Unlocking Travel Trends: Economic Outlook & Expedia Insights

Join us for an exclusive lunch event at The Wayfarer DTLA as we dive into the latest travel trends shaping our region. Wendy Kheel of Tourism Economics will break down what economic indicators and global tariffs mean for the future of tourism, while Expedia's Brandon Robbers and Anastasia Varavina share real-time data and strategies that drove success in Q1 and April across California, Los Angeles, and Orange County. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights, ask questions, and connect with industry peers.

Who Should Attend?

This program is tailored for:

  • Sales Professionals
  • Marketing Experts
  • Revenue Managers

While the primary focus is on Sales, Marketing, and Revenue Management, General Managers, Operations Staff, and Management Company Executives are encouraged to join for updated information on trends and tariffs.

About HSMAI Los Angeles

HSMAI Los Angeles is dedicated to advancing the knowledge and expertise of sales, marketing, and revenue management professionals in the hospitality industry. We empower professionals to thrive in a competitive landscape through education, networking, and collaboration.

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Agenda Highlights

11:00am - 11:45am      Arrival, Check-in and Networking

11:45am                        Lunch Service (2-Course)

12:05pm - 1:00pm       Program and Q&A

1:00pm -  1:30pm       Networking

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Want to Become a Sponsor?

See the Sponsor Opportunities Here.

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Event Sponsors
Adam Burke

Adam Burke
President & CEO
LA Tourism

Adam Burke serves as President & CEO of Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (Los Angeles Tourism), overseeing global brand marketing and sales strategies for one of the world’s most diverse and innovative destinations. He first joined the organization as Chief Operating Officer in 2016. Burke is responsible for achieving the organization’s mission to "improve the quality of life for all Angelenos through the economic benefits of tourism.

LinkedIn

Wendy Kheel - Tourism Economics
Wendy Kheel

Wendy Kheel
Client Manager
Tourism Economics

Wendy Kheel is acknowledged for expertise in tourism research, data, trends and marketing strategy and for presentations at a wide range of travel industry conferences and seminars. 

She joined Tourism Economics focusing on Symphony, a customizable market intelligence platform. Symphony is designed to help Destination Marketing Organizations eliminate the time and drudgery of processing and visualizing a myriad of data sources and data sets. 

Prior to Tourism Economics, she was Vice President of Tourism Insights for the Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board where she oversaw global research and data analysis enabling the organization and its stakeholders to formulate fact-based marketing, sales and business decisions.

Prior to LA Tourism, she was Director, Consumer Insights at Universal Studios Hollywood, Director of Market Research at Walt Disney Imagineering, and a Senior Manager at two hospitality-industry consulting firms; Laventhol & Horwath, and PKF Consulting (now CBRE).

She has a Masters of Hotel Administration from Cornell University, an MBA from the University of Miami, and a Bachelor of Speech from Northwestern University.

LinkedIn

Brandon Robbers - Expedia Media Solutions
Brandon Robbers

Brandon Robbers
Business Development Manager, Lodging
Expedia Media Solutions

Brandon Robbers is a seasoned business development professional at Expedia Group, specializing in lodging partnerships within Expedia Media Solutions. With a strong background in hospitality management and marketing, he has a proven track record of helping partners optimize their revenue and reach through strategic collaboration. Brandon is passionate about building inclusive, high-performing teams and fostering authentic relationships that drive success in the travel industry.

LinkedIn

Anastasiia Varavina - Expedia Group
Anastasiia Varavina

Anastasiia Varavina
Account Manager, Expedia Group

Anastasiia Varavina is an accomplished Account Manager at Expedia Group with over a decade of experience in optimizing hotel operations, driving revenue growth, and refining market strategies. Known for her ability to build strong partnerships and negotiate high-value contracts, Anastasiia consistently delivers results that exceed expectations. With a passion for hospitality and a commitment to excellence, she helps clients elevate performance and customer conversion in an ever-evolving travel industry.

LinkedIn

Adam Burke

Adam Burke
President & CEO
LA Tourism

Adam Burke serves as President & CEO of Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (Los Angeles Tourism), overseeing global brand marketing and sales strategies for one of the world’s most diverse and innovative destinations. He first joined the organization as Chief Operating Officer in 2016. Burke is responsible for achieving the organization’s mission to "improve the quality of life for all Angelenos through the economic benefits of tourism.

LinkedIn

Wendy Kheel - Tourism Economics
Wendy Kheel

Wendy Kheel
Client Manager
Tourism Economics

Wendy Kheel is acknowledged for expertise in tourism research, data, trends and marketing strategy and for presentations at a wide range of travel industry conferences and seminars. 

She joined Tourism Economics focusing on Symphony, a customizable market intelligence platform. Symphony is designed to help Destination Marketing Organizations eliminate the time and drudgery of processing and visualizing a myriad of data sources and data sets. 

Prior to Tourism Economics, she was Vice President of Tourism Insights for the Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board where she oversaw global research and data analysis enabling the organization and its stakeholders to formulate fact-based marketing, sales and business decisions.

Prior to LA Tourism, she was Director, Consumer Insights at Universal Studios Hollywood, Director of Market Research at Walt Disney Imagineering, and a Senior Manager at two hospitality-industry consulting firms; Laventhol & Horwath, and PKF Consulting (now CBRE).

She has a Masters of Hotel Administration from Cornell University, an MBA from the University of Miami, and a Bachelor of Speech from Northwestern University.

LinkedIn

Brandon Robbers - Expedia Media Solutions
Brandon Robbers

Brandon Robbers
Business Development Manager, Lodging
Expedia Media Solutions

Brandon Robbers is a seasoned business development professional at Expedia Group, specializing in lodging partnerships within Expedia Media Solutions. With a strong background in hospitality management and marketing, he has a proven track record of helping partners optimize their revenue and reach through strategic collaboration. Brandon is passionate about building inclusive, high-performing teams and fostering authentic relationships that drive success in the travel industry.

LinkedIn

Anastasiia Varavina - Expedia Group
Anastasiia Varavina

Anastasiia Varavina
Account Manager, Expedia Group

Anastasiia Varavina is an accomplished Account Manager at Expedia Group with over a decade of experience in optimizing hotel operations, driving revenue growth, and refining market strategies. Known for her ability to build strong partnerships and negotiate high-value contracts, Anastasiia consistently delivers results that exceed expectations. With a passion for hospitality and a commitment to excellence, she helps clients elevate performance and customer conversion in an ever-evolving travel industry.

LinkedIn

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Rising Star:
Unsung Hero:
Beyond the Call of Duty:
Lifetime Achievement:
General Manager of the Year:
Date:
May 22, 2025
Time:
11:00 am
-
1:30 pm
Venue:
The Wayfarer DTLA
Address:
813 Flower St, Los Angeles, CA 90017
Parking:
Parking is available at 833 Flower Street for $15/car. (self parking only). Parking is not associated with hotel and pricing is subject to change. Hotel is close to 7th Street Metro Station
Cost
Early Bird
Expires
5/22/25
Regular
After
5/22/25
Members
$
39
$
39
Non-Members
$
59
$
59
Students
$
$
Tables
$
$
RSVP