The Modern Hotelier

What can a modern revenue management system (RMS) actually do for an independent hotel? In this episode, David Millili sits down with Steve Taft, VP of Partnerships at  ampliphi RMS, and Tim Kolman, VP of Sales at ampliphi RMS, to discuss how modern revenue management systems are helping independent hotels compete with larger brands.For many 40-room independent hotels, revenue management is still something owners and operators handle at the end of a long day. From check-ins and check-outs to laundry, breakfast, maintenance, and guest service, there is often little time left for analyzing demand and optimizing room rates.In this episode, we discuss:Why independent hotels have historically been underserved by hospitality technologyHow a 40-room independent hotel can approach hotel pricing and revenue managementWhy legacy RMS technology created the perception that revenue management requires extensive manpowerThe difference between an all-in-one hotel technology stack and a best-in-breed technology strategyIf you're a hotel owner, general manager, revenue manager, hospitality technology professional, or independent hotel operator interested in hotel revenue optimization, RMS technology, AI for hotels, dynamic pricing, RevPAR, commercial strategy, and independent hotel technology, this episode is for you.Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bmg2EWB-8NU Links:Steve on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevetaft/Tim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tkolman/ampliphi RMS: https://www.getampliphi.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/337Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

roommaster is evolving—and the future of hotel technology is all about modernization, flexibility, and helping hoteliers work smarter.In this episode, recorded at the Independent Hotel Show Miami, Steve Carran sits down with Mark Bloomquist, Chief Revenue Officer, and Steven Burman, Director of Sales at roommaster, to discuss how the 30-year-old hospitality technology platform is being reimagined for the next generation of hoteliers.They explore what “modern” really means in hotel technology, why hoteliers are looking for more unified platforms, and how roommaster is combining PMS functionality with revenue management, reporting, AI, integrations, and human support.The conversation also dives into the growing role of AI in hospitality, not as a replacement for hotel staff, but as a way to automate repetitive tasks and free teams to focus more on guest experience. Mark and Steven also explain why human account management and personalized support remain critical as technology continues to evolve.In this episode, you'll learn about: How roommaster has evolved after 30 years in hospitalityWhat “modern” hotel technology actually meansWhy hoteliers want all-in-one platforms and seamless integrationsWhere AI belongs in the hotel guest journeyWho roommaster is designed to serveWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gSHANsDJSmw Links:Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-bloomquist-a7a4639/ Steve on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenburman99/roommaster: https://www.roommaster.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/336Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

In this special episode of The Modern Hotelier, hosted by David Millili live from the Independent Hotel Show Miami, we sit down with Chandler Smith and Natali Jones, the creative minds behind the design atelier Smith & Jones.Smith & Jones is redefining high-end residential and niche commercial spaces with custom furniture, fine decor, and art curation. Chandler and Natali break down what it truly means to operate as an atelier—collaborating closely with architects, artists, and designers to bring unique stories to life.In this episode, you'll learn:How Smith & Jones acts as a collaborative bridge between design teams and American craftspeople.Why supporting local manufacturing ensures quality, fosters future trade generations, and speeds up problem-solving.How to achieve an interior space that feels thoughtfully collected over years—rather than bought all at once—even on tight project timelines.How advances in contract-grade material technology are enabling North American hotels to adopt bolder, more unexpected design choices without sacrificing code compliance or durability.The Smith & Jones' broader capabilities, including art curation, custom fabrication, and rapid problem-solving for unexpected site conditions.Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yEoWCswFqUQ This episode is sponsored by Smith & Jones: https://www.bysmithandjones.com/ Links:Smith & Jones on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bysmithandjones/Smith & Jones: https://www.bysmithandjones.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/335Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

How are hotel AI employees and hotel software automation reshaping front-desk workload, guest messaging, and back-office efficiency?In this special Independent Hotel Show Miami episode of The Modern Hotelier, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Jonathan Lei, Co-Founder & CEO of withQ.Jonathan breaks down how withQ AI builds digital workforce solutions to tackle the ongoing hotel workforce shortage, handle AI guest communications across voice, SMS, and email, and optimize complex hotel operational workflows.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why hoteliers struggle with system fatigue and how hotel AI employees free up teams to focus on 5-star face-to-face guest care.How hotel voice AI manages incoming guest inquiries, customizes holiday/vacation packages, builds itineraries, and automates reservation flows.Why guest detection of hospitality AI has dropped from 70% to under 30%—and why travelers now prioritize speed over human interaction.How withQ built 70% of its customer base organically through industry trade show networking and client referrals.Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Tw_XnLlUneMThis episode is sponsored by withQ: https://withq.ai/ Links:Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zhiwei-lei/ withQ: https://withq.ai/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/334Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

Independent hotels have a secret weapon that the big chains don't have, and in this episode, we unpack exactly how to use it.Welcome to The Modern Hotelier. Today's guest is David Gavaldon, a new member of the Stash Hotel Rewards team who spent years on the hotel side of the program before joining their side. He sits down with host Audrey Yates to break down how independent hotels can compete with corporate giants by building their own loyalty program without losing the independent spirit that makes them special.In this episode, you'll learn:Why loyalty beats OTA traffic — the difference between price-driven OTA guests and the loyalty guests who book direct, feel special, and come backHow to compete with the chains — why "we also have a loyalty program" is a powerful line for any independent propertyThe network effect — how getting introduced at one Stash property immediately connects guests to a portfolio of nearly 400 independent hotels across North AmericaWhy staff buy-in makes or breaks the program — the one thing hotels get wrong (hint: if the staff doesn't buy in, why should the guests?)Easy integration — how Stash works with almost every PMS and CRS, so you can tap into the network without changing your tech stackThe direct-booking advantage — why booking direct is astronomically better for the hotel, and how to spread that messageWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/JhGTESfEPxU Links:Audrey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrey-yates-0b5331b4/David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-gavaldon-036b76425/ Stash Hotel Rewards: https://www.stashrewards.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/333Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

Hotel amenities are the touchpoints guests remember, they matter just as much at $200 a night as at $1,000.In this episode, Steve and David sit down with John Farrell, CEO and Owner, and Kim Peterson, Head of Operations, of Trilipiderm and Curated Comforts, a U.S.-based skincare and spa line that builds fully customized amenity programs for hotels. Kim and John explain why scent is the most memory-evoking sense we have, how signature scents can keep amenity revenue on the property instead of "off the shelf," and how to roll out refillable dispensers without adding operational headaches for housekeeping. They also cover sustainability done properly, FSC-certified materials, reduced kitting and packaging, plus the supply-chain lesson every hotelier should hear everything US-sourced and US-manufactured meant zero disruptions, even through COVID.You'll also get Trilipiderm's origin story (founded 2010 in Jackson Hole) and how the Cloudveil Hotel in Wyoming became their first hotel partner and went on to earn Michelin Keys while its guests raved about the in-room products.If you run a property, own or manage hotel operations, or make amenity and procurement decisions, this episode is packed with practical takeaways on guest experience, sustainability, and building a brand guests remember.In this episode, you'll discover:Trilipiderm's origin story — founded 2010 in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and how the Cloudveil Hotel became their first hotel partner (now a Michelin Key property).Why scent drives guest experience — how a signature scent turns a bathroom into a branded experience guests remember.Why customized amenity programs win — how to keep amenity revenue on your property instead of buying off-the-shelf.The operational reality of refillable dispensers — rolling them out without housekeeping headaches, plus sustainability done right (FSC-certified, reduced packaging).A hotel supply-chain lesson — why all US-made production meant zero disruption, even through COVID.What hotel owners and ops managers should weigh on amenity and procurement decisions — guest experience, sustainability, and brand building.Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/AG9BYZgi9gw Links:Kim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-peterson-11248767/ TRILIPIDERM: https://trilipiderm.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/332Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Anurag Verma, co-founder of PriceLabs, to explore how data, revenue management, and technology are transforming pricing strategies for independent hotels and alternative accommodations.Anurag shares his journey from growing up across India and studying mathematical optimization to working in revenue management at United Airlines and eventually co-founding PriceLabs. He explains how lessons from the airline industry, especially the importance of building systems that can handle messy, real-world data, shaped his approach to hospitality technology.The conversation dives into why relying solely on gut instinct, historical spreadsheets, or competitor pricing can create revenue blind spots. Anurag explains how hoteliers can use market demand, booking trends, events, occupancy data, and their own property performance to make smarter pricing decisions. He also discusses the role of automation and why technology should support human judgment rather than replace it.You'll also hear how PriceLabs evolved from a solution for a single Airbnb listing into a global revenue management platform serving short-term rentals, independent hotels, B&Bs, hostels, RV parks, and other lodging businesses.In this episode, you'll learn about:The biggest revenue management blind spots for independent hoteliersWhy competitor pricing isn't always the right demand signalHow hotels and short-term rentals can think differently about comp setsHow PriceLabs was founded and evolvedWhy independent and smaller lodging businesses can be powerful early customers for new technologyThis episode is sponsored by PriceLabs: https://hello.pricelabs.co/Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RiaMuqdwTXs Links:Anurag on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anuragxvermaPriceLabs: https://hello.pricelabs.co/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/331Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

How can independent hotels build a profitable distribution strategy while navigating OTAs, direct bookings, metasearch, and AI-driven travel discovery?In this special Independent Hotel Show Miami episode of The Modern Hotelier, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Oshick Shams, Partner Manager at SiteMinder, to explore how hotel distribution is evolving and what independent hoteliers need to know to stay competitive.Oshick shares his career journey from sports management and recruiting to hotel technology and partnerships, along with the lessons that shaped his approach to sales, relationship-building, and business development.They also talk about the growing role of AI in how travelers discover hotels, why having accurate information online matters, and how connected technology can help hotel teams spend less time managing systems and more time making smart business decisions. David, Steve, and Oshick also discuss the growing influence of AI on hotel discovery and why accurate, consistent digital information and reviews are becoming increasingly important. They explore how connected technology and data can help hotels reduce manual work, make faster decisions, and unlock greater value from their technology stacks.In this episode, you'll learn:How to evaluate the true profitability of OTAs and other booking channelsWhy the guest booking journey is increasingly influenced by AIHow hotels can improve their visibility across AI-driven discoveryWhat to consider when evaluating hotel technologyHow smaller independent hotels can access better revenue and performance insights This episode is sponsored by SiteMinder: https://www.siteminder.com/Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cizfAxl2lmYLinks:Oshick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oshick-shams-40900b106/SiteMinder: https://www.siteminder.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/330Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

What does it take to create a hotel food and beverage program that guests remember, and locals actually want to visit?In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Ami Alexander, Managing Partner at Barrel Aged Management, to explore the evolving role of food and beverage in hospitality. Ami shares lessons from her career with Hakkasan, Sydell Group, and Montage International, including the challenges of opening luxury restaurants around the world and leading a major restaurant launch in Dubai.Ami discusses why today's travelers are increasingly drawn to authenticity, local experiences, strong restaurant concepts, and a sense of place. She explains how hotels can create F&B programs that connect with their communities while maintaining a consistent brand identity across different markets.The conversation also covers the financial pressures facing hotel F&B operations, smarter restaurant design and programming, membership clubs, emerging hotel development markets, and ways hospitality teams can continually reinvent their spaces.Ami also shares practical advice for hoteliers, including how to evaluate existing spaces with fresh eyes, create memorable guest experiences, hire for personality and hospitality, and avoid watering down a restaurant concept.In this episode, you'll hear about:The evolution of hotel food and beverage experiencesWhy local authenticity matters to today's travelersHow hotels can attract both travelers and local guestsWhy hospitality teams should hire for personality and characterLessons from Ami's career opening luxury hotels and restaurants worldwideWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HnEO4pIKZnMLinks:Ami on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ami-grilly-alexander-a6989a1a/Barrel Aged Management: https://www.barrelagedmgmt.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/329Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

What does it take to build a hotel brand that stands out in an increasingly competitive hospitality industry? In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Phil Andreopoulos, CEO of YOTEL, to explore his remarkable career in hospitality, his leadership journey, and his vision for the future of hotel brands.Phil shares how starting in a restaurant at just 14 years old shaped his passion for hospitality, the lessons he learned during a 25-year career at Marriott, and why he ultimately chose to leave a global hospitality giant to lead the more agile and entrepreneurial YOTEL.The conversation dives into YOTEL's distinctive brand concept, its aviation-inspired origins, and how technology, automation, and thoughtful design are transforming the guest experience. Phil discusses YOTEL's affiliation with Hilton, the brand's ambitious growth plans across North America, opportunities in conversions and franchising, and the potential for YOTEL resorts.He also explores the evolving expectations of hotel owners, the importance of maximizing profit per square foot, adaptive reuse, extended-stay hospitality, and the growing influence of bleisure travel. Throughout the conversation, Phil emphasizes a critical lesson for every hospitality leader: know your customer, understand what they truly want, and then overdeliver on the experience.Whether you're a hotel owner, investor, hospitality professional, franchisee, or simply interested in the future of travel and hotels, this episode offers valuable insights into leadership, hotel development, brand differentiation, technology, and the changing needs of today's travelers.In this episode, you'll learn about:Why YOTEL partnered with Hilton and what the affiliation means for growthYOTEL's aviation-inspired hotel concept and tech-forward guest experienceThe role of AI, automation, and robotics in modern hotelsHow bleisure travel is changing guest behaviorWhy distinctive brand identity matters in a crowded hospitality marketWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FaiAH3aWFCoLinks:Phil on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philandreopoulos/YOTEL: https://www.yotel.com/enFor full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/328Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

What does it take to create a truly one-of-a-kind hospitality experience in the age of AI?In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Janice Wilson, founder of Menizei and Territori to explore the intersection of hospitality, technology, real estate, AI, and category design.Janice shares her unconventional journey from law and real estate to professional dance, entrepreneurship in Cambodia, software engineering at Amazon, and building a unique hospitality concept near Olympic National Park. She explains why she believes category can matter more than data when creating differentiated hotel experiences and why relying too heavily on competitors and traditional comp sets can lead to a “crisis of sameness.” She also discusses why lifestyle operators have an advantage when experimenting with AI, the challenges of building a custom hotel tech stack, and what larger hotel brands need to consider as AI becomes increasingly embedded in hospitality.You'll also hear Janice's advice for aspiring hotel owners, why design should begin earlier in the development process, and what the future of hotel technology could look like.In this episode, you'll learn: Why category design can help hotels stand apart from competitorsThe advantages and challenges of custom hotel tech stacksWhy lifestyle hotels can move faster than large brandsHow storytelling can become a transformational guest experienceWhy design should be part of a hotel's core concept—not just an amenityIf you're interested in hotel technology, AI in hospitality, hotel development, lifestyle hotels, guest experience, and the future of travel, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how hoteliers can think beyond traditional industry playbooks.Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5sFviYGOx0kLinks:Janice on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janicewilson/Territori: https://territori.io/Menizei: https://menizei.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/327Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

What does it take to build technology that can truly transform hotel operations?In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Kevin King, CEO of Shiji, for a wide-ranging conversation about hospitality technology, artificial intelligence, leadership, and the future of the hotel industry.Kevin shares his journey from working at a hotel front desk in Australia to leading a global hospitality technology company. He discusses how his experiences living and working in China shaped his leadership philosophy, what he learned from scaling MICROS across Asia Pacific, and why successful technology companies must ultimately be built around people, trust, and resilience.The conversation also dives deep into AI in hospitality—and why hotels need to look beyond chatbots and flashy features. Kevin explains how connected platforms, APIs, data governance, security, compliance, and agentic AI can help hotels move from simply answering questions to actually completing operational tasks. Kevin shares his perspective on why AI will eventually become as invisible and essential as the internet, why hotels may be using only a fraction of the technology they already have, and why functionality should come before unnecessary processes and features.In this episode, you'll learn about:The evolution of hotel PMS and enterprise technologyHow AI can create real operational value for hotelsData security, privacy, compliance, and data sovereigntyWhy connected platforms are critical for AI adoptionThe importance of people, resilience, and trust in hospitality leadershipWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YXhod3D2m2MThis episode is sponsored by Shiji: https://www.shijigroup.com/Links:Kevin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-king-9689271/Shiji Group: https://www.shijigroup.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/326Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

What's happening across the hospitality industry right now? In this episode of The Modern Hotelier Hospitality Hot Topics, Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Richard Sandoval, CEO of Spire Hospitality, to unpack the latest trends and biggest stories shaping the hospitality industry—from Airbnb's growing move into hotels and OYO's fake hotel listings to Hilton and Marriott's push into wellness and experiential travel. They also dive into Google's $10 million acquisition of Spirit Airlines' data, the growing value of data and AI in travel, and what automation means for the future of hotel operations. Richard also shares his vision for Spire Hospitality, the importance of the owner-operator model, and why, even as AI transforms the industry, genuine human connection, hospitality, and personalized guest experiences will remain at the heart of the business. In this episode, you'll learn more about: Airbnb partners with Lark HotelsOYO takes bookings for fake roomsHilton launches Signia Restore & Marriot's Luxury Collection Unveils ExpeditionsGoogle buys Spirit Airlines data for $10 millionWhat's new at Spire HospitalityWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oKdibg8m2z4Links:Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-sandoval-434234184Spire Hospitality: http://www.spirehotels.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/325Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

How do you scale a boutique hotel company without losing the creativity, personality, and local connection that make independent hospitality so special?In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Jorgan von Stiening, President of Palisociety, to explore the strategy behind scaling a successful boutique hotel company while staying true to its brand and guest experience.Jorgan shares his journey from accounting and hospitality consulting at Ernst & Young to joining Palisociety and helping the company grow from three hotels to a much larger portfolio across multiple brands and markets. He also breaks down Palisociety's partnership with Design Hotels and Marriott Bonvoy, explaining how the company is using Marriott's global reach and loyalty base while maintaining its independent identity.In this episode, you'll learn:How to scale boutique hotels without losing their identityWhy systems and SOPs are critical to independent hotel successThe business value of in-house design, marketing, and brandingHow Marriott Bonvoy is changing Palisociety's customer acquisition strategyWhat major events like the 2028 Olympics could mean for Los Angeles hotelsThis episode is sponsored by Sip Tea: https://sip-tea-path.com/Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HNlQ5NDIyJoLinks:Jorgan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jorganvonstiening/Palisociety: http://palisociety.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/324Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

What does it really take to own a hotel, and how can more people gain access to hotel investing?In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, Davonne Reaves, founder and CEO of The Vonne Group and Vesterr, shares her journey from working on the front lines of hospitality to becoming a hotel owner, investor, entrepreneur, and advocate for greater access to hotel ownership.Davonne explains how her grandmother's hospitality influenced her career, what she learned at Hyatt Regency Atlanta, and how hotel consulting and asset management opened her eyes to the business of hotel ownership. She also shares why she created Vesterr to connect commercial real estate deal sponsors with investors.David, Steve, and Davonne also explore the growing role of AI in hotel investing—and why some parts of the acquisition process still require a human touch.Davonne shares candid advice for young entrepreneurs and women entering the industry: stay authentic, keep learning, find mentors, work hard, and never let someone else's “no” stop you.In this episode, you'll learn:What working in hotel operations taught her about ownershipHow to evaluate a hotel investment opportunityWhy the sponsor, location, brand, and operator matterWhere human expertise remains essential in hospitalityAdvice for aspiring hotel owners and young entrepreneursWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/v4Ju_rdcVd8Links:Davonne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davonnereavesVesterr: https://www.vesterr.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/323Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

In this episode, Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with David Bowd, co-founder and owner of Salt Hotels, for a candid conversation about hospitality, leadership, design, service, and the future of independent hotels.David shares how growing up in a small village in Staffordshire, England, and working in a local pub sparked his passion for hospitality. He also talks about leaving school at 16, discovering that the kitchen wasn't for him, and building a career that would take him through some of the most influential lifestyle hotels in the world, including St. Martin's Lane and Sanderson, as well as working alongside hospitality icons Ian Schrager and André Balazs.David explains why he founded Salt Hotels and the philosophy behind combining thoughtful design, personalized service, and a strong sense of place. He also shares why memorable hotels are ultimately created by people—not just beautiful spaces—and tells a powerful story about turning a hotel disaster into an unforgettable guest experience.In this episode, we discuss:The philosophy behind Salt HotelsWhy people and service create memorable hotel experiencesHow independent hotels can build visibility and commercial successAI's role in hospitality and the importance of human connectionWhy every hotel should feel connected to its locationWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gB-NcS4Aj18 This episode is sponsored by Sip Tea: https://sip-tea-path.com/Links:David Bowd on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbowd/ Salt Hotels: https://www.salthotels.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/322Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

How can hotels make smarter purchasing decisions, control costs, and use technology to work more efficiently?In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Jesse Messitte, Vice President of Strategy and Business Operations at Avendra International, for a great conversation about the world of hospitality procurement.Jesse shares his journey from working at Hyatt to spending more than two decades at Avendra, and how his background in data, technology, and hospitality shaped the way he approaches procurement.Jesse talks about his career advice for hospitality professionals who want to make the move from hotel operations into technology.It's a practical conversation about procurement, technology, AI, and the behind-the-scenes work that can ultimately help hotels deliver a better experience for their guests.In this episode, you'll learn:How group purchasing organizations help hotels reduce costs and improve purchasing performanceWhat hoteliers should consider when selecting procurement technologyWhy hotels should focus on business objectives before adopting new technologyThe best practices for creating consistent and efficient procurement processesWhether you're a hotel owner, operator, management company, or hospitality technology professional, this episode offers practical insights into making procurement more strategic and using technology to help hotels thrive.Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xhOk-Xcmzrc This episode is sponsored by Avendra International: https://www.avendra.com/en/us/  Links:Jesse on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-messitte/ Avendra International: https://www.avendra.com/en/us/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/321Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

In this special episode, David Millili sits down with industry leaders at the Hotel Data Conference in Nashville to explore the latest trends shaping hotel profitability, benchmarking, revenue management, and mega-event performance.First, Amanda Hite, President of STR, shares how new P&L benchmarking capabilities within CoStar with STR Benchmark are helping hotel owners, operators, management companies, and asset managers better understand more than 100 revenue and expense line items. She discusses profit flow analysis, rising undistributed expenses, declining margins, asset profitability, and how AI-powered tools could help hoteliers identify the data that matters most for improving revenue and profitability.Then, Jan Freitag of CoStar breaks down the hotel revenue impact of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and explains why its impact was closer to 30 Super Bowls rather than the 104 suggested by FIFA's president. He explores ADR growth, occupancy trends, international versus local demand, match-day pricing, minimum-stay restrictions, and the lessons hotel revenue leaders can apply to future mega-events, including the Olympics. In this episode, you'll learn:How P&L benchmarking can reveal opportunities to improve hotel profitabilityWhy rising undistributed expenses are putting pressure on hotel marginsWhat Could AI and Natural-Language Analytics Mean for the Future of Hotel Decision-Making?Why Did the World Cup's Hotel Impact Differ from the Super Bowl?Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oepa3lq-EdU  Links:Jan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janfreitag/Amanda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandawattshite/CoStar Group: https://www.costargroup.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/320Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

What happens when hotel teams have plenty of technology but still struggle to work from the same information?In this special HDC Nashville episode of The Modern Hotelier, David Millili sits down with Kelly Popp, Vice President of Business Development, Americas, at Access Hospitality, to talk about one of the biggest challenges facing hotel commercial teams today: the “toggle tax” created by disconnected systems and siloed departments.Kelly explains how fragmented tech stacks can make it harder for revenue, marketing, and commercial teams to make informed decisions—and why better integration is becoming essential as hotels move toward AI-powered technology.We explore what hotels need to get right before AI can deliver real business value, why clean and connected data matters, and how transparency can keep humans in control of AI-driven decisions.In this episode, they cover:Why disconnected tech stacks create silosThe importance of integrated hotel technologyHow EVO is changing the way hoteliers workWhy hotel content and personalization matterWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RgkxqJEWExo  Links:Kelly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-popp-b5404a6/Access Hospitality: Hotels & Casinos Americas: https://www.theaccessgroup.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/319Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

What happens when you combine hands-on hotel experience, OTA expertise, hospitality technology, and a test-and-learn mindset? In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, David Millili sits down with Nick Farrell, Senior Vice President and Head of Sales at Phunware, to explore his journey from working on-property to Expedia and into the world of hospitality technology.Nick explains why hotels should embrace a test-and-learn mentality, how AI can turn guest data into actionable insights, and why technology should ultimately give hotel employees more time to focus on what matters most: creating meaningful human connections with guests.In this episode, you'll learn:What working at Expedia taught him about distribution, digital marketing, and demandWhy a test-and-learn mindset is critical for hotelsHow AI and guest intelligence can transform the hotel experienceThe opportunities hotels are missing between check-in and check-outHow AI Concierge technology can personalize recommendations for guestsIf you're interested in hotel technology, AI in hospitality, guest experience, hotel revenue, hospitality innovation, hotel distribution, ancillary revenue, and the future of the hotel industry, this episode is a must-watch.Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XXWIowhCp8Q Links:Nick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nfarrell1/Phunware Hospitality: https://www.phunware.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/318Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

The hotel industry is undergoing a major transformation—and hotels that continue operating the way they always have may struggle to keep up.In this episode, David Millili sits down with Kathleen Cullen, Executive Vice President of PTG Consulting, to unpack the major shifts disrupting hospitality today. From the rise of AI and changing distribution models to B2B discount stacking, revenue management, technology, and evolving sales strategies, Kathleen shares what hotel leaders need to understand to stay competitive.Kathleen explains why hotels must rethink how they approach revenue, sales, marketing, PR, distribution, and technology—and why profitability, not simply top-line revenue, should be the ultimate goal. She also discusses how AI is changing the way travelers discover hotels, why fast and accurate responses to RFPs are becoming critical, and how independent hotels can use their flexibility as a competitive advantage.In this episode, you'll learn:How B2B distribution and discount stacking are disrupting hotel ratesWhy AI is becoming a new audience hotel must be discoverable throughShould Hotel Leaders Prioritize Profitability Over RevenueThe hotels can rethink sales and RFP response strategiesWhy creating a unique hotel story and customer experience mattersWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/uBEODwtL2xYLinks:Kathleen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-cullen-ptgconsulting/PTG Consulting: https://www.ptgconsulting.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/317Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

Robert Marusi shares the leadership principles, technology strategies, and commercial mindset that have helped him lead some of the world's most iconic luxury resorts, including Hotel del Coronado and Grand Wailea.In this episode, Steve and David speak with Robert Marusi, Commercial Director of Hotel del Coronado and Grand Wailea, about how AI, personalization, and data are transforming the hospitality industry. He also explains why human connection remains at the heart of delivering exceptional guest experiences.Robert reveals why agility, continuous learning, and a growth-focused mindset are essential for today's hotel leaders. He also explains how luxury hotels can prepare for AI-powered search, create unforgettable guest experiences through recognition, and leverage technology without sacrificing the personal touch that defines hospitality.In this episode, you'll learn: How luxury hotels are using data to personalize every stay  The importance of recognition in creating loyal guests  How LLM search is changing hotel websites and digital marketing  Why agility is the ultimate competitive advantage in hospitalityWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QSZA_bDu-z8Links: Robert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-marusi-b6267739/Hotel del Coronado: https://www.hoteldel.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/316Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

What does it take to lead one of New York City's most iconic hotels? In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, we sit down with David Salcfas, General Manager of Hard Rock Hotel New York, to explore his remarkable journey from washing tables and filling ice bins at a racetrack with his father to leading one of hospitality's most recognizable lifestyle brands.David shares the leadership principles that have guided his career through 34 years with Marriott and into Hard Rock—leading from the front, building trust through action, creating unforgettable guest experiences, and empowering teams through empathy, accountability, and open communication.We also dive into what makes the Hard Rock brand unique, from its music-driven culture and immersive guest experiences to its people-first philosophy. Whether you're an aspiring hotel leader, a seasoned hospitality professional, or simply passionate about exceptional service, this episode is packed with practical leadership lessons and inspiring career insights.In this episode, you'll learn:How leading by example builds stronger teamsWhy empathy and accountability go hand in handThe importance of mentorship and networking in hospitalityWhat makes Hard Rock Hotel New York a one-of-a-kind guest experienceHow to create a culture employee genuinely want to be part ofWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UWc6X8U_-9ULinks:David Salcfas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsalcfas/ Hard Rock Hotel New York: https://hotel.hardrock.com/new-york/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/315Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

In this episode of Hospitality Hot Topics, Steve Carran and David Millili are joined by Dean Compoginis, the iconic voice of The Modern Hotelier, to break down the biggest hospitality stories from July.They discuss how the World Cup boosted hotel revenue across the U.S., why food and beverage experiences are becoming a major factor in hotel bookings, and how the rapid expansion of AI data centers is creating new opportunities for extended-stay hotels. The conversation also explores how travelers are adapting their summer vacation plans despite rising costs and what these trends mean for the future of the hospitality industry.The episode concludes with an inspiring conversation about Dean's remarkable career—from commercial radio and hospitality technology marketing to becoming one of the industry's most recognizable voiceover artists.In this episode, you'll learn:How the World Cup increased hotel occupancy, ADR, and RevPARWhy hotel restaurants and food experiences are influencing booking decisionsThe impact of AI data centers on extended-stay hotel demandHow travelers are adjusting vacations amid higher travel costsWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zl1b8tGGjSkLinks:Website: http://www.deancompoginis.com/ Dean on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deancompoginis/  For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/314Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

What does it take to build a hospitality career that breaks barriers while staying ahead of constant industry change?In this episode, Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Karima Zaki, COO of Town and Desert Hospitality, to explore her remarkable journey from immigrating to the United States without speaking English to becoming one of the first female hotel executives to lead major hospitality organizations.Karima shares the lessons she learned as the first female General Manager in Red Lion Hotels' history and later as Hilton's first female Area Vice President. She discusses why leadership is about guiding people—not managing them—how boutique hotels can embrace AI without sacrificing authentic guest experiences, and why collaboration between hotels, tourism organizations, and local communities is essential for long-term destination success.In this episode, you'll discover: Why embracing different cultures and experiences creates stronger hospitality leaders.  The leadership mindset that separates managing processes from leading people.  How boutique hotels can use AI strategically without losing the human touch guests value most.  What independent boutique hotels can offer that large hotel brands often can't replicate. Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/uaYqYP268dcLinks:Karima on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karimazaki/Town & Desert Hospitality: https://townanddesert.com/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/313Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

What if the future of hospitality isn't just about exceptional service—but about creating meaningful human connection?In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran welcome Elizabeth Mullins, President of Evermore Hospitality and former executive with Ritz-Carlton and Disney, for an inspiring conversation on the future of guest experiences.Elizabeth shares her remarkable journey from discovering her passion for hospitality at just five years old to leading some of the world's most iconic hospitality brands. Drawing on decades of leadership across Ritz-Carlton, Disney, The Fifth Avenue Hotel, and Evermore Hospitality, she reveals why the industry's next competitive advantage is creating spaces that foster togetherness.The conversation explores Evermore Hospitality's innovative concept of relational wellness, designing destinations that help families, friends, and groups reconnect in an increasingly disconnected world. Elizabeth explains how hospitality can move beyond delivering outstanding service to creating transformational experiences that guests remember long after checkout.The episode also covers the evolution of independent luxury hotels, lessons from leading global hospitality brands, the growing role of AI in enhancing—not replacing—human hospitality, and practical ways hoteliers can intentionally design experiences that build lasting memories.In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why relational wellness is emerging as one of the industry's most important trends and how it helps combat loneliness through meaningful travel experiences.What it takes to design hotels and resorts that foster authentic human connection rather than simply providing accommodations.How AI can remove friction from the guest journey while allowing hospitality professionals to create more personalized, memorable experiences.The leadership principles Elizabeth learned from decades at luxury hospitality brands, including Ritz-Carlton, Disney, and The Fifth Avenue Hotel.How intentional service design and thoughtful programming help build unforgettable guest memories that inspire lifelong loyalty.Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/v7xVRPx4e1oLinks:Elizabeth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-mullins-263935127/ Evermore Hospitality: https://evermoreresort.com/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/312Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

What does it really take to renovate a hotel while keeping guests happy, protecting reviews, and maximizing owner returns?In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Tom Kelley, CEO & President of Digney Holding Companies, to explore the business of hotel renovations, capital planning, and hospitality development. Drawing on decades of experience spanning architecture, Marriott, commercial real estate, and hotel construction, Tom shares practical insights into how owners can make smarter renovation decisions in today's rapidly evolving hospitality market.From navigating brand conversions and Property Improvement Plans (PIPs) to managing rising construction costs, tariffs, and supply chain volatility, Tom explains why successful hotel projects start with careful planning, financial discipline, and a relentless focus on the guest experience. He also discusses how owners can avoid costly over-investments, balance design with ROI, and execute renovations in occupied hotels with minimal disruption.Whether you're a hotel owner, operator, developer, investor, architect, or hospitality professional, this conversation offers valuable strategies for protecting asset value while creating exceptional guest experiences.In this episode, you'll learn: How to plan successful hotel renovations and brand conversions  Why due diligence should come before design decisions  The importance of aligning capital expenditures with long-term investment strategy  How hospitality design continues to evolve with changing guest expectations Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cxipY_2xW9ILinks:Tom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-kelley-84bba2aa/ Digney-York Associates: https://digneyyork.com/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/311Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

Live from HITEC 2026, we sit down with the winners of the prestigious E20X startup competition to explore the technologies redefining the future of hospitality.First, Mergim Kacija, CEO of Stayfull AI and the E20X Grand Prize winner, shares how his experience as a hotel owner inspired him to build an AI-native property management platform designed specifically for independent hotels. Learn how specialized AI agents can automate guest communication, revenue management, marketing, and daily operations while dramatically reducing technology costs.Then, we welcome Josh Ellis, CEO of Abra and the E20X People's Choice winner. Josh explains how Abra's guest intelligence platform unifies fragmented guest data across multiple systems, helping hotels deliver highly personalized experiences that strengthen guest loyalty and increase profitability.In this episode, you'll discover:How AI is transforming hotel operations and guest serviceWhy independent hotels are embracing AI-powered technologyThe value of unified guest data for personalization and loyaltyWhat it takes to win the hospitality industry's premier startup competitionWhat's next for two of hospitality's fastest-growing technology companiesWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/m_E8AmNFjZwLinks: Mergim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/investormergim/Stayfull.ai: https://stayfull.ai/ Josh Ellis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-ellis1126/Abra Hospitality: https://abrahospitality.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/310Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

What does it take to lead one of the world's fastest-growing global hotel groups while staying true to the heart of hospitality?In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Gonzalo Aguilar, CEO of Europe & Americas at Minor Hotels, to discuss his remarkable journey from restaurant manager to global hospitality executive. Gonzalo shares how growing up across multiple continents, learning from his father—a lifelong hotelier—and leading hotels around the world shaped his leadership philosophy and passion for creating exceptional guest experiences.The conversation explores Minor Hotels' global expansion strategy, its shift toward an asset-light growth model, the launch of new hotel brands, and the company's vision for expanding across the United States and Canada. Gonzalo also shares valuable insights on balancing global brand standards with local market needs, building strong owner partnerships, and why the best hotel leaders are deeply connected to their communities.In this episode, you'll learn: Why Minor Hotels is embracing an asset-light growth strategy  The company's expansion plans for North America  How new hotel brands are helping meet evolving owner and traveler needs  The importance of adapting global hospitality strategies to local markets  Why community engagement remains the foundation of exceptional hotel leadershipWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7on3C3IsOOoLinks:Gonzalo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gonzalo-aguilar-/Minor Hotels: https://www.minorhotels.com/enFor full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/309Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

What does the future of hospitality really look like?In this special Modern Hotelier Round Table, industry leaders come together for an honest conversation about leadership, technology, AI, hotel operations, employee engagement, and the future of guest experiences.Joining the discussion are Shannon McCallum, VP of Hotel Operations at Resorts World Las Vegas; Dmitry (Dima) Kroshka, CEO of Phunware; Henrik Shimony, CEO & Co-Founder of Reeco; and Anthony Melchiorri, Co-Founder of the Hospitality Creator Summit and renowned hotel expert.Together, they share career-defining lessons, leadership philosophies, and practical insights on topics including AI adoption, digital transformation, hotel technology, procurement, employee retention, guest personalization, and why hospitality remains one of the world's most dynamic industries.In this episode, you'll learn:The leadership advice that shaped successful hospitality careersHow AI is transforming hotel operations without replacing peopleThe biggest technology opportunities hotels should embraceThe future of hotel operations, procurement, and digital guest experiencesWhy hospitality offers one of the most diverse and rewarding career pathsWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eU1Z9fDjh2ALinks:Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonymelchiorri/ Shannon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-mccallum-09ba7a8/ Dmitry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dkroshka/ Henrik on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrik-shimony/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/308Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with David Collyer, Global SVP of Aspire PreFlight Hospitality, to explore how hospitality principles are transforming the airport lounge experience.David shares his fascinating career journey—from studying design in London and working with global brands like IHG, British Airways, and Accor, to leading guest experience innovation across luxury retail and aviation. He reveals how Aspire is applying hotel-style service standards, technology, design thinking, and guest insights to elevate airport lounges around the world. In this episode, you'll discover: How Aspire is reshaping airport lounges through hospitality-first thinkingThe role of AI, occupancy management, and dynamic pricing in lounge operationsWhy guest expectations have dramatically changed post-pandemicThe importance of guest feedback and data-driven innovationDavid also shares his vision for the future of airport hospitality, including luxury airport experiences, in-terminal hotels, sustainability initiatives, and how lounges can become a seamless extension of the travel journey.Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/45AdsDBRe-ALinks:David Collyer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-collyer-a1341641/Aspire Pre-Flight Hospitality: https://www.theaspireway.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/307Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

How can hotels use AI and location intelligence to attract new guests instead of spending marketing dollars on travelers who were already planning to book?In this special HITEC edition of The Modern Hotelier, David Millili sits down with Evan Saunders, who shares how Azira is helping hotels rethink marketing through AI-powered location intelligence and attribution. Rather than focusing on vanity metrics like inflated return on ad spend, Evan explains how hotels can identify untapped travelers, win guests away from competitors, and measure the true impact of their campaigns.The conversation also explores the evolving role of OTAs, the importance of guest journey marketing, World Cup travel strategies, and why hotels should prioritize experience-driven campaigns over generic discounts and promotions.In this episode, you'll learn: How AI and location intelligence help hotels attract new guests  Why traditional hotel marketing metrics can be misleading  The power of foot traffic attribution and booking-channel-agnostic measurement  Why experience-focused advertising outperforms discount-driven campaigns Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/79-_nfYS2XgLinks:Evan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evansaunders/ Azira: https://azira.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/306Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

How can hotels eliminate spreadsheets, improve financial transparency, and strengthen relationships with owners?In this special HITEC episode of The Modern Hotelier, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Brian McGeown, General Manager of Owner Relations, to discuss how technology is transforming owner accounting and financial reporting in hospitality.Brian shares the biggest challenges hotels face with traditional owner accounting workflows, why real-time financial transparency is becoming essential, and how automation helps management companies save time while improving accuracy. The conversation also explores seamless PMS integrations, branded owner portals, portfolio scalability, and the future of owner reporting as hotel organizations continue to grow.In this episode, you'll learn: Why spreadsheets create risk in owner accounting  The importance of real-time financial transparency  How automation reduces manual work and owner support requests  Scaling owner accounting across multi-property portfolios  Trends shaping the future of hospitality financial reporting Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FSDifQU_IqILinks:Brian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-mcgeown-a0390213/Owner Relations Technology: https://www.ownerrelations.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/305Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

In this special HITEC episode of The Modern Hotelier, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Kevin Bidner, Founder and CEO of HCN (Hotel Communication Network), to discuss how in-room tablets are reshaping the guest experience and driving new revenue opportunities for hotels.Kevin shares HCN's journey from startup to industry leader, explaining why guest room tablets are becoming an essential communication platform for hotels. The conversation explores how interactive tablets improve guest engagement, increase room service revenue, reduce operational costs, and create personalized experiences through AI-powered concierge services. Kevin also reveals HCN's innovative revenue-sharing model that allows hotels to deploy tablets at no upfront cost while earning recurring income through network promotions.Key Topics: HCN's growth and acquisition of Crave  Why in-room tablets outperform hotel apps  Increasing ancillary revenue and operational savings  HCN's free-to-hotel revenue-sharing model  The future of hospitality technology showcased at HITEC Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9xA-wYZ5DGkLinks:Kevin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinbidner/The Hotel Communication Network Inc.: https://hcn-inc.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/304Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

In this special HITEC edition of The Modern Hotelier, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Chris Zach, Senior Director of Product Marketing at ServiceChannel, to explore how hotels can modernize facilities management, improve guest satisfaction, and reduce operational complexity.Chris shares how ServiceChannel helps hotel operators manage external vendors from start to finish, streamlining everything from dispatching work orders to invoice approvals, while providing access to a network of more than 70,000 service providers. The conversation dives into the growing challenges facing hotel engineering teams, rising labor costs, and why proactive maintenance is becoming a competitive advantage.The discussion also covers how AI is transforming facilities management by helping hotel teams prioritize critical work orders, improve response times, and make smarter maintenance decisions without adding more technology complexity. Chris explains how ServiceChannel integrates seamlessly into existing hotel tech stacks while giving operators, owners, and asset managers greater visibility into property health and long-term capital planning.Key Topics: How ServiceChannel simplifies facilities and vendor management  The biggest maintenance challenges facing hotel operators today  Integrating facilities management into the modern hotel tech stack  Best practices for scaling maintenance across multiple propertiesWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XCSttDN1ATYLinks:Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriszach/ServiceChannel: https://servicechannel.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/303Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

In this special HITEC edition of The Modern Hotelier, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Jake Lewis, President of Jonas Hospitality Property Systems, to explore how technology is reshaping the hospitality industry. With over 25 years of experience, Jake shares insights on the shift from disconnected software systems to unified hospitality platforms, why seamless guest experiences are becoming the new standard, and how clean, connected data is laying the foundation for AI-driven innovation.The conversation dives into the future of hotel technology, the importance of aligning tech with operational strategy, and why the most successful hoteliers focus on solving real guest problems, not simply adopting the latest tools. Jake also discusses Jonas Hospitality's vision for creating integrated ecosystems that empower both hotel staff and guests through smarter, more personalized experiences.In this episode, you'll learn: Why hospitality is moving from standalone systems to connected platforms  How guest expectations are evolving in the age of Amazon-like convenience  The role of clean, unified data in unlocking AI's full potential  Why technology should enhance—not replace—the human side of hospitality Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/H1Vn4jwLMJILinks:Jake on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-lewis-98985110/Jonas Hospitality: https://www.jonashospitality.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/302Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

In this episode, Steve Carran sits down with Mike Baldinger, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Evention, live from HITEC San Antonio, to uncover one of hospitality's most overlooked profit leaks: OTA revenue reconciliation.While most hoteliers understand OTA commission costs, Mike explains why the real financial risk lies beneath the surface. From virtual credit card errors and overpaid commissions to billing mistakes and guest disputes, hotels could be losing hundreds of thousands of dollars annually without realizing it.The conversation explores:Why OTA revenue leakage often goes undetectedCommon billing and reconciliation mistakes hotels makeHow inaccurate guest charges impact online reviews and brand reputationThe hidden financial risks of disconnected hospitality systemsWhy Evention is building a "financial trust layer" instead of just another reconciliation toolPractical questions every GM and CFO should ask their finance team this weekWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vfM8Oa5ZkJoLinks:Mike Baldinger on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikebaldinger/Evention: https://eventionllc.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/301Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

How has hospitality technology evolved from the early days of CD-ROM site inspections to AI-powered sales intelligence?In this special HITEC edition of The Modern Hotelier, David Millili sits down with Michael Waltman, Founder of Interactive Sites, to explore his remarkable journey from hotel operations to building one of the industry's most trusted group sales technology companies. Michael shares the story behind Interactive Sites, the evolution of ShareIt Online, and how the platform now helps nearly 13,000 hotels improve lead sharing and qualification.The conversation also dives into Seller Ready, Interactive Sites' latest AI-powered solution that helps hotel sales teams evaluate RFPs, identify winning strategies, and make smarter decisions faster. They also discuss the future of AI in hospitality, improving lead quality, and the energy and innovation showcased at HITEC.In this episode, you'll learn: How Interactive Sites pioneered hospitality technology before the web era  The evolution of ShareIt Online and its impact on group sales  Why lead quality matters more than lead quantity  How AI is helping hotel sales teams qualify opportunities and win more business  Key hospitality technology trends emerging from HITEC Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gjgDUjOUy4ALinks:Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-waltman-262a6995/ Interactive Sites: https://www.interactivesites.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/300Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

How can AI make hospitality more human instead of less? In this special HITEC episode of The Modern Hotelier, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Noelani Schroy, VP of Global Sales at Onyx CenterSource, to explore the future of hospitality technology and why the industry's greatest competitive advantage will always be people.Noelani shares why hoteliers need to better understand the travel agency perspective, how fragmented technology systems silently cost hotels valuable opportunities, and why implementing new technology is only the beginning—not the finish line. She also offers practical insights on using AI to enhance guest experiences, empower employees, and strengthen leadership rather than replace it.In this episode, you'll learn: Why AI should create more human-centered hospitality  The hidden costs of fragmented hotel technology systems  Why understanding travel agents improves hotel relationships  How AI is reshaping hospitality jobs and leadership  What technology providers must do to stay customer-focused Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/59neZld_1FILinks:Noelani on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noelanib/Onyx CenterSource: https://onyxcentersource.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/299Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

Today, we sit down with Shawn Tarter, CEO of RealTime Reservations, to discuss one of the biggest announcements at HITEC—the company's strategic acquisition and vision for transforming hotel technology.Shawn shares the story behind meeting Stay's founder at a previous HITEC, how that relationship evolved into a partnership spanning more than 2,600 hotel properties, and why creating a unified platform for ancillary reservations is the future of hospitality.The conversation explores the industry's push toward a truly connected guest journey, the importance of consolidating hotel technology, and why accurate data is the foundation for AI-driven innovation. Shawn also offers valuable advice for hoteliers navigating vendor fatigue, emphasizing the importance of cultural alignment and customer-focused product development.In this episode, you'll learn:Why RealTime Reservations acquired Stay and what it means for hotelsHow a single checkout experience can transform the guest journeyThe role of AI in hospitality—and why clean data comes firstStrategies for reducing tech stack complexity and vendor fatigueWhat's next for Real Time Reservations and the future of hotel technologyWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kmsMEf2QlCgLinks:Shawn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-tarter-221b52b2/RealTime Reservation: https://www.realtimereservation.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/298Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

In this special HITEC edition of The Modern Hotelier, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Rodd Herron, Regional Sales Director at Sirma, to discuss how hotels can move beyond disconnected technology systems and prepare for the future of AI.Rodd explains why fragmented hotel tech stacks continue to challenge operators and how integrating data across PMS, POS, spa, golf, and other systems creates a more unified guest experience. The conversation also explores practical strategies for implementing AI without unnecessary complexity, why security and compliance should be part of every AI conversation, and how hotels can avoid costly mistakes by taking a thoughtful, phased approach.Whether you're evaluating AI for the first time or looking to connect your existing technology ecosystem, this episode offers valuable insights into building a smarter, more connected hospitality operation.In this episode, you'll learn:Why disconnected hotel systems remain a major operational challengeHow AI can unify data across multiple hotel platformsThe importance of security and compliance in AI adoptionWhy planning and starting small leads to better AI implementationHow Sirma helps hotels integrate technology and future-proof their operationsWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/I4WSbmAVycgLinks:Rodd on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodd-herron-28186a1/Sirma: https://sirma.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/297Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

In this special HITEC edition of The Modern Hotelier, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Apaleo co-founder Philip von Ditfurth and SVP Revenue Florian Montag to explore the future of hospitality technology, AI, and open platform architecture.The conversation dives into why Apaleo chose a composable, API-first approach long before it became an industry trend, how leading hotel brands are leveraging technology to improve both guest experiences and operational efficiency, and what hoteliers need to do today to prepare for the rise of agentic AI.Philip shares lessons learned from building technology platforms across fragmented industries, while Florian offers a hotelier's perspective on AI adoption, governance, and the importance of creating a future-ready technology foundation. Together, they discuss why flexibility, open infrastructure, and strategic technology decisions will define the next generation of successful hotel operators.Key Topics Include: The power of open APIs and composable hospitality technology  Why AI readiness starts with the right technology foundation  Lessons from innovative hotel brands like citizenM Building a future-proof hotel tech stack  The balance between guest experience and operational efficiency Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/uBwm8n1ExM8Links:Philip on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-von-ditfurth-1a570/ Florian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fmontag/Apaleo: https://apaleo.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/296Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Jesús Olivares Sánchez to explore how hospitality is being reshaped by AI, data, and rapidly evolving guest expectations.Jesús shares his journey from engineering and financial services into hospitality tech, eventually joining Amadeus, where he now focuses on connecting the hospitality ecosystem through data, distribution, personalization, and advertising. The conversation dives into how hotels can stay “discoverable” in an AI-driven world, the rise of agentic commerce, and why modern distribution strategies must balance control, relevance, and flexibility across multiple channels.In this episode you'll know about: The biggest shifts shaping hospitality today, especially the rise of AI and changing guest expectations  How Amadeus is connecting data, distribution, and personalization across the hospitality ecosystem  What “AI discoverability” means for hotels and how it impacts direct bookings and distribution strategy  How agentic AI and new commerce models are changing the way travelers search, book, and experience travel  What hoteliers need to do now to stay competitive while modernizing their tech stack for the future Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bAwJbUXbFsULinks:Jesús on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jes%C3%BAs-olivares-s%C3%A1nchez-2313b16b/Amadeus: https://amadeus.com/enFor full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/295Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

In this special HITEC episode of The Modern Hotelier, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Branigan Mulcahy, CEO and Co-founder of Virdee, to explore how AI and digital wallet technology are transforming the hotel guest experience.Branigan shares insights into Virdee's partnership with Apple and Google to bring hotel room keys directly into mobile wallets, eliminating many of the friction points associated with traditional digital key systems. The conversation dives into the future of contactless hospitality, AI-powered guest engagement, personalization at scale, sustainability benefits, and how hotels can balance automation with exceptional human service.From seamless room access through Apple Wallet and Google Wallet to AI-driven guest communication and operations, this episode offers a glimpse into what the next generation of hospitality technology looks like—and why hotel operators should be paying attention.Key Topics Covered: Digital room keys in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet  Enhancing guest convenience and satisfaction  AI's role in the hotel guest journey  Sustainability benefits of eliminating plastic key cards  The future of hospitality technology and guest experiences Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/46LegJqDHdQLinks:Branigan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/branigan-mulcahy/ Virdee: https://virdee.ai/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/294Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

Recorded live from HITEC, Steve Carran sits down with the Alliant leadership team—CEO Tristan Gadsby, SVP of Customer Experience Andrew Pirret, and CRO Alberto Santana—to explore how technology is transforming the guest experience while keeping hospitality at its human core.The conversation dives into Alliant's collaboration with Les Clefs d'Or, where concierge professionals are embracing AI and modern technology to enhance personalized service. Tristan shares how technology can make hospitality professionals "superhuman" by automating routine tasks and allowing them to focus on meaningful guest interactions.Alberto discusses the untapped opportunity hotels have to better understand why guests are traveling, using a compelling World Cup travel scenario to illustrate how hotels can move beyond generic upsells and create memorable, emotionally connected experiences. The team also explores the importance of recognizing every guest on a reservation—not just the primary booker—and how doing so unlocks deeper personalization and increased revenue opportunities.Andrew explains why digital wallets and contactless check-in technology have reached a tipping point, making travel smoother for guests while helping hotels overcome staffing and operational challenges. The discussion also highlights how Apple Wallet integrations are changing the way travelers manage their stays and interact with hotel brands.Finally, Tristan shares how Alliant is leveraging agentic AI, guest data, and contextual intelligence to create smarter recommendations for guests and more efficient workflows for hotel teams. From AI-powered morning briefing agents to hyper-personalized guest engagement, the future of hospitality is becoming more connected, intelligent, and guest-centric than ever before.In this episode, you'll learn:How concierge teams are embracing AI without losing the human touchWhy understanding a guest's reason for travel matters more than everThe hidden revenue opportunities in identifying all guests on a reservationHow digital wallets are reshaping the hotel guest journeyThe role of agentic AI in delivering personalized hospitality at scaleWhy data quality is the foundation of successful AI initiativesWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pREGBac4jyALinks:Tristan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristangadsby/Alberto on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrsantana/Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-pirret/Alliants: https://www.alliants.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/293Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

In this special HITEC edition of The Modern Hotelier, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Jeff Bzdawka, CEO of Hapi and a Hall of Fame inductee in hospitality technology. Jeff shares his unique journey from aspiring dentist to hospitality technology leader, reflecting on the experiences that shaped his career across Hyatt, Pegasus, TravelClick, Noland, and now Hapi.The conversation explores the evolving relationship between hospitality and technology, with a deep dive into what it truly means for hotels to be AI-ready versus AI-enabled. Jeff explains why clean, connected, and actionable data is the foundation for successful AI adoption, the challenges of achieving the industry's long-sought 360-degree guest profile, and how hotels can leverage technology to create more personalized guest experiences.They also discuss operational automation, payment processing innovations, the importance of data normalization, and the future of hospitality technology as the industry moves from AI experimentation to real-world implementation. Plus, Jeff shares insights from the HITEC show floor, leadership lessons from his Wisconsin roots, and his vision for the future of guest experience.Key Topics Covered: The intersection of hospitality and innovation  Why hotels must focus on data before AI  Payment automation and reducing operational friction  HITEC trends and the future of AI in hospitality  Leadership, culture, and industry transformation Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4Dg2iO2DW3MLinks:Jeff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffbzdawka/Hapi: https://www.stayhapi.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/292Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Anthony Vita, VP of Global Partnerships at Revenue Analytics, to explore how modern revenue management is becoming more accessible to independent hotels and boutique operators.Anthony shares his unconventional journey from e-commerce and luxury interiors into hospitality tech, and how that experience helped shape his perspective on data, pricing, and automation. The conversation dives into the launch and expansion of Climber in North America, and how it's aiming to level the playing field between small independent properties and large hotel groups through affordable, intelligent revenue management tools.In this episode, you'll learn: Why Climber is expanding into North America to support independent hotel operators  How Revenue Analytics is working to democratize revenue management tools that were once only available to large hotel chains  Why many independent hotels still rely on spreadsheets and “gut instinct” for pricing—and what's changing  The importance of partnerships across PMS, CRS, and hospitality tech ecosystems in scaling revenue solutions globally  How accessibility and affordability are shaping the future of revenue management for small and mid-sized properties Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3vbrnUkyHaALinks:Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vitaanthony/Revenue Analytics: https://www.revenueanalytics.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/291Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

In this special episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Will Gilbert, Co-Founder of Bodhi, live from HITEC, to explore how hospitality technology is rapidly transforming hotel operations, guest experience, and revenue performance.Will shares how Bodhi has achieved 10X growth since last October, and why the company is positioning itself not just as a product vendor—but as a true hotel operating platform designed to unify fragmented systems across the hospitality ecosystem.The conversation dives deep into how Bodhi is helping hotels deliver measurable ROI through its powerful ROI calculator, which links operational improvements directly to revenue impact, guest satisfaction, energy savings, and operational efficiency.Rather than bolting on features or claiming AI hype, Will explains Bodhi's philosophy of building a purpose-built, fully integrated platform that improves over time and delivers tangible business outcomes. From housekeeping optimization and valet integration to work order management and predictive insights, Bodhi is redefining what “platform” really means in hospitality tech.The discussion also covers: Why most hotel “platforms” are actually disconnected products  How guest experience issues directly impact revenue and ratings  The importance of data security, including SOC 2 Type 2 compliance  What's next for the future of hotel operating systems Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BF9nGmpAU-kLinks:Will on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-gilbert-0348586/Bodhi: https://www.gobodhi.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/290Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

In this special HITEC edition of The Modern Hotelier, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Tim Major, CEO of Operto, to explore how AI is transforming hotel marketing, direct bookings, and operational efficiency.Tim shares how Operto One's autonomous AI agents help hotels combat predatory OTAs, improve direct booking performance, and optimize visibility across both traditional search engines and emerging AI-powered search experiences. The conversation dives into the role of agentic AI in hospitality, the balance between automation and authentic guest service, and how hotels can leverage AI without adding complexity to their existing technology stack.Key topics include: How AI agents protect hotel brands from predatory OTA practices  Increasing direct bookings through automated search and GEO optimization  The future of agentic AI in hospitality operations  Real-world success stories from hotels using AI-driven solutions  Preparing hotel websites and content for AI-powered search platforms Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/zGLo-TaAMykLinks:Tim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/majortm/Operto: https://operto.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/289Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

In this special HITEC episode of The Modern Hotelier, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Ryan King, SVP of the Americas at Shiji, live from the Shiji Cafe and Marketplace on the trade show floor. The conversation dives deep into how hospitality technology is evolving—and where it's still falling short.Ryan shares insights from over a decade of attending HITEC and explores the industry's ongoing struggle with fragmented, siloed systems across PMS, POS, spa, and operations. While hotels rushed to adopt tech to solve staffing shortages, many ended up with disconnected tools that fail to deliver a unified guest experience.In this episode, you'll learn: Why many hotels still struggle with fragmented, siloed technology—and how it impacts the guest experience  How rushed tech adoption during staffing shortages created operational inefficiencies instead of solving them  What it really means to “meet the guest where they are” and how these changes hotel operations in practice  How mobile and on-the-floor service models can increase speed, upsells, and guest satisfaction  Why cloud-based systems are key to connecting PMS, POS, spa, and other hotel platforms  The growing importance of clean, unified data in an AI-driven hospitality landscape Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qIkt3mlnx1ULinks:Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-king-11083842/ Shiji Group: https://www.shijigroup.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/288Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Eric Ettlin, Senior Vice President of Brand, Marketing, and Digital at Aimbridge Hospitality, one of the largest hotel management companies in the world.Eric shares his journey from early digital marketing roles in finance to leading global brand and digital strategy across hundreds of hotels. He discusses what it takes to scale marketing across complex, multi-brand hotel portfolios and how third-party management differs from traditional brand-side hospitality roles.The conversation dives deep into the evolving hospitality landscape, including how Aimbridge balances brand standards, owner expectations, and guest experience. Eric also breaks down the creation of Second Wave, Aimbridge's in-house marketing powerhouse, and how it enables faster, more agile marketing execution across its portfolio.In this episode, you'll discover: How Eric transitioned from finance and e-commerce into hospitality leadership  What it takes to scale marketing across 1,000+ hotels and multiple global brands  Why third-party hotel management creates unique marketing challenges and opportunities  How Aimbridge's “Second Wave” team is redefining in-house hospitality marketing  The rise of AI in travel planning and how it's changing SEO into GEO Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/i_MR_lr1OVk Links:Eric on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericettlinAimbridge Hospitality: https://www.aimbridgehospitality.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/287Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.