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

The uniqueness of your hotel’s offerings helps your property stand out in a crowded hospitality marketplace but could result in additional headaches when considering the best way to dispose of these goods. Hotel guests adore the varied accoutrements offered by accommodations big and small around the globe. But keeping an edge on in-room swag results in other considerations and complications—even when it comes time to trash the discarded leftovers. What are the most cost-effective, efficient and environmentally friendly practices when recycling amenity items guests leave behind? Here are 10 of the best ways to recycle. READ MORE

Sales professionals have the word "conversion" constantly ringing in their head because it is how we are measured, rated, and judged. If you say you converted 10 programs, the value is unequivocally higher than saying you got 100 or even 1,000 leads that led to nowhere. The word conversion not only brings healthy pressure to sales professionals but also is the key to longevity in the industry – or, perhaps, the key to standing out if your resume is filled with multiple short-term career moves. I believe site inspections and negotiations are the winning combination to conversion. Read on to see if you agree. READ MORE

The technology revolution is here, and event professionals have adapted to better utilize the tools available in order to enhance their event planning processes. These changes have also impacted the event professional and hotelier partnership. For hoteliers keeping pace with this move to digital, it is a great opportunity to grow group business. Technology is helping to drive greater transparency, offers more streamlined communication, and supports more targeted marketing opportunities. Those who are able to put technology to work will be best positioned to strengthen their planner relationships and grow their group business. READ MORE