InnSpire Conference & Marketplace Schedule

Sat, Jan. 25, 2025

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.Innkeeping as a Profession Workshop @ The George (learn more)

Sun, Jan. 26, 2025

8:00 a.m. – 2:30 pm.Innkeeping as a Profession Workshop @ The George (learn more)
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.Attendee Registration Open
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.InnSpire Welcome & Roundtables (20-Minute Mini-Education Sessions)
Kick off the conference with our most requested session – our Roundtables! You will move from table to table to learn from subject matter experts and your fellow hoteliers on a variety of topics from marketing to operations, generating revenue and more. You won’t want to miss our opening session.
5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.Opening Night Reception for Hotelier Attendees

Mon, Jan. 27, 2025

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.   Continental Breakfast
9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. Concurrent Education Sessions

Elevate Your Inn: Dynamic Meeting & Event Solutions (Beginner)
Presented by Victoria Noe, Sr. Territory Account Executive, West Coast, IDeaS
Step into the world of meetings and events designed to increase revenue. Learn how to manage the right group business, current industry trends and how group business can become beneficial to your property.

Brand Boost: Social Media Tactics for Small Inns (Intermediate)
A strong social media presence can elevate an inn’s brand, drive bookings and create loyal advocates. Learn from a panel of experts who can speak on behalf of brands and influencers to see how to make your social media leave a lasting impression on guests. 
10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.Concurrent Education Sessions

Harmonize Your Space: Music Licensing & Practical Use for Inns (Beginner) 
Presented by Dan Spears, Vice President Industry Relations, BMI
The right music can leave a lasting impression. Take a dive into the world of music licensing and learn the dos and don’ts of how to select music that can enhance your property’s ambiance. Make sure your inn stays compliant while creating an unforgettable atmosphere for every guest.

Ask an Innkeeper (Beginner/Intermediate)   
Take a moment to learn from peers regarding the good, the bad, and the ugly of innkeeping. Get advice from your peers, share horror stories and learn from your peers on how they handled certain situations that might help you in the future.
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.mConcurrent Education Sessions

Behind the Bar: Essentials of Responsible Alcohol Service (Beginner)  
Robert De Ruyter, Assistant General Counsel, California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control  
In this interactive session, learn from an expert at the Alcohol Beverage Control on what you need to know to serve alcohol at your property.

Second Workshop TBA
12:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.  Lunch and Marketplace Shopping Time 
Join our amazing industry vendors for lunch and learn about their industry-leading products and services. Have your shopping lists ready and take advantage of their special pricing and InnSpire-only offers. This is your chance to ask questions, schedule a demo or find the perfect new amenity to help your property be successful.
5:00 p.m.Marketplace Closes
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.Progressive Inn Tour
Join us for an exclusive tour of nearby CABBI member inns, conveniently located close to the Archer Hotel. Each stop offers a chance to connect with fellow attendees while savoring light bites and a selection of local Napa wines.
7:00 p.m.InnSpire Dinner Event at The Garden
Join us for a relaxed networking dinner at The Garden, just a short walk from the Archer Hotel. Enjoy delicious food and drinks, connect with fellow hoteliers, and experience a special live performance by BMI recording artist Rozzi. It’s the perfect evening to unwind, compare notes and make meaningful connections!

Tues, Jan. 28, 2025

8:00 a.m. 9:45 a.m.Breakfast and CABBI Update
Legislative Overview with California Hotel and Lodging Association
10:00 a.m.11:00 a.m.Concurrent Education Sessions

Maximizing Profits: Revenue Mastery (Intermediate)  
Presented by John Spear, Managing Director, Hotel Drisco & Marc Kassouf, Owner, Kassouf Consulting
Unlock strategies in revenue management that will help take your inn to the next level. Learn how to optimize room rates, forecast demand, and capitalize on trends in boutique hospitality. Packed with practical tips and real-world examples, this session provides actionable insights to help you grow your revenue while delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Merchandising Mastery: Crafting Gift Baskets That Win Customers’ Hearts (Beginner)
Presented by Lisa Consani, President, Napa Sonoma Supply
Delight guests and boost your revenue with thoughtful, well-crafted merchandise. Learn from a local vendor on the importance of buying local and how to craft the perfect gifts for your guests. Discover how to select and design items that reflect your inn’s charm, tell your story, and create lasting memories for guests.
11:15 a.m.12:30 a.m.Concurrent Education Sessions

Visual Appeal: Canva Essentials for Beginners (Beginner) 
Presented by Sara Beth Ashbaugh, Director of Brand Communications & Marketing, Woodside Hotels & Resorts
Ever wanted to learn how to navigate the design platform, Canva? Join this interactive session to learn how to make social media posts and flyers that can help showcase your inn and its offerings. Whether you’re new to design or looking for tips to elevate your visuals, this hands-on session will give you the tools to make your property stand out.

Transforming Spaces: Expert Tips on Renovation from Start to Finish (Intermediate)
Presented by Dan Worden, Shopworks, Ed Melton, Chipman Relocation Logistics, Todd Jersey, Todd Jersey Architecture
Ever dreamed of transforming your property? Learn from a panel of experts who can help advise on how to carefully plan and execute a renovation. This session will equip you with the tools and confidence to create stunning, functional spaces that delight your guests and how to do it.
12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.Lunch with Keynote Speaker

Customer Hospitality is Bigger than Guest Service
Presented by Doug Kennedy, Kennedy Training Network
Explore the transformative power of customer hospitality as a foundational philosophy, not just for guests but for all stakeholders—employees, colleagues, and even vendors. Drawing on personal experiences and industry insights, learn how fostering a culture of hospitality within the organization leads to stronger relationships, improved service, and long-term business success. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how authentic hospitality can create meaningful connections and positively impact every aspect of hotel operations.
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.Conference Committee Meeting
Post Conference Recap – All Attendees Welcome!

Schedule subject to change.

Understanding Session Levels

To help you get the most out of our educational sessions, we’ve labeled them with levels based on content depth and the skills required. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to build on existing knowledge, there’s a session that’s right for you. Below is a quick guide to help you choose the sessions that best fit your needs:

  • Beginner: These sessions are perfect for those new to the topic or those would like a basic refresher. You’ll learn essential concepts and gain a solid understanding of the basics. No prior experience is required—just a curiosity to learn!
  • Intermediate: Designed for attendees with some prior knowledge, these sessions dive deeper into the subject. You’ll explore more advanced topics, building on foundational skills to enhance your expertise.

By offering sessions at different levels, we aim to ensure that you can access the right content at the right time in your learning journey. Whether you’re building your foundation or refining your expertise, there’s something for everyone.