Three-Day Flagship Event Recognizes Industry Excellence, Celebrates Scholarship Recipients, and Inducts 2026 College of Fellows
NEWH, Inc., The Global Hospitality Network, successfully concluded its 2026 Leadership Conference this week at The Westin Washington, D.C. Downtown, bringing together hospitality design, architecture, procurement, brand, and ownership professionals from across the United States and around the world for three days of focused education, strategic dialogue, and curated networking.
Held March 26ā28 and themed around the organizationās enduring mission of āLeading Today, Impacting Tomorrow,ā the conference delivered dynamic keynotes, informative panel discussions, and breakout sessions addressing some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the hospitality sector. Sessions ranged from hotel development complexity and brand differentiation to cross-functional collaboration and the evolving role of wellness as a core business driver.
āHospitality is built on relationships,ā said Chris Tucker, CEO of NEWH. āThis conference creates space for informed conversation, practical learning, and connections that strengthen both personal and professional development.ā
Distinguished Speakers and Programming
The conference featured an exceptional roster of speakers and panelists drawn from across the hospitality industry. Keynote speaker Victoria Labalmeāa member of the Speaker Hall of Fame whose performing arts background spans HBO, Broadway, and international stagesācaptivated attendees with her signature approach to helping professionals uncover their hidden gifts and communicate with greater impact.
Panelists and featured speakers included Todd-Avery Lenahan, President and Chief Creative Officer of Wynn Design & Development, who oversees a ten-billion-dollar portfolio for the worldās only vertically integrated Forbes Five Star hotel company; Thomas M. Penny III, President of Donohoe Hospitality and a vocal advocate for diversity in hotel ownership and executive leadership; Stacy Garcia, globally recognized designer, trend forecaster, and founder of Stacy GarciaĀ® Design Studio; and Valerie Coleman, Director of Design with Marriott International, among many others whose expertise spanned adaptive reuse, brand strategy, FF&E, and professional development.
Programming emphasized practical insight over theory, with peer-driven dialogue centered on navigating change, strengthening partnerships, and leading with clarity in a rapidly evolving industry landscape.
2026 Pinnacle Award: Trisha Poole
Among the conferenceās most celebrated moments was the presentation of the 2026 NEWH Pinnacle Award to Trisha Poole, Founder and President of Design Poole Inc.
The Pinnacle Award honors a member whose sustained leadership, service, and integrity have had a lasting impact on NEWH and the broader hospitality industry. Poole embodies that standard. As a Past International President of NEWH, she has helped shape the organizationās global direction while remaining deeply engaged in mentorship and member development. She was instrumental in championing the NEWH TopID Award, now recognized globally as a leading program celebrating excellence in hospitality interior design, and played a key role in advancing initiatives, including NEWHās BrandED program.
āYou do it because you feel it is the right thing to do, and you have the heart to do it,ā Poole said in her acceptance remarks. āAt the end of the day, it is about giving.ā
2026 NEWH College of Fellows Inductees
NEWH, Inc. also honored a distinguished group of members with induction into the NEWH College of Fellows, bestowed upon individuals who have made significant contributions to the hospitality industry and demonstrated an ongoing commitment to NEWH. The 2026 inductees are:
-Kim Faith, North Central Chapter
-Johanna Malen, San Francisco Bay Area Chapter
-Monica Meade, Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Chapter
-Kathryn Quinn, United Kingdom Chapter
2026 Scholarship Recipients
Reflecting its enduring commitment to the next generation of hospitality leaders, NEWH presented three major scholarships during the conference:
NEWH Nikki Jones Memorial Scholarship ($10,000)
Recipient: Adrian Ye, Interior Design student at Yorkville University. This scholarship was established through a $50,000 bequest from the late Nikki Jones, honoring her legacy within the NEWH community.
NEWH BrandED Scholarship, in the name of Holland America ($7,500)
Recipient: Liliana Soto, Graduate Student in Hospitality Management at the Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership at the University of Houston.
NEWH Leadership Scholarship ($7,500)
Recipient: Julihanna Johnson, Hospitality Management student at Monroe University.
About NEWH, Inc.
NEWH, Inc. is The Global Hospitality Network, connecting professionals across hospitality and adjacent industries through scholarships, education, mentorship, leadership development, and industry programming. With chapters worldwide, NEWH creates clear pathways for career growth, meaningful relationships, and professional advancement. The NEWH Leadership Conference is held biennially in the United States, with international conferences in alternating years. For more information, visit newh.org.
About NEWH Leadership Conferences
NEWH Leadership Conferences are the flagship gatherings of NEWH, Inc., The Global Hospitality Network, bringing together professionals from across hospitality design, architecture, procurement, brand, and ownership for focused education, meaningful connection, and peer-driven dialogue. Held biennially in the United States, the conferences feature dynamic keynotes, informative panels, and breakout sessions exploring design, development, operations, and professional growth. Additional international conferences may be held in select years, including the 2025 gathering in Paris. Designed for students, emerging talent, established professionals, and industry leaders alike, the conferences are where the hospitality community comes to learn, connect, and lead. For more information, visit https://newh.org/leadership-conferences/