Anthony is a seasoned hotel executive with over 25 years of experience leading full-service, lifestyle, and resort properties across major brands like Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, IHG, and Choice. He has spearheaded hotel acquisitions, new builds, and repositioning efforts, including over a decade of direct leadership in the Palm Springs market, consistently driving outsized returns in RevPAR, guest satisfaction, and food and beverage revenue. His deep knowledge of hotel operations, combined with a strategic and owner-aligned approach, has made him a trusted leader in delivering long-term asset value.
Anthony has held approved management status with major global brandsincluding Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, IHG, and Choice, bringing brand fluency andoperational precision to every property he leads. With a strong background infood and beverage, he has launched and managed successful dining concepts,rooftop lounges, and poolside venues tailored to luxury and resort markets.Widely respected for his hands-on leadership and market expertise, Anthonyexcels at building high-performing teams and driving excellence across all facetsof hotel operations.
David brings over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, beginning his career in commercial insurance with a focus on hotel clients across the United States. His approach extends beyond traditional coverage, helping hotel owners and operators, from single properties to national portfolios, identify and mitigate operational risk without disrupting day-to-day business.
Over the years, his expertise has expanded to include hotel development, operations, and revenue management, giving him a well-rounded perspective on the full lifecycle of hospitality assets. David remains active in several industry organizations and is the creator of WAKEUP CALL, a hotel-specific risk management software platform. He holds a Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation and has been published on topics related to insurance and risk strategy. Committed to continuous learning, he has completed hospitality certifications through Cornell University.
Elvin Lai is the fourth-generation owner-operator of the Ocean Park Inn, a beachfront hotel in Pacific Beach, which he has managed since 2003. He brings over two decades of hospitality experience and serves on numerous regional boards, including the San Diego Foundation, Sharp Healthcare, the San Diego Tourism Marketing District, the Asian Business Association, and Mayor Todd Gloria’s AAPI Advisory Board. His previous leadership roles include Chair of the California Hotel and Lodging Association, the San Diego County Lodging Association, and the San Diego Convention Center Corporation.
Elvin holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of San Diego, aMaster’s in Hospitality and Tourism Management from San Diego StateUniversity, and an MBA in Finance and Supply Chain Operations from UC SanDiego’s Rady School of Management. In addition to his hotel, he is active in theregion’s food and beverage industry through ventures such as The Cork andCraft @ Abnormal, Abnormal Company Beer, and the full-service concessionprogram at the new San Diego International Airport Terminal 1.