Podcasts about hitec

In this episode, Chris Kluis, VP of Product Operations & Data at Actabl, discusses his family's unique history with artificial intelligence, how early curiosity sparked his career journey, and why experimentation matters more than theory. Chris provides practical advice for hospitality professionals looking to start leveraging AI today, shares lessons from implementing AI at scale, and explores how digitization, effective prompting, and careful data management can unlock real business value.We cover:0:00 – Intro01:35 – How it started: Chris's family history with AI07:33 – What is AI? Definition and how it works09:54 – Use case: AI for advertising11:58 – Starting with personal AI use cases13:43 – Encouraging curiosity and learning14:57 – Personalized podcasts with NotebookLM16:21 – AI podcasts replacing humans?17:21 – Trust and AI19:08 – Importance of “Human in the loop”20:22 – HITEC 2025: AI in hotel tech today23:21 – Can AI expand opportunities?25:36 – Hoteliers: Start by digitizing workflows29:13 – “Treat AI like a new employee”33:17 – Higher-order thinking and AI35:51 – Building repeatable AI systems36:56 – ChatGPT vs Gemini vs other LLMs39:56 – What makes a good AI prompt?41:26 – Juxtaposition of new vs old44:21 – Skills to develop to stay relevant46:18 – Personal and professional next steps49:03 – Voice-powered AI50:50 – Corporate AI policies51:58 – Where Chris learns about AI54:26 – How AI will shape life and work A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together. If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve! Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

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

What stood out on the HITEC 2025 show floor? What trends will shape hospitality's next wave of innovation? And what does it mean for your hotel? In this episode of dojo.live, we're joined by Katie Moro, Vice President of Data Partnerships at Amadeus Hospitality, for a post-HITEC 2025 debrief that goes beyond the booth to explore what's truly shaping the future of hotel tech. From AI-driven commercial alignment to traveler personalization trends, Katie unpacks the technologies and insights that stood out across the show floor and what they actually mean for hotel operators right now.Joined by Shridhar Padmanabhan, Encora's VP of Travel and Hospitality, this conversation also dives into how hospitality leaders can move from innovation fatigue to smart, scalable adoption. Whether it's making sense of rising guest expectations, turning market-level data into action, or filtering the noise around AI, Katie and Shridhar bring a grounded yet forward-looking lens to what hotels should prioritize next.About Katie MoroKatie Moro is a veteran of the hospitality industry and a pioneer in hospitality demand data. She joined TravelClick (now an Amadeus company) in 2011 and is responsible for the global expansion of Demand360©, the hospitality industry's only and most comprehensive forward-looking data tool designed to help hotels maximize their revenue.Previously, Katie led a major accounts sales team at Rubicon, a provider of competitive market intelligence to the travel and hospitality industry and held sales roles at Morgans Hotel Group and Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.Katie was named by Hotel Management Magazine as one of 2018's Influential Women in Hospitality. In 2020, Katie joined the board of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI). Katie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of Georgia.About Shridhar PadmanabhanShridhar Padmanabhan is VP of Travel & Hospitality @ Encora Inc. He is known for his empathetic leadership style and ability to build strong, trust-based partnerships with clients and stakeholders. With a deep background in sales and business development across the Travel & Hospitality sector, he brings a strategic mindset to solving complex challenges at scale. His focus on collaboration and innovation helps organizations drive meaningful transformation and measurable results.

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

In this episode, we sit down with Mahwish Saleem, Head of Sales at FCS Solutions, to explore how hotels can streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and improve guest satisfaction—all by simplifying their tech stack.Mahwish shares her first impressions of HITEC, what excites her about the future of hotel tech, and how FCS is helping hoteliers stay ahead in an increasingly complex digital landscape.What you'll learn in this episode:Mahwish's first HITEC experience and why it's more than just a trade showHow FCS Solutions helps hotels improve operations and guest serviceWhy reducing the hotel tech stack is becoming a top priorityHow automation and AI are driving productivity in housekeeping and maintenanceWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OQLYoLfKBNM This episode is sponsored by FCS Solutions: https://www.fcshub.com/enJoin the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageThe Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More MediaLinks:Mahwish on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahwish-saleem-17ab1283/?originalSubdomain=ca FCS Solutions: https://www.fcshub.com/enFor full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/184Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

Today, Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Tony Ross, Director of Sales at Craftable, to talk about how technology is helping operators tackle today's biggest hospitality challenges — especially rising costs and profit pressure.Tony brings decades of industry experience and shares how Craftable is streamlining operations, cutting down bloated tech stacks, and helping hotels make smarter, faster decisions with AI and automation.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why “profit pressure” is one of the biggest challenges in hospitality right nowHow Craftable is helping operators manage rising food and labour costsThe role of AI in automating invoice processing and GL codingHow Craftable simplifies integration and helps reduce your tech stackWhat Craftable is promoting at HITEC and what's next for the companyWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yQbyFZraJRIThis episode is sponsored by Craftable: https://craftable.com/Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageThe Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More MediaLinks:Tony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaross1/Craftable: https://craftable.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/183Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

In this live episode of The Modern Hotelier, Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Jason Jenkins, Vice President & Managing Director of the Americas, HRS, to talk all things hotel tech—from AI-powered upselling to seamless system integration.Whether you're a HITEC veteran or a tech-curious hotelier, this episode gives you a front-row seat to how HRS is streamlining operations and enhancing the guest experience in a rapidly evolving landscape.In this episode, you'll learn about:Jason's HITEC experience and what's trending in 2025How HRS is using AI and automation to improve workflows and guest experiencesThe benefits of HRS's in-house AI platform—from data security to eliminating third-party integrationsWhy system integration is still a challenge and how HRS is simplifying itHow LTE-enabled mobile ordering boosts efficiency and revenueThis is one episode you don't want to miss—straight from the show floor with insights that could shape your tech strategy this year.Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9w05FN3UAYAThis episode is sponsored by Americas, HRS: https://hrsinternational.com/Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageThe Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More MediaLinks:Jason on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-jenkins/ Americas, HRS: https://hrsinternational.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/182Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

In this episode, we're joined by a hospitality tech powerhouse: Robert Dawson, Chief Strategist and Product Officer at IRECKONU.Robert shares his journey from front desk college job to C-suite, how he fell in love with the hotel industry, and why solving fragmented data problems became his mission. We talk all things AI, automation, data management, and CRM evolution — and what's making waves at HITEC this year.We talk about:Why the entrepreneurial section at HITEC is the place to beThe real opportunities (and limits) of AI in hospitalityWhat IRECKONU is doing to turn data into real guest engagementWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7X3r0-OPuWc This episode is sponsored by IRECKONU: https://ireckonu.com/Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageThe Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More MediaLinks:Robert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hospitalitytechnologyexecutive/IRECKONU: https://ireckonu.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/180Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Connect 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, we're live from the Dallara IndyCar Factory at HITEC—and yes, the cars are as fast as the tech talk.We're joined by Phil Crawford, Head of Hospitality at Adyen, who dives into how they're reshaping the future of payments for the hotel industry.From solving the chaos of fragmented systems to leveraging true AI (not just buzzword fluff), Phil breaks down how Adyen's unified commerce approach is creating seamless, data-driven guest experiences. He shares real-world applications—from fraud prevention to global API integrations—and how they're listening to their clients to build smarter, faster, and more flexible tools.Whether you're a hotelier struggling with outdated systems or just a tech geek who loves a good innovation story, this episode is packed with insights you can't afford to miss.Tune in for: Behind-the-scenes of Phil's first HITEC How Adyen is building payment solutions hotels actually need What AI should really look like in hospitalityWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2z2e61p_Xds This episode is sponsored by Adyen: https://www.adyen.com/Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageThe Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More MediaLinks:Phil on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crawfordphil/Adyen: https://www.adyen.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/181Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

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

In this second batch of HITEC interviews, Susan invites a new group of hotel tech leaders into the Top Floor recording booth to deliver their best Elevator Pitches—and a few unforgettable stories. From AI-powered concierges to spa booking solutions and a piano-playing manager who couldn't play piano, this episode blends industry insight with plenty of personality. Plus, you'll find out exactly how a monkey became part of a hotel's guest communication demo. Featured guests: James Hansen, Vice President of Business Development, REECO Eric Lutz, Co-Founder & CEO, OLIVE Shawn Tarter, President, RealTime Reservation Mark Cederloff, CEO, VSR Network Technologies Mike Medsker, Founder, SIV Jen Barnwell, President, Curator Hotel & Resort Collection Tess McGoldrick, Senior Vice President, Travel & Hospitality, Revenue Analytics Tanya Pratt, Global Vice President, Oracle Hospitality Stephen Chen, CEO, Phunware

In this special HITEC 2025 edition of The Modern Hotelier: Hospitality's Most Engaged Podcast, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Dan Bell, VP of Hotels and Resorts at Agilysys, for an energized and insightful conversation straight from the show floor.Dan shares his journey from his blue-collar roots in Easton, Pennsylvania, to leading hospitality tech innovation at Agilysys. He opens up about what drives him, his favorite city in the world, and the lessons he still carries from his early days in restaurant tech. The trio also dives into the transformative power of integrated, guest-focused technology—and how forward-thinking hoteliers are boosting revenue, efficiency, and experience through modern solutions.From intelligent guest profiles and PMS innovation to post-sale support and the future of hospitality service, this episode is packed with insights for industry leaders who want to stay ahead.You'll learn:Why Dan believes singular industry focus is the key to better techHow Agilysys is redefining the guest experience with end-to-end solutionsThe importance of collaboration between sales, development, and operatorsWhat post-sale service really looks like when it's done rightWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/F135XFiPjgY This episode is sponsored by agilysys: https://www.agilysys.com/en/Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageThe Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More MediaLinks:Dan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-bell-01a6055/agilysys: https://www.agilysys.com/en/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/178Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

In this episode recorded live at HITEC, we sit down with Estella Hale from Zucchetti North America to talk all things innovation, automation, and integration in hotel tech. With more than 15 years of HITEC experience under her belt, Estella shares insider insights into how Zucchetti is reshaping the hospitality tech landscape in North America.In this episode, we cover:How Zucchetti brings European tech excellence to North American hotelsHow generative AI is being used for translations, chatbots, and impactful visualsThe industry's ongoing challenge with tech integration—and how Zucchetti addresses itWhy integration should go beyond the “minimum common denominator"Creating data lakes to improve revenue decisions and future-proof hotel operationsWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/h2ORBFn6oI0 This episode is sponsored by Zucchetti North America: https://www.zucchetti.com/Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageThe Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More MediaLinks:Estella on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/estellahale/Zucchetti North America: https://www.zucchetti.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/175Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Connect 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 Will Gilbert, co-founder of Bodhi, a groundbreaking platform transforming hotel operations through AI, automation, and integration.With over 25 years of system integration experience, Will shares how Bodhi acts like a virtual technician, working 24/7 to ensure every device in a hotel—regardless of brand—is functioning flawlessly. From a universal guest app that requires no downloads to a powerful AI "Super Agent" processing hundreds of thousands of data points every second, Bodhi is solving problems hotels didn't even know they had.We dive into:The challenges of integration and how Bodhi stays one step aheadHow AI is actually being used—no fluff, just functionThe power of real-time data across lighting, HVAC, locks, and PMS systemsTheir new innovations debuting at HITEC (hint: three layers of AI!)Why the guest experience starts before they even speak upWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-eapkMzXYrQ This episode is sponsored by Bodhi: https://www.gobodhi.com/Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageThe Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More MediaLinks: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/176Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

In this episode, we're coming to you from the floor of HITEC in Indianapolis, where Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Kevin Bidner, CEO of Hotel Communication Network (HCN).Kevin shares the incredible journey from being a serial tech entrepreneur to disrupting the hospitality industry with an innovative, guest-centric solution: in-room tablets that redefine hotel communication. Discover why HCN's technology is quickly becoming the global standard, how it's solving the decades-old problem of digital guest engagement, and how it's now accessible to hotels of all levels through an ad-subsidized model.We also dive into HCN's latest breakthrough: a conversational AI concierge that speaks every language, solves problems instantly, and helps guests explore the city — revolutionizing the travel experience from the inside out.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why hotel apps fall short, and tablets win the engagement battleHow HCN became the global leader after acquiring CraveThe real impact of guestroom tablets on satisfaction and hotel revenueHow AI is transforming the hotel experience — in-room and beyondThe bold vision to become “the concierge to the world”Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TU0bR74Jpd0 This episode is sponsored by HCN: https://hcn-inc.com/Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageThe Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More MediaLinks:Kevin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinbidner/HCN: https://hcn-inc.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/172Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

How can hotels modernize revenue strategies with AI—without losing sight of human insight or control?In this episode of dojo.live, we're joined by Mark Lewis-Brown, President, and Estella Hale, Vice President of Commercial Strategy at Zucchetti North America, for a timely conversation on the evolution of revenue management in hospitality. Recorded live at HITEC 2025, this episode explores how automation and machine learning are transforming the way hotels approach pricing, forecasting, and distribution—from smarter demand modeling powered by flight search data to strategies for maintaining brand control across OTAs, GDS, and direct channels. With the North American launch of Lybra Assistant as a backdrop, Mark and Estella discuss the growing need for forward-looking insights and the importance of finding the right balance between technology and human decision-making in driving profitable outcomes.About Mark Lewis-BrownMark Lewis-Brown is an industry veteran with more than 35 years of experience. At Zucchetti North America, Mark is responsible for overseeing and implementing the commercial and strategic aspects of Zucchetti's expansion into the North American market. Mark is also involved in key decision-making regarding Zucchetti's global strategies and in the positioning of the North American branch within the larger organization.Mark began his hospitality career as an owner and operator of boutique properties across the U.S. Over the past 24 years, he has held leadership roles at several top hotel technology companies. His combined experience on both the hotel and vendor sides gives him a rare, well-rounded perspective on the industry—past and present—making him an ideal leader for Zucchetti North America.About Estella HaleEstella Hale brings over two decades of highly specialized expertise in the hospitality industry, the majority in strategic leadership roles for hotel technology companies. As the Vice President of Commercial Strategy for Zucchetti North America's Hospitality Division, Estella plays a pivotal role in strengthening the company's position as a leading provider of innovative solutions for the hospitality sector. Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping the company's vision for bringing new technology solutions to the North American market.Prior to joining Zucchetti North America, Estella served as the Chief Commercial Officer at HotelIQ, where she crafted the company's strategic vision and oversaw commercial operations. Previously, she led strategic sessions at Deloitte's Greenhouse® and held executive leadership positions at other prominent hospitality technology firms, including SHR, iHotelier and Whiteboard Labs.Estella's passion for guiding innovative technology companies stems from being part of the founding team of distribution start-ups and a master's degree in technology commercialization from Texas McCombs School of Business. Her career showcases a consistent drive to innovate and optimize commercial strategies within the hotel tech landscape, and her numerous successes have positioned her a prominent leader in the hospitality industry.

Live from the buzzing HITEC trade show floor, The Modern Hotelier sits down with Darien Long, SVP of Specialty Access Control at dormakaba — and trust us, this isn't your average corporate interview.From growing up in small-town Texas with a love for sunsets and strong coffee to running a 250-person team in a global powerhouse, Darien's journey is packed with grit, charm, and game-changing insights.In this episode, you'll discover:The best advice she ever got (spoiler: it's about money vs. experience) Why fashion-forward PPE should be a thing (yes, really) The future of hotel access, cloud tech, and how AI could transform your next stay Tune in to find out why access control is no longer just about locks — it's about experience.Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OvJp0-_L9hs This episode is sponsored by dormakaba: https://www.dormakaba.com/us-en Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageThe Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More MediaLinks:Darien on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darienlong/dormakaba Americas: https://www.dormakaba.com/us-enFor full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/170Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

How can AI and smarter payments help hospitality procurement teams reduce friction, cut costs, and unlock strategic value?In this episode of dojo.live, we sit down with Phil Beck, General Manager of Payments, and David Schloss, General Manager of Payments at BirchStreet Systems, to explore how AI and digital transformation are reshaping procurement in hospitality. Often overlooked in the guest-facing tech conversation, procurement and payment systems are ripe for innovation—especially as hotels face growing complexity in payments, fraud risk, and supplier networks.Phil and David break down where AI is already making an impact, how smarter workflows are streamlining operations from invoice to reconciliation, and why procurement technology can drive broader business goals—from cost control to ESG compliance to guest satisfaction. They also share what BirchStreet is showcasing at HITEC 2025, the evolving role of ecosystem partnerships, and the future trends the industry isn't paying enough attention to—yet.About Phil BeckPhil Beck has been at the forefront of payments and technology for more than twenty-five years, serving in senior executive roles at Capital One, SAP, Ariba and FreeMarkets. He has launched and scaled multiple payments platforms serving as Head of Treasury Management for Capital One, as SVP and GM for SAP's payments and business network and multiple card, real-time settlement, dynamic discounting and working capital finance solutions across the US, EMEA and APJ. He has been a mainstage speaker at Money2020, AFP and PYMNTS.com and is regularly sought out by innovative payments companies to develop next-generation solutions to solve B2B use cases around the world.Beck has also served as a board advisor for Series A-C companies in the payments space, including most recently at Trovata.io, Transactis (acquired by MasterCard) and Apparent Financing (an SAP.io company), and as a non-profit board member and advisor across Western PA.About David SchlossDavid Schloss comes to BirchStreet with more than 20 years of SaaS experience. He is an accomplished leader with a proven track record of leading and transforming revenue teams to achieve accelerated growth. His teams pride themselves on collaboration, transparency, execution, and having a customer-centric mindset.Previously David worked at ADP, Convergys, Oracle, and most recently Vice President and General Manager of North American Sales at Certinia, delivering over 60% revenue growth.

How can hotels harness AI to enhance guest experiences—without breaking what's working behind the scenes?In this episode of dojo.live, we sit down with Frank Trampert, Senior Vice President and Global Managing Director of Community Sales at Sabre Hospitality Solutions, to explore how hotels can adopt artificial intelligence in ways that elevate—not disrupt—the human core of hospitality. With automation accelerating across booking engines, inboxes, voice, and social channels, Frank discusses how AI is shifting from hype to everyday utility.The conversation dives into SynXis Concierge.AI, Sabre's latest innovation in guest engagement, and how it blends personalization with automation to deliver timely, relevant interactions without sacrificing control. Frank also shares how the move to the cloud has opened the door to faster innovation, and why now is the moment for hotels to rethink how their tech stack can support flexibility, integration, and growth. If you're wondering how to future-proof your operations while keeping guest service at the center, this episode is full of candid insights and forward-thinking perspective.About Frank TrampertFrank Trampert is Senior Vice President, Global Managing Director of Community Sales for Sabre Hospitality Solutions. Within his role, Frank is responsible for leading global sales, customer engagement, account management, and marketing for all of Sabre Hospitality Solutions' community partners worldwide.Frank has well over two decades of experience within the hospitality industry, having held a variety of roles of increasing responsibility across multiple hoteliers worldwide. Most recently, he served as managing director and chief commercial officer, EMEA and APAC, at Sabre. Prior to that, Frank held the roles of CEO and chief operating officer at Tune Hotels Group. He also held senior roles at Wyndham Hotels and Resorts and Brand Karma. Additionally, Frank spent 13 years at Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, where he ultimately held the role of EVP, revenue generation for APAC.

We're live from the Stayntouch booth at HITEC with a powerhouse guest — Bill Fanning, Chief Revenue Officer of Stayntouch. From rolling out 139 properties in 90 days to launching new grab-and-go kiosk tech, Bill shares how Stayntouch is redefining PMS innovation in the hospitality industry.Tune in as we cover the latest innovations, guest experience enhancements, and the real impact of customer-led product development.In this episode, you'll learn about: How Stayntouch scaled across 139 Cobblestone properties in under 90 daysA new way to manage booking, reporting, and operations at scaleHow their self-service kiosk is transforming the late-night guest experienceWhy Stayntouch stays in its PMS lane — and thrives with over 1,200 integrationsHow hotelier feedback directly shapes new features and partnershipsListen now to hear how Stayntouch is leading the charge in hospitality tech and what's coming next in their roadmap.Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/aBpJR-LyJng This episode is sponsored by Stayntouch: https://www.stayntouch.com/ Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageThe Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More MediaLinks:Bill on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billfanning1/Stayntouch: https://www.stayntouch.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/169Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

How can AI and data-driven insights help hotels meet rising traveler expectations—without overwhelming their teams?In this episode of dojo.live, we sit down with Katie Moro, Vice President of Data Partnerships at Amadeus Hospitality, live from the HITEC 2025 show floor. The conversation explores how AI is reshaping hotel operations through tools like Demand360 and MeetingBroker, enabling everything from smarter forecasting to automated RFP handling. Katie also unpacks key findings from the Amadeus “Travel Dreams” report, offering a window into what today's travelers really want—and what they're willing to pay for. Together, we connect the dots between evolving guest expectations and scalable personalization, highlighting what still stands in the way and how hotels can close that gap. If you're navigating the intersection of innovation and operations, this episode is one you won't want to miss.Katie Moro is a veteran of the hospitality industry and a pioneer in hospitality demand data. She joined TravelClick (now an Amadeus company) in 2011 and is responsible for the global expansion of Demand360©, the hospitality industry's only and most comprehensive forward-looking data tool designed to help hotels maximize their revenue.Previously, Katie led a major accounts sales team at Rubicon, a provider of competitive market intelligence to the travel and hospitality industry and held sales roles at Morgans Hotel Group and Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.Katie was named by Hotel Management Magazine as one of 2018's Influential Women in Hospitality. In 2020, Katie joined the board of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI). Katie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of Georgia.Want to see what's shaping traveler expectations in 2025 and beyond? Explore the latest insights in Amadeus' Travel Dreams report.About Katie MoroAdditional Resources

How can a fully connected, cloud-based tech stack unlock better guest experiences and smarter hotel operations?In this episode of dojo.live, we sit down with Tanya Pratt, Global Vice President of OPERA Cloud Strategy and Product Management at Oracle Hospitality. Recorded live at HITEC 2025, this conversation unpacks what the next generation of hospitality technology really looks like when cloud-native platforms and connected ecosystems come together.Tanya shares insight into the recently announced expansion with Omni Hotels & Resorts, exploring how a unified approach across OPERA Cloud PMS, Simphony Cloud, and Central unlocks operational agility, real-time insights, and better guest personalization. She also speaks to the importance of openness and ecosystem enablement in an increasingly complex tech environment—and why seamless integrations are no longer a nice-to-have, but a strategic imperative.Whether you're navigating modernization or thinking about what's next in hospitality tech, Tanya offers timely, practical advice for getting the most out of your digital transformation journey.Tanya Pratt is Global Vice President of OPERA Cloud Strategy and Product Management at Oracle Hospitality. A seasoned hotelier, Tanya spent over 20 years at Fairmont Hotels and Resorts in various leadership positions in Hotel Operations, Revenue Management, Distribution and Loyalty. Immediately prior to joining Oracle, Tanya was Senior Vice President of Global Business Technologies for Accor Hotels Luxury Brands division, responsible for digital transformation, innovation and management of global programs and solutions. Her passion and focus at Oracle Hospitality is on driving value to our industry through increased levels of engagement with customers and delivering hospitality solution that enable and enhance strategic business priorities.

In this special HITEC edition of Top Floor, we're riding the elevator with hospitality tech leaders who know how to make a pitch. From PMS platforms to AI concierges, we cover real-world tools and real-life chaos, including fainting coworkers, bat encounters, and nightclub drama. Whether you're here for the insights or the insanity, this episode delivers both! Featured in Part One: David Fox with Quore Mark Lewis-Brown with Zucchetti North America Estella Hale with Zucchetti North America Christian Arias with Hapi Doug Ralston with True Omni Ethan Wiseman with Sabre Sandrine Zechbauer with RMS

In this episode, we're coming to you from the floor of the HITEC Trade Show to celebrate a decade of innovation, grit, and startup brilliance with the Entrepreneur 20X (E20X) competition. Hosts David Millili and Steve Carran are joined by: Lyle Worthington – Founder of E20X & tech visionaryJonathan Rojas – First-ever E20X winner & Co-Founder of WhistleAl Lagunas – 2025 E20X People's Choice & Judge's Award Winner, CEO of LeveeTogether, they unpack what it takes to build, pitch, and thrive in the hospitality tech world.

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

On this episode, we head to HITEC 2025 in Indianapolis. We sat down with Members of HFTP to talk about HITEC's growth, vision for the future, and what makes HITEC truly special. Thanks to Justin Taillon, the Global President of HFTP, Arlene Ramirez, the Senior Vice President of Learning for HFTP, and Scot Campbell, Principle at Integrated Resort Advisors, for sitting down with us and talking about HITEC with us!Links:HITEC: https://www.hitec.org/HFTP: https://www.hftp.org/Justin Taillon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-taillon/Arlene Ramirez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arlenedramirez/Scot Campbell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scot-campbell-chtp-2543a02/Join the conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...For full show notes head to: Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

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

In this episode of dojo.live, we welcome Marty Williams, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Chargeback Gurus. This conversation dives into the evolving chargeback landscape—and why hospitality brands need more than just reactive fraud tools to stay ahead. Marty explains how rising guest expectations around flexibility, refunds, and alternative payments are driving increased chargeback risks, and how data-driven prevention strategies can help mitigate losses before they occur. From root-cause analysis to smarter integrations across the guest journey, Marty offers a practical look at how hoteliers and travel operators can better balance frictionless experiences with financial protection. He also shares key trends shaping the next 12–18 months in payments and fraud, and how Chargeback Gurus is helping the industry respond with agility and impact.

In this episode of dojo.live, we sit down with Jill Wilder, President of Aptech, to explore how hotels can modernize their financial operations—without overwhelming teams or abandoning the tools they know best. As guest-facing innovation takes center stage, Jill makes a strong case for why budgeting, forecasting, and financial clarity deserve just as much attention behind the scenes.The conversation spotlights TVNG, Aptech's newly launched budgeting and forecasting tool, built with an intuitive, non-Excel interface that still integrates seamlessly with Excel. Jill shares how this hybrid approach is helping teams transition into smarter, more structured workflows while reducing friction and data chaos. From embedding rationale into forecasts to imagining how AI might eventually support financial decision-making, Jill emphasizes the power of connected systems—and why forecasting, accounting, and business intelligence should never be siloed.If you've ever wrestled with Excel overload or struggled to connect strategy to numbers, this conversation is for you.About Jill WilderJill Wilder is the President of Aptech, a leading provider of enterprise accounting, business intelligence, and budgeting and forecasting solutions for the hospitality industry. She has worked in the hospitality industry for more than 40 years, 38 of which have been with Aptech. Wilder manages all day-to-day development functions, as well as the financial, administrative and customer support teams. She, as well as the Aptech team, is known for her high attention to detail and the priority she places on customer relationships. During her tenure, Wilder created Aptech's customer support department and doubled its size, and she helped create the company's training certifications and implementation programs.Prior to joining Aptech, Wilder was on the accounting team at the Longue Vue Club where she supervised financial reporting for the Pittsburgh-based country club. Wilder is active with Hotel Financial and Technology Professionals' (HFTP) Pittsburgh Chapter, where she has been instrumental in helping build its membership development and program departments. Wilder has a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Management and Accounting from Robert Morris College and resides in the Pittsburgh area.

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

What does true personalization in hospitality look like—and how can tech help hotels deliver it at scale, without sacrificing the human touch?In this episode of dojo.live, we sit down with Michael Coscetta, President of Mews, for a forward-looking conversation on how the hospitality industry is rethinking the guest experience from check-in to check-out. Michael shares why personalization is more than just a buzzword—and what it really takes to make it actionable at scale. From evolving front desk interactions to smarter data usage and the ethical complexities of guest intelligence, this conversation explores how hotels can build more intuitive, seamless, and human-centric journeys powered by technology. Michael also spotlights emerging trends that deserve more attention and shares what's new at the Mews HITEC booth that could help hoteliers future-proof their operations.About Michael CoscettaMichael Coscetta joined Mews as President in July 2024, overseeing the company's global go-to-market efforts. Michael brings extensive growth experience to the business, including from his previous role as Chief Revenue Officer at Paxos, a global blockchain infrastructure company. There, he oversaw sales, partnerships, business development, customer success, operations, international expansion, and trading functions across the business.Michael has also held roles at Compass (NYSE: COMP) where he was responsible for sales, development and growth, scaling annual revenue to $2b and preparing the company for IPO, and Square, now Block (NYSE: SQ), where he helped the company grow from a $3b new IPO to a $50b global business.Outside of his day-to-day, Michael is an advisor to payments tech startup MagicCube, data startup Enigma, and is both an advisory partner at H-L Ventures/CityRock and an advisor to Garden City Funds. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honors) degree in Economics from Harvard University and lives in Miami, Florida.

What does it really take to future-proof your hotel tech stack—and where does access control fit in?In this HITEC 2025 episode of dojo.live, we're joined by Nicolas Aznar, President, Americas at Vingcard, for a forward-looking discussion on access innovation, tech integration, and the evolving role of security in the guest experience. From the debut of Vingcard's latest solutions to the strategic importance of platforms like Vostio and VConnect, Nicolas explains how today's hoteliers can streamline staff operations, enhance guest privacy, and support sustainability goals—without adding friction. He also shares what mobile key adoption through tools like Google Wallet signals for the future of digital access, and how Vingcard's new leadership role within ASSA ABLOY Hospitality is shaping a unified, software-first approach to smart hospitality. If you're asking how to build a scalable, secure foundation for tomorrow, this episode is for you.About Nicolás AznarBased in Richardson, Texas, Nicolas Aznar oversees all Vingcard operations throughout the Americas and takes a leading role in ensuring continued business growth throughout the region. Aznar possesses decades of expertise in both the hospitality and IT industries, and leverages his unique knowledge to spur greater market innovation in meeting the latest customer technology needs. Aznar is fluent in English, Portuguese and Spanish, and holds a degree in anthropology from the University of Buenos Aires.

How can hotels unlock the full potential of ancillary revenue through smarter guest journey orchestration?In this episode of dojo.live, we welcome Shawn Tarter, Founder and CEO of RealTime Reservation, for a practical conversation on optimizing the guest journey through unified ancillary service management. As travelers demand more personalized, seamless experiences—from spa and cabana bookings to parking and dining—Shawn shares key trends emerging from real booking data and how hospitality tech must evolve to meet rising expectations.We explore how RealTime Reservation is helping hotels connect the dots across departments, channels, and touchpoints, and why booking behavior (mobile, kiosk, in-room, pre-arrival) is shaping the future of guest experience design. Shawn also highlights new partnerships launching at HITEC and where he sees the next wave of innovation for driving ancillary revenue and loyalty in a competitive market.About Shawn TarterShawn Tarter is the Founder and CEO of RealTime Reservation, a leading provider of real-time ancillary revenue software for the hospitality and travel industry. Based in New York, RealTime Reservation streamlines hotel operations while enhancing the guest experience, creating efficiencies that drive client satisfaction, loyalty, and additional revenue streams. The company serves all major global hotel brands, such as The Ritz Carlton, St. Regis, Four Seasons, and Baha Mar among others.Shawn's journey into hospitality technology began with a personal experience as a hotel guest. With a background in finance software and a passion for automation, he set out to develop a seamless, user-friendly solution for hotels. Under his leadership, RealTime Reservation continues to revolutionize the hospitality industry, helping hotels increase revenue, and optimize their operations, all while delivering an exceptional guest experience.

How can tech vendors, hoteliers, and consultants turn industry conferences into real results—before, during, and after the event?In this episode of dojo.live, we're joined by Ira Vouk, hospitality tech consultant, author, and founder of Hospitality 2.0 Consulting. With HITEC on the horizon, Ira shares practical strategies for turning conferences into real business results—for tech vendors, hoteliers, and consultants alike. From pre-show preparation to post-event follow-through, this conversation covers what it really takes to build traction at industry events. Ira unpacks common missteps (and how to avoid them), offers tips for making the most of the show floor—whether you have a booth or not—and explains how support systems like HTNG, strategic partnerships, and honest conversations can help move innovation from pitch to practice. Whether you're walking the expo for the first time or refining your approach after years of attending, this episode offers a smart, actionable blueprint for making events like HITEC actually matter.About Ira VoukIra Vouk is the author of top industry publications “Hotel Tech 101” and “Hospitality 2.0”, a hospitality consultant and tech innovator who brings two decades of practical industry experience, predominantly championing the role of revenue management and the use of data and technology to provide hospitality companies with insight to lead their business strategy better.She is also an HTNG/AHLA T100 member, a public speaker and educator on revenue and profit optimization, distribution and hospitality tech and currently teaches Hospitality Technology at Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at SDSU.Ira is also a contributing writer for various hospitality publications and platforms and a guest lecturer at various universities worldwide.Additional ResourcesDive deeper into Ira Vouk's insights on hospitality technology, revenue strategy, and innovation by viewing her latest publications.

This is our 2025 guide to the conference and events season in the Hospitality Industry.In the episode, Brent Hayhurst, the VP of Curator Hotel & Resort Collection joins us to take a look at some of the upcoming events and conferences in the Hospitality Industry. We breakdown upcoming events so you can see what events you should put on your calendar in 2025. We talk about the benefits of attending these upcoming events:Digital Transformation in Hotels & HospitalityBITAC EventsAAHOACONDirect Booking SummitHITEC & HSMAIILC EventsHotel Data Conference Independent Hotel Show The Hospitality Show ILHA INSPIREWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Is8aVAYZGLEJoin the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageThe Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More MediaLinks:Digital Transformation in Hotels & Hospitality: https://dthsummit.com/BITAC Events: https://www.bitac.net/Event/Sales/2025AAHOACON: https://aahoacon.com/Direct Booking Summit: https://www.directbookingsummit.com/HITEC & HSMAI: https://www.hitec.org/ILC Events: https://ilcongress.com/Hotel Data Conference: https://str.com/event/hotel-data-conferenceIndependent Hotel Show: https://independenthotelshow.us/The Hospitality Show: https://www.thehospitalityshow.com/ILHA INSPIRE: https://inspire.ilha.org/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/140Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil...

In this episode, the team reflects on an exceptional year for the Modern Hotelier podcast, which gained recognition as a top hospitality podcast and more than doubled its follower base across LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.The hosts reminisce about attending key industry events like HITEC, ILC in Sausalito, and the Hospitality Show, sharing their favorite moments and interviews. They also discuss the biggest lessons learned over the year and express gratitude to their guests, sponsors, and followers, teasing exciting announcements for 2025.Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas from the Modern Hotelier team!Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageThe Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More MediaLinks:For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/126Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil...

No programa de hoje vamos explorar a trajetória inspiradora de Ketelyn Jesus, vice-presidente global de finanças da IBM e recentemente reconhecida como uma das 100 líderes mais influentes de tecnologia pela HITEC. Este prêmio não é apenas uma honra individual, mas também um marco significativo para a diversidade e inclusão no setor de tecnologia. Ketelyn é a primeira mulher e latina a ocupar o cargo de CFO global na história centenária da IBM, rompendo barreiras em um ambiente tradicionalmente dominado por homens. E ninguém melhor do que a própria Kete Jesus para contar essa história para gente. E mais: RecargaPay abre vagas de trabalho remoto em tecnologia; Se Apple lançar iPhone dobrável, será do "tipo Fold", diz analista; Starlink no celular? Internet de Elon Musk vai funcionar sem antena; Pix bate recorde com quase 240 milhões de transferências em um dia; OpenAI avalia anúncios no ChatGPT para aumentar receita, diz jornal. Acesse o site do Canaltech Receba notícias do Canaltech no WhatsApp Entre nas redes sociais do Canaltech buscando por @Canaltech nelas todas Entre em contato pelo nosso e-mail: podcast@canaltech.com.br Entre no Canaltech Ofertas Acesse a newsletter do Canaltech Este episódio foi roteirizado e apresentado por Gustavo Minari. O programa também contou com reportagens de Bruno De Blasi, Emanuele Almeida e Wendel Martins. Edição por Jully Cruz. A trilha sonora é uma criação de Guilherme Zomer e a capa deste programa é feita por Erick Teixeira.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MARCELO DE SANTIS Marcelo is as thoughtful, accomplished and smart as he is a terrific human being. Born and raised in Argentina, he is a seasoned C-suite executive with over 25 years of global experience. He also happens to be a world-class mountain climber that has summited some of the highest peaks on earth. He is former Chief Digital Officer at Thoughtworks, Group Chief Information Officer at Pirelli, and Chief Information Officer, North America at Mondelez. He serves on the boards of UNICEF and HITEC  and was co-founder of Angeles Investors, a venture capital organization dedicated to funding minority-owned technology startups. Marcelo also established Employee Resource Groups focused on diversity at Kraft Foods, Thoughtworks, and Mondelez, demonstrating his dedication to fostering an open and inclusive workplace culture. In 2019 he was nominated by Crain's as one of Top 50 CEOs, entrepreneurs and technologists. He is also a published  author, the book:  “Figure Eight: Leadership Strategies for Times of Exponential Technology Innovation”  Marcelo earned his Executive MBA from the Kellogg School of Management and a B.S. in Computer Sciences from Universidad Argentina de la Empresa. RELATED LINKS Angeles Investors Profile Thoughtworks Profile The Ascent Gartner Peer Community Hispanic Executive Article GENERAL INFO| TOP OF THE GAME: Official website: https://topofthegame-thepod.com/ RSS Feed: https://feed.podbean.com/topofthegame-thepod/feed.xml Hosting service show website: https://topofthegame-thepod.podbean.com/ Javier's LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/javiersaade  SUPPORT & CONNECT: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/96934564 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551086203755 Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOPOFGAMEpod Subscribe on Podbean: https://www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/vLKLE1SKjf6G Email us: info@topofthegame-thepod.com   THANK YOU FOR LISTENING – AVAILABLE ON ALL MAJOR PLATFORMS  

Julissa S. Germosén

Latina Madrina: Stories, Lessons, and Hard Truths From A Brown Latina In Tech by Julissa S. Germosén Amazon.com Latinamadrina.com In Latina Madrina: Stories, Lessons and Hard Truths from a Brown Latina in Tech, Julissa S. Germosén offers an empowering guide for Latinas, BIPOC, and other marginalized leaders navigating the challenging world of the technology industry and their personal identity. Drawing on her twenty-five years of experience, Julissa presents a road map to success that blends professional strategies with personal stories and reflections for you to consider. The book covers a wide range of topics, from overcoming generational trauma to redefining what it means to be a successful Latina, from mastering the top leadership skills to investing in yourself and making money moves, all while emphasizing the importance of embracing your authentic Latinidad. Julissa shares her journey from an immigrant family to achieving global leadership roles at Microsoft, Salesforce, and tech start-ups and building generational wealth in the tech industry. She provides readers with practical advice on topics like tackling microaggressions, the complexities and push-pull of Latinidad, and creating financial and emotional well-being. Through her unique perspective as a Dominicana and café-con-leche Latina in tech, Julissa acts as your Latina Madrina—godmother—offering guidance, wisdom, hard truths, and insider knowledge that can only come from someone who has walked the path.About the author Julissa S. Germosén, CEO of Mariposa Blanca, is an award-winning technology leader, highly sought-after speaker, best-selling author, and career coach with over two decades of experience leading teams in global enterprise sales, consulting, strategic alliances, product development, go-to-market strategy, and partner operations. Julissa's book, *Latina Madrina: Stories, Lessons and Hard Truths from a Brown Latina in Tech,* and TEDx Talk, reflects her journey from immigrant roots in the Dominican Republic to her rise in the technology industry. Throughout her career, Julissa has driven growth and competitive advantage for Fortune 500 companies at Microsoft, Salesforce, and tech startups. Her expertise lies in people leadership, business strategy, transformation, and continuous improvement. As Director of Partner Ecosystem Development, notable achievements include optimizing Salesforce's partner operations and growing iCIMS' strategic alliances function by building product partnerships with Microsoft, Google, and Meta. At Microsoft, she held leadership positions in Microsoft Partnerships, Learning Experiences, and Consulting Services. Julissa has been honored to speak at TED x MSJC and various tech conferences, including Microsoft, Salesforce, HITEC, and LTX Connect. Additionally, she's been a Keynote Speaker at the National Hispanic Media Coalition and has spoken at Rutgers University and the New Jersey Statewide Latina Conference, among others. As a proud immigrant from the Dominican Republic, Julissa is passionate about education and the Latinx community. She has created the Latina Leadership Potential Award scholarship at Rutgers University, the first for a woman of Hispanic/Latine descent. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science & Criminology from Rutgers University and a Diversity Management Graduate Certificate from Cornell University.

Fortune 30 C-level executive Maria Lensing tells us about the many rules—both corporate and cultural—she's broken to advance her career. This Latina powerhouse from Peru has been a leader at Walgreens, McKesson and AT&T, and is now the Global CIO & CTO at Sorenson Communications. In this super candid and honest conversation celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, we chat with Maria about the realities of being a multicultural woman in corporate America. Maria points out all the voices around us—the ones we should listen to and how to work through all the other noise. “The biggest element of success is what your mind thinks and the influences that you let in,” says Maria. Passionate about advancing women in the workplace, Maria shares the #1 thing she's learned from her corporate climb, how she's bucked the traditional family and the three questions she asks herself when making big career moves.Theme: Changing Course Without HesitationEpisode Highlights:Don't let others define what success looks like for youHow to make big career decisionsDefining failureBreaking cultural rulesWhat leaders can do to advance multicultural womenMaria's Bio: Maria Lensing is the Global Chief Information Officer & Chief Technology Officer at Sorenson Communications. Prior, she was the Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer at Walgreens Boots Alliance. Before that, Maria was the CTO at McKesson. And prior to McKesson, Maria spent 11 years at AT&T in both technical and business leadership roles. She was VP of Healthcare Solutions and she was also Chief of Staff for the Chief Executive Officer of AT&T Business.Maria has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Science in Engineering Management from Christian Brothers University (CBU). She completed her Executive Education at Harvard Business School. She is also an independent director at Sorenson Communications and a board director for the Hispanic IT Executive Council (HITEC). Maria is passionate about STEM opportunities for youth, women in leadership and promoting minority inclusion in the executive ranks. She has received a lot of recognition, including the 2023 Top 100 Latinas by Latino Leaders Magazine and HITEC 100 Leaders for 2022, 2021 and 2020. Connect with us on our social media: Instagram and LinkedInMore from Alisa Manjarrez: Instagram and LinkedInMore from Courtney Copelin: Instagram and LinkedInMore from Dr. Merary Simeon: Instagram and LinkedInLearn more at www.whatrulespodcast.com.

In this episode, I have a chat with Kelley Francis, Executive Director of the HITEC Foundation and a passionate advocate for increasing educational and professional opportunities for underrepresented groups in engineering, technology, and business. Kelley shares her journey from growing up in the southwest suburbs of Chicago to her work in the nonprofit sector, where she focuses on empowering Hispanic communities and women in tech. Highlights of the episode include:Kelley's upbringing and how her family's emphasis on education shaped her values.Her decision to pursue Spanish and Business Administration despite external pressures to follow more lucrative career paths.Her transition into the nonprofit industry, where she discovered her passion for serving underrepresented groups, particularly through her internship at the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.Kelley's current role as Executive Director of the HITEC Foundation, where she leads efforts to provide scholarships, mentorship, and career development support to Hispanic students pursuing technology-related fields.Kelley's emphasis on the importance of mentorship, overcoming self-doubt, and the value of mindfulness and routines in her professional life.Listeners will also hear about HITEC's initiatives, including how career coaches and other professionals can support these efforts through mentorship or sponsorship.Book Recommendation:Uwavering: Rejecting Bias, Igniting Change, Celebrating Inclusion by Nellie Borrero Connect with Kelley:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelley-sheehan-francis/https://www.hitecglobal.org/foundationConnect with me!LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizherrera1/Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lizcareercoaching/Website:  https://www.lizcareercoaching.net/Email: lizcareercoaching@gmail.com40 Best Career Coach Podcasts100 Best Coaching PodcastsMusic: https://www.purple-planet.comSound from Zapsplat.comArtwork: Joseph Valenzuela DesignSupport the show

"No Vacancy Live from HITEC: Featuring Podcast Pioneers Glenn Haussman and Anthony Melchiorri"In this episode, podcast veterans Anthony Melchiorri and Glenn Haussman discuss their experiences and insights from attending HITEC events over the years. They reminisce about the evolution of these events and share their personal highlights, including the transformation and increasing engagement in technology within the industry.Glenn talks about the origins and growth of the 'No Vacancy' podcast, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when they provided much-needed support and continuity for the hospitality sector. They also delve into the industry's technological advancements, stressing the importance of using the right technology at the right time for the customer's benefit.Key highlights:Glenn and Anthony discuss their long history with HITEC and how the event has evolved over the yearsInsights into the creation and growth of the No Vacancy podcast, especially its pivotal role during the COVID-19 pandemicThe importance of consistency and vulnerability in podcasting during challenging timesDiscussion of their keynote address at HITEC, focusing on customer journey and appropriate use of technology in hospitalityCandid observations about the state of technology in the hospitality industryFriendly banter about podcast rankings and the supportive nature of the hospitality communityJoin the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageThe Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More MediaLinks:Anthony Melchiorri on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonymelchiorri/Glenn Haussman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glennhaussman/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/85Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Connect 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 Steve Carran and David Millili interview Aditya Thyagarajan and Fareed Ahmad, co-founders of HotelKey, at the HITEC conference. The conversation delves into the origins of HotelKey, its cloud-based property management system, and the company's vision for the future of hospitality technology.The founders share insights on overcoming challenges, incorporating AI, and their commitment to improving operations for hotels while enhancing the guest experience.In this episode, you'll learn:Challenges faced as first-time entrepreneurs in the hospitality industryHotelKey's approach to product development based on client feedbackThe importance of cloud-based technology in modern hospitalityWhat are the strategies for improving staff training and reducing onboarding timeThe role of human touch in technology implementationHotelKey's growth and preparation for future expansionJoin the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageThe Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More MediaLinks:Aditya Thyagarajan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adityathyagarajan/Fareed Ahmad on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fareedsahmad/HotelKey: https://www.hotelkeyapp.com/#/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/80Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil...

Bill LeGrand, CRME, Executive Director of Commercial Applications for the upcoming VAI Resort during HITEC 2024 shares insights on their tech-forward approach for the billion-dollar resort opening in 2025. Starting from scratch is allowing the Vai team to craft seamless guest experiences using cutting-edge technology. They'l leveraging a unified guest profile to personalize interactions from booking to stay, ensuring every touchpoint enhances customer satisfaction. Plus, integration among systems ensures smooth operations, setting a new standard in hospitality.

Hotels are the most complicated businesses to run from a labor and ops perspective says Adam Mogelonsky during HITEC, which has restrained tech success. We discuss how everything's changing and how we can future proof hotel tech in the future.

Jeff Bzdawka, CEO of Knowland and I discuss the HITEC event, A.I., the growth in both large and small meetings and more insights around how we've transitioned to post recovery period and how the way people meet is changing.

When the $1 billion VAI Resort debuts next year, they have the unique opportunity to leverage in the moment technology to create an amazing customer experience that maximizes revenue per available customer. On the HITEC show floor, Rian Kirkman, SVP Marketing, shares just how their going to do it. Thanks to Unifocus, technology that delivers value, for sponsoring this video.

KSL Resorts operates some of the premier resorts in the world. On the HITEC show floor, I spoke with James Turnbull, Senior Corporate Director of Operational Finance to discuss how the company thinks about its tech stack and how they're uniting all their hotels under different flags through technology.

Hotels are the most complicated businesses to run from a labor and ops perspective says Adam Mogelonsky during HITEC, which has restrained tech success. We discuss how everything's changing and how we can future proof hotel tech in the future.