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jessielee214

7 Things Every Hotel Management Professional Should Know | Cvent Blog - 0 views

www.cvent.com/...ement-professional-should-know

shared by jessielee214 on 18 Mar 20 - No Cached
  • To achieve that balance, a hospitality professional must understand this most important audience, beginning with two fundamental objectives:
  • Create an excellent event: This includes making registration easy, managing the event properly, and creating a unique experience. Remember, attendees are spending valuable time and money to participate – make it memorable so they want to come back the next time.
  • Achieve the company’s business goal: Perhaps the point of the event is to train employees, or network around emerging trends. Maybe it’s a regional get-together designed to rally the sales troops for the next quarter.
  • ...66 more annotations...
  • Complex Events
  • by Oxford Economics, around 1.5 billion people participate in business events every year, across more than 180 countries. Global business events generate over $1 trillion in direct spending, and supported 10.3 million direct jobs globally.
  • 2. The value of events
  • To understand planners’ goals and expectations for the event they’re tasked with creating, let’s start with the basics. Events generally are categorized by size, purpose, and type — all of which are increasingly dependent on a technology footprint and a digital experience.
  • 3. What makes an event: size
  • Understanding the basic mechanics around an event can help clarify the planner’s approach, and improve communication.
  • "Simple" Events
  • Defined as small, repeatable meetings with “simple” requirements such as basic audio/visual facilities, these events are usually limited to 100 or fewer participants.
  • Midsize Events
  • Larger meetings rely on technology, and require a robust marketing effort to attract attendees. Planners handling these more complicated events want fully branded websites, advanced registration options, and the ability to send targeted emails to their various attendee segments.
  • Small Events
  • The number depends on the area, but as a general rule a small meeting is between 100 and 250 attendees.
  • Forty-three percent of planners in Cvent’s Planner Sourcing Report cited live music and entertainment as their top strategy for building memorable experiences.
  • Planners tasked with arranging large-scale events need an array of solutions that help manage cost and risk, optimize the experience, and measure business impact — including ROI. 
  • 4. What makes an event: point and purpose
  • One can only imagine the chaos of a meeting without a point or purpose!
  • For venue managers, understanding the purpose of an event is critical in helping planners design the right experience, from registration to conference space needs and room management.
  • For Profit
  • The key is in keeping costs as low as possible without sacrificing the experience.
  • Corporate
  • Planners arranging a corporate event will likely need help driving attendance to sessions, generating leads, and tracking ROI.
  • Membership Growth
  • Associations and consumer groups rely on member events to raise funds and recruit new members. So it makes sense that planners are acutely interested in driving attendance.
  • 5. What makes an event: the experience
  • The popularity of events is due to the quality of the experience — one that’s a good measure more than a speech and a presentation.
  • 1. Why events matter
  • Live Entertainment
  • A Quality Keynote Experience
  • There’s also an emerging desire for shorter sessions and more interaction with the expert — before and after the keynote. Perhaps most of all, keynote speakers must be able to use real-world examples to support their data.
  • Food and Beverage
  • The trends underscore a preference for locally-sourced and creative, exotic cuisine. Consider that more attendees have dietary restrictions, requiring hotels and caterers to be accommodating and flexible.
  • 6. What makes an event: technology that puts everything together
  • Innovations such as virtual reality grab the headlines, and for good reason: according to a Consumer Technology Association survey in 2017, 77% of U.S. consumers are interested in purchasing VR equipment.
  • Branded Websites
  • Websites that promote the brand to attendees also create anticipation for the coming event experience. More practically, these websites help ease registration, check-in, and more.
  • Room Block Management
  • Venue managers who expect planners to use spreadsheets to manage room blocks risk losing business.
  • Digital Check-in Desks
  • Digital signs, self-service check-in kiosks and on- demand badging are increasingly expected as part of a smooth and easy event registration experience.
  • Real-Time Surveys
  • Branded Mobile Event Apps
  • This technology can expand the influence of the event to at-home registrants, and is effective at showcasing event space to planners.
  • Data Dashboards
  • We all prefer our mobile devices, and that doesn't change during an event. Attendees want instant access to agendas, updates, and networking.
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Chatbots are popular with planners and hoteliers because they provide answers in real-time, and do so without much staff oversight.
  • Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
  • RFID makes it easier for planners to collect data, such as surveys and session attendance.
  • 7. What makes an event: technology in the moment
  • Today, exceptional experiences also include a healthy amount of technology. From easing a time-consuming process, enhancing a stay or improving the level of interest or interaction with a topic, technology is at the forefront of helping planners create exceptional in-event experiences
  • To put it simply: if your guests are sitting idle and passively listening, then their energy and engagement is sure to decrease.” The great opportunity is to instill a sense of excitement and enthusiasm in your events through the connective power of technology.
  • Websites: It’s not just for registration. A good event website can drive engagement before, during, and after the event through interactive content, video and images.
  • Room Block Management: Helping every participant register quickly and efficiently gets the event off to a great start; it’s also a great way to offer upgrades and package offers to attendees
  • Virtual Reality (VR):
  • At-a-glance analytics provide quick insights that can help optimize events and offerings.
  • Augmented Reality (AR): Digital interaction is the name of the game, and that's exactly what AR does: Have attendees use their phones to transform your venue with visual effects.
  • Beacons: Few solutions are better at connecting events and mobile devices. Period. At events, Beacons improve communication, push updates, and promote targeted content — all through Bluetooth.  
  • Planner Expectations Around Technology
  • Technology has indelibly changed the hospitality industry. Professionals on both sides of the meetings and events ecosystem — planner and supplier — now expect technology to power their events and increase efficiency.
  • The Value of Technology
  • That finding reflects an emerging requirement for venue managers to stay abreast of the application of technology in order to provide a best-in-class experience for planners. Some of the significant benefits planners and hoteliers can expect to achieve include improved engagement, increased revenue, an improvement in managing costs, and greater ROI insights.
  • After the Event: What Attendees and Planners Want
  • Event attendees are also hotel guests. So, in addition to their expectations for a memorable event, they’re also looking for amenities and options during off-hours.
  • Doing that takes more than spa services and local tour packages. By keeping the connection alive, there’s an opportunity to build an ongoing relationship. This makes it easier for planners to return to your venue for the next event.
  • Put your hospitality management professional learnings into practice
  • With all that goes into an event – the sourcing, logistics, and managing of hundreds of issues – what most planners want is for attendees to walk away satisfied and rewarded for spending time at the event. Post-event special touches, from a relaxing spa treatment to a simple survey and “thank you,” send them on their way with an unforgettable final impression
  • duyingli on 18 Mar 20
     
    This article gives some ideas on how to successfully host an event. Events are important and valuable to the hospitality industry. An excellent event includes making registration easy, managing the event properly, and creating a unique experience. Events can be divided into "Simple" Events, Midsize Events, Small Events and Complex Events. The size of the event will affect the planning of the event. The main points and purpose of the event are also factors to consider when planning the event. Time should have a clear theme, while considering the company's profits. Finally, applying the current technology to the event to create an unforgettable experience for customers is also essential for a successful event.
  • jessielee214 on 09 Oct 20
     
    This article talks about the detail about a professional way to make a good event. It lists seven necessary points. Also, showing the point of view and example to make the reader easy to understand.
yvenisem

NYC Based eMenu Drives Restaurant Profits With iPad Menu Solution - Total Food Service - 0 views

totalfood.com/rofits-with-ipad-menu-solution

shared by yvenisem on 12 Oct 20 - No Cached
  • The NYC based company makes the archaic experience of using traditional paper menus a thing of the
    • yvenisem
      yvenisem on 12 Oct 20
       
      definitely is starting to feel archaic in the 21st century
  • Patrons are given iPad menus and are still ordering through the server.
    • yvenisem
      yvenisem on 12 Oct 20
       
      Don't kow how this will still be able to work with COVID
  • restaurants can easily customize their menu to their own specifications and can make updates with a click of a button
    • yvenisem
      yvenisem on 12 Oct 20
       
      They can use this to modify restaurants according to their set audience, which can also serve to maximize revenue
  • ...7 more annotations...
  • Among the more popular features of eMenu is the software’s ability to have multiple language options.
    • yvenisem
      yvenisem on 12 Oct 20
       
      Amazing feature that could be very beneficial for places like Florida where there are a lot of different languages being spoken
  • People eat with their eyes
    • yvenisem
      yvenisem on 12 Oct 20
       
      Many restaurants definitely lack a visual element. It's one thing to describe what is in the meal and another to see it and fantasize about eating it.
  • The fact that a steakhouse that is operating over 100 years decided just three years ago to work with eMenu speaks for itself
    • yvenisem
      yvenisem on 12 Oct 20
       
      Does seem very impressive. Good that people are moving with the times in order to stay relevant, no matter their success
  • No one will order another entree, but our eMenu strength is to entice people to order an appetizer, cocktail, side dish or dessert.
    • yvenisem
      yvenisem on 12 Oct 20
       
      The power of seeing food, I'll bet!
  • People with certain dietary restrictions can easily click a button and see options that are available for them.
    • yvenisem
      yvenisem on 12 Oct 20
       
      One of the best features in my opinon, especially since I'm eat more plant-based foods
  • A restaurant can use eMenu to feature and promote private rooms, catering packages, special events such as sports games, bands and more.
    • yvenisem
      yvenisem on 12 Oct 20
       
      Great for people to view while they are waiting for their food
  • Also, we offer a 3 month trial so restaurants can see results prior to making any long term commitment
    • yvenisem
      yvenisem on 12 Oct 20
       
      Very smart business move
  • yvenisem on 12 Oct 20
     
    This article is about a company named eMenue International that offers a revolutionary way of allowing customers to order their food. Instead of the traditional paper menues, guests would be given iPads where they could view pictures and videos of the food that is available to order. This visual element was added in on the premise that people are more enticed by visual elements rather than descriptions of the meal. This technology was adopted by one of NYC's oldest steakhouses agter 100 years, which bodes very well for the business since checks increas by up to 9% after a couple of months. Some of the most valuable aspects of this new method of ordering is the ability for someone to view menue items in the native tongue, widening the range of customers restaurants can receive, increasing profits. Another thing to note is that this menue allows people to click on a tab that caters to their specific dietary needs. In terms of marketing, this could be great since it also offers the ability to showcase the different amenities in the restaurant whther that means meeting space or event packages.
Lymaris Collazo

For hotels, COVID-19 has created an operational "perfect storm" | PhocusWire - 0 views

www.phocuswire.com/d-an-operational-perfect-storm

hotels security covid-19 technology Hospitality hotel business travel solution

shared by Lymaris Collazo on 04 Oct 20 - No Cached
  • As recovery starts in some regions, hotels are reporting dramatic and unexpected spikes in occupancy numbers, swinging from 20% to 80% occupancy and back down to 20% in a matter of days.
  • The guest profile of businesses is changing too in many instances. Many business travel hotels are having to work out how to pivot to attract and profitably service leisure guests in the absence of a business travel market currently.
  • On top of the basic need to have the right amount of staff in place for a highly unpredictable amount and type of guests, hotels also have to process systemic change in the way their operations run to be able to guarantee the care of their staff and their guests. Surgical precision also needs to be applied to cost control.
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  • One of the biggest challenges for operations managers and housekeepers alike is in implementing the new cleaning protocols. Extra time needs to be planned per hotel room to make sure that the right processes are followed, and the correct manpower needs to be available to execute the new protocols adequately for the number of rooms in service.
  • Some hotels are also deploying cleaning techniques that require rooms to be left for three hours after spraying, others have a policy of allocating 24 hours per room before another guest can be checked in to ensure there is time to fulfill the new procedures.
  • We found that the average guest departure room cleaning time has increased by around 11% overall. In fact, over half of the hotels we spoke to report an increase in minutes spent cleaning each room of at least 15% or more. Ivaylo Ivanov, senior vice president of hotel operations for Okada Manila, estimates that at his 5-star resort, an additional 25% to 30% time is required to clean each room.
  • Expense control pressures are increasing as the costs of these operations continue to spiral with hotels having to outlay hundreds of thousands of dollars on new cleaning products and protective equipment.
  • With supplementary costs like these to balance against occupancy rates of 20% on average, hotels have to find sophisticated ways to save on costs that won’t compromise the all‐important guest experience.
  • We expected hotels to turn to a reduction in stayover cleans as a key way to balance out the additional time spent cleaning check-out stays. However, our survey found that only 12% of the hotels we have spoken to have actually gone down this route.
  • As a five‐star resort where guests know to expect exemplary service, Ivaylo at the Okada resort just simply does not feel this option is open to them as standard (although, if guests request it, that would of course be accommodated). Indeed, where guests do want stayover cleans, the hotels we surveyed found that cleaning time significantly increases by around 35%.
  • When all the strings of the current environment for operations staff are pulled together, it is easy to see that not only have their jobs fundamentally shifted but that there is a huge amount expected of them. Technology has played a vital role in helping teams to communicate and operate during the lockdown, and it will be even more essential to equip teams with the right tools in this next stage so that hotel operations can be optimized to the maximum and these key members of the team are properly supported.Now is the time to assess each process to gain a full picture of exactly what labor and time is needed to continue to operate at the level guests expect whilst adapting to the regulations of the new normal. Any investment made now to support this essential part of any hotel will pay dividends in terms of lowering staff turnover and increasing guest satisfaction as well as realizing business-critical cost savings.
  • Lymaris Collazo on 04 Oct 20
     
    On this article you may learn about the security protocols of cleanliness rooms that hotels had to implement due to Covid-19. This challenges comes with the accompanion of controlling opertional costs and what labor and time is needed to continue to operate at the level guests expect whilst adapting to the regulations of the new normal.
shaunagayecox

Seven Things Meeting & Event Planners Look for in a Hotel | By Kacey Bradley - Hospital... - 1 views

www.hospitalitynet.org/...4094436.html

shared by shaunagayecox on 21 Feb 20 - No Cached
  • It's important that your hotel's website offers everything a planner needs to know, including the types of events you host, amenities available, catering options and more. Bonus points to hotels that provide contract outlines for planners to peruse.
  • Post photos of event spaces, both empty and used. Outline which rooms are best for which events — for example, the poolside lounge might work best for a cocktail party or shareholders meeting.
  • User-generated content is more authentic and telling than a hotel's website, making it crucial for a hotel to have a positive online presence.
  • ...15 more annotations...
  • But many hotels fall short when it comes to open and direct communication. According to one survey, slow response time is the biggest frustration event planners face with venues.
  • Hotels that offer direct communication are hotspots in the eyes of event planners.
  • When less constrained by the stereotypical workplace, people are better able to share ideas, communicate and collaborate.
  • Provide a realistic expectation of what you have to offer with an info-filled website and high-quality pictures. Keep communication simple and easy with email. And remember the importance of the "wow factor" — what makes your hotel unique.
  • Not only is internet access a must, but it also has to be fast and reliable, able to handle data-heavy activities like streaming and downloading.
  • Always be up-front and honest about additional costs.
  • To stand out from the competition, hotels should offer adaptive outdoor spaces that provide a combination of natural sunlight and greenery. An outdoor venue can offer a welcome change of pace that corporate event planners crave.
  • When it comes to a hotel, event planners are looking for that "wow factor." They want highly-creative spaces that challenge attendees to think outside the box.
  • Staff should be trained to handle a variety of event types, from weddings and bar mitzvahs to corporate meetings and charity fundraisers. A flexible team is invaluable when it comes to planning an event.
  • Realistic Expectations
  • User-Generated Reviews
  • Event planners research online to come up with a list of potential hotels.
  • When a guest or event planner is checking out, ask them to write a review of your space. If a guest leaves a negative comment about your property, don't fire back or try to hide it. Instead, use it as an opportunity to admit your faults and show determination to do better. Let guests know you're committed to providing remarkable experiences.
  • Direct Communication
  • Over-the-top acts of customer service matter.
  • allisonweets on 21 Feb 20
     
    Meeting and event planners spend extensive amounts of time researching for the services and locations that meet the needs of the customer they are serving. Venues must provide planners with realistic expectations. Event planners also pay special attention to user-generated reviews, so companies must also pay close attention to their online presence. Direct communication is also essential between event planners and hotels as having a reliable point of contact is important. Event planners also look for unconventional spaces that allow for a change of scenery. Reliable wireless Internet is also a must for event planners as this is essential for their planning needs but also for the guests that will be utilizing the space. Lastly, the staff at the venue must be flexible and trained for various types of events. The wow factor is what event planners really look for when evaluating spaces. They want venues that are different than the rest of the competition and will make their event really stand out.
  • patrick021 on 14 Jul 20
     
    Event Planning serves as the most critical part in making the event a memorable and special one. While taking care of the perfect venue and place settings its also important for them for keep contact with their venue and updated options. Event planners feed from user reviews to gain more awareness and generate more business so in order for them to accomplish this they go over and beyond to satisfy the needs of the customers.
  • shaunagayecox on 04 Oct 20
     
    This article discussed different ways to make your hotel an ideal match for an event planner. Based on the seven ways described by the author, one would be more likely to be able to have event planners pick their hotel to host their events. The seven ways described were: making sure your website gives an event planner real authentic details about your space; allowing all user reviews to be available including any negative ones (you can always show how you plan to improve for any negative experiences); having someone available to speak directly with the planner whenever needed; having an outdoor space for events; making sure your wireless internet is reliable and of an adequate speed; having staff who are trained to work any kind of event (i.e birthday parties, bar mitzvahs, corporate events); and having a venue that stands out in a unique way.
svail001

Understanding the Security Risks of Your Hotel's PMS Data Hosting Environment | By Warr... - 0 views

www.hospitalitynet.org/...4106126.html

shared by svail001 on 09 Sep 21 - No Cached
  • Data security has come under greater scrutiny for all businesses in recent years, with larger fines and penalties being awarded for contemporary data breaches.
  • Choosing the right partner and hosting environment for your property can be complicated, but the property-management system (PMS) selected will play a critical role in securing your confidential data
  • Protecting your guests’ data is equally important as preserving their physical safet
  • ...14 more annotations...
  • There are two components of the puzzle: the booking engine used by hotels, and the actual PMS
  • Understanding how your hotel accesses and stores guest data is key to understanding their liability in relation to that data
  • Hosting your hotel's online booking engine comes with an extensive investment into web server technology
  • work with third parties to host their booking engine off site. However, even if your hotel's data is out of sight, it is a hotel's responsibility to keep their data partners accountable
  • Request information on the hosting facility’s certifications for GDPR, PCA, SOC 2, and others.
  • Forming relationships with your network administrator is key because every partnership in this arena is unique
  • data storage and security for hotels could be mostly automated, or hotels could be expected to manage several processes on their own
  • No matter how a hotel stores its data, operators will always be liable for securing it on some level.
  • Partnerships of any kind also do not absolve hotel operators from managing their local network
  • data services have tenants, like the housing market, and it pays to know if you have neighbors or not. Businesses have the option to invest in either a dedicated or open hosting environment,
  • Dedicated hosts allow for updates to roll out in coordination with operators’ decisions, keeping it autonomous and allowing for proper scheduling and preparatio
  • The other option, where multiple businesses share a single server host and single application instance, is a more hands-off proposition
  • but when an update is rolled out by the host it is done to every company on the shared server environment, whether your property is prepared for it or not. Surprise updates such as these can potentially impact operations, or other aspects of your business.
  • The hosting environment for your PMS and guests’ data should provide you with confidence through open and clear communication, vendor commitment and choice of options that best suit your specific independent needs
  • svail001 on 09 Sep 21
     
    This article discusses the important issue of data security especially when it comes to a hotel's PMS. It goes into two areas of particular vulnerability: the booking engine used by hotels and the actual PMS. By hosting a 3rd party booking engine off site, it is still the responsibility of the hotel to secure and keep guests' date secure. They need to ensure that their partners are adhering to proper compliance and rolling updates for security. The second area of focus is the PMS itself and how it is hosted: whether locally or through a cloud based system. Regardless of the location of the host, data security is the responsibility of the hotel.
teresastas

5 Reasons Why You Need A Travel Agent - More Than Ever - 0 views

www.forbes.com/...d-a-travel-agentmore-than-ever

shared by teresastas on 09 Sep 21 - No Cached
  • The major search sites routinely leave out flights (lots of them) and even entire airlines. A lot of the flights they do show are ones you don’t want, starting with “basic economy” fares that hit you with tons of restrictions and fees, so the price you see isn’t the one you end up paying, along with connections way too short or way too long, ones that no responsible travel agent would let you book.
    • teresastas
      teresastas on 09 Sep 21
       
      This is a very good point that is often overlooked. Southwest Airlines is one of those who do not publish their fairs on most of these OTA searches.
  • The reality is that while it was widely predicted that the internet was going to kill off travel agents when digital tools were placed at every traveler’s disposal, that just hasn’t happened, for several good reasons.
  • “They can find crazy deals”; “They will be your advocate”; “They’ll take care of the little things”; “They’re true experts” and “They don’t usually cost extra.”
    • teresastas
      teresastas on 09 Sep 21
       
      I think that the general public believe that TA's cost extra to use. For the most part that isn't true...unless it's a cooperate travel.
  • ...15 more annotations...
  • Travel agents are a thing of the past - they primarily booked tickets and beds. Travel advisors have taken on a much more complex role - part psychologist, life coach, executive producer, concierge, fixer, dream maker, and ‘Blink Blink’ genie, with the multitude of services that they provide.
  • Anything that causes cancelled flights (or cruises, etc.) means hassles, but the people who get through this process the most smoothly and the ones who get rebooked first and get the few available seats out of Dodge are usually the ones who used a travel agent. It’s that simple. First off, you actually have someone to call, versus long lines at banks of airport phones masquerading as “help desks.” But good agencies are constantly monitoring their clients’ flights and they usually know about your problem before you do - and often have a resolution before you even call them.
    • teresastas
      teresastas on 09 Sep 21
       
      They make a good point about having someone to call.
  • Expertise: No one knows everything about travel, no matter how deeply they are involved in the industry.
    • teresastas
      teresastas on 09 Sep 21
       
      Reason #2: Expertise
  • Emergencies: This is the one most applicable to the average occasional travel.
    • teresastas
      teresastas on 09 Sep 21
       
      Reason #2: Expertise
  • It is important to remember that these advantages are not just for luxury travelers. Good travel advisors do not just know what the best hotel is, they know what the best hotel is for you and your budget and can help you find the right fit.
  • Connections: Whether you are trying to book space at a coveted 8-villa safari lodge in Africa or get a room in a top Paris hotel during Fashion Week, most hoteliers keep emergency inventory and guess who gets it? The travel advisors they have known for years who book a lot of guests and send them a lot of business.
    • teresastas
      teresastas on 09 Sep 21
       
      Reason #3: Connections
  • “Travel advisors provide our clients with access: access to people, places, and experiences that could never be replicated, much less imagined. A great travel advisor has invested time and relationships in creating their ‘black book’ of contacts and relationships, so that when their clients travel, they are treated as a VIPs, not just a credit card number.” In my experience, everyone likes being treated like a VIP.
    • teresastas
      teresastas on 09 Sep 21
       
      I think this lends itself to who your travel agent is and what they are most experienced in. I couldn't agree that all travel agents are going to give their clients VIP experiences.
  • “Information overload, thousands of new hotels on the scene, all sorts of new cruise ships, passport and visa issues, weather, transit strikes, political unrest, natural disasters, travel insurance, travel providers going out of business, it’s never ending. How does one navigate all of this? To avoid the travel landmines that lay in front of you, you need to get a great travel advisor!
  • Extras: When you get more than you expected for the same price, that’s a great deal, and with travel advisors this happens all the time.
    • teresastas
      teresastas on 13 Sep 21
       
      Reason #4: Extras
  • “The millennial generation specifically may have seen their parents use a travel advisor, but don’t feel like they need one - until they are deep in the spiral of research. By shifting gears to planning with an expert, they feel liberated from the immense pressure of choosing the ‘best’ resort - because we’re cutting through the noise of all the conflicting opinions they’re seeing online.
    • teresastas
      teresastas on 13 Sep 21
       
      This is a great point. I know first hand that when booking an actual vacation it can be so much easier to have an expert weed out the options they know won't work for you.
  • Air: If you are trying to buy the cheapest round-trip economy ticket from New York to Dallas, even the best advisors probably can’t get it for less than you can buy it online, though you still have to deal with all the pitfalls of the online travel sites and you will lose the safety net advisors provide when things go wrong. But in a couple of other cases, buying your air through an agent can actually save you money, or miles, or both.
    • teresastas
      teresastas on 13 Sep 21
       
      Reason 5: Air Fare You will usually be able to find the cheapest economy online but there are times when a travel agent might be able to save you fees on airlines.
  • It just doesn’t seem possible, but it is, real tickets, same airline, better seats, less money. I don’t know how they do it, and frankly I don’t care, but if you know who to call this happens all the time (if you are not a client of SmartFlyer booking your vacation or business trip, they will charge you a fee to do the legwork and find you great deals on premium and mileage tickets, but in almost every case I’ve seen, it still saves you money).
    • teresastas
      teresastas on 13 Sep 21
       
      This is a great travel tip!
  • Better Trips! At the end of the day this is the bottom line, the big win you get with a good travel advisor. They know more than you do, they are better connected, they have access to benefits you can’t get yourself, and they can match and often beat any prices you find. They plan a better trip and then provide a safety net.
    • teresastas
      teresastas on 13 Sep 21
       
      Reason number 6: Better Trips Your trip is better all around when you use a good travel advisor!
  • Travel advisors take the overwhelming amount of information out there and distill it into the key points that apply to you - the best hotel/destination/tour for your interests, your budget, and your time frame.
  • 5 Reasons Why You Need A Travel Agent - More Than Ever
    • teresastas
      teresastas on 13 Sep 21
       
      We have been discussing a lot about the role of GDS's and OTA's it has become clear that the role of the traditional travel agent has evolved. The question of what is the role of a travel agent and why should we still use them has come up a lot and this article breaks down the answer giving 5 reasons why we still need travel agents. The reasons are listed as emergencies, expertise, connections, airfare and extras. All of these reason collectively make a better trip all around. After reading this it makes me want to book my next vacation through a travel agent!
rhera004

Is it safe to go on a cruise during Covid pandemic? 2021 restrictions - 0 views

www.cnbc.com/...andemic-2021-restrictions.html

Covid cruise pandemic restrictions

shared by rhera004 on 16 Sep 21 - No Cached
  • Are cruises safe right now? Experts say they’re ‘a recipe for Covid transmission’Published Sat, Aug 28 20219:30 AM EDT
  • The cruise required vaccination,
  • approximately 96% of all
  • ...22 more annotations...
  • but nobody was required to present a negative Covid test before boarding.
  • the first such reported death since cruises restarted in the United States in June.
  • Travel of any kind is currently a very high-risk activity
  • And even with safety measures in place, cruises come with residual risks that can’t be ignored, like unavoidable close quarters and potential for breakthrough infections.
  • cruises are challenging environments from an infection-control standpoint
  • indoors
  • touch all kinds of surfaces,
  • you’re restricted to the boat, which can make the outbreak harder to contain and treat.
  • more opportunities for prolonged exposure
  • It’s a good start, experts say 60— but not enough.
  • like wearing masks and maintaining social distance
  • The level of community spread in the place where you live — or, in this case, where a cruise is departing from
  • — significantly affects your risk level.
  • Norwegian Cruise Line sued Florida’s top health official in July, requesting a preliminary injunction to let the company implement its vaccine mandate for all passengers and crew
  • The company won the case earlier this month, with U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams writing that Norwegian “demonstrated that public health will be jeopardized if it is required to suspend its vaccination requirement.”
  • To make cruises genuinely safe, he says, companies would need to require mandatory two-week quarantines for each passenger and crew member, negative Covid tests 24 to 48 hours before boarding and another negative Covid test immediately after boarding.
  • regain a sense of normalcy by spring 2022. But even then, travel and cruises will likely be high-risk activities.
  • no matter what happens, you’re taking a risk.
  • Then, look for cruises that require vaccination proof and only allow reduced capacity 60
  • always dining outdoors.
  • Are cruises safe right now? Experts say they’re ‘a recipe for Covid transmission’
  • they’re
  • rhera004 on 16 Sep 21
     
    Insight on cruising. Will we be able to cruise anytime soon? How can we make cruises safer?
cingram21

Why Assessing and Mitigating the Security Risks of PMS Data Should be a Top Priority fo... - 0 views

hoteltechnologynews.com/...iority-for-every-hotel-it-team

shared by cingram21 on 10 Oct 21 - No Cached
  • here are two components of the puzzle: the booking engine used by hotels, and the actual PMS. Since guest data can be self-hosted by hotels, managed on-property by a third party, or handled entirely off site, it’s up to hoteliers to decide what works best for their property.
  • However, even if your hotel’s data is out of sight, it is a hotel’s responsibility to keep their data partners accountable.
  • To stay informed on the status of your property’s data storage, operators should become familiar with the management at work in their hosting facility. Request information on the hosting facility’s certifications for GDPR, PCA, SOC 2, and others. It will also be useful for learning who oversees rolling updates out to your hotel’s machines, as well as firewall rules, antivirus requirements and more.
  • ...2 more annotations...
  • No matter how a hotel stores its data, operators will always be liable for securing it on some level. This is particularly true for PCI compliance, as hotels still physically handle credit cards properly and store guests’ card data well locally.
  • In general, hosted environments, whether multi tenanted or dedicated, reduce some of the operational load of your IT team in various ways, dependent on the level of interaction coming from your data partner. A fully managed implementation could absolve hoteliers from overseeing updates, watching alerts for threat monitoring, and more. These systems also give operators the benefit of accessing their systems from anywhere, often through and ideally via browser-based user interfaces.
ldeur001

What is Network Redundancy and Why Does It Matter? - 0 views

www.vxchnge.com/...network-redundancy-explained

redundancy hospitality Innovations; technology

shared by ldeur001 on 26 May 20 - No Cached
  • The underlying concept of redundant networks is simple. Without any backup systems in place, all it takes is one point of failure in a network to disrupt or bring down an entire system. Network redundancy is the process of adding additional instances of network devices and lines of communication to help ensure network availability and decrease the risk of failure along the critical data path.
  • All valuable data should be backed up regularly, preferably in another location. A good data center location strategy maps out the best places to replicate and store data so it can be easily accessed in the event that other redundant systems fail and the main network goes down. By using more than one data center, companies can ensure that even if some disaster occurs, they will be able to carry on with minimal disruption.
  • Colocation data centers regularly conduct tests to assess the integrity of their backup systems and redundant networks. They can test different connections by physically disconnecting hardware to make sure failover occurs as anticipated. If things do not go as planned during testing, data center managers then create an after-action report that lists the items they need to fix as a result of the testing. They also create a procedure to follow for both automatic and manual flip over. 
  • ...8 more annotations...
  • For many companies, their networks are the primary point of contact for delivering products and services to their customers.
  • A network outage, then, whether it's caused by equipment failure, an unexpected cyberattack, or some form of human error, can be devastating for a business. Every moment of system downtime translates into very real financial losses in the form of lost revenue, diminished brand reputation, and missed opportunities.
  • Network redundancy is the process of adding additional instances of network devices and lines of communication to help ensure network availability and decrease the risk of failure along the critical data path.
  • Without any backup systems in place, all it takes is one point of failure in a network to disrupt or bring down an entire system. Redundancy in networks helps to eliminate single points of failure to ensure better network stability and uptime in the face of events that would otherwise take the network offline.
  • fault-tolerant redundant system provides full hardware redundancy, mirroring applications across two or more identical systems that run in tandem.
  • Ideal for any operations in which any amount of downtime is unacceptable
  • A software-based redundant system, high availability uses clusters of servers that monitor one another and have failover protocols in place.
  • there is a brief loss of service while the backup servers boot up applications.
  • anonymous on 26 May 20
     
    Network redundancy is the process of adding network devices and other instances of communication lines to help ensure network availability and reduce the risk of failures on critical data paths. One of the first steps in the network redundancy plan is to create a network strategy that reviews the existing infrastructure. A high-quality hosted data center should have an extensive backup system to ensure that it is always available. All valuable data should be backed up regularly, preferably in another location. By using multiple data centers, companies can ensure that even if certain disasters occur, they will be able to proceed with minimal losses. In addition, a well-maintained UPS system ensures that the server can be switched from power to backup generator power without losing any data or applications.
  • ldeur001 on 06 Sep 21
     
    A network outage whether it is due to a cyber attack or simple human error can be devastating to a company. It makes them look very bad, damaging their reputation, and can cost the business millions of dollars. Network Redundancy can help ensure network availability and decrease the risk of failure. There are 2 forms of redundancy. Fault Tolerance where there is a mirrored backup system that takes over with no loss of service, and High Availability where the backup servers take over and restart applications that were running on the failed server.
khiyara_00

https://www.hospitalityupgrade.com/_magazine/magazine_Detail.asp/?ID=483 - 0 views

www.hospitalityupgrade.com/...magazine_Detail.asp

telecommunication hotel hospitality technology

shared by khiyara_00 on 30 Aug 20 - No Cached
  • The advent of call accounting systems (thanks to deregulation) enabled hoteliers to easily mark up calls to a profitable (some say too profitable) level.
  • The guest now has a variety of choices for communicating including fax over the Internet, e-mail, cell phones, calling cards and now even Internet-based phones. All these alternatives offer a less expensive means of communicating than using the traditional hotel guestroom phone and other services such as fax.
  • Cellular phones have become so widely used that some cell phone providers have had trouble keeping up with the demand
  • ...2 more annotations...
  • With more guests carrying laptops than ever before and Internet business activity rapidly increasing, the guest must have the best connection available. HSIA also relieves the congestion on the PBX caused by modem calls.
  • No matter what cell phone the guest may carry or what service provider is used, no wireless connection is as good as a land-line connection.
  • biancafavilli on 30 Aug 20
     
    With technology advancing, hotels are putting their best effort to keep up with new ways of telecommunication. As mentioned in the article, the fax machine used to be the most popular way of telecommunication back in the day. Now hotels have been trying to figure out the best ways to gain guest to use their telecom infrastructure since the fax machine has become outdated. The problem is guest don't want spend a lot of money making a phone call so the hotels have had to create packages for guests to use the phone. They would include unlimited calls and high-speed internet for a certain amount a day which could attract some guest but not all. Guest don't find the need to use their phones because mostly everyone has a phone, tablet, or pocket computer. Hotels can catch the guest attention by the internet because none of these devices are no good without internet connection. Making packages with unlimited calls and high speed internet is a start to reeling in guest. It all comes down to what can the hotel offer in means of telecommunication that a guest's device cant. One concept they have is the land-line has much better connection and speed. Having that speed and connection is very important to a guest. It is going to take time and trial and error but there are always alternate ways to reel guest in to use their ways of telecommunication.
  • khiyara_00 on 06 Sep 21
     
    This article discusses technology and how it can be upgraded for guest use. It also mentions how to appeal to guest because they may come with their own devices. It gives suggestions on service packages and bundles that can be given to aid their telecommunication.
sdavi111

The Travel and Hospitality Industry Is Being Disrupted, Again | Inc.com - 3 views

www.inc.com/...-is-being-disrupted-again.html

travel hospitality industry being inc

shared by sdavi111 on 25 Aug 21 - No Cached
  • ravel an
  • Gladly gathers all travel information about an individual no matter if it comes from email, text, etc., allowing customer service agents to instantly know exactly what the customer is calling about, whether it's because they've had a flight cancellation or are responding to a text they've received. "Gladly makes you a person rather than a number," says Bonny Simi, President of JTV. "We started with a proof of concept and we did an investment and now we're doing a full-scale implementation."
  • sdavi111 on 25 Aug 21
     
    Travel and Technology go hand in hand and so big corporations are teaming up with startups to make technology front and center to the consumers travel experience
jblan183

Beyond: What the Metaverse is and How Hotels Can Take Advantage of it | By Simone Puort... - 0 views

www.hospitalitynet.org/...4107339.html

Tech virtual reality metaverse Hotel

shared by jblan183 on 08 Nov 21 - No Cached
  • "We," Zuckerberg stated in his keynote, "believe the Metaverse will be the successor to the mobile Internet. We'll be able to feel present, like we're right there with people, no matter how far apart we actually are. We'll be able to express ourselves in new, joyful, completely immersive ways. And that's going to unlock a lot of amazing new experiences. When I send my parents a video of my kids, they'll feel like they're in the moment with us, not peering in through a little window. When you play a game with friends, you'll feel like you're right there together in a different world, not just on your computer by yourself. And when you're in a meeting in the Metaverse, it'll feel like you're right in the room together, making eye contact, having a shared sense of space, and not looking at a grid of faces on a screen. That's what we mean by an embodied internet. Instead of looking at a screen, you're going to be in these experiences."
    • jblan183
      jblan183 on 08 Nov 21
       
      Zuckerberg is currently working on creating a "Metaverse Program," conveniently named Meta, which will connect all users to be a part of it, rather than simply on it.
  • the Metaverse is not only VR and AR, but also Mixed Reality. In a few years, we could be able to join our friends at a concert under the appearance of holograms, and enjoy the experience from our couch while our pals are physically at the gig. "The feeling of presence," as Zuckerberg highlighted, "is the defining quality of the Metaverse."
  • If the Metaverse can be (and will surely be) a goldmine for online microtransactions-centric industries (think of gaming: the console microtransaction market alone generated $2.94 Billion in 2017), on the other hand, VR traveling never really got mainstream, and this is something we all learned during last year's lockdowns.
  • ...1 more annotation...
  • for our industry, the Metaverse can be (and probably will) be a fully functioning economy. "Individuals and businesses," Managing Partner of EpyllionCo, Matthew Ball, wrote on a series of must-read articles on the topic, "will be able to create, own, invest, sell, and be rewarded for an incredibly wide range of work that produces value that is recognized by others."
rhera004

9 Event Management Software That Will Make You a Rockstar - 2 views

whova.com/...ing-software-make-you-rockstar

shared by rhera004 on 27 Mar 17 - No Cached
  • Event organizers are planners to the core. If you’re an event organizer, you likely have a unique gift of being able to see both the big picture as well as the unique steps and resources needed to get to that vision.
  • Now that we’ve given you a high-level overview of the most popular event management software, you can confidently decide which options to explore. Keep in mind that it’s not about which software we say is best, it’s about what works best with your personal style. After all, the right tool could very well turn you into a rockstar event organizer.
  • Trello
  • ...40 more annotations...
  • you need event management software that can save you time, keep you organized, and take care of every detail of your event
  • There is a ton of event planning software on the market
  • Organizers' Favorite Event Management Software
  • Eventbrite This is a popular ticketing solution for events ranging from small meetups to large concerts. The system is customizable and allows people to register from their phones. You can use it to send email confirmations and reminders.
  • Whova (All-in-One Event Management Software)
  • Whova all-in-one event management software enables you to seamlessly manage your event from beginning to end within one system. It provides flexibility to opt in/out of certain functionalities according to your needs
  • it can help with event registration, event marketing, attendee engagement through the conference app, event website creation and agenda management, attendee check-in, name badge generation, and more
  • There are many platforms that help you collect and display tweets about your event on a big screen in real time. One of the first social media walls, Everwall (formerly Tweetwall) gets posts on displays quickly and also provides extensive moderation, customization, and advertising options.
  • Event management software is an event planner's best friend
  • It has a strong visual interface, simple usability, and collaboration features.
  • OpenConf
  • OpenConf is a conference management software used by many academic conferences. It allows organizers to call for paper submissions, build peer-review process, and approve and publish content.
  • Users can search session information with built-in search functionality. OpenConf provides a website builder and online registration as well.
  • Boomset
  • Boomset provides check-in, on-demand badge printing and guest list management system. It allows facial recognition check-in and tracking attendees with RFID-enabled wristbands. Using badges and wristbands, attendees can even purchase merchandise, meals, drinks during events.
  • Everwall
  • This is a project management software
  • WordPress Theme
  • Slido
  • It enables users to crowdsource top questions in order to drive meaningful conversations.
  • WordPress is a popular content management system used by over 80 million websites and fully customizable thanks to many themes and plugins.
  • Last updated: June 1st, 2021
  • 10 most stressful jobs
  • , so you can streamline your event to stay more productive and generate more revenue.
  • 9 best event management software
  • As you may still be unsure whether your next event will be virtual or in-person,
  • Start by prioritizing your needs.
  • obile-friendly?
  • m
  • some organizers think the fee is a bit high.
  • Whova
  • The Whova app has the highest ratings in app stores among all event apps and offers customers many time-saving tools.
  • research heavy academic conference
  • isn't currently accessible on mobile,
  • facial recognition check-in, organizers can also track attendees with RFID-enabled wristbands.
  • popular resource for team communication
  • If you're into the 'to-do', 'doing' and 'done' task management approach,
  • no master calendar view
  • Wix is a general website builder, not an event planning software, but there are a few built-in themes for event websites.
  • live polling tool,
  • alexgold12 on 27 Mar 17
     
    The software listed in this article will help with productivity of an event or project.
  • ...1 more comment...
  • mtorres619 on 03 Apr 17
     
    This article talks about eight-event planning management softwares that will help event planners perform like rock stars. No matter how talented a person may be it is not easy to remember everything and be able to perform at high levels without the assistance of special software. The article has helped streamlined the best event planning softwares to narrow down the best for work for each consumer. Following are a few discussed in the article: o Google drive - By using Google Drive's documents, folders, and spreadsheets it can help manage and collaborate on content and ideas. o Whova Event Management - can help manage an event in one place. Significantly boosts attendee engagement and networking, which results in winning the best Event Technology Award 2016. o Asana - Has a great smartphone app, in addition very helpful for both the big picture task management view, as well as narrowing in on the detail. o Allseated - Good for planning weddings, helps design floor plans, seating arrangements, manage the guest list, etc. Essentially, after reviewing all the software's it would be important for the event manager to pick the best one to fit their specific job tasks and personal preferences.
  • Luis Valdivia on 18 Feb 20
     
    With the continuous developments in technology and its adoption in the hospitality industry, businesses are increasingly adopting event management software to enhance their performance and performance. This article looks at eight of the leading event management software that businesses can choose from. The article is a great read to all individuals in the event management business.
  • rhera004 on 25 Sep 21
     
    9 Event Planning Software tools- While this page does point out benefits of other event planning software its basically a Whova ad.
rhera004

A History of Event Planning (And Why It Matters) | Social Tables - 0 views

www.socialtables.com/...history-coordinating

shared by rhera004 on 03 Oct 21 - No Cached
    • rhera004
      rhera004 on 03 Oct 21
       
      Matchmaking purposes as well
  • Being an event organizer is one of the most stressful careers, but when things come together, there’s nothing like it.
  • 82 percent of small business owners say face-to-face events and in-person meetings are important.
  • ...7 more annotations...
  • 97 percent say that meetings deliver return on investment.
  • 2013, employing 2.3 million Americans and generating $42 billion in tax revenue.
  • But the first CVB wasn’t established until 1896, in Detroit, Mich.
  • International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), came into being in 1928. The Convention Industry Council (CIC) and Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) were founded in the 1950s.
  • Now people not only have individual personal and professional email accounts, they multitask, prospect, network and curate content on a variety of social and digital platforms.
  • It’s that the French Revolution began with a meeting on a tennis court.
  • Meetings catalyze change.
  • rhera004 on 03 Oct 21
     
    Quick History of Meetings/ Events info.
mandalysha

7 Tech and Travel Trends That Will Shape the Hotel Industry in 2023 | By Nicole Dehler - 0 views

www.hospitalitynet.org/...4114401.html

tech hotel travel trends

shared by mandalysha on 29 Jan 23 - No Cached
  • Rising energy costs and persistent inflation will continue to affect guests and hotels alike
  • Many hoteliers are turning to technology to ameliorate some of these pressures. Native-cloud-based PMS platforms, for example, can deliver more power and reliability than traditional on-site PMS platforms
  • 87% of hotels are experiencing a staffing shortage
  • ...10 more annotations...
  • Many hoteliers are turning to technology to add flexibility in hiring, make up for staffing shortages
  • Mobile and kiosk-based self-check-in can be deployed to deliver a convenient and personalized welcome experience with only a skeleton front desk staff
  • Similarly, mobile automation can complete a number of time-consuming administrative tasks, while mobile communication can streamline communication between the front and back-of-the-house, by instantly alerting employees when a room is ready or out of order
  • 2023 will continue to see the rise of blended travel models such as bleisure travel, remote working and digital nomads
  • Investing in a PMS that includes the options for hourly or day-use rates allows a hotel to cater to busy airport travelers, or remote workers
  • Leveraging mobile and kiosk-based check-in and mobile Point-of-Sale (PoS) systems allow hotels to deemphasize the front desk, and transform the lobby into a more communal space for dining, co-working, and socializing.
  • With almost two-thirds of internet traffic originating from mobile devices, hoteliers would be well advised to select a booking engine that is fully optimized for mobile
  • According to McKinsey, 82% of Americans are using some type of digital payments
  • Hotels have taken notice, and have deployed comprehensive payment facilitation platforms that can deliver a secure and seamless payment experience for guests while preserving the mobile-first nature of their stay
  • Savvy hoteliers will leverage an ecosystem model of technological investment, where foundational platforms like the PMS and CRS utilize flexible open-API systems to integrate as many potential third-party applications as possible, with no additional costs to the user
  • mandalysha on 29 Jan 23
     
    This article describes 7 travel and tech trends that are shaping the hotel industry this year. With labor shortages and growing inflation, hoteliers are turning to technology to relieve some pressures like using a native-cloud-based PMS platform, using mobile and kiosk-based self check-in, and using a a more consolidated payment processer that can deliver a more secure and seamless experience for guests.
llibe010

Short-circuiting the electronic-waste crisis - 1 views

www.nature.com/...d41586-022-03647-y

technology software e-waste computers laws

shared by llibe010 on 23 Nov 22 - No Cached
  • According to the Global E-waste Monitor, a project backed by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, people disposed of 53.6 million metric tonnes of e-waste in 2019 — a quantity that is expected to increase by nearly 40% by 2030
  • “This is an opportunity to stop thinking of it as waste,” says Clara Santato, a chemist specializing in electroactive materials at Polytechnique Montréal in Canada. But making electronics more sustainable will also require a more radical evolution of the industry as a whole, as well as the consumers who crave their products
  • Not everything can be readily recycled, but there are opportunities to create ‘green electronics’ that can be produced and disposed of in a more environmentally friendly way.
  • ...9 more annotations...
  • E-waste contains these hard-to-find elements in abundance.
  • as of 2019, only around 17% of the world’s e-waste was being properly managed for recycling in the countries that generate it
  • In an initial demonstration, this method recovered more than 80% of the precious metals, such as palladium and silver, that were present in an e-waste sample4, while also enabling easy isolation of toxic compounds such as mercury and lead.
  • Standard building blocks such as silicon, iron and copper are typically joined by more exotic elements. These include highly conductive precious metals such as platinum and gold, as well as rare-earth elements such as neodymium, which possess unique magnetic and electrical properties.
  • Conventional circuit boards are built on fibreglass, which is non-biodegradable and typically laced with potentially toxic fire-retardant compounds. Martins’ group is working on paper-based boards that could offer an environmentally friendlier alternative.
  • recyclable or compostable electronics could become invaluable in devices intended for short-term use, or in narrow-purpose devices such as wearables or environmental sensors that don’t have to meet the same rigorous performance standards as the processors found in smartphones.
  • But more-aggressive measures will probably be necessary, including tighter regulations.
  • Manufacturers should also pursue practices that promote circularity.
  • Planned obsolescence by manufacturers is part of the problem, but resolving this issue will also be a matter of public education and policies that boost civic-mindedness and environmental consciousness
  • llibe010 on 23 Nov 22
     
    The article recommends tighter regulations and corporate accountability as means to limit e-waste production and facilitate a cultural shift. E-waste production is set to increase rapidly and will see a 40% increase in quantity by 2030 unless checks are put in place. Creating green electronics has been discussed as an important step as manufacturers have been urged to use biodegradable components in their devices. The article further encourages businesses to promote circularity while highlighting that the responsibility also falls on consumers to adopt better practices. Public education is discussed as a critical tool to make populations aware while consumer electronics brands have been urged to make devices that are easy to disassemble and repair to increase longevity.
kbakermhd

Walmart and Target Have a Big Problem They Don't Want to Fix - TheStreet - 0 views

www.thestreet.com/...get-should-ditch-self-checkout

shared by kbakermhd on 17 Jan 23 - No Cached
  • Retailers and restaurants love to push work off on consumers under the guise that it's somehow better for them. It's like when you order a bagel and a cup of coffee at Panera Bread and you get handled, a blank bagel, frozen butter or cream cheese packets, and an empty coffee cup.
  • Letting me customize my coffee in an app as Starbucks (SBUX) - Get Free Report does is customer service. Handing me an empty cup and pointing me toward a carafe with a milk and sugar station is the exact opposite.Self-checkout is the same principle. If Target (TGT) - Get Free Report or Walmart WMT offers a few stations where people in a hurry can opt to check themselves out, that's very different than replacing your cashiers with automated checkout stations. That's not about convenience, it's about saving money.
  • And, yes, self-checkout has increased shoplifting, but it has also gone from being a convenience offered to customers to a cost-saving method for stores. It's automating an area where people do a better job in a lot of ways.
  • ...3 more annotations...
  • sacrificed a chance to connect with your customers.
  • Human interaction and connection building can't be automated. Some tools may aid in that relationship, but ultimately people matter.
  • Automate the things people can't see and put as many human beings into helping customers and building connections as possible
  • kbakermhd on 17 Jan 23
     
    This article discusses the controversial self-checkout model in major chain stores such as Target and Walmart and the cause and effect of labor issues and how other scenarios appear to be encouraging a time when this model replaces human checkout entirely. It was reported that Walmart loses 3 billion every year to customer and employee theft. For the most part, retailers have been thinking about self-checkout through a financial-savings and customer-experience perspective. But inherently, that means there's going to be less eyes on a transaction, less human interaction and more opportunity for shrink.
armanyleblanc767

Disruptors in the hotel industry | Colliers - 2 views

www.colliers.com/...y-disruptors-in-hotel-industry

Hospitality hotel software business tech travel solution mobile green

shared by armanyleblanc767 on 26 Aug 21 - No Cached
  • Underpinning this is an intermeshing of technology development, shifts in demographics, and globalisation which has also brought about rapid urbanisation
  • This in turn has led to a change consumers’ expectations and needs
  • Although disruptions are commonly perceived by incumbent players as threats to their businesses, disruptors could also be sources of significant opportunities for incumbent players to create newer and better services as well as experiences for their guests, hence entrenching themselves even more within the industry. 
  • ...19 more annotations...
  • In addition, whilst this may well serve high volume and ‘business’ hotels,
  • consumers’ increasing desire for personalised experiences is expected to continue for years to come.
  • use of biometric technology such as the facial recognition technology to speed up guests’ check‐in time and thereby improve the customer experience, make processes more efficient and enhance security.
  • By eliminating the process of performing manual checks on travel documents, the amount of check‐in time is expected to be reduced by up to 70%.
  • its use in luxury hotels, where the personal touch matters, may well have to be adapted to ensure it is seamless and less impersonal.
  • use of hotel robots may yield operational and cost efficiencies to hotels, it is however critical that a balanced approach is adopted by hoteliers to ensure that automation does not supplant quality service hence alienating hotel guests as a consequence
  • Voice assistants ‐ such as Amazon Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant – are one of the fastest growing technological fields today, becoming commonplace as a feature of the internet of things
  • According to Hospitality Technology’s 2019 Lodging Technology Study, nearly eight in 10 respondents named voice‐enabled technology as the top choice when asked to identify technology that has the most potential in the near‐future, and 62% of the respondents listed voice technology as a transformative technology that makes an impact.
  • voice assistants could potentially be used by hotels to gather actionable insights and feedback
  • the data gathered can be analysed and utilised to enhance the hotel offerings
  • Separately, hotels could potentially streamline operations processes and thereby improve operational efficiency and achieve cost‐savings through automating some of the daily hotel operations via the voice assistant.
  • The use of robots within the hotel industry is a form of automation that is becoming more prevalent as hotel chains and individual hotels have become increasingly cognizant that the concept of automation and self‐service is playing an increasingly vital role in the customer experience
  • pop‐up hotels have the agility of providing on‐demand accommodation in locations that traditional hotels could not and/or travelers would not necessarily have access or ease of access to alongside customisable accommodation settings, thereby delivering an entire bespoke guest experience.
  • New technologies, online platforms and markets are seen manifesting in new initiatives of all sorts ranging from metasearch engines evolving into one‐stop reservation options, chatbots, and robots providing butler services to alternative accommodation options. 
  • In Asia, Singapore had its first shipping container hotel in operation in January 2020. Targeting millennials as its primary consumers who are more adventurous and looking for an experience
  • Key players of the pop‐up space are predominantly boutique groups although major brands such as Marriot and Accor have started to experiment with pop‐ups
  • applicable
  • it is imperative that hotels recognise and make it a top priority to address these privacy concerns and adhere to the applicable regulations concurrent to ensuring the quality of the stored data and system
  • Check‐in and check‐out services; provision of tourist information; butler service to deliver amenities such as towels; transport luggage; and meal deliveries.  
  • svail001 on 26 Aug 21
     
    This article discusses some of the technological disruptors in the hospitality industry and provides a couple examples specific to hotels. Some of these examples include pop-up hotels, facial recognition, and robots. The article provides a couple reasons why each of these innovative technologies could be beneficial or negative for hotels. Overall, the article provides some good insight into the future of technology in hotels.
  • acole066 on 21 Jun 22
     
    This article covered various disruptors in the hotel industry from the check in process down to automation & self service for guests. Implementing facial recognition to speed up check ins for guest, using voice assistants to substitute daily hotel operations, & using robots for automation are all things that can become more prevalant amongst the hotel industry as it may seem more cost efficient.
  • armanyleblanc767 on 16 Jan 23
     
    Every year, technological advances are made in each industry, including the hospitality industry. These advances are often seen as threats according to this article, however, they might also pose as great opportunities for the industry and its stakeholders. The article highlights some of the major disruptors in the hospitality industry. Trends such as facial recognition and robots were among those mentioned. I found that both of these trends have negative and positive aspects to them. Facial recognition would reduce the time spent checking in significantly, however guests would still be concerned with the storage of their personal data. Additionally in regards to robots, they aid in operational efficiency in check in and check out services also but they could possibly omit the human touch factor of certain roles that guests appreciate.
asanc036

Understanding Digital Business Models: Virtual Restaurants And Ghost Kitchens - 1 views

www.forbes.com/...restaurants-and-ghost-kitchens

restaurants ghost kitchens virtual technology hospitality tech

shared by asanc036 on 28 Sep 22 - No Cached
  • difference between a virtual restaurant and a ghost kitchen
  • both models are part of an emerging restaurant segment that primarily exists online, with no physical storefront and with a major focus on off-premise dining and delivery.
  • a recent report by Statista predicted that worldwide
  • ...27 more annotations...
  • Virtual Restaurants
  • 324 billion in 2022
  • online food delivery revenue will reach over $
  • physical kitchens
  • work with existing restaurants and kitchens, from mom-and-pop diners to big chain
  • perators of commercial kitchen spaces,
  • Typically, an eatery may only be utilizing some 30% productivity out of their kitchen and labo
  • incremental orders can increase revenues and margins, particularly as labor costs rise,
  • boon for existing restaurateurs who have off hours, where the kitchen and staff are under-utilized
  • only exists online
  • designed and optimized for an off-premise (only pick-up and delivery) experienc
  • 30 or more individual commercial kitchens, with one central area for delivery drivers to pick up from
  • matter
  • additional costs, including rent, equipment, freezer/storage space, garbage pickup, staff salaries, runner fees
  • virtual restaurants
  • require a top-notch marketing plan
  • A winning digital-only restaurant marketing plan should include leveraging national partnerships with the online ordering/delivery platforms, sophisticated digital marketing, search engine optimization and social media
  • professional food photography, menu design
  • strategies
  • if you are not listed on a certain app, you simply don’t exist
  • reviews
  • typically house a variety of brands, from national players like Chick-fil-A and Wendy’s
  • more than ever
  • about
  • mindful
  • arrival experience of the food
  • Set up your own website
  • asanc036 on 28 Sep 22
     
    Alex Canter, CEO of Nextbite and Ordermark explains the difference between virtual restaurants and ghost kitchens. Both exist online, with no physical storefront. A report by Statista predicted online food delivery revenue will reach over $324 billion in 2022. Virtual Restaurants - only exist online, work with existing restaurants and kitchens. Helps increase productivity of their kitchen and labor, increase revenue and margins. Ghost Kitchens - Physical kitchens designed off-premise (pick-up and delivery only). Some have 30 or more individual commercial kitchens for rent and one area for delivery drivers to pick up. These kitchens house many brands and new local restaurants for a rent fee. Virtual restaurants require great marketing strategies, such as digital marketing, SEO, social media, professional photography and menu design. Some of the strategies suggested for success are utilising and being part of apps, focusing on the reviews, setting up a website.
djohn304

Social Media Marketing in the Hospitality Industry Following COVID-19 | SevenRooms - 0 views

sevenrooms.com/...ty-industry-following-covid-19

shared by djohn304 on 02 Oct 22 - No Cached
  • As of January 2020, there are over 3 billion people around the globe actively using social media,
  • It’s projected that by 2023, the number of users will rise to about 3.43 billion.
  • The most popular social media platform is Facebook, with over 2 billion active users. Other popular social media outlets include Twitter, WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.
  • ...12 more annotations...
  • Simply put, social media is here to stay and it appeals to a wide variety of audiences. In the hospitality industry, where it’s so important to connect with people and to help them feel comfortable,
  • If your restaurant has incredible-looking dishes, one quick search on Instagram, and you might find that hundreds of people have posted photos of your food
  • Social media is affordable, connects you to a large audience, can be done instantly, and allows for interaction with customers and potential customers in a way that traditional advertising and marketing doesn’t.
  • 63% of customers note discounts and promotions factor highly in how they choose which restaurants to patronize.
  • Once you have your goals in mind, do your research to determine your target audience. Who are you marketing to?
  • Better lead generation Increased efficiency More organized data Content tailored to your target audience
  • People in the U.S. are inundated with anywhere from 4,000-10,000 advertisements each day,
  • Take followers on a virtual tour of your restaurant Showcase your cleaning and health & safety procedures via video to put customers at ease Create a “behind-the-scenes” video of the kitchen staff preparing meals Interview employees and share their experiences Hold a live stream Q&A session with followers
  • Additionally, answer people’s questions on social media platforms and respond to reviews — especially the negative ones!
  • By taking the time to put a positive spin on negative attention, you’re showing others that you care about their input and want the customer experience to be flawless every time.
  • there has been a significant amount of fearmongering in relation to COVID-19.
  • No matter which area of the hospitality industry you’re in, a social media strategy needs to be an integral part of your marketing plan along with things like SEO, digital ads, and traditional forms of advertising.
  • djohn304 on 02 Oct 22
     
    This article discusses how COVID-19 has highlighted the necessity of social media for hospitality industry players. As it is contactless and gets to virtually everybody's device, it is one of the best forms of advertising a business can use. There are various things a company must do in order to be successful in their social media use. This would be to figure out their target audience, their most preferred platform, and schedule specific and relatable content for your viewership. This form of advertising is extremely cost effective and is proven to work. In my opinion, social media has achieved more than its intended purpose. Platforms like Yelp, TripAdvisor, Instagram, etc have allowed for people all over the world to have access to information about restaurants, hotels, reviews, etc and it is extremely helpful.
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