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 makes the hospitality industry uniquely rewarding and explains why working with people in an upbeat environment continues to drive his passion. Key Discussion Points: The distinction between traditional procurement and hospitality procurementHow Avendra serves different hotel segments, from economy to ultra-luxuryThe company's unique "at property and above property" service modelCreative solutions to the industry's pressing labor shortage challengesSustainability initiatives and ESG measurement in hospitality procurementAvendra's international expansion plans and future growth strategiesLearn how Avendra's team of hospitality veterans brings insider knowledge to procurement services, understanding the day-to-day needs of everyone from executive chefs to front desk staff. Walt also shares valuable insights into how the company is tackling modern challenges, from implementing AI-driven sustainability tracking to helping hotels optimize their labor distribution through strategic supply chain management.Sponsor spot: This episode is sponsored by Avendra: https://www.avendra.com/ Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageThe Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/walt-sheffler-aa14a1/ Avendra International: https://www.avendra.com/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/112 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-... Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil...