With massive amounts of data now available to hotels, it’s safe to say that all future technologies will rely on data and integrations. The importance of data is evident, writes SnapShot’s Carson Booth, but it’s essentially worthless unless it is properly stored, intelligently connected, and made accessible.

Big data. We've all heard and talked about it. Big data is a major component of every industry and hospitality is not an exception. Knowing how to recognize and utilize big data to your company's advantage unlocks great amounts of power.

We humans have always dealt with new technologies, and for the most part, we have welcomed them because they have made our lives easier, better, longer, healthier, more enjoyable…. But 17 years into 21st century, the sheer pace of technological change is absolutely dizzying – and only likely to accelerate even more, causing disruptions and upheavals in every part of our lives.

This March 28–30, HFTP is producing its newest endeavor, HITEC Amsterdam, a smaller, boutique version of the ongoing, popular 45-year event. Helping to guide the educational component is long-time HFTP member, Carson Booth, vice president of global technology for Marriott International (Starwood).

Some industries remain stubborn and resistant to change by not embracing new technology as fast as others. However, over the last few years, the hospitality industry has seen dramatic technology changes with the sudden maturing of suppliers as a result of consolidation and larger more sophisticated supplier entrants, competing hospitality business-model entrants that leverage technology as a platform, and technology strategy changes as a result of brand management company consolidations.