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The Modern Hotelier

David Millili & Steve Carran

Each episode we discuss industry trends, talk about new technologies, and speak to industry experts. All so that you, The Modern Hotelier, can succeed in a new age of hospitality.

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Thursday · 48 min
#323: Making Hotel Ownership and Commercial Real Estate Investing Accessible | with Davonne Reaves
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: What working in hotel operations taught her about ownership How to evaluate a hotel investment opportunity Why the sponsor, location, brand, and operator matter Where human expertise remains essential in hospitality Advice for aspiring hotel owners and young entrepreneurs Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/v4Ju_rdcVd8 Links: Davonne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davonnereaves Vesterr: https://www.vesterr.com/ 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: Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E... David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
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August 25 · 45 min
#322: Boutique Service, Authentic Design, and Cultivating Hospitality’s Future | David Bowd of Salt Hotels
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: The philosophy behind Salt Hotels Why people and service create memorable hotel experiences How independent hotels can build visibility and commercial success AI’s role in hospitality and the importance of human connection Why every hotel should feel connected to its location Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gB-NcS4Aj18 This episode is sponsored by Sip Tea: https://sip-tea-path.com/ Links: David Bowd on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbowd/ Salt Hotels: https://www.salthotels.com/ 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: Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E... David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
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August 20 · 30 min
#321: How Streamlining Procurement Can Help Hotels Thrive | with Jesse Messitte
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: How group purchasing organizations help hotels reduce costs and improve purchasing performance What hoteliers should consider when selecting procurement technology Why hotels should focus on business objectives before adopting new technology The best practices for creating consistent and efficient procurement processes 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. Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xhOk-Xcmzrc This episode is sponsored by Avendra International: https://www.avendra.com/en/us/ Links: Jesse on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-messitte/ Avendra International: https://www.avendra.com/en/us/ 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: Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E... David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
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August 18 · 19 min
#320: Hotel P&L Benchmarking & The Impact of the World Cup | with Jan Freitag & Amanda Hite
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: How P&L benchmarking can reveal opportunities to improve hotel profitability Why rising undistributed expenses are putting pressure on hotel margins What Could AI and Natural-Language Analytics Mean for the Future of Hotel Decision-Making? Why Did the World Cup’s Hotel Impact Differ from the Super Bowl? Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oepa3lq-EdU Links: Jan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janfreitag/ Amanda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandawattshite/ CoStar Group: https://www.costargroup.com/ 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: Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E... David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
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August 13 · 11 min
#319: The Opportunity in Getting Hotel Tech Integrations Right | with Kelly Popp
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: Why disconnected tech stacks create silos The importance of integrated hotel technology How EVO is changing the way hoteliers work Why hotel content and personalization matter Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RgkxqJEWExo Links: Kelly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-popp-b5404a6/ Access Hospitality: Hotels & Casinos Americas: https://www.theaccessgroup.com/ 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: Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E... David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
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August 12 · 38 min
#318: From On-Property to Expedia to Hotel Technology | with Nick Farrell
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: What working at Expedia taught him about distribution, digital marketing, and demand Why a test-and-learn mindset is critical for hotels How AI and guest intelligence can transform the hotel experience The opportunities hotels are missing between check-in and check-out How AI Concierge technology can personalize recommendations for guests 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: Nick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nfarrell1/ Phunware Hospitality: https://www.phunware.com/ 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: Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E... David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
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August 11 · 32 min
#317: Navigating the Shifts Disrupting the Hotel Industry | with Kathleen Cullen
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: How B2B distribution and discount stacking are disrupting hotel rates Why AI is becoming a new audience hotel must be discoverable through Should Hotel Leaders Prioritize Profitability Over Revenue The hotels can rethink sales and RFP response strategies Why creating a unique hotel story and customer experience matters Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/uBEODwtL2xY Links: Kathleen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-cullen-ptgconsulting/ PTG Consulting: https://www.ptgconsulting.com/ 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: Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E... David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
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August 6 · 30 min
#316: What It Takes to Lead Luxury Resorts | with Robert Marusi of Hotel Del Coronado & Grand Wailea
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: How luxury hotels are using data to personalize every stay The importance of recognition in creating loyal guests How LLM search is changing hotel websites and digital marketing Why agility is the ultimate competitive advantage in hospitality Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QSZA_bDu-z8 Links: Robert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-marusi-b6267739/ Hotel del Coronado: https://www.hoteldel.com/ 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: Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E... David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
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August 4 · 50 min
#315: Managing the Vibe at the NYC Hard Rock Hotel | with David Salcfas
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: How leading by example builds stronger teams Why empathy and accountability go hand in hand The importance of mentorship and networking in hospitality What makes Hard Rock Hotel New York a one-of-a-kind guest experience How to create a culture employee genuinely want to be part of Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UWc6X8U_-9U Links: David Salcfas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsalcfas/ Hard Rock Hotel New York: https://hotel.hardrock.com/new-york/ 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: Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E... David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
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July 30 · 19 min
#314: World Cup Tourism, Booking Based on F&B, Creative Travel for Summer Vacations | Hospitality Hot Topics with Dean Compoginis
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: How the World Cup increased hotel occupancy, ADR, and RevPAR Why hotel restaurants and food experiences are influencing booking decisions The impact of AI data centers on extended-stay hotel demand How travelers are adjusting vacations amid higher travel costs Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zl1b8tGGjSk Links: Website: http://www.deancompoginis.com/ Dean on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deancompoginis/ 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: Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E... David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
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July 28 · 52 min
#313: A Journey of Hospitality Innovation: From Cairo to Hotel Brand COO | with Karima Zaki
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. In this episode, you'll discover: Why embracing different cultures and experiences creates stronger hospitality leaders. The leadership mindset that separates managing processes from leading people. How boutique hotels can use AI strategically without losing the human touch guests value most. What independent boutique hotels can offer that large hotel brands often can't replicate. Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/uaYqYP268dc Links: Karima on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karimazaki/ Town & Desert Hospitality: https://townanddesert.com/ 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: Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E... David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
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July 23 · 52 min
#312: Relational Wellness is the Foundation of this Hotel | with Elizabeth Mullins
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/v7xVRPx4e1o Links: 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/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: Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E... David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
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July 21 · 54 min
#311: How Your General Contractor Executes Hotel Renovations Without Disruption | with Tom Kelley
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_2xW9I This episode is sponsored by Digney-York Associates: https://digneyyork.com/ Links: 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/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: Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E... David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
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July 16 · 9 min
#310: HITEC E20X 2026 Winners | with Mergim Kacija & Josh Ellis
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 service Why independent hotels are embracing AI-powered technology The value of unified guest data for personalization and loyalty What it takes to win the hospitality industry's premier startup competition What's next for two of hospitality's fastest-growing technology companies Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/m_E8AmNFjZw Links: 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/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: Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E... David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
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July 14 · 34 min
#309: Think Global, Act Local: Insights from an International Hotelier | with Gonzalo Aguilar
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 leadership Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7on3C3IsOOo Links: Gonzalo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gonzalo-aguilar-/ Minor Hotels: https://www.minorhotels.com/en 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: Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E... David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
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July 9 · 1 hr 9 min
#308: Hospitality Roundtable: Shannon McCallum, Anthony Melchiorri, Dmitry Kroshka & Henrik Shimony
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 careers How AI is transforming hotel operations without replacing people The biggest technology opportunities hotels should embrace The future of hotel operations, procurement, and digital guest experiences Why hospitality offers one of the most diverse and rewarding career paths Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eU1Z9fDjh2A Links: 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/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: Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E... David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
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July 7 · 50 min
#307: Elevating the Airport Lounge Experience | with David Collyer of Aspire Pre-Flight Hospitality
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 thinking The role of AI, occupancy management, and dynamic pricing in lounge operations Why guest expectations have dramatically changed post-pandemic The importance of guest feedback and data-driven innovation 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. Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/45AdsDBRe-A Links: 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/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: Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E... David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
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July 6 · 18 min
#306: A Better Way For Hotel Marketing | with Evan Saunders
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-_nfYS2Xg Links: Evan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evansaunders/ Azira: https://azira.com/ 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: Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E... David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
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July 2 · 6 min
#305: Transparency & Confidence is Key in Owner Accounting | with Brian McGeown
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_IqI Links: 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/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: Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E... David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
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July 2 · 19 min
#304: How In-Room Tablets Are Increasing Guest Engagement & Unlocking Revenue | with Kevin Bidner
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-wYZ5DGk Links: 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/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: Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E... David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
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