• Ed Bastian, chief executive officer, Delta Air Lines   

Officials of the Hunter Hotel Investment Conference today announced a new session in this year’s programming. Titled “A Conversation with Ed Bastian,” the session will feature a dialogue between Ed Bastian, chief executive officer, Delta Air Lines, and interviewer Greg Friedman, managing principal and CEO, Peachtree Group. This session will merge the distinct perspectives of a prominent figure in travel and a seasoned hotel owner, offering insight into Bastian’s leadership approach steering the world’s premier international airline. Rooted in principles of prioritizing people, ensuring customer satisfaction and driving innovation, the conversation will also delve into the future landscape of travel and its implications for hospitality industry.

With a career spanning over two decades at Delta Air Lines, Bastian leads a team of 100,000 global professionals, guided by Delta’s core values of honesty, integrity, respect, perseverance and servant leadership. Under Bastian's guidance, Delta has transformed the air travel experience through substantial investments in technology, aircraft and airport facilities. His vision has positioned Delta as the most reliable airline globally, earning numerous accolades, including being named the Wall Street Journal’s “Top U.S. Airline” and ranked among Fortune Magazine’s “World’s Most Admired Companies.”

"It will be an honor to share the stage with Ed, as I have admired his remarkable career achievements,” Friedman said. “As CEOs of companies intertwined by the fabric of travel, we understand the pivotal role of creating personal connections. Whether in business or personal life, face-to-face interactions are indispensable; they foster collaboration, drive understanding and steer us toward a future of prosperity and growth. Few grasp this concept as profoundly as Ed, and I look forward to his insights."

From emerging technologies to evolving consumer preferences, Bastian will provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. By leveraging his extensive experience and forward-thinking mindset, Bastian's session will inspire attendees to embrace the limitless potential of the aviation and travel industry, encouraging them to aim higher, think bigger and chart a course toward a future where the sky truly knows no limits, which is the theme driving HUNTER this year.

"Ed’s exceptional leadership at Delta reflects the spirit of innovation and excellence that we strive for as an industry," said Lee Hunter, chairman, Hunter Hotel Investment Conference. “Delta’s core focus on people is what our industry is all about, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome one of Atlanta’s greatest leaders to the stage this year at HUNTER.”

Bastian and Friedman will take HUNTER’s main stage at 9:00 a.m. ET on Wednesday, March 20th.