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Lawrence Cohen, an Executive Consultant and Hospitality Group Leader recently examined the conflicts of interest that hotel owners face when hiring third party management companies. According to Cohen, owing a hotel requires both strategic and operational decisions to be made in real time. The problem occurs when real estate owners go from owning commercial property to owning hotels and are not used to making decisions on a daily basis. As a result, the most critical daily decisions that determine the success of the hotel do not fall into the hands of ownership but rather to a third party management company. These third party relationships may result in hotel management staff being loyal only to the management company rather than the hotel itself. Hotel owners could benefit by building a team with experience in the hospitality industry and hiring individuals loyal to the owner. 

When working in a hotel, the majority of the reservations that come in are done through online booking but what about the reservations made over the phone? Are they still booked as a result of online marketing efforts?  This article from Virtual Strategy Magazine is discusses a brand new data interface developed by NAVIS, the leader in reservation sales systems in North America. NAVIS teamed up with RDP (Resort Data Processing) to create an interface that allows clients to measure how much online and offline revenue is generated from online marketing. Currently, NAVIS is the only company able to offer this service to its clients. The ability of NAVIS to provide this information gives clients the opportunity to decide on where exactly there marketing money needs to be spent and where it needs to be spent less. Having access to all of this new data and information regarding source of revenue will ultimately make a company more successful in the future. 

This article is about the effort of Marriott Hotels to reduce the usage of CO2 in their hotels throughout Europe. This is an ongoing effort of the corporation to remain competitive while protecting the environment. The first phase of the initiative was to install smart metering, high quality data, use of LED lighting and the combined heat and power to monitor energy consumption. Additionally, this initiative will allow associates to track their energy consumption and build awareness among the hotels. This initiative by Marriott hotels could be implemented across all their properties and more hotel leaders should follow this initiative without affecting guests' satisfaction.

There are many difficulties with technology implementation in the hospitality industry. Often, as a result of these difficulties hotels, in particular, are left behind the curve. According to the article, "many companies have made it a philosophy not to be the leader on the tech side" and "large hotel chains tend to conduct major [technology overhauls] just once every seven years." The hope is that by adopting technology later, companies will avoid having to deal with the bugs and flaws that come along with brand new technology. However, as it turns out, due to the constant evolving state of technology bumps and flaws in design become apparent at all stages of the life of various technologies. For example, when the room keycard was introduced, it quickly replaced the traditional key-and-lock set of traditional homes. However, after some time hotels figured out that these keycards can become demagnetized-something the industry still faces today. The quick evolution of the television is another example. Consumers typically have a better TV at home than they experience within a hotel room. This is due to the fact that hotel televisions are still largely the same as the ones implemented in 2007. In conclusion, technology can be part of the getaway experience guests have at hotels, but due to the widely accepted "wait and see" approach the industry is currently pursuing, consumers are often left feeling as if they have to bring their own technology and put up with the minimal technology provided in hotel rooms and suites.

This article provides an overview of the importance for hotels to have a centralized function and not outsourcing the hotel accounting, meaning that hotels should not use a third party provider. Companies are compelled to change, to innovate, and in need to keep up with the competition. It says that some hoteliers are choosing to outsource because is trendy, but not always function in their best interest. This article emphasizes the pros and cons, but mostly all the negative results of outsourcing, using other companies to do the work that should be centralized.

https://www.hospitalitynet.org/opinion/4083889.html My article highlights the cons of outsourcing a hotel's accounting system from a third party provider. The author mentions that in the hotel industry, technology is constantly changing and every hotel is trying to stay on trend and "keep up with Jones'". The main issue with outsourcing is the reduced level of service. "In a full-service hotel, the accounting department provides a long list of services: receivables, payables, payroll, revenue control, cash management, systems oversight, audit, food and beverage controls, purchasing, receiving, general accounting and budget/forecasting to name but a few." When you outsource, there is reduced attention to these details. If a hotel's own accounting department handles these daily operation segments, there is less likelihood for error and they will be able to work with the various departments to correct the issues. It also saves tons of money to handle accounting in-house. Another important issue that was raised is that if accounting is outsourced then there is no room for development for an accounting department; no growth, no promotions. A pro is that outsourcing gives a financial manager the ability to focus on the bigger picture and see where changes can be made. If they are bogged down with little details, they might not be able to be the leader the hotel needs.

The article discussions the pros and cons of whether a Hotel should out source their accounting to a third party. The author of this article strongly agrees that Hotels should not out source their accounting. The author finds it "unintelligent move". Many Hotel owners believe it's "trendy" and necessary to out source their accounting to keep up with their competitors. I agree with the author, that Hotel should do their accounting on site. Management would have better control over functions and departments such as; payroll, auditing, food and beverage management.

Agilysys Inc., is a "leader" in hospitality software that is known for its guest-oriented innovations that increase revenue for many facets of the hospitality industry such as hotels and cruise lines. Recently they created a solution to POS and PMS that have a very accessible user interface with the ability to use tools to help the ability to capitalize on revenue.These interfaces are widely used in hospitality locations such as resorts and hotels as they have the tools needed to be functional, such as front office operations, guest history, housekeeping, reservations management, with modules for accounting, activities, guest marketing, and many more.

This article provides information about a sustainable renovation that has revamped the Sheraton Suites. The HVAC technology that was constructed in the guest rooms has restored a fan coil unit refurbishment project. AirRevive, according to the article, is the leader in sustainable HVAC refurbishment and re-commissioning services. A 1989 IEC guest room fan coil was restored for the guest room renovation project. It is supposed to add about 1 decade to the lifespan of the units. Doing this renovation adds to guest satisfaction and comfort. These are the some of the most important factors in the hospitality industry. The indoor air quality is no loner compromised and will no longer leave guests susceptible to harmful allergens. The President of AirRevive states that this renovation is a cost efficient way to tune up. It saves energy and reduces operating expenses. There is an attractive ROI associated with the effective and efficient completion of the project.

This article discusses how to stay ahead in the hospitality industry. During a hospitality conference in Las Vegas, leaders in the industry discussed where the industry is going and the power of foresight. Being great at your job is not good enough anymore. Hotels needs to stay ahead of trends and find ways to innovated before guests do. Here are a few ways hotels and hospitality companies could be proactive to stay ahead of the curve. 1) Embrace Innovation: Using Marriott International as an example, they are always thinking outside the box. At their headquarters, they have an innovation lab that constantly manufactures new ideas. Some of their designs features are looking to implement communal rooms. Where guest will share a kitchen, dining room, and lounge areas. 2) Make Technology Your Friend: Whey a company embraces technology, it has the power to take a company to the next level. The issue is that most people don't normally like change and have trouble adapting to new ways. To be ahead of the curve, it is important for hotels to use technology to their advantage. 3) Personalize Employee Communication: Communication is the key to success in any company and in hospitality, it is very important to personalize employee communication. The staff is the backbone to all hotels and communications between management and staff need to stay constant. In today's society, the guests expect to communicate anywhere, anytime and employees are now expecting the same.

This is an interesting article on "Mount Recyclemore". A group made this sculpture as a statement to world leaders and people about e-waste and recycling issues that are happening.

This article is about Hostelworld, which is the global hostel-focused online booking platform and its $3 million investment in a company called Tipi Pty LTD. Tipi provides technology solutions exclusively to the hostel market, enabling guests to check-in and download their keys prior to arrival. Hostelworld is a go-to platform for hostel travellers and have a key focus on investing in the best technology for the hostel market. In my opinion, this article brings out two key points about a couple topics that have been brought out and one that is to come. One being the video about technology revolution and staying ahead of the curve. The other being Proximity Marketing, which is a future topic. By Hostelworld investing in Tipi, it positions them as a market leader in the hostel sector. This will generate a huge revenue growth in the company. In regards to Proximity Marketing, giving customers access to their brand centered platform during their stay, it will increase ancillary revenue and improve guest satisfaction scores.

This article summarizes a panel conversation about cloud functionality and how it can help in the hospitality industry. They point out that hospitality outlets can use cloud tech for operations, efficiency, guest experience, kitchen monitoring, waste reduction, sustainability, data analytics, predictive maintenance. They highlight that while 91% of hospitality leaders say that cloud is essential, only 29% would say that their company is on track, and that companies need to bring along employees for the advancements.

This article describes the importance of managing sound during an event. It is much easier for a speaker to connect with their audience when they are able to comfortably and clearly speak their message. One of the mains draws for the event industry is it provides the opportunity for business leaders to network and commutate. The acoustic property of a venue space should be taken into account when planning an event but is unfortunately something that a number of managers overlook.  A space that is too loud or too echoed could significantly decrease guest's perception of an event.  Optimally performing sound systems and technicians are essential to creating a pleasurable experience for both guests and managers alike. 

Hotel internet marketing leader, Vizergy introduces us 6 methods of emarketing for hospitality industry. They are: SEO (search engine optimization); PPC (pay-per-click advertising); Display Remarketing; Email Marketing; Local; Social.

virtual events provider ON24, which announced today that it has teamed up with Veteran Recruiting Services - the market leader in virtual career fairs for the military community - to host the first-ever virtual career fair for veterans with service-related disabilities. The career fair gives disabled veterans the opportunity to benefit from the advantages that virtual meetings offer, not the least of which is having equal access to the event, with no physical travel required.

HRIS is the latest technology in HR. This software in my opinion is not one of the most needed in any company. When talking about organization, time, tracking large number of workers, etc. HRIS could be the perfect solution. Every HRIS system has different capabilities, depends on what the company really is looking for. The best HRIS system will be the one that fits your company needs. An HRIS includes benefits administration, employee data, and time saving for HR.

This article discusses some of the latest technology in Human Resource Information Systems technologies. I completely agree with your statement that this system is one of the most needed in any company. I do not see how a company could run with ease without it. The article states, "hSenid Biz as a leader in the HRIS domain showcased the HRM Enterprise XV which is the latest hSenid HRIS solution which offers strategic, administrative and strategic MIS HR modules which can help an organization address their increasing HR requirements and achieve better business results. In addition the hSenid's cloud solution PeoplesHR showcased the benefits of Cloud HR and the practical applications. hSenid also offers Human Resource Outsourcing capabilities to organization which makes hSenid a true and complete HR solutions provider." HRIS systems really have the ability to coordinate communication among different departments.

This is a very interesting article related to how employees interact with one another. Industry leaders such as Russell Brumfield, CEO of Wizard Studios Global Events, are using gadgets and apps to improve team building with employees on a constant basis, even when the individuals can not be in the same place at the same time. By using this technology, they believe that the process of bonding and learning becomes more interactive and therefore more fun. The article mentions that the addition of these technologies are especially beneficial in motivating "jaded employees." As Ian Fraser mentions, the game element of these apps is attractive to modern day employees; it just makes sense to integrate a technology that everyone is already craving in their daily lives. It is also mentioned the advantages of being able to connect massive amounts of people simultaneously. Lastly, the article touches upon the fact that these technologies are not meant to replace face to face interactions; instead, this is meant to improve upon this by extending the ability to interact and therefore continuously develop teambuilding.

"View From  the Top" discusses the new 360-degree camera technology which is helping MGM Resorts and the gaming industry to increase efficiency in their surveillance departments.  These cameras have no blind spots and provide a fish-eye view of the whole casino floor. "It offers situational awareness of the entire floor, and permits the operator to zoom in with other cameras where needed," according to Oncam Grandeye's director of global sales. This company is considered to be a leader in 360-degree technology. The article also discusses a complete solution for surveillance operations. This new technology coupled with more traditional megapixel cameras provide video history of given subjects entering or leaving the property or parking garage (for the entire month). Suspects can even be tracked "back in time" if need be with use of the 360-degree images and software. License-plate recognition software aids in tracking a suspect even if they leave the property. Many thieves end up at another MGM property (there are 10) not realizing their image has been sent out to all of the properties, so if they aren't caught at one, they will be at another. Ticket thieves for slot machines are caught when they try to cash out at kiosks, since their image is on surveillance. Through use of creating triggers in the software, players-club card thieves are caught by patterns and locations of their bets. "We'll mine data for standard deviations, wins that don't look right", says director of surveillance. 360-degree camera technology is one of the most valuable tools in aiding the surveillance operations for the gaming industry.

Dining, traveling and sport are the keys for socialization. Hence, as the leader, Facebook users can also benefit from their friend's recommendations. Graph search phase can also gather all the friend's travel experiences and transfer it into social networking. It could be a Emarketing approach for travel industry.   

From computers and cell phones, to portable communication and music devices -- the United States of America is a global leader in designing and developing new and improved electronic technologies. With this vibrant innovation, however, comes the increasing challenge of protecting human health and the environment from the potentially harmful effects of poorly managed manufacturing, use, recovery, recycling and disposal of these products.