RIHA Hosts Annual Industry Economic Outlook Breakfast

The Rhode Island Hospitality Association (RIHA) hosted its 19th annual Rhode Island Lodging & Restaurant Economic Outlook Breakfast sponsored by Heartland Payment Systems on Sept. 7 at the Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick. Panelists reviewed the current state of the hospitality industry and did a deep dive into the economic forecast for next year as participants enjoyed a hot breakfast and networking prior to the presentation. Panelists included Hudson Riehle, Senior Vice President of the Research & Knowledge Group, National Restaurant Association, who provided insight into the restaurant industry; Rachel Roginsky, Principal, Pinnacle Advisory Group, who offered data and perspective in the lodging industry; and Heather Singleton, COO, RIHA and RI Hospitality Education Foundation, who discussed how the workforce looks in the year ahead. Analysis suggests that, by 2023, the state’s restaurant and lodging industries will continue to reshape and recover in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, international inflation and economic concerns, and other global factors.

: Heather Singleton, COO, RI Hospitality Association (RIHA) and RI Hospitality Education Foundation (RIHEF); Rachel Roginsky, Principal, Pinnacle Advisory Group; Dale Venturini, President and CEO, RIHA; and Hudson Riehle, Senior Vice President, Research & Knowledge Group, National Restaurant Association (NRA).

: Elaine Murphy, Corporate Director of Sales, First Bristol Corporation – Hotel Division; Jeff Day, Vice President of Operations, First Bristol Corporation – Hotel Division; Tim Kenahan, General Manager, Hampton Inn and Suites DT Providence; Hannah O’Toole, Director of Sales, Hampton Inn and Suites DT Providence; and Reid Thornton, Director of Operations, Hampton Inn and Suites DT Providence.

: James Meo, Director of Revenue Management, The Crowne; Sarah Shibley, The Crowne; Claudio Marasco, CFO, Carpionato Group; Damian Santoro, Ladder 133 Kitchen & Social; and Kim O’Connor, Ladder 133 Kitchen & Social.

: Gary Avigne, Director and Senior Hotel Advisor, Pinnacle Advisory Group; Dale Venturini, President and CEO, RIHA; Dant Hirsch, President and Managing Director, Ocean House Management.

: Heather Singleton, COO, RIHA and RIHEF and Michael Sabitoni, Associate Professor and Department Chair, Food & Beverage/Travel & Tourism Studies, Johnson & Wales University.