HSMAI Europe launches weekly video podcast exploring the impact of AI on hospitality

Today HSMAI Europe launches HSMAI Europe Weekly Conversations, a new weekly video podcast dedicated to exploring how artificial intelligence is changing the hospitality industry, and what these developments mean for businesses, employees and guests.

Featuring hoteliers, industry leaders, technology experts and emerging talent from across Europe, the series will offer open, thought-provoking conversations about the opportunities and challenges AI presents for the industry.

Beyond technology: What does AI mean for hospitality?

Artificial intelligence is already changing how travellers discover hotels, how businesses engage with guests and how teams work behind the scenes. But while new technology is developing rapidly, many hospitality businesses are still navigating what these changes mean for their operations, commercial strategies and people.

How can hotels remain competitive as AI-powered search changes distribution? Where can AI create genuine value for guests and businesses? What new skills will hospitality professionals need, and how can technology support rather than replace the human side of hospitality?

These are the kinds of questions at the heart of HSMAI Europe Weekly Conversations.

The series will explore AI through different areas of hospitality, including revenue optimisation, sales, marketing, distribution, operations, guest experience, leadership and talent development. Rather than focusing on technology for its own sake, conversations will examine real experiences, practical applications and the decisions facing hospitality professionals today.

Recorded in different European markets, including alongside HSMAI events, the podcast will connect local experiences with wider industry developments and encourage the exchange of knowledge across borders and professional disciplines.

The initiative also builds on HSMAI Europe's commitment to industry collaboration and education, complementing the work of its professional networks and advisory boards, including the HSMAI Europe AI Advisory Board.

First episode features Ben Jost and Linda Nordheim

The inaugural episode features Ben Jost, CEO and Co-founder of TrustYou and Chair of HSMAI Europe's AI Advisory Board, in conversation with Linda Nordheim, Owner and Managing Director of Maverix and member of the AI Advisory Board.

Their discussion raises questions that are increasingly relevant to hospitality professionals: What happens when AI agents become part of everyday business operations? How will travellers find and choose hotels in an AI-driven world? And could automation give hotel employees more time to focus on the personal service that defines hospitality?

From the future of hotel visibility and distribution to the changing nature of work, the conversation offers a first taste of the perspectives and practical insights the series aims to bring to the industry.

New conversations every Wednesday

HSMAI Europe Weekly Conversations launches today, 28 October 2026. New episodes will be released every Wednesday on YouTube and Spotify.

Watch the first episode

Subscribe to HSMAI Europe Weekly Conversations' YouTube channel