The Benefits of Doing Business
with an Independent Hotel
In this webinar we challenged event professionals to think beyond the familiar brand names. We explored how independent hotels offer compelling alternatives for creating truly innovative meeting experiences, showcasing a level of flexibility and ease of planning that often goes unnoticed.
Just as people tend to reach for their usual coffee brand without much thought, meeting planners frequently default to well-known hotel brands. Our discussion sought to expand those horizons, revealing the unique potential of independent hotels that might otherwise be overlooked.
Featured Speakers:
Amaury Piedra
Vice President of Operations,
Caribe Royale Orlando
Amaury Piedra is the Vice President of Operations for the Caribe Royale Orlando and Buena Vista Suites, overseeing the performance and reimagination of the 1,596-suite complex, including a $140 million renovation. With 25 years of experience in hospitality sales and operations, Piedra has led Four Diamond hotels and multi-unit properties in the U.S. and Caribbean.
Previously, he served as the general manager of Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina in Fort Lauderdale. A board member of multiple tourism organizations, Piedra has been instrumental in launching key initiatives like the Tortuga Music Festival. He resides in Orlando with his wife, three daughters, and three grandchildren.
Mike Schugt
President,
Teneo Hospitality Group
Mike Schugt is the President of Teneo Hospitality Group, which provides group meetings and marketing services to over 400 independent and luxury hotels worldwide. With over 33 years of experience in hospitality sales and marketing, Mike has worked with global travel buyers such as Coca-Cola and McDonald’s.
Previously, he was Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Hilton Worldwide, overseeing operations across the Southeast US, Latin America, and the Caribbean. He founded the non-profit Inn-clusivity to help special needs adults find employment in the hotel industry and is also a Big Brother with the Central Florida program.
In partnership with:
