Finding Energy in Community
I just returned from back-to-back business trips, something that wasn’t uncommon when I worked in the corporate world. Now, as a small business owner, travel is less frequent, but perhaps even more important. Without the built-in network of a large team, these trips provide the chance to connect and remind me of the value of community.
One of those trips was to moderate a panel at the Hotel Data Conference. If you’ve never been, it’s worth checking out! The sessions are practical, the atmosphere is relaxed, and the people are fantastic. I reconnected with past STR colleagues, industry friends, and fellow ISHC members. Being in a room with people who care about hospitality is a powerful reminder that the work isn’t just about numbers and reports. Some conversations centered on market performance and business challenges. Others were simply a chance to share stories, catch up on life, and laugh about the little things.
Spend time finding and investing in your community. One of the most valuable communities I’ve been part of is the International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC). For the past nine years, I’ve had the privilege of learning from this global network of consultants. My involvement with ISHC has been fulfilling and inspiring, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from fellow consultants, exchange ideas, and build lasting friendships.
In my world of remote work, there are Zoom meetings and data analysis behind a screen. That’s why these in-person moments matter so much. I may return home a little drained from travel delays and juggling home life from afar, but I return mostly excited about the work we’re doing with Larkspur and grateful for the relationships that reinforce what makes hospitality so unique: a true sense of community.
Since the pandemic, the hospitality industry has been waiting for international travel to rebound. Some predicted international inbound travel would return to 2019 levels this year. Instead, two important trends are happening. One, more Americans are choosing trips outside the country. Two, international arrivals to the U.S. have been declining through most of 2025.
In this video, Tourism Economics’ Adam Sacks discusses what needs to change for the U.S. to see an improvement in international travel.
And, if your market depends on international visitors, check out this resource. This dashboard allows you to track international air passenger trends by country and arrival airport.
Each month we feature a quick, practical communication tip designed to help you become a more confident, compelling speaker—whether you're presenting to a room of executives, leading a team meeting, or just trying to make your point clearly over email. These insights come straight from our coaching sessions and live workshops, and are meant to be immediately useful—no jargon, no fluff, just tools to help you communicate with impact.
Click on the video to watch this month’s tip.
Whether you’re looking for data-driven insights to guide your hospitality strategy, want to explore our communication coaching programs, or have a question about one of our forecast products, we’re here for it. Reach out to see how Larkspur can support your work in hospitality through sharper storytelling and smarter data.