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BLLA Opens Submissions for the 2024 BLLA Awards, Celebrating Excellence in Boutique Hospitality
The Boutique Lifestyle Lodging Association (BLLA) is thrilled to announce the opening of submissions for the 2024 BLLA Awards. Recognizing and celebrating the daring and brilliant efforts in the global boutique hospitality industry, the BLLA Awards have become the premier platform for honoring the world’s best hotels, creators, and partners in the boutique sector. Submissions close on August 23 at 11:59 PM PST.
Established in 2010, the BLLA Awards are now in their fourteenth year, continuing to be the most authentic and credible accolades for independent and boutique hotels, general managers, owners, designers, and partners. Organized by BLLA, the original boutique hotel association, these awards highlight the excellence and innovation that define boutique hospitality.
How to Submit Your Nomination
We invite boutique hotels, creators, and vendor partners to submit their nominations for the 2024 BLLA Awards. To ensure your nomination stands out, it is crucial to provide a comprehensive package that includes an array of stunning images, social media links, and a clearly written description of why the person or business deserves the award. All nominations should be prepared in advance of completing the questions on the Awards site.
Awards Ceremony Details
Winners and runner-ups will be celebrated in person on September 16, 2024, from 6-10 pm PT at the Westlake Village Inn. The celebration will be part of the Boutique Hotel Owners Conference, taking place from September 16-17 at the same venue. Each winner will receive a trophy, one ticket to the awards ceremony, and a marketing package to promote their award.
In addition to the in-person celebration, winners will be featured on "Sincerely, BLLA," BLLA’s social media platforms, and the BOUTIQUE WEEKLY newsletter, providing them with significant exposure to the global travel and hospitality industry and travelers alike.
Ticket Registration
Tickets for the Awards Dinner on September 16th and the full Boutique Hotel Owners Conference, which includes the Awards Dinner, are available now. To register for individual tickets or full conference access, click HERE.
Showcase Your Excellence
The BLLA Awards offer a unique opportunity to showcase excellence in the boutique hospitality industry. We encourage all eligible participants to submit their nominations and demonstrate their outstanding contributions to the industry.
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Though Leadership
BLLA Formally Launches the Luxury Academy Elevating Excellence in Independent Boutique Hotel Education
This is the first-of-its-kind educational program focused on the luxury boutique hotel segment, available to all verified boutique hotels.
BLLA, the singular voice in the independent Luxury Boutique Lifestyle Hotel space, has formally opened the educational platform to all BLLA members and the hospitality industry in collaboration with Équité, the leading global luxury strategy, communication, and brand activation firm. The platform is now available to accept registrations for our association members who receive discounted pricing, including independent hotel properties and those in a small brand group of boutique hotels.
The BLLA Luxury Academy’s customizable company training program covers the foundations of luxury service with specialized modules curated to deliver exceptional customer experiences comprehensively throughout your lodging hospitality organization. This training will proactively arm and prepare your staff for the coming AI and Gen Z customer revolution and ensure no break in the chain of excellent customer service.In addition, hotels may also choose to register for individual training. Whether you're a seasoned luxury professional looking to sharpen your skills or an aspirational early career prospective employee eager to break into the industry, BLLA Luxury Academy has something for everyone. From in-depth courses on luxury branding, the revolutionary effect Gen Z and AI are having on the luxury landscape along with exclusive insights from industry experts; our platform offers a wealth of resources and information.
BLLA, in collaboration with Équité and Daniel André Langer, is excited to bring this program to our exceptional hospitality sector. Daniel, Professor of Luxury Strategy at Pepperdine University and NYU and Advisor to some of the top luxury hospitality brands in the world, agreed, stating, “The luxury sector is undergoing its most profound transformation ever. Gen Z’s rising expectations and evolving lifestyles present significant challenges, particularly for brands aiming for success in luxury travel and hospitality. Many clients receive a nominal luxury experience, reflected only in the price, not in genuine value. Achieving loyalty has never been more challenging, yet no other sector relies as heavily on loyal clients for revenue and profit as luxury hospitality. To navigate this shift, brands must revolutionize their approach to brand storytelling, foster deep emotional connections with clients, and consistently inspire their guests.”
The Boutique Lifestyle Lodging Association (BLLA) demonstrates a commitment to the continuous improvement and advancement of its programs, particularly for hotel members who have undergone authentic verification by the association. One of the primary areas of focus for enhancement is education. BLLA is dedicated to refining and enhancing its programs over time.
Frances Kiradjian, CEO of BLLA, stated, “This initiative underscores our unwavering commitment to the continuous improvement and advancement of our programs, especially for our hotel members who have undergone our rigorous and authentic verification process. Education remains a cornerstone of our mission, and through the BLLA Luxury Academy, we are dedicated to refining and enhancing our educational offerings to ensure our members stay at the forefront as leaders of the boutique hospitality industry."
BLLA Academy will be the exclusive boutique hotel network partner of Équité, creating the premiere platform for global luxury hospitality training. This new BLLA Academy is integral to the independent boutique hotel educational program for 2024 and beyond. This includes educational initiatives and resources for the association's members and the broader boutique hospitality community. Registration is now open for purchase through the BLLA Member Portal and the official website, bllaluxuryacademy.com
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BLLA's Inaugural Retreat with Conscious Souls of Hospitality in Ibiza: A Deep Dive into Regenerative Wellness and Sustainability
The Boutique Lifestyle Lodging Association (BLLA) is proud to announce the successful completion of its first retreat in collaboration with Conscious Souls of Hospitality. Held in the stunning locale of Ibiza, Spain, from April 7 to 11, this event marked a significant fusion of spirituality and hospitality, focusing on the root of authentic wellness.
Hosted by BLLA’s very own Ariela Kiradjian alongside co-host Caroline Legrand, the retreat explored the profound concept that hotels can't truly be conscious unless the decision-makers themselves embody consciousness. With this ethos at the forefront, the event offered a platform for deep conversations around regenerative practices, sustainability, and the essence of conscious living.
Participants engaged in wellness activities such as somatic yoga flows and traditional tea ceremonies, which underscored the retreat's commitment to holistic health. The gathering also featured hospitality industry insights through exclusive tours of notable properties including Finca Can Martí, Aguamadera Ibiza, Six Senses Ibiza, Unio Ibiza Hotel, and The Standard Ibiza. These tours provided invaluable learning experiences and a glimpse into the practical applications of sustainability in the hospitality industry.
The retreat boasted a distinguished lineup of facilitators who brought depth and expertise to these discussions. Among them were Renu Kashyap – Ibiza Bohemia, David Mulin – Six Senses Ibiza, Elaine Mary Collins – healer, Alexcia Pannay – tea ceremony facilitator, Larah Davis – Ibiza Retreat, Anke Rice – seasoned villa host and Dawn Hindle – Pikes Hotel.
Culinary needs were artfully met by private chef Blanka Stanczuk, whose nutritious and flavorful meals complemented the immersive experience. Guests were given fresh juices in the mornings followed by bountiful breakfasts, lunch and plated dinners.
With its successful launch, BLLA and Conscious Souls of Hospitality have set a high benchmark for future events, establishing a new standard in the integration of regenerative wellness and sustainable practices in the hospitality industry.
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Uniting the Boutique Community to Amplify the Lucrative Future of Boutique Hotels
Leading minds in boutique hospitality create a one-of-a-kind agenda for the 11th annual Boutique Hotel Investment Conference
Los Angeles, CA - The Boutique Lifestyle Leaders Association (BLLA) is returning to the live stage with the 11th annual Boutique Hotel Investment Conference on June 7-8, 2023. Boutique experts and visionaries will gather in New York City’s Florence Gould Hall to better understand the fundamentals of hotel investment as it relates to the evergrowing boutique landscape.
Taking the stage are hospitality icons like Andrew Zobler - The Sydell Group, Jason, Larry, and Michael Pomeranc - SIXTY Hotels, Andrea Grigg - JLL Hotels & Hospitality, Richard Valtr - Mews, Chris Hemmeter - Thayer Ventures, Raul Leal - SH Hotels & Resorts, Rafael Museri - Selina, and Amanda Hite - STR to name a few. The roster of leaders includes dynamic owners, investors, and developers who will ignite conversations about the current trends and projected growth for the thriving sector that is boutique hospitality.
“There is always excitement in the air when BLLA returns to New York to meet with our industry’s top hoteliers,” stated Frances Kiradjian, Founder & CEO of BLLA. “This year’s conference is the first time, in its 11-year history, to hold it over 2 days. We’ve added extra time for networking, more active sessions with audience participation throughout, and a later start time which has been requested by attendees.”
Key topics on the two-day agenda include:
Capital Markets Overview
The Legal Matters
Debt & Equity
A Candid Talk on Technology
Update on European Boutique Hotel Investment Landscape
F&B as a Recipe for Success
The Realities of Asset Management
Development: Transforming Vision into Reality
Ariela Kiradjian, COO & Partner of BLLA, added, “By uniting top minds in the boutique hospitality industry, this event showcases the shared embodiment of leadership, innovation, knowledge, and passion for ‘the boutique lifestyle’.” The diverse programming is especially interactive with formats such as mentorship sessions, in-person networking, debates, evidence-based think tanks, keynotes, case studies, and more.
Companies speaking include: SH Hotels & Resorts, STR, JLL, The Sydell Group, Citi, Thayer Ventures, SIXTY Hotels, Selina, Main Street Hospitality Group, HFTP, PKF hotelexperts, Bridgeton, Global Holdings Management Group, HVS Americas, Mews, Auberge Resorts Collection, Beaumier, Goldman Sachs, Nestle Premium Waters, Roomza, citizenM, Dragonfly Strategists, Corporate Spending Innovations, Greenberg Traurig, Prospect Ridge, cb5 Hospitality Group, JMBM, EOS Hospitality, FOC, Gansevoort Meatpacking, The Canyon Group, Cedar Capital Partners, and StayBoutique™.
Tickets are available here. There are discounts for current members of BLLA. If you would like to become a member to receive the Member rate, apply here for BLLA. Student pricing is available. Please contact info@blla.org.
There will be an exclusive digital Webex networking platform for attendees to build their own personal profiles and connect with one another throughout the conference, as well as receive communication such as the agenda and other announcements in real-time.
The network is grateful for the support of the current Headline Sponsors, including: HFTP (exclusive association sponsor), Nestle Premium Waters, Dragonfly Strategists, Lockton, Greenberg Traurig, Roomza, Mews, Pace Revenue, and Corporate Spending Innovations, as well as its Boutique Sponsor: Lily Jack, and Lifestyle Sponsors: cb5 Hospitality Group and Staypineapple.
Sponsorships are also available and offer a range of digital and in-person benefits, such as speaking opportunities and marketing promotions before and during the event. Contact info@blla.org for more information.
Check out some video reels from past events here: 1-BLLA conference (the 2022 Conference at The Plaza Hotel), and 2-BLLA conference (showcasing Florence Gould Hall).
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BLLA, in collaboration with ROOMZA, hosted a Social Club Dinner Party on April 12th
The goal was to bring top minds in the independent boutique hotel space together in a closed, intimate setting to discuss worldly topics and opportunities for collaboration
Los Angeles, CA - The 4th iteration of BLLA’s intimate Social Club Dinner Party was held on April 12th in downtown Los Angeles in the private room called “The Apartment,” located on the 2nd floor of The Hoxton Hotel.
The evening conversations were poignant and interesting as each attendee was offered a particular question and subject to address during the dinner. As wine and great food flowed, the hoteliers were lively and completely engaged with each other. “It is such a pleasure to experience our boutique community sharing their stories and connecting on such an intimate level,” said Frances Kiradjian, CEO of BLLA. “The measure of success of any event is when the wait staff literally needs to turn off the lights because no one wants to leave. It is such a special moment when that happens, even though we know we could have gone on for hours.”
BLLA Social Club Dinner Los Angeles 2023, sponsored by ROOMZA.
Frances Kiradjian, CEO of BLLA
The Hoxton, Downtown LA
In collaboration with ROOMZA as the sponsor of the event, BLLA invited several boutique hotel owners and small brands as well as BLLA staff to the event including: Alex Kirkwood, Founder & CEO, Kirkwood Collection - Curtis Crimmins, CEO, Roomza - Dave Neupert, Owner, Gold-Diggers - Jeremiah Johnson, VP & Head of Business Development, Roomza - John Flannigan, Founder & CEO, Wylder Hotels - Kara Bartelt, GM, The Hoxton - Max Waitt, Co-Founder, Orli La Jolla - Maya Mallick, Hotelier & Creative Director, The Culver Hotel - Ramin Kolahi, Principal, Lighthouse Investments, LLC - Sam Spring, Founder & CFO, Roomza.
"In the world of hospitality, it is the spirit of community that fuels innovation, fostering connections that spark the creation of unforgettable experiences, and transforming buildings into the boutique hotels that define our industry – and travel itself,” stated Curtis Crimmins, Founder of Roomza. “The gathering of lodging innovators and tastemakers, curated by BLLA and hosted by Roomza, last week in Los Angeles was an evening of culinary delight and illuminating conversation igniting a fusion of ideas and forging lasting connections that will undoubtedly shape the future of hospitality.”
The open dialogue covered an array of topics such as the hotel booking experience, the onsite technology experience, best practices for team building, the characteristics of a successful hotel lobby, the key to a healthy relationship with your stakeholders, investment strategies & outcomes, and the wholehearted joys of being an independent, boutique hotelier.
Curtis Crimmins & Sam Spring, Founders of Roomza
Top minds collaborated in an intimate setting
Kara Bartelt, The Hoxton & Dave Neupert, Gold-Diggers
Alex Kirkwood, Kirkwood Collection & Jeremiah Johnson, Roomza
View images from the event here.
Past press:1 - Mews Dinner 20212 - BLLA at the Inhabit Hotel London 20193 - 2018 London at The Hoxton plus Scotland
Noteworthy Quotes: “BLLA hosted an intimate dinner party for industry tastemakers that was a wonderful experience and unlike anything I had been to before. As a novice in the industry, with a newly established boutique hotel brand, it was so enriching to hear from successful hoteliers and industry executives on their experience, passion, and dedication to the boutique community. The open discussions left me with new insights, connections, and knowledge, as well as an excitement for what is to come in the years ahead. I feel honored to have been invited to this dinner party and cannot wait for the next one.” - Max Waitt, Co-Founder, Orli La Jolla
“People get excited about building things that haven’t been done before.” - Curtis Crimmins, CEO, Roomza
“Being an independent hotelier is about being the next steward in telling a story/continuing a legacy.” - Alex Kirkwood, Founder & CEO, Kirkwood Collection
“It’s a very human business. Not one day is ever the same.” - Maya Mallick, Hotelier & Creative Director, The Culver Hotel
“A successful lobby is one where the neighbors come in.” - Kara Bartelt, GM, The Hoxton
“Music can transform the industry and is the fabric of what we’re doing. Everything is connected.” - Dave Neupert, Owner, Gold-Diggers