Description

Join us July 9th, 2026 from 10:00-11:00 AM for our

VRLTA Hotel & Lodging Virtual Component Meeting

Tentative Agenda:

I. Introductions

Hotel & Lodging Component President, Lars Friedriszik, The Historic Cavalier Hotel & Beach Club

Hotel & Lodging Component Vice President, Brian Shanle, Kalahari Resort & Conventions

II. Speaker Presentation - Chris Austin, STR

Market Performance & Industry Insights – Understanding Local Trends in a National Context

This session will explore how local hospitality performance compares to national benchmarks, highlight key trends impacting the industry, and provide a breakdown of submarket performance to help inform strategic decision-making.

III. Q&A 

IV. Group Discussion

V. Conclusion 

Featured Speaker:

Chris Austin is a Sales Executive at STR, partnering with hotel owners, operators, and destination clients across Virginia, Washington, DC, and Michigan. He launched his career in Kentucky and Tennessee, helping hotels elevate their food and beverage offerings, and after time away from the industry, returned with fresh energy and a strong passion for hospitality. Chris loves helping markets grow participation and bringing data to life—showing how greater engagement can drive stronger overall performance. He lives in Nashville, TN with his spouse, Maggie, and their two children.

Registration closes 5:00 PM on July 8th, 2026