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Hotel rooms are ready to go high-tech with new security products that can enhance the guest experience. As the organization Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) prepared the 2012 guestroom exhibit Guestroom 20X for last week's HITEC tradeshow, the group sought new ways to make the room more modern, efficient and self-serviced.

Hotel rooms are ready to go high-tech with new security products that can enhance the guest experience. As the organization Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) prepared the 2012 guestroom exhibit Guestroom 20X for last week's HITEC tradeshow, the group sought new ways to make the room more modern, efficient and self-serviced.

This article covered information on the projected security of the future in hospitality. The Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) were working on developments that they planned to showcase in the HITEC tradeshow last year. These developments, collectively recognized as the Guestroom 20x, were expected to make hotel rooms more efficient and modern. These developments included obtaining rooms and keys without front desk interaction, video intercoms to replace peepholes, reinforced room safes, and a smoke alarm aid to properly alert guests in case of fire. There were also talks of an energy management system in the rooms included. The developments seem to be a start towards a changing way of hospitality. I believe that these developments are great options for hotels in the future. Of course, there are always risks that must be recognized. These risks could even be the downfall of the developments. Technology's ability to fail or malfunction is too constant at this time. System glitches, hacking possibilities and power outages could inconvenience these developments as well as inconvenience the guests at the hotel that use them. My main concerns lie with the option to obtain rooms and keys through PCs and mobile phones, the smoke alarm aid and the energy management. One technological failure could cause any of these to cease operating, which means that guests could be locked out of their rooms, in danger if there is actually a fire (or inconvenienced because of a malfunctioning alarm), or inconvenienced because of a nonworking room temperature gauge. These issues could lead to many problems for the hotel that hosts these developments. So, the companies should analyze these issues before installing these developments.

McDonald's has consistently been "beaten to the punch" by its competitors regarding the use of technology in its restaurants, and it has shown in an overall 10.4 decrease in foot traffic from its peak. In a cross-promotional attempt to advertise its new menu offerings while connecting with a younger (i.e. Millenial) market to show off their increased technological offerings (e.g. mobile ordering, digital smart menu boards, self-service ordering kiosks, and even delivery), McDonald's set up a Big Mac vending machine in Boston's Kenmore Square that dispensed burgers in exchange for a video posted to the consumer's twitter account. This multi-facted marketing technique allowed them to deliver their tech-driven message to potentially several hundred new consumers for every burger that was dispensed. This is a highly cost-effective marketing strategy that will allow McDonald's to focus its resources on continued development of the tech solutions that the event is aimed at promoting.

This article introduces some ways to reduce cost and low budgets during create hybrid events meeting apps and more. The author points out that many planners are drawn to the high-tech allure of hybrid events, mobile apps or even video production, but they just can't squeeze any more out of their budgets. However, smart person can give solutions to use less money finish better events or apps. Author gave the successful examples about how to create those kinds of tech with low budgets. Scott Lim who works at Microsoft has added the online component with very little additional investment. Also author told how keep apps' cost on a low level. In addition, the author said video is a useful method in marketing. The person found the reader more like video than traditional email. Then author introduced basic method to save money in creating video.

This article from HotelTechReport.com focuses on 8 software and tech related trends in the hospitality industry. Software as a Service (SaaS), Application Programmable Interfaces (API), Online Travel Agencies (OTA), and WiFi6 are some of the featured technologies whose impact on competition, innovation, security, and revenue growth are explored. The article begins by acknowledging that despite a great deal of technological innovation in the past decade, there is a great deal of unrealized potential when it comes to more effectively leveraging technology and data to improve efficiency, increase revenue, and remain competitive in the industry.

I believe it is important for hotel brands to evolve with the people who are staying there. Nothing beats being at home; however, it is pretty awesome when you are staying away from home and do not feel as if you are missing out. This article covers just that, making a bold statement with their title; "High Tech and High Class: How Luxury Hotels are Embracing Technology". Modern hotels are on " a deeper level of connectivity than a simple iPod doc, or a reliable Internet connect". Many are using state of the art devices and software which allows their guests to control from the lighting in the room to even housekeeping. The article also talks about Shane Krige, General Manager of the Plaza in New York City. He purchased a few iPads for the hotel lobby for his guests to play with. The feedback led to the hotel putting an iPad in every room at the Plaza. The Star Hotel & Casino in Sydney Harbour now offers a Control4 systems which gives guests a touch screen control for the TV, lighting and temperature and even music. Even better than the touch screen control the suites all feature "a button labeled "Leaving Room" by the entry door that automatically places the suite in an energy-saving mode: With a single touch, it closes blinds, turns off lights and dials back air conditioners for energy savings. Should you forget to press this on your way out, after 30 minutes the system will sense there is no one and trigger the button automatically. Upon return your room will greet you by opening curtains, turning on the lights and displaying a welcome message". Greener might be more expensive; however, it pays for itself and saves the hotel money in the long run.

This article talks about the 5 ways can make the technologies will go green in 2015. We all know solar panels, electric cars, high-efficiency washing machines. Those technologies can negative effects the human activity on the earth but there are so much lesser known tech devices out there designed to help human to save the energy of the earth. Firstly, smart homes, it's hard to see the smart homes, being green is not that hart just makes your electric things to connect the internet. For example, connect your refrigerator to your smartphone, this way can allow the people adjust the temperatures all the time instead of walk to the refrigerator. Thus, being green only need to move your finger. It can help people to track that how much energy they use in their home, office or school. Therefore, they can reduce their bills in order to save the energy in the world. The article mentioned the most popular one is smart thermostats. Smart thermostats can "remember" the temperatures you prefer and can sense when you are not in the home. Thus, they can turn off the AC which's can save an of electric because that connect to the Wi-Fi and you can control it use tablet or smartphones. Second, the most important thing is smarter homeowners. The smart owner will maximize the energy efficiency of your home with smart technologies, using the website such as BuildingOS. This app gives the users the tools they need to analyze the efficiency of the office. The data that they provide all of from the central hub building's systems include water, electric, gas and so on.

This article highlights the need for technology innovation to be more inclusive within the sector. It focuses on senior level roles but also emphasizes the importance of including all levels within the evolution of the industry. It also highlights that these changes would have occurred with or without the pandemic but was expedited because of it. It speaks about including lower levels of management with invitations to trade shows and other technology exposition in order to include a larger net of point of views and perspectives. It also highlights the need for further automation in order to help with large scale global issues like climate change and continuing touchless actions like check ins to maximize efficiency and the guest experience.

This article details the importance that investing in new technology has on the restaurant industry. Many restaurant concepts like Panera Bread have made it their focus to drive new technology in their restaurants and have seen an incredible and continuous ROI. The article cedes that those who take a "wait-and-see" approach will find themselves playing catch up. Attributing to this is the fact that technology is generally considered old by the time it has worked out any potential issues.

This article looks at the ways that companies can use to remain ahead of the curve in technology. Such ways include being receptive and adaptive to change, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of their teams, responding to change quickly, as well as being disruptive and agile. The article also encourages businesses to pay attention to innovation, and to be proactive and innovative, instead of reactive.

This article was very interesting and informative. It is eye-opening to the business owner because it mentions ways in which companies can be steps ahead from the competition. This is important for a company because as things change and evolve, a company needs to be able to adapt to the circumstances to be able to survive and not be replaced by another company.

the article explains how companies can stay ahead of the curve in technology and outdo their competitors

This article focuses specifically on how technology has transformed the hospitality industry and how softwares have been implemented to make operations at a hotel run smoothly, both for the customer and the employees. Hotel management softwares and reservation softwares like "OPERA, Hotello, and Hotelogix" have created user-friendly management systems in order to help customers book reservations and ensure that hotel staff can meet all guests' needs efficiently. With the ever-changing hospitality industry, technology continues to grow being shaped by millennials as they get more and more attached to their phones. With specialized softwares, this makes a more personable experience, customer loyalty, quality customer service and adaptability.

Hospitality means something different to everyone but one thing in common is that this business relies on a positive customer experience to remain operational. A bad review may point toward a larger issue within the organization, namely, either a lack of tech or poorly implemented tech. Well-implemented technology makes operations easier for both the customer and the business, but poorly-implemented tech will only create more problems. This article discusses softwares in different areas of a hotel and what users like. It is important to choose that right software to run your hotel especially since millennials are prioritizing experiences over things.

Events and event planning are evolving into new, dynamic formats. Old models are falling away and technology is giving both planners and event participants an opportunity to grow and revisit the underlying ideas about how event spaces work. "It's been fascinating watching just how fast things have changed," said Brian Solis, principal at Altimeter Group, at a New York conference this year.

This article talks about the ways that technology is changing event planning and events themselves. Event attendees are now looking for more engaged experiences, rather than the old way of merely attending an event passively. Social media plays a huge role in how attendees interact with and even plan an event. Participants can interact with and engage with event speakers now more than ever, with participants sending questions to the speaker via social media or other technology that allows for the speaker to answer audience questions in real time. Data personalization allows for event attendees to receive information about the event, allowing them to be involved in the planning process and during the event itself, whether it's through Bluetooth or geofencing technology. Event attendees can take advantage of augmented reality technology to engage in activities. Wearable technology is becoming increasingly popular, as it allows attendees to get information quickly and easily without any real input on the attendee's part. Mobile apps are now becoming more commonplace for events, as it's easy, efficient, and convenient. Drone technology is now being used at events, whether to take pictures or to stream the event to people who could not attend.

As the world has moved forward with technology, so to has the world of events and event planning. Planners are able to connect with the guests on a whole different level and events have the technology to be able to keep the attendees engaged and interacted. From flying drones to social media, technology has helped selling events a much easier process.

Why you should move from a Tech-Enabled Service to a SaaS Platform and some things to keep in mind if you do decided to make the transition.

Research estimates that AI can save £26,000/$32,000 per year. The article specifically mentions chatbots and automated financial reporting as AI areas, but it also mentions that hospitality leaders lack confidence in implementing new tech and also fear job losses. The study also asked consumers - 1 in 10 would like more personalization which can be driven by AI tech.

While we all know now it's the technology era, customers would like prefer new hotel technology which would enhance their experience. When we are geeky enough to love new hotel technology, however, we have got our green side too. For example, in hospitality industry, some hotels control what gets switched on and off using the system that tells them when a guest comes and goes; some also talked about putting solar panels on hotel roofs with government subsidies. Applying new technology in hospitality industry also will have some negative side as everything has two sides. it is just a kind of balance thing. We just need to find the most suitable ones for our hotels and customers.

The article talks about how hotel are getting into more green technology. In New Orleans they had a conference for hotel own and GM that want to get greener with their hotel technology. The new green tech development is focused on reducing energy use. For example the new developed energy efficient system will remember how light are set and if the fireplace is on and will shut down 20 minutes after the guest leave and come back to the same setting. It will be a big saving for the hotel especially when the power bills comes in they will notice a different

this article talks about five tech tips that help to prevent employee theft. for problem 1 taking money from the register, CCTV can help, but internet protocol cameras can bring more convenience and new features. For copying the company's digital asset, using cloud-based security services, company can monitor where its information has been removed. For stealing customer data, encrypting customer data can be vital in dealing with this problem. For pilfering products, RFID readers can help detect either up to 40 feet way or up to 300 feet away. For cheating on time sheets, biometric identification systems keep employees accountable for their time on the job and prevent "buddy punching," the practice of having colleagues clock their peers in and out.

I found an old article on Physical Plant and preparation for Y2K! The claimed that high tech hotels needed to check their flash light batteries, first floor grounding of elevators, back up generators and fuel tanks. Besides the fact that this is written for doomsday Y2K they have a valid point to have a disaster plan if an earthquake, hurricane or any disaster takes the hotel off line. Loss of power is a real threat especially in hurricane Miami. We need to know that data will be backed up, rooms can be accessed, and that people will not remain stuck in an elevator. Please read below With hotel systems growing ever-more tech-dependent, disaster planning extends well beyond protecting data. Proaction Better Than Reaction Computer Systems Demand Special Attention Just outside California's state capital, the Sheraton Sacramento Rancho Cordova Hotel is a magnet for business travelers in the high-tech and government sectors.

Before Midnight Cilli! No pumpkin carriage here lol. Thanks

Commentary - Corporate meetings and events are on the rebound after the recession, but many organizations are also rethinking how technology can help them plan a more budget-friendly and productive business meeting.

Since corporate meetings and events have been suffered recession for quit a while, new they are facing a revolution of high-tech event planing to be more cost saving and more productive. This article mainly introduces those tochnology tools like database tools, attendee registration tools, video/web conferencing tools and even room diagramming tools for event and meeting planing oever the Internet.

The tech people are saying the smart phone lock/key will change the whole industry. Some people are still worries about security issues but the it company is saying the technology is no different then programming a key cared which are already being used at hotels everyday.The smartphone is already a boarding pass,a flight tracker and travel guide so why not a hotel key ? Whats next ?