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Business
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David Millili & Steve Carran
Each episode we discuss industry trends, talk about new technologies, and speak to industry experts. All so that you, The Modern Hotelier, can succeed in a new age of hospitality.
Total 120 episodes
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#20: Building Your Revenue Through Marketing | with Bruce Jordan

#20: Building Your Revenue Through Marketing | with Bruce Jordan

How do you up your game as a hotelier?Bruce Jordan is known as the MJ of hotels. He's the managing partner of Hotel Guest Management and specializes in turning around underperforming properties. This week he joins the show to share some of his insights with us.In this episode you'll discover:Why it's important to take every opportunity to learnHow you can set the standard for your employeesSome ways you can use marketing to increase your revenueWhy it pays off to think outside the boxThe Modern Hotelier is presented by StayflexiProduced, edited, and published by Make More MediaFor full show notes and more, head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/20
33:3018/10/2022
#19: Unlocking Value by Optimizing Hotel Operations | with Josiah Mackenzie

#19: Unlocking Value by Optimizing Hotel Operations | with Josiah Mackenzie

What is the ONE thing that you need to focus on as aJosiah Mckenzie believes it's hotel operations. When you get the operations right...Marketing becomes easierSales become easierStaffing becomes easierJosiah joins the show to talk about hotel operations as the holistic approach to running a successful hospitality business. In this episode you'll discover:Why there has never been a better time to be in the hospitality industryHow operations can unlock value Why we might be in the rebirth of hospitality right nowWhy increasing technology may make the human element more valuable than everThe Modern Hotelier is presented by StayflexiProduced, edited, and published by Make More MediaFor full show notes and more head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/19
52:2604/10/2022
#18: The Importance of Storytelling & the Difference Between US and European Hospitality | with Regitse Rosenvinge

#18: The Importance of Storytelling & the Difference Between US and European Hospitality | with Regitse Rosenvinge

Are you telling a story with your hotel? Your brand? Your marketing? Humans are wired to understand and connect with stories. If you're not weaving storytelling into your messaging you may be missing out.Regitse Rosenvinge joins us from Denmark to talk about the importance of storytelling, how it attracts customers, makes them feel safe, and creates brand loyalty. Regitse is communications and social media consultant for hospitality brands and hotels. We also talk about the difference between US and European hospitality and the challenges facing each right now. In this episode you'll discover:Why it's important to utilize storytelling in your messagingThe differences between US and European hospitality and serviceDavid's biggest pet peevesThe Modern Hotelier is presented by StayflexiProduced, edited, and published by Make More MediaFor full show notes and more head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/18
35:4520/09/2022
#17: Marketing, Focus, & Giving Guests Choice | with Alan Young

#17: Marketing, Focus, & Giving Guests Choice | with Alan Young

This week we talk marketing with Alan Young who is the President and Co-Founder of Puzzle Partner, who are experts in content marketing for B2B Hotel and Travel Tech companies.In this episode you'll discover:Why you need to focus on what you're good at, to provide value to your targetThe importance of simplifying your messaging, especially as hospitality tech companies.People want personalization more than ever, we need to provided our customers with choice. The Modern Hotelier is presented by StayflexiProduced, edited, and published by Make More MediaFor full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/17
43:3406/09/2022
#16: Creating Revenue Through Technology | with GB Sharma

#16: Creating Revenue Through Technology | with GB Sharma

Do you think data is "sexy"? Do you know how to drive revenue through understanding the data and utilizing technology?Well, our guest today, Gaurav "GB" Sharma definitely does. GB is the Executive VP of EOS Hospitality, he's a self-proclaimed data nerd, and he has extensive experience driving revenue through technology for hotels. Previous to EOS, he was the CRO at The Impulsive Group and served as the VP of Revenue & Distribution in multiple different regions for Highgate. We're excited for you to get to know GB and pick up some insights on how to generate more revenue through technology.In this episode you'll discover:How understanding data can be exciting and extremely important in understanding how to generate revenue.Why folks in the Hospitality Industry need to learn from each other when it comes to technology.The importance of understanding storytelling and weaving it through digital messaging. The Modern Hotelier is presented by StayflexiProduced, edited, and published by Make More MediaFor full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/16
43:1723/08/2022
#15: How to Get Great Guest Reviews | with Adele Gutman

#15: How to Get Great Guest Reviews | with Adele Gutman

Like it or not online reviews are an important part of your properties' online presence. But how do you make sure you get good reviews?And what do you do with negative reviews? Do you avoid them? Ignore them? Or do you take that feedback and information to improve your guest experience?Our guest today says that feedback is a gift. Adele Gutman is a Hospitality Culture, CX and Guest Experience Expert. She currently is the Host of the Get Great Guest Reviews podcast and formerly was the Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Revenue at the Library Hotel Collection. While at the Library Hotel Collection they had the highest guest satisfaction in the world. She knows a thing or two about getting great guest reviews and shares her expertise on how to improve guest satisfaction. We think you'll learn a lot from this one!In this episode you'll discover:Why making sure your online presence accurately reflects what guests can expect is critical. The importance of actually solving problems to help your teamWhy feedback is a giftThe mindset that is the biggest challenge to hospitality currentlyHow to work with your team to come up with solutions and generate buy-inThe Modern Hotelier is presented by StayflexiProduced, edited, and published by Make More MediaFor full show notes and links head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/15
54:4409/08/2022
#14: You Shouldn't Have to Pay For Bad Weather | with Mark Bruno

#14: You Shouldn't Have to Pay For Bad Weather | with Mark Bruno

The Independent Lodging Congress's Indie Cultivate helps to support innovation and start-ups in hospitality and travel. On this episode we announce and talk to the seed round winner.You ever wish you could control the weather? Make the rain hold off until after your beach trip? You might not be able to prevent bad weather, but one company believes that you shouldn't have to pay for it. The winner of ILC's Growth round is Sensible Weather. Sensible Weather is a climate risk technology company that de-risks weather for both travel partners and consumers. They offer a partner-branded Weather Guarantee service that automatically reimburses travelers when bad weather impacts their in-trip experience. Through proprietary climate data and risk analytics platform, they can calculate Weather Guarantee pricing in real time, generating new revenue for partners and enhanced experiences for travelers. Sensible believes that bad weather isn't something you should have to pay for. In this episode you'll discover:Why you shouldn't have to pay for pad weatherHow constraints help companies do betterHow bad weather insurance worksHow to create a great work cultureThe Modern Hotelier is presented by StayflexiProduced, edited, and published by Make More MediaFor full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/14
29:1226/07/2022
#13: ILC Cultivate Winner | Guiding You to Your New Favorite Restaurant

#13: ILC Cultivate Winner | Guiding You to Your New Favorite Restaurant

The Independent Lodging Congress's Indie Cultivate helps to support innovation and start-ups in hospitality and travel. On this episode we announce and talk to the seed round winner.Have you ever been traveling or in a new city and you just can't decide where you should eat? Or have you ever gotten a bad recommendation from a friend? Maybe it's their favorite spot, but it's just not really your vibe?Sure, you can check the google reviews and ratings, but how can you be sure to find a place that you will actually enjoy?What if there was an app our there that took your personal preferences, taste tests, and reviews into consideration to recommend places it knows you'll enjoy? Maybe even help you find your new favorite place?Well, good news! The winner of Indie Cultivate's seed round is the Course Restaurant Guide. The founder and CEO, Josh Sapienza joins us to tell us how they have designed the app and taken more time to make sure they can serve you better, hopefully guiding you to your new favorite spot.In this episode you'll discover:The idea behind the Course Restaurant GuideThe importance of taking time to get to know your guestWhy you need to get a mentorThe experiences and failures of launching companies and appsThe Modern Hotelier is presented by StayflexiProduced, edited, and published by Make More MediaFor full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/13
34:1119/07/2022
#12: Live From HITEC 2022

#12: Live From HITEC 2022

David and Steve recently took the show on the road to HITEC 2022 in Orlando, FL. Tune in for some live, in-person interviews from the show floor.Venkat Sakamuri, Ira Vouk, Joss Schaap and Yasmine Mustafa stop by to share their thoughts on HITEC 2022.The Modern Hotelier is presented by StayflexiProduced, edited, and published by Make More MediaFor full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/12
19:1805/07/2022
#11: Bringing Independent Hotels Together | Jen Barnwell

#11: Bringing Independent Hotels Together | Jen Barnwell

Being an Independent Hotel is challenging on all fronts. You don't have the support or resources of the big brands and yet you're likely having to pay much more for your tech stacks and services.Curator wants to fix this. That's why we were so excited to have Jen Barnwell, the President of Curator, on the show.Curator's mission is to have independent hotels join forces and get the power of scale without sacrificing the spirit of independence. They get all the tools to help make hotels run their best, without all the rules that make big brand hotels the same everywhere you go. That means freedom to keep focusing on guests and their experience above all else.Jen also shares her advice that got her where she is today: take in as much as you possibly can. She wanted to be in every meeting and a part of every new project. Whether you're an independent hotelier or just getting starting in hospitality, there is something in this episode for you.In this episode you'll discover:What makes independent hotels so specialHow independent hotels can be stronger togetherWhy it's import to take in as much as you canThe importance of empathy in leadershipThe Modern Hotelier is presented by StayflexiProduced, edited, and published by Make More MediaFor Full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/11
59:5421/06/2022
#10: NYU Hospitality Innovation Hub Winner | with Richie Karaburun & Chixa

#10: NYU Hospitality Innovation Hub Winner | with Richie Karaburun & Chixa

In this special episode Dr. Richie Karaburun, the director of the Tisch Center of Hospitality Innovation Hub Incubator, joins us to talk about NYU's Hospitality Innovation Hub Incubator Program and announce this season's winner. The winner's co-founder, Andrea Garrido, also joins us. She talk about the idea that started Chixa and why she's passionate about it. She also shares their plans for bringing Chixa to the market.In this episode you'll discover:What the NYU Hospitality Innovation Hub Incubator isThe winner of this season's incubatorThe family recipe that sparked the idea for ChixaWhy commitment, passion, and the ability to use resources well is essential for any start-up.The Modern Hotelier is presented by StayflexiProduced, edited, and published by Make More MediaFor full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/10
46:1014/06/2022
#9: Travel, Hospitality & the MetaVerse | with Michael Cohen

#9: Travel, Hospitality & the MetaVerse | with Michael Cohen

What exactly is the MetaVerse? And how can it impact the hospitality and travel industry?Michael Cohen is an innovative tech leader and a MetaVerse advisor. Currently, he is the an advisor and board member at Ugo Virtual and an advisor for Messerschmitt Systems. He joins us to talk about what the MetaVerse is and how virtual reality and augmented reality can impact the hospitality & travel industry. In this episode you'll discover:What the MetaVerse isWhy you need to have the virtual reality & augmented reality tools in your toolboxHow hotels can start implementing this technologyThe benefit of using virtual & augmented reality for training and staff retentionWhy implementing this technology is a slam dunk for the hospitality industryThe Modern Hotelier is presented by StayflexiProduced, edited, and published by Make More MediaFor full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/9
01:00:0307/06/2022
#8: Living the Dream in Las Vegas | with Judy Chen

#8: Living the Dream in Las Vegas | with Judy Chen

Our first ever in-person episode! And in Las Vegas, no less! We're very excited to share our conversation with Judy Chen, who is the VP of Development at Dream Hotel Group.Judy has experience in architectural design and real estate development and a focus on luxury lifestyle hotels, food & beverage, nightlife, and private members club. She joins us to share her insights on developing a property in Las Vegas, being creative when dealing with challenges, and the importance of being well-read. In this episode you'll discover:How every experience we have is relevant for the next step.The importance of being well-read.How to be creative when faced with issues and limitationsThe Modern Hotelier is presented by StayflexiProduced, edited, and published by Make More MediaFor full show notes head here: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/8
44:4131/05/2022
#7: From Housekeeper to CEO | with Sarah Eustis

#7: From Housekeeper to CEO | with Sarah Eustis

Why should hoteliers embrace technology? How can it help provide a better guest experience? And what are the most essential technologies for modern hoteliers to implement today?Sarah Eustis started out as a housekeeper in her family's hotel. Now, she is the CEO of Main Street Hospitality which operates over 10 fantastic independent hotels located in the North East. In between, Sarah held leadership roles in the fashion industry working on operations, marketing, design, and development for brands like Ralph Lauren, Gap, and Limited Brands. With that background she is very focused on design and how spaces are designed to foster connection with guests and between guests. We're excited to share this conversation with Sarah Eustis!In this episode you'll discover:Why it's important to surround yourself with people smarter than youHow to foster connectionsWhy you might need to look in the mirror if you're having a hard time finding and keeping staffHow what you do impacts how guest feelThe Modern Hotelier is presented by StayflexiProduced, edited, and published by Make More MediaFor full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/7
51:4724/05/2022
#6: Building Modern Luxury | with Dr. Jeffrey O

#6: Building Modern Luxury | with Dr. Jeffrey O

Have you ever had an experience that completely blew you away? That left you thinking, "it can't possibly be this good"? Where the service was just sublime?CEO, Dr. Jeffrey O, and St. Justine Hotels and Residences are aiming to provide this level of service. They are building modern luxury on the cornerstones of beauty and consistency. Dr. Jeffrey O is an author, educator, motivational speaker, as well as a self proclaimed service evangelist and he joins us to share his experience in building St. Justine Hotels and Residences, his insights on providing exceptional services, his writing, and so much more!In this episode you'll discover:Where Dr. Jeffrey finds inspiration for his writingWhy consistency is so importantHow training staff well is essentialThe power of recognize people and their workFor full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/6The Modern Hotelier is presented by StayflexiProduced, edited, and published by Make More Media
51:2917/05/2022
#5: Independent Hospitality | with Andrew Benioff

#5: Independent Hospitality | with Andrew Benioff

What is independent hospitality? What does it mean to be an indie hotel? And what are the things you need to do to succeed as an independent hotelier?Andrew Benioff is the the Founder and Chairman of the Independent Lodging Congress, Founder and Chairman of the Philadelphia Real Estate Council, and an advisory board member of the Hotel of Tomorrow. He has unique cross-section of experience in hospitality, real estate, and investment banking and is a forward thinking voice in independent hospitality. He joins us to talk about what independent hospitality means and how you can succeed as an indie hotelier.In this episode you'll discover:What it means to be independent in hospitalityThe importance of understanding the community you're inHow can you succeed as an independent hotelierWhy some of the bigger luxury brands are losing their wayWhere true hospitality comes fromWhat makes ILC events unique The Modern Hotelier is presented by StayflexiProduced, edited, and published by Make More Media
48:1210/05/2022
#4: A Life of Hospitality | with Sarah Dandashy

#4: A Life of Hospitality | with Sarah Dandashy

How can you provide a better guest experience? What does it take to be an award winning concierge? And what is groove theory??Sarah Dandashy joins the show to share her expertise. Sarah was an award winning concierge, but now as a content creator travel expert and hospitality, author and consultant. Sarah has worked in some of the best hotels in the country, including The Peninsula, Four Seasons and Fairmont hotels and was the head concierge at London west Hollywood.Sarah has grown Ask a Concierge from a vlog to a multimedia platform with over 200,000 followers. She also has her own podcast called Say Yes To Travel and released her first book this past November called "Hospitality From Within".In this episode you'll discover:How to provide a better guest experienceHow an award winning concierge approaches tough requestsWhy serving in the hospitality industry can be such a joySarah's advice for those getting started in hospitalityFor full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/4The Modern Hotelier is presented by StayflexiProduced, edited, and published by Make More Media
54:4703/05/2022
#3: Transparency, Loyalty & Relentless Pursuit | with Ellis Connolly

#3: Transparency, Loyalty & Relentless Pursuit | with Ellis Connolly

Hotel guests' needs and expectations are evolving. How does the hospitality industry evolve with them to set proper expectations and provide a great experience? Ellis Connolly, CRO of Laasie, joins us to to shed some light on these questions and much more. Ellis has a wealth of experience with hospitality and travel technology companies. He was the the CRO and Executive VP of TrustYou, the Senior VP and Head of Sales at Rainmaker Group (acquired by Cendyn), and the Senior VP of Business Development at Zingle before becoming the CRO at Laasie. Ellis talks about the need to be transparent and properly set guest expectations, how to be relentless in your pursuits, and so much more. We're excited to share this conversation with you!In this episode you'll discover:The need for transparencyWhat's changing with how consumers are thinking of loyalty programsWhy you should relentlessly pursue everythingThe opportunity in many different sectors of the hospitality industry The Modern Hotelier is presented by StayflexiProduced, edited, and published by Make More MediaFor full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/3
54:1726/04/2022
#2: Technology is the Only Way Forward in Hospitality | with Max Starkov

#2: Technology is the Only Way Forward in Hospitality | with Max Starkov

Why should hoteliers embrace technology? How can it help provide a better guest experience? And what are the most essential technologies for modern hoteliers to implement today?Max Starkov joins us and shares us to share his insights on all things tech. Max has a wealth experience with technology within hospitality. He is currently a professor of hospitality technology at NYU and has founded and served as president and/or CEO for numerous online travel startups such as: NextGuest, Travelbreak.com, and WhaleMedia Technologies.In this episode you'll discover:Why hotelier need to embrace technologyWhat the most essential technology to implement right now is.Max's background and growing up in Bulgaria.Max's advise for aspiring hospitality professionals. The Modern Hotelier is presented by StayflexiProduced, edited, and published by Make More MediaFor full show notes, head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/2
51:0119/04/2022
#1: From a Brooklyn Kid to a TV Star | with Anthony Melchiorri

#1: From a Brooklyn Kid to a TV Star | with Anthony Melchiorri

What does the hospitality industry suck at? How can you implement technology, but still maintain a personal touch? And what made Anthony laugh so hard he fell out of his chair??Anthony Melchiorri, creator and host of Hotel Impossible, President of Argeo Hospitality, co-host of the No Vacancy Podcast, and keynote speaker joins us to share his insights on leading high level teams, implementing technology, some behind-the-scenes stories of Hotel Impossible, and so much more!In this episode you'll discover:When not to be creative.What the hospitality industry sucks at.How to implement technology and keep a personal touch.Why it's important to maintain high standards for your team.The Modern Hotelier is presented by StayflexiProduced, edited, and published by Make More MediaFor full show notes head here: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/1
01:05:0812/04/2022