Josiah Mackenzie has spent over 20 years building, selling, and buying technology. In this tell-all episode, he shares his insider's guide to buying, implementing, and getting the most out of hotel technology today.

Listen now to learn:

Why technology is essential in today’s fast-paced hospitality landscape
Key steps to take before searching for technology solutions
Proven methods for evaluating tech solutions
Tips for making a strong business case and getting buy-in
How to implement technology in a way that helps you get the results you need
Strategies for succeeding with technology over the long term (including insider "hacks" for getting VIP treatment)

Timestamps:

Introduction & Why This Matters

My Background

[10:03] Coding & first steps in software
[11:54] ReviewPro (operations)
[13:36] Duetto (revenue management)
[14:34] Juniper Square (investment management)
[16:16] The benefits of a career in hotel tech

Before You Start Looking for Technology

[17:16] Start with problems
[18:15] Innovation through observation
[19:49] Collecting stakeholder needs

How to Evaluate Technology

[21:22] Ask trusted hospitality professionals
[22:51] Research online (Hotel Tech Report)
[24:55] Move beyond typical demos
[25:51] Have meaningful conversations
[26:11] Compare provider engagement styles

Making the Purchase

[31:34] Building the business case
[32:00] Getting buy-in
[34:16] Contract negotiation

Implementation & Success

[37:39] Cross-functional team involvement
[38:07] Staged rollout approach
[39:37] Working with implementation teams
[42:22] Internal marketing importance
[43:43] Maintaining momentum

Long-term Success

[44:03] Staying connected with tech partners
[45:04] Being a customer reference
[45:54] Participating in user groups
[46:29] Continuous evaluation

Resources mentioned:

The Story Behind Hospitality Daily (Josiah Mackenzie, interviewed by Steve Turk)
What's Happening in Hotel Tech Today? - Jordan Hollander, Hotel Tech Report

A few more resources:

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Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

專訪李立峯，談香港媒體過去五年的變化