No Vacancy with Glenn Haussman

Luxury doesn't mean more steps. It means fewer problems before guests even notice them. Suzanne "Dr. Producer" Bagnera, PhD, and I spoke with Mourad Essafi, General Manager of Impression Isla Mujeres (a Hyatt all-inclusive), on #NoVacancyNews about what ultra-luxury actually looks like when you stop adding layers and start removing friction. Mourad talks about how his background in sales and operations shapes the way he runs the resort, why the arrival experience starts before guests ever reach the island, and how small operational decisions change how people actually feel about a stay. We also get into what "endless privileges" really means in practice, why convenience often beats opulence, and how guest feedback turns into real changes on property. We cover:

Most hotels want F&B to drive more revenue. A lot of them still make it harder than it needs to be for guests to actually order. Narda Malakzad and Andrea Laderman, co-founders of Goldi, joined me on #NoVacancyNews to talk about something most hotels underestimate: how dietary needs, allergies, and food preferences quietly kill both guest experience and check size. We talk about what actually happens when guests don't know what they can eat, why people avoid asking questions, and how that friction shows up in lower spend and fewer repeat visits. We also get into how a simple, personalized menu experience changes behavior in the dining room and simplifies things for servers and kitchens at the same time. We cover:

This episode of #NoVacancyNews looks at how a hotel management merger came together — the conversations, timing, and decisions that led up to it. I spoke with Len Wolman, Chairman & CEO of Waterford Hotel Group, and Bob Habeeb, Founder & CEO of Maverick Hotels and Restaurants, about how their relationship developed, how long the process took, and what needed to line up before they moved forward. They explain what they focused on early, why they chose not to rush, and how owner needs and operational realities shaped their decision. They walk through the steps as they happened, without wrapping the story in theory or hindsight. We cover:

The gap between luxury hotels and everyone else keeps getting wider — and ignoring it won't make it shrink. Suraj Bhakta, CEO & Chief Legal Officer of NewGen Advisory, and I spoke on #NoVacancyNews about what's driving that divide. More important, we talked through actionable insights owners outside the luxury segment can actually implement. Suraj and I get into why upper upscale and #luxury continue to separate from the pack, how price sensitivity hits other segments harder, and why relying on rate alone only goes so far. We also talk through practical ways owners are looking beyond RevPAR and starting to think about total revenue without taking on massive capital projects. We cover:

Food and beverage does more than fill seats — it creates memories, reasons to return, and stories guests take home. That's the focus of this episode of #NoVacancyNews, filmed across Resorts World Las Vegas. I'm joined by Josef Wagner, Senior Vice President of Food & Beverage at Resorts World Las Vegas, for a walk-and-talk look at how a modern integrated resort uses F&B to drive engagement beyond gaming. Josef shares how Resorts World approaches pop-ups, immersive lounges, celebrity chef partnerships, and venue flexibility — all with the goal of giving guests something new to experience every visit. From rooftop mixology activations to food hall experimentation and live entertainment integration, this conversation shows how F&B becomes a strategic growth engine, not just an amenity. What stood out to me is how intentionally the team tests ideas before locking them in. Pop-ups act as real-time focus groups, allowing the guest — not a spreadsheet — to decide what stays. We cover:

Most hotels look good. That's not the problem. The harder part is giving people a reason to stay longer, spend more, and remember why they were there in the first place. In this episode of #NoVacancyNews, I talk with Alexis Readinger, Founder of Preen, about food-and-beverage design and how often hotels get it almost right — and why "almost" usually isn't enough. Alexis and I get into why so many hotel restaurants and bars start to feel interchangeable, how that happens, and what gets lost when design decisions don't start with a clear point of view. We talk about experiential dining, design trends, capital choices, and why solid food alone doesn't save a space that doesn't quite work. This interview was supposed to happen in person at ALIS Design. We ended up doing it remotely, which is pretty on-brand for how plans tend to go.

What hotel owners and investors are doing matters more than what gets said on stage. In this episode of No Vacancy, Glenn Haussman connects with Bruce Ford, SVP at Lodging Econometrics, as he reports from ALIS in Los Angeles. Bruce shares what he's seeing in the data and hearing in off-the-record conversations. The discussion focuses on how owners weigh new development versus conversions, how capital continues to move, and what influences decision-making as the industry looks toward 2026. Topics include: • How owners compare new development, conversions, and recapitalization • Where cost pressure continues to affect returns • How AI conversations sound more practical than speculative • Why certain asset types keep attracting investment • How labor and operating costs affect large hotels • Why portfolio reshaping and consolidation remain on the table Sponsored by Unifocus — technology that drives value. Learn more at Unifocus.com.

This Day 3 ALIS update focuses on what the data shows — not predictions, not sentiment. In this episode of No Vacancy, Glenn Haussman connects remotely with Bruce Ford, SVP at Lodging Econometrics, who is on the ground at ALIS in Los Angeles. Bruce walks through current pipeline data and how it lines up with conversations happening at the conference. The discussion stays focused on pipeline mix, renovation volume, brand activity, and where capital continues to move across markets. Topics include: • How conversions and renovations show up across the pipeline • Where midscale brands appear most frequently in current data • What renovation volume looks like compared to prior cycles • How brand consistency factors into development discussions • How financing conditions shape development decisions • Which markets continue to show momentum Sponsored by Unifocus — technology that drives value. Learn more at Unifocus.com.

Regional casino resorts don't win anymore by adding square footage — they win by designing experiences that keep guests longer and spending more. That's the focus of this episode of #NoVacancyNews. I'm joined by Kelly Devine, Principal and Partner, and Emily Marshall, Principal and Interior Design Leader at HBG Design, and guest host Dr. Suzanne Bagnera to talk about the evolution of regional gaming resorts and what operators should be paying attention to right now. We use Gun Lake Casino Resort in Michigan as the case study, breaking down how design decisions directly affect length of stay, guest behavior, operational efficiency, and profitability. This isn't about pretty spaces for Instagram — it's about building resorts that actually perform. What stood out to me is how intentionally HBG starts with operations first. They design the engine before the body, which explains why these projects drive measurable business results instead of just visual impact. We cover:

Hotel loyalty gets talked about a lot. This conversation focuses on how it actually works. For this #NoVacancyNews, I spoke with Chris Hartley, CEO of Global Hotel Alliance, about what loyalty looks like when you stop chasing vanity metrics and start paying attention to repeat behavior, engagement, and direct bookings. Chris explains how GHA approaches loyalty across a global portfolio of independent brands — where cooperation matters more than competing for attention and where repeat stays tell you far more than raw membership numbers. We recorded this conversation during ALIS in Los Angeles. Chris made the trip in from Dubai. I got snowed in on Long Island, where I'm still slightly bitter days later, watching conference badges from afar and missing hanging with everyone. We cover:

I'm still not at ALIS — snowstorms and airlines had other plans — but that doesn't stop the conversation. This episode of #NoVacancyNews brings Day 2 coverage straight from Los Angeles. Our roving reporter is Bruce Ford, SVP at Lodging Econometrics, reporting live from ALIS while I hold down the Haussman Resort Pool Club & Smokehouse under about 10 inches of snow. Bruce and I talk through what keeps coming up in conversations right now — not panic, not optimism, but a sense that the industry has landed on a plateau and hasn't figured out the next move yet. We cover:

When rooms, tech, and amenities start to feel the same, hotels lean on food and beverage to differentiate — and that's the focus of this episode of #NoVacancyNews, recorded during ALIS. I'm joined by Phil Colicchio and Trip Schneck of Colicchio Consulting, talking from Los Angeles while I deal with snow back home. We talk about the pressure hoteliers feel around food and beverage right now — rising costs, operational stress, and the need to make restaurants work financially without turning them into generic hotel outlets. What stood out to me is how directly they connect F&B to experience. Hotels use tableside service, presentation, fire, buyouts, and flexible programming to give guests a reason to choose one property over another. We cover:

As markets mature, they begin to specialize. That's something we're seeing more in extended stay and this episode of #NoVacancyNews shows the next stage of evolution when hotels borrow from apartment living and do it thoughtfully. I'm joined by Kate Thompson, Director of Commercial at Sage Hospitality Group, to talk about The Ann Savannah—an apartment-style hospitality concept built for guests who want independence without giving up service. The Ann offers fully equipped kitchens, multiple bedrooms, longer stays without daily intrusion, and a host-driven service model instead of a traditional front desk. At the same time, it still works for one-night stays, groups, and business travelers who want space and flexibility. What stands out is how intentional the operation feels. This isn't about removing service—it's about delivering it when guests actually want it. We cover:

I didn't make it to ALIS this year thanks to a snowstorm — and Delta taking our pilot as we were boarding!! But we're not letting 2,500 miles get in the way of a little #NoVacancyNews content. Bruce Ford, SVP at Lodging Econometrics, is reporting from ALIS while I shovel snow back at the Haussman Resort Pool Club & Smokehouse. Bruce and I talk #hotel franchising trends right now:

In TV we'd call this a filler episode. Craig is in Hawaii and we're sure he wants to be elsewhere. Plus we have no guest. Glenn claims he has some stories though while Suzanne shakes her head in disbelief. Tune and find out!

Building franchise relationships isn't about brand standards — it's about listening, flexibility, and time in the field. That idea sits at the center of this episode of #NoVacancyNews. I'm in Massachusetts at the global headquarters of Sonesta International Hotels, talking with Phil Hugh, Chief Development Officer. Phil walks through how stepping into the CDO role pushed him out of the office and onto the road for roughly 60 days, visiting properties, meeting with owners, and seeing firsthand what it actually takes to operate hotels across the economy, midscale, and upscale segments. What comes through clearly is how Sonesta has changed how it shows up for owners — from flattening its organization to putting real focus behind Americas Best Value Inn, refining its portfolio, and structuring franchise agreements around long-term success instead of short-term wins. We cover:

Luxury shows up in the small moments, not the marble — and that idea sits at the core of this episode of #NoVacancyNews. I spent time with Christophe Baraton, General Manager of Shutters on the Beach, to talk about what hospitality looks like when you lead from the property level instead of a spreadsheet. Christophe runs a 30-year-old beachfront hotel with deep roots in its local community, long-tenured team members, and guests who return because they feel known. We talk about leadership during crisis, how Shutters became a refuge for locals during the Los Angeles fires, and why anticipation—not opulence—defines modern #luxury. What stood out to me is how clearly he connects culture to results. When employees feel cared for, guests feel it immediately. We cover:

Hotelier and comedian Alex Coury returns to join Glenn, Craig and Doctor Producer Suzanne to kick off the weekend with a hilarious (they wish) happy hour.

Hotel food & beverage doesn't fail because of trends — it fails when concept, design, and execution never fully line up. On #NoVacancyNews, I'm joined by Ami Alexander, Managing Partner at Barrel Aged Management, to talk about how #hotel #restaurants actually get built, refreshed, and kept relevant over time. Ami's background spans luxury hotels, global restaurant groups, and lifestyle brands, including time with Hakkasan, Sydell Group, Montage, and Pendry. That perspective shapes how she thinks about storytelling, training, and why hotels can't afford to treat F&B as an afterthought. What stood out to me is how often restaurants get compromised long before they open — furniture chosen too early, kitchens designed without the menu in mind, or concepts forced to fit an already built box. We cover:

Hotel food & beverage only works when culture, consistency, and leadership line up — and that's exactly what this #NoVacancyNews conversation explores. I'm joined by Greg McGowan, Regional Director of Food & Beverage for Kolter Hospitality and Executive Chef at Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale, recorded on site in South Florida. Greg's path through country clubs, hotels, and leadership roles gives him a grounded view of what actually keeps F&B teams strong over time — especially in high-volume, full-service environments where turnover, burnout, and guest expectations collide. We talk about:

I did this one from the 66th floor Alle Lounge at Resorts World Las Vegas, with Shannon McCallum, VP of Hotel Operations, about how the property continues evolving four-plus years after opening. Resorts World operates more than 3,500 rooms across three brands --  Hilton, Conrad, and Crockfords -- all under one roof. That scale forces real decisions about technology, guest choice, and efficiency — especially when different guests expect very different experiences. Shannon walks through how the team thinks about:

Beverage has moved from a supporting role to a real revenue driver in hotel F&B, and that shift isn't accidental. #NoVacancyNews I'm joined by Adrian Biggs, Director of Advocacy at Bacardi, to talk through what their latest global trends report reveals about how — and when — guests are actually drinking. This isn't guesswork. Bacardi builds this report using global ambassador insight, consumer research across multiple countries, and real operator behavior. The result is a clearer picture of where beverage demand is heading and how hotel bars can respond. What stood out most to me is how timing, intentional drinking, and experience now matter as much as what's in the glass. Afternoon drinking is rising, cocktails are getting lighter and more deliberate, and guests expect bars to deliver something worth remembering — not just something strong. What we cover:

Because it's STILL the holidays, I'm rerunning something that still makes me smile — episode one of Friday Night Audit. This show started in 2021, smack dab in the middle of COVID, when a lot of us in the hotel business felt disconnected, stuck at home, and spending way too much time on video calls. We also missed the best part of conferences: hanging out at the bar afterward, talking shop, telling stories, and laughing at how completely cuckoo this business can be. So we built Friday Night Audit to feel like that moment. The idea was simple: hotel people as real people, having a drink, reacting to the week, and letting the conversation go where it goes. No scripts. No polish. Just the kinds of conversations that usually happen after the badges come off. Early 2026 marks five years of the show, and we'll hit 200 episodes in February, right around that anniversary. And yes, it still feels a little ridiculous considering how this all started. This first episode sets the tone immediately, with me and Craig Sullivan, joined by our first-ever guest Kate Burda — who shotguns a beer. Producer Dave also makes his presence felt early, adding strong insulting power as we figure this show out in real time and clearly have way too much fun doing it. Highlights from episode one:

This week, as I look back on podcasts that mattered to me over the last 10 years of No Vacancy and Rouse Media, I'm sharing some episodes that reflect where the industry — and all of us — actually were at the time. This one is difficult, but important. It's one of the first live shows we ever did, recorded just before COVID shut everything down. At that point, we were still learning what this virus was, how it spread, and what it might mean for travel and hotels. I went live on LinkedIn with Anthony Melchiorri and Dr. Primas, a New York–based physician with deep experience in travel health. Anthony had known Dr. Primas since 1991, going back to his days at The Plaza, and we brought him on because we needed expert insight — not speculation. Within 48 hours of this episode airing, I lost almost my entire business. That wasn't unique to me — far from it. We all experienced loss. That's part of why this episode stands out. It captures the exact moment before everything changed. I'm rerunning this not to relive it, but to document it. It's a snapshot of what the hotel industry was thinking, fearing, and trying to understand in real time. In this episode:

Everyone talks about FIFA 2026 like it's a guaranteed win for hotels. The reality is more complicated. I connected with Bruce Ford of Lodging Econometrics to look at the actual hotel development, renovation, and conversion activity tied to FIFA host cities across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico — and to answer a question hoteliers ask every time a mega-event comes to town: Should you really build for this? On #NoVacancyNews, Bruce breaks down where hotels are being added, where renovations matter more than new builds, and why most smart owners don't bet long-term strategy on short-term events. A big thanks to Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com. What we cover: ⚽: Why FIFA doesn't drive hotel demand the way many people assume

I spoke with Allen Rolleri about his family's experience dealing with multiple myeloma, a rare and incurable form of cancer. The Rock Out Myeloma fundraiser takes place January 15, raising funds to support families facing the financial realities that come with long-term treatment. On #NoVacancyNews, Allen explains what the diagnosis meant in practical terms, how quickly his family had to learn about the disease, and why costs outside of medical bills often become part of the challenge. The conversation stays focused on awareness gaps, everyday expenses people don't anticipate, and how support often comes in specific, practical forms. Topics covered:

Happy Holidays! In our 2025 sendoff show Glenn, Craig and Dr Producer Suzanne welcome Raj Chudasama and Sara Pinto of M1Intel. They seem nice enough so the crew thought it would be fun to get to know them over some happy hour cocktails and some laughs to kick off the holiday season Friday Night Audit style.

We got something cool for episode 1001! Props to Katie Cline at the Skift Suite Success: Masters of Hospitality podcast for this one. I joined an end-of-year roundtable with some of the most thoughtful voices in hashtag#hospitality media to reflect on what actually mattered in 2025 and what could reshape 2026. Huge thanks to everyone who brought real perspective (and disagreement) to the table:

Well… this happened. This is episode 1,000 of No Vacancy is live. What started as me, a mic, and no real plan (OK, the original plan was to dominate the universe, but that proved too ambitious) turned into a platform that somehow became part of how this industry talks to itself. This episode purposely short. No guest. No agenda. Just a pause to acknowledge the milestone — and the timing. In 2026, hashtag#NoVacancyNews turns 10, which makes this episode feel a lot like a major milestone with everything lining up. On hashtag#NoVacancyNews, I touch on how the show started, how it shifted from audio to video, and why consistency matters more than getting it perfect. Why this episode exists:

Everyone keeps asking the same question: Is hotel development slowing down? The global numbers say something very different — and far more nuanced. I checked in with Bruce Ford of Lodging Econometrics for a worldwide pipeline update that cuts through assumptions and looks at what's really happening across regions, segments, and timelines. On #NoVacancyNews, Bruce explains why room counts remain historically high, why developers deliberately push openings into later years, and why renovations and conversions now matter as much as ground-up construction. This conversation focuses less on hype and more on how capital actually behaves when markets tighten. A big thanks to Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com. What the data actually shows:

Luxury no longer means chandeliers and thread count. It means connection, memory, and how guests feel long after checkout. I caught up with Robert Reitknecht at INSPIRE Luxury, hosted by the International Luxury Hotel Association, live from Resorts World Las Vegas. (Important context: this was my 10th day in Vegas, so expectations were appropriately managed.) On #NoVacancyNews, Robert explains how luxury hotels move from performative service to genuine connection, why frontline teams shape the guest story more than any design element, and how leaders must "lean into the brand" without losing authenticity. A big thanks to Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com. Key Takeaways:

Some resorts talk about experiences — Westgate builds them at theme-park scale. I visited Westgate Vacation Villas with Jared Saft, Chief Business and Strategy Officer, to explore how this company evolved from 16 original units into a massive, guest-focused resort with 3,000 rooms, a full waterpark, a Chuck E. Cheese–powered arcade, an in-lobby movie theater, and a $120 million reinvestment underway. On #NoVacancyNews, Jared walks through how Westgate designs spaces for toddlers, teens, parents, and grandparents at the same time, how they turned nostalgia into a modern attraction, and how they're expanding into more than 40 new destinations in just seven months. A big thanks to Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com. What you'll see on this tour:

Newport Beach looks luxurious from the outside — but its secret sauce is heart, identity, and a fiercely intentional brand strategy. On #NoVacancyNews, I teamed up with my Friday Night Audit partner-in-crime Craig Sullivan to talk with Gary Sherwin, CEO of Visit Newport Beach, about how one of America's most aspirational coastal cities keeps its charm, avoids the "sea of sameness," and delivers the version of Southern California people dream about. A big thanks to Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com. Here's what we cover:

This week Dan Lesser, Co-Founder, President, & CEO at LW Hospitality Advisors shares some cockatils and laughs with Glenn, Craig and Doctor Prodcuer Suzanne.

Some management companies build hotels. Olympia Hospitality builds identity. I spoke with Sara Masterson (President) and John Schultzel (Chief Growth Officer) about how Olympia blends independent spirit, strong brand partnerships, and mission-driven hospitality across destinations like Nantucket, Boston, Winter Park, the White Mountains, and beyond. On #NoVacancyNews, Sara and John explain how they combine boutique creativity with brand-backed consistency, how they think about technology adoption, and why community connection is becoming the core differentiator in both luxury and branded hotels. A big thanks to Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com. What we cover:

Corporate travel isn't easing back into old habits — it's reinventing itself, and hoteliers who cling to the past will lose business they didn't even know they were missing. I spoke with Lukasz Dabrowski, SVP of Global Supplier Relations at HRS Group, about why 2025 became the turning point for travel procurement and how 2026 will reward hotels that understand converged demand, Level 3 data, and real-time negotiation. On #NoVacancyNews, Lukasz breaks down why annual RFP cycles are disappearing, how "travel CEOs" use invoice-level data to renegotiate instantly, and what hotels must change to stay competitive as AI and real-time visibility reshape corporate buying behavior. A big thanks to Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com. Key Insights:

Most people know the names Marriott, Hilton, Wilson — but countless African American hoteliers helped build the foundation of American hospitality, and their stories rarely get told. I sat down with Calvin Stovall, author of Hidden Hospitality, to explore the remarkable journey behind his new book and the extraordinary hoteliers he uncovered along the way. Calvin spent decades researching these stories — from the late 1700s through the civil rights era — and the result is a stunning coffee table book filled with resilience, innovation, and legacy. On #NoVacancyNews, Calvin talks about the emotional moment he held the finished book for the first time, how the idea originated back in grad school, and why these stories matter for the next generation of leaders in our industry. A big thanks to Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com. Key Insights:

Most hotel companies talk about values. SCP Hotels built their entire model around them. I spoke with Ken Cruse, Co-Founder of Soul Community Planet (SCP Hotels), about how he's creating hotels that combine purpose, community, environmental responsibility, and real profitability — without relying on the old playbook. On #NoVacancyNews, Ken lays out how vertical integration, premium pricing, guest-driven design, and a mindset of "conscious capitalism" are helping SCP grow into a brand that resonates with modern travelers who want meaning and great experiences. A big thanks to Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com. Key Insights:

Human trafficking is one of the darkest issues our industry faces — and the people fighting it deserve more attention. I spoke with Noel Thomas, CEO of Darkwatch, about how his company uses AI-driven digital intelligence to help hotels identify trafficking risks, flag organized crime, and support safer environments for guests and staff. Noel shares the personal story that pushed him into this work, the global scale of the problem, and why technology must play a larger role in protecting hotels and communities. On #NoVacancyNews, Noel explains how Darkwatch integrates into existing PMS workflows, how it helps brands meet the rising "standard of care" in litigation, and why collaboration between hotels, banks, and global agencies is essential. Key Insights:

Running a hotel in 2025 requires sharper strategy, a tighter handle on costs, and leaders who can adapt faster than the market shifts. Few people understand that better than Rob Smith, CEO of Stonebridge Companies, who oversees nearly 200 properties nationwide. On #NoVacancyNews, Rob breaks down how he's thinking about margins, brand contribution, AI, leadership development, and how his newly hired Chief Strategy Officer is changing the way Stonebridge operators think about priorities. Huge thanks to my friends at Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com. Key Insights:

The hotel development story in Europe and the Middle East tells a very different story from the U.S. — especially when it comes to luxury, construction timelines, and where brands see real long-term opportunity. I connected with Bruce Ford, SVP at Lodging Econometrics, to break down the latest pipeline numbers across Europe and the Middle East: luxury dominance, delays, conversions, and why so many projects now push out toward 2027–2028. On #NoVacancyNews, Bruce explains what's fueling the surge in full-service and luxury projects, why construction timelines remain stretched, and how the Middle East continues building entire districts — not just hotels. A big thanks to Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com. Follow along with or download the charts Key Insights:

Every hotel has a few empty rooms each year — but what if those rooms could help someone build a better life? I spoke with David Bowman, co-founder of the Bowman Post Foundation, about how his organization is transforming unused hotel inventory into scholarships and educational support for hospitality employees. On #NoVacancyNews, David explains how the program works, how hotels can easily participate at no cost, and the ripple effect it creates when employees see their own companies helping them grow. Key Insights:

Luxury hotels operate under constant pressure to deliver — and the leaders who guide them have to stay ahead of the curve. In this episode, Glenn Haussman and Anthony Melchiorri talk with Cesar Wurm, SVP of Member Strategy and Development at The Leading Hotels of the World, about how top-tier properties adapt, elevate service, and maintain strong partnerships across global markets. Cesar also shares lessons from his own leadership reinvention and how strategy, communication, and creativity shape the modern luxury guest experience. This episode is brought to you by Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com. What we cover:

The incredible Christine Trippi returns to Friday Night Audit to join Glenn, Craig and Suzanne for some happy hour cocktails and some laughs to kick off the weekend.

When hotels lose key leaders, operations can fall apart fast — and that's where Wenzell & Fisher Hospitality Group comes in. In this episode, Glenn Haussman and Anthony Melchiorri talk with Peter Wenzell, the company's Founder and CEO, about how he built a national network of experienced hotel consultants who step in to fill temporary and leadership roles at a moment's notice. Peter shares how he and his business partner launched Wenzell & Fisher in 2020, why flexibility beats burnout, and how genuine relationships keep clients coming back — even after challenges arise.  What we cover:

Hotel operators face rising costs and tight margins, but smart leadership still drives profit. I spoke with Steven Moore, CEO of Actabl, about how hoteliers can protect culture and profit at the same time. On #NoVacancyNews, Steven explains how great operators focus on labor, clarity, and communication — turning market pressure into momentum. He shares how culture and transparency create stronger teams, how technology supports people instead of replacing them, and how the right mindset turns cost control into competitive advantage. Key Insights

Behind every legendary hotel reopening is a team that makes the impossible look effortless. I spoke with Mary D'Argenis-Fernandez, President of MDA Hospitality Solutions, about her company's incredible work training the team at the newly reopened Waldorf Astoria New York — one of the most anticipated returns in hospitality. Mary explains how her team prepared staff across every outlet — from Peacock Alley to Lex Yard — to deliver flawless service from day one. We also explore how training drives profitability, retention, and guest satisfaction in today's high-turnover world. This conversation on #NoVacancyNews is a reminder that hospitality excellence starts with investment in people.

How do you decide between a best-in-class tech stack and an all-in-one platform?I caught up with Bill Fanning, CRO of Stayntouch, and Klaus Kohlmayr, Chief Evangelist at IDeaS Revenue Solutions, to discuss the new NYU SPS Tisch Center of Hospitality Technology Report, where 300+ hoteliers shared how they're making those crucial tech decisions. On hashtag#NoVacancyNews, we look at what's driving those hashtag#hoteltechnology choices, the cultural and operational challenges behind switching systems, and why more hotels than ever plan to replace their tech stack within the next 24 months. Key Insights:

From the Formula 1 Grand Prix to Super Bowl weekend, there's no city on Earth that can coordinate large-scale events like Las Vegas — and MGM Resorts International is at the center of it all. In the final part of my MGM executive series on #NoVacancyNews, I sat down with John Flynn, SVP of Global Security and Aviation, to explore how MGM and its partners manage security, aviation logistics, and guest experience during some of the world's biggest events. John explains what it takes to move thousands of VIPs in and out of the city during F1 weekend, how coordination across every property keeps the Strip running smoothly, and why service and safety go hand in hand in modern hospitality.

Hospitality meets purpose in Lantern Columbia, a stunning adaptive reuse project turning a historic firehouse into a boutique hotel that celebrates inclusion and community. In this episode, Glenn Haussman and Anthony Melchiorri talk with David Tart, Managing Partner at Raines Company, about how the Lantern will partner with the University of South Carolina's Carolina LIFE program to employ individuals with intellectual disabilities and create a model for inclusive hospitality. From design and construction to culture and mission, David explains how hotels like Lantern Columbia show that doing good and doing well aren't mutually exclusive — they're connected. What we cover

Technology can make a guest's stay smoother — but it's the people who make it memorable. I spoke with Mike Everett, EVP at CoralTree Hospitality, about how his company blends tech-driven efficiency with human-driven hospitality to elevate service across its independent, resort-focused portfolio. We break it all down on #NoVacancyNews, from Hawaii to South Florida, exploring how CoralTree empowers its teams to create moments that apps never can — while still using AI and automation to remove friction, save time, and support staff at every level.