In a world where traditional hotel experiences are becoming obsolete, how can the hospitality industry transform from merely providing a place to stay into a platform for genuine human connection and personal transformation?  In this episode, Steve Carran speaks with Bashar Wali and Eric Jafari as they challenge the status quo of hotel innovation. Moving far beyond traditional wellness concepts, they explore how the next generation is redefining hospitality through community, belonging, and...

In this episode, Steve and David speak with Brad Steward from Caravan Outpost and JC Curleigh, CEO of Pelican Products, as they share their insights on building momentum through impactful moments in their respective industries. Brad Steward discusses his transition from the action sports business to hospitality, highlighting the creation and unique selling points of Caravan Outpost. He emphasizes the importance of consumer marketing and creating genuine experiences.  Following Brad, JC...

 In this episode, David and Steve interview Jeff Kessinger, Vice President of Sales at Jonas Hospitality, who shares his journey from being a night auditor to becoming a 20-year veteran in hotel technology sales.  Jeff dives into pressing industry challenges like labor shortages, technology overload, and fragmented systems, while exploring solutions to enhance guest experiences and loyalty. He sheds light on the future of direct bookings, the evolving expectations of travelers, and how an...

This episode features an engaging conversation with Katherine Grass, CEO of Optii. Discover how technology, AI, and data-driven solutions are revolutionizing hotel operations, improving efficiency, and enhancing the guest experience. Katherine discusses her journey into hospitality technology and how AI is transforming hotel operations, particularly through Optii's innovative approach to housekeeping and maintenance. She highlights the importance of user-friendly technology, the ongoing labor...

In this episode, hosts Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Joonas Ahola, founder of Meeting Package. Having started his entrepreneurial journey at age 16 with an event agency, Ahola discusses how his frustration with the RFP process led him to create Meeting Package, a comprehensive CRS platform for groups, meetings, and events sales. He shares insights on the differences between European and US markets in hospitality tech adoption, current challenges facing hoteliers in managing...

This episode features Ryan Heideman, Vice President of Sales at React Mobile, as he joins hosts Steve Carran and David Millili to discuss the latest innovations in hotel safety technology. Ryan shares his journey into the hospitality tech space and provides an in-depth look at how React Mobile is leading the way in workplace safety for hotels.  In this episode, you'll learn about: The evolution of React Mobile’s enterprise safety platform and its critical role in the hospitality industry.How...

In this episode, host Steve Carran speaks with Pablo Revale, CEO of Zerf, and Rodrigo Perez Garofalo, CPO of Zerf, live from the floor of The Hospitality Show. Zerf is a tech company helping hotels recover lost revenue by securing more direct bookings through website optimization, testing, and data-driven solutions. Pablo and Rodrigo discuss their diverse backgrounds, the challenges hotels face with OTAs (Online Travel Agencies), and how Zerf is working to empower hotels to regain control...

In this episode, hosts Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Adam Smock from Impulsify, a retail technology company revolutionizing hotel grab-and-go markets. A former hotelier with over 20 years of experience, Smock discusses how Impulsify helps properties maximize their retail spaces through custom technology solutions, data analytics, and innovative design. Learn about their impressive success stories, including a Hilton property that saw ROI in just 13 days, and discover emerging...

Join hosts Steve Carran and David Millili as they interview Josh Graham, Head of Market Development at Cloudbeds, on the trade show floor of The Hospitality Show in San Antonio. In this insightful episode, Graham discusses Cloudbeds' evolution from serving small properties to accommodating larger hotels, their innovative approach to integrations, and the game-changing launch of Cloudbeds Intelligence, their new AI platform. He also reveals exciting upcoming features including enterprise-grade...

Join hosts Steve Carran and David Millili on the trade show floor for an insightful conversation with Walt Sheffler, CEO of Avendra, a leading professional procurement services company in the hospitality industry. In this episode, Walt shares his journey from Penn State accounting major to hospitality industry leader, revealing how a shortage of accounting jobs led him to a career-defining role as a Marriott management trainee. With decades of experience under his belt, Walt discusses what...

In this episode, hosts Steve Carran and David Millili speak with Theresa Ellsworth from Sertifi at the Hospitality Show. Theresa, a hospitality technology veteran, discusses the growing challenge of credit card fraud and chargebacks in the hotel industry. She shares valuable insights on preventing criminal fraud, handling friendly fraud, and implementing digital authorization solutions.In this episode, you'll learn about: What are the essential fraud prevention tools?The importance of 3D...

In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Tate Hackert, founder and president of ZayZoon, to discuss earned wage access and financial empowerment in the hospitality industry. Hackert shares his entrepreneurial journey from small-town beginnings to revolutionizing employee pay access, along with insights on business growth and workplace benefits. Key Topics: How did ZayZoon transform from a manual loan service into a comprehensive fintech...

How is Springboard addressing the housing affordability crisis for hospitality workers in expensive markets? Join hosts David Millili and Steve Carran as they sit down with Benjamin Rafter, President and CEO of Springboard Hospitality, for an insightful discussion about the intersection of technology and hospitality. With a unique background spanning from tech startups to hotel management, Rafter shares his journey from selling a company to Amazon to leading a portfolio of 47 independent...

Independent hotels are the creative spark for the Hospitality Industry. So, what's the current state of the Independent Hospitality sector? In this episode, David and Steve head to the Independent Lodging Congress in Sausalito, CA to talk about the latest insights and challenges happening in the Independent hotel space. On this episode, we hear from Brigette Harenda the President of B&Co., Romal Jayswal, Co-founder & CEO at StayNow, Jacqueline Nunley, Travel and Hospitality Advisor at...

In this episode, hosts David and Steve speak with Judy Chen from Hyatt Hotels Corporation, who shares her expertise on topics ranging from disaster response in the hotel industry to labor retention strategies and major sporting events' impact on hospitality markets. Key Topics: The hospitality industry's response to Hurricane Milton, highlighting how smaller hotel groups offered discounted rates to those in needChef Jose Andres' new venture into the hotel business with Hotel Bazaar in...

What valuable insights does she offer for hoteliers looking to enhance their guest experience and brand presence? On this special episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Mandy Murry, CEO of Hospitality Concierge. From her early days as a teenage travel agent in Salt Lake City to running the VIP torch relay program for the 2002 Olympics, Murry shares her fascinating journey in hospitality. Now a sought-after consultant for independent and boutique hotels, she discusses the...

In today's episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Eric Lutz, CEO of Olive. A California native who started his career as an overnight front desk agent, Lutz shares his journey from hospitality operations to founding a hotel technology company. The conversation explores how Olive's personalization platform is helping hotels improve their digital presence and direct booking experience, while discussing broader industry trends including AI adoption, labor challenges, and the...

Want to know how a former touring musician is disrupting the way hotels book live entertainment?  In today's episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Mir Hwang, CEO of GigFinesse - a groundbreaking platform revolutionizing how hotels book live entertainment. Hwang shares his fascinating journey from touring session drummer to tech entrepreneur, including his bold decision to forgo med school and convince his Google-employed cousin to join his venture - much to their...

Independent hotels are the creative spark for the Hospitality Industry. So, what's the current state of the Independent Hospitality sector? In this episode, David and Steve head to the Independent Lodging Congress in Sausalito, CA to talk about the latest insights and challenges happening in the Independent hotel space. On this episode, we hear from Dan Jacobs, the Chef/Owner, of award-winning restaurants, Dandan & EsterEv, in Milwaukee, Gaurav (GB) Sharma, Founder of MOSAIC, Audrey...

Independent hotels are the creative spark for the Hospitality Industry. So, what's the current state of the Independent Hospitality sector? In this episode, David and Steve head to the Independent Lodging Congress in Sausalito, CA to talk about the latest insights and challenges happening in the Independent hotel space. On this episode we hear from Andrew Benioff, the Founder and Chairman of ILC, Peter Heinemann, Co-founder and Managing Director of Passport Resorts, and Lindsey Ueberroth, the...

If you are using Online Travel Agencies, you are probably missing out on some of your revenue. In this episode, find out how Janet Ferrer recovered $1 Million from Expedia. Hospitality Holdings founder and President, Janet Ferrer, is an industry leader in progressive and innovative thinking. As both an on-property leader and Corporate Director of Finance her 27 years in Hospitality lends great insight to her Online Travel Agency Revenue Recovery audit systems and optimization of financial...

What does it take to lead the culinary team at one of America’s largest indoor waterpark resorts and how do you balance tradition and innovation in an ever-evolving culinary landscape? Join hosts David Millili and Steve Carran, as they dive into the culinary world of Kalahari Resorts with Chef Nick Shaw. Discover the journey from a small-town upbringing to leading the culinary experiences at one of America's largest indoor waterpark resorts. Chef Nick shares insights on kitchen safety,...

Have you ever wondered what happens to the barely-used soap bars and tiny shampoo bottles left behind in hotel rooms?  In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran engage with Shawn Seipler, CEO of Clean the World, to explore how his organization is making a significant impact on global sustainability and hygiene through the hospitality industry. Shawn shares his journey from tech sales to pioneering a social enterprise that recycles soap and plastics, providing essential hygiene...

Join hosts David Millili and Steve Carran as they welcome Michelle Potorski, VP and General Manager of Duracell Professional. The discussion dives into Michelle's career journey, including her early days with Duracell and her return to the company after stints at Gillette, Proctor & Gamble, and CVS Health. The main focus is on the role of batteries in the hospitality industry, specifically the innovations Duracell's Procell brand is making to improve operational efficiency and guest...