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Interviews

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Interview Technology

From Data to Voice: How Revinate Is Rethinking Hospitality Personalisation

At HITEC 2025 in Indianapolis, we caught up with Karen Stephens, Chief Marketing Officer at Revinate, to talk about how changes in leadership are fuelling product innovation, particularly around guest data, AI, and voice. With a fresh team of tech and data leaders on board, Revinate is doubling down on efforts to unify guest profiles and rethink how technology supports human connection in hospitality. Karen also shared insights on AI’s role in luxury travel, the future of voice, and why hospitality is safe from the AI job scare.

Simone PuortoKaren Stephens
Simone Puorto in conversation with Karen Stephens
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Interview Technology

How Mobile Engagement and AI Are Transforming the Guest Journey

At HITEC 2025 in Indianapolis, we caught up with Jeremy Krol, COO of Phunware, a company helping hotels deepen guest engagement through mobile technology and data-driven personalization. In our conversation, Jeremy explained how Phunware uses mobile apps, behavioral data, and AI to improve the guest experience and generate additional revenue. From replacing paper maps with seamless digital navigation to enabling smarter upsell opportunities, Phunware is helping properties enhance their digital footprint without losing the human touch.

Jeremy KrolSimone Puorto
Jeremy Krol in conversation with Simone Puorto
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Interview Technology

Why HITEC 2025 Felt Like a Turning Point: Education, Innovation and the Guestroom of 2075

At HITEC 2025 in Indianapolis, we sat down with Justin Taillon, President of HFTP and professor of hospitality technology, for a closing reflection on what made this year’s event stand out. From a record-breaking exhibitor floor to packed education sessions, Justin shared what makes HITEC more than just a trade show. He also gave us a preview of his next project, a bold new book on what hotel guestrooms might look like in 2075.

Simone PuortoJustin Taillon
Simone Puorto in conversation with Justin Taillon
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Interview Technology

The End of Standards? Why AI Might Finally Break Down Hotel Tech Silos

At HITEC 2025 in Indianapolis, we caught up with Ira Vouk, Editor-in-Chief of the 2025 edition of the Hotel Yearbook – Technology Edition. A respected voice in hospitality tech, Ira curated a remarkable collection of essays from over 35 industry leaders, each offering their outlook on where hotel technology is heading. In this interview, she reflects on the themes, surprises, and controversies behind the publication, and shares her own bold view on how AI could disrupt the long-standing standards that have held hotel tech together , or perhaps back.

Simone PuortoIra Vouk
Simone Puorto in conversation with Ira Vouk
HN TV
Interview Technology

AI in Hospitality: Canary Technologies on Voice, Messaging, and Revenue Growth

At HITEC 2025 in Indianapolis, we spoke with Harman Narula, CEO of Canary Technologies, about the company’s recent AI product launches and the growing role of artificial intelligence in hotel operations. From missed phone calls to personalised upselling, Canary’s suite of AI solutions is designed to enhance the guest experience and increase hotel revenue. Narula shared how voice AI, messaging, and upselling work together to streamline operations and help hoteliers do more with fewer resources.

Harman Singh NarulaSimone Puorto
Harman Singh Narula in conversation with Simone Puorto
HN TV
Interview Technology

HITEC 2025: Record-Breaking Attendance, Start-up Momentum, and a Look Ahead to San Antonio

At HITEC 2025 in Indianapolis, we caught up with Frank Wolfe, CEO of Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), to reflect on a highly successful edition of the conference. With record-breaking numbers, exciting innovation from new exhibitors, and a packed exhibition floor, this year’s event confirmed HITEC’s role as the global stage for hospitality technology. We also looked ahead to 2026, which will bring the event to San Antonio, Texas.

Simone PuortoFrank Wolfe
Simone Puorto in conversation with Frank Wolfe
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Interview Technology

Floor Bleeker on the Rise of AI Agents, Robotics, and the Future Tech Stack of Hospitality

At HITEC 2025 in Indianapolis, we sat down with Floor Bleeker, a well-known voice in hospitality technology, to explore the future of AI in the industry. The conversation quickly moved from generative AI to autonomous agents, robotics, and the potential disruption of long-standing tech systems. Drawing from his corporate background and current advisory work, Floor offered a clear-eyed view of how fast things are evolving, and what it could mean for hoteliers, vendors, and guests.

Floor BleekerSimone Puorto
Floor Bleeker in conversation with Simone Puorto
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Interview Technology

Infor’s David Poprawka on Sustainable AI, Human-Centred KPIs, and the True Role of Technology in Hospitality

At HITEC 2025 in Indianapolis, we spoke with David Poprawka from Infor about the evolving role of AI in hospitality, not from a trend-driven perspective, but with a focus on long-term value, sustainability, and trust. Rather than chasing the latest buzzwords, Infor is building an architecture that helps hotels adapt at their own pace, with a strong foundation and a people-first mindset. David shared insights on the pace of change, the human side of data, and why it is time to rethink how we measure success.

Simone PuortoDavid Poprawka
Simone Puorto in conversation with David Poprawka
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Interview Technology

Seamless by Design: Why Unified Hotel Tech is No Longer Optional

As hotels evolve beyond stitched together systems and fragmented data, Shiji is betting big on unified architecture that blends flexibility with scale. Speaking at HITEC 2025 in Indianapolis, Ryan King, Senior Vice President for the Americas at Shiji Group, joined me for a conversation that touched on the heart of this transformation and why hoteliers can no longer afford to ignore it.

Adam Mogelonsky in conversation with Ryan King
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Interview Technology

Hospitality Solutions on Retailing, AI, and the Future of Hotel Commerce

At HITEC 2025 in Indianapolis, we spoke with Chris Boyle, Senior Vice President and Chief Business and Strategy Officer at Hospitality Solutions, about the company’s new chapter under TPG ownership and its evolving vision for hotel commerce. With decades of experience and a foundation rooted in reliability, Hospitality Solutions is expanding its capabilities, from distribution and booking to payments and AI-driven guest interaction. Chris shared insights on the latest innovations, including Retail Studio, Nexus Pay, and Concierge AI, and how Hospitality Solutions is positioning itself as a leader in the era of conversational commerce.

Simone PuortoChris Boyle
Simone Puorto in conversation with Chris Boyle
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Interview Technology

How Duetto’s New RPOs Framework Is Driving a Shift from Revenue to Profit Intelligence

At HITEC 2025 in Indianapolis, we sat down with David Woolenberg, CEO and President of Duetto, to explore how the company is transforming hotel revenue management through its new Revenue and Profit Operating System (RPOs). With the recent acquisition of HotStats and a sharp focus on integrating data, Duetto is moving beyond traditional room-centric strategies, placing profit, and decision-making, at the heart of its platform. In this interview, David shares how RPOs will empower hoteliers to break silos, scale decisions, and focus on what matters most.

David WoolenbergSimone Puorto
David Woolenberg in conversation with Simone Puorto
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Interview Technology

EHL Innovation Rewind: Romy Abbrederis on AI Agents, Email Overload, and the Future of Hotel Workflows

During the EHL Open Innovation Summit, we spoke with Romy Abbrederis, Co-founder of Lobby, about how generative AI is reshaping hotel operations behind the scenes. Our conversation explored how Lobby tackles the complexity of reservation emails, why modular systems are key to adapting to different hotel needs, and how AI can support hospitality teams without replacing the human element.

Romy Abbrederis in conversation with Simone Puorto
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Interview Technology

EHL Innovation Rewind: Margot Stuart on Blockchain, Digital Passports, and Building Trust in Luxury Hospitality

At the EHL Open Innovation Summit, we sat down with Margot Stuart, Co-founder of OriginAll and ORIGINALLUXURY, to explore how blockchain and digital product passports are reshaping trust and transparency in hospitality. Our conversation looked at how these technologies can go beyond compliance to unlock deeper guest engagement, emotional storytelling, and a new kind of luxury experience rooted in authenticity.

Margot Stuart in conversation with Simone Puorto
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Interview Sustainability

EHL Innovation Rewind: Bernhard Bohnenberger on Mindful Luxury and the Invisible Power of Technology

Our conversation with Bernhard Bohnenberger, CEO and Co-founder of Discover Collection, took place during the EHL Open Innovation Summit in Lausanne. We spoke with him about the role of technology in luxury hospitality, how guest expectations are evolving, and why emotional connection should remain central to high-end travel. Drawing on his background with Six Senses and now the Discover Collection, Bernhard shared his vision for what he calls “Mindful Luxury” and how technology should support—never replace—the human experience.

Bernhard Bohnenberger in conversation with Simone Puorto
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Interview Sustainability

EHL Innovation Rewind: Pierre-André Krüger on Blending Ancient Wisdom with Modern Hospitality

During the EHL Open Innovation Summit in Lausanne, we had the chance to sit down with Pierre-André Krüger, CEO and Founder of Nomad Lodges. Our conversation explored the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern hospitality, the importance of working closely with indigenous communities, and why he believes that real transformation begins when guests reconnect—with nature, with others, and with themselves.

Pierre-André Krüger in conversation with Simone Puorto
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Interview Sales & Marketing

EHL Innovation Rewind: Rainer Stampfer on AI, Personalization, and the Human Touch at Four Seasons

During the EHL Open Innovation Summit in Lausanne, we sat down with Rainer Stampfer, President of Global Operations, Hotels and Resorts at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. Our conversation explored the growing role of artificial intelligence in luxury hospitality, the evolving expectations around personalization, and why the human element continues to be the ultimate marker of excellence in high-end service.

Simone Puorto in conversation with Rainer Stampfer
HN TV
Interview Sustainability

EHL Innovation Rewind: Diane Binder on Redefining Sustainability, Regeneration, and the True Meaning of Luxury

During the EHL Open Innovation Summit, we sat down with Diane Binder to talk about the role of virtual reality, regeneration, and what real luxury means today. As Founder and CEO of Regenopolis and Co-founder of 700’000 heures Impact, Diane brings a unique lens that bridges sustainable development, hospitality, and systemic change. In our conversation, she shared why we need to move beyond metrics, how hospitality can become part of local ecosystems, and why the next era of travel will be defined by meaning, not just experience.

Diane Binder in conversation with Simone Puorto