Podcasts about hitec

In a solo “random show” episode, Steve shares recent travel experiences and hospitality takeaways. He recaps six weeks of travel from HITEC in San Antonio to San Francisco with the Baya team, a visit to One Thread Farm, scouting land in Desert Hot Springs, and a last-minute trip to St. John in the US Virgin Islands, noting “island time” and the national-park beaches. A highlight is chartering to Jost Van Dyke to swim ashore to the Soggy Dollar Bar, home of the original Painkiller, and lessons on memorable arrival, history, and premium branding. He previews upcoming stays at Marriott Stanton Miami Beach and a family trip to Disney via Brightline, discussing hotel and Disney upsells and reducing purchase friction. He announces a new Hospitality Power Breakfast launching next month at The Moore in Miami, and gives a Baya Miami update, including site work, a 2027 opening plan, and an upcoming website launch. This episode is brought to you by Lodgify with code THM60 for 60% off yearly products 00:00 Solo Random Show00:25 Sponsor Lodgify01:36 Travel Whirlwind Recap02:34 Island Time St John03:24 Soggy Dollar Adventure04:33 Painkiller And Vibes07:06 Lessons And Branding08:07 Miami Beach Birthday Stay09:01 Brightline To Disney10:14 Upsells And Disney Planning12:05 Hospitality Power Breakfast13:32 Launching At The Moore14:47 Topics And Third Places15:44 Baya Miami Update16:17 Wrap Up And Farewell

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.

Just like last week, this special episode of Top Floor comes to you from the Loading Dock at HITEC in San Antonio. A huge thank you to HFTP for hosting us at the hospitality industry's premier technology conference and for creating the opportunity to capture these unforgettable moments.  Aimee George, Aimee Inc. — The guest room mix-up that turned into every hotel manager's nightmare. Ryan Brough, Hapi — The celebrity rider that sent a hotelier sprinting to Macy's. Tracee Nalewak, URVenue — Why enforcing a Vegas day club dress code is nobody's favorite job. Sara Murray, Mermaid International — The hotel snake story everyone thought was an urban legend... until it wasn't. Dylan Mingard, HM Alpha — The eight-foot python that became an unforgettable houseguest. Tanya Pratt, Oracle Hospitality — The data migration that accidentally double-booked 50 hotels at 2 a.m. Martin Chevalley, Enspire — The flooded hotel that kept guests informed—and the surprise VIP spotted behind the scenes. *** Next year's HITEC [link to https://www.hitec.org/about-hitec/future-locations] will be held in Orlando June 28 - July 1. Hope to see you there!!!  Connect with our storytellers: Aimee George, Aimee Inc. https://www.linkedin.com/in/aimeegeorge/ Ryan Brough, Hapi https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanmbrough/ Tracee Nalewak, UrVenue https://www.linkedin.com/in/traceenalewak/ Sara Murray, Murmaid International https://www.linkedin.com/in/saramurraysales/ Dylan Mingard, HM Alpha https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-mingard-9217492a/ Tanya Pratt, Oracle Hospitality https://www.linkedin.com/in/pratttanya/ Martin Chevalley, Innspire https://www.linkedin.com/company/innspire-ai/ Join the Top Floor Mail Club https://www.topfloorpodcast.com/mail-club

Your owners are making decisions blind. PM Hotel Group just fixed that. Steve Marino, VP of IT and Hotel Systems at PM Hotel Group, explained at HITEC how they're using AI as their competitive differentiator — not to replace anyone, but to move owners from reactive to proactive. Most owners aren't hoteliers — they're investor-class people who don't know how to navigate systems or run reports. So they wait. They ask. They get frustrated. PM turned that into natural language: "Give me my cost per occupied room across these hotels for the last three weeks." Instant answers. No friction. On the BD side, AI is now helping them identify which assets and which owners actually fit their model, so they're not taking every deal that walks through the door. They're qualifying for the right fit. From HITEC. Visit pmhotelgroup.com or find them on LinkedIn. Unifocus, Workforce Management Redefined. Visit unifocus.com. Want the weekly roundup of news, videos, and what you might've missed from #NoVacancyNews? Text HOTEL to 66866.

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, 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 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.

This special episode of Top Floor comes to you from the Loading Dock at HITEC in San Antonio. A huge thank you to HFTP for hosting us at the hospitality industry's premier technology conference and for creating the opportunity to capture these unforgettable moments. Instead of our usual in-depth interview, this milestone 250th episode is a collection of Loading Dock stories—funny, surprising, and unforgettable tales shared by some of hospitality's brightest minds. Leigh Silkunas, 1AX Consulting — What happens when your hotel hosts 600 furries... and the next guests are a conservative church group. Dominic Locascio, Positron Access Solutions — The honeymoon B&B that looked like a roadside motel... until they opened the room door. Doron Dreyer, GratifID — The terrifying in-flight "bomb scare" that turned out to be an old BlackBerry. Lexi Bermingham, Bermo Co. — The Zoom interview that took a very unexpected turn when the camera angle changed. Lindsay Wenger, Directful — The frantic race to replace a bride's wedding dress after housekeeping made one catastrophic mistake. Kate Adamson, Folio — The high-stakes meeting with a celebrity entrepreneur... and the outfit that almost didn't survive it. Richard Bradbury, Quore — A motorcycle, a bathtub, and a soda machine that somehow ended up in the wrong place. Jacki Brown, Product Marketing Consultant — The Olive Garden shift that ended with shattered wine glasses and maximum panic. Adam Bermingham, Ramsi — How squeezing into a child's Batman costume accidentally launched a hospitality career. *** Next year's HITEC [link to https://www.hitec.org/about-hitec/future-locations] will be held in Orlando June 28 - July 1. Hope to see you there!!!  Connect with our storytellers: Leigh Silkunas, 1AX Consulting  https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighsilkunas/ Dominic Locascio, Positron Access Solutions  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominiclocascio/ Doron Dreyer, GratifID  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ddreyer/ Lexi Bermingham, Bermo Co.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-bermingham/ Lindsay Wenger, Directful  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-wenger/ Kate Adamson, Folio  https://www.linkedin.com/in/hikateadamson/ Richard Bradbury, Quore  https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradburyr/ Jacki Brown, Product Marketing Consultant  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackischroderbrown/ Adam Bermingham, Ramsi  https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-bermingham-aa4b7a65/ Join the Top Floor Mail Club https://www.topfloorpodcast.com/mail-club

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.

Brent Hayhurst, VP at Curator Hotel and Resort Collection, won't look at a new technology until he knows what KPI it's supposed to move.

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 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.

Denise Walker, CIO at Starwood Hotels and Resorts, started her career on a TRS-80. Thirty years later, she told me AI is the first technology she's never had to explain to anyone — people already see why it matters.

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 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 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.

Hotel operators don't lack AI options. They lack a clear way to evaluate them. At HITEC, I talked with Shannon McCallum, VP of Operations at Resorts World Las Vegas, about the HFTP AI Collective and how operators can make smarter decisions around AI tools, robotics, chatbots, reporting, and vendor partners.

Live from HITEC in San Antonio, the Steve Turk and Sarah Dandashy recap the inaugural Hospitality Creator Summit, created by Anna Blue and Anthony Melchiorri, which drew 200+ attendees for a full day of networking and creator-focused education. Sara shares first impressions of the high-energy event, meeting online peers in person, and the supportive, low-ego atmosphere. A panel on “behind the brand deal” featured Margaritaville and My Place Hotels discussing how brands choose creators, partnership paths from in-kind to paid, and the challenge of tracking bookings driven by content, including working with small-audience creators for fit and aesthetic. They note sessions on newsletters and podcasting milestones, HITEC's creator booth with interview and green-screen setups, and floor trends like better booth experiences, fewer AI buzzwords but more specific integrations, data consolidation, and room automation savings, plus a push for brands to create personality-driven, value-first content.A big shout out to our sponsor Lodgify! Starting June 17th to June 30th, use promo code THM60 for 60% off00:00 Live From HITEC00:21 Sponsor Shoutout - Lodgify 00:58 Creator Summit Recap02:55 Brand Deals Panel05:09 Creator Growth Tips05:50 Meet Tyler Behind Scenes06:37 Content Booth Setup07:31 HITEC Floor Highlights08:27 Tech Trends And AI09:57 Venue Vibes San Antonio10:16 Creators Take Over10:57 Booth Snacks and Vibes11:24 Why Brands Need Content12:55 Make Value Not Ads14:19 One Post Big Impact16:05 HCS First Day Energy17:54 After Party and Wrap

I'm at HITEC in San Antonio today and tomorrow, and I talked with Stephen Katsirubas, CIO of Pursuit Collection, about AI that's already doing real work for guests and operators. Pursuit has a lot more going on than rooms and room nights. They're dealing with lodging, attractions, retail, boating, gondolas, sky trams, and all the guest questions that come with those experiences. Stephen isn't talking about AI in some vague "future of hospitality" way. He's talking about using it now so guests get faster answers and teams spend less time buried in the same basic questions. One example got my attention: Pursuit cut call volume by more than 30% in one area by helping guests get answers about hours, parking, pet rules, and other basics before they need a person. Thanks to Unifocus. Workforce management redefined. Visit unifocus.com. Want the weekly roundup of news, videos, and what you might've missed from #NoVacancyNews? Text HOTEL to 66866.

In this episode, Martin Soler shares where hoteliers should focus as technology and AI reshape the industry. Recorded ahead of HITEC 2026, Martin explains why strong data foundations matter more than the latest AI tools, how to evaluate technology vendors through the lens of integrations and APIs, and what hotel leaders should prioritize today to prepare for what's next. If you're trying to make smarter technology decisions in a rapidly changing environment, this conversation offers a practical starting point.Read Martin's newsletter on SubstackYou may also enjoy: AI Only Works for Hotels in This Order: Data, Intelligence, Action - Stephen German, ActablYour AI Tools Won't Save You. Your Data Will. - GB Sharma, Mosaic HospitalityWhy Our Approach to Hotel Data Earned a Patent and Prepares Hotels for AI - Clark Brayton, Joseph McGroarty & Pritesh Patel, ActablFinding Gold in Your 'Data Attic': How Margaritaville's Chief Data Officer Unlocks Hidden Opportunities 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 suggestionsIf 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

Guest Bio Michelle Davis is the General Manager of the SpringHill Suites Orange Beach at The Wharf and a recognized leader known for building high-performing teams and delivering standout guest experiences. Jason Kern is the General Manager of Embassy Suites St. Augustine Beach Oceanfront Resort, where he combines servant leadership with a deep passion for hospitality and team development. Together, these award-winning leaders share lessons on culture, coaching, and customer care. *** What You'll Learn: *** • Why great GMs are leaders first and operators second • How delegation creates stronger managers and better hotels • How to stop taking guest complaints personally • The power of "unreasonable hospitality" • How empathy can defuse even the toughest guest situations • Small leadership habits that create big guest impressions • Why communication norms matter more than communication tools • The surprising value of daily team huddles • Why recognition from guests means more than you think • Why successful leaders love seeing others surpass them • Practical ways to spend less time behind a desk • Why the best GMs constantly change their routines • How building the right management team changes everything • The balance between profitability and genuine hospitality • Hilarious "only in hotels" stories you'll never forget *** The Takeaway: The best GMs don't create great hotels. They create great teams that create great guest experiences. Michelle Davis on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-davis-4037b86/ Jason Kern on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-kern-70b6496/ Sign up to record at HITEC https://forms.gle/hZCJfZXbz2vSnetD6 Top Floor Mail Club https://www.topfloorpodcast.com/mail-club

In this solo episode, Cody breaks down the top hospitality conferences and networking events every hotel owner, operator, and hospitality professional should have on their radar this year.Whether you're looking to grow your network, discover new technology, stay ahead of industry trends, or simply surround yourself with other passionate hospitality leaders—these events can completely change the trajectory of your business.Cody shares where he'll be, what makes each event unique, and how to maximize the value of attending.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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