Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series
The Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series (DDLS) is a long-running Friday afternoon tradition in the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration. We call it ‘Hotelie Friday.’
Our distinguished speakers
For nearly 100 years Hotelies have taken this course where top industry leaders in hospitality operations, food and beverage, and real estate—many of whom are our alumni—talk to students. They share their career journeys and provide insights on their leadership styles, business strategies, and industry trends. Students meet with the leader throughout the day in small group discussions and over shared meals. Journey through the most recent speaker lineup, below.
Ceridwyn King, Ph.D., Dimond Family Dean
Presentation Date: August 28th. Meet the newly appointed dean of Cornell’s Hotel School, whose research reveals how employee engagement drives exceptional guest experiences.
Dana Beninati ’15, Founder
Presentation Date: September 4th. A James Beard award-winning chef and sommelier brings culinary passion to Food Network, teaching the next generation about hospitality careers.
Patrick Nichols ’08, President & Chief Executive Officer
Presentation Date: September 11th. From financial analyst to CEO: discover how this Cornell graduate is leading a $1.5 billion modernization of one of Las Vegas’ most iconic resorts.
Meli James ’00, Co-Founder & General Partner
Presentation Date: September 18th. This Cornell entrepreneur is expanding economic opportunity in Hawaii through an accelerator program that helps local brands scale globally.
More 2026 season speakers
- Presentation Date: August 28th. Meet the newly appointed dean of Cornell's Hotel School, whose research reveals how employee engagement drives exceptional guest experiences. The post […]
- Presentation Date: September 4th. A James Beard award-winning chef and sommelier brings culinary passion to Food Network, teaching the next generation about hospitality careers. The […]
- Presentation Date: September 11th. From financial analyst to CEO: discover how this Cornell graduate is leading a $1.5 billion modernization of one of Las Vegas' […]
- Presentation Date: September 18th. This Cornell entrepreneur is expanding economic opportunity in Hawaii through an accelerator program that helps local brands scale globally. The post […]
- Presentation Date: September 25th. Transforming a nearly century-old luxury hotel collection, this CEO has doubled member revenue while positioning independent hotels to compete globally. The […]
- Presentation Date: October 2nd. This real estate investor manages a prestigious portfolio of Four Seasons properties, iconic hotels, and luxury residences across the globe. The […]
- Presentation Date: October 16th. With three decades in real estate finance, this Cornell graduate built firms that transformed the commercial real estate capital markets landscape. […]
- Presentation Date: October 23rd. This entrepreneur is revolutionizing hotel operations with AI technology serving 20,000+ hotels—a fast-funded venture recognized by Fast Company. The post Speaker: […]
- Presentation Date: October 30th. Leading Blackstone's real estate investments in Japan, this executive has been analyzing hospitality opportunities across Asia since 2008. The post Speaker: […]
- Presentation Date: October 30th. This hotel advisor brings experience from Starwood, Marriott, Taj Hotels, and Burger King to his work advising hotel companies across Asia. […]
- Presentation Date: November 6th. With 25+ years leading hotel real estate deals, this entrepreneur co-founded Acacia Holdings and now mentors the next generation of hotel […]
- Presentation Date: November 13th. From managing luxury resorts and space travel customer experiences to leading hospitality for Team USA—this executive creates transformational journeys. The post […]
- Presentation Date: November 20th. This Cornell entrepreneur is redefining procurement as a force for social change—creating guest experiences while supporting mission-driven suppliers. The post Speaker: […]
- Presentation Date: December 4th. Leading a multi-billion-dollar expansion at Loews Hotels, this CEO has grown the portfolio 50% through innovative partnerships with entertainment brands. The […]
Past speakers
Journey through years of inspired dialogue, with distinguished thought leaders.