Brandon M. McConnell

Award-Winning Tourism & Hospitality Executive | Education & Industry Board Chairman | 30 Under 30 | 40 Under 40 | 40 Over 40

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, United States

About

Brandon McConnell is a nationally recognized hotelier, strategic leader, speaker and currently serves as Corporate Executive for Delavan Lake Management LLC. He serves on multiple leadership and development boards in lodging, food and beverage, and human capital disciplines. Mr. McConnell is a published author across various outlets from The National Center of Generational Studies to Forbes Magazine. He has completed post-graduate studies and executive education from institutions such as Cornell University Nolan School of Hospitality Education, the University of Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business and the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute. He is currently part of an international cohort at Johns Hopkins University studying Applied Generative, Agentic and Nero-Symbolic AI. With a background that includes communications, government affairs, commercial and operational strategy, Brandon is a master at crafting compelling narratives and building bridges between organizations and their audiences. His career reflects an impressive trajectory across key roles within hospitality where he is known for translating complex ideas into actionable strategies with a dash of humor that makes meaningful collaboration succeed. Having been previously recognized as both "One of the top young hoteliers to take over the industry in the next decade" and named as a member of Hotel Management magazine’s “30 Under 30” along with InBusiness Magazine’s “40 Under 40”, and again by Hotel Management Magazine's "40 Over 40", McConnell currently sits on American Hotel & Lodging Association's National Committee on Independent Boutique Hotels as well serving on the Owner and Management Council for AHLA, continuing a near 15 year tenure of various board and committee appointments within the national association.

Experience

  • American Hotel & Lodging Association (3 yrs 3 mos)
    • National Committee on Independent & Boutiques
      Jan 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 6 mos

    • Owner & Management Company Board Member
      Apr 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 3 mos

  • Corporate Executive at Delavan Lake Management LLC
    Jan 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 6 mos

    Delavan Lake Lawn Management LLC (DLLM) is a hospitality ownership and management company overseeing Lake Lawn Resort and related mixed-use assets in the Geneva Lakes region. DLLM focuses on operational excellence, strategic capital deployment, revenue optimization, and long-term asset value creation across lodging, events, marina, and experiential hospitality platforms.

  • Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association (12 yrs 6 mos)
    • Chairman of the Board
      Nov 2021 - Present · 4 yrs 8 mos

    • Executive Committee Member
      2020 - Present · 6 yrs 6 mos

    • Member Board Of Directors
      2014 - Present · 12 yrs 6 mos

  • College of Business Advisory Board at Purdue University
    2018 - Present · 8 yrs 6 mos

  • Hospitality Advisory Board at Madison Area Technical College
    2018 - Present · 8 yrs 6 mos