purchasing companies report

As projects started ramping up, purchasing companies reported positive results for 2024. Hotel Business spoke with Jocelyn Lurie, VP, procurement, Throughline by IIG; Lori Patten, principal, Patten Purchasing LLC; Nicole Schmidt, founder/CEO, Source; and Eleanor Waddell, VP, strategic growth and business development, Avendra International, to get their take on the past year and what lies ahead.
—Gregg Wallis

What were some highlights for you in 2024?
Lurie: One of the most exciting 2024 highlights for Throughline by IIG was establishing ourselves as procurement partners with major organizations that trusted us with their property portfolios, with their accounts bringing in seven to 11 properties at a time. This shift demonstrates the confidence our clients have in Throughline’s ability to deliver seamless, transparent and efficient project management simultaneously across multiple properties. It’s a testament to the robust systems we’ve developed and the dedication of our team. We also saw a sharp rise in client referrals and repeat business, which speaks volumes about the value we provide. This momentum reinforces Throughline’s reputation as a trusted player in the industry.

Patten: Throughout the year, we had a variety of project opportunities including various brands, rooftop restaurants and stand-alone boutique restaurants, as well as horse racing and gaming facilities. I have to say, procuring items for jockeys and cowboys was definitely a first on our list. One of the more iconic properties we have worked on was the Arizona Biltmore. Working on several areas of the property, including rebranding and recreating Renata’s Restaurant, was a personal thrill for me.

Schmidt: 2024 was a banner year for Source in which we expanded our team, project management platform and portfolio. In May, we acquired Berman Purchasing Inc., a 20-year-old boutique firm specializing in the resort and vacation ownership segments. With the addition of Stacey Hollender and her team, we have procurement specialists in every product segment with expertise in all major brands. Our in-house engineering team bolstered our proprietary technology platform with new tools and owner dashboards that provide 24/7 real-time access to project details. The icing on the cake was several trophy projects and many new multi-unit ownership clients.

Waddell: 2024 served as a productive year full of growth as Avendra evolved its brand and global reach to form Avendra International. This new organization combines Avendra’s robust North American operations, several procurement services firms in Europe and Aramark’s expansive global footprint in 15 countries. This optimizes our scale with dedicated in-country teams that have expertise with local supply chains and client preferences.

What are the trends you expect to see or are already seeing with the projects you are working on?
Lurie: The hospitality procurement landscape is ever evolving, and we take great pride in keeping a close eye on what is driving these changes and how they may affect our clients. Ensuring our procurement strategies align with clients’ needs and market realities has been critical to our success. Midscale and upper-midscale properties continue to dominate, representing the majority of our projects. Offering the right balance of cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency, these properties are highly attractive to developers.

Patten: The emergence of AI in hospitality and how that will continue to shape our hotel industry is something I am definitely thinking about. Having personally worked on-property, there is absolutely no replacement for the human connection—but due to various hotel industry jobs being combined or even eliminated, digital automation may play a key role in the coming years based on short-staffing issues. The key for hotels is to find a perfect balance between automation with less staff, but still have the personal connection to guests when needed.

FF&E specifications seem to be geared towards clean lines and modern flair—simple, yet functional design. Re-emerging trends for wellness within certain boutique properties as well as luxury segments and continued retail manufacturers entering the hospitality field due to their recognizable names in the retail segment, are also trending.

Schmidt: Procurement technology continues to transform project management, with digital collaboration tools like real-time reporting and advanced analytics enabling more efficient decision-making and communication. In hospitality design, public spaces are embracing new artisanal finishes and statement lighting, creating opportunities for specialized vendors to deliver striking, custom installations. Sustainability and wellness are also playing a larger role in design, as clients increasingly prioritize materials and processes that align with environmental goals and market expectations for health and wellness. These priorities emphasize the need for continual technology innovation, thoughtful design collaboration and strong vendor partnerships to deliver exceptional outcomes.

Waddell: We should see continued interest in sourcing eco-friendly products, as well as offering products from diverse suppliers, including minority and women-owned business enterprises. Avendra International has a robust responsible sourcing program, so we’re eager to connect our vetted suppliers to hospitality properties worldwide as interest intensifies.

What should we expect for projects in 2025?
Lurie: 2025 is poised to be a year of growth and innovation at Throughline. Building on the successes of 2024, we’re focused on expanding our vendor network, cultivating a supply chain of preferred partners to enhance timelines, quality and cost efficiency. This includes exploring strategic partnerships with hotel brands to streamline processes, creating even greater value for our clients.

We anticipate continued strength in the midscale and extended-stay segments, which remain highly profitable for developers. As economic conditions fluctuate, our team is prepared to help clients adapt their strategies to maximize ROI and navigate challenges effectively. As the procurement division of an interior design firm, we bring unique efficiencies to the table. Our seamless collaboration with design teams allows us to get involved earlier in the process, ensuring specifications are both cost-conscious and functional. This approach saves our clients valuable time and money, while avoiding costly redesigns or delays.

Patten: Continued PIP renovations, as well as boutique new-builds, senior living and student accommodations, are expected. Funding timelines versus project deadlines are still a challenge. As more and more non-hoteliers join the ranks of hotel ownership, the role of the purchasing/procurement agent plays a big part in a successful project. We are oftentimes the go-between between ownership, design, architecture and the GC functions. Knowing what makes a project complete based on my personal hotel experience in operations is of great benefit.

Although, oftentimes, we are not brought on to a project until the last minute or after initial budgets are developed, it is imperative that we communicate to our clients ahead of time the benefits of hiring procurement along with all other aspects of the project.

Schmidt: The landscape for 2025 will require organizations to focus on managing risk in response to economic and geopolitical dynamics. While large-scale shifts in production regions are unlikely due to capacity limitations outside of Asia, ongoing diversification efforts will help purchasing agents balance cost, quality, reliability and scheduling issues. The overarching themes for 2025 will be collaborative planning and problem-solving. Those who remain proactive and open to evolving strategies will be best positioned to succeed. Hospitality is a resilient industry, and these challenges have a way of making us all stronger, more nimble and better prepared for an ever-changing global landscape.

Waddell: There’s increasing excitement around the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in hospitality operations to increase efficiencies in various capacities. Sustainability continues to resonate throughout design, development and operations of projects. The definition of luxury continues to morph and will impact design and development. Incorporating wellness aspects across all hotels and hospitality segments presents an opportunity to attract guests and drive revenue.