Martin Schiffman, Managing Director of the Carl Marks Real Estate Group, will serve as moderator of a panel discussion at The Lodging Conference, September 23-26 in Phoenix. The discussion will focus on the effects of the credit crisis and the current business slowdown in the hotel industry. This is the conference's 14th anniversary. The Lodging Conference is characterized by its informality, which fosters a vigorous intellectual and transactional environment for the hospitality industry's top leaders. The event is recognized as the most noteworthy hotel conference in the U.S. for deal making and is regularly covered by major trade publications in the industry.

Schiffman is a recognized leader in all facets of real estate investment. He has participated as a Managing Principal in all asset classes in the industry. Over the years, he has gained notable experience as a value-added investor. He specializes in such areas as urban land strategies, direct asset development, renovation, credit reorganization, and financing. Schiffman has a unique combination of skills in the areas of real estate development, operations and capital market strategies employed to finance all types of real estate. He has been both a public and private manager of real estate investment.

The conference will take place at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa in Phoenix. For more information on the conference, visit www.thelodgingconference.com.