Explore every episode of the podcast The Modern Hotelier
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| #347: How Sofitel is Using Competitive Intelligence, Location Data, and AI to Improve Hotel Marketing | with Evan Saunders | 05 Nov 2026 | 00:09:40 | |
In this special Destination AI episode of The Modern Hotelier, David Millili sits down with Evan Saunders of Azira to explore how location intelligence, behavioral data, and AI are transforming hotel marketing and travel demand generation. Evan explains how hotels can use competitive intelligence and audience segmentation to identify high-intent travelers beyond their existing customer base, understand competitor audiences, and turn those insights into targeted marketing campaigns that drive incremental revenue. He also discusses the growing shift away from traditional OTA-dependent marketing, the changing ways travelers discover properties, and how AI helps hospitality brands analyze large volumes of data and reach the right audiences more effectively. The conversation also explores the Sofitel New York campaign, measuring marketing performance beyond clicks and direct bookings, and the importance of using attribution and transaction data to understand the true impact of advertising. In this episode, you'll learn about:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VCqkbZ8H49c Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/347 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #346: Hospitality AI Roundtable: How Hoteliers Can Trust, Deploy, and Profit from AI | 03 Nov 2026 | 00:58:01 | |
How is AI transforming the hospitality industry, and what will the hotel of the future look like? In this special roundtable episode of The Modern Hotelier, David Millili and Steve Carran bring together five hospitality and technology leaders at Hotel Zena in Washington, DC, during Destination AI to discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping hotel operations, technology investments, and the guest experience. Joining the conversation are Raymond Martz, Co-President and CFO of Pebblebrook Hotel Trust; Stephen German, SVP of Product at Actabl; Keryn McNamara, CIO of Aimbridge Hospitality; Sajid Shariff, CEO and Founder of Dextr AI; and Omri Shalev, Co-Founder and CEO of Reeco. Together, they explore where AI is delivering the greatest value in hotel operations, from labor efficiency and autonomous procurement to revenue optimization, direct bookings, and better guest experiences. They also discuss the importance of clean data, system integration, AI adoption, and why successful technology implementation requires more than simply adding another tool to a hotel's tech stack. The panel shares practical insights on evaluating AI investments, measuring return on investment (ROI), improving hotel profitability (GOP), reducing operational workloads, and preparing hospitality teams for an increasingly AI-driven future. In this episode, you'll discover:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9PdGAwmYUsw Links: Stephen German on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-german-88aa8b51/ Actabl: https://actabl.com/
Keryn McNamara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerynmcnamara/ Aimbridge Hospitality: https://www.aimbridgehospitality.com/
Sajid Shariff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shariffsajid/ Dextr AI: https://www.dextr.ai/
Omri Shalev on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omri-shalev-reeco/ Reeco: https://www.reeco.com/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/346 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #345: Hotel Worker Strikes, The Luxury Boom, and A.I. Rollouts in Hotels | with Simone Harms | 29 Oct 2026 | 00:15:52 | |
In this episode of The Modern Hotelier Hospitality Hot Topics, Steve Carran and David Millili welcome Simone Harms, Managing Director of The Ameswell Hotel, to discuss the latest trends shaping the hospitality industry. The conversation explores the ongoing hotel worker strikes in Chicago, the rapid growth of luxury travel, and the importance of personalized guest experiences. They also examine the growing adoption of artificial intelligence in hospitality, the challenges of implementing AI without a clear strategy, and how technology can streamline hotel operations while allowing teams to focus on delivering exceptional service. Simone shares insights into The Ameswell Hotel’s innovative experiences, including its immersive seven-course dining experience, NASA-inspired dinners, and stargazing experiences. She also discusses the property’s partnership with AI Hospitality Group and how AI-powered solutions can simplify hotel technology systems and improve the guest experience.
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/D_sIoekPCC0 Links: Company Website: https://www.theameswellhotel.com/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/345 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #344: Leading Two Independent Hotels & Winning General Manager of the Year | with Oksana Gyulnazaryan | 27 Oct 2026 | 00:16:00 | |
In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Oksana Gyulnazaryan, Area General Manager at Viceroy and Highgate, to discuss her journey in hospitality, leadership lessons, and the importance of creating unique, locally inspired guest experiences. From starting as a front desk agent to leading two distinctive Washington, D.C. properties, Oksana shares how working across different hotel brands, departments, and markets shaped her leadership philosophy. She also discusses her recognition as Viceroy Hotels and Resorts’ 2026 General Manager of the Year and what makes Viceroy Washington, D.C. and Hotel Zena stand out. Oksana explains how hotels can maintain consistent service standards while developing their own identities, build meaningful connections with local communities, and create team cultures that reflect their property's values. She also offers advice for aspiring hospitality professionals and shares why genuine passion for the industry remains essential. The conversation wraps up with a discussion about the future of hospitality, including how artificial intelligence and technology can support hotel teams, streamline operations, and enhance guest service without losing the human connection at the heart of hospitality. In this episode, you'll discover:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pgWVvN73Cug Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/344 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #343: The Future of Hospitality in Latin America | with Rocco Bova | 22 Oct 2026 | 00:38:30 | |
In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Rocco Bova, founder of the Summit Latinoamericano Branded Residences, to discuss the future of hospitality in Mexico and Latin America, the growth of luxury branded residences, and the importance of human connection in the guest experience. With a career spanning international hospitality brands such as Jumeirah, Four Seasons, Hilton, Aman, and St. Regis, Rocco shares how his global experiences shaped his leadership philosophy and inspired him to launch hospitality-focused summits and challenge traditional approaches to industry education. In This Episode, You'll Learn About:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OYtV98L5C18 Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/343 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #342: Hotel Financing: Rates, Deal Killers, & Flags vs. Independents | with Ryan Bosch | 20 Oct 2026 | 00:28:40 | |
How do hotel financing decisions impact profitability, deal viability, and investment opportunities? In this episode, hosts Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Ryan Bosch, Principal at Arriba Capital, to explore the financial realities shaping today’s hospitality industry. Ryan shares his unconventional journey from building a multimillion-dollar professional paintball business to becoming a hotel capital markets advisor. He explains how lenders evaluate hotel financial statements, why refinancing based on predictions of lower interest rates can be risky, and how branded and independent hotels compare when it comes to financing and profitability. In this episode, you’ll learn about:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0jZdlGMqB_Q Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/342 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #341: 4 vs 5-Star Service, AI's Timeline, and Scaling Unique Hotel Brands | Hospitality Roundtable | 15 Oct 2026 | 01:00:50 | |
What does the future of hospitality look like as hotels balance rising costs, evolving guest expectations, and the rapid growth of AI? In this special roundtable episode of The Modern Hotelier, Steve Carran and David Millili welcome four hospitality leaders to The Gallery at The Betsy Hotel in Miami Beach for an in-depth conversation about the challenges and opportunities shaping the industry. Joining the discussion are Stuart Greif, Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer at Forbes Travel Guide; Luis Segredo, co-founder of Data Travel, LLC and developer of Hapi; Amber Asher, former CEO of Standard Hotels and Bunkhouse Hotels; and Josh Johnston, CEO and founder of TrayAway. Together, they explore how technology and artificial intelligence can streamline hotel operations, connect fragmented systems, improve decision-making, and create new revenue opportunities without sacrificing the human connection that defines exceptional hospitality. The conversation also examines the growing pressure on hotel profitability, the challenge of maintaining consistent four- and five-star service standards, and how independent hotels can preserve their unique identities while competing in an increasingly technology-driven market. From AI-powered personalization and operational automation to staff development, company culture, and the importance of trusted guest data, the panel shares practical insights into what it takes to build a sustainable future for hospitality. In this episode, you'll discover:
As the hospitality industry evolves, one message remains clear: technology should not replace hospitality. It should give people more time, better tools, and greater opportunities to make every guest experience memorable.
This episode is sponsored by Hapi & TrayAway: Links: Stuart Greif Stuart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuartwgreif Luis Segredo Luis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luissegredo Josh Johnston Josh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-johnston-261a8342/?isSelfProfile=false For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/341 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #340: Streamlining Wi-Fi Management for Your Hotel | with Hannah Greenberg, CEO of Eleven | 13 Oct 2026 | 00:47:19 | |
How can hotels use technology, AI, and better Wi-Fi to improve guest experience? In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Hannah Greenberg, CEO of Eleven, to explore the future of hospitality technology, hotel operations, entrepreneurship, and what it truly takes to deliver exceptional guest service. Hannah shares her journey from working at a hotel front desk at just 16 years old to acquiring Eleven through entrepreneurship through acquisition. With experience in hotel operations, real estate development, private equity, and hospitality software, she explains why successful hotel technology is about more than just implementing new products. She also discusses the importance of cybersecurity, loyalty enrollment, modernizing legacy hotel systems, and balancing technology investments with other capital expenditures. She shares practical advice for hotel owners and hospitality leaders on evaluating technology solutions, embracing fresh perspectives, and building a culture where people and service come first. In this episode, you'll discover:
This episode is sponsored by Eleven: https://www.elevensoftware.com/ Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/fbmbOuLJ7-c Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/340 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #339: Cabañas Launch Astound, Dormakaba Acquires Alliants, Booking on Social Media | Christopher Ahlgrim | 09 Oct 2026 | 00:22:04 | |
On this episode of The Modern Hotelier Hospitality Hot Topics, Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Christopher Ahlgrim from Preferred Travel Group to talk about the latest news and trends in hospitality. They kick things off with a look at Astound Ventures’ new $30 million investment fund and Dormakaba’s acquisition of Alliants, and what these moves could mean for hotel technology and the guest experience. They also get into why travelers are still hesitant to book hotels through social media, especially with AI making it easier to create misleading photos and content. Chris also talks about how AI is changing the way travelers find hotels, why keeping website rates competitive matters, and how hotels can protect their margins while encouraging more direct bookings. If you work in hospitality or want to keep up with what’s happening in the hotel industry, this episode is packed with useful insights and real-world perspectives. In this episode, you’ll learn about:
Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/339 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #338: Why Hotels Need Custom AI Workflows | with Sajid Shariff | 06 Oct 2026 | 00:33:09 | |
Is your hotel lost in the "AI pilot trap"? In this episode recorded live at AI Washington, D.C., David and Steve sit down with Sajid Shariff, Founder and CEO of Dextr AI, to discuss how multi-agent AI systems are shifting hospitality from simple chatbots to full-scale operational intelligence. Sajid shares his journey from IIT Bombay and Stanford to building businesses across consulting, tech, and hospitality. He breaks down why single-point tech solutions are failing hoteliers, how Dextr AI automates everything from front desk lockouts and room reservations to tailored guest food-allergy workflows, and how voice AI is capturing missed direct-booking revenue. Key Topics Covered:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8p6Yn0EYiPM Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/338 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #337: How Revenue Management Is Changing & Giving Independent Hotels An Advantage | with Steve Taft & Tim Kolman | 01 Oct 2026 | 00:28:24 | |
What can a modern revenue management system (RMS) actually do for an independent hotel? For many 40-room independent hotels, revenue management is still something owners and operators handle at the end of a long day. From check-ins and check-outs to laundry, breakfast, maintenance, and guest service, there is often little time left for analyzing demand and optimizing room rates. In this episode, we discuss:
If you're a hotel owner, general manager, revenue manager, hospitality technology professional, or independent hotel operator interested in hotel revenue optimization, RMS technology, AI for hotels, dynamic pricing, RevPAR, commercial strategy, and independent hotel technology, this episode is for you.
Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/337 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #336: What the Next Generation of Hotel Technology Looks Like | with Mark Bloomquist & Steve Burman | 30 Sep 2026 | 00:22:19 | |
roommaster is evolving—and the future of hotel technology is all about modernization, flexibility, and helping hoteliers work smarter. In this episode, recorded at the Independent Hotel Show Miami, Steve Carran sits down with Mark Bloomquist, Chief Revenue Officer, and Steven Burman, Director of Sales at roommaster, to discuss how the 30-year-old hospitality technology platform is being reimagined for the next generation of hoteliers. They explore what “modern” really means in hotel technology, why hoteliers are looking for more unified platforms, and how roommaster is combining PMS functionality with revenue management, reporting, AI, integrations, and human support. The conversation also dives into the growing role of AI in hospitality, not as a replacement for hotel staff, but as a way to automate repetitive tasks and free teams to focus more on guest experience. Mark and Steven also explain why human account management and personalized support remain critical as technology continues to evolve. In this episode, you'll learn about:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gSHANsDJSmw Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/336 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #335: How Custom Furniture Help Hotels Tell A Story | with Chandler Smith & Natali Jones | 29 Sep 2026 | 00:08:27 | |
In this special episode of The Modern Hotelier, hosted by David Millili live from the Independent Hotel Show Miami, we sit down with Chandler Smith and Natali Jones, the creative minds behind the design atelier Smith & Jones. Smith & Jones is redefining high-end residential and niche commercial spaces with custom furniture, fine decor, and art curation. Chandler and Natali break down what it truly means to operate as an atelier—collaborating closely with architects, artists, and designers to bring unique stories to life. In this episode, you’ll learn:
This episode is sponsored by Smith & Jones: https://www.bysmithandjones.com/ Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/335 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #334: Building an AI Workforce For Hotels | with Jonathan Lei | 28 Sep 2026 | 00:08:05 | |
How are hotel AI employees and hotel software automation reshaping front-desk workload, guest messaging, and back-office efficiency? In this special Independent Hotel Show Miami episode of The Modern Hotelier, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Jonathan Lei, Co-Founder & CEO of withQ. Jonathan breaks down how withQ AI builds digital workforce solutions to tackle the ongoing hotel workforce shortage, handle AI guest communications across voice, SMS, and email, and optimize complex hotel operational workflows. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
This episode is sponsored by withQ: https://withq.ai/ Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/334 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #333: How A Loyalty Program Helps Independent Hotels Compete | with Audrey Yates & David Gavaldon | 25 Sep 2026 | 00:15:15 | |
Independent hotels have a secret weapon that the big chains don't have, and in this episode, we unpack exactly how to use it. Welcome to The Modern Hotelier. Today's guest is David Gavaldon, a new member of the Stash Hotel Rewards team who spent years on the hotel side of the program before joining their side. He sits down with host Audrey Yates to break down how independent hotels can compete with corporate giants by building their own loyalty program without losing the independent spirit that makes them special. In this episode, you'll learn:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JhGTESfEPxU Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/333 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #332: The Importance of Scent & Guest Amenities for Hotels | with Kim Peterson & John Farrell | 24 Sep 2026 | 00:23:38 | |
Hotel amenities are the touchpoints guests remember, they matter just as much at $200 a night as at $1,000. In this episode, Steve and David sit down with John Farrell, CEO and Owner, and Kim Peterson, Head of Operations, of Trilipiderm and Curated Comforts, a U.S.-based skincare and spa line that builds fully customized amenity programs for hotels. Kim and John explain why scent is the most memory-evoking sense we have, how signature scents can keep amenity revenue on the property instead of "off the shelf," and how to roll out refillable dispensers without adding operational headaches for housekeeping. They also cover sustainability done properly, FSC-certified materials, reduced kitting and packaging, plus the supply-chain lesson every hotelier should hear everything US-sourced and US-manufactured meant zero disruptions, even through COVID. You'll also get Trilipiderm's origin story (founded 2010 in Jackson Hole) and how the Cloudveil Hotel in Wyoming became their first hotel partner and went on to earn Michelin Keys while its guests raved about the in-room products. If you run a property, own or manage hotel operations, or make amenity and procurement decisions, this episode is packed with practical takeaways on guest experience, sustainability, and building a brand guests remember. In this episode, you'll discover:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/AG9BYZgi9gw Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/332 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #331: How Independent Hotels Should Think About Pricing | with Anurag Verma | 23 Sep 2026 | 00:35:55 | |
In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Anurag Verma, co-founder of PriceLabs, to explore how data, revenue management, and technology are transforming pricing strategies for independent hotels and alternative accommodations. Anurag shares his journey from growing up across India and studying mathematical optimization to working in revenue management at United Airlines and eventually co-founding PriceLabs. He explains how lessons from the airline industry, especially the importance of building systems that can handle messy, real-world data, shaped his approach to hospitality technology. The conversation dives into why relying solely on gut instinct, historical spreadsheets, or competitor pricing can create revenue blind spots. Anurag explains how hoteliers can use market demand, booking trends, events, occupancy data, and their own property performance to make smarter pricing decisions. He also discusses the role of automation and why technology should support human judgment rather than replace it. You’ll also hear how PriceLabs evolved from a solution for a single Airbnb listing into a global revenue management platform serving short-term rentals, independent hotels, B&Bs, hostels, RV parks, and other lodging businesses. In this episode, you’ll learn about:
This episode is sponsored by PriceLabs: https://hello.pricelabs.co/ Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RiaMuqdwTXs Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/331 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #330: The Biggest Change in Hotel Distribution | with Oshick Shams | 22 Sep 2026 | 00:20:48 | |
How can independent hotels build a profitable distribution strategy while navigating OTAs, direct bookings, metasearch, and AI-driven travel discovery? In this special Independent Hotel Show Miami episode of The Modern Hotelier, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Oshick Shams, Partner Manager at SiteMinder, to explore how hotel distribution is evolving and what independent hoteliers need to know to stay competitive. Oshick shares his career journey from sports management and recruiting to hotel technology and partnerships, along with the lessons that shaped his approach to sales, relationship-building, and business development. They also talk about the growing role of AI in how travelers discover hotels, why having accurate information online matters, and how connected technology can help hotel teams spend less time managing systems and more time making smart business decisions. David, Steve, and Oshick also discuss the growing influence of AI on hotel discovery and why accurate, consistent digital information and reviews are becoming increasingly important. They explore how connected technology and data can help hotels reduce manual work, make faster decisions, and unlock greater value from their technology stacks. In this episode, you'll learn:
This episode is sponsored by SiteMinder: https://www.siteminder.com/ Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cizfAxl2lmY Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/330 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #329: How To Develop a Successful Hotel Food & Beverage Program | with Ami Alexander | 17 Sep 2026 | 00:42:06 | |
What does it take to create a hotel food and beverage program that guests remember, and locals actually want to visit? In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Ami Alexander, Managing Partner at Barrel Aged Management, to explore the evolving role of food and beverage in hospitality. Ami shares lessons from her career with Hakkasan, Sydell Group, and Montage International, including the challenges of opening luxury restaurants around the world and leading a major restaurant launch in Dubai. Ami discusses why today's travelers are increasingly drawn to authenticity, local experiences, strong restaurant concepts, and a sense of place. She explains how hotels can create F&B programs that connect with their communities while maintaining a consistent brand identity across different markets. The conversation also covers the financial pressures facing hotel F&B operations, smarter restaurant design and programming, membership clubs, emerging hotel development markets, and ways hospitality teams can continually reinvent their spaces. Ami also shares practical advice for hoteliers, including how to evaluate existing spaces with fresh eyes, create memorable guest experiences, hire for personality and hospitality, and avoid watering down a restaurant concept. In this episode, you'll hear about:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HnEO4pIKZnM Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/329 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #328: How a European Hotel Brand Is Expanding in America | with Phil Andreopoulos, CEO of Yotel | 15 Sep 2026 | 00:47:37 | |
What does it take to build a hotel brand that stands out in an increasingly competitive hospitality industry? In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Phil Andreopoulos, CEO of YOTEL, to explore his remarkable career in hospitality, his leadership journey, and his vision for the future of hotel brands. Phil shares how starting in a restaurant at just 14 years old shaped his passion for hospitality, the lessons he learned during a 25-year career at Marriott, and why he ultimately chose to leave a global hospitality giant to lead the more agile and entrepreneurial YOTEL. The conversation dives into YOTEL's distinctive brand concept, its aviation-inspired origins, and how technology, automation, and thoughtful design are transforming the guest experience. Phil discusses YOTEL's affiliation with Hilton, the brand's ambitious growth plans across North America, opportunities in conversions and franchising, and the potential for YOTEL resorts. He also explores the evolving expectations of hotel owners, the importance of maximizing profit per square foot, adaptive reuse, extended-stay hospitality, and the growing influence of bleisure travel. Throughout the conversation, Phil emphasizes a critical lesson for every hospitality leader: know your customer, understand what they truly want, and then overdeliver on the experience. Whether you're a hotel owner, investor, hospitality professional, franchisee, or simply interested in the future of travel and hotels, this episode offers valuable insights into leadership, hotel development, brand differentiation, technology, and the changing needs of today's travelers. In this episode, you'll learn about:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FaiAH3aWFCo Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/328 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #327: Designing Unparalleled Hospitality Experiences | with Janice Wilson, Founder of Menizei | 10 Sep 2026 | 00:40:31 | |
What does it take to create a truly one-of-a-kind hospitality experience in the age of AI? In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Janice Wilson, founder of Menizei and Territori to explore the intersection of hospitality, technology, real estate, AI, and category design. Janice shares her unconventional journey from law and real estate to professional dance, entrepreneurship in Cambodia, software engineering at Amazon, and building a unique hospitality concept near Olympic National Park. She explains why she believes category can matter more than data when creating differentiated hotel experiences and why relying too heavily on competitors and traditional comp sets can lead to a “crisis of sameness.” She also discusses why lifestyle operators have an advantage when experimenting with AI, the challenges of building a custom hotel tech stack, and what larger hotel brands need to consider as AI becomes increasingly embedded in hospitality. You’ll also hear Janice’s advice for aspiring hotel owners, why design should begin earlier in the development process, and what the future of hotel technology could look like. In this episode, you’ll learn:
If you're interested in hotel technology, AI in hospitality, hotel development, lifestyle hotels, guest experience, and the future of travel, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how hoteliers can think beyond traditional industry playbooks.
Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/327 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #326: The Future of AI in Hospitality: Hotel Technology, Data & Automation | with Kevin King | 08 Sep 2026 | 00:53:21 | |
What does it take to build technology that can truly transform hotel operations? In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Kevin King, CEO of Shiji, for a wide-ranging conversation about hospitality technology, artificial intelligence, leadership, and the future of the hotel industry. Kevin shares his journey from working at a hotel front desk in Australia to leading a global hospitality technology company. He discusses how his experiences living and working in China shaped his leadership philosophy, what he learned from scaling MICROS across Asia Pacific, and why successful technology companies must ultimately be built around people, trust, and resilience. The conversation also dives deep into AI in hospitality—and why hotels need to look beyond chatbots and flashy features. Kevin explains how connected platforms, APIs, data governance, security, compliance, and agentic AI can help hotels move from simply answering questions to actually completing operational tasks. Kevin shares his perspective on why AI will eventually become as invisible and essential as the internet, why hotels may be using only a fraction of the technology they already have, and why functionality should come before unnecessary processes and features. In this episode, you'll learn about:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YXhod3D2m2M This episode is sponsored by Shiji: https://www.shijigroup.com/ Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/326 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #325: Hospitality Hot Topics August 2026: Airbnb & Lark Hotels, Hilton & Marriott New Soft Brands, & More! | with Richard Sandoval | 03 Sep 2026 | 00:23:20 | |
What’s happening across the hospitality industry right now? In this episode of The Modern Hotelier Hospitality Hot Topics, Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Richard Sandoval, CEO of Spire Hospitality, to unpack the latest trends and biggest stories shaping the hospitality industry—from Airbnb’s growing move into hotels and OYO’s fake hotel listings to Hilton and Marriott’s push into wellness and experiential travel. They also dive into Google’s $10 million acquisition of Spirit Airlines’ data, the growing value of data and AI in travel, and what automation means for the future of hotel operations. Richard also shares his vision for Spire Hospitality, the importance of the owner-operator model, and why, even as AI transforms the industry, genuine human connection, hospitality, and personalized guest experiences will remain at the heart of the business. In this episode, you’ll learn more about:
Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/325 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #324: How Boutique Hotels Can Stand Out & Thrive | with Jorgan von Stiening of Palisociety | 01 Sep 2026 | 00:41:46 | |
How do you scale a boutique hotel company without losing the creativity, personality, and local connection that make independent hospitality so special? In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Jorgan von Stiening, President of Palisociety, to explore the strategy behind scaling a successful boutique hotel company while staying true to its brand and guest experience. Jorgan shares his journey from accounting and hospitality consulting at Ernst & Young to joining Palisociety and helping the company grow from three hotels to a much larger portfolio across multiple brands and markets. He also breaks down Palisociety’s partnership with Design Hotels and Marriott Bonvoy, explaining how the company is using Marriott’s global reach and loyalty base while maintaining its independent identity. In this episode, you'll learn:
This episode is sponsored by Sip Tea: https://sip-tea-path.com/ Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HNlQ5NDIyJo Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/324 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #323: Making Hotel Ownership and Commercial Real Estate Investing Accessible | with Davonne Reaves | 27 Aug 2026 | 00:48:59 | |
What does it really take to own a hotel, and how can more people gain access to hotel investing? In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, Davonne Reaves, founder and CEO of The Vonne Group and Vesterr, shares her journey from working on the front lines of hospitality to becoming a hotel owner, investor, entrepreneur, and advocate for greater access to hotel ownership. Davonne explains how her grandmother’s hospitality influenced her career, what she learned at Hyatt Regency Atlanta, and how hotel consulting and asset management opened her eyes to the business of hotel ownership. She also shares why she created Vesterr to connect commercial real estate deal sponsors with investors. David, Steve, and Davonne also explore the growing role of AI in hotel investing—and why some parts of the acquisition process still require a human touch. Davonne shares candid advice for young entrepreneurs and women entering the industry: stay authentic, keep learning, find mentors, work hard, and never let someone else's “no” stop you. In this episode, you'll learn:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/v4Ju_rdcVd8 Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/323 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #322: Boutique Service, Authentic Design, and Cultivating Hospitality’s Future | David Bowd of Salt Hotels | 25 Aug 2026 | 00:45:06 | |
In this episode, Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with David Bowd, co-founder and owner of Salt Hotels, for a candid conversation about hospitality, leadership, design, service, and the future of independent hotels. David shares how growing up in a small village in Staffordshire, England, and working in a local pub sparked his passion for hospitality. He also talks about leaving school at 16, discovering that the kitchen wasn’t for him, and building a career that would take him through some of the most influential lifestyle hotels in the world, including St. Martin’s Lane and Sanderson, as well as working alongside hospitality icons Ian Schrager and André Balazs. David explains why he founded Salt Hotels and the philosophy behind combining thoughtful design, personalized service, and a strong sense of place. He also shares why memorable hotels are ultimately created by people—not just beautiful spaces—and tells a powerful story about turning a hotel disaster into an unforgettable guest experience. In this episode, we discuss:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gB-NcS4Aj18 This episode is sponsored by Sip Tea: https://sip-tea-path.com/ Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/322 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #321: How Streamlining Procurement Can Help Hotels Thrive | with Jesse Messitte | 20 Aug 2026 | 00:30:01 | |
How can hotels make smarter purchasing decisions, control costs, and use technology to work more efficiently? In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Jesse Messitte, Vice President of Strategy and Business Operations at Avendra International, for a great conversation about the world of hospitality procurement. Jesse shares his journey from working at Hyatt to spending more than two decades at Avendra, and how his background in data, technology, and hospitality shaped the way he approaches procurement. Jesse talks about his career advice for hospitality professionals who want to make the move from hotel operations into technology. It’s a practical conversation about procurement, technology, AI, and the behind-the-scenes work that can ultimately help hotels deliver a better experience for their guests. In this episode, you’ll learn:
Whether you're a hotel owner, operator, management company, or hospitality technology professional, this episode offers practical insights into making procurement more strategic and using technology to help hotels thrive.
This episode is sponsored by Avendra International: https://www.avendra.com/en/us/ Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/321 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #320: Hotel P&L Benchmarking & The Impact of the World Cup | with Jan Freitag & Amanda Hite | 18 Aug 2026 | 00:19:48 | |
In this special episode, David Millili sits down with industry leaders at the Hotel Data Conference in Nashville to explore the latest trends shaping hotel profitability, benchmarking, revenue management, and mega-event performance. First, Amanda Hite, President of STR, shares how new P&L benchmarking capabilities within CoStar with STR Benchmark are helping hotel owners, operators, management companies, and asset managers better understand more than 100 revenue and expense line items. She discusses profit flow analysis, rising undistributed expenses, declining margins, asset profitability, and how AI-powered tools could help hoteliers identify the data that matters most for improving revenue and profitability. Then, Jan Freitag of CoStar breaks down the hotel revenue impact of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and explains why its impact was closer to 30 Super Bowls rather than the 104 suggested by FIFA's president. He explores ADR growth, occupancy trends, international versus local demand, match-day pricing, minimum-stay restrictions, and the lessons hotel revenue leaders can apply to future mega-events, including the Olympics. In this episode, you'll learn:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oepa3lq-EdU Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/320 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #319: The Opportunity in Getting Hotel Tech Integrations Right | with Kelly Popp | 13 Aug 2026 | 00:11:47 | |
What happens when hotel teams have plenty of technology but still struggle to work from the same information? In this special HDC Nashville episode of The Modern Hotelier, David Millili sits down with Kelly Popp, Vice President of Business Development, Americas, at Access Hospitality, to talk about one of the biggest challenges facing hotel commercial teams today: the “toggle tax” created by disconnected systems and siloed departments. Kelly explains how fragmented tech stacks can make it harder for revenue, marketing, and commercial teams to make informed decisions—and why better integration is becoming essential as hotels move toward AI-powered technology. We explore what hotels need to get right before AI can deliver real business value, why clean and connected data matters, and how transparency can keep humans in control of AI-driven decisions. In this episode, they cover:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RgkxqJEWExo Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/319 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #318: From On-Property to Expedia to Hotel Technology | with Nick Farrell | 12 Aug 2026 | 00:38:50 | |
What happens when you combine hands-on hotel experience, OTA expertise, hospitality technology, and a test-and-learn mindset? In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, David Millili sits down with Nick Farrell, Senior Vice President and Head of Sales at Phunware, to explore his journey from working on-property to Expedia and into the world of hospitality technology. Nick explains why hotels should embrace a test-and-learn mentality, how AI can turn guest data into actionable insights, and why technology should ultimately give hotel employees more time to focus on what matters most: creating meaningful human connections with guests. In this episode, you’ll learn:
If you're interested in hotel technology, AI in hospitality, guest experience, hotel revenue, hospitality innovation, hotel distribution, ancillary revenue, and the future of the hotel industry, this episode is a must-watch. Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XXWIowhCp8Q Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/318 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #317: Navigating the Shifts Disrupting the Hotel Industry | with Kathleen Cullen | 11 Aug 2026 | 00:32:25 | |
The hotel industry is undergoing a major transformation—and hotels that continue operating the way they always have may struggle to keep up. In this episode, David Millili sits down with Kathleen Cullen, Executive Vice President of PTG Consulting, to unpack the major shifts disrupting hospitality today. From the rise of AI and changing distribution models to B2B discount stacking, revenue management, technology, and evolving sales strategies, Kathleen shares what hotel leaders need to understand to stay competitive. Kathleen explains why hotels must rethink how they approach revenue, sales, marketing, PR, distribution, and technology—and why profitability, not simply top-line revenue, should be the ultimate goal. She also discusses how AI is changing the way travelers discover hotels, why fast and accurate responses to RFPs are becoming critical, and how independent hotels can use their flexibility as a competitive advantage. In this episode, you'll learn:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/uBEODwtL2xY Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/317 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #316: What It Takes to Lead Luxury Resorts | with Robert Marusi of Hotel Del Coronado & Grand Wailea | 06 Aug 2026 | 00:30:56 | |
Robert Marusi shares the leadership principles, technology strategies, and commercial mindset that have helped him lead some of the world's most iconic luxury resorts, including Hotel del Coronado and Grand Wailea. In this episode, Steve and David speak with Robert Marusi, Commercial Director of Hotel del Coronado and Grand Wailea, about how AI, personalization, and data are transforming the hospitality industry. He also explains why human connection remains at the heart of delivering exceptional guest experiences. Robert reveals why agility, continuous learning, and a growth-focused mindset are essential for today's hotel leaders. He also explains how luxury hotels can prepare for AI-powered search, create unforgettable guest experiences through recognition, and leverage technology without sacrificing the personal touch that defines hospitality. In this episode, you'll learn:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QSZA_bDu-z8 Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/316 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #315: Managing the Vibe at the NYC Hard Rock Hotel | with David Salcfas | 04 Aug 2026 | 00:50:04 | |
What does it take to lead one of New York City's most iconic hotels? In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, we sit down with David Salcfas, General Manager of Hard Rock Hotel New York, to explore his remarkable journey from washing tables and filling ice bins at a racetrack with his father to leading one of hospitality's most recognizable lifestyle brands. David shares the leadership principles that have guided his career through 34 years with Marriott and into Hard Rock—leading from the front, building trust through action, creating unforgettable guest experiences, and empowering teams through empathy, accountability, and open communication. We also dive into what makes the Hard Rock brand unique, from its music-driven culture and immersive guest experiences to its people-first philosophy. Whether you're an aspiring hotel leader, a seasoned hospitality professional, or simply passionate about exceptional service, this episode is packed with practical leadership lessons and inspiring career insights. In this episode, you'll learn:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UWc6X8U_-9U Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/315 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #314: World Cup Tourism, Booking Based on F&B, Creative Travel for Summer Vacations | Hospitality Hot Topics with Dean Compoginis | 30 Jul 2026 | 00:19:12 | |
In this episode of Hospitality Hot Topics, Steve Carran and David Millili are joined by Dean Compoginis, the iconic voice of The Modern Hotelier, to break down the biggest hospitality stories from July. They discuss how the World Cup boosted hotel revenue across the U.S., why food and beverage experiences are becoming a major factor in hotel bookings, and how the rapid expansion of AI data centers is creating new opportunities for extended-stay hotels. The conversation also explores how travelers are adapting their summer vacation plans despite rising costs and what these trends mean for the future of the hospitality industry. The episode concludes with an inspiring conversation about Dean's remarkable career—from commercial radio and hospitality technology marketing to becoming one of the industry's most recognizable voiceover artists. In this episode, you'll learn:
Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/314 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #313: A Journey of Hospitality Innovation: From Cairo to Hotel Brand COO | with Karima Zaki | 28 Jul 2026 | 00:52:22 | |
What does it take to build a hospitality career that breaks barriers while staying ahead of constant industry change? In this episode, Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Karima Zaki, COO of Town and Desert Hospitality, to explore her remarkable journey from immigrating to the United States without speaking English to becoming one of the first female hotel executives to lead major hospitality organizations. Karima shares the lessons she learned as the first female General Manager in Red Lion Hotels' history and later as Hilton's first female Area Vice President. She discusses why leadership is about guiding people—not managing them—how boutique hotels can embrace AI without sacrificing authentic guest experiences, and why collaboration between hotels, tourism organizations, and local communities is essential for long-term destination success.
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/uaYqYP268dc Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/313 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #312: Relational Wellness is the Foundation of this Hotel | with Elizabeth Mullins | 23 Jul 2026 | 00:52:24 | |
What if the future of hospitality isn't just about exceptional service—but about creating meaningful human connection? In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran welcome Elizabeth Mullins, President of Evermore Hospitality and former executive with Ritz-Carlton and Disney, for an inspiring conversation on the future of guest experiences. Elizabeth shares her remarkable journey from discovering her passion for hospitality at just five years old to leading some of the world's most iconic hospitality brands. Drawing on decades of leadership across Ritz-Carlton, Disney, The Fifth Avenue Hotel, and Evermore Hospitality, she reveals why the industry's next competitive advantage is creating spaces that foster togetherness. The conversation explores Evermore Hospitality's innovative concept of relational wellness, designing destinations that help families, friends, and groups reconnect in an increasingly disconnected world. Elizabeth explains how hospitality can move beyond delivering outstanding service to creating transformational experiences that guests remember long after checkout. The episode also covers the evolution of independent luxury hotels, lessons from leading global hospitality brands, the growing role of AI in enhancing—not replacing—human hospitality, and practical ways hoteliers can intentionally design experiences that build lasting memories. In This Episode, You'll Learn:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/v7xVRPx4e1o Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/312 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #311: How Your General Contractor Executes Hotel Renovations Without Disruption | with Tom Kelley | 21 Jul 2026 | 00:54:25 | |
What does it really take to renovate a hotel while keeping guests happy, protecting reviews, and maximizing owner returns? In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Tom Kelley, CEO & President of Digney Holding Companies, to explore the business of hotel renovations, capital planning, and hospitality development. Drawing on decades of experience spanning architecture, Marriott, commercial real estate, and hotel construction, Tom shares practical insights into how owners can make smarter renovation decisions in today's rapidly evolving hospitality market. From navigating brand conversions and Property Improvement Plans (PIPs) to managing rising construction costs, tariffs, and supply chain volatility, Tom explains why successful hotel projects start with careful planning, financial discipline, and a relentless focus on the guest experience. He also discusses how owners can avoid costly over-investments, balance design with ROI, and execute renovations in occupied hotels with minimal disruption. Whether you're a hotel owner, operator, developer, investor, architect, or hospitality professional, this conversation offers valuable strategies for protecting asset value while creating exceptional guest experiences. In this episode, you'll learn:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cxipY_2xW9I This episode is sponsored by Digney-York Associates: https://digneyyork.com/ Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/311 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #310: HITEC E20X 2026 Winners | with Mergim Kacija & Josh Ellis | 16 Jul 2026 | 00:09:00 | |
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:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/m_E8AmNFjZw Links: Josh Ellis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-ellis1126/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/310 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #309: Think Global, Act Local: Insights from an International Hotelier | with Gonzalo Aguilar | 14 Jul 2026 | 00:34:59 | |
What does it take to lead one of the world's fastest-growing global hotel groups while staying true to the heart of hospitality? In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Gonzalo Aguilar, CEO of Europe & Americas at Minor Hotels, to discuss his remarkable journey from restaurant manager to global hospitality executive. Gonzalo shares how growing up across multiple continents, learning from his father—a lifelong hotelier—and leading hotels around the world shaped his leadership philosophy and passion for creating exceptional guest experiences. The conversation explores Minor Hotels' global expansion strategy, its shift toward an asset-light growth model, the launch of new hotel brands, and the company's vision for expanding across the United States and Canada. Gonzalo also shares valuable insights on balancing global brand standards with local market needs, building strong owner partnerships, and why the best hotel leaders are deeply connected to their communities. In this episode, you'll learn:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7on3C3IsOOo Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/309 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #308: Hospitality Roundtable: Shannon McCallum, Anthony Melchiorri, Dmitry Kroshka & Henrik Shimony | 09 Jul 2026 | 01:09:24 | |
What does the future of hospitality really look like? In this special Modern Hotelier Round Table, industry leaders come together for an honest conversation about leadership, technology, AI, hotel operations, employee engagement, and the future of guest experiences. Joining the discussion are Shannon McCallum, VP of Hotel Operations at Resorts World Las Vegas; Dmitry (Dima) Kroshka, CEO of Phunware; Henrik Shimony, CEO & Co-Founder of Reeco; and Anthony Melchiorri, Co-Founder of the Hospitality Creator Summit and renowned hotel expert. Together, they share career-defining lessons, leadership philosophies, and practical insights on topics including AI adoption, digital transformation, hotel technology, procurement, employee retention, guest personalization, and why hospitality remains one of the world's most dynamic industries. In this episode, you'll learn:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eU1Z9fDjh2A Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/308 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #307: Elevating the Airport Lounge Experience | with David Collyer of Aspire Pre-Flight Hospitality | 07 Jul 2026 | 00:50:58 | |
In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with David Collyer, Global SVP of Aspire PreFlight Hospitality, to explore how hospitality principles are transforming the airport lounge experience. David shares his fascinating career journey—from studying design in London and working with global brands like IHG, British Airways, and Accor, to leading guest experience innovation across luxury retail and aviation. He reveals how Aspire is applying hotel-style service standards, technology, design thinking, and guest insights to elevate airport lounges around the world. In this episode, you'll discover:
David also shares his vision for the future of airport hospitality, including luxury airport experiences, in-terminal hotels, sustainability initiatives, and how lounges can become a seamless extension of the travel journey.
Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/307 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #306: A Better Way For Hotel Marketing | with Evan Saunders | 06 Jul 2026 | 00:18:10 | |
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:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/79-_nfYS2Xg Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/306 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #305: Transparency & Confidence is Key in Owner Accounting | with Brian McGeown | 02 Jul 2026 | 00:06:56 | |
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:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FSDifQU_IqI Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/305 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #304: How In-Room Tablets Are Increasing Guest Engagement & Unlocking Revenue | with Kevin Bidner | 02 Jul 2026 | 00:19:13 | |
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:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9xA-wYZ5DGk Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/304 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #303: How Hotel Maintenance Impacts the Guest & the Bottom Line | with Chris Zach | 01 Jul 2026 | 00:08:12 | |
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:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XCSttDN1ATY Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/303 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #302: How the Best Hotel Operators Are Approaching Technology | with Jake Lewis | 01 Jul 2026 | 00:13:28 | |
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:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/H1Vn4jwLMJI Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/302 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #301: Helping Hotels Reduce Revenue Leakage | with Mike Baldinger | 30 Jun 2026 | 00:13:33 | |
In this episode, Steve Carran sits down with Mike Baldinger, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Evention, live from HITEC San Antonio, to uncover one of hospitality's most overlooked profit leaks: OTA revenue reconciliation. While most hoteliers understand OTA commission costs, Mike explains why the real financial risk lies beneath the surface. From virtual credit card errors and overpaid commissions to billing mistakes and guest disputes, hotels could be losing hundreds of thousands of dollars annually without realizing it. The conversation explores:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vfM8Oa5ZkJo Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/301 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #300: Innovating the Meeting & Events Sales Process | with Mike Waltman | 29 Jun 2026 | 00:10:40 | |
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:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gjgDUjOUy4A Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/300 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #299: Adding the Human Back into Hospitality | with Noelani Shroy | 29 Jun 2026 | 00:12:09 | |
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:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/59neZld_1FI Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/299 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||
| #298: Why Consolidation Is the Biggest Opportunity in Hospitality | with Shawn Tarter | 28 Jun 2026 | 00:05:39 | |
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:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kmsMEf2QlCg Links: For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/298 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David: | |||