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Contents contributed and discussions participated by Diana Sardina

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Diana Sardina

Technology for Meeting Planners - Debunking the Myths - Corbin Ball Associates - 0 views

www.corbinball.com/...index.cfm

shared by Diana Sardina on 06 Oct 12 - No Cached
  • enhanced world, meeting attendees not only appreciate, but expect to have easy solutions for attending events.
  • there are many misconceptions surrounding the use of such technology.
  • Technology enables you to automate some of the processes that are time-consuming, which allows planners to engage with their clients in a more strategic manner. You will not be replaced; rather, you will shine as a team member who works efficiently and smart.
    • Diana Sardina
      Diana Sardina on 06 Oct 12
       
      This issue has come up in previous topics during our class. The use of technology for event planning is a good example of how innovations does not necessarily mean less human interaction.
  • ...8 more annotations...
  • these cumbersome tasks are reduced dramatically, allowing for planners to spend their time working on meeting the goals of the conference
  • by employing the right technology, a planner can report to executives and managers the data that will help them make last minute decisions, leverage their spend for the future.
    • Diana Sardina
      Diana Sardina on 06 Oct 12
       
      The information can be accessed a lot easier and data mining can be more detailed and target to the needs of the hotel.
  • With online training and cloud-based products, installation and ramp-up is typically straightforward and painless.
  • Most programs these days have multiple back-up procedures in place, but it is still a good idea to periodically print out a copy of your data
    • Diana Sardina
      Diana Sardina on 06 Oct 12
       
      Security will always be a concern. I do not feel that the use of paper and pencil was less vulnerable than the use of computers. We need to continue monitoring our security systems and be proactive rather then reactive
  • These programs are more intuitive today, allowing operators to easily collect and analyze information with a click of a mouse.
  • While it is fun to be on the cutting-edge of technology implementation, be sure to outline clearly what you are trying to accomplish with its employment
  • the case of social media, the use of platforms that encourage interaction, such as a Twitter hashtags, can be very effective, but you must outline your objectives.
  • By taking these misconceptions into consideration, you’ll be able to successfully implement the right technology for your next conference or event. 
  • Diana Sardina on 06 Oct 12
     
    I feel that implementing technology in event planning can be of a great benefit to hotels. THe business of meeting and conventions can be a profitable one but the competition is tough. Hotels need to offer a wide variety of services to attract conferences to their properties. The use of technology now day is expected and hotels that do not offer these opportunities will stay behing the curve and miss on great opportunities.
Diana Sardina

Hotel security demands more investment in latest integrated systems | Security News - S... - 0 views

www.sourcesecurity.com/...co-1546-ga.4176.html

shared by Diana Sardina on 26 Sep 12 - No Cached
  • The contribution to profit, or the perceived lack of it, is one of the major reasons why security is often seen almost as an afterthought by hoteliers
  • Because security is not profitable, investors and hotel operators are reluctant to invest in safety and security
    • Diana Sardina
      Diana Sardina on 26 Sep 12
       
      The security department is a non revenue department and therefore hoteliers prioriotize technology investment into departments that bring money to the company.
  • active security components", include video surveillance (CCTV), access control, intrusion detection systems and X-ray machines at the hotel's main entrances
  • ...11 more annotations...
  • , evacuation, fire extinguishing and danger management processes
  • Security cameras in the hotel lobby, coded access cards - that's it
    • Diana Sardina
      Diana Sardina on 26 Sep 12
       
      Hoteliers are aware of the continuous threat we live in, but they prefer to ignore it since the cost of installing advanced technologies to prevent it is too high.
  • hard" security systems, which can help avert or manage serious threats such as terrorist attacks.
  • investors or owners of a hotel property often ignore these chain-specific security standards for cost reasons and provide budgets that cover only the minimum required by law.
  • between different types of "passive" security
  • hotels is very simplistic: security cameras in the lobby or other public areas and coded access control cards for elevators and rooms
  • We have highly sophisticated danger management systems today, particularly at airports, elements of which could be implemented in large hotels or connected to professional expert systems via remote security service centres
  • Outside of "classic trouble spots" such as the Middle East, people have a false sense of security.
    • Diana Sardina
      Diana Sardina on 26 Sep 12
       
      In the United States we have forgotten about 911 and we think that as long as we are here and not in the middle east we are "safe".
  • However, the vast majority of hotel operators are reluctant to make additional voluntary investments. Even insurance companies have not really taken up the opportunities presented
    • Diana Sardina
      Diana Sardina on 26 Sep 12
       
      I would have thought that insurance companies will force hotels to be more proactive in security measures. But reading this article makes me realize that we are very vulnerable.
  • The effective interlink between security equipment and security processes to protect persons and assets in real time is the main issue.
  • Hotels may be concerned about the costs of higher-level security systems but criminal activity could cost a hotel its reputation and not to mention, a person his or her life
  • Diana Sardina on 26 Sep 12
     
    This articles is an eye opener on how lightly we take hotel security. There are several new technologies designed to prevent security issues and we do not consider them, simply because they are too expensive and we feel a false sense of security since our country is not located in the middle east. The reality is that deep inside we all remember 911 and we see news every day of how much hate some people have againts us. Security should be taken much more seriously.
Diana Sardina

Biometric Benefits | Past Issues | Past Issues - 0 views

www.lodgingmagazine.com/...Biometric-Benefits-2575.aspx

shared by Diana Sardina on 19 Sep 12 - No Cached
  • PayTouch, a system that registers a guest's fingerprints and links the prints to a preferred credit card or bank account. Once the guest's fingerprints are registered, that traveler can pay for any item or service on the hotel property without fumbling for cash or credit cards.
  • Ushuaïa becomes the world’s first hotel to offer guests biometric technology,
    • Diana Sardina
      Diana Sardina on 19 Sep 12
       
      This is a great example of 'ahead of the curve' approach. It is very convenient and it is a technology previously used in other departments, like human resources.
  • also has the potential to drive more revenue for the hotel, since guests are less likely to worry or think about spending money if they don't have to pull out cash or credit cards.
  • ...3 more annotations...
  • Fiesta Hotel Group in our objective of optimizing client satisfaction and becoming a reference point in Spain and the Balearic Islands for innovation and leisure."
  • Since every person has unique fingerprints, the PayTouch system also offers an added layer of security that credit cards do not. 
  • Fingerprints are never stored," Giménez says. "The system only keeps an extraction that allows us to unmistakably identify the PayTouch user. There is no possibility of going back to retrieve the original fingerprint, so user data is always protected."
    • Diana Sardina
      Diana Sardina on 19 Sep 12
       
      I like the fact that fingerprint is not stored and they can only retrieve a small portion to identify the user. In this global society that we live in, it is very important for people to know that their inforamtion is private and secure.
  • Diana Sardina on 19 Sep 12
     
    I think this article represents a good balance between the 'wait and see' approach and the 'ahead of the curve'. Biometric technology has been around for a while now and it has been proven to be very effective. This hotel is creating a competitive advantage without compromising service and guest satisfaction.
Diana Sardina

Do the Math | Past Issues | Lodging Magazine - 0 views

www.lodgingmagazine.com/...2588.aspx

shared by Diana Sardina on 15 Sep 12 - No Cached
    • Diana Sardina
      Diana Sardina on 15 Sep 12
       
      Upgrading is a marketing strategy that has been used for years and it has always been an effective way to maximize profits. We need to train our front desk employees the same way we train our sales staff. They are an important sales team to hotels
  • Creating upgrades and offers for guests to take advantage of is a simple solution that can turn into big profits for hotels.
  • Upselling refers to revenue potential that goes above and beyond a traditional guest booking
  • ...8 more annotations...
  • The current trend in upselling is not only about presenting a guest with an upgrade or an offer, but also finding the offer that is right for that particular guest
    • Diana Sardina
      Diana Sardina on 15 Sep 12
       
      We can utilize information stored in property management systems to upsale rooms and services in the hotel
  • all at a cost to the guest
  • It’s one of those channels that we know is creating incremental sales for hotels.”
    • Diana Sardina
      Diana Sardina on 15 Sep 12
       
      If guests are checking their reservations in their smart phones, hotels can use that technology to upgrade and increase profits.
  • “It’s about doing it in such a way that it doesn’t feel like an upsell,” McGuire says. “It’s a balancing act between keeping the guest happy and driving revenue and profits
  • It’s about determining what that guest is interested in at that particular moment.”
  • iPods and iPads has really changed the opportunity to effectively communicate with a guest at any given moment.”
  • FrontDesk Upsell, which is part of the Nor1 platform, prompts front desk personnel with a sales script and a personalized offer through the hotel’s property management system (PMS) when a guest checks in. This scripted approach takes some of the guesswork out of the upselling equation and gives the staff more confidence when offering an upgrade.“For front desk personnel, this isn’t like a hard sell—it’s not like a used car salesman,” Buckhiester says. “This is about providing options. Those options may or may not be of interest to a guest, but in many cases they are.
  • There is that customer experience element, if you’re using the analytics in the right way, to make sure the offer is not only profitable to you but relevant to the customer.”
    • Diana Sardina
      Diana Sardina on 15 Sep 12
       
      Exceeding guest expectations is the key of sucess. If the information stored in the pms about the guest provides clues, then the front desk can upsale, and the guest will leave the hotel happier, will return and will recommend it to his or her friends.
  • Diana Sardina on 15 Sep 12
     
    This articles is a wake up call to many hotels that are looking for ways to increase profit. The concept of upsale has been around for a very long time. It is time for hoteliers to go back to basic marketing concepts but utilizing the latest technologies. Property management systems contain so much valuable information about the guests. Hotels need to utilize this information to offer unique experiences.
Diana Sardina

Ahead Of The Bell: TripAdvisor Upgraded To 'Buy' : NPR - 0 views

www.npr.org/...story.php

shared by Diana Sardina on 07 Sep 12 - No Cached
  • travel spending has remained stable despite the dismal global econom
  • Many feared that aggregators like TripAdvisor relied too heavily on Google to direct customers to their sites
    • Diana Sardina
      Diana Sardina on 07 Sep 12
       
      Travelers that book their trips using online travel agencies constantly check reviews from other travelers. Google is a commonly used search engine. If they start providing reviews of hotels and airlines to the customers, customers will read the first choice in the search (themselves) and not much of the second or thir option. I think that google is trying to innovate their technology and advancing to other venues such as this one and the glasses that they feel will replace or complement smart phones.
  • Diana Sardina on 07 Sep 12
     
    Google is trying to grow their business market share not only by being a search engine, but exploring other markets. I read that they had partner with Motorola to make phones and their newest invention soon to come, the smart phone glasses. In this article we see them becoming an online review site for hotels and airlines competing with companies like TripAdvisor, which relies a lot on people that "google" them.
Diana Sardina

Restaurants to go 'greener' in 2012 - NRA News Blog - 3 views

www.restaurant.org/...ants-to-go-greener-in-2012.cfm

shared by Diana Sardina on 28 Aug 12 - No Cached
  • The report discovered that more operators will invest in green equipment and fixtures in order to attract the 41 percent of consumers who say they're likely to make their restaurant choices based on whether the establishments they frequent practice environmental conservation
  • , as more information becomes available to them through online and social-media channels, they're learning even more that much faster. Not only that, they're much savvier about how they spend their money and want to make purchases from those they feel are doing the right thing. Operators who understand that and cater to their desires will win that market share every time."
    • Diana Sardina
      Diana Sardina on 28 Aug 12
       
      There is trend into the "green initiative" and we customers are more inclined into purchasing good and services from companies that are eco-friendly. It is a win win situation, not only that you are cutting your expenses in the long run, you are also improving the company's image.
  • Diana Sardina on 28 Aug 12
     
    More and more restaurants are following the "green move" to make sure they are staying in the loop of an eco-friendly customer.
Diana Sardina

Security of Guest Data Worries Hotel Technology Executives - 0 views

lhonline.com/...security_guest_data_worry_0404

shared by Diana Sardina on 24 Aug 12 - No Cached
  • The executive panels during the three-day event called for tighter security for guest data and wider use of revenue management technology and strategy
  • Other panel members reminded attendees that staff security training is essential since many aspects of data security relate to the physical storage of guest data on registration cards and other documents
    • Diana Sardina
      Diana Sardina on 24 Aug 12
       
      We blame technology for everything and in many cases the simple things like storing registration cards is where our employees and hotels lack attention.
  • China’s exploding middle class is flexing its purchasing muscle and looking at the U.S. for its next vacation.
  • ...3 more annotations...
  • recent terrorist attacks directed against hotels and uprisings in Asia and the Middle East make guest security a life-and-death matter in much of the world.
  • Chinese tourists have become a major target group for destination marketing organizations and tourism companies around the world. Here are several online marketing facts for hotel operators from the book that underscore the value of social marketing to the Chinese:
  • Chinese tourists have become a major target group for destination marketing organizations and tourism companies around the world. Here are several online marketing facts for hotel operators from the book that underscore the value of social marketing to the Chinese
  • Diana Sardina on 24 Aug 12
     
    In this article we can see how "security" is a common topic of concern among the hoteliers and I found very interesting that IT experts warned hotel mangers that in many cases where personal data of guest is stolen, the source is not exclusevily obtained by hacking computers, but by the lack of procedures to properly store this private information. The other important topic in this article is the wake up call for hoteliers about the chinese market and their interest to visit the US. The articles lists some online marketing facts about the importance of social media to the chinese and how we need to utilize social media to approach that market.
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