Recent studies show that brands using automation software have seen 80% growth in lead generation and 77% increase in conversion. The numbers suggest that automation software is great for the bottom line, but is it a great experience for your guests? Good automation should make your more effective. It will free up some time while not compromising the authenticity of your engagement. Take the time needed to be spent tracking the interactions and results of automated engagements, improving results and optimizing the opportunities for the personal touch. READ MORE

As Baby Boomers retire, Millennials are moving into key positions in the workplace involving business travel. So how do you attract and retain their attention? Artificial Intelligence is one technology being deployed to target this generation of tech-savvy managers who essentially had tablets or smart phones in their crib. From augmented reality and voice search (think Amazon's “Alexa”) to chatbots, the ability to provide instantaneous responses leveraging continually evolving technology is going to be one of the key ways the hospitality industry stays current with a generation who breaks the mold when it comes to consumption of pretty much everything. READ MORE

Hospitality sales and marketing requires much more than a sharp website or attractive brochure, as valuable as those items are. Through embracing a comprehensive approach to sales and marketing, hospitality organizations can identify and build new user groups, while differentiating oneself from the competition. These initiatives include forging relationships with local business, nonprofit and charitable groups, as well as public service departments; and encouraging and supporting the volunteer work of staff members. These efforts can help drive occupancy and revenues and enhance brand awareness. READ MORE

For many years, lodging developers were told that there are three conditions that ensures a level of success when it comes to lodging site development: 1. Location, 2. Location, 3. Location. Today the emphasis for lodging development is based on the following three conditions: 1. Market Position, 2. Market Position, 3. Market Position. Having the right product placed at the right site at the right time in the right market are what lodging developers are facing. This article will explore several site conditions that will try to measure up to those pressing criteria. READ MORE

As the pace of daily life has sped up to a breakneck speed, some of the subtleties have been lost in the name of heightened efficiency. However, in the case of how most hotels go to market, it is possible that this has led to a decrease in effectiveness. As media overwhelms the average consumer, the ability to stand-out may reside in the lost art of storytelling. In today's landscape the skill of weaving a compelling storyline into the content we create will likely be the difference in whether or not a message is both seen and heard. READ MORE