Brandon McConnell | Source | Chief Commercial Officer at Delavan Lake Lawn Management

Mr. McConnell is an accomplished hospitality professional having been previously recognized as both "One of the top young hoteliers to take over the industry in the next decade" and named as a member Hotel Management magazine’s “30 Under 30” along with InBusiness Magazine’s “40 Under 40”. He now serves on leadership and development boards within multiple segments of the lodging, food & beverage and human capital disciplines on state and national levels. He is also a published author in multiple national industry magazines, as well as in The National Center of Generational Studies in Washington D.C.

Having received undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Notre Dame’s esteemed Mendoza College of Business, as well as continuing his executive education through outlets such as Harvard University, Cornell University & the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute, Mr. McConnell is passionate about education and continual learning while fostering collaborative environments in the workplace.

He has had the past honor of representing over a million hospitality students and young professionals throughout the United States having served as the lead for the AH&LA U30 Gateway, past Board Chair on several state-level Lodging Associations and continues to travel and speak in front of various audiences ranging from students and professors to industry leaders throughout the country at some of the most respected educational institutions and industry conferences. His experience with both branded and independent properties, including time with Disney Worldwide Services, has afforded a unique perspective of the operational challenges faced on a daily basis to an array of hospitality business models.

Areas of Mr. McConnell’s expertise and passion include strategic career development, education and succession planning for leaders, organizational structure & development, government affairs and hospitality law.

Previous Professional Highlights Include:
• Chief Commercial Officer – Delavan Lake Lawn Management LLC
• Executive Vice President – Arbor Lodging
• President – IDM Group LLC
• Vice President of HR & Legal – IDM Hospitality
• Corporate Learning & Development Manager – TMI Hospitality
• Resort Manager – Lake Lawn Resort & Wyndham
• Recruiting Coordinator – Disney Worldwide Services
• Hotel Operations – Walt Disney World Resort