No Vacancy with Glenn Haussman

The extended stay category just got its first-ever national ad campaigns — and Choice Hotels is leading the way. In this episode of hashtag#NoVacancyNews, I speak with Matt McElhare, VP & Segment Lead for Extended Stay at Choice Hotels International, about why now was the moment to go big on marketing, how the campaigns are shifting guest perception, and what it all means for owners and guests alike.

Ben Rafter, President & CEO of Springboard Hospitality, doesn't pull punches. In this #NoVacancyNews, we get into the real conversations hoteliers should be having — not just about technology, but also leadership, workforce strategy, and making the numbers work. We cover a ton of ground, including: • Why getting your financials out on time is a non-negotiable • How to use AI where it matters — think labor, not gimmicks • What “table stakes” really means for hospitality leaders • Building a culture of innovation without losing the human touch • Rethinking recruitment: why hospitality must sell itself harder to Gen Z • Why mid-sized operators must become tech-fluent to stay competitive • Balancing startup speed with scaled operations Ben shares how Springboard's merger with Hotel Equities gives them the scale to grow — without losing their edge.

A&O Hostels CEO Oliver Winter shares how he built one of Europe's largest hostel brands—and why it's resonating with Gen Z, solo travelers, and digital nomads. From one property in Berlin to 42 locations across Europe, A&O Hostels has become a leader in affordable, sustainable hospitality. In this episode of No Vacancy News, Glenn Haussman and Dr. Suzanne Bagnera talk with Oliver about:  ✅ Why solo travel is booming—especially among women ✅ How A&O achieves an 80% lower CO₂ footprint than competitors  ✅ Converting vacant office buildings into profitable hostels ✅ Building social spaces, work zones, and safety features Gen Z travelers expect ✅ Lessons from growing up in East Berlin and building with freedom in mind 

In this episode of No Vacancy News, Glenn Haussman heads to IHG's Design Center in Atlanta to explore the evolution of Candlewood Suites, Atwell Suites, and Staybridge Suites with IHG brand leaders Karen Gilbride and Justin Alexander.

Edward Mady has led some of the most iconic hotels in the world. Now, he's turning decades of experience into a leadership blueprint that blends purpose, accountability, and human connection. In this #NoVacancyNews, Glenn and Anthony chat with the longtime GM of The Beverly Hills Hotel and author of Honing the Human Edge to talk about what it takes to build high-performing teams and lasting cultures in hospitality—and beyond. 

The data is in—and it's not just about pipeline volume, it's about what the numbers really mean. In this #NoVacancyNews, Glenn Haussman sits down with Bruce Ford, SVP at Lodging Econometrics. They're breaking down the latest U.S. #hotelconstruction pipeline data and uncovering the trends shaping where and how hotels will renovate and build next.

Loyalty matters—but only if it's worth something to the traveler. In this episode of#NoVacancyNews, Glenn Haussman sits down with Elizabeth Von Tersch, Senior Travel Editor at U.S. News & World Report, to reveal he just-released rankings of the best hotel rewards programs for 2025–2026.

Friday Night Audit champion Kate Burda rejoins to go toe to tow with Glenn, Craig and Producer Dave. Join us for soem happy hour fun and laughs as we kick off the weekend!

From awkward dress codes to overstuffed agendas, meetings needed a reset — and Hilton listened. On this episode of#NoVacancyNews, Glenn Haussman and Anthony Melchiorri talk with Kelly Knowlen, VP of Sales Engagement & Special Events at Hilton, about how her team is rewriting the rules of modern events based on feedback from 10,000+ attendees.

With new labor mandates, interest rate pressure, and legal complexity at an all-time high, hotel development is no longer a game of instinct — it's about precision. In this episode of #NoVacancyNews, Glenn Haussman and Anthony Melchiorri talk with Guy Maisnik, Vice Chair of the Global Hospitality Group at Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell, about what today's hotel owners need to understand to stay profitable in a shifting marketplace.

Midscale doesn't mean middle of the road — and IHG Hotels & Resorts is proving that with two rising stars: Avid Hotels and Garner. In this special hashtag#NoVacancyNews tour, Glenn Haussman visits hashtag#IHG Hotels & Resorts' Design Center in Atlanta with Karen Gilbride, VP of Brands for avid, Garner, and Atwell Suites. They walk through real model rooms, explore growth strategies and hashtag#HotelDevelopment, and reveal why these brands are resonating with both travelers and owners.

It's not about thread count—it's about people. On #NoVacancyNews, Glenn Haussman and Anthony Melchiorri chat with hospitality consultant and author Kate Buhler, whose career has taken her from the world's most iconic hotels to coaching today's front-line staff and executives.

What happens when you merge the top two players in hotel tablet tech? According to Kevin Bidner, CEO of hashtag#HCN, it's a hospitality tech revolution. In this hashtag#NoVacancyNews, Glenn Haussman catches up with Kevin to discuss a game-changing shift for four-star hotels and beyond. Here's what you'll discover: • Why HCN's acquisition of Crave marks a major turning point in the in-room technology landscape • How guestroom tablets are finally becoming cost-effective—even profitable—for four-star hotels • The innovative model turning tablets into revenue generators via advertising, ticketing, and stakeholder partnerships • A first look at the concierge AI platform that provides personalized city itineraries, restaurant bookings, and more—right from the guestroom and into your pocket • How HCN is bringing back a sense of personal service once reserved for five-star stays, now powered by scalable technology • Why Bidner believes this is “the biggest thing in the travel industry ever”—and what it means for hotel operators and profitability

Forget everything you thought you knew about hotel tech. On #NoVacancyNews, Glenn and Anthony chat with Bright Hotel Group CEO Deniz Dorbek Kocak about how her team is rewriting the rules of hospitality through integrated technology, curated design, and authentic guest connection.

What happens when you merge the top two players in hotel tablet tech? According to Kevin Bidner, CEO of #HCN, it's a hospitality tech revolution. In this #NoVacancyNews, Glenn Haussman catches up with Kevin to discuss a game-changing shift for four-star hotels and beyond. Here's what you'll discover: • Why HCN's acquisition of Crave marks a major turning point in the in-room technology landscape • How guestroom tablets are finally becoming cost-effective—even profitable—for four-star hotels • The innovative model turning tablets into revenue generators via advertising, ticketing, and stakeholder partnerships • A first look at the concierge AI platform that provides personalized city itineraries, restaurant bookings, and more—right from the guestroom and into your pocket • How HCN is bringing back a sense of personal service once reserved for five-star stays, now powered by scalable technology • Why Bidner believes this is “the biggest thing in the travel industry ever”—and what it means for hotel operators and profitability

Peter Ricci is Hospitality & Tourism Management Director @ Florida Atlantic University. We assume that since the humidity is clouding his judgement, he's joing Glenn, Craig and Producers Dave and Suzanne for some laughs and cocktails to kick off the weekend.

In this episode of hashtag#NoVacancyNews, Glenn Haussman and Anthony Melchiorri talk with Jimmy Taylor, VP Operations at IHG Hotels & Resorts, about what really drives long-term success in hospitality leadership. • Why being truly hashtag#authentic beats trying to fit a corporate script — and how that builds loyalty • How hiring “thoroughbreds” but managing them like donkeys damages culture and retention • The six A's that shape Jimmy's leadership style: accessible, accountable, approachable, attitude, authentic, adaptable • Why empathy and fairness matter more than micromanagement — especially in today's labor market • Insights on balancing owner expectations, brand standards, and team empowerment • Stories that reveal why people across the industry describe Jimmy in one word: honorable Special thanks to our advertiser: Actabl gives you the power to profit, visit them at Actabl.com.

Recorded during HITEC, #NoVacancyNews had the privilege of chatting with Michael Schubach Shubach from Rosen Hotels & Resorts to explore how #hoteltechnology, people-first thinking, and bold ideas could reshape the hospitality industry. ✨ Key highlights from our conversation: • Why Rosen is exploring a 4-day workweek with 5-day workweek pay as a real benefit of AI-driven productivity • How sharing automation gains with employees—rather than only owners—can build unmatched loyalty • Tackling class divides in hospitality by returning more time (instead of promising remote work that frontline staff can't access) • Using technology to remove workplace monotony and open paths for growth, not just cost-cutting • What it means to truly care for your people beyond the usual perks and policies It's not just about doing things differently—it's about rethinking why we do them at all.

✨ In this episode of hashtag#NoVacancyNews, Glenn Haussman and Anthony Melchiorri speak with Loay Nour, VP of Brand and Marketing at Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, about how a heritage brand keeps its edge by making every stay truly special.

Happy Holiday! Enjoy this best of episode from February.  

Recorded live during HITEC last month, Glenn Haussman and hashtag#NoVacancyNews talks with Deborah Stuempfig and Amy Jones from Omni Hotels & Resorts about what it really took to rebuild their entire hashtag#hospitalitytech stack—and why it's transforming how they do business.

Recorded on the bustling HITEC show floor, hashtag#NoVacancyNews caught up with Jeff Borman of Ashford Inc. (and No Show, A Travel Industry Podcast) to unpack how AI in hashtag#hospitalitytech is moving from hype to practical strategy. Here's what you'll hear: ✅ Why this year's conversations finally feel actionable, not just theoretical ✅ How hotel commercial leaders are using AI today to improve operations and guest connections ✅ The challenges of data ownership, privacy, and working across brands vs. independents ✅ Why Jeff left HITEC with a real to-do list instead of just big ideas Big thanks to Uniguest for supporting this conversation! Learn more about how they connect the guest journey to your branding at uniguest.com.

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!