Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Boutique Hotel Owners Conference 2026 is set for October 19-20 at The Westlake Village Inn in Westlake Village, California. This annual event, organized by the Boutique & Luxury Lodging Association (BLLA), brings together leaders in the boutique hospitality sector to discuss ownership, management, and innovation.
Attendees will engage in networking opportunities and insightful discussions aimed at navigating the evolving landscape of boutique hotels. Boutique Hotel Owners Conference 2026.
TL;DR
- 1Scale and Focus: This conference is dedicated to independent boutique hotel ownership, leadership, and innovation, gathering industry leaders and professionals.
- 2Organiser: Hosted by the Boutique & Luxury Lodging Association (BLLA), known for championing the boutique hospitality movement.
- 3Buyer Authority: Attendees include boutique hotel owners, operators, and industry leaders, all influential in the hospitality sector.
- 4Entry: Registration is available online, with details on the official website.
Why visit
Attendees will gain valuable insights into the latest trends in boutique hospitality, network with industry leaders, and participate in discussions on hotel ownership and management. Attendees include boutique hotel owners, operators, and industry leaders, all influential in the hospitality sector. The Boutique Hotel Owners Conference 2026 is set for October 19-20 at The Westlake Village Inn in Westlake Village, California. This annual event, organized by the Boutique &.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at the Boutique Hotel Owners Conference 2026 provides unparalleled access to key decision-makers in the boutique hospitality industry. Showcase your products and services to an engaged audience of hotel owners and operators looking for innovative solutions. This is an opportunity to build meaningful connections, enhance your brand visibility, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue about the future of boutique hospitality.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Owners and principals of independent boutique and lifestyle hotels, from 20-key inns to 150-key urban lifestyle properties
General managers, directors of sales and marketing, and revenue managers who benchmark against boutique comp sets
Hospitality investors, asset managers and lenders underwriting boutique acquisitions and repositionings
Design, F&B and guest-experience buyers sourcing FF&E, restaurant concepts and in-room amenities for independent properties
Brand, distribution and technology decision-makers from soft brands, management companies and independent marketing groups
Association executives, hotel-school faculty and trade press tracking the boutique and lifestyle segment
Sponsors and supplier partners scouting owner-led buying committees at independent and lifestyle properties
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
FF&E and custom furniture suppliers serving 20-150 key independent and lifestyle hotels
Property management, PMS, CRS and booking-engine vendors built for independent properties
Revenue management and distribution specialists who work boutique comp sets
Guest-experience, messaging, loyalty and upsell technology providers
Food and beverage suppliers, restaurateurs and bar operators running hotel outlets
Design and architecture firms, procurement agents and renovation contractors for boutique properties
Branding, direct-booking marketing and photography agencies for independent hotels
Finance, insurance, legal and asset-management advisors to boutique owners
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Custom and contract furniture, lighting and casegoods for independent hotel guest rooms
Interior design, artwork and soft-goods packages for lifestyle properties
Property management, CRS and booking-engine software for independent hotels
Revenue management, rate shopping and distribution tooling
Guest messaging, upsell and loyalty apps for boutique properties
Food and beverage programmes, restaurant concepts and in-room minibar supply
Uniform, linen, amenity and housekeeping supply programmes
Renovation, fit-out and capex planning services for owner-operators
Branding, direct-booking marketing and content production for independents
Insurance, financing and asset-management advisory for boutique hotel owners
Location & Facilities
Venue
The Westlake Village Inn
31943 Agoura Rd, Westlake Village, CA 91361
Facilities
Parking
The Westlake Village Inn in Westlake Village typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: The Westlake Village Inn in Westlake Village typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at The Westlake Village Inn for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Westlake Village, United States
Why it matters
Attendees will gain valuable insights into the latest trends in boutique hospitality, network with industry leaders, and participate in discussions on hotel ownership and management. The conference offers a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals and explore innovative strategies for success in the boutique hotel sector.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Good Nite Inn Calabasas Malibu
budget
Calabasas / Malibu corridor, roughly 10 km from Westlake Village InnUSD 115–145 / night
2-star hotel listed in Google Hotels results near Westlake Village Inn; amenities include free Wi-Fi, free parking, outdoor pool, air conditioning, restaurant, smoke-free property. Displayed rate was 21% below the usual price. source_url: https://www.google.com/travel/search?q=hotels%20near%20The%20Westlake%20Village%20Inn%2C%20Westlake%20Village%2C%20United%20States
Malibu Country Inn
midscale
Malibu, roughly 14.7 km from Westlake Village InnUSD 175–220 / night
3-star hotel in Google Hotels results; amenities include free Wi-Fi, free parking, outdoor pool, hot tub, air conditioning, pet-friendly. source_url: https://www.google.com/travel/search?q=hotels%20near%20The%20Westlake%20Village%20Inn%2C%20Westlake%20Village%2C%20United%20States
Grand Vista Hotel
midscale
About 15.3 km from Westlake Village InnUSD 175–220 / night
3-star hotel; paid breakfast and paid parking, outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center and bar listed among amenities. source_url: https://www.google.com/travel/search?q=hotels%20near%20The%20Westlake%20Village%20Inn%2C%20Westlake%20Village%2C%20United%20States
Best Western Plus Thousand Oaks Inn
midscale
Thousand OaksUSD 175–220 / night
3-star hotel with free breakfast and free Wi-Fi; rate shown at 16% below usual on the Google Hotels capture. source_url: https://www.google.com/travel/search?q=hotels%20near%20The%20Westlake%20Village%20Inn%2C%20Westlake%20Village%2C%20United%20States
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Rideshare (Uber)
Estimated costApprox. - check live Uber quote and confirm fares
Best forLAX to Westlake Village Inn
Uber publishes a route page for LAX to Westlake Village Inn; fares vary with demand and time of day.
Bus / Metro
Estimated costUSD 2.50-6 single metro/light-rail journey (contactless)
Best forLos Angeles County Metro and local Westlake Village services
The City of Westlake Village hosts a Los Angeles County Metro page and a transportation page; Moovit and busmaps list local bus stops and routes.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from LAX to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forLos Angeles International Airport (LAX) (LAX) to The Westlake Village Inn
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from BUR to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forHollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) (BUR) to The Westlake Village Inn
Weather
Westlake Village sits in a warm inland valley climate with dry, hot summers and mild winters. No temperature or rainfall figures were present in the captures, so check a local forecast close to your travel dates before packing.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or a local SIM for business visitors to the United States.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping and service
US hospitality expects tipping: around 15-20% at restaurants and a few dollars per bag for hotel staff. Rideshare apps prompt for a tip after the trip.
Business dress
Business casual is the norm at US hospitality conferences; smart casual works for evening receptions at the Westlake Village Inn estate.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Captured Google Flights searches targeted Los Angeles (LAX) arrivals for the day before the event window. Sample fares shown on the capture card were for other city pairs and dates (for example Chicago-Los Angeles from $179, Dallas-Los Angeles from $125, Atlanta-Los Angeles from $138, all one stop), so treat them as indicative only and re-check fares for your own origin and dates.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Westlake Village; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near The Westlake Village Inn: Calabasas / Malibu corridor, roughly 10 km from Westlake Village Inn: Good Nite Inn Calabasas Malibu; Malibu, roughly 14.7 km from Westlake Village Inn: Malibu Country Inn; About 15.3 km from Westlake Village Inn: Grand Vista Hotel.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Westlake Village; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Westlake Village is served by Los Angeles County Metro and local bus operators; the city website (wlv.org) publishes Metro and transportation pages, and Moovit/busmaps show stops and routes across the 91361 area. Check current schedules before relying on transit for the final leg to Westlake Village Inn at 32037 Agoura Road.
Parking: On-site parking is available at The Westlake Village Inn; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: October 2026
Temperature: Warm inland valley climate, approximate climatological norms: summer (June-September) daytime highs typically 27-35 C (80-95 F), with July and August the hottest; winter (December-February) highs around 15-21 C (60-70 F) and overnight lows near 4-8 C (40-46 F). Afternoons run warmer and evenings cooler than the nearby coast. Confirm a local forecast before travel.
Seasonality: Rain is concentrated in the November-March window, when most of the annual precipitation falls in a handful of storms; June-September is almost entirely dry. Spring and autumn can bring warm, dry Santa Ana wind days with low humidity. These are approximate climatological patterns rather than a forecast, so check the Westlake Village forecast for the event week.
Packing: Westlake Village sits in a warm inland valley climate with dry, hot summers and mild winters. No temperature or rainfall figures were present in the captures, so check a local forecast close to your travel dates before packing.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Boutique Hotel Owners Conference 2026 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-14
Register on blla.org, confirm your pass type (owner, operator or supplier) and check the schedule page for session times before booking flights.
T-12
Book flights into LAX or BUR and reserve a refundable room in Westlake Village or Thousand Oaks; The Westlake Village Inn is the on-site venue hotel.
T-10
Plan the final leg: rental car, rideshare or shuttle from LAX (roughly 60-75 minutes via I-405 N and US-101 N) or BUR (roughly 45-60 minutes) and allow for weekday rush hour.
T-8
Ask BLLA for the attendee list or event app and shortlist the owners, GMs and technology vendors you want to meet by name.
T-7
Block the sessions that match your priorities: ownership and asset strategy, design and FF&E, F&B programming, and PMS, revenue and distribution technology.
T-5
Prepare a one-page property snapshot (keys, ADR, RevPAR, comp set, capex plans) for owner-to-owner conversations and supplier briefings.
T-3
Check the local forecast for the warm inland valley and pack layers for cool evenings plus business-casual attire for receptions.
T-1
Confirm badge pickup hours, on-site parking at 32037 Agoura Road and download offline maps for the Conejo Valley.
Arrival day
Collect your badge, walk the venue and grounds, and confirm meeting points for the sessions and any evening receptions.
Day 1
Attend the opening sessions, then work supplier tables with a fixed three-question checklist: integration with your PMS, implementation timeline and boutique reference properties.
Day 2
Take the highest-value meetings, capture quotes and references, and note the two or three projects you will move forward.
Within 48 hours after
Send follow-ups to every owner, GM and vendor you met, log next steps and request proposals for any system or FF&E project still open.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at The Westlake Village Inn
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Boutique Hotel Owners Conference 2026 registration concourse
The Westlake Village Inn
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
The Westlake Village Inn
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$230.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$380.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Boutique Hotel Owners Conference 2026 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Boutique Hotel Owners Conference 2026, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You run or invest in independent and boutique hospitality assets and want face-to-face supplier and peer time.
Best for
Boutique hotel owners, general managers and investors who want to compare management approaches and vendor offerings in a single trip.
Min. budget
$590.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks ahead: fix flights into LAX, book a Westlake Village or Thousand Oaks hotel, and confirm the programme.
Risks
Nearby hotels are 10-15 km from the venue, so budget for a rental car or rideshare.
Session times were not visible in the captures - confirm the agenda before booking travel.
exhibit
Your products serve boutique hotel operations and you want qualified conversations with owners and GMs rather than mass footfall.
Best for
Furnishing, technology, F&B and branding suppliers targeting independent and boutique hotel decision makers.
Min. budget
$2,655.00
Timeline
3-6 months to secure space, arrange freight to the Westlake Village area and prepare marketing.
Risks
Stand pricing and floorplan details were not present in the captures - request the exhibitor pack from the organiser.
The venue is a hotel/event estate rather than a convention centre, so check power, rigging and delivery logistics with the venue.
skip
Your buyer profile does not overlap with boutique and independent hospitality operators.
Best for
Vendors selling only to large chain or budget-segment hotels, or teams unable to travel to the Conejo Valley this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
What is the BLLA boutique hotel conference at Westlake Village Inn?
It is the Boutique & Lifestyle Lodging Association's gathering for independent and lifestyle hotel owners, operators and suppliers, held at The Westlake Village Inn at 32037 Agoura Road in Westlake Village, California. Current dates, session times and registration details are published on blla.org, including the schedule page at blla.org/schedule.
Who attends the BLLA conference?
Owners and principals of independent and lifestyle hotels, general managers and revenue leaders, hospitality investors and asset managers, designers and F&B buyers, plus technology and service suppliers that sell into boutique properties. It is an owner-weighted audience rather than a mass consumer travel show.
How do I register and what does a pass include?
Registration runs through the BLLA website (blla.org). Pass tiers, member versus non-member rates and any group owner/operator packages are set by the organiser; confirm current pricing, inclusions and cancellation terms directly there before booking travel.
Is the event open to the public or trade only?
It is an industry event for hotel owners, operators, investors and suppliers rather than a consumer travel show. If you are a supplier, check with BLLA whether your company needs an exhibitor, sponsor or partner pass before registering as an attendee.
How do I get to Westlake Village Inn from the airport?
Los Angeles International (LAX) is the main international gateway, roughly a 60-75 minute drive via I-405 N and US-101 N depending on traffic; Hollywood Burbank (BUR) is closer, roughly 45-60 minutes via CA-134 W and US-101 N. Rideshare, taxi and rental car are the practical options, and the venue has on-site parking. Drive times and fares are approximate, so confirm before travel.
Where should I stay near the venue?
The Westlake Village Inn is the on-site venue hotel. Nearby options captured in hotel searches include Good Nite Inn Calabasas Malibu (budget, about 10 km away), Malibu Country Inn and Grand Vista Hotel (midscale, roughly 15 km away) and Best Western Plus Thousand Oaks Inn in Thousand Oaks. Rates move with season; confirm USD nightly rates and cancellation policies live.
What is the weather like in Westlake Village during the conference?
Westlake Village sits in a warm inland valley: summer afternoons typically reach 27-35 C (80-95 F) and winter days around 15-21 C (60-70 F), with cooler evenings. Rain is concentrated between November and March. These are approximate climatological norms, so check a local forecast for the event week before packing.
What should I prepare before meeting suppliers and owners?
Bring a one-page property snapshot: key count, current ADR and RevPAR, comp set, planned capex and the two or three systems or projects you are actively evaluating. Owners and GMs at boutique properties respond to specific numbers and timelines rather than generic brochures.
What is the dress code and format?
Business casual is the norm at boutique lodging conferences, with some evening receptions on the venue grounds. Sessions, tabletop and suite-based supplier meetings, and structured networking run across the days; confirm the exact format and any reception invitations on the BLLA schedule.
Can suppliers exhibit or sponsor?
Yes. BLLA offers exhibitor and sponsorship packages for companies selling into independent and lifestyle hotels, from technology and FF&E to F&B and advisory services. Availability, pricing and floor or suite allocation are set by the organiser, so request the current prospectus from blla.org.
Glossary
- Boutique hotel
- A small, design-led independent property, typically with a distinct local identity rather than a chain format; usually 20-150 keys with a strong F&B and service character.
- Lifestyle hotel
- A property positioned around a design or cultural story, often part of a soft brand that keeps the hotel's own name while using the parent's distribution and loyalty engine.
- Soft brand
- A group such as a collection or lifestyle brand that lets an independent hotel keep its identity and design while plugging into the parent's reservation system, loyalty programme and sales network.
- ADR (average daily rate)
- Total room revenue divided by rooms sold; the headline pricing metric owners use to compare a boutique property against its comp set.
- RevPAR
- Revenue per available room, calculated as ADR multiplied by occupancy; the standard performance measure discussed by owners, GMs and asset managers.
- Comp set
- The competitive set of hotels a property benchmarks against for rate, occupancy and RevPAR, usually a short list of similar independent or lifestyle hotels in the same market.
- PMS (property management system)
- The core front-desk and rooms software that handles reservations, check-in, folios, housekeeping and interfaces to POS, channel manager and accounting.
- Channel manager and CRS
- Systems that push rates and availability to OTAs, the hotel website and GDS channels; central to direct-booking strategy for independent properties.
- OTA (online travel agency)
- Third-party booking platforms that sell hotel rooms in exchange for commission; boutique operators typically balance OTA reach against direct-booking margin.
- FF&E
- Furniture, fixtures and equipment: the movable and installed items in a hotel fit-out, from beds and casegoods to lighting, TVs and back-of-house equipment.
- Capex reserve
- The annual set-aside from revenue that owners hold for replacement and renovation of FF&E and building systems over the life of the asset.
- LAX
- Los Angeles International Airport, the main international gateway used in travel captures for reaching Westlake Village and the Conejo Valley.
- BUR
- Hollywood Burbank Airport, a smaller regional alternative north of Los Angeles often used for the final drive to Westlake Village.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Boutique hospitality conference
- Westlake Village hotel conference
- BLLA conference 2026
- hotel ownership and management conference
- Boutique Hotel Owners Conference 2026 Westlake Village
- Boutique Hotel Owners Conference Westlake Village 2026
- Westlake Village United States
- Hospitality Conference Westlake Village 2026
- Hospitality Conference Conference Westlake Village
- Boutique hotel management software and technology
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.