Planning and executing meetings just got more high-tech. Meeting architecture is a software program that takes planning a meeting to a whole new level. It allows for the users to have an "experience" and not just a regular meeting. It is all-encompassing in that it involves the participants and their needs, as well as the desired outcomes, when in the planning stage. For instance, it will need to know how heavy the planners would like the audience to participate and the type of format to use. It will use all of this information to "construct" an actual plan for the meeting with all of the logistics needed.

Contrary to popular belief, there is still a great deal of concern over the security, or lack thereof, when it comes to credit cards being used at hotels...or any card that stores information on a magnetic strip. The problem lies in the outdated technology used for processing applications. Older applications means they are not in compliance with PCI, regulations for this entire industry. We know that hotels are usually a part of many sites. If a hacker gets access to just one, he will probably break into other sites, as well. Some of the things that the hospitality industry can do to help combat this problem is to require stronger passwords on their systems, stronger firewalls, enforcing stronger remote access and even limiting it, just to name a few. Erica

This particular article discusses the need for accounting software programs within the hospitality industry. These programs can do just one thing or be all-encompassing, such as an enterprise program. Accounting programs still have to follow the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), which regulate the accounting industry. They help track the profitability of the company, amongst other things. Additionally, hospitality companies must be very careful in choosing the right program. These programs can help managers run a business more effectively but it has to be matched with the right program. There is also the option of outsourcing the accounting function to a third party, which could save a lot of time and money down the road. Erica

Picture this: you walk into a store and there are no cash registers to be found. You wonder where you can go to actually pay for your items. What looks to be regular customers are actually sales associates, wearing backpacks. What's in the backpacks? iPads. Why? These are their point-of-sale units to ring up customers. This company, Breadcrumb, created this very set up so that clients can become more mobile with their customers. My story is a very true story. JC Penny actually uses this system in their young men department. I discovered this while shopping for my son one day. I think it is the coolest thing to have. The sales associates are able to move around more freely to help the customers out. No longer are they tied to the cash register. Erica

Interesting that GDS services are still being developed even in the face of major competition with the internet and travel websites. FastBooking, which built their system from the ground up, offers GDS services and marketing/sales solutions for hotels. Hotels that join FastBooking are offered a streamlined system in which most of the entries are done on one screen. They are able to input one master price into the system which will allow it to compete with internet prices. They system allows the hotels to utilize images, descriptions, and different languages, as well. Travel agents will have real-time pricing information to better service their clients. Also, commission payments are handled efficiently and promptly through their partnership with WPS. One of the greatest benefits to using the system is that FastBooking offers a la carte services for their clients. One of the services is their ability to submit hotel information to main Consortia preferred rate programs. Some of the heavy-hitters in the Consortia include Carlson Wagonlit, BCD Travel, and many more. For a system to be up and coming, it sure has gained the trust of more than 7,000 hotel clients worldwide. Erica

This Hilton is taking on a very ambitious project to help save a lot of money in power costs. They are installing wind turbines on the rooftop of the hotel. The good thing about these turbines is that they seem to be sort of "stylish" and not the typical field turbines. The turbines, a total of six to start, will assist in creating more sources of electricity as opposed to the conventional methods. Electricity is probably one of the most expensive costs a hotel has to deal with. Using turbines will definitely help cut costs. Additionally, Hilton is not new to using green initiatives. They are planning to install solar panels in 2013. Both the turbines and the solar panels are expected to supply about 5 to 10 percent of the needed electricity. Also, the windows are built to block out the heat from the sun and to withstand the forces of a hurricane. Of note: this particularly Hilton was the very first hotel in Broward County, FL to receive the Florida Green Lodging designation. Erica

In today's world, being able to conduct business via mobile is a must for business travelers. A whopping 79% said they would use check in/check out features associated with hotels. Business travelers would most likely prefer a smooth process from start to finish and having the ability to check in and bypass the front desk, and possible long lines, would be a life-saver for them. Not having to stop at the front desk to check out can also save a great deal of time. Additionally, the article addresses the desire for business travelers to utilize specific services even after checking out of the hotel. Offering discounts to get travelers to check in via mobile is mentioned, as well. Today's society promotes convenience across the board and being able to check in, check out, reserve/utilize services after checking out, and even taking advantage of discounted services via mobile, is the wave of the future. Erica