Cornell Center for Hospitality Research Launches Podcast Series

The first four podcasts present a diverse set of topics, including the key features of loyalty programs, how to be a "best employer," and tactics to counteract recessions. The podcasts are paired with articles from the Cornell Hospitality Quarterly and the Cornell Hospitality Reports series, which means that CHR registrants can gain a more in-depth view of each research study, also at no charge.

The webcasts feature panel discussions by experts on numerous topics, including the applications of social media, developing sustainability initiatives, and the hottest trends and issues for the hospitality and gaming industries.

The following podcasts are now available:

"What Makes It So Great? An Analysis of Human Resources Practices among Fortune's Best Companies to Work For," by Timothy Hinkin and Bruce Tracey. Focusing on the hospitality industry and similar businesses, Professors Hinkin and Tracey explain tactics that allow a company to be an "employer of choice," to boost employee retention and attract top candidates.

"Successful Tactics for Surviving an Economic Downturn: Results from an International Study," by Sheryl Kimes. Having survived the Great Recession, the hotel industry could benefit from a game plan for what to do in the next recession. Based on a survey of 980 hoteliers worldwide, Professor Kimes explains what worked and didn't work in the recession. Respondents were particularly unhappy with the results of discounting, but they thought that marketing tactics were relatively beneficial.

"The Drivers of Loyalty Program Success: An Organizing Framework and Research Agenda," by Michael McCall and Clay Voorhees. Professor McCall outlines the key elements of successful loyalty programs, including setting clear demarcations between tiers and underlining the status of top-tier members, as well as arranging appropriate redemptions—usually by offering direct rewards.

"Customer Preferences for Restaurant Technology Innovations," by Michael Dixon, Sheryl Kimes, and Rohit Verma. Professor Verma explains that customers react differently to technology at each stage of the meal. In general, restaurant customers most appreciate technology available for making reservations, but he points out that as customers may be more accepting of new settlement technology as they become more familiar with it.

The webcasts are:

• "The Things that Matter Most: The Hottest Trends and Biggest Issues for Hospitality and Gaming Industries";
• "Getting In on the Conversation: The Power of Social Media in the Hospitality and Gaming Industries";
• "Sustaining a Balance: Green Initiatives for Hospitality and Gaming";
• "Preparing for Recovery";
• "Loyalty, Rewards and Value: What Do We Want from Our Customers?";
• "Right People, Right Jobs, Right Time: The Art and Science of Labor Planning"; and
• "Where's My Data? Tips and Tricks for Designing a Strong Data Quality and Data Integration Strategy."

About The Center for Hospitality Research
A unit of the Cornell School of Hotel Administration, The Center for Hospitality Research (CHR) sponsors research designed to improve practices in the hospitality industry. Under the lead of the center's 77 corporate affiliates, experienced scholars work closely with business executives to discover new insights into strategic, managerial and operating practices. The center also publishes the award-winning hospitality journal, the Cornell Hospitality Quarterly. To learn more about the center and its projects, visit www.chr.cornell.edu.

Center Senior Partners: ASAE Foundation, Carlson Hotels, Hilton Worldwide, McDonald's USA, Philips Hospitality, SAS, STR, and Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces

Center Partners: Davis & Gilbert LLP, Deloitte & Touche USA LLP, Denihan Hospitality Group, eCornell & Executive Education, Expedia, Inc., Forbes Travel Guide, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Fox Rothschild LLP, French Quarter Holdings, Inc., HVS, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, InterContinental Hotels Group, Jumeirah Group, LRP Publications, Maritz, Marriott International, Inc., Marsh's Hospitality Practice, priceline.com, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Proskauer, Sabre Hospitality Solutions, Sathguru Management Consultants (P) Ltd., Schneider Electric, Thayer Lodging Group, Thompson Hotels, Travelport, WATG and Wyndham Hotel Group

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