The Innovative Hotelier

Todd Johnstone, CEO of Allbridge, offers advice for hoteliers on two paramount issues in today's hospitality industry: data protection and cyber security. This informative conversation covers the differences between data that is collected, data that needs to be stored and data processing—and highlights why it is essential to conduct regular security audits to uncover potential areas of vulnerability, even if your property has never experienced a data security breach. Johnstone also stresses the importance of establishing protocols for detecting and responding to data breaches, and ensuring that policies are in compliance with the relevant data protection and privacy regulations.

Ariela Kiradjian is the co-founder & COO of The Boutique & Lifestyle Lodging Association (BLLA), an organization devoted to the independent boutique lodging and lifestyle space. In this episode, she talks about the challenges and competitive advantages of operating a boutique hotel, highlighting the differences between what a “true” boutique hotel is and a “boutique-inspired” brand. Kiradjian details the demographic lifestyle characteristics of the type of guest who favors boutique properties and explains how to provide the bespoke experience that they are seeking. She also discusses the booking behaviors of this traveler cohort and the importance of leveraging AI to compete with larger chains. 

Performance across the hotel industry has been steady-to-brisk in the post-pandemic, high-interest-rate, inflationary world. But it differs state to state, city to city and block to block. In this episode of The Innovative Hotelier, Annie Fitzgerald, GM of The Westgate Hotel in San Diego, discusses recovery and renaissance in this SoCal market, with highlights including the return of group business and how to cash in on the plentiful amount of and convention business opportunities.

For Keir Weimer, founder of The Weekender Hotels, you can never have enough family time. That spirit carries through in his chain of rural resort properties, an ethos he discusses with host Robin Trimingham, along with the trend of a “return to nature.” Weimer also talks about the opportunities for creating a collection of bespoke properties and travel experiences using regional and small business association financing and how this works in a high-interest-rate market.

Trey Matheu and Christopher Baran of The Nemacolin resort in Pennsylvania discuss the business case and advantages of changing staffing models for luxury properties with host Robin Trimingham. This broad-based conversation highlights the advantages, for example, of replacing the traditional front-desk team with a pre-arrival team that focuses on guest interaction and creating personalized itineraries designed to help maximize the resort experience.  

Yannis Moati, CEO of HotelsByDay, and TJ Noble, senior director of key accounts and technology solutions for DerbySoft, chat with host Robin Trimingham regarding why hoteliers should rethink their attitude toward offering day rates. This frank conversation discusses, among other things, marketing and operational challenges and also explains how technology can now make it possible to monetize hotel amenities, such as the pool, gym, spa and co-working spaces, to create scalable revenue for hotels.  

David Eisen, editor-in-chief of HOTELS Magazine, chats with host Robin Trimingham, regarding the trend of consolidation and conversion within the hotel industry. Recapping a year in which economic uncertainty and high interest rates made it extremely difficult to fund new construction, this conversation explores the many challenges of reinventing midscale hotel product in a way that satisfies both owner returns and guest experience expectations. In particular, Eisen points out that brands that focus on excelling at a couple of things, rather than trying to do too much, are those that will succeed the best.  

Adam Harris, the co-founder and CEO of hotel management platform CloudBeds, chats with host Robin Trimingham, about the current state of the lodging industry and, specifically, the independent hotel segment. Harris underscores the strength of independent hotels, postulating that they have outperformed brands post-pandemic and offers several trends currently dominating the independent space, including front-desk automation and the ongoing rise of blended travel.  

Michael Kennedy, director of recreation and resort logistics at Sea Island Resort, chats with host Robin Trimingham about the importance of environmental stewardship and the wide range of eco-tourism initiatives and activities now available to hotel guests. Making the point that hoteliers have an opportunity to promote lessons in sustainability that can be carried forward for a lifetime, Kennedy equally demonstrates the business case for hotel-level sustainability.

Hospitality runs in the blood of Ryan Rivett, co-founder and CEO of My Place Hotels. His grandfather, Ron Rivett, founded the company, but is also well known as the creator of the popular, economy Super 8 brand, now under Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. In this wide-ranging discussion, he chats with host Robin Trimingham about many items within the hospitality space, including the opportunities associated with the hotel franchise operating model, breaking down, for instance, what each party to the agreement is responsible for. Rivett also offers advice for first-time franchisees and what to expect during each phase of the process.

Ivan Schwartz, director of consultant relations for audio-solutions provider AtlasIED, talks with host Robin Trimingham about diagnosing and resolving the different types of audio-quality issues found within a hotel's public spaces and more. He explains the difference between acoustic building materials and audio equipment and opportunities to leverage new technology. He also offers examples regarding how background music can be used to set the mood in a variety of different areas that can enhance the overall guest experience.    

Abby Shehan, senior design director at Premier, talks with Robin Trimingham, host of The Innovative Hotelier, about AI technology and how it's being used by architects and designers to support and streamline the creative process. Stressing that AI tools enhance, but don't replace human creativity, Shehan explains the various ways that it's being applied to reimagine the way that humans interact with their surroundings and space, especially in a hospitality-driven environment. She also discusses the advantages of using AI to choose everything from colors and textures, to art and lighting installations, in order to attract and delight target customer groups.     

Janine Marshall, general manager of London's One Aldwych, and Benedetta Cassinelli, co-founder and CEO of The Considerate Group, speak with Robin Trimingham, host of The Innovative Hotelier, about greenwashing and the difference between simply claiming that your property has an environmental program in place and really controlling and reducing your carbon footprint. Stressing that it is impossible to effectively reduce your CO2 emissions without first correctly collecting and analyzing carbon data, the discussion focuses on the variety of initiatives that hoteliers can put in place to control and reduce carbon emissions and what it is going to take to implemental a robust sustainability strategy to enable an environmentally friendly carbon-neutral operation in the years to come.

Ryan Haynes, lead consultant at hospitality consultancy Haynes MarComs Limited, talks with the host of The Innovative Hotelier, Robin Trimingham, about strategies for evaluating existing supplier relationships and how to go about sourcing new vendors to improve operational efficiency, which can increase the quality of the guest experience. Highlighting the importance of considering not just what a vendor supplies a property, but also whether these products and services are meeting the needs of the employees and guests in the best way possible, Haynes makes recommendations for evaluating the types and levels of support that a vendor offers. He also points out that it is equally important to understand how a vendor intends to keep pace with the rapid rate of change currently taking place within the global hospitality and tourism industry.

In this episode we talk with Martin Reichenbach, Founder & CEO of Apaleo, about Composable Hospitality Software, or MACH, that uses third-party plugins to achieve many of its core functions rather than trying to be an all-in-one software package. It claims to offer a superior experience and more flexibility at a lower adoption capital cost. Given its rapid adoption, hoteliers seem to agree. Today, we're speaking with Martin Reichenbach, founder and CEO of Apaleo, to explore Composable Hospitality Software and why it's becoming more popular.

Chris Osaka, CEO of Tomu Inc., chats with host Robin Trimingham about the myriad benefits of modular hotel construction and why embracing a sustainable approach not only aligns with global low-impact environmental goals, but also considers the life cycle of the building.

Florence Li, director of international sales & marketing at Songtsam Hotels & Resorts, is focused on how to create a truly transformative travel experience. Here, with host Robin Trimingham, she talks about the components of what that takes, including the many ways that authentic Tibetan culture, heritage and beliefs are woven into every aspect of the guest experience.

Mark Lewis-Brown, president and CEO of Zucchetti North America, chats with host Robin Trimingham about Generation Z: how they research and book both flights, accommodations, travel experiences and more.

In-room entertainment has evolved from a “nice-to-have” amenity to a comprehensive package that has become an integral part of a hotel's tech stack. In this episode of the Innovative Hotelier, Robert Grosz, president of WorldVue Connect, discusses infotainment platforms and what it takes to deliver a great experience with host Robin Trimingham.

David Eisen, the Editor-in-Chief of HOTELS Magazine, took over the position a little more than six months ago, but he's been embedded in hospitality media for more than 15 years. In this wide-ranging episode with host Robin Trimingham , he discusses the trends—and emerging trends—within the global hospitality industry, how things are changing, what things are staying the same and what it takes to lead a hotel-focused publication.  

Jessica Gillingham, CEO of Abode Worldwide, talks with host Robin Trimingham on the key differences between a strategic marketing plan and a PR campaign and why a hotelier really needs to employ both.

Britnie Turner, Founder & CEO of The Aerial BVI, chats with Robin Trimingham, The Innovative Hotelier Host, regarding the advantages of utilizing the triple bottom line business model to design and operate a luxury boutique hotel facilitating transformative travel experiences.

AI is all the rage. In this podcast, Benny Bennet Jurgens, co-founder & CEO of Nect, and Christian Mager, CTO of HelloGuest Solutions, discuss with host Robin Trimingham their partnership that will seek to create an AI-based identity verification for hotel check-ins

Building a “sense of place” is vital toward creating a guest connection. In this podcast, Martein van Wagenberg, managing director of Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth, converses with host Robin Trimingham about how to build a strategic resort marketing plan and advice for meeting typical island destination challenges 

Hayley Berg is not only the lead economist at booking app Hopper, she is a data disciple. In this conversation with host Robin Trimingham, she touches on a slew of travel data points and explains how predictive algorithms can dictate travel trends and consumer booking patterns around the world.

Technology is transforming the way the hospitality industry hires employees. But an ongoing labor shortage has placed candidates in the driver's seat, making it essential for hoteliers to ensure that they are responding to and engaging applicants in a timely manner. Learn more about this topic in this conversation between host Robin Trimingham and Sid Upadhyay, co-founder & CEO of Wizehire.

A stubborn and still clouded economic picture is making it difficult for hotel investors to time deals and for operators to grow margins. What hospitality stakeholders should be ready for and will capital markets cooperate is the topic of this week's conversation between Greg Friedman, CEO of Peachtree Group, and host Robin Trimingham.

Hotels switching from a legacy system to a cloud-based management system is big move. How do factors such as the hotel's size, budget, technological needs impact the decision and process? These are all variables our two guests had to navigate as Hilton in collaboration with HotelKey made the momentous shift to the cloud. Join this conversation with Aditya Thyagarajan, founder and CEO of HotelKey, and Michael Leidinger, SVP and chief information officer for Hilton, and host Robin Trimingham.  

Scot Turner, founder and managing director of Auden Hospitality, chats with host Robin Trimingham about how to develop a unified restaurant vision, creating an experience and maintaining the concept.

What are the complication and opportunities with AI technology in the hospitality space? Discover the differences between “human ethics” and “machine ethics” in this conversation between host Robin Trimingham and Mark Brown, founder & CEO of Viewz.ai.

Managing teams effectively and inspiring and motivating employees are some of the most challenging aspects of being a leader. In this conversation, Dr. Jeffrey O, president & CEO of St. Justine Properties and current president of the International Hospitality Institute, joins host Robin Trimingham to talk all things leadership.

The underbelly of working in restaurants kitchens was addressed in the late author and chef Anthony Bourdain's seminal book: “Kitchen Confidential.” Steve Palmer, co-founder of the Indigo Road Hospitality Group, knows it all too well. In this episode, Palmer discusses the pervasiveness of alcoholism and substance abuse within F&B, its root causes and what can be to do to address it.

Discover how the hostel business model has evolved from simple bunkbeds and communal bathrooms to a modern hybrid offering with attractive communal features and even private room categories. We look at a modern hostel business model with Oliver Winter, founder and CEO of a&o Hostels, who talks to host Robin Trimingham about the model and what this cohort of traveler is looking for now and and in the future.    

Within hotels, food & beverage is going through a makeover as not only traveler tastes change, but how travelers travel changes. So, how do you rework F&B within this new normal? Find out as host Robin Trimingham talks to Richard Garcia, SVP of food and beverage for Remington Hospitality, in the newest episode of The Innovative Hotelier podcast.

Extended-stay hotel performance was so solid during and after the pandemic that brands have been crowding in ever since to launch new products. But how is this segment different from others? Carl Hren, SVP of Development at Concord Hospitality and Board Member of the newly formed Extended Stay Lodging Association (ESLA), talks with host Robin Trimingham about the importance of taking the time to understand the unique operational challenges and distinct benefits of the segment. 

Volatile market conditions present risks and opportunities for both hotel owners and operators. In this podcast, Euan McGlashan, co-Founder & CEO of Valor Hospitality Partners, joins host Robin Trimingham to discuss how variables like rising interest rates are impacting market transactions, how to properly manage downside risk, how to evaluate potential acquisitions and future strategies for growth.

Building trust and employing cultural empathy are pathways to create strong brand values and service standards. Can it also help with market expansion? Host Robin Trimingham sits down with Aref Sayegh, general manager of the Kempinski Hotel Cancun, and discusses pursuing opportunities for expansion, among other hot-button issues in the luxury space.

Logan Nicholson. founder of LocalEyes, had an idea for an AI app to create memorable experiences for hospitality guests. But turning that idea into a thriving application that is obviating the role of concierge was a very different challenge altogether. He explains what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur in this conversation with host Robin Trimingham.

The hospitality industry is undergoing a revolution led by a dramatic shift in what travelers are looking for from their vacation experience. It's making some destinations and hotels rethink their offering. Sahara Rose De Vore joins host Robin Trimingham to explain these new trends and how to embrace them.

NFT tokens, built on blockchain, are enabling new tracking, marketing and pricing options for hotel rooms. Arul Prakash, founder and CEO of Buk Technology, joins host Robin Trimingham to explain how blockchain tech is being implemented across the hospitality industry and its impact on the sale of rooms.

Where did all the employees go? How can hotels best navigate the current staffing crisis and what recruiting tactics are most effective to build a strong team. Joan Sanz, founder and CEO of Chartok, joins host Robin Trimingham in a conversation about HR trends and strategies in the hotel industry.

Typically in a hotel, guest complaints may arise over service or something tangible that interrupts their experience. But what about air quality? Does it matter? Can it be a demand generator that guests might even pay a premium for? Haley Payne, director of account management at Pure Wellness, talks to host Robin Trimingham about the impact air quality can have on the guest experience and the bottom line.

Michael C. Cohen, managing partner of the Growth Advisors International Network (GAIN), joins host Robin Trimingham to discuss how the metaverse and virtual-reality technology are changing not only the way people travel, but how they research and book it, too.

DEI, or Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, has been a top priority for hospitality organizations across the spectrum. But unless it's backed by real action and cultural change, it can become an empty acronym. Rike Erdbrink, general manager of the Park Hyatt Chicago, joins host Robin Trimingham to talk about building a robust, equitable culture of inclusion in hospitality.

As the founder and CEO of GitGo, Amy Infante joins the Innovative Hotelier podcast alongside host Robin Trimingham, to discuss first quarter 2023 financials for the hotels industry and how to adapt sales and marketing strategies to meet the current economic situation.

Who are staycation travelers, what are they looking for in travel and how to cater to this broadening niche is the subject of our latest podcast, as Cate Farmer, SVP of hotels and resorts for Margaritaville Hotels & Resorts, joins host Robin Trimingham.

 David Millili is CEO of LodgIQ, a revenue management platform for the hospitality industry. He also is a mentor at NYU's Hospitality Tech Incubator. In this episode, we talk about fostering entrepreneurship in hospitality, attracting first investors, and exciting innovations coming through the incubator today. If you've wanted to start a hospitality business or want a glimpse into the future of hospitality tech this is the episode for you.

How should hotels be measuring post-COVID financial success? Jan Freitag, National Director of Hospitality Analytics, U.S. CoStar Group, joins Robin Trimingham in a conversation about how traditional financial barometers have changed and how brands are rethinking their own business metrics.

Host Robin Trimingham and real estate advisor and developer Adam Greenfader discuss Puerto Rico's post-pandemic boom. The island has overcome economic crises to become a hotbed for travel and hospitality investment. 

Catesby Perrin of CLEAR and Branigan Mulcahy of Virdee join host Robin Trimingham and lay out how AI human recognition technology is transforming the hotel check-in process, among other things, and how that's just the tip of the iceberg.

In today's episode, we will be speaking with Karthik Namasivayam, director of the School of Hospitality at Michigan State University, about what the fourth industrial revolution is, what a fully tech integrated hospitality looks like, and whether it is the future of budget and luxury hotels.