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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
At the Open Innovation Summit hosted by EHL, we sat down with Michael Levie, Founding Partner at CitizenM Hotels. We asked him a few questions about where he sees the biggest tech shifts coming in hospitality and what makes CitizenM stand out in the way they work. Michael talked about middleware, microdata and why moving to the cloud is not enough. He also explained how the culture at CitizenM is like a jam session and how that energy still lives on today.
As the hospitality industry faces ongoing economic challenges, shifting guest expectations, and rapid technological change, there is a growing need for operators to rethink how they work. Mews Unfold, a one-day event taking place on Wednesday, April 30 at the Muziekgebouw in Amsterdam, is here to help turn that into action.
Mews isn’t just a PMS (Property Management System)—it’s a hospitality cloud that is transforming the way hotels operate, enhance guest experiences, and optimize revenue. With a bold vision for the future, CEO Matt Welle shares how Mews is reshaping hotel technology by integrating AI, automation, and dynamic pricing into every aspect of hospitality management.
AI is no longer just a buzzword in hospitality—it's delivering real, measurable results. At ITB Berlin, DJ Singh, VP of Global Sales at Canary Technologies, highlighted how AI-powered automation is helping hotels reduce staff workload and enhance guest satisfaction.
Alyson Dombey provides a European perspective on various online channels such as GDS distribution, the merchant-model, and other alternate online distribution mechanisms. Alison also shares some of the outcomes/conclusions of the HITEC session which was geared around the GDS as component of overall distribution.
The Merchant-Model, Channel Management, On-Line Distribution, eDistribution. These words are thrown around quite a bit these days in the hospitality industry. What do they all mean? Here's an update from High Country Hospitality's Scott Anderson.
Bob Gilbert - HSMAI President & CEO talks about how HSMAI helps sales & marketing professionals in finding the right tools in todays age of information overload. Gilbert also provides information about HSMAI's Foundation project called 'ClearingHouse'. Finally, the interview features information about HSMAI's new conference/marketplace geared around the lucrative airline contract market segment.
Since 1977, Visual One Systems has provided software systems to the hospitality industry. Their Windows-based products, using a Microsoft SQL database, include property management, sales & catering, restaurant point-of-sale, back-office accounting, and golf course management. Mike Gadbury - Managing Director of Visual One Systems (Europe) provides the HITEC audience with an update about V1's products and activities outside the US.
The Certified Hospitality Technology Professional (CHTP) program is recognized as THE symbol of achievement and competence in hospitality information technology knowledge. Developed jointly by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) and the Educational Institute of the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AH&LA), the designation elevates the professionalism of both the recipient and the industry by helping to set standards for the field. Those who earn the CHTP designation demonstrate a higher level of dedication to their profession.
StayOnline's Antonio DiMilia joins us in New Orleans, shortly after the announcement of their co-marketing agreement with AT&T Wireless. The announcement also includes Historic Hotels of America. StayOnline will have the opportunity to mix technology with history for those hotels that go wireless. StayOnline's technology, cost vs. no-cost solutions and catering to those hotels that serve business travelers are topics included in this interview.
John Carres has 1,040 rooms. His property is putting on a large event and needs a solution to help manage the process. Carres wants and needs to fill those rooms. Give Passkey a call in Quincy. Mass. This is more than just a commercial. Paul and Jon talk about how they have teamed up to make this and other events happen - seamlessly. Why is it good for Boca and how easy is it to get done? Click 'play' and listen.
Pegasus Solutions is the critical technology backbone of the hotel industry, powering the majority of electronic hotel reservations around the world. Roland Tanner joins us to discuss the latest Pegasus technology initiatives, including the company's efforts to develop single-point-of-entry rate management tools for hotels. We cover security, ease of use and other advantages of this new solution.
Aloha Technologies, makers of Aloha point-of-sale software and information solutions, last month announced that Mark Hamilton has been hired as Director of PMS Solutions for the company's newly acquired property management systems (PMS) suite of solutions. Aloha purchased Fabco Systems, a leading supplier of property management systems (PMS) in the hotel and lodging industries, earlier this year. Hamilton provides some insight into Aloha's most recent move.
Tina Samson has a lot on her plate. She's CFO at the Loews Hotel Universal Orlando. With kids out of school, that property will soon be busy when families come to see Mickey and Minnie. She's the chairperson of HFTP's ProLinks, which we discuss in this streaming audio interview and finally, she's the President-Elect for the HFTP. We also get her thoughts on this year's HITEC and tell you about next year's dates and location. That's a lot of information in less than 10 minutes. Check it out before you head to New Orleans.
