But if [CLIC]8 proved anything, it’s that the California hotel market is only getting stronger.
Want more details? Check out the full lineup of sponsors and speakers at cliconference.com. See you at [CLIC]9!
Suzanne Bagnera is an Assistant Professor and Director of Executive Education at Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management. With over 22 years in higher education and 25 years of hospitality industry experience, she is a recognized leader in hospitality education, executive training, and technology-driven innovation.
Lisa Cain is an Associate Professor at Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management and an Associate Editor for the International Journal of Consumer Studies and International Hospitality Review. With a background in fine dining and extensive research in organizational behavior and marketing, she has secured major grants to explore hospitality technology, foodservice innovation, and customer experiences.