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Forbes magazine named an event planner as the 6th most stressful jobs behind military general and police officer. An event planner must manage and navigate through multiple venues, proprieties and customs. This article identifies aspects of event planning that are now being dominated by technology. First, attendees are no longer limited to have to show up to the venue. Guests now are video streaming from anywhere around the world. Second, guest expectations are high. Attendees are savvy and knowledgeable about new technological trends and expect to be wowed at events. Third, electronic such as touch screens, wifi, and broadband are norms in the industry. Fourth, social media has monopolized marketing. Fifth, mobile technology allows for access anytime/ anywhere. Apps are everywhere! And finally, online management systems are designed to integrate invitations, check-ins and registrations online to speed up and streamline the process.

Follow this link to learn how a jammer works: http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cell-phone-jammer1.htm Recently, Marriott was found to be noncompliant with FCC regulations that ban the use of any "Jammer"-to include cell, radio, Wi-Fi and others-by any individual or entity that is not an approved federal agent. The result? A $600,000 fine and removal of the jamming equipment from any Marriott property currently participating in the illegal activity. In a regular Wi-Fi network, a user connects to the Internet by connecting to the ISP, which could be a wired modem and separate Wi-Fi router or a combined wireless modem/router that will connect the computer to the ISP server and allow the user to launch their browser where they can search the web or access a particular URL. In Marriott's case, the company utilized a Jammer to prevent users from accessing their chosen ISP-their personal Wi-Fi networks, typically provided via cell phone companies. The jammer functioned by interrupting Wi-Fi signals that operated on a particular frequency. By placing their own Wi-Fi on a different frequency, Marriott's service was the only signal capable of connecting a user to an ISP service and the Internet and was therefore offered at a premium price. The management decision to utilize this technology was short sighted and over all a very poor decision. The decision was made based on the greed of money. By jamming competitors' signals, Marriott was attempting to force patrons into paying premium prices for Wi-Fi service during their stay, including large business accounts (meetings and events). What Marriott either failed to research or decided to ignore was the legality of such a decision. According to the FCC, Jammers of all types are strictly illegal except by approved Federal Entities and Agents. The Marriott management team made their own bed by making a poorly evaluated decision that has since come back to bite them in the rear.

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I found this article very interesting as it covers some of the next technological changes the hotel industry would see. Hotel companies and property owners are spending lots of money to ensure they are able to satisfy modern day traveler's needs. As technology advances and more and more studies show travelers prefer to use their own mobile devices, companies have to constantly improve their mobile platform. Sooner or later hotels will have mobile keys that work via a phone on the customers phone or tabloid. Features like mobile keys, check-in, and communications via a mobile app will all require significant amount of investments by major hotel chains. All of these new types of feature also require more advanced security to protect hotel stayers while using the hotels' mobile apps. Over the long run the investment will pay off for large hotel companies as they will gain tons of data and data is very powerful and useful. I am interested to see how this affects small-scale motels as the investment in mobile platforms may not be feasible for an independent motel.

This article discusses six of the new upcoming trends in the hospitality industry in regards to technology. The first is mobile ubiquity - meaning the amount of usability of guests using mobile devices to check in, make a reservation, or purchase. The second is integrating mobile data and the integration of such valuable data. Third would be the Enabling of guest room technology, such as on-demand content and room features. Fourth would be Future-proofing networks and ensuring safety from hackers or malwares. Fifth would be beefing up security. Sixth would be energy conservation to save money on wastes and energy consumption.

Future proofing or building a more robust network infrastructure is the backbone and the most important part of any network model. It seems that newer buildings will have an advantage as they will have fiber optic installed as they are constructed which would be cheaper than replacing an entire existing copper network. This trend, will enable companies that have newer hotels to offer more services and meet the technological demand that their customers now expect.

Marriott's data breach in 2018 exposed the information of over 500,000 guests including names, addresses, and passport numbers - leading to a class-action lawsuit and falling share values. The California Consumer Privacy Act, taking effect in 2020, gives Californians the right to know what information is collected about them and where this information goes. Amazon, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Twitter, Uber, AT&T and Verizon are lobbying against the CCPA, but data-security regulations are being enacted regardless to protect customers against these breaches.

This article is about the top technology trends for meetings and events. One of these trends is to have a dedicated high speed WIFI network available to guests, allowing them to download and share media in real time. This is very appropriate for weddings, birthday parties, and baby showers. When it comes to business meetings, having high-performance mobile computing is a must. With top Hi-Tech manufacturers concentrating on mobile solutions, presentation materials can now be shared via portable screens in 3D formats, whether it is on site or through video streaming. Another trend in modern event planing is online photo and video publishing. Given the growing disposable nature of media content, especially on mobile devices, publishing efforts should be a part of every event. Encourage guests to share stories, and incorporate quotes and commentaries. Finally, something I found very interesting in modern event planning is content marketing. In a world where businesses are defined by online footprint, content marketing efforts should be an integral part of promotional efforts. Whether it is business or private, events provide the perfect venue to promote or market anything.

What an informative article! In my own opinion, the following article gave a great insight to investing in technology within the hospitality industry. The 5 helpful tips they provided within the article are the following; get to know your guest first, balance technology with the human touch, invest in mobile based technologies, try before you commit, and future-proof your technology investments. Each of these suggestions truly would make a huge impact within the hotel industry if followed and practiced. In my own opinion, the most vital thing to be sure of when introducing new technologies into your business is to make sure you have the right balance of human connection and technologies. Like stated in the article, technology is not meant to be an aid or replacement for face-to-face staff and guest interaction. New technologies are giving the industry the ability to provide fresh ways to deliver high quality experiences to keep pace with rising customer expectations.

The article highlights 5 things a hotel leader should consider before they decide to invest in IT. The goal is to ensure the investment truly helps grow the firm's bottom line, is inclusive with the human resources operating within the establishment, and is in align with current long-term trends and not just fad investments. The article helps connect the dots on what makes IT investment risky or an essential path to success.

Phones essentially, and unfortunately, are going to be around for peoples time at hotels. People usually go away to get away from real life, but unfortunately everybody likes to be on their phones still. The first four examples of this article highlight how phones are important with recent technology updates. Your new phone can now serve as a phone key, concierge, and do so much more with an app. Robots and other technologies are being implemented to replace human interactions.

This article was a great read. For the most part I have either witnessed some of these advancements or heard about them in some form or fashion. The trend that intrigued me the most, of course, was #9 - Tech Enabled Meeting Spaces. This is ALWAYS a demand for my clients. Will they have wifi, will they have a polycom, adapters for their laptops, etc. Some clients, especially tech groups, that I have want their own entire network created and work hand in hand with our IT department to configure all that needs configuration. I think these trends are great, and positive, trends that if done correctly can meet the guests' expectations and as a result increase GSR (Guest Satisfaction Rates).

"The Motorola Solutions 2011 Hospitality Market Barometer reveals that 91 percent of hospitality decision makers realize the increasing importance of mobile and wireless technology, while 78 percent recognize the role mobility plays in ensuring a competitive advantage for their business. As a result, hospitality venues are investing in new technology, as well as powerful wireless networks to handle greater data volumes and increasing demands for high-speed access from the customer and mobile workforce. "

The article analyzed why hotels do investment to It in 2011. It concluded three main reasons, which are elevating the guest experience, empowering the mobile worker, and enabling operational efficiency. It's already 2013 now and things can become different. Hotels should invent carefully according to its specific necessary and customers' necessary.

Dear team! I found an article, very old but to me, very actual and interesting about how the Internet Technology is improving and progressing, and the investment bring benefits only. In 2011 , only 4 years ago, we can see that the companies were having a clear plan to improve the communication system. By introducing wireless, tablets, WLANs , to improve network reliability... Today we have it all on hands. We are using all the devices online , wireless and with no problem to access. No cords on the floor, no telegrams ... Internet technologies is a big progress in our century and is developing and growing, by leaving some of us behind. :)

This article discusses the importance of a hotel being up to date with their PMS system and all the features a PMS system could have. The article states that cloud-based PMSs accessible to hotel staff via Internet through a phone, table or laptop is essential for the future of PMS and will enable the staff to stay up to date in real time. Additionally, a PMS system that is PCI compliant is necessary to protect guest personal information and will allow the hotel to provide better guest services and satisfaction. Another feature listed was to ensure the PMS is integrated with third-party systems such as two-way OTA interfaces and credit card processing platforms. This will help eliminate human error and lessen workload so employees can concentrate on delivering the best guest experience. Also mentioned was the fact that a cloud-based PMS offers security updates that will always be compliant to the latest standards of cyber security. With staff scheduling and revenue management capabilities, PMSs are a much more integral and important part of hotels success than ever before. It is imperative for a hotel to be up to date with their PMS so they don't fall behind their competition.

The Article talks about new trends coming to the hospitality industry. The trends are service automation, mobile convergence, location based services allowing staff to help guests quicker, connected meeting rooms, mobile apps, and networks.

The pro's and con's of cloud-based point of sale systems and how it can be cost-effective for small business to operate a POS or PMS

The EDTS company believes Savannah's economic and employement growth could attract hackers from obtaining personal information of tourists and visiting customers. Charles Johnson, the CEO of the company believes it is a duty for hotels/restaurants to provide data security for its customers. He believes that not only big companies such as Equifax and Yahoo are vulnerable to hacks, but also small businesses. He adds that when small businesses are hacked, they can be ruined. He stresses all kinds of outlets to protect their data before they have a major breach.

This article is talking about wireless internet becomes more and more important in the hotel industry. They provide some of the key considerations for the hoteliers that help the hotel to ensure they can meet the demands of their customers. There's a big demand for wireless access to hotels. Every customer would like to choose a hotel with a Wi-Fi service. Wireless become very necessary in the hospitality industry. The best wireless service that can help the hotel create the loyalty customers. Wi-Fi has become a standard amenity, therefore, the hotel has to find affordable and non-disruptive solutions to meet customers wants and needs. Currently, customers would like to use the smart phone and their computer to watch videos rather than watch TV. They are not just sending email and web surfing anymore. There have a strong needs of the best internet from the hotels. The articles showed us couple challenge of wireless in the hotel. First of all, weak cellular signal strength. In many hotels, for guests, it's not always can find the signal of their cell phone, especially in urban area. The customers can't have a good voice communication with others. Maybe because the location of that room in the corner and there have something will disturb the signals or building construction that will interrupt the signal as well. The solution of the cellular signal strength is "Make provision for both voice and data signals to be amplified." To installing that equipment that always needs the hotel to run a new cable in order to provide the good signals for the guest used. The second challenge for the hotels is "Cellular Network Capacity Issue". Since cellular companies continue selling the device for many years without expanding their network to meet their demand. For example, AT&T is the first company that realized this issues when there are sell iPhone and another cellular. Thus, it's very important that each device support connection to the internet by use Wi-Fi withou

This article talks about the type of threats the hospitality industry can face, an explanation of cybersecurity, and how to protect your organization from cyber threats, especially phishing.

It sounds so easy to use NDC, but the reality is: Not too many bookings are being made. Why? GDSs won't just give up the battlefield of simple bookings (call it 'easily earned money') and only deal with the complicated PNRs. While I am critical of the global distribution system "oligopoly", the sustainability of the redrawn commercial and technological landscape that NDC could produce has to be questioned. The proposition of NDC means that a "formerly relatively lean distribution chain will become a complicated commercial landscape with numerous airlines, numerous TMCs (or corporations) and several technology providers - all being connected to each other on a technological, as well as commercial, level."