Southern Lodging Summit Names Chuck Pinkowski Honorary Duck Master for 17th Annual Conference Aug. 27--28 in Memphis, TN

Chuck Pinkowski

MEMPHIS, TN, Aug. 5, 2018—Officials of the Southern Lodging Summit, an annual gathering of hoteliers specializing in development and operations in the southern United States, today announced that Chuck Pinkowski, owner of Pinkowski & Company and conference co-founder, has been named Honorary Duck Master for this year’s conference being held August 27-28, 2019, in Memphis, Tenn.

Wayne Tabor

“Without Chuck, there would be no Southern Lodging Summit,” said Wayne Tabor, president, Metropolitan Memphis Hotel Lodging Association. 

 “In addition to helping create a full-fledged conference highlighting the role of Southern hotels in the overall hospitality landscape, Chuck and his team tirelessly work each year to produce one of the best conferences in the industry.  

"He consistently finds the ideal balance of education and entertainment to keep hoteliers with Southern interests firmly on the edge of their seats.  For this and so many other reasons, we felt now was the perfect time to show Chuck our appreciation.”

Annual Duck Parade, Peabody Hotel, Memphis, TN

Hosted at the Peabody Hotel, the Duck Master ceremony has become a tradition of the Southern Lodging Summit.  Each year, a longstanding industry professional who has devoted substantial parts of her/his career to promoting the Southern hospitality industry is chosen by committee to receive the honor.  

Jack DeBoer

Following a unique presentation ceremony, the recipient leads the Peabody’s world-famous ducks from the hotel’s inner fountain to their rooftop enclosures.

“Having helped launch the Southern Lodging Summit with some of the industry’s finest hoteliers, it is an honor to be named the Peabody Hotel’s Honorary Duck Master for our 17^th annual event,” said Pinkowski. 

“This accolade has been awarded to some of the most important people in the hospitality industry, from Jack DeBoer to Jim Burba, and I am humbled to be considered in their league. 

" I will continue to advocate for Southern hospitality in all aspects of my career and personal life as the only way to do business in our industry.”

Jim Burba

Celebrating its 17^th year, the Southern Lodging Summit was co-founded by Pinkowski & Company, an independent hotel industry consulting firm headquartered in Memphis, and Metropolitan Memphis Hotel & Lodging Association.  

The hospitality industry event brings together hotel professionals who target the southern and mid-south region of the United States for development and operations.  The annual event draws a diverse group of owners, operators, sales executives, financial institutions, architects, attorneys, and hotel company representatives.

CONTACTS:

PATRICK DALY

OFFICE MANAGER

DALY GRAY PUBLIC RELATIONS, INC.

620 Herndon Parkway, Suite 115 | Herndon, VA 20170

Main: 703-435-6293

Mobile: 703-300-8289

patrick@dalygray.com | www.dalygray.com

  Chris Daly, media

  (703) 435-6293

  chris@dalygray.com