For my STEP Project, I had the incredible chance to attend LendingCon in Orlando, Florida. It was an amazing experience where I got to connect with leaders from both the hospitality and finance industries. Through panels, discussions, and a lot of networking, I learned so much about how the future of hospitality is shaping up, especially in a post-pandemic world.
Change/Transformation:
Before attending LendingCon, I used to think networking was mostly transactional—just an opportunity to exchange business cards and make quick connections. But this experience completely changed my mindset. I realized that real growth happens when you build meaningful relationships, engage in deeper conversations, and keep yourself updated on the latest trends in the industries you’re passionate about. This made me appreciate the value of continuous learning and the long-term impact of having a strong professional network.
Additionally, my view of the hospitality industry shifted. I learned how much it’s influenced by broader societal trends—like how people now prioritize experiences over material things—and how political changes can directly affect business regulations. It’s become clear to me that successful entrepreneurs don’t just focus on their own businesses; they stay informed on how industries evolve, how policies impact growth, and how social trends shape consumer behavior. That kind of holistic understanding is something I now see as essential to my future in both business and law.
Events and Interactions Leading to Transformation:
One of the biggest moments for me during the project was attending a panel discussion led by Liam Brown, Group President at Marriott. He talked about how leisure travel has grown, and how people now value experiences more than material goods. That completely shifted how I saw the hospitality industry. I had always thought of it as just service-based, but Brown’s perspective made me realize how connected it is to people’s lifestyles and values. It opened my eyes to how businesses can make emotional and cultural impacts—something I hadn’t really considered before.
I also learned a lot from Glenn and Chirag Shah of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. Their session on politics and the hospitality industry was eye-opening. They explained how much businesses are shaped by elections and government policies. It really hit me that if I want to be successful as an entrepreneur or in law, I need to stay informed about legislative changes and build relationships across different sectors to advocate for the industries I care about.
Then there was Farris Sheikh’s session on insurance trends, which expanded my thinking about how interconnected different industries are. I had never considered how important risk management is for running a successful business. But his insights showed me that if I want to be a strong entrepreneur, I need to think long-term and plan for potential risks in my business strategy. This experience taught me that a successful business approach isn’t just about immediate wins—it’s about considering all the potential opportunities and challenges that could come down the road.
Significance of the Change:
This transformation matters a lot to me because it directly ties into my academic and professional goals. As a business student focused on Operations Management and Organizational Psychology, with a future in law, understanding how industries are shaped by economic, political, and cultural factors is crucial. It’s not just about learning the technical side of things—it’s about seeing the bigger picture. LendingCon gave me a new level of awareness of how business, law, and politics are all interconnected, which will be key as I work toward my career goals in law and entrepreneurship.
On a personal level, it’s also changed how I approach building relationships and growing SocialSaiya, my social media marketing company. The emphasis on building real connections and staying informed about industry trends will help me not only grow my business but also serve my clients better. Moving forward, this more strategic perspective will be essential for my future—both as an entrepreneur and in my long-term goal of practicing law.
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