While home-sharing companies capture attention for truly immersive local experiences, and brands respond to the movement with sub-brands touting authenticity, independent hoteliers have long appreciated the localized approach to business. In Burlington, Vermont, such local partnerships build and bond communities, and through their contribution to the hotel design, product and programming, ultimately enhance the overall guest experience. The current state of the travel industry suggests the sharing economy is here to stay. These home-sharing companies are rapidly increasing in popularity as travelers crave - and ultimately, trust - their hosts to serve as sources of information for where locals really go to eat, explore, shop, etc. READ MORE

With improvements in the economy bringing more and more disposable income into the household, many people are spending money on experiences and travel, causing a boom for the restaurant and hospitality industries. The elevated occupancy and bookings for hotels and inns is leading to a surplus of revenue that many owners and managers are using to re-invest in their properties. Many hotels have not seen renovations or remodels since before the housing market up-ended in 2008. As a result too often the interior spaces are dated. Improving decor throughout the property is one vital element to ensuring customer satisfaction and retention. READ MORE

Gamification, the use of game-like elements to make promotions, loyalty programs and staff training more engaging, is experiencing a resurgence in the hospitality industry. After initial missteps, hotels are using a new breed of games to boost their customers' spend per visit, increase market share and motivate their staff. Not only does gamification open a world of possibilities for making the industry more profitable and productive, it makes the guest and employee experience more fun. By focusing on the brand new metric of "enjoyability," hospitality companies are tapping into a rich new source of data, differentiating their brand in a crowded field, and driving extraordinary results. READ MORE

Asking what the next big thing in hospitality automation will be is always something of a trick question. Industry watchers generally follow product announcements with a wait-and-see demeanor; contrary to conventional wisdom, the appearance of a better mousetrap does not guarantee a well-beaten path to the door. Industry consultants, on the other hand, tend to stay knee-deep in the needs and aspirations associated with current clients' current projects. Taken as a whole, it means that there is generally a substantial gap between innovation and adoption. READ MORE

In my three prior articles on alternative dispute resolution, I discussed mediation, expert determination and arbitration. Resorting to the court system may be necessary only because the parties in their agreements did not provide for the resolution of disputes by one of the three alternative dispute mechanisms. Even so, as the dispute devolves to one that the parties will not resolve by negotiation alone, they may at any time agree to mediate, submit the matter to an expert or arbitrate. READ MORE