In this episode, Sophie Hulgard, Chief Sales Officer at Accor, shares insights on the power of providing hospitality through meetings, the economic impact of face-to-face events, and how hotels can maximize these opportunities.Listen now to learn about:The impact of the pandemic on the meetings and events industry.The value of face-to-face meetings versus digital interactions.Key findings from Accor's recent research on the economic impact of meetings.Differences in meeting value perceptions across various countries.The unique advantages hotels have in hosting meetings.Accor's emphasis on sustainability in meetings.The role of technology in enhancing meeting experiences.The importance of flexibility and agility in meeting spaces.The return on investment of in-person meetings for businesses.See Accor’s Research: Unlocking Growth Through Face-to-Face MeetingsIf you liked this, you might also like: Observations from San Francisco on the Hotel Space Advantage in the New AI Economy (by Josiah Mackenzie)Send Josiah a text Sign up for the Mint Pillow newsletter and start receiving the independent hotel industry’s freshest newsletter today. Take my State of Hotel Industry Survey now to get insights on challenges, priorities, and opportunities in hospitality today.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

In this episode, Guillaume Benezech, Senior Director of Global Brand Management and Marketing for The Ritz-Carlton, shares his insights on AI's underestimated power in hospitality and technology's role in enhancing luxury experiences.Listen now to learn about:The importance of innovation and the rapid pace of AI in hospitality.How AI can alleviate administrative burdens for hospitality leaders.The balance between human connection and technology in luxury hospitality.The impact of AI on guest comfort, anticipation of needs, and financial performance.The role of technology in reducing stress and increasing productivity for hospitality staff.The necessity of maintaining "human capital" in guest-facing roles.Observations on luxury travelers' engagement with technology and the trend towards wellness and relaxation.If you liked this, you may also enjoy:ChatGPT for Hotel Reviews: AI Lessons From Our 1 Hour, $20 Live ExperimentHard Truths on Hotel Tech: Unfiltered Insider AdviceSend Josiah a text Sign up for the Mint Pillow newsletter and start receiving the independent hotel industry’s freshest newsletter today. Take my State of Hotel Industry Survey now to get insights on challenges, priorities, and opportunities in hospitality today.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

In this episode, Josiah Mackenzie reflects on what he learned building an AI bot in ChatGPT and Claude with Adele Gutman to help answer online hotel reviews.Watch Us Build an AI Bot to Answer Hotel Reviews on YouTubeListen to our other episodes with Adele:How to understand guest review scores“Good isn’t good. Only great is good.”How The Library Hotel Collection reached #1 in the worldSend Josiah a text Sign up for the Mint Pillow newsletter and start receiving the independent hotel industry’s freshest newsletter today. Take my State of Hotel Industry Survey now to get insights on challenges, priorities, and opportunities in hospitality today.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

In this episode, Lou Zameryka, founder of Alively and partner at Ventures Hospitality, shares insights on the creative use of artificial intelligence in the commercial functions of hospitality - sales, marketing, and revenue management - from a recent HSMAI event.Listen now to hear about:The importance of understanding different types of AI and their applications in the hospitality industry.How AI can be practically applied in sales training using video avatars and gamification.The role of generative AI in marketing and the need for hotels to optimize their content for AI-based conversational search.The concept of attribute-based pricing in revenue management and its potential to enhance revenue by targeting specific customer cohorts.The idea of AI-native companies and "boundaryless intelligence."Links:Lou's LinkedIn post about this HSMAI eventUpcoming events by HSMAIOther episodes with Lou:Building Booking.com: Lessons In Culture, Innovation, And Global Growth from Behind The SceneUnlocking Human Potential: The Power of "Healthspan" in HospitalitySend Josiah a text Sign up for the Mint Pillow newsletter and start receiving the independent hotel industry’s freshest newsletter today. Take my State of Hotel Industry Survey now to get insights on challenges, priorities, and opportunities in hospitality today.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

In this episode, Ryan Mann, a partner at McKinsey, shares insights on the growing trend of Travel Tuesday and its implications for the travel and hospitality industry.Listen now to learn:What Travel Tuesday is and how it compares to Black Friday and Cyber Monday.The types of travel deals available during Travel Tuesday and how consumers can take advantage of them.The benefits for the hospitality industry in participating in Travel Tuesday, especially during off-season and shoulder season.The shift in consumer behavior from buying goods to seeking experiences.The importance of staying close to guests and understanding their changing preferences.The critical balance between marketing travel experiences and delivering on those promises.More:McKinsey: Travel Tuesday is real—and growingCNBC: Consumer interest in 'Travel Tuesday' soarsHospitality Daily Podcast: How The World's Best Hotels Deliver Exceptional Service - Ryan MannHospitality Daily Podcast: Why McKinsey's Ryan Mann Sees So Much Potential in Hospitality NowSend Josiah a text Sign up for the Mint Pillow newsletter and start receiving the independent hotel industry’s freshest newsletter today. Take my State of Hotel Industry Survey now to get insights on challenges, priorities, and opportunities in hospitality today.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

In this episode, Victoria Gordon, Front-of-House Manager at Timber Cove Resort, shares her journey from front desk agent to manager and offers her unique perspective on the role of technology in hospitality.Listen now to learn about:Victoria's career path from a front desk agent to a manager at Timber Cove Resort.The importance of community and collaboration in a remote hospitality setting.The value of training and development in hospitality careers.The transition from retail to hospitality and the skills that transfer.The role of AI and technology in enhancing guest experiences without losing the human touch.The responsibilities and daily tasks of a front-of-house manager.How Timber Cove Resort maintains a balance between technology and personalized guest service.Insights into the unique aspects of working in a remote, nature-based resort.Send Josiah a text Sign up for the Mint Pillow newsletter and start receiving the independent hotel industry’s freshest newsletter today. Take my State of Hotel Industry Survey now to get insights on challenges, priorities, and opportunities in hospitality today.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

In this episode, Joli Barfield, founder of New York City Women in Hospitality, shares her inspiring story of starting the organization and offers valuable insights on building genuine relationships in the hospitality industry.Listen now to learn about:The importance of relationships in achieving success in hospitality.How New York City Women in Hospitality was founded - and its evolution.The impact of the pandemic on the hospitality industry and how the organization adapted.The activities and events organized by New York City Women in Hospitality.Tips on how to engage and contribute effectively in networking events.Advice for starting a similar organization in other cities.Send Josiah a text Sign up for the Mint Pillow newsletter and start receiving the independent hotel industry’s freshest newsletter today. Take my State of Hotel Industry Survey now to get insights on challenges, priorities, and opportunities in hospitality today.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

In this episode, Joli Barfield, Cluster Director of Learning at Montage International, shares her insights on managing burnout in the hospitality industry and maintaining personal well-being.Listen now to learn about:The prevalence of burnout in the hospitality industry and its impact on career decisions.Strategies for maintaining mental and physical health in a demanding work environment.The importance of disconnecting from technology and finding personal ways to recharge.Habits that can enhance performance.The role of meditation and stillness in managing stress.Creative ways to find inspiration and stay motivated.The significance of understanding the history and story of the places where you work.If you enjoyed this, listen to our other episode: Behind the Scenes of Montage’s World-Class Training ProgramsSend Josiah a text Sign up for the Mint Pillow newsletter and start receiving the independent hotel industry’s freshest newsletter today. Take my State of Hotel Industry Survey now to get insights on challenges, priorities, and opportunities in hospitality today.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

In this episode, Oral Muir, Vice President of Partnerships, Experiences, and Distribution at Hilton, shares insights into how Hilton leverages creative partnerships to enhance hospitality experiences and stay relevant to evolving traveler trends.How Hilton's 20-year partnership with McLaren Racing delivers unique benefits for both brands and their customers.The importance of long-term partnerships and the value they bring to both parties.How Hilton approaches partnerships with brands outside the hospitality industry.The role of research and insights in driving creative and meaningful hospitality experiences.The significance of rest and high-quality stays for performance, particularly in the context of McLaren Racing.The growing trend of adventure-seeking among younger consumers and how Hilton is addressing this trend.The process of turning research insights into actionable strategies and partnerships.The potential role of AI in enhancing the use of data and insights in hospitality.Also see: The Hilton 2025 Trends ReportSend Josiah a text Sign up for the Mint Pillow newsletter and start receiving the independent hotel industry’s freshest newsletter today. Take my State of Hotel Industry Survey now to get insights on challenges, priorities, and opportunities in hospitality today.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

In this episode, Greg Früchtenicht, Chief Operating Officer at Saira Hospitality, shares how his team is transforming the hospitality hiring process by turning rejections into referrals through Saira Connect, a new initiative designed to help hotels find hidden talent while supporting candidates in their career journeys.Listeners Will Learn:The key challenges hospitality recruiters face with one-click job portals and overwhelming volumes of applications.How rejection emails can be transformed into referral opportunities to match candidates with better-suited roles.Insights into the Saira Connect model, which combines human-centered screening and workshops to prepare candidates for hospitality careers.How the program benefits both candidates and hotel partners by creating a more inclusive and supportive hiring process.Real-world examples of candidates who found meaningful opportunities through Saira Connect.Why a human touch in recruitment can improve candidate experiences and elevate employer branding in the hospitality industry.How local partnerships and training programs can address systemic hiring challenges and strengthen the talent pipeline.You may also enjoy: Offering Hope Through Hospitality: How We Worked with St. Giles Hotels to Create Opportunities for our Community - Greg Früchtenicht, Saira HospitalitySend Josiah a text Sign up for the Mint Pillow newsletter and start receiving the independent hotel industry’s freshest newsletter today. Take my State of Hotel Industry Survey now to get insights on challenges, priorities, and opportunities in hospitality today.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