The Hunter Hotel Investment Conference (“HUNTER”) announced today that Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment and owner of the renowned Savannah Bananas, will be a featured speaker at the upcoming conference, taking place from March 18-20, 2025, at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis.

Jesse Cole, known for his signature yellow tuxedo and his trailblazing work in the sports entertainment industry, has transformed the Savannah Bananas from a minor league baseball team into a cultural phenomenon recognized for its high-energy games and unforgettable fan experiences. His unconventional approach to the game, where entertainment and fan engagement take center stage, has made the Bananas a household name. Featured on prominent platforms such as The Today Show, CBS Sunday Morning and Access Hollywood, the Bananas are widely recognized for delivering “The Greatest Show in Sports.” Under Cole’s leadership, the team has sold out games every season and built a waitlist of over 2 million fans, demonstrating the power of customer-centric innovation.

“Fans First. It’s the name of our company. It’s our goal. That’s what we’re doing—focusing on fans,” Cole said. His philosophy has not only revolutionized the world of sports but also sparked new conversations in the hospitality industry. Just as Cole has transformed the game-day experience by putting fans at the center, the hospitality sector can reimagine guest engagement by embracing this ‘Fans First’ approach.

Set to take HUNTER’s main stage at 1:00 pm ET on March 19, 2025, Cole’s main stage session, titled “Elevate Your Game: Fans First,” promises to provide hotel investors and operators with actionable strategies to rethink guest engagement, redefine service standards and amplify brand storytelling. Cole’s dynamic presence and passion for customer-centric innovation will surely inspire attendees to elevate their own businesses in the hospitality industry.

“Jesse brings a unique perspective on customer engagement and brand development that resonates with our audience of hotel investors, operators and industry leaders,” said Lee Hunter, chairman of the Hunter Hotel Investment Conference.  “This is an opportunity to learn from a true innovator,”.

In addition to Cole’s keynote, the Hunter Hotel Investment Conference will feature a lineup of industry leaders and experts, panel discussions and networking opportunities designed to address current challenges and future trends in the hotel investment sector. To secure early bird rates and learn more about the 36th Hunter Hotel Investment Conference, please visit hunterconference.com.