Recorded at our most recent event, What's Next Now: Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality, we sit down with Ilana Grossman, Co-Founder & CMO of Pinktada; and Steve Shpilsky, Co-Founder & CEO of STAY OPEN and StayDAO. We discuss the opportunity for innovation to reshape hospitality and the role of technology in addressing legacy challenges; the transformation facilitated by Web3, NFTs, and tokenization; along with the role of the blockchain and DAOs in creating new products, services, and business models to meet the needs of the next generation of travelers.
Ilana's career has focused on the intersection of Strategy and Marketing, emphasizing digital channels and innovation. She transitioned to the tech/startup world in 2010, holding positions such as Chief Marketing Officer of Gust, the leading online platform for startup financing by angel investors worldwide, and Artsy—the leading global online art marketplace.
With over two decades of experience as an entrepreneur, real estate fund manager, and developer, Steve has raised and invested over $250 million in financing and developing branded hotel projects valued at over $750 million (1,000+ keys), including the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills and LAX Hyatt House/Place. In addition, Steve is co-GP of a $130 million project converting a 250,000-square-foot office building by LAX to a 401-room hotel.