The Breakers – Palm Beach, FL

The Breakers – Palm Beach, FL

Old Edwards Inn and Spa – Highlands, NC

Old Edwards Inn and Spa – Highlands, NC

The Swag – Waynesville, NC

The Swag – Waynesville, NC

The Boca Resort and Beach Club – Boca Raton, FL

The Boca Resort and Beach Club – Boca Raton, FL

Welcome to the Southern Innkeepers Association

Founded in 1908, the Southern Innkeepers Association (SIA) is proud to be the oldest hotel
and lodging organization in the United States.

 
 

The mission of the Southern Innkeepers Association is to build a community that leverages experience, focuses on innovative solutions and tackles meaningful issues. Our goal is inspiring the leaders of Southern hospitality to connect, engage, collaborate and exchange by providing a platform for innovation and inspiration. We value connections, engagement, collaboration and exchange within the hospitality industry. Southern Innkeepers wants to inspire you, the leaders of Southern hospitality.

 

Events

Events
SIA 117th Annual Conference
SIA 117th Annual Conference

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia’s wine and horse country, this 340 acre destination resort will host the 2025 SIA Annual Conference.

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SIA 116th Annual Conference
SIA 116th Annual Conference

Southern Innkeepers Enjoy a Star-Studded Gathering at the 116th Annual Conference in Charleston!

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Leaders of Southern Innkeepers

  • David Mars

    PRESIDENT

    Managing Director
    The Umstead Hotel & Spa
    Cary, NC

  • Will Jones

    PRESIDENT ELECT
    NORTH CAROLINA

    General Manager
    The Swag
    Waynesville, NC

  • Brent Cross

    PAST PRESIDENT
    FLORIDA

    General Manager
    The Gasparilla Inn & Club
    Boca Grande, FL

  • Bruce Seigel

    VICE PRESIDENT
    FLORIDA

    General Manager
    The Colony Hotel
    Palm Beach, FL

  • David Friederich

    Vice President - Georgia

    General Manager
    Barnsley Resort
    Adairsville, GA

  • Bill Lacey

    VICE PRESIDENT
    SOUTH CAROLINA

    General Manager
    The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
    Kiawah Island, SC

  • Kristin Assad

    VICE PRESIDENT
    TEXAS

    VP & General Manager
    Hotel Drover
    Ft Worth, TX

  • Kevin Carter

    VICE PRESIDENT - VIRGINIA

    Managing Director
    Lansdowne Resort and Spa
    Leesburg, VA

  • Elmer Coppoolse

    Elmer Coppoolse

    VICE PRESIDENT
    WEST VIRGINIA

    General Manager
    The Greenbrier
    White Sulphur Springs, WV

  • Wynn Salisch

    ALLIED REPRESENTATIVE

    Casablanca Ventures
    New York, NY

Welcome New Members

  • Hans van der Reijden

    FOUNDER AND CEO,
    THE LAUREL HOTEL AND SPA
    ITHAKA HOSPITALITY PARTNERS

    Opening in July 2022, The Laurel Hotel and Spa is a luxury boutique teaching hotel located at the iconic corner of South College Street and Thach Avenue with balcony views overlooking Samford Hall in Auburn, Alabama.

    Visit Member Website

  • Eric Poovey

    GENERAL MANAGER
    HOTEL DOMESTIQUE,
    RESTAURANT 17

    Inspired by the world travels, tastes and active lifestyle of legendary cyclist George Hincapie, Hotel Domestique is a study in contrasts – part countryside auberge, part modern boutique hotel.

    Visit Member Website

  • Daniel Hostettler

    PRESIDENT & CEO,
    BOCA RATON RESORT AND CLUB

    Boca Raton Resort & Club is semi-private and provides year-round escape exclusively for its club members and overnight resort guests (the property is not open to the general public).

    Visit Member Website

  • Mike Harrington

    OWNER & CEO,
    CAROLINA RETREATS

    Carolina Retreats is a specialty lodging and vacation rental management company headquartered in Surf City, North Carolina. Under their collection of brands they own, operate, and provide third-party management services for approximately 400 high-end single-family vacation rental homes, condos, cottages, and boutique motel and inn rooms throughout the coastal regions of North Carolina.

    View Member Website
View All Members

What Members Are Saying

  • Jordan S. Beckner <span class="attribution"> President of Sales, Fiberbuilt Umbrellas and Cushions </span>

    “It has been both an honor and a pleasure to be part of the Southern Innkeepers Association. JoAnne and I have been able to make some great friends, while at the same time creating some prosperous business partnerships.”

  • Richard M. Delany <span class="attribution"> President and Managing Director, Old Edwards Inn and Spa </span>

    “I have been part of SIA for over six years now and I could not recommend it more highly. To be part of an association that includes some of the top hospitality professionals and leaders in the south is invaluable. SIA creates an environment and conduits where these top leaders can share and exchange ideas, best practices and provides a camaraderie that simply makes me a better leader.”

  • Russ Cronberg <span class="attribution"> General Manager, Boar’s Head Resort </span>

    “Southern [Innkeepers Association] has meant so much to me. Since my first year in 2017, I have had the opportunity to network and become friends with some of the very best people in Hotels and Resorts. This network and our experiences have made me a better leader.”

  • Brent Cross, President and General Manager, The Gasparilla Inn

    Being a member of the Southern Innkeepers Association has enriched our approach to hospitality, giving us access to a network of experienced peers and innovative ideas.  The association's dedication to excellence and camaraderie truly sets it apart in the industry.