If, as it's said, knowledge is power, we've assembled for you the key lodging industry data you need to grow your property and company. Our annual Top of the Top lists cover the top hotel brands and management companies; the leading architecture, design and purchasing firms; and the most-active hotel developers and owners.

We've made a few changes in the methodology of the top brand and management company lists. The brand list only includes chains in which all properties have the brand name as their main identifier (e.g., Best Western Airport Plaza Inn). And, unlike past years, the management company list only includes firms that manage properties under brand names other than their own corporate moniker.

We constantly strive to improve the quality of these lists. Please forward any suggestions or questions on Top of the Top to Ed Watkins, editor, at ewatkins@penton.com.