No Vacancy Live and No Vacancy News
Your home for No Vacancy Live with Glenn Haussman and Anthony Melchiorri as well as Friday Night Audit and more! Each show features incredible hospitality leaders that educate and empower listeners.
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What FIFA 2026 Really Means for Hotel Development
12/23/2025
What FIFA 2026 Really Means for Hotel Development
Everyone talks about FIFA 2026 like it’s a guaranteed win for hotels. The reality is more complicated. I connected with Bruce Ford of Lodging Econometrics to look at the actual hotel development, renovation, and conversion activity tied to FIFA host cities across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico — and to answer a question hoteliers ask every time a mega-event comes to town: Should you really build for this? On #NoVacancyNews, Bruce breaks down where hotels are being added, where renovations matter more than new builds, and why most smart owners don’t bet long-term strategy on short-term events. A big thanks to Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com. What we cover: ⚽: Why FIFA doesn’t drive hotel demand the way many people assume 🏨: Where full-service hotels make sense — and where they don’t 🏗️: The difference between building for an event vs. building for a market 🔄: Why renovations and conversions dominate many host cities 🏟️: How stadium districts like Dallas, Miami, and Atlanta actually work 🎓: Why teams and staff often stay in dorms — not hotels 💰: How owners still capitalize on short bursts of extreme rate compression
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Help Support Rock Out Myeloma — January 15
12/22/2025
Help Support Rock Out Myeloma — January 15
I spoke with Allen Rolleri about his family’s experience dealing with multiple myeloma, a rare and incurable form of cancer. The Rock Out Myeloma fundraiser takes place January 15, raising funds to support families facing the financial realities that come with long-term treatment. On #NoVacancyNews, Allen explains what the diagnosis meant in practical terms, how quickly his family had to learn about the disease, and why costs outside of medical bills often become part of the challenge. The conversation stays focused on awareness gaps, everyday expenses people don’t anticipate, and how support often comes in specific, practical forms. Topics covered: 🎸: What Rock Out Myeloma funds and how it helps families 🧠: What a multiple myeloma diagnosis looks like day to day 💸: Financial pressure tied to long-term treatment 📉: Why this cancer receives limited attention and funding 🤝: How targeted support actually makes a difference More information is available at fightingagainstmyeloma.com.
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FNA 196: Old Year, New Friends
12/21/2025
FNA 196: Old Year, New Friends
Happy Holidays! In our 2025 sendoff show Glenn, Craig and Dr Producer Suzanne welcome Raj Chudasama and Sara Pinto of M1Intel. They seem nice enough so the crew thought it would be fun to get to know them over some happy hour cocktails and some laughs to kick off the holiday season Friday Night Audit style.
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1001: Hospitality’s 2025 Reckoning — And What Comes Next in 2026
12/19/2025
1001: Hospitality’s 2025 Reckoning — And What Comes Next in 2026
We got something cool for episode 1001! Props to at the podcast for this one. I joined an end-of-year roundtable with some of the most thoughtful voices in media to reflect on what actually mattered in 2025 and what could reshape 2026. Huge thanks to everyone who brought real perspective (and disagreement) to the table: 🎙️: Katie Cline — Suite Success 🎙️: — 🎙️: — 🎙️: & — On , I focused on two things that kept showing up in every conversation this year — and won’t go away in 2026: • the confusion and overconfidence around AI, and • the growing economic bifurcation between ultra-luxury and everyone else. I also shared why I think profitability pressure, critical thinking, and realistic expectations will define the next cycle — and why hospitality needs to stop parroting talking points and start asking harder questions. A big thanks to — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit . What this roundtable covers: 🧠: Where helps — and where the industry oversells it 💰: Why protecting profit mattered more than top-line growth in 2025 🏨: The growing gap between ultra-luxury and the rest of the market 🤝: Why loyalty programs face an identity crisis 🎤: Why conferences, panels, and media need real voices — not scripts 🔮: What each of us sees coming in 2026 (and what worries us) Question for you: Which 2025 trend do you think hoteliers misunderstood the most heading into 2026?
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Episode 1,000: Still Showing Up 10 Years Later
12/18/2025
Episode 1,000: Still Showing Up 10 Years Later
Well… this happened. This is episode 1,000 of No Vacancy is live. What started as me, a mic, and no real plan (OK, the original plan was to dominate the universe, but that proved too ambitious) turned into a platform that somehow became part of how this industry talks to itself. This episode purposely short. No guest. No agenda. Just a pause to acknowledge the milestone — and the timing. In 2026, turns 10, which makes this episode feel a lot like a major milestone with everything lining up. On , I touch on how the show started, how it shifted from audio to video, and why consistency matters more than getting it perfect. Why this episode exists: 🎙️: Because 1,000 episodes feels worth acknowledging and is great for shameless self-promotion 📺: Because moving to video changed everything - forcing me to get in better shape. 🤝: Because this only works with a real community behind it – like I mean it! 🏨: Because hospitality people show up, even when things get complicated. Like during Covid when most everyone became ‘real' 😅: Because sticking with something this long is still shocking for a lazy lug like me If you’ve listened, watched, shared, disagreed, or stopped me in a conference hallway over the years — thank you. And if we haven’t met yet, I can’t wait to be of your acquaintance. Next stop: episode 1,001… and year 10. Thanks to my amazing team: , and Happy Holidays and we’ll see you in a couple of weeks with some great new episodes!!!
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What the Global Hotel Pipeline Actually Says About 2026
12/17/2025
What the Global Hotel Pipeline Actually Says About 2026
Everyone keeps asking the same question: Is hotel development slowing down? The global numbers say something very different — and far more nuanced. I checked in with Bruce Ford of Lodging Econometrics for a worldwide pipeline update that cuts through assumptions and looks at what’s really happening across regions, segments, and timelines. On #NoVacancyNews, Bruce explains why room counts remain historically high, why developers deliberately push openings into later years, and why renovations and conversions now matter as much as ground-up construction. This conversation focuses less on hype and more on how capital actually behaves when markets tighten. A big thanks to Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com. What the data actually shows: 🌍: Global pipeline remains massive — but not evenly distributed 🏗️: Projects already under construction tell a different story than announcements 🇨🇳: China still dominates room count, but activity continues to normalize 🏨: Luxury holds firm while other segments feel pressure 🔄: Renovations and conversions reshape supply faster than new builds 📆: Developers delay openings by choice, not panic 🎢: Orlando and Dallas attract momentum for very different reasons
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Luxury Is Changing: What Matters Now According to Hotel Leaders in Las Vegas
12/15/2025
Luxury Is Changing: What Matters Now According to Hotel Leaders in Las Vegas
Luxury no longer means chandeliers and thread count. It means connection, memory, and how guests feel long after checkout. I caught up with Robert Reitknecht at INSPIRE Luxury, hosted by the International Luxury Hotel Association, live from Resorts World Las Vegas. (Important context: this was my 10th day in Vegas, so expectations were appropriately managed.) On #NoVacancyNews, Robert explains how luxury hotels move from performative service to genuine connection, why frontline teams shape the guest story more than any design element, and how leaders must “lean into the brand” without losing authenticity. A big thanks to Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com. Key Takeaways: 🏨: Why luxury now centers on memory, not material things 👥: How frontline teams directly influence the guest’s emotional takeaway 🎯: Why leaders must engage staff before guests arrive 🧠: How listening creates better service cues than scripting ✨: The shift from perfection to progress in luxury operations 📖: Why guests remember stories — not lamps, lobbies, or furniture
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999: How a 16-Unit Idea Became One of America’s Largest Resort Experiences
12/11/2025
999: How a 16-Unit Idea Became One of America’s Largest Resort Experiences
Some resorts talk about experiences — Westgate builds them at theme-park scale. I visited Westgate Vacation Villas with Jared Saft, Chief Business and Strategy Officer, to explore how this company evolved from 16 original units into a massive, guest-focused resort with 3,000 rooms, a full waterpark, a Chuck E. Cheese–powered arcade, an in-lobby movie theater, and a $120 million reinvestment underway. On #NoVacancyNews, Jared walks through how Westgate designs spaces for toddlers, teens, parents, and grandparents at the same time, how they turned nostalgia into a modern attraction, and how they’re expanding into more than 40 new destinations in just seven months. A big thanks to Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com. What you’ll see on this tour: 🏨: How Westgate grew from 16 units to 14,000+ across the portfolio 🎬: Why they built a full movie theater right in the check-in lobby 🧒: How kid-first design keeps families engaged (and sane) on peak weekends 👾: Chuck E. Cheese partnerships, retro arcades, and Mystery Funhouse nostalgia 🍭: A candy shop with a waterslide literally running through it 🌊: Shipwreck Island — a full waterpark wrapping around the building 🌮: The strategy behind Los Amigos, Sid’s American Kitchen, and Megabytes 🚀: How Westgate thinks about thoughtful, entrepreneurial expansion Question for you: What’s the most impressive family-focused feature you’ve seen at a resort?
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998: Newport Beach: How a Luxury Destination Keeps Its Soul
12/09/2025
998: Newport Beach: How a Luxury Destination Keeps Its Soul
Newport Beach looks luxurious from the outside — but its secret sauce is heart, identity, and a fiercely intentional brand strategy. On #NoVacancyNews, I teamed up with my Friday Night Audit partner-in-crime Craig Sullivan to talk with Gary Sherwin, CEO of Visit Newport Beach, about how one of America’s most aspirational coastal cities keeps its charm, avoids the “sea of sameness,” and delivers the version of Southern California people dream about. A big thanks to Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com. Here’s what we cover: 🌴: How Newport Beach built a destination brand that hotels actually use 💼: Why 100% locally owned hotels strengthen the community’s identity 🏖️: How Newport avoids the “two people holding hands on a beach” cliché trap 💡: Why luxury now means accessible, customized, and never stuffy 🎯: How the city stays true to its brand promise across every neighborhood 🎨: Why in-house creative helps the DMO avoid homogenized marketing 🎄: How “50 Days of Festive Fun” became a massive holiday driver 🍽️: The rise of high-end dining, RH’s splashy opening, and what’s coming next 🏆: Why taking creative risks beats playing it safe — every time Question for you: What U.S. destination delivers the experience you imagined before you arrived?
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FNA 195: More or Lesser
12/06/2025
FNA 195: More or Lesser
This week Dan Lesser, Co-Founder, President, & CEO at LW Hospitality Advisors shares some cockatils and laughs with Glenn, Craig and Doctor Prodcuer Suzanne.
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997: How Olympia Hospitality Blends Culture, Community, and Creativity Across Its Portfolio
12/04/2025
997: How Olympia Hospitality Blends Culture, Community, and Creativity Across Its Portfolio
Some management companies build hotels. Olympia Hospitality builds identity. I spoke with Sara Masterson (President) and John Schultzel (Chief Growth Officer) about how Olympia blends independent spirit, strong brand partnerships, and mission-driven hospitality across destinations like Nantucket, Boston, Winter Park, the White Mountains, and beyond. On #NoVacancyNews, Sara and John explain how they combine boutique creativity with brand-backed consistency, how they think about technology adoption, and why community connection is becoming the core differentiator in both luxury and branded hotels. A big thanks to Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com. What we cover: 🏨 How Olympia mixes brand standards with independent personality 🌎 Why “place-based design” beats cookie-cutter hotel experiences 🎨 How to create a hotel that could only exist in one community ⚙️ Why fast-moving tech adoption matters more for younger teams 📈 How owners think about character, authenticity, and long-term performance ❤️ The Alfond Inn and Boone Tavern: hotels that literally fund education 💡 Why short-term bumps shouldn’t scare hoteliers from long-term vision
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Corporate Travel Is Changing Fast — Here’s What Hotels Must Do to Win in 2026
12/03/2025
Corporate Travel Is Changing Fast — Here’s What Hotels Must Do to Win in 2026
Corporate travel isn’t easing back into old habits — it’s reinventing itself, and hoteliers who cling to the past will lose business they didn’t even know they were missing. I spoke with Lukasz Dabrowski, SVP of Global Supplier Relations at HRS Group, about why 2025 became the turning point for travel procurement and how 2026 will reward hotels that understand converged demand, Level 3 data, and real-time negotiation. On #NoVacancyNews, Lukasz breaks down why annual RFP cycles are disappearing, how “travel CEOs” use invoice-level data to renegotiate instantly, and what hotels must change to stay competitive as AI and real-time visibility reshape corporate buying behavior. A big thanks to Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com. Key Insights: 📊: Annual bid cycles are collapsing — continuous renegotiation is the new normal 📈: Corporations now evaluate total account contribution across all segments 🧠: Level 3 invoice data exposes where travelers actually stay and spend 🤝: Hoteliers must think like corporate buyers, not just sellers 🏨: Converged demand requires reorganizing sales teams — not more reps ⚙️: Virtual payment friction kills compliance and costs hotels real volume 🚗: Smaller brands win when they stop trying to be Ferraris and excel as Volkswagens 🎯: The “Golden Middle” strategy helps hotels balance ADR, occupancy, and guest satisfaction sustainably Question for you: What one change would make it easier for your hotel to win corporate business in 2026?
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996: Hidden Hospitality: The Untold Story of African American Hoteliers
12/02/2025
996: Hidden Hospitality: The Untold Story of African American Hoteliers
Most people know the names Marriott, Hilton, Wilson — but countless African American hoteliers helped build the foundation of American hospitality, and their stories rarely get told. I sat down with Calvin Stovall, author of Hidden Hospitality, to explore the remarkable journey behind his new book and the extraordinary hoteliers he uncovered along the way. Calvin spent decades researching these stories — from the late 1700s through the civil rights era — and the result is a stunning coffee table book filled with resilience, innovation, and legacy. On #NoVacancyNews, Calvin talks about the emotional moment he held the finished book for the first time, how the idea originated back in grad school, and why these stories matter for the next generation of leaders in our industry. A big thanks to Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com. Key Insights: 📘 How a graduate school research assignment became a lifelong mission 📰 The challenge of uncovering stories buried in microfiche archives 🏨 The African American hotel pioneers who built thriving businesses long before civil rights 💡 The incredible story of Joseph Lee — hotelier, inventor, and culinary innovator 📚 How Calvin raised the funding to publish a 90,000-word coffee table book 🔥 Why these stories can inspire a new generation of hotel ownership 🏛️ How segregation, community investment, and resilience shaped these early hotels
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995: Can Purpose and Profit Coexist? SCP Hotels Says Yes.
11/25/2025
995: Can Purpose and Profit Coexist? SCP Hotels Says Yes.
Most hotel companies talk about values. SCP Hotels built their entire model around them. I spoke with Ken Cruse, Co-Founder of Soul Community Planet (SCP Hotels), about how he’s creating hotels that combine purpose, community, environmental responsibility, and real profitability — without relying on the old playbook. On #NoVacancyNews, Ken lays out how vertical integration, premium pricing, guest-driven design, and a mindset of “conscious capitalism” are helping SCP grow into a brand that resonates with modern travelers who want meaning and great experiences. A big thanks to Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com. Key Insights: 🌱 Why SCP built its business around soul, community, and planet 🏨 How vertical integration gives them full control of product + experience 💡 Why premium pricing actually strengthens guest trust 🤝 How Fair Trade Pricing flips the power dynamic in favor of the guest 🔥 What “Wild Free,” “SCP Hotels,” and “By SCP” mean for their brand evolution 🌍 How experiential travelers are driving a new era of hospitality demand ❤️ Why guests — not brands — must be the heroes of the story
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Using AI to Fight Human Trafficking and Crime
11/24/2025
Using AI to Fight Human Trafficking and Crime
Human trafficking is one of the darkest issues our industry faces — and the people fighting it deserve more attention. I spoke with Noel Thomas, CEO of Darkwatch, about how his company uses AI-driven digital intelligence to help hotels identify trafficking risks, flag organized crime, and support safer environments for guests and staff. Noel shares the personal story that pushed him into this work, the global scale of the problem, and why technology must play a larger role in protecting hotels and communities. On #NoVacancyNews, Noel explains how Darkwatch integrates into existing PMS workflows, how it helps brands meet the rising “standard of care” in litigation, and why collaboration between hotels, banks, and global agencies is essential. Key Insights: 🛑 How AI identifies trafficking risks, fugitives, violent felons, and organized crime 💡 Why trafficking continues even in high-visibility environments 📊 How Darkwatch builds criminal intelligence networks across industries 🏨 Why hotels must raise their “standard of care” to reduce legal exposure ⚙️ How the system matches threats during check-in in milliseconds 👥 Why front-desk staff should never be put in dangerous situations 📍 Why geographic threat profiles vary — and how AI adapts
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994: Stonebridge CEO Rob Smith on Strategy, Margins, and What Hoteliers Miss About AI
11/19/2025
994: Stonebridge CEO Rob Smith on Strategy, Margins, and What Hoteliers Miss About AI
Running a hotel in 2025 requires sharper strategy, a tighter handle on costs, and leaders who can adapt faster than the market shifts. Few people understand that better than Rob Smith, CEO of Stonebridge Companies, who oversees nearly 200 properties nationwide. On #NoVacancyNews, Rob breaks down how he’s thinking about margins, brand contribution, AI, leadership development, and how his newly hired Chief Strategy Officer is changing the way Stonebridge operators think about priorities. Huge thanks to my friends at Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com. Key Insights: 💡 How Stonebridge uses strategic thinking at the property level 🏨 Why some assets win during flat markets — and why others don’t 🤖 Where AI actually helps (and where it never should) 📉 Why margins tighten when operators chase savings in the wrong places 🏷️ How brand saturation affects real revenue contribution 🔍 What Rob watches closely when underwriting hotel takeovers 🔄 Why repeat guests matter more now than ever Question for you: What’s the smartest margin-improving move you’ve seen in the past year?
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Europe & Middle East Hotel Pipeline: Surprising Trends You Need to Know
11/18/2025
Europe & Middle East Hotel Pipeline: Surprising Trends You Need to Know
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 Middle East continues building entire districts — not just hotels. A big thanks to Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com. Key Insights: 📊 Why Europe and the Middle East dominate global luxury pipelines 🏨 How construction timelines pushed out nearly a year post-pandemic 🌍 Why major Middle East projects involve entire cities, not single assets 💡 How Europe trails U.S. trends by 6–12 months — and what that means 🔧 Why conversions and renovations surge as markets hit a performance plateau 🏷️ How “unbranded” boutique concepts evolve into recognized chain-scale brands Question for you: Which region feels more primed for growth right now — Europe or the Middle East?
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How the Bowman Post Foundation Turns Empty Rooms Into Opportunity
11/17/2025
How the Bowman Post Foundation Turns Empty Rooms Into Opportunity
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 empowering current hotel employees matters more than ever 🤝 The simple, zero-cost way hoteliers can join the cause 📈 How this model boosts morale, retention, and community image ❤️ Real stories from recipients who turned opportunity into growth Giving back doesn’t have to drain budgets — sometimes, it’s as easy as donating a night. Would your property donate an unused room if it could change a life?
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993: How Luxury Hotels Win: Cesar Wurm on Reinvention, Experience, and the Power of Connection
11/17/2025
993: How Luxury Hotels Win: Cesar Wurm on Reinvention, Experience, and the Power of Connection
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 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?
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FNA 194: Trippi-ing Over Ourselves
11/16/2025
FNA 194: Trippi-ing Over Ourselves
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.
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992: The Fastest Fix for Hotel Leadership Shortages
11/14/2025
992: The Fastest Fix for Hotel Leadership Shortages
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. What we cover: 🏨 How Wenzell & Fisher fills urgent staffing gaps for hotels 💡 Why flexibility and service recovery define great partnerships 🙌 The traits that make a successful task force consultant 🚀 Growing a startup through persistence and connection 🤝 Why relationships — not transactions — drive long-term success ❤️ The mindset that separates successful entrepreneurs from the rest 🙏 Special thanks to Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com. If you’re passionate about building stronger hotel teams, like, subscribe, and drop a comment: What’s one staffing solution that’s worked best for your property?
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The Smart Way to Drive Hotel Profit in Tough Markets
11/13/2025
The Smart Way to Drive Hotel Profit in Tough Markets
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 everyday operations 🏨 Use labor strategy to increase margins without cutting corners 🤝 Strengthen culture while improving efficiency 🧠 Apply technology that empowers, not replaces, your people ⚙️ Fix broken processes instead of eliminating value 🎯 Ask one question that keeps your leadership team aligned Strong leaders don’t wait for easier conditions — they create them. What’s one process you’ll improve next?
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991: Training the Waldorf Way: The Training Behind the Waldorf-Astoria Reopen
11/13/2025
991: Training the Waldorf Way: The Training Behind the Waldorf-Astoria Reopen
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 conversation on #NoVacancyNews is a reminder that hospitality excellence starts with investment in people. 👋 Special thanks to Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com. Key Insights 🏨 Inside the reopening of the iconic Waldorf Astoria New York 🧠 Why consistent training directly impacts profitability 💬 How MDA creates five-star service through repetition and feedback 🌍 Expanding globally — from New York to Sicily and Sardinia 🍽️ The connection between guest satisfaction and employee confidence 💡 Why five minutes of daily training can transform performance ❤️ Humanity is still hospitality’s greatest technology How does your team make training a daily habit?
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Inside the NYU Hotel Tech Report: Best-in-Class vs. All-in-One — What Hoteliers Really Think
11/12/2025
Inside the NYU Hotel Tech Report: Best-in-Class vs. All-in-One — What Hoteliers Really Think
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 platforms for simplicity ⚙️ Integrations, ease of use, and support top the priority list 💬 Why tech adoption often fails — and how to fix it 🧠 Cultural adaptation matters more than code 📈 51% of respondents plan to replace PMS and CRS systems soon ❤️ Guests do feel better tech through smoother digital experiences Technology isn’t just about efficiency — it’s about freeing people to be more human in . Which approach do you think delivers the better guest experience?
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990: Behind the Scenes: MGM Resorts and the Precision of F1 Las Vegas
11/12/2025
990: Behind the Scenes: MGM Resorts and the Precision of F1 Las Vegas
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 keeps the Strip running smoothly, and why service and safety go hand in hand in modern hospitality. 👋 Special thanks to Uniguest, powering hotel engagement and communication technology that helps elevate guest experience. Visit Uniguest.com. Key Insights 🏎️ How MGM Resorts manages the Formula 1 weekend across all properties ✈️ Coordinating private aviation traffic and FAA slot times 🛎️ Why communication between teams defines guest satisfaction 🔒 Security as the front line of guest service 🤝 The importance of citywide collaboration across “frenemy” competitors 🇺🇸 MGM’s “Salute to the Troops” program and commitment to veterans 🌆 How Las Vegas reinvents itself every year through innovation and teamwork Las Vegas isn’t just the entertainment capital of the world — it’s a masterclass in hospitality logistics. What’s the biggest challenge your team faces during large events?
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989: Lantern Columbia - How Raines Company Is Redefining Adaptive Reuse and Inclusion
11/11/2025
989: Lantern Columbia - How Raines Company Is Redefining Adaptive Reuse and Inclusion
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 good and doing well aren’t mutually exclusive — they’re connected. What we cover 🏨 How Lantern Columbia blends adaptive reuse with modern design 💡 Partnering with Carolina LIFE to build an inclusive workforce 🤝 The business case for purpose-led hospitality 🔥 Why community connection drives profitability 🎯 Turning old spaces into new opportunities 🌆 The story behind Raines Company’s next Lantern project in Rock Hill 🙏 Special thanks to Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com. If you believe hospitality can make a difference, like, subscribe, and share your thoughts below: How can hotels create more inclusive opportunities in your community?
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CoralTree Hospitality on Luxury, Humanity, and the Power of Personal Connection
11/10/2025
CoralTree Hospitality on Luxury, Humanity, and the Power of Personal Connection
Technology can make a guest’s stay smoother — but it’s the people who make it memorable. I spoke with Mike Everett, EVP at CoralTree Hospitality, about how his company blends tech-driven efficiency with human-driven hospitality to elevate service across its independent, resort-focused portfolio. We break it all down on #NoVacancyNews, from Hawaii to South Florida, exploring how CoralTree empowers its teams to create moments that apps never can — while still using AI and automation to remove friction, save time, and support staff at every level. 👋 Special thanks to Axonify, helping hotels power better guest experiences through smarter, more engaged frontline teams. Visit Axonify.com. Key Insights 🌴 CoralTree’s independent portfolio gives freedom to personalize service 🧠 AI and automation reduce redundancy so staff can focus on people 🙌 Empowered employees = exceptional experiences 💬 Personal interactions outperform even the best-designed apps 💡 Why service skills are becoming a lost art — and how to bring them back 👥 Training Gen Z associates for people-first hospitality 🚀 The luxury differentiator: connection over convenience What’s one thing your team does to bring the human side of hospitality back to the forefront?
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Asia-Pacific Hotel Boom: What’s Driving the World’s Largest Pipeline
11/10/2025
Asia-Pacific Hotel Boom: What’s Driving the World’s Largest Pipeline
The world’s biggest hotel development story isn’t in the U.S. or Europe — it’s in Asia-Pacific. I connected with Bruce Ford, SVP at Lodging Econometrics, to break down the data behind the region’s record-setting pipeline growth — from China’s near–million-room surge to luxury expansion across Indonesia and Thailand. We examine the factors shaping this boom on #NoVacancyNews, including how master franchise deals, soft brand launches, and Western brand expansion are redefining the region, while construction delays from the pandemic are now converting into a flood of new openings. 👋 Special thanks to Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com. Key Insights 📈 China alone accounts for nearly a million rooms in the pipeline 🏨 Western brands like Marriott, Hilton, and Wyndham are fueling growth 🤝 Master franchise agreements accelerating large-scale expansion 🏗️ Pandemic-delayed projects now entering the market 🌆 Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore emerging as regional hubs 💡 New secondary cities in China ready for brand entry 🏝️ Luxury and resort development thriving in destinations like Bali Asia-Pacific is officially the engine of global hotel growth — and the next five years will be massive.
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ARK Hospitality on Growth Without Losing Culture
11/09/2025
ARK Hospitality on Growth Without Losing Culture
It’s one thing to grow your business. It’s another to grow without losing your culture — and that’s exactly what ARK Hospitality Group is determined to prove. I spoke with Lisa Lombardo, President of ARK Hospitality Group, about how her team is scaling hotels and restaurants while keeping authenticity, care, and human connection at the center of every decision. We break it all down on #NoVacancyNews, including how ARK identifies people who truly fit its purpose-driven culture, the interview question that reveals someone’s values immediately, and why caring for people isn’t a “strategy” — it’s the business itself. 👋 Special thanks to Entegra, helping hoteliers protect margins and improve profitability through the power of group purchasing. Visit EntegraPS.com. Key Insights 💡 Growing a brand while protecting its cultural DNA 🙌 Hiring for heart — the one question that filters for values 🏨 Building teams that see themselves as “difference makers” 🤝 Turning genuine care into measurable performance 🎯 How culture drives retention, productivity, and profit ❤️ Doing right by people is the business plan How do you keep culture strong when your company starts scaling fast?
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Sage Hospitality’s Tech Strategy: Experience, Bandwidth, and the Future of Luxury
11/07/2025
Sage Hospitality’s Tech Strategy: Experience, Bandwidth, and the Future of Luxury
Luxury hospitality isn’t just about marble lobbies anymore — it’s about creating seamless, hyper-personalized experiences powered by the right technology. I spoke with Matt Schwartz, Chief Technology Officer at Sage Hospitality, about how his team is merging design, comfort, and digital expectations to deliver the kind of experience guests now expect at home — from streaming and smart controls to ultra-fast connectivity. We break it all down on #NoVacancyNews, including why bandwidth is the unsung hero of guest satisfaction, how AI and facial recognition could reshape the arrival experience, and why training is as critical as technology when it comes to creating genuine hospitality. 👋 Special thanks to Axonify, helping hotels power great guest experiences through stronger frontline teams. Visit Axonify.com to learn more. Key Insights ⚙️ Guests expect seamless tech — from streaming to smart lighting 📡 Bandwidth isn’t optional: it’s the new guest essential 🤖 AI and facial recognition are transforming check-in experiences 🧠 Cloud systems mean operators need stronger networks, not more hardware 👥 Tech only works when staff training keeps up 🏨 Luxury experiences depend on anticipating needs, not just meeting them How do you see technology reshaping the guest experience in the next five years?
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