The Modern Hotelier

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  #312: Relational Wellness is the Foundation of this Hotel | with Elizabeth Mullins 23.07.2026 52dk

  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: Why relational wellness is emerging as one of the industry's most important trends and how it helps combat loneliness through meaningful travel experiences.What it takes to design hotels and resorts that foster authentic human connection rather than simply providing accommodations.How AI can remove friction from the guest journey while allowing hospitality professionals to create more personalized, memorable experiences.The leadership principles Elizabeth learned from decades at luxury hospitality brands, including Ritz-Carlton, Disney, and The Fifth Avenue Hotel.How intentional service design and thoughtful programming help build unforgettable guest memories that inspire lifelong loyalty.Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/v7xVRPx4e1oLinks:Elizabeth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-mullins-263935127/ Evermore Hospitality: https://evermoreresort.com/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/312Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
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  #311: How Your General Contractor Executes Hotel Renovations Without Disruption | with Tom Kelley 21.07.2026 54dk

  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: How to plan successful hotel renovations and brand conversions  Why due diligence should come before design decisions  The importance of aligning capital expenditures with long-term investment strategy  How hospitality design continues to evolve with changing guest expectations Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cxipY_2xW9ILinks:Tom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-kelley-84bba2aa/ Digney-York Associates: https://digneyyork.com/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/311Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
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  #310: HITEC E20X 2026 Winners | with Mergim Kacija & Josh Ellis 16.07.2026 9dk

  Live from HITEC 2026, we sit down with the winners of the prestigious E20X startup competition to explore the technologies redefining the future of hospitality.First, Mergim Kacija, CEO of Stayfull AI and the E20X Grand Prize winner, shares how his experience as a hotel owner inspired him to build an AI-native property management platform designed specifically for independent hotels. Learn how specialized AI agents can automate guest communication, revenue management, marketing, and daily operations while dramatically reducing technology costs.Then, we welcome Josh Ellis, CEO of Abra and the E20X People's Choice winner. Josh explains how Abra's guest intelligence platform unifies fragmented guest data across multiple systems, helping hotels deliver highly personalized experiences that strengthen guest loyalty and increase profitability.In this episode, you'll discover:How AI is transforming hotel operations and guest serviceWhy independent hotels are embracing AI-powered technologyThe value of unified guest data for personalization and loyaltyWhat it takes to win the hospitality industry's premier startup competitionWhat's next for two of hospitality's fastest-growing technology companiesWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/m_E8AmNFjZwLinks: Mergim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/investormergim/Stayfull.ai: https://stayfull.ai/ Josh Ellis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-ellis1126/Abra Hospitality: https://abrahospitality.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/310Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
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  #309: Think Global, Act Local: Insights from an International Hotelier | with Gonzalo Aguilar 14.07.2026 34dk

  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: Why Minor Hotels is embracing an asset-light growth strategy  The company's expansion plans for North America  How new hotel brands are helping meet evolving owner and traveler needs  The importance of adapting global hospitality strategies to local markets  Why community engagement remains the foundation of exceptional hotel leadershipWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7on3C3IsOOoLinks:Gonzalo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gonzalo-aguilar-/Minor Hotels: https://www.minorhotels.com/enFor full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/309Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
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  #308: Hospitality Roundtable: Shannon McCallum, Anthony Melchiorri, Dmitry Kroshka & Henrik Shimony 09.07.2026 1sa 9dk

  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:The leadership advice that shaped successful hospitality careersHow AI is transforming hotel operations without replacing peopleThe biggest technology opportunities hotels should embraceThe future of hotel operations, procurement, and digital guest experiencesWhy hospitality offers one of the most diverse and rewarding career pathsWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eU1Z9fDjh2ALinks:Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonymelchiorri/ Shannon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-mccallum-09ba7a8/ Dmitry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dkroshka/ Henrik on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrik-shimony/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/308Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
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  #307: Elevating the Airport Lounge Experience | with David Collyer of Aspire Pre-Flight Hospitality 07.07.2026 50dk

  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: How Aspire is reshaping airport lounges through hospitality-first thinkingThe role of AI, occupancy management, and dynamic pricing in lounge operationsWhy guest expectations have dramatically changed post-pandemicThe importance of guest feedback and data-driven innovationDavid 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.Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/45AdsDBRe-ALinks:David Collyer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-collyer-a1341641/Aspire Pre-Flight Hospitality: https://www.theaspireway.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/307Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
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  #306: A Better Way For Hotel Marketing | with Evan Saunders 06.07.2026 18dk

  How can hotels use AI and location intelligence to attract new guests instead of spending marketing dollars on travelers who were already planning to book?In this special HITEC edition of The Modern Hotelier, David Millili sits down with Evan Saunders, who shares how Azira is helping hotels rethink marketing through AI-powered location intelligence and attribution. Rather than focusing on vanity metrics like inflated return on ad spend, Evan explains how hotels can identify untapped travelers, win guests away from competitors, and measure the true impact of their campaigns.The conversation also explores the evolving role of OTAs, the importance of guest journey marketing, World Cup travel strategies, and why hotels should prioritize experience-driven campaigns over generic discounts and promotions.In this episode, you'll learn: How AI and location intelligence help hotels attract new guests  Why traditional hotel marketing metrics can be misleading  The power of foot traffic attribution and booking-channel-agnostic measurement  Why experience-focused advertising outperforms discount-driven campaigns Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/79-_nfYS2XgLinks:Evan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evansaunders/ Azira: https://azira.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/306Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
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  #305: Transparency & Confidence is Key in Owner Accounting | with Brian McGeown 02.07.2026 6dk

  How can hotels eliminate spreadsheets, improve financial transparency, and strengthen relationships with owners?In this special HITEC episode of The Modern Hotelier, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Brian McGeown, General Manager of Owner Relations, to discuss how technology is transforming owner accounting and financial reporting in hospitality.Brian shares the biggest challenges hotels face with traditional owner accounting workflows, why real-time financial transparency is becoming essential, and how automation helps management companies save time while improving accuracy. The conversation also explores seamless PMS integrations, branded owner portals, portfolio scalability, and the future of owner reporting as hotel organizations continue to grow.In this episode, you'll learn: Why spreadsheets create risk in owner accounting  The importance of real-time financial transparency  How automation reduces manual work and owner support requests  Scaling owner accounting across multi-property portfolios  Trends shaping the future of hospitality financial reporting Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FSDifQU_IqILinks:Brian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-mcgeown-a0390213/Owner Relations Technology: https://www.ownerrelations.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/305Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
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  #304: How In-Room Tablets Are Increasing Guest Engagement & Unlocking Revenue | with Kevin Bidner 02.07.2026 19dk

  In this special HITEC episode of The Modern Hotelier, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Kevin Bidner, Founder and CEO of HCN (Hotel Communication Network), to discuss how in-room tablets are reshaping the guest experience and driving new revenue opportunities for hotels.Kevin shares HCN's journey from startup to industry leader, explaining why guest room tablets are becoming an essential communication platform for hotels. The conversation explores how interactive tablets improve guest engagement, increase room service revenue, reduce operational costs, and create personalized experiences through AI-powered concierge services. Kevin also reveals HCN's innovative revenue-sharing model that allows hotels to deploy tablets at no upfront cost while earning recurring income through network promotions.Key Topics: HCN's growth and acquisition of Crave  Why in-room tablets outperform hotel apps  Increasing ancillary revenue and operational savings  HCN's free-to-hotel revenue-sharing model  The future of hospitality technology showcased at HITEC Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9xA-wYZ5DGkLinks:Kevin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinbidner/The Hotel Communication Network Inc.: https://hcn-inc.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/304Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
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  #303: How Hotel Maintenance Impacts the Guest & the Bottom Line | with Chris Zach 01.07.2026 8dk

  In this special HITEC edition of The Modern Hotelier, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Chris Zach, Senior Director of Product Marketing at ServiceChannel, to explore how hotels can modernize facilities management, improve guest satisfaction, and reduce operational complexity.Chris shares how ServiceChannel helps hotel operators manage external vendors from start to finish, streamlining everything from dispatching work orders to invoice approvals, while providing access to a network of more than 70,000 service providers. The conversation dives into the growing challenges facing hotel engineering teams, rising labor costs, and why proactive maintenance is becoming a competitive advantage.The discussion also covers how AI is transforming facilities management by helping hotel teams prioritize critical work orders, improve response times, and make smarter maintenance decisions without adding more technology complexity. Chris explains how ServiceChannel integrates seamlessly into existing hotel tech stacks while giving operators, owners, and asset managers greater visibility into property health and long-term capital planning.Key Topics: How ServiceChannel simplifies facilities and vendor management  The biggest maintenance challenges facing hotel operators today  Integrating facilities management into the modern hotel tech stack  Best practices for scaling maintenance across multiple propertiesWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XCSttDN1ATYLinks:Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriszach/ServiceChannel: https://servicechannel.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/303Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
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  #302: How the Best Hotel Operators Are Approaching Technology | with Jake Lewis 01.07.2026 13dk

  In this special HITEC edition of The Modern Hotelier, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Jake Lewis, President of Jonas Hospitality Property Systems, to explore how technology is reshaping the hospitality industry. With over 25 years of experience, Jake shares insights on the shift from disconnected software systems to unified hospitality platforms, why seamless guest experiences are becoming the new standard, and how clean, connected data is laying the foundation for AI-driven innovation.The conversation dives into the future of hotel technology, the importance of aligning tech with operational strategy, and why the most successful hoteliers focus on solving real guest problems, not simply adopting the latest tools. Jake also discusses Jonas Hospitality's vision for creating integrated ecosystems that empower both hotel staff and guests through smarter, more personalized experiences.In this episode, you'll learn: Why hospitality is moving from standalone systems to connected platforms  How guest expectations are evolving in the age of Amazon-like convenience  The role of clean, unified data in unlocking AI's full potential  Why technology should enhance—not replace—the human side of hospitality Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/H1Vn4jwLMJILinks:Jake on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-lewis-98985110/Jonas Hospitality: https://www.jonashospitality.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/302Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
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  #301: Helping Hotels Reduce Revenue Leakage | with Mike Baldinger 30.06.2026 13dk

  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:Why OTA revenue leakage often goes undetectedCommon billing and reconciliation mistakes hotels makeHow inaccurate guest charges impact online reviews and brand reputationThe hidden financial risks of disconnected hospitality systemsWhy Evention is building a "financial trust layer" instead of just another reconciliation toolPractical questions every GM and CFO should ask their finance team this weekWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vfM8Oa5ZkJoLinks:Mike Baldinger on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikebaldinger/Evention: https://eventionllc.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/301Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
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  #300: Innovating the Meeting & Events Sales Process | with Mike Waltman 29.06.2026 10dk

  How has hospitality technology evolved from the early days of CD-ROM site inspections to AI-powered sales intelligence?In this special HITEC edition of The Modern Hotelier, David Millili sits down with Michael Waltman, Founder of Interactive Sites, to explore his remarkable journey from hotel operations to building one of the industry's most trusted group sales technology companies. Michael shares the story behind Interactive Sites, the evolution of ShareIt Online, and how the platform now helps nearly 13,000 hotels improve lead sharing and qualification.The conversation also dives into Seller Ready, Interactive Sites' latest AI-powered solution that helps hotel sales teams evaluate RFPs, identify winning strategies, and make smarter decisions faster. They also discuss the future of AI in hospitality, improving lead quality, and the energy and innovation showcased at HITEC.In this episode, you'll learn: How Interactive Sites pioneered hospitality technology before the web era  The evolution of ShareIt Online and its impact on group sales  Why lead quality matters more than lead quantity  How AI is helping hotel sales teams qualify opportunities and win more business  Key hospitality technology trends emerging from HITEC Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gjgDUjOUy4ALinks:Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-waltman-262a6995/ Interactive Sites: https://www.interactivesites.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/300Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
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  #299: Adding the Human Back into Hospitality | with Noelani Shroy 29.06.2026 12dk

  How can AI make hospitality more human instead of less? In this special HITEC episode of The Modern Hotelier, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Noelani Schroy, VP of Global Sales at Onyx CenterSource, to explore the future of hospitality technology and why the industry's greatest competitive advantage will always be people.Noelani shares why hoteliers need to better understand the travel agency perspective, how fragmented technology systems silently cost hotels valuable opportunities, and why implementing new technology is only the beginning—not the finish line. She also offers practical insights on using AI to enhance guest experiences, empower employees, and strengthen leadership rather than replace it.In this episode, you'll learn: Why AI should create more human-centered hospitality  The hidden costs of fragmented hotel technology systems  Why understanding travel agents improves hotel relationships  How AI is reshaping hospitality jobs and leadership  What technology providers must do to stay customer-focused Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/59neZld_1FILinks:Noelani on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noelanib/Onyx CenterSource: https://onyxcentersource.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/299Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
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  #298: Why Consolidation Is the Biggest Opportunity in Hospitality | with Shawn Tarter 28.06.2026 5dk

  Today, we sit down with Shawn Tarter, CEO of RealTime Reservations, to discuss one of the biggest announcements at HITEC—the company's strategic acquisition and vision for transforming hotel technology.Shawn shares the story behind meeting Stay's founder at a previous HITEC, how that relationship evolved into a partnership spanning more than 2,600 hotel properties, and why creating a unified platform for ancillary reservations is the future of hospitality.The conversation explores the industry's push toward a truly connected guest journey, the importance of consolidating hotel technology, and why accurate data is the foundation for AI-driven innovation. Shawn also offers valuable advice for hoteliers navigating vendor fatigue, emphasizing the importance of cultural alignment and customer-focused product development.In this episode, you'll learn:Why RealTime Reservations acquired Stay and what it means for hotelsHow a single checkout experience can transform the guest journeyThe role of AI in hospitality—and why clean data comes firstStrategies for reducing tech stack complexity and vendor fatigueWhat's next for Real Time Reservations and the future of hotel technologyWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kmsMEf2QlCgLinks:Shawn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-tarter-221b52b2/RealTime Reservation: https://www.realtimereservation.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/298Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
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  #297: The Importance of Connecting & Security Your Hotel's Technology Systems | with Rodd Herron 26.06.2026 6dk

  In this special HITEC edition of The Modern Hotelier, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Rodd Herron, Regional Sales Director at Sirma, to discuss how hotels can move beyond disconnected technology systems and prepare for the future of AI.Rodd explains why fragmented hotel tech stacks continue to challenge operators and how integrating data across PMS, POS, spa, golf, and other systems creates a more unified guest experience. The conversation also explores practical strategies for implementing AI without unnecessary complexity, why security and compliance should be part of every AI conversation, and how hotels can avoid costly mistakes by taking a thoughtful, phased approach.Whether you're evaluating AI for the first time or looking to connect your existing technology ecosystem, this episode offers valuable insights into building a smarter, more connected hospitality operation.In this episode, you'll learn:Why disconnected hotel systems remain a major operational challengeHow AI can unify data across multiple hotel platformsThe importance of security and compliance in AI adoptionWhy planning and starting small leads to better AI implementationHow Sirma helps hotels integrate technology and future-proof their operationsWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/I4WSbmAVycgLinks:Rodd on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodd-herron-28186a1/Sirma: https://sirma.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/297Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
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  #296: Giving Hoteliers Flexibility to Build Their Ideal Tech Stack | with Philip von Ditfurth & Florian Montag 26.06.2026 17dk

  In this special HITEC edition of The Modern Hotelier, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Apaleo co-founder Philip von Ditfurth and SVP Revenue Florian Montag to explore the future of hospitality technology, AI, and open platform architecture.The conversation dives into why Apaleo chose a composable, API-first approach long before it became an industry trend, how leading hotel brands are leveraging technology to improve both guest experiences and operational efficiency, and what hoteliers need to do today to prepare for the rise of agentic AI.Philip shares lessons learned from building technology platforms across fragmented industries, while Florian offers a hotelier’s perspective on AI adoption, governance, and the importance of creating a future-ready technology foundation. Together, they discuss why flexibility, open infrastructure, and strategic technology decisions will define the next generation of successful hotel operators.Key Topics Include: The power of open APIs and composable hospitality technology  Why AI readiness starts with the right technology foundation  Lessons from innovative hotel brands like citizenM Building a future-proof hotel tech stack  The balance between guest experience and operational efficiency Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/uBwm8n1ExM8Links:Philip on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-von-ditfurth-1a570/ Florian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fmontag/Apaleo: https://apaleo.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/296Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
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  #295: How Hotels Can Stay in Control in the AI Age | with Jesús Olivares Sánchez 25.06.2026 14dk

  In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Jesús Olivares Sánchez to explore how hospitality is being reshaped by AI, data, and rapidly evolving guest expectations.Jesús shares his journey from engineering and financial services into hospitality tech, eventually joining Amadeus, where he now focuses on connecting the hospitality ecosystem through data, distribution, personalization, and advertising. The conversation dives into how hotels can stay “discoverable” in an AI-driven world, the rise of agentic commerce, and why modern distribution strategies must balance control, relevance, and flexibility across multiple channels.In this episode you’ll know about: The biggest shifts shaping hospitality today, especially the rise of AI and changing guest expectations  How Amadeus is connecting data, distribution, and personalization across the hospitality ecosystem  What “AI discoverability” means for hotels and how it impacts direct bookings and distribution strategy  How agentic AI and new commerce models are changing the way travelers search, book, and experience travel  What hoteliers need to do now to stay competitive while modernizing their tech stack for the future Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bAwJbUXbFsULinks:Jesús on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jes%C3%BAs-olivares-s%C3%A1nchez-2313b16b/Amadeus: https://amadeus.com/enFor full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/295Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
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  #294: These 2 Things are the Foundation of a Great Guest Experience | with Branigan Mulcahy 25.06.2026 13dk

  In this special HITEC episode of The Modern Hotelier, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Branigan Mulcahy, CEO and Co-founder of Virdee, to explore how AI and digital wallet technology are transforming the hotel guest experience.Branigan shares insights into Virdee’s partnership with Apple and Google to bring hotel room keys directly into mobile wallets, eliminating many of the friction points associated with traditional digital key systems. The conversation dives into the future of contactless hospitality, AI-powered guest engagement, personalization at scale, sustainability benefits, and how hotels can balance automation with exceptional human service.From seamless room access through Apple Wallet and Google Wallet to AI-driven guest communication and operations, this episode offers a glimpse into what the next generation of hospitality technology looks like—and why hotel operators should be paying attention.Key Topics Covered: Digital room keys in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet  Enhancing guest convenience and satisfaction  AI’s role in the hotel guest journey  Sustainability benefits of eliminating plastic key cards  The future of hospitality technology and guest experiences Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/46LegJqDHdQLinks:Branigan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/branigan-mulcahy/ Virdee: https://virdee.ai/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/294Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
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  #293: A System that Actually Delivers Personalization & Improves the Guest Experience | with the Alliants Team 24.06.2026 15dk

  Recorded live from HITEC, Steve Carran sits down with the Alliant leadership team—CEO Tristan Gadsby, SVP of Customer Experience Andrew Pirret, and CRO Alberto Santana—to explore how technology is transforming the guest experience while keeping hospitality at its human core.The conversation dives into Alliant's collaboration with Les Clefs d'Or, where concierge professionals are embracing AI and modern technology to enhance personalized service. Tristan shares how technology can make hospitality professionals "superhuman" by automating routine tasks and allowing them to focus on meaningful guest interactions.Alberto discusses the untapped opportunity hotels have to better understand why guests are traveling, using a compelling World Cup travel scenario to illustrate how hotels can move beyond generic upsells and create memorable, emotionally connected experiences. The team also explores the importance of recognizing every guest on a reservation—not just the primary booker—and how doing so unlocks deeper personalization and increased revenue opportunities.Andrew explains why digital wallets and contactless check-in technology have reached a tipping point, making travel smoother for guests while helping hotels overcome staffing and operational challenges. The discussion also highlights how Apple Wallet integrations are changing the way travelers manage their stays and interact with hotel brands.Finally, Tristan shares how Alliant is leveraging agentic AI, guest data, and contextual intelligence to create smarter recommendations for guests and more efficient workflows for hotel teams. From AI-powered morning briefing agents to hyper-personalized guest engagement, the future of hospitality is becoming more connected, intelligent, and guest-centric than ever before.In this episode, you'll learn:How concierge teams are embracing AI without losing the human touchWhy understanding a guest's reason for travel matters more than everThe hidden revenue opportunities in identifying all guests on a reservationHow digital wallets are reshaping the hotel guest journeyThe role of agentic AI in delivering personalized hospitality at scaleWhy data quality is the foundation of successful AI initiativesWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pREGBac4jyALinks:Tristan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristangadsby/Alberto on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrsantana/Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-pirret/Alliants: https://www.alliants.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/293Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.