Authenticity and experience count when it comes to meetings and events in the 21st century. Attendees aren't just looking for an anonymous location in which to do business. They want to discover every nook and cranny of local culture in a destination, both as a part of a meeting and away from it. Creating a true sense of place can transform an event into something inspiring and unforgettable by incorporating the flavor of a city into every aspect of an event, from design to food & beverage, to unique experiences and beyond. READ MORE

Guest Wi-Fi is a powerful tool to connect with guests before, during and after meetings as a wraparound service that streamlines all aspects of their stay. It quickly becomes a compelling draw not only for guests but for the companies they work for as well, supercharging your meetings business. From customized web portals to analytics that help onsite personnel manage meetings in real-time, to a robust branding initiative for your property and for your customers, guest Wi-Fi helps your meetings business stand out from the crowd. READ MORE

Consumer expectations for accommodation are rising and new trends are surfacing to drive hoteliers to adjust their design strategies to attract more travelers. Specifically, millennials are traveling more than any other generation and have a strong desire for memorable experiences through unique design elements and customized, adaptable community spaces that elicit a positive and dramatic first impression. These concepts are already transforming multifamily and residential communities nationwide, and as the hospitality industry continues to experience rapid growth, similar strategies must be applied to stand apart from the competition. READ MORE

Recent independent research revealed that 59 percent of Americans will never buy from a company again if their first call isn’t handled to expectations. The telephone is often your company’s first interaction with potential customers and should be treated as instrumental in converting leads into sales and forging a positive brand image. Unfortunately, hoteliers can’t always answer the phone, first time every time. On-hold marketing represents a unique opportunity to provide an entertaining and informative experience that keeps callers engaged until they speak to a member of staff. Find out why audio branding should be integral to your hotel’s marketing strategy. READ MORE

The business case for reducing food waste is simple: Saving food saves money. WWF and other organizations have conducted research across dozens of different hotels that found curbing food waste delivers material returns on investment. In one three-year study, the average hotel reaped $7 for every dollar it invested in food waste reduction. WWF found that hotels could save money within weeks of implementing new food waste policies and practices. Hotels that addressed food waste also enjoyed improved staff morale and customer service. READ MORE