Event planning and in-person meetings have been affected by COVID-19. Event planners and venues are taking major efforts to begin hosting in-person group functions again. To begin safe meetings again, industries have implemented increased levels of safety precautions. One of these steps industries are taking is thermal scanning. Thermal scanning is a product that gives an indication of COVID-19 symptoms. Venues are industries are expected to provide this service to stay ahead of the game. Hotels such as Wynn Las Vegas have implemented thermal cameras at entry points throughout the hotel. At my office, we have also added thermal cameras at entrances to the building. Majority of events have shifted virtually until there is a vaccine. Event diagramming tools can provide event planners with photo-realistic site tours in 3D. Event diagramming can also display to potential clients a diagram of thermal scanning stations, and social distancing floor signs. Event diagramming is a diagramming tool where you can update existing layouts. Overall, it can provide future clients with the satisfaction that events can deliver their vision while maintaining safety guidelines.

Technology is always expanding. Products that we are using today- can be obsolete in a few months. For businesses to be successful, they need to be willing to adapt to change- as technology is always evolving. This article recommends "maximizing local search engine optimization" which can assist a person searching for something online- and could possibly increase sales and "customer base." SEO (Search Engine Optimization) reminds me of GDS's, as it brings more "brand awareness." Travel agents can also assist with "local SEO opportunities." The article also suggests have a "mobile-friendly website." With billions of people using smart phones on a daily basis- having an accessible, and available website is important. Furthermore, the article states that bookings made on the phone have increased in the past year 7%. Content marketing plays a key role in hotel's marketing. Replying to feedback, or having a strong online presence on social media can increase brand awareness. It is important to stay up to date with digital trends, as this can help build relationships with guests too. Video marketing, which is showing the costumer's what they should be expecting at the hotel- is a practical virtual experience. These current eMarketing trends are transforming the hospitality industry.

Cloud computing makes sense to work business in a cloud setting. The article states that Cloud computing has "transformed businesses" throughout the world. We learned that a disadvantage of Cloud is the dependence of Internet connection. With Cloud computing, you can share and store data. This can be a better way to run business. We have learned that Cloud computing is more scalable, secure, and reliable. Cloud computing cost less, and you can pay for what you need. Cloud you can customize what you need, to your specific needs. The article even mentions it "lowers management costs." Unlike unintended PMS, which can require maintenance, and be highly costly. We discussed in our video lecture from this past week, how hotel check-ins are being done from smart phones- as this article includes. This is beneficial for enhancing guest experience, and increasing the speed of check-ins. Travel agents have their own way of how they conduct themselves, their business, and the services he or she provides. However, the article shows how with Cloud computing, you would not need to depend on travel agents. Furthermore, Cloud computing can increase sales and revenue for a hotel property. Cloud computing is replacing traditional PMS system's and have a multitude of benefits.

As technology develops, the fast- food industry has relied on drive-throughs for orders. Drive throughs throughout the United States have grown 33 billion in food sales from 2010-2015. Present-day technological advancements are faster than ever. There has been a shift in lanes ways these fast- food restaurants are relying solely on mobile technology for ordering. Consumers can order on their phones and pay for their meals prior to arriving at the restaurant. Restaurants are also offering curb-side delivery service, where they can notify the restaurant when they arrive, and wait in their cars. Restaurants have recognized the importance of shift to a virtual experience, such as data ordering frequency and patterns. This can benefit repeat customers, and sales. However, mobile ordering can possibly not have the ability to limit a surge in demand of orders. Overall, as technology advances, this can assist companies with serving their customers.

In the past 2 years, Latin America has adopted e-commerce. E-commerce is growing from year to year. Social media, and social media marketing are vital in having an online presence. However, so is having a strong offline presence. Technology can impact sales, economy, and growth in the hospitality industry. As technology is evolving, it is also making an impact in online travel in Latin America. The article brings up how hotels must consider a GDS, such as TripAdvisor to bring recognition to bookings. This reminds me of what we learned this week- how GDS can broaden companies global reach.

The hospitality industry is implementing more sustainable practices in order to promote a green image that appeals to consumers- which is impacting sales. As the article quotes "companies that lead their competitors in terms of environmental performance also tend to enjoy a median Return-on-Equity that is 3% higher than that of their counterparts." By going green, industry's can can not only attract today's environmentally conscious travelers- but also can help the environment. The hospitality industry is practicing approaches of how to manage operations in an eco-friendly way to help the planet. 2020 will be the year for companies to operate their environmental policies, and marketing messaging around ecological themes.

As we learned this week, technology is impacting the hospitality industry. As the article states- "improving a guest's experience depends on the ability to identify the individual guest's preferences." This reminded me of the Smart Bar video we watched this week. Technology can enhance the quality of experience. However, depending on the businness/ company- most people would be unwilling to put a an investment into tech unless they see a significant uptake from the technology. Even though technology plays a major role in the industry, it has not completely took over human interaction.