For the hotel industry, mobile app development has always presented a paradox, especially for smaller chains and properties. Why would a traveler download my hotel's app if they are only staying for a single visit? Covid-19 has signaled a dramatic change in this approach: Mobile apps are now necessary for touchless check-in, check out and all communication with the hotel during the pandemic. Is this a permanent change? READ MORE

2020 forced the event industry to innovate and acclimate to a new way of doing things, and revealed new growth opportunities. On November 9, 2020, Marriott International kicked off Connect with Confidence, a hybrid event with both attendees on property and virtual attendees around the country. The event was not only a showcase for COVID-era safety and hybrid event technology - it was a model for the future of the industry. READ MORE

For many travelers, this holiday season will be their first time taking a trip during the pandemic, and hotels should expect last-minute reservation changes, cancellations and a large volume of phone and chatbot traffic for the customer service team. In order to prepare, hospitality leaders need to ensure customer experience (CX) systems are operating smoothly to prevent overwhelmed call centers. READ MORE

David Ashen of dash design explores key dos and don'ts of creating memorable themed hotels and provides perspective on what works well – and what doesn't. Ashen examines the TWA Hotel in New York City, the brand new One11 in New Orleans, The Roxbury at Stratton Falls in New York's Catskills region and several others and shares takeaways on how to strike the delicate balance between cool and kitsch. READ MORE

Exploring partnerships for hotels with media players in an industry that's facing further fragmentation. Is it enough to offer access to streaming giants like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime? How are new players like Peacock and Disney Plus changing the game? What about other avenues like cloud gaming? Let's explore how COVID-19 has only made the prevalence of in-room entertainment more important. READ MORE