EXPERIENCE HOTEL NEXT!
Be transported to a simulated hotel environment with several rooms to explore. Each room is carefully designed for the industry's "new normal", packed with technology solutions and education to inspire you. We offer top-notch content for you to explore in both on-demand and live event formats. Explore all that's available below and register today!
LIVE EVENT CONTENT
(All sessions are listed in EST.)
HT-NEXT Home Screen
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
2020-12-01
HT-NEXT Opening Remarks
1:00 PM - 1:10 PM
1:00 PM
1:10 PM
<p>Welcome! Get acquainted to HT-NEXT and learn how to use the platform.</p>
Abigail Lorden
VP
Hospitality Technology
Auditorium
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
2020-12-01
Keynote: Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Keynote Session
1:10 PM - 1:35 PM
1:10 PM
1:35 PM
<p>Tilak Mandadi, Executive Vice President, Digital and Chief Technology Officer for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, shares how technology has enabled new Disney experiences while helping to transform the operation of the company’s global parks and resorts business during these unprecedented times. Mandadi will provide insight into how his team relentlessly uses technology to innovate and reimagine the Disney guest experience of the future.</p>
Tilak Mandadi
EVP, Digital and Chief Technology Officer
Disney Parks, Experiences and Products
In his role as Executive Vice President, Digital and Chief Technology Officer for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, Tilak leads a large and diverse team of technology professionals across the U.S., Asia, and Europe. His team is a fully integrated partner in executing growth and innovation strategies for all businesses in the segment, including theme parks, resort hotels, Disney Signature Experiences (Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Adventures by Disney, Aulani, A Disney Spa & Resort and Golden Oak), food and beverage, consumer products, retail, gaming, publishing and Walt Disney Imagineering.
Tilak’s commercial and consumer focus, as well as his hands-on technical expertise in digital and physical convergence, ecommerce, data science, AI/machine learning, cloud, lean practices, infrastructure operations and information security, provide the foundation for defining and delivering the segment’s end-to-end technology capabilities and roadmap. Tilak and his team deliver relentless innovations and strategic solutions in guest and consumer experiences and products, cast and crew experiences and productivity, strategic business growth and competitive advantages.
Throughout his career, Tilak has consistently led transformative, business-critical, global initiatives well beyond traditional technology functions. He has held progressively expanded leadership roles, while building strong, successful partnerships with senior- and board-level executives across a very diverse set of industries and business cultures, including financial services, hospitality, retail, energy and technology. As a versatile leader, Tilak has successfully created and led innovative startup teams as well as large, enterprise technology organizations.
Prior to joining the company, Tilak served as Senior Vice President, Digital Technologies and Enterprise Growth at American Express, where he oversaw the digitization of the card business and the technical enablement of the business expansion into new growth adjacencies and demographics. He has also held senior, global digital and technology leadership positions at FedEx Office and Dell Online after starting his career as a technical consultant at AT&T Bell Labs. Tilak holds a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Oregon.
Pre-Stay
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
2020-12-01
Firechat: Three Key Lessons to Inspire Innovation in a Time of Crisis
1:40 PM - 1:55 PM
1:40 PM
1:55 PM
<p>Wyndham’s EVP & CIO shares how the company has empowered innovation for key stakeholders, including staff members, owners and guests, in a time of crisis. Learn about the three key takeaways that will have a lasting impact on decision making, project management and more.</p>
Scott Strickland
Chief Information Officer
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
Guest Room
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
2020-12-01
Firechat: Tackling the Topic of ABS
2:00 PM - 2:25 PM
2:00 PM
2:25 PM
<p>Are you totally confused by Attribute Based Selling (ABS) and want to know: What it is (and isn’t), how it benefits you and your guests, and how it works? You aren’t alone! So, bring your questions for our two experts to answer: George Roukas, partner, Hudson Crossing LLC and Flo Lugli, principal, Navesink Advisory Group, LLC. They’ll provide an in-depth look into this burgeoning topic including addressing some common myths: “It’s the same as attribute-based filtering!” “It’s the same as selling ancillaries!” or “It will result in lower ADRs and profitability!” (Spoiler Alert: It isn’t, it’s not and nope!)</p>
Flo Lugli
Principal
Navesink Advisory Group LLC
Flo Lugli, founder and principal of Navesink Advisory Group, LLC, is an innovative, results-oriented executive with a proven track record of driving revenue growth in the travel, hospitality and related technologies businesses for publicly and privately held companies. A well-known expert on travel industry distribution, travel technology, and digital presence, Lugli has been recognized as one of the most influential women in hospitality technology by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP).
In addition, Lugli is Non-Executive Chairman of Global Hotel Alliance, the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands, encompassing over 550 upscale and luxury hotels across 76 different countries. Owned by 5 major independent hotel companies and Oracle, GHA provides a global loyalty and technology infrastructure to its member brands. Lugli is also an independent board member of iVvy.com, an award-winning global events and hospitality technology company. She also serves as an advisor to ResortPass, a venture-funded technology platform for access to resorts and hotels for the pool, spa, fitness, and amenities; and is on the advisory council of MMGY Global. Lugli also serves on the HSMAI America’s board.
Previously Lugli held senior executive positions with Wyndham Hotel Group and privately held Travelport Limited (and its predecessor Galileo International).
George Roukas
Partner
Hudson Crossing, LLC
George Roukas is a senior executive with in-depth experience in product management, technology and competitive strategy. Prior to co-founding Hudson Crossing in 2007, George was formerly Group Vice President of Product Management for Travelport, where he led the strategy, development and management for all products facing Galileo’s North American agency partners. Prior to Travelport, George held the role of Vice President of Product Management and Strategy for Cendant Travel Distribution Services’ Supplier Services group. George has worked through PhoCusWright as a consultant to several well-known travel companies, primarily in the area of web site usability for e-commerce. He also led product and technology organizations in internet startups Biztravel.com, Room12.com, and ClickRadio.com.
George holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from Montclair University and an M.B.A. from New York University Stern School of Business. George is based outside Atlanta, Georgia.
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
2020-12-01
Break: 1:1 Networking, Explore Exhibits & Content
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
2:30 PM
3:30 PM
<p>Participants who have signed up for 1:1 Networking meetings should follow the meeting schedule set for them. In addition, all participants are invited to network in the exhibit hall. Check out the Hotel Next Environments for technology solutions, self-guided tours and on-demand sessions.</p>
Workshops & Reception Lounge
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
2020-12-01
Interactive Workshop with Discussion Tables: Doing More with Less
3:35 PM - 4:10 PM
3:35 PM
4:10 PM
<p><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Open to hoteliers and discussion table sponsors. </strong></span></p>
<p>Attendees will gather for a unique video-based mix & mingle and networking session to brainstorm solutions to the challenge of getting the most out of hotel tech via modest investments and, more importantly, leveraging existing assets. With inspiring input from Wendy Mertz, Vice President, IT Applications & Strategy at Hard Rock International, and thought leadership from Hospitality Technology and HTNG, our Day 1 workshop will provide attendees with an actionable set of key takeaways.</p>
Wendy Mertz
VP IT, Applications & Strategy
Hard Rock Intl.
Robert Firpo-Cappiello
Editor-in-Chief
Hospitality Technology
Abigail Lorden
VP
Hospitality Technology
Workshops & Reception Lounge
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
2020-12-01
“Antivirtual” Mixer: Not Your Average Networking Reception (Exclusive Access for Hoteliers + Presenting & Diamond Sponsors)
4:15 PM - 4:45 PM
4:15 PM
4:45 PM
<p>Join the party at HT-NEXT for an exclusive mixer that will transform the way you think about connecting online. MC’ed by one-of-kind Las Vegas juggler and comedian Jeff Civillico, we'll get together on a highly interactive platform to connect with each other, learn a few new tricks — and step outside our comfort zones with our closest industry friends!<strong> BYOB & Bring 3 pairs of socks!</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>(Exclusive Access for Hoteliers + Presenting & Diamond Sponsors)</strong></span></p>
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Headline Entertainer & Professional Host/TV Personality
Jeff Civillico is a top entertainment speaker, Las Vegas Headliner, TV Host Personality, and Philanthropist. He has been a Las Vegas Headliner with Caesars Entertainment for 5 years, having performed 1000+ shows at The LINQ, The Flamingo, and now The Paris Hotel & Casino. When Jeff’s not on stage, he’s on camera— hosting everything from Las Vegas ABC Morning Show “The Morning Blend” to Entertainment-News show “The Weekend in Vegas” to music television show “Backline.”
Auditorium
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
2020-12-02
Day 2 Welcome Remarks, Followed by Keynote: Restarting the Travel & Tourism Industry
1:00 PM - 1:35 PM
1:00 PM
1:35 PM
<p>Join us in the Auditorium for a live kick-off to HT-NEXT Day 2, featuring the CEO of HTNG Mike Blake! Keep your video player open - we'll proceed directly into the keynote segment.</p>
<p>Bonny Simi, president, JetBlue Technology Ventures (JTV), the venture capital arm of JetBlue Airways, will discuss how her company has been sourcing new, innovative startups – especially when it comes to contactless technology. Simi will offer up her perspective on the travel journey and discuss what hotels can learn when it comes to sourcing technologies that are both nimble and creative, based on JTV's work with emerging technology and startups.</p>
Bonny Simi
President
Jet Blue Ventures
Bonny Simi is the president of JetBlue Technology Ventures, the venture capital arm of JetBlue Airways that invests in and partners with early-stage startups innovating in the travel, hospitality, and transportation industries.
Bonny joined JetBlue in 2003 and has since held several leadership, operational, and financial roles with the airline. She serves as a director for Red Lion Hotel Corporation and Pebblebrook Hotel Trust and is a board advisor to Joby Aviation, a portfolio company. Bonny was named in 2019 as one of Business Insiders’ 100 people transforming the world of business.
Bonny remains an active JetBlue pilot and is also a three-time Olympian in the sport of luge. She graduated from Stanford University with three degrees, including MS Management, MS Engineering and a BA in Communications
Mike Blake
CEO
HTNG
Michael Blake is the CEO of HTNG, Michael previously served as the CIO of Commune Hotels & Resorts, encompassing Joie de Vivre, Thompson, Tommie and Alila Hotels. He provided strategic leadership and sound perspective to contribute to the management and evolution of Commune's global IT functions. Michael was previously the CIO for Hyatt and set the global technology direction for their global footprint. Michael has over 20 years of experience in finance and technology in various roles. Before his CIO positions with Commune and Hyatt, Michael was SVP of IT for First Data, CFO of IT Finance at Kaiser Permanente and Director of IT Finance for Sears. In each role, he was the highest ranking IT Finance resource and key internal consultant and advisor to international senior leadership teams. Prior to that, Michael held various financial roles within United Airlines including the controller of the IT organization. Michael holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Utah, received his MBA in Finance and Economics from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and also his MS in Information Technology from Northwestern University. He also maintains several credentials and licenses: CPA, CMA, CISA, CITP and PMP. Michael served as a member of HTNG's Board of Governors since 2009 and held the Treasurer position for many of those years.
On Property Experiences
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
2020-12-02
Freshly Packed with New Tech: How Aspen Skiing Co. Prepares for a Contactless Experience
1:40 PM - 2:00 PM
1:40 PM
2:00 PM
<p>When COVID-19 struck, the U.S. ski season came to an abrupt halt. Aspen Skiing Company responded quickly, fast-tracking its digital transformation plans, now with a hyper-focus on reducing crowds and touchpoints. Learn about the mobile and contactless tools that are welcoming guests back to the resort, and how the team got it done in record time.</p>
John Lilley
CIO
Aspen Skiing Company
Auditorium
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
2020-12-02
Hot New Research: Voice of the Hotel Customer
2:05 PM - 2:30 PM
2:05 PM
2:30 PM
<p>Listen in as a panel of experts discusses data from the 2020 Customer Engagement Technology Study. Consumers have a lot to say and the hotels who listen best to their concerns and wishes will come out ahead on the other side of the pandemic. This year, we took a deep dive into consumers’ technology preferences when staying in a hotel, eating at a restaurant, or ordering food for take-out/delivery — and focused on how consumer preferences have and have not changed in light of the global COVID-19 pandemic. The result: A roadmap to meeting new guest expectations.</p>
Daniel Connolly
Professor
Drake University
Dr. Daniel Connolly is dean of the College of Business and Public Administration at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa and a recognized global thought leader in the area of hospitality information technology. His teaching, research, and consulting interests focus on the strategic application of information technology and electronic commerce for business advantage. He frequently presents his work at academic and industry conferences around the world and has authored or co-authored numerous publications. His book Technology Strategies for the Hospitality Industry (now in its second edition) is the industry’s first book on technology strategy.
Prior to joining Drake, Daniel served as dean of the School of Business Administration at Portland State University and on the faculties of several major universities including the University of Denver, Michigan State University, and Virginia Tech, where he taught graduate and undergraduate courses in information technology, strategic management, finance, and hospitality administration. Before joining academia, Daniel spent nearly 8 years working at Marriott International’s corporate headquarters as an information systems analyst. In addition, he has consulted with numerous organizations in the hospitality, health care and technology sectors, and has more than 10 years of experience in hotel and restaurant operations.
Josh Rowe
Director of Product and Support
DISH
Josh Rowe serves as director of DISH Business,leading the product management and business
development of DISH’s commercial businesses.Since joining in 2012, Josh has been instrumental in the development and expansion of DISH Business product offerings, including SMARTBOX®, DISH’s revolutionary headend video distribution platform for commercial applications, EVOLVE®, DISH’s television solution for hotels and DISH Fiber, the company’s bulk managed Wi-Fi and streaming TV solution. Josh graduated with an MBA in Finance and Investments from Clarkson University, and received a B.A. in Industrial Labor Relations and Economics from State University of New York College.
Frank Pitsikalis
Founder & CEO
ResortSuite
As founder and CEO of ResortSuite, Frank Pitsikalis has led the company’s strategic vision to provide integrated, guest-centric technology for leisure and wellness-based hospitality operations. Prior to founding the company in 2000, he worked at top international management consulting firms including Ernst & Young and USoft (Unisys). Frank serves on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee with the International Spa Association (ISPA) and was elected Chairman of the ISPA Foundation in 2015.
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
2020-12-02
Explore Exhibits & On Demand Sessions
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM
2:30 PM
3:00 PM
<p>Explore the Hotel Next Tour rooms to learn about solutions and visit with the exhibitors in the North and South Exhibit Halls.</p>
Workshops & Reception Lounge
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
2020-12-02
Interactive Workshop with Discussion Tables: Hotel Tech for 2021 and Beyond
3:00 PM - 3:35 PM
3:00 PM
3:35 PM
<p><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Open to hoteliers and discussion table sponsors.</strong></span></p>
<p>Attendees will gather for a unique video-based mix & mingle and networking session to brainstorm solutions to the challenge of tech investments and implementations for the “next normal,” in 2021 and beyond. With inspiring input from Dan Kornick, Chief Information Officer at Loews Hotels, and thought leadership from Hospitality Technology and HTNG, our Day 2 workshop will provide attendees with an actionable set of key takeaways.</p>
Dan Kornick
CIO
Loews Hotels
Robert Firpo-Cappiello
Editor-in-Chief
Hospitality Technology
Abigail Lorden
VP
Hospitality Technology
Workshops & Reception Lounge
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
2020-12-02
HT-NEXT AWARDS "Happy Hour" Networking Reception
3:45 PM - 4:15 PM
3:45 PM
4:15 PM
<p><strong><span style="font-size:16px;">Open to All Sponsors & Hoteliers!</span></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Hosted by Hospitality Technology & HTNG</strong></span></p>
<p>HT-NEXT Awards "Happy Hour" Networking Reception - <strong>open to all sponsors & hoteliers!</strong> BYOB, and join your industry friends for an interactive video-based networking reception! We'll hear from the recipients of the 2020 Hotel Visionary awards, and mix and mingle with peers. Click on the "Workshops & Receptions" icon in the event navigation to access the Happy Hour reception.</p>
Auditorium
Thursday, December 3, 2020
2020-12-03
Day 3 Welcome Remarks, Followed by 5 Privacy Issues Hotels Should Address ASAP
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
1:00 PM
1:30 PM
<p>During this quick moving session, Odia Kagan, partner and chair of GDPR Compliance and International Privacy at Fox Rothschild, addresses the many moving parts hotels need to be aware of and working on right now when it comes to CCPA, CPRA, FTC oversight and GDPR. From updates to privacy notices to adjustments in how data can be transferred between the EU and the USA, Kagan lays out in detail how hotels are affected by changing privacy laws.</p>
Odia Kagan
Partner and Chair of GDPR Compliance & International Privacy
Fox Rothschild LLP
Odia Kagan is a Partner and Chair of GDPR Compliance & International Privacy Practice at Fox Rothschild LLP, a US national law firm. Odia has advised more than 200 companies of varying industries and sizes in the hospitality sector and beyond on compliance with GDPR, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and other US data protection laws. With an emphasis on a pragmatic, risk based approach, Odia provides clients with practical advice on how to design and implement their products and services in a compliant manner. Odia holds 3 law degrees, 5 bar admissions and 7 privacy certifications (CIPP/US/E, CIPM, CDPO, C-GDPR/P, FIP, PLS). You can follow her on https://www.linkedin.com/in/odiakagan/ and on Twitter @odiakagan.
Abigail Lorden
VP
Hospitality Technology
Auditorium
Thursday, December 3, 2020
2020-12-03
IT Leadership Panel
1:35 PM - 2:00 PM
1:35 PM
2:00 PM
<p> </p>
<p>The IT leadership panel brings together top executives from leading hospitality brands to unpack the major issues impacting the lodging, travel and hospitality industry. We'll talk about how the pandemic is affecting technology roadmaps and implementations, how workforce management tech is evolving (at the corporate level also!), and ask our panelists about their 2021 plans when it comes to marketing, loyalty and enhancing the guest experience.</p>
Brian Kirkland
CIO
Choice Hotels International
Brian Kirkland is chief technology officer for Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world’s largest hotel companies. In this role, he oversees the company’s information technology organization, and is responsible for leading overall IT strategy, infrastructure, development, all aligning with Choice’s business objectives.
Brian joined Choice Hotels in 2015 as vice president of engineering, where he led engineering development and operations at the company’s Phoenix-based technology headquarters. Recently, Brian notably guided Choice’s efforts to sucecssfully design and launch the industry’s first new global reservation system in 30 years, choiceEDGE.
Prior to joining Choice Hotels, Brian held key leadership positions at leading technology companies, GoDaddy and Media Temple (accquired by GoDaddy in 2013), most recently serving as vice president of engineering. There, Brian helped integrate the company’s IT structure as well as directed engineering. Earlier in his career, he held various software development positions at Hewlett-Packard and Intel.
Brian earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science and a master’s degree in business administration from Arizona State University. He is currently a member of Arizona’s Information Technology Authorization Committee (ITAC) and Arizona State University’s Executive Council for the Department of Information Systems.
John Laplante
CIO
G6 Hospitality
John Laplante is Chief Information Officer for G6 Hospitality LLC, the parent company behind the iconic Motel 6 and Studio 6 brands. In this role, Laplante is part of the company’s executive leadership team and oversees the technology teams, digital transformation, strategic technology business partnerships as well as Digital Commerce and Distribution.
Laplante has worked in the technology sector for more than 20 years and previously held the role of Vice President of Information Technology at G6 Hospitality, where he oversaw the company’s Program Management Office and Quality Assurance teams. During that time, he led the introduction of automated processes to those teams’ strategy, increasing the throughput and consistency of their code testing and improving on-time product delivery for the enterprise. Throughout his career, he has worked with Infusion Management Systems, Cingular Wireless, Accor North America (previous parent company of the Motel 6 and Studio 6 brands) and Intellicentrics.
Laplante graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship Strategic Management. Laplante currently sits on the University of North Texas, Hospitality and Tourism Advisory Board.
Michael Mrini
Director of Information
Edwardian Hotels
Robert Firpo-Cappiello
Editor-in-Chief
Hospitality Technology
Thursday, December 3, 2020
2020-12-03
Networking Break - Visit Exhibitors
2:00 PM - 2:15 PM
2:00 PM
2:15 PM
Auditorium
Thursday, December 3, 2020
2020-12-03
Hope Springs Eternal: An Outlook for the US hotel industry
2:15 PM - 2:40 PM
2:15 PM
2:40 PM
<p>Join us as Jan Freitag, Senior Vice President – Lodging Insights, STR discusses the year that was and how COVID-19 shaped the U.S. hotel industry's performance. He will discuss RevPAR trends, segmentation and chain scale data, and take a look at pipeline and profitability metrics. Jan will conclude with an outlook for the next few years and "think out loud" about what could happen as the hotel industry recovers. Bring your questions as he'll also be hosting a live Q&A at the end of his session!</p>
Jan Freitag
SVP – Lodging Insights
STR
Mr. Jan D. Freitag is a Senior Vice President for STR, a Costar company. STR provides clients from multiple market sectors with premium, global data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights. STR was acquired in October 2019 by CoStar Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSGP), the leading provider of commercial real estate information, analytics and online marketplaces.
STR maintains a presence in 10 countries around the world with a corporate North American headquarters in Hendersonville, Tennessee, and an international headquarters in London, England.
In his role, Mr. Freitag oversees a variety of projects, all charged with the accumulation and interpretation of global lodging data. He is a sought-after public speaker and is frequently quoted in trade publications and the general news media such as The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Associated Press, Reuters, Forbes, etc.
Prior to joining STR, Mr. Freitag was the Director of Content Integrity at hotelreports.com in upstate New York and a hospitality consultant with Ernst & Young in Phoenix. He holds a bachelor’s degree, with distinction, from the School of Hotel Administration, Cornell University, and received his Executive MBA, with honors, from Vanderbilt University. Mr. Freitag resides in Nashville, TN.
Auditorium
Thursday, December 3, 2020
2020-12-03
Industry Alert & Wrap Up
2:45 PM - 3:00 PM
2:45 PM
3:00 PM
Mike Blake
CEO
HTNG
Michael Blake is the CEO of HTNG, Michael previously served as the CIO of Commune Hotels & Resorts, encompassing Joie de Vivre, Thompson, Tommie and Alila Hotels. He provided strategic leadership and sound perspective to contribute to the management and evolution of Commune's global IT functions. Michael was previously the CIO for Hyatt and set the global technology direction for their global footprint. Michael has over 20 years of experience in finance and technology in various roles. Before his CIO positions with Commune and Hyatt, Michael was SVP of IT for First Data, CFO of IT Finance at Kaiser Permanente and Director of IT Finance for Sears. In each role, he was the highest ranking IT Finance resource and key internal consultant and advisor to international senior leadership teams. Prior to that, Michael held various financial roles within United Airlines including the controller of the IT organization. Michael holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Utah, received his MBA in Finance and Economics from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and also his MS in Information Technology from Northwestern University. He also maintains several credentials and licenses: CPA, CMA, CISA, CITP and PMP. Michael served as a member of HTNG's Board of Governors since 2009 and held the Treasurer position for many of those years.
Abigail Lorden
VP
Hospitality Technology
ON-DEMAND CONTENT
Session Title |
Speakers |
Description |
Location |
|---|---|---|---|
The 411 on 911 – Big Changes in Emergency Communications for Hotels |
Patrick Dunphy, CIO, HTNG Lasse Norgaard-Larsen, Director Americas, IT, Marriott |
It’s easy to take emergency services for granted, but hotels must actively manage systems and service providers to ensure guest and staff safety. HTNG’s 911 Location Communication is keeping track of these requirements, including the most recent changes in the US: Ray Baum’s Act. Service providers and hotels take note: you are responsible and accountable for dispatching detailed location information to emergency service providers, which many organizations are not doing today. Join this session to learn what you need to do to keep your guests and staff safe, and reduce the risk of non-compliance. |
Guestroom |
The Secret to Successful Meetings at Loews: StreamLine |
Dan Kornick, CIO, Loews Hotel Group
|
Dan Kornick, CIO at Loews Hotel Group, provides a behind-the-scenes look at the launch of a new virtual meetings platform for the new normal. |
Meetings Room |
What Hotels Can Learn From Restaurants |
Skip Kimpel, CIO, 4R Restaurant Group; hosts, The Tech Chef Podcast |
Skip Kimpel, CIO at 4R Restaurant Group and host of The Tech Chef podcast, shares insights into how hotels can implement agility and tech-forward initiatives that deliver revenue and customer loyalty. |
On Property Experience |
How Mandarin Oriental Devised Safe Operating Protocols for COVID-19 |
Anja Luthje, founder and CEO of Unique Hospitality Solutions |
Luthje will take viewers through the thought process and journey Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group embarked on at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. Luthje helped devise training strategies for hotel staff on how to interact with each guest both in-person and with the help of technology. She will also discuss how MOHG helped keep the workforce informed and safe while also improving morale and it ensured accountability, compliance and reporting in its housekeeping department. |
Hotel Lobby |
2020 Visionary Award Winner: G6 Hospitality |
John Laplante, CIO, G6 Hospitality |
HT interviews G6 Hospitality CIO John Laplante on its 2020 Visionary Award win for replacing its decades old CRS and PMS with a cloud-based solution. |
Pre-Stay Room |
2020 Visionary Award Winner: Edwardian Hotels |
Michael Mrini, Director of IT, Edwardian Hotels London |
HT interviews Edwardian Hotels Director of IT Michael Mrini on its guest-facing chatbot: Edward! |
On Property Experience |
2020 Visionary Award Winner: Hyatt |
Don Nichols, Director Property Systems, Hyatt |
HT interviews Hyatt's Director of Property Systems Don Nichols on Hyatt's implementation of OPERA hosted in Microsoft Azure. |
Infrastructure Room |
2020 Visionary Award Winner: RLHC |
John Edwards, SVP & CIO, RLHC |
HT interviews RLHC's CIO John Edwards and its VP of IT DevOps John Reeves on the company's creation of a single point of integration that allows 13 hotel systems to communicate seamlessly. |
Back-of-House Room |
2020 TechOvation Award Winners |
Pedro Torres, CEO and Co-founder, Yoonik |
HTNG's COO talks with its 2020 TechOvation winners on how their solutions - designed prior to a pandemic - remain useful in a post-pandemic world and how they are leveraging those products in similar industries to hospitality. |
Hotel Lobby |