Engagement and commitment are at the core of our professional lives in a 24 hour a day, 7 day a week operation. No matter the size or complexity of the box, engagement and our commitments should be a core fundamental that not only surfaces in our every interaction, but guides and directs our proactive decision making and our strategies and executions. Hospitality 101 teaches us as hospitality professionals, to engage with our guests, to make eye contact at 10 feet, to speak within 5, to escort when possible and to use our guests name in conversation. READ MORE

Meeting planners have more than enough to think about when it comes to searching for the perfect venue - and eco-consciousness is increasingly making its way top of mind for many. It is currently estimated that the average hotel guest generates 2.2 pounds of waste each night of their stay. And, with the meetings and event industry recently being deemed as the second most wasteful sector in the United States by the EPA, we at JW Marriott Austin knew we had to go above and beyond to deliver more efficient meetings and events with the lowest possible carbon footprint. READ MORE

As hotels continue to focus on their sustainability efforts, the importance of proper hazardous waste management cannot be overlooked. Proper management of hazardous waste is crucial to maintaining a hotel's brand reputation, remaining compliant with government regulations and being a good steward to the environment. There are many best practices to follow when handling hazardous waste, and a foundational understanding of the regulations defining what constitutes hazardous waste is key to laying the groundwork for a proper waste management program. Let's take a look at what you need to know… READ MORE

In a recent interview, Airbnb co-founder and chief strategy officer, Nathan Blecharczyk, said their future goals lie in “becoming a platform for the entire trip, so no longer just about accommodations…really trying to reinvent every aspect of travel.” I believe hoteliers need to think along the same lines: how do we reinvent the travel experience - from search to booking to providing a top-notch experience on-site - to not only compete with the likes of Airbnb but also to achieve your hotel's top goals? READ MORE

While graduation is mostly over, the workforce is still adjusting to an influx of recent college grads. In hotels, leadership and hiring managers have likely already met multiple candidates in making an addition to the staff, and in some cases, making the decision to hold off. It can be hard to choose the right candidate for the job for many reasons, but there are ways hiring managers can identify candidates that will ultimately be successful in their roles. READ MORE