993: How Luxury Hotels Win: Cesar Wurm on Reinvention, Experience, and the Power of Connection
No Vacancy Live and No Vacancy News
Release Date: 11/17/2025
Europe & Middle East Hotel Pipeline: Surprising Trends You Need to Know
No Vacancy Live and No Vacancy News
The hotel development story in Europe and the Middle East tells a very different story from the U.S. — especially when it comes to luxury, construction timelines, and where brands see real long-term opportunity. I connected with Bruce Ford, SVP at Lodging Econometrics, to break down the latest pipeline numbers across Europe and the Middle East: luxury dominance, delays, conversions, and why so many projects now push out toward 2027–2028. On #NoVacancyNews, Bruce explains what’s fueling the surge in full-service and luxury projects, why construction timelines remain stretched, and how the...
info_outline
How the Bowman Post Foundation Turns Empty Rooms Into Opportunity
No Vacancy Live and No Vacancy News
Every hotel has a few empty rooms each year — but what if those rooms could help someone build a better life? I spoke with David Bowman, co-founder of the Bowman Post Foundation, about how his organization is transforming unused hotel inventory into scholarships and educational support for hospitality employees. On #NoVacancyNews, David explains how the program works, how hotels can easily participate at no cost, and the ripple effect it creates when employees see their own companies helping them grow. Key Insights: 🏨 How hotels donate unused room nights to fund scholarships 💡 Why...
info_outline
993: How Luxury Hotels Win: Cesar Wurm on Reinvention, Experience, and the Power of Connection
No Vacancy Live and No Vacancy News
Luxury hotels operate under constant pressure to deliver — and the leaders who guide them have to stay ahead of the curve. In this episode, Glenn Haussman and Anthony Melchiorri talk with Cesar Wurm, SVP of Member Strategy and Development at The Leading Hotels of the World, about how top-tier properties adapt, elevate service, and maintain strong partnerships across global markets. Cesar also shares lessons from his own leadership reinvention and how strategy, communication, and creativity shape the modern luxury guest experience. This episode is brought to you by Actabl — Actabl gives you...
info_outline
FNA 194: Trippi-ing Over Ourselves
No Vacancy Live and No Vacancy News
The incredible Christine Trippi returns to Friday Night Audit to join Glenn, Craig and Suzanne for some happy hour cocktails and some laughs to kick off the weekend.
info_outline
992: The Fastest Fix for Hotel Leadership Shortages
No Vacancy Live and No Vacancy News
When hotels lose key leaders, operations can fall apart fast — and that’s where Wenzell & Fisher Hospitality Group comes in. In this episode, Glenn Haussman and Anthony Melchiorri talk with Peter Wenzell, the company’s Founder and CEO, about how he built a national network of experienced hotel consultants who step in to fill temporary and leadership roles at a moment’s notice. Peter shares how he and his business partner launched Wenzell & Fisher in 2020, why flexibility beats burnout, and how genuine relationships keep clients coming back — even after challenges arise. ...
info_outline
The Smart Way to Drive Hotel Profit in Tough Markets
No Vacancy Live and No Vacancy News
Hotel operators face rising costs and tight margins, but smart leadership still drives profit. I spoke with Steven Moore, CEO of Actabl, about how hoteliers can protect culture and profit at the same time. On #NoVacancyNews, Steven explains how great operators focus on labor, clarity, and communication — turning market pressure into momentum. He shares how culture and transparency create stronger teams, how technology supports people instead of replacing them, and how the right mindset turns cost control into competitive advantage. Key Insights 💡 Identify profit opportunities hiding in...
info_outline
991: Training the Waldorf Way: The Training Behind the Waldorf-Astoria Reopen
No Vacancy Live and No Vacancy News
Behind every legendary hotel reopening is a team that makes the impossible look effortless. I spoke with Mary D’Argenis-Fernandez, President of MDA Hospitality Solutions, about her company’s incredible work training the team at the newly reopened Waldorf Astoria New York — one of the most anticipated returns in hospitality. Mary explains how her team prepared staff across every outlet — from Peacock Alley to Lex Yard — to deliver flawless service from day one. We also explore how training drives profitability, retention, and guest satisfaction in today’s high-turnover world. This...
info_outline
Inside the NYU Hotel Tech Report: Best-in-Class vs. All-in-One — What Hoteliers Really Think
No Vacancy Live and No Vacancy News
How do you decide between a best-in-class tech stack and an all-in-one platform?I caught up with , CRO of , and , Chief Evangelist at , to discuss the new Technology Report, where 300+ hoteliers shared how they’re making those crucial tech decisions. On , we look at what’s driving those choices, the cultural and operational challenges behind switching systems, and why more hotels than ever plan to replace their tech stack within the next 24 months. Key Insights: 📊 68% of mid-size hotels (100–250 rooms) prefer best-in-class solutions 🏨 Independent hotels lean toward all-in-one...
info_outline
990: Behind the Scenes: MGM Resorts and the Precision of F1 Las Vegas
No Vacancy Live and No Vacancy News
From the Formula 1 Grand Prix to Super Bowl weekend, there’s no city on Earth that can coordinate large-scale events like Las Vegas — and MGM Resorts International is at the center of it all. In the final part of my MGM executive series on #NoVacancyNews, I sat down with John Flynn, SVP of Global Security and Aviation, to explore how MGM and its partners manage security, aviation logistics, and guest experience during some of the world’s biggest events. John explains what it takes to move thousands of VIPs in and out of the city during F1 weekend, how coordination across every property...
info_outline
989: Lantern Columbia - How Raines Company Is Redefining Adaptive Reuse and Inclusion
No Vacancy Live and No Vacancy News
Hospitality meets purpose in Lantern Columbia, a stunning adaptive reuse project turning a historic firehouse into a boutique hotel that celebrates inclusion and community. In this episode, Glenn Haussman and Anthony Melchiorri talk with David Tart, Managing Partner at Raines Company, about how the Lantern will partner with the University of South Carolina’s Carolina LIFE program to employ individuals with intellectual disabilities and create a model for inclusive hospitality. From design and construction to culture and mission, David explains how hotels like Lantern Columbia show that doing...
info_outlineLuxury hotels operate under constant pressure to deliver — and the leaders who guide them have to stay ahead of the curve.
In this episode, Glenn Haussman and Anthony Melchiorri talk with Cesar Wurm, SVP of Member Strategy and Development at The Leading Hotels of the World, about how top-tier properties adapt, elevate service, and maintain strong partnerships across global markets.
Cesar also shares lessons from his own leadership reinvention and how strategy, communication, and creativity shape the modern luxury guest experience.
This episode is brought to you by Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com.
What we cover:
💡 How LHW helps hotels differentiate in a crowded luxury market
🏨 Where guest expectations are moving next
🤝 How transparency strengthens operator–owner relationships
🍽️ The growing weight of food & beverage strategy
📈 Why strong leadership alignment improves performance
Your turn:
What’s the biggest change you think luxury hotels will face in the next two years?