In this episode, Bashar Wali, founder and CEO of Practice Hospitality and This Assembly, shares an unfiltered look at what is shaping his thinking as the industry enters 2026. He breaks down the reality of flat revenues, rising labor and insurance costs, policy uncertainty, and why eroding margins feel more dangerous than an outright downturn. Bashar explains how uncertainty is freezing investment, delaying renovations, and reshaping owners' thinking about growth, debt, and risk. This conversation provides hospitality executives with a grounded view of what matters most right now and where disciplined operators continue to focus to survive tough cycles.

Also see: The Next Wave of Hospitality: Trends, Brands, and Innovation - Bashar Wali, Practice Hospitality

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Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

A Hotel Owner’s Unfiltered View of 2026 - Bashar Wali