No Vacancy with Glenn Haussman

We're back in our pre-recorded format! In this episode of hashtag#NoVacancy, I'm joined by Seth Bolt and Tori Bolt, founders of Bolt Farm Treehouse, who've created one of the most compelling hashtag#hospitality concepts in the country—where hashtag#guestexperience, design, and mission-driven leadership all come together in a powerful way. Doctor Prodcuer Suzanne cohosts. Special thanks to our advertiser: Actabl – Gives You the Power to Profit. Visit them at Actabl.com

At #NoVacancyNews we caught up with Amit Aghara, CTO of Fintech, to get a closer look at how they're transforming invoice management for hoteliers — and it's not just about #alcohol anymore. We broke down how Fintech streamlines the complex world of payments, regulations, and vendor management — all via automation and smart tech.

During Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) HITEC, hashtag#NoVacancyNews caught up with Jennifer Barnwell, President of Curator Hotel and Resort Collection, to discuss how she evaluates hospitality technology for a diverse portfolio of independent hotels. With so many vendors vying for attention, she shared how Curator narrows the field and finds real value for its member hotels. Here's what we covered: How Curator uses events like hashtag#HITEC to strengthen vendor relationships and discover meaningful innovations The role of pilot programs in validating tech before wider adoption Why it's critical to focus on tools that support team efficiency and guest experience The growing pressure on profitability in a year of minimal revenue growth Curator's commitment to helping members stay ahead without getting overwhelmed If you're feeling the pressure to make smart hashtag#hospitalitytech decisions, Jen offers a sharp, practical perspective that's well worth your time. Special thanks to our sponsor Uniguest — their Hotel Hub solution connects every step of the guest journey to your messaging and brand. Learn more at uniguest.com.

David Donnelly's philosophy is that success is built on strong, mutually beneficial relationships. That attitude's going to get him into trouble while hanging with Glenn, Craig and Producer Dave. Tune in and find out

Yesterday at Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) hashtag#HITEC2025, I spoke with Ben Jamieson of Sonesta International Hotels about how the company is approaching hashtag#hoteltechnology and operations to support one of the fastest growth stories in hospitality. With more than 1,200 hotels and a portfolio that spans from economy to upscale, Sonesta is focused on building systems that work across all brands while keeping the guest experience front and center. This episode of hashtag#NoVacancyNews looks at how they're doing it. Key points from our conversation:

This week at Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) HITEC, hashtag#NoVacancyNews sat down with Max Spangler, VP of Technology at Charlestowne Hotels, to discuss how their team is making clear-eyed tech decisions in a time when everything seems to be labeled “AI” - whether it is or isn't! Here's what you'll learn: *Why “AI-washing” is making it harder—not easier—to evaluate hotel tech *How Charlestowne's steering groups across departments help vet, test, and implement tools that actually work *The impact of AI tools like Cursor and Windsurfer for lean teams managing boutique properties *How they're now creating slide decks, video, and image content faster than ever—without sacrificing quality *What tech vendors should be doing to explain why they're using AI (instead of just saying they are) If you care about hotel technology that actually helps your team—not just sells buzzwords—this is a great one to watch. hashtag#NoVacancyNews is here at hashtag#HITEC2025 bringing you the real conversations that matter in hospitality. And yes, hashtag#HotelTechnology that works does exist—you just have to know what to look for. Big thanks to our sponsor Unifocus – technology that drives value. Learn more at unifocus.com

While in Indianapolis, hashtag#NoVacancyNews caught up with Michael Hirschler of Staypineapple Hotels Inc. during an event with Cendyn to talk about how the company rebuilt their hashtag#hoteltech stack from the ground up—and why taking risks on emerging platforms was the right call. In this short and insightful interview, you'll hear:

Recorded live at HITEC 2025, #novacancynews caught up with Jenna Fishel, Chief Commercial Officer at First Hospitality, to explore how her team is taking #AI from theory to action—and evolving how commercial teams collaborate. This isn't about chasing tech trends. It's about building smarter systems that make life easier and business better. Here's what we covered: How #hoteltechnology is being used to analyze commercial calls and suggest strategy improvements The shift from siloed meetings to a fully integrated commercial strategy that include marketing, sales, revenue, and ops Why First Hospitality built a dedicated marketing team—and what happens when you stop forcing salespeople to moonlight as marketers The power of collaboration in a world where RevPAR growth is harder to come by Ways AI is helping reduce repetitive tasks so teams can focus on meaningful work

Recorded last month at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, hashtag#NoVacancyNews got an amazing backstage experience with the legendary Cami Christensen, President & GM of the property. Cami started at the front desk and now runs this iconic resort — and we had a lot of laughs and hashtag#Elvis sightings along the way.

On this episode of #NoVacancyNews, I reconnected with longtime industry powerhouse Juan Corvinos Solans during NYU IHIF, who just made a major career pivot—leaving Hilton after 16 years to take on a bold new leadership role as President of #CALA for Hotel Equities. So, what drives someone to walk away from the familiar and embrace the unknown?   We discuss:   *Why Juan stepped away from a steady brand career to lead something new   *How he's helping build a startup-style venture focused on all-inclusive and urban lifestyle hotels   *What it's like to switch from brand-side to operations-side leadership   *Why he's traveling more than ever—and how his wife found out about the move from a press release. Uh-oh   *The vision for combining U.S.-based operational expertise with local talent across Latin America   *Building a team of hospitality rock stars with a fresh perspective   Juan's passion for shaking up the status quo is contagious—and you'll want to hear what's next.   Special thanks to Actabl:

Last week at the Stonebridge 's annual conference in hashtag#NewOrleans – where I hosted, moderated and delivered a keynote -- I spoke with EVP Operations Lee Palaschak for hashtag#NoVacancyNews about how the company is transforming. With a clear focus on culture, people, and purposeful partnerships, Stonebridge is entering a fresh chapter — or as Lee calls it, a “rebirth.”

Recorded recently in Las Vegas, I caught up with Tony Yousfi, CMP, Chief Sales Officer at the iconic The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, for an energizing hashtag#NoVacancyNews conversation about what it takes to keep 7,000 suites full, 2.2 million square feet of space active, and 10,000-person events running seamlessly—week after week.

Recorded on location in Ft. Worth, Texas, I chatted with Mark Kimber, Chief Revenue Officer at Fintech, spoke to hashtag#NoVacancyNews to uncover how this decades-old alcohol invoicing powerhouse is shaking things up in hospitality. If you manage hotel operations and are drowning in invoices, this conversation might just change the way you work.

Tim Flohr is an Associate Professor of Teaching at U of Memphis and the Co-founder & Managing Partner of HospitalityInternships.com . Tonight he risks it all by joining Glenn, Craig, and Producers Dave and Suzanne for some ‘innocent' drinks and laughs to kick off the weekend. Plus, Glenn is on location in New Orleans.

Why do some hotel companies thrive while others struggle with retention, innovation, and guest satisfaction? In this episode of hashtag#NoVacancyNews, we talk with Rob Smith, CEO & President of Stonebridge Companies, who's bringing humanity back to hospitality — without ignoring the power of technology.

Hospitality is shifting—and Joseph Bojanowski, President of PM Hotel Group, joined hashtag#NoVacancyNews during the NYU IHIF to gauge what's really happening in the hashtag#hotelindustry right now. ✔️ Tired of mixed signals from headlines? This episode brings clarity on: *Why focusing on actual trends over trending topics is essential for strategic planning *What PM Hotel Group is seeing with real-time travel demand and consumer behavior *How seasonality shifts and timing affected hotel comp sets in 2025 *Strong ADR growth trends despite softening fundamentals *Firsthand insights from the opening of Evo Tahoe City—where experience-driven travel is thriving *Why the hospitality economy might be untethered from the broader U.S. economy What it all means for investors, operators, and leaders looking to make their next big move

What's really happening with new hotel construction in today's unpredictable climate? #NoVacancyNews sat down with Mark Laport, CEO of Concord Hospitality Enterprises, during NYU IHIF this week to discuss: •

Recorded this morning live at NYU IHIF, hashtag#NoVacancyNews sits down with Greg Kennealey, CEO of Peregrine Hospitality, to unpack the realities of operating, investing, and thriving in today's uncertain hotel landscape.

Recorded live at the NYU IHIF, hashtag#NoVacancyNews catches up with Zack Gharib, President of Red Roof, exactly one year after their first interview—this time with plenty to celebrate and unpack.

Is the hotel industry bouncing back—or just bouncing around? I caught up with Bruce Ford, SVP at Lodging Econometrics, during NYU IHIF, to tell hashtag#NoVacancyNews his razor-sharp perspective on where we really stand when it comes to hospitality investment, development, and demand.

Today we're saying thanks to all our listeners and saying goodbye. To live shows, that is. Plenty more content coming starting next week, but we're switching up formats to make everyone's lives easier! It's been exhausting doing as many as five live shows a week for five years. Dang, that's a lot. :-)

Adi Bhoopathy, Managing Principal and Head of Capital Markets at Noble Investment Group, joins No Vacancy Live to share his insights from over two decades of investing in the hospitality sector.   Since joining Noble in 1999, Adi has helped lead more than $4.5 billion in transactions, playing a pivotal role in shaping the firm's investment strategy and capital relationships. In this episode, we dive into how Noble identifies opportunity in a rapidly evolving market, why Adi believes hospitality is a resilient and rewarding asset class, and what it takes to build trust with institutional partners.   From capital markets to culture, Adi offers a behind-the-scenes look at what drives one of the industry's most active hotel investors.

In his first year as CEO of Hospitality America, Ben Campbell set a bold tone by putting people and culture at the heart of the company's strategy—well ahead of the industry curve. From earning back-to-back “Best Places to Work” awards to launching flexible PTO programs and strategic mentorship initiatives, Ben's leadership has sparked a cultural and operational transformation. This episode dives into how his People First approach, new leadership roles, and investment in soft-branded hotel growth have positioned HA for long-term success.  Tune in to hear how bold vision, data-driven decisions, and a passion for people are reshaping the hospitality landscape. Thanks to Actabl for sponsoring this video. Actabl gives you the power to profit.

Anna Blue returns to Friday Night Audit for some happy hour fun while Glenn is on location smoking ribs at Memphis in May BBQ festival making Craig, Dave and Suzane jealous.

Jake Zwaagstra, CEO of TriCelta Development joins the show to explore the critical role of the Owner's Representative in aligning teams, communicating vision, and ensuring decisions are rooted in both strategy and stakeholder understanding. We dive into how customer insights and industry trends can shape project outcomes through effective use of surveys, focus groups, and market analysis. Plus, we unpack the value of model rooms as a decision-making tool that brings concepts to life, aligns expectations, and helps prevent costly missteps down the line. Whether you're developing a new property or repositioning an existing one, this episode is all about making smarter, more informed choices from day one.  

Dorraine Lallani is one of the most influential people in the hotel business you may not have heard of before. And even with decades of experience as a premier professional, somehow she still chose to join Glenn, Craig and the gang for some purported comedy. Join us for our world famous happy hour show!

Go inside the strategy and soul of one of the West Coast's most distinctive hotel companies on#novacancynews with Scott Roby, Pacifica Hotels, and Chris Marquis, Invest West Financial. From bold design to smart growth, they reveal how they're building a culture-driven, guest-focused brand that stands out in a crowded market.

Step inside the heart of Bourbon Street with Royal Sonesta New Orleans GM David Bilbe on #NoVacancyNews. From historic #neworleans charm to future renovations, this tour gives you a front-row seat to one of the most irreplaceable hotel assets in America.

Russell Edmond—better known as Russell of Hotels— joins Friday Night Audit to swap podcasting stories and content tragedies. We've got Craig, Producer Dave, Dr. Producer Suzanne with some travel hacks and more on our quest for hospitality's biggest pet peeve.

Glenn and Anthony chat about hotel news and everything else on their minds

Last week while #NoVacancyNews was at AAHOA's #aahoacon25 I spoke with Chris Guimbellot, President & CEO of HI Hotels (Hospitality International).

We've got Kevin Carey, COO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and the newly appointed President & CEO of the AHLA Foundation on hashtag#novacancynews. Together, they explore how the hashtag#AHLA and its hashtag#AHLAfoundation are working in tandem to support and elevate the hospitality workforce—and how the hashtag#ForWardConference is becoming one of the industry's most important events for leadership, growth, and community.

Why stay at a hotel when you can live in one with loyalty perks? Last week during AAHOA's hashtag#AAHOACON25, I spoke with Bhavin Patel of Spark GHC to explore a bold new concept: Project Scarlet, where branded residences meet boutique hospitality.

#novacancynews is at AAHOA's #AAHOAcon25 with Brian Quinn, Chief Development Officer of Sonesta International Hotels, to discuss the brand-new Sonesta Simply Suites prototype to new game-changing AI development tools.

Catch this exclusive AAHOA floor interview with Red Roof President Zack Gharib where we discuss his first year in this role and where Red Roof is headed next!  

Bruce Jordan is a writer, podcaster and hotelier. But tonight he enters the Happy Hour zone with Glenn,. Craig and Producer Dave. We talk more hotel pet peeves, best hotels and stuff we wouldn't say if drinking wasn't involved.

Luxury is booming, but so are guest complaints. Today, hashtag#novacancynews discusses the return of Starwood Hotels, the explosive growth of ultra-luxury hotels, and systemic service failures plaguing the hotel industry.

The hotel business is shifting whether we like it or not. I speak with Jan Freitag, National Director of Hospitality Analytics at CoStar, at the Starwood Hotels Leadership Conference in Nashville. hashtag#NoVacanyNews insights hoteliers, developers, and investors need to hear right now.

We're joined by Fiona Henry, an Analyst at Partner Valuation Advisors. She's new to the industry and lost a raffle during CLIC. Now, she has to be our guest. Let's see how she fares against Glenn, Craig, and Dave. Plus, we introduce April Anarchy, our March Madness rip-off focused on hotel pet peeves.

Experience the future of hospitality in this thought-provoking deep dive with Elizabeth Harlow, Chief Brand Officer at Sonesta Hotels! Discover how top brands are reshaping guest loyalty, exclusive experiences, and human connection—all while navigating the rise of AI.

Today we're going back in time to the oldest fine dining restaurant in the U.S.; Delmonico's. Managing Partner of DHG, Dennis Turcinovic shares its fascinating history, revival, and modern-day magic of this legendary steakhouse!

We're joined by Jamie Cooperstein, author of True Hospitality: Lessons Learned from Behind the Concierge Desk. On this hashtag#novacancynews we talk: ·      Hospitality Industry Predictions: Anthony shares his take on upcoming challenges and opportunities. ·      The Power of Emotional Connections: Learn how creating genuine connections can transform guest experiences. ·      Concierge Stories Unveiled: Jamie shares jaw-dropping moments from her time as a concierge, including a Botox-saving wedding miracle! ·      Finding Passion in Hospitality: From sports journalism to hotel lobbies — Jamie's journey proves life can surprise you. ·      Practical Advice for Hospitality Pros: How to navigate uncertainty, adapt, and excel in this ever-changing industry. Special thanks to our sponsor, Actabl— giving hoteliers the power to profit. Visit actabl.com today Find Jaime's book: https://lnkd.in/eSnWsRbQ Don't miss this thought-provoking, fun, and insightful conversation! Like, subscribe, and share to stay tuned for more inspiring episodes. hashtag#Actabl hashtag#truehospitality

Tonight we welcome the first father and son duo on the show, Paul Coury and Alex Coury of Coury Hospitality. They'll be sharing cocktails and stories with Glenn, Craig and Producer Dave. as we celebrate the end of the week.

I was in Houston yesterday and chatted with friend and industry icon W Chris Green. We discuss the evolution of guest service and smart business practices in the hotel industry. We recorded this before we hit the stage for an event with the Hotel & Lodging Association of Greater Houston Greater Huston during their monthly membership meeting.

Today we've got Russ Flicker, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of AWH Partners. He's got the latest scoop on hotel investments, asset management, and market trends. From uncovering off-market deals to navigating high-interest rate environments, Russ offers real talk about what's driving (and slowing) hospitality transactions today.

Want to fast-track your hospitality career and be in the room where it happens? I'm chatting with Dorothy Roberts, President of the Long Island Hospitality Association and a hotel investor, to reveal how local industry associations can supercharge your career and strengthen your community.

While at the Hunter Hotel Investment Conference I spoke with Grey Raines and Kerry V. Ranson from Raines Company. They discuss how they've managed to scale their company, integrate new technologies, and keep momentum going while staying true to their values. ✅ Key Highlights: