George Seli

👨 Damon C. Healey, managing principal of Eternal Companies, launched the company in 2023 focusing on economy and midscale extended-stay hotels. The extended-stay sector is driven by growth trends and has over 30 competing U.S. brands. Healey capitalized on the SOAR program by Choice Hotels International to open Suburban Studios in Columbus and Macon, Georgia, tapping into high-demand markets and utilizing Choice’s connections for financing and operational support. Fast conversions, such as the 30-day transition to Suburban Studios, and straightforward operating models are crucial for success in this competitive industry.

🏡 Lisa Haude of LKI Architecture emphasized the importance of eco-friendly manufacturing with recycled materials in hotel design, citing advancements like AI and 3D printing to reduce waste. Robert Carl from Remington Hospitality reported an 8-9% annual savings on utilities from low-temperature washing changes, highlighting cost benefits of sustainable products. The vetting process for suppliers is crucial for product dependability and longevity, with certifications such as Certified Carbon Neutral being important. Hoteliers leverage resources like the Green Hotel Association and EPA for guidance. Ben Rafter, CEO of Springboard Hospitality, advocates for local sourcing to support ESG goals and guest engagement, despite higher costs and challenges in obtaining sufficient quantities from local suppliers. Springboard partners with Procure Impact to connect with social enterprises, aiding in their goal of creating 5,000 hours of work for vulnerable communities.

💸 IDeaS Chief Evangelist Klaus Kohlmayr highlights key features for advanced revenue management systems (RMS) in the hotel industry: automated pricing, accurate demand forecasts, tools for group business, and exception management workflows. IDeaS' G3 RMS uses AI and machine learning for data-driven revenue enhancement. Duetto, since acquiring MiceRate in 2024, offers full-service revenue solutions including rooms and event space, with applications like GameChanger and BlockBuster optimizing group and transient business. RMSs allow revenue managers to focus on strategy and communication within their organizations.

🏨 Terry Schulenburg, VP at CyberLink, anticipates more hotels adopting biometric check-in/out technologies in 2024-2025, with privacy guidelines in place. Martin Chevalley, CEO of InnSpire, argues this shift can improve guest engagement by reducing front desk staffing needs. CyberLink's FaceMe facial recognition boasts a 99.83% accuracy rate and incorporates AI, multi-factor authentication, and self-service kiosks for an expedited, secure guest experience. Costs are expected to decrease within a few years, making the technology more accessible for a wider range of hotels. Facial recognition applications extend to access control, payments, and emotion detection, enhancing both security and service quality.