(Washington, D.C., May 21, 2015) - In an exciting new format, the annual Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS) Summer Update taking place July 21-23 will hold three networking receptions in Washington, D.C., Chicago, and Los Angeles. Each reception will focus on timely topics within the industry. ALIS Summer Update provides another opportunity in 2015 to network with the hotel investment community across America.

The first reception in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, July 21, focuses on an Update from Washington D.C. with panelists Jim R. Abrahamson, CEO, Interstate Hotels & Resorts; Ed Walter, president & CEO, Host Hotels & Resorts; and Paul W. Whetsell, Vice Chairman, Loews Hotels & Resorts; moderated by Katherine Lugar, president & CEO, American Hotel & Lodging Association. This reception is hosted by Destination Hotels and The Embassy Row Hotel and will take place at The Embassy Row Hotel from 5:30pm-7:30pm EDT. Welcome remarks will be given by Russell D. Urban, EVP-Business Development & Acquistions, Destination Hotels.

The second reception in Chicago on Wednesday, July 22, concentrates on the Lifestyle Segment with panelists David Berg, CEO, Carlson Hospitality Group; Raul Leal, CEO, Virgin Hotels; and Niki Leondakis, CEO, Commune Hotels & Resorts; with moderator Scott D. Berman, US Industry Leader Hospitality & Leisure, PwC. Hosted by Commune Hotels & Resorts and the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, the reception will be held from 5:30pm-7:30pm CDT at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel. Welcome remarks will be given by Niki Leondakis, CEO, Commune Hotels & Resorts.

The final reception in Los Angeles on Thursday, July 23, will feature a discussion on the Luxury Segment with panelists Jason Herthel, president & COO, Montage Hotels & Resorts; Jim Petrus, senior vice president, St. Regis Brand; and C. Scott Rohm, President, SH Group; with moderator Stephen M. Jennings, principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP. This reception will take place from 5:30pm-7:30pm PDT at the Montage Beverly Hills and is hosted by Montage Hotels & Resorts and Montage Beverly Hills. Welcome remarks will be given by Todd Orlich, general manager, Montage Beverly Hills.

The ALIS Summer Update is co-hosted by Burba Hotel Network (BHN) and the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA). Proceeds benefit the educational, research, and training missions of the Educational Institute (EI) of the American Hotel & Lodging Education Foundation (AH&LEF), AH&LA's not-for-profit affiliate.