HN Originals

HN Original
Opinion Article General Management

Hospitality Vibes: Maggie Chen’s Manifesto for a Human-Centered Future in Hospitality

I must admit, I feel a little bad that I am only now featuring this book on Hospitality Net. Maggie Chen is a friend I have known for many years at EHL Hospitality Business School, and her latest work deserves much more attention. Hospitality Vibes is not just another industry book. It is a heartfelt and deeply researched exploration of what makes our sector truly unique. The insights she shares are, in my view, a must-read for hospitality students and professionals around the globe who want to understand how our industry can evolve with purpose.

By Henri Roelings, Founder, Hospitality Net
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 Original
Opinion Article Technology

HITEC Rewind: Decentralized Identity and the Future of Hospitality

At HITEC Indianapolis, one of the most forward-thinking sessions tackled a topic set to redefine how the hospitality industry engages with its guests: Decentralized Identity, sometimes referred to as Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI). In a world where personalisation and data privacy increasingly go hand in hand, Decentralized Identity offers a radical new approach that empowers travellers to take control of their digital identities while enabling hotels, airlines, and travel providers to deliver seamless, secure, and highly personalised experiences.

By Henri Roelings, Founder, Hospitality Net
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
HN TV
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
HN TV
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
HN TV
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
HN TV
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
HN TV
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
HN Original
Opinion Article

Event Organizers - Hospitality Net Membership Explained

Hospitality Net has been at the center of the global hotel and hospitality industry for more than 25 years. Over this time, we have built a unique and trusted ecosystem where professionals come to share knowledge, insights, and perspectives. As a neutral and independent platform, we are respected by industry leaders worldwide for providing reliable information and a space where diverse voices in hospitality can be heard.

By Henri Roelings, Founder, Hospitality Net
HN Original
Explainer Technology

From Guests to Data to Dollars: 5 Ways Unified Hotel Tech Boosts Revenue and Loyalty

Imagine this: A guest walks into your hotel. The front desk greets them by name, already knows they prefer a room away from the elevator, and offers a complimentary drink, the same cocktail they ordered at your rooftop bar during their last stay. At breakfast the waiter suggests asks if the guest wants the usual omelet or the menu to try something new, and at checkout, they’re offered a late checkout because their flight doesn’t leave until 8 p.m.

By Wolfgang Emperger, SVP For Europe, Africa, And UK & Ireland, Shiji
HN TV
Opinion Article Sustainability

EHL Innovation Rewind: Caty Batten on Net Positive Hospitality and the Case for Regeneration

During the EHL Open Innovation Summit in Lausanne, we spoke with Caty Batten, Co-founder and CEO at Intaconnected and The Nature of Business Lab, about how the hospitality industry can move beyond traditional sustainability and embrace a regenerative approach. Our conversation focused on the Net Positive Hospitality Pathway, a practical tool for building resilience and long-term value, and why regeneration must become the new standard for climate, nature, and people.

By Simone Puorto and Caty Batten
HN TV
Opinion Article Technology

EHL Innovation Rewind: Thierry Teyssier on Privilege, Impermanence, and the Emotion at the Heart of Hospitality

At the EHL Open Innovation Summit in Lausanne, we spoke with Thierry Teyssier, Founder and CEO of Dar Ahlam and 700’000 heures Impact. Our conversation focused on the emotional essence of hospitality, why he sees privilege as more meaningful than luxury, and how impermanence can open the door to more human-centered guest experiences.

By Simone Puorto and Thierry Teyssier
HN TV
Opinion Article Human Resources

EHL Innovation Rewind: Will Guillaume Foussier on Coaching, AI, and the Future of Organizational Transformation

At the EHL Open Innovation Summit, we spoke with Will Guillaume Foussier, CEO of AceUp, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping revenue strategies in hospitality and why coaching remains one of the most powerful drivers of lasting change. Will introduced his ITO framework, a structured model that connects individual growth with team alignment and organizational transformation.

By Simone Puorto and Will Guillaume Foussier
HN TV
Opinion Article Sustainability

EHL Innovation Rewind: Ásta Kristín Sigurjónsdóttir & Milena S. Nikolova on Rethinking Tech, Travel Behavior, and Community-Centered Success

At the EHL Open Innovation Summit, we had the opportunity to speak with Ásta Kristín Sigurjónsdóttir, CEO of the Iceland Tourism Cluster, and Milena S. Nikolova, Ph.D., Chief Behavior Officer and Co-founder of BehaviorSMART. Our conversation explored how artificial intelligence might transform the way we plan and experience travel, how technology must be used with behavioral insight to enhance rather than diminish hospitality, and why the industry must rethink success in terms of community well-being—not just business outcomes.

By Simone Puorto, Ásta Kristín Sigurjónsdóttir, and Milena S. Nikolova, Ph.D.
HN TV
Press Release Sales & Marketing

Shiji Group and iPort Showcase Next-Gen Hospitality Tech at HITEC 2025

Shiji Group, a global leader in hospitality technology, is set to make waves at this year’s HITEC with a series of activations centered around mobility, personalization, and integrated digital solutions. In a joint session with iPort, Shiji will explore how iOS technology is transforming hospitality operations, showcasing forward-thinking approaches to property-wide tech investments.

Hospitality Net and Shiji