Newport Leaders Reflect on ‘Living Hospitality’ Following 2026 Retreat

Annual gathering reinforced culture, connection, and a people-first approach to performance

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — May 6, 2026 — Newport Hospitality Group concluded its 2026 Leadership Retreat with a renewed sense of purpose, alignment, and energy around its guiding philosophy: Living Hospitality. Held last month in Myrtle Beach, S.C., the annual event brought together hotel leaders, partners, and team members for several days of collaboration, education, and reflection and culminated in a shared commitment to what hospitality truly means in practice.

The retreat delivered on its promise to blend professional development with meaningful connection. Through general sessions, breakout discussions, and shared experiences, attendees explored how to drive performance while leading with empathy, authenticity, and intention. At the center of the retreat was a deeper understanding of Living Hospitality as a cultural anchor and a daily practice.

“Living Hospitality summarizes who we are as Newport,” said CEO Andrew Carey. “It means bringing your most human side to your peers, to your guests, to everyone you encounter. In essence, we are bringing peace, friendship, and empathy into every situation.”

Carey emphasized that the company’s strength lies in its people-first mindset. “We all pitch in. We work hard. We care. That is what defines us,” he added.

Living Hospitality in Action

Leaders across the organization described their interpretation of Living Hospitality as a mindset that extends beyond operations into every interaction.

“To me, ‘Living Hospitality’ means leading with intention, empathy, and authenticity in every interaction—whether with guests, team members, or partners,” said Heidi DeRise, Area Director of Sales for the Home2 Suites by Hilton Fayetteville North, Candlewood Suites Fayetteville at Fort Bragg, and Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Fayetteville North. She noted that the retreat environment itself reflected this philosophy, from collaborative sessions to informal networking moments designed to foster genuine relationships and inclusivity.

James Landrum, Area Director of Sales & Marketing for the Hyatt Place Blacksburg / University & Residence Inn Blacksburg, Va., emphasized the role of connection and community impact.

“Living Hospitality means leading with authenticity, empathy, and intention in every interaction,” he said. “It’s about creating meaningful connections, anticipating needs, and making others feel valued.”

Landrum added that the retreat reinforced the importance of investing in future talent and community partnerships, including Newport’s ongoing collaboration with the Virginia Tech Hospitality School.

For Tania Ghanem, Director of Sales at the Hilton Garden Inn in Frederick, Md., the Living Hospitality concept is deeply personal and rooted in genuine care.

“Living Hospitality is not scripted service,” she said. “It’s a culture where people genuinely care about the experience they create for clients and team members. Meaningful, personal gestures (large and small) are what transform service into lasting relationships.”

Ken Rogers, General Manager at the Residence Inn Blacksburg University, summarized the philosophy in simple terms: “Be proactive, not reactive. Be personal, not transactional,” he said. “It’s about how you make people feel. ‘Treat people the way you want to be treated’ is the heart of Living Hospitality.”

Recognizing Excellence

A highlight of the retreat was Newport’s annual awards ceremony, celebrating outstanding performance and leadership across the organization.

2026 Award Winners included:

• Corporate Team Member of the Year — Erin Springer, Senior Corporate Revenue Manager
• Golden Wrench Award — Mark Sikkenga (& the Teams at Residence Inn & Hyatt Place Blacksburg, VA)
• Community Impact Award —
  • Hilton Garden Inn & Home2 Suites Brunswick, GA
  • Hampton Inn Jacksonville Beach Oceanfront, FL
  • SpringHill Suites Prince Frederick, MD
• Service Excellence (Diamond) —
  • Hyatt Place Blacksburg / University, VA
  • Fairfield Inn & Suites Fayetteville North, NC
  • SpringHill Suites Beaufort, SC
  • Wingate Altoona, PA
• Financial Excellence (Diamond) —
  • Hyatt Place Blacksburg / University, VA
  • Fairfield Inn & Suites Charlotte Matthews, NC
  • Holiday Inn & Suites Asheville East – Blue Ridge Pkwy, NC
• Director of Sales of the Year — Eileen Morrice, Dual Director of Sales, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Tappahannock, VA and avid Richmond North – Ashland, VA
• General Manager of the Year — James Childress, General Manager, Fairfield Inn & Suites Charlotte Matthews, NC
• Hotel of the Year — Hyatt Place Blacksburg / University, VA
• Heart of Newport — Lizz Chambers, VP of People Services

A Lasting Impact

Throughout the retreat, one theme remained consistent: Living Hospitality is not a slogan—it is a commitment that shapes decisions, relationships, and long-term success.

“When you’re truly ‘Living Hospitality,’ you elevate not only the guest experience, but the people around you,” Newport’s Carey said. “That’s what makes this company special, and that’s what will continue to drive us forward.”

To watch Retreat media, visit: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1a9ZMpWgVxmJRHDVdcoNi1iwjNIf05lT