John McKibbon, III, Founder of M3 and Chairman of McKibbon Hospitality and McKibbon Places, Named 2025 Recipient of Hunter Conference Award for Excellence and Inspiration

The Hunter Hotel Investment Conference (“HUNTER”) today announced John McKibbon, III, founder of M3 and chairman of McKibbon Hospitality and McKibbon Places will be the 2025 recipient of the Hunter Conference Award for Excellence and Inspiration. Each year, the award honors a hotelier who exemplifies exceptional leadership, citizenship and innovation. As a third-generation entrepreneur and the driving force behind several hospitality companies, McKibbon has shaped the industry while championing the importance of service and community.

McKibbon’s journey in hospitality began in 1977 when he joined his family’s business. With his father having pioneered one of the earliest Holiday Inn franchises, McKibbon quickly followed suit, taking on roles as hotel general manager and regional manager before assuming leadership of the company in the early 1990s. Under his guidance, McKibbon Hospitality evolved into a recognized leader in hotel development, real estate and management, boasting a portfolio of more than 100 properties.

Building on his success with McKibbon Hospitality, McKibbon became the first hotelier to bring hospitality accounting online by founding M3, a leading provider of hotel accounting software today. Recently, M3 sold a majority interest to Blackstone, with McKibbon remaining involved as a major investor. He also founded McKibbon Places, a company dedicated to innovative hotel development and renovation, helping owners bring their unique visions to life.

“I am honored and humbled to receive this recognition from HUNTER,” said John McKibbon. “Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside some of the best, brightest and most dedicated leaders and innovators who have inspired me to think bigger and have helped bring McKibbon Hospitality, M3 and McKibbon Places to life. I’ve always been passionate about hospitality and with everything I’ve done, I have strived to make a positive impact on others, whether it be our guests, clients, industry partners or community members. That is the legacy I hope to leave behind.”

Beyond his business achievements, McKibbon’s greatest accomplishments are grounded in his personal values. McKibbon is a passionate advocate for education and mentorship, partnering with universities like his alma mater, Florida International University, and the University of South Florida, to nurture the next generation of hospitality leaders. Through the McKibbon Family Foundation, he and his wife, Letitia, champion nonprofit organizations that matter most to them, covering a variety of causes. Additionally, through the McKibbon Hospitality Foundation, every single dollar earned through hotel fundraising events and volunteer hours donated is matched, enriching the communities where McKibbon Hospitality operates.

“John’s impact on the hospitality industry is profound, but what truly sets him apart is his unwavering commitment to service and community,” said Lee Hunter, chairman of the Hunter Hotel Investment Conference. “His legacy goes far beyond business achievements—he has created an environment where people are encouraged to grow, give back and make a meaningful difference. John embodies the spirit of excellence, leadership and service this award is meant to recognize.”

McKibbon will receive the Hunter Conference Award for Excellence and Inspiration on March 18, 2025, at 10:45 am ET, during the 36th Hunter Hotel Investment Conference in Atlanta. To register or learn more about the conference, please visit hunterconference.com.

For a photo of John McKibbon, III, please click here.

About Hunter Hotel Investment Conference

The Hunter Hotel Investment Conference is an education and networking-focused event for hotel owners, developers, and investors. The 36^th Hunter Hotel Investment Conference runs from March 18-20, 2025, at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. Long recognized as one of the top national hotel conferences, HUNTER aims to provide accurate industry performance and trend information alongside networking and educational opportunities. The conference is presented by Hunter Hotel Advisors, the nation’s leading investment advisory firm focused exclusively on the hotel industry, and the Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality Administration at Georgia State University. For additional information on the Hunter Hotel Investment Conference, please visit hunterconference.com.

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