Do you smile when you think about or see Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett or Chris Rock? Chances are you do... "What do these folks have to do with my hotel property?" you are most likely asking yourself. Study after study confirms that happy teams produce amazing results in the following areas: increased productivity, improved revenues, and higher employee engagement. Imagine how satisfied your guests will be when you and your team add joy to your property! READ MORE

Of all the latest trends taking over the hospitality industry in 2017, branding serves as the most essential marketing tool allowing hotels to communicate their vision, values and mission. Branding has evolved past the company's name, slogan, sign, symbol or design. Although it is still used as a means to identify a company, branding has developed into a complex but ultimately necessary concept in the marketing world. READ MORE

Over the years, outsourcing has developed a somewhat sordid reputation, synonymous with offshoring and tax evasion in some consumers' minds. But when the concept of outsourcing is applied to specialty areas such as IT, accounting, HR and others, it tends to be somewhat more accepted. Nevertheless, many companies still favor hiring these employees directly. Most feel that it ensures better control over that department's performance, and allows them to provide their own assessment of talent. Yet perhaps this level of control and talent direction is precisely why hiring internally can be a disservice to companies. READ MORE

Over the past several years, many of us have watched with excitement and interest as the fast-casual restaurant segment has continued to boom. More and more, talented chefs with fine dining pedigrees are bringing their skills, creativity, and experience to concepts built around speed, approachability, and volume. Right now, the ability to offer a gourmet experience at all price points is as compelling to restaurateurs and diners alike. READ MORE

Feeding today's guest is not as easy as it used to be, because our guest isn't who she used to be. Guests today are vastly more sophisticated in their knowledge and expectation of dining choices. The world is a more connected place, and many guests are better traveled and exposed to unique and interesting cuisines. To serve today's eclectic, socially engaged and sophisticated guests, hotels and chefs need to get creative, change their thinking and push back some walls - sometimes literally. The fun thing about conference hotels is that they are a different place just about every week with the variety in event business. READ MORE