Leadership Summit 2026
The Boston University School of Hospitality Administration Leadership Summit 2026 brought the energy around one of the most important topics shaping our industry: Hospitality AI.
We explored a timely question—how can we embrace the power of AI while still preserving the human connection that makes hospitality so special?
The day was filled with dynamic moments, including a live recording of The Simmer podcast, an engaging industry panel, our Innovation Competition, the ICON Award presentation, Networking Bingo, and a crowd-favorite Aura Booth from Entertainment Specialists. It was a full, vibrant agenda that truly brought our theme of AI through EI to life.
It was an absolute pleasure to collaborate with my incredible co-chairs, Mara Littman and Eli Feldman, our fearless leader, Dean Arun Upneja, and the talented students on the planning committee—each one a reflection of the bright future of our industry.
Event: SHA Leadership Summit: April 10, 2026
Venue: Wightman Mansion, 43 Hawes Street, Brookline
Registration, Badges and Event App: TPNI
Moss Walls in Stage Design : WildLeaf Design
Aura Booth & DJ: Entertainment Specialists
Catering: Aramark and Bar Taco
Event Rentals: PEAK Event Services
Photography & Videography: Kataram Studios
Green Initiatives: Event design featuring minimal local florals, moss sculptures and moss walls constructed with natural product: both biophilic and environmentally sustainable ; Vegan Breakfast and Lunch Menu ; Rental partner, PEAK leading the charge in green practices in the event rentals category including the investment in electric trucks and AI robots that reduce water and energy use ; eco-friendly badges and re-use of lanyards from previous events ; Seeded, plantable paper featured in networking bingo segment and mocktail display ; Virtual swag bag featuring experience-based offers from local industry partners.
Student Planning Committee Efforts: Registration support ; Onsite guest management ; Organization of content for custom Event App powered by TPNI ; Swag bag offers ; Design of networking bingo activity sheet ; Social media challenge ; Creation of a guest survey to determine which nonalcoholic RefreSHA or SHA-T should be ordered at the reception.
