Innovation

💻 WHX Tech will launch a three-day event in September aimed at digital health innovation. It features the Xcelerate startup competition with 50 participants showcasing technologies in AI, robotics, and wearables, with finals on September 10. The winner receives $50,000 and a 2026 event package. WHX Tech expects 300 exhibitors, 300+ speakers, and over 5,000 leaders from 30+ countries. The Investor Programme offers exclusive investment opportunities, while the Connections Programme facilitates networking with key healthcare stakeholders.

💻 Travel technology innovator Amadeus is investing in Acai Travel, a New York-based Generative AI startup, through Amadeus Ventures. This move aligns with the 46% of travel industry leaders prioritizing Generative AI in the coming year. Acai Travel's technology reduces average handling time by 50% for OTAs and TMCs and enhances operational efficiency. The collaboration aims to cut costs, boost the traveler experience, and develop AI-driven infrastructure. Transaction terms remain undisclosed.

💻 Karpinsky is committed to solving real problems for restaurant teams with technology, emphasizing streamlined operations and improved guest experiences. Mentorship has been pivotal in her career, as she values guiding others in leadership and confidence building. She highlights the evolving role of automation to aid, not replace, restaurant teams, with AI and data insights enhancing decision-making. At QSR Automations, Karpinsky bridges operations and innovation, focusing on training and development to boost team confidence and efficiency.

💻 Joe Hannon, GM at Restaurant365, discussed tech innovation at NRA 2025 in the restaurant industry, emphasizing AI and automation to reduce waste, improve forecasting, and enhance management efficiency. He highlighted $24,000 annual savings from AI-assisted ordering at a single location. The challenge lies in building trust in technology's ROI. Future software will act as strategic assistants, predicting stock shortages and optimizing inventory through smart networks, helping operators focus on growth and guest satisfaction.

📑 Radisson Hotel Group launched a new platform on RadissonHotels.com for restaurant bookings, spanning 1,900 global locations. This strategic move enhances digital engagement, enabling guests to search by city and cuisine, with geolocation and personalized recommendations. The initiative positions Radisson’s F&B venues as standalone destinations, improving control over data and customer experience. By aligning with digital transformation trends, Radisson leverages rich content and AI readiness to drive bookings and elevate its culinary brand.

🏨 Radisson Hotel Group has launched a new online platform for restaurant booking on RadissonHotels.com, affecting 1,900 global restaurants. This tool, announced this week, boosts online visibility, integrates features like geolocation, and aligns with digital transformation trends. It offers guests and locals a seamless booking experience by combining search capabilities, personalized recommendations, and a content-rich approach. This strategic move enhances Radisson’s control over customer engagement and data, setting the stage for future AI integrations.

🛫 Jun 2, 2025, Amadeus, a leader in travel AI, processes over 3 billion flight searches daily to enhance traveler experiences. At the Skift Data + AI Summit, Rodrigo Acuna Agost will discuss integrating innovation with ethics through their Responsible AI Framework, aligning with the European AI Act. Key focuses include agentic AI for decision-making and responsible AI for fairness and privacy. This approach builds trust and long-term value in the travel industry.

📷 Jun 2, 2025, hotel marketing undergoes a shift as static images fade in favor of immersive visuals and drone cinematography. Short-form videos on platforms like Instagram Reels and TikTok now drive engagement and bookings by capturing emotions and atmosphere. Hotels using drone storytelling experience increased direct bookings, focusing on relatability over luxury. This approach is becoming essential for staying relevant in the evolving digital landscape. Explore more at HospitalityNet.

🗺 Expedia is transforming travel planning with AI. On June 2, 2025, CMO Jochen Koedijk highlighted AI's role in optimizing the travel journey from inspiration to booking. Collaborations with OpenAI and Microsoft, and innovations like integrating Instagram Reels into travel planning, position Expedia at AI's forefront. Despite potential traffic decreases due to AI search engines, improved conversion rates are expected. Expedia invests in internal AI capabilities to enhance user experience and efficiency.