April 07, 2017
Siegel Sez
by: Richard Siegel
I am I am thankful I have had an opportunity over the course of my career to travel to Europe. I have visited many cities over the last 25 years, some I would go back to at any time and a few I would be fine never visiting again. If I was launching an event that would attract people for both the business aspect and the fun aspect, I would pick Amsterdam. That is what HFTP did with its first ever HITEC outside North America. The event was hugely successful. They hoped to attract 500 attendees and they ended up with more than 1,100. The educational program they offered for the most part was very well received, though a couple of sessions inspired more questions than answers. I talked to most who were exhibiting there since these are the people that pay the bills, and there was amazing enthusiasm about HITEC Amsterdam. When I asked if they would come back next year, just about everybody replied with a quick “yes.” What more could you ask for with a first-time event? HFTP has already announced the dates for HITEC Amsterdam next year (April 11-13, 2018) at the same location, though I am guessing they are going to need to increase exhibit space. It was a great city and a great event, though I am guessing some had regrets during the day for taking advantage of the nighttime activities in this very unique city. I was very thankful to be part of it. Check out the fun picture to the right.
This time of year does make my head spin at times. Just about all the industry technology happenings go through our magazine, our newsletters and our soon-to-be-upgraded new http://www.hospitalityupgrade.com website. HTNG’s Insight Summit was co-located with HITEC Amsterdam the day before HITEC started and it also was very well attended, with most staying for HITEC. HSMAI hosted its very popular ROC (Revenue Optimization Conference) Europe event, also co-located with HITEC as it does in North America, and that was extremely well attended. Yes, this is the time of year for events. Next week HU’s Anne Boon will be at the AAHOA (Asian American Hotel Owners Association) Annual Conference and Trade Show in San Antonio where Hospitality Upgrade is a sponsor. It is an event that has grown beyond belief over the years and it actually sells out for attendees. I in turn will be in Orlando to the anguish of some at the annual HTNG Conference which has merged into the Hotel Technology Forum, and this year is called HT-NEXT. This first-time event has inspired some positive and some not so positive comments regarding the format. We shall see, I am glad I was invited to experience it. Yes, the trade show and event season has been going nonstop but it is what I live for. Everything leads up to HITEC in Toronto in June where everybody comes. If you would like to closely follow these happenings and what comes out of the many industry events, please sign up for our magazine and our newsletters at www.hospitalityupgrade.com/subscribe. Staying on top of all the technology happenings is a challenge, but a challenge we love!
Here now is the reason we are here, Dan Phillips’ thoughts and the latest technology happenings in the industry. I will see you at the end with this week’s attempt at you-know-what.
Rich@HospitalityUpgrade.com
Technology NEWSSTAND
by: Dan Phillips
Recent headlines, from Dan Phillips
Introduction
Stereotypes. If IT has the look of geekiness and nerdiness, then does engineering encompass big, burly and brusque? And, if so, can you imagine that same hotel engineer being approached by the stereotypical hotel marketing person to have that first conversation about deploying a new scent throughout the public spaces of the hotel? Picture that meeting with the scent designer, discussing base notes, floral notes, underlying motifs, and the psychological impact of citrus versus woody!
This may not be technology, or is low-tech at best, but I find it intriguing. I recently was on the opening team for a boutique hotel in San Francisco where we deployed a signature scent. I have to say that quite a lot of planning, listening and testing happened before that unique scent was brought to the hotel and attached to the HVAC.
Personalization is hitting hotels in all new ways. Technology, in this case developing and deploying scents (see the Piqued Our Interest section below), and for example new digital art that can change on a whim, are just two examples. Think of using attendee-owned devices for impromptu surveys during meetings with instantaneous results displayed. Think of a digital sign wall for selfies and Snapchat opportunities. Think of an app that heightens awareness of local community vendors and experience providers tied to the hotel concierge or OTT TV channel.
If you are in technology, more so than ever you have to keep abreast of new technologies. Keeping with the stereotyping, (sorry GMs!), imagine that ego-centric, guest-enabling GM coming to you with an order to add a new zone to your public space sound system to allow for guest BYOM (bring your own music) for popup parties!
I look forward to serving you,
Dan Phillips
Dare to Imagine
dphillips@dare2i.com
**
TOP O' THE NEWS
- Caesars Entertainment Launches Las Vegas' First Interactive Video Gaming Experience at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
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Caesars Entertainment Launches Las Vegas' First Interactive Video Gaming Experience at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Caesars Entertainment Corporation, one of the world's most diversified gaming and entertainment companies, and Gamblit Gaming, one of the leading publishers for real-money and skill-based gaming for land-based casinos,
announced that the first skill-based gaming experience in the Las Vegas market has officially debuted at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino for its initial field trial phase. Gamblit's highly social and interactive game tables, called the ModelG™ can host between two and four players for a head-to-head gaming experience.
http://www.caesars.com/planet-hollywood **
PEOPLE ON THE MOVE
- Caesars Entertainment Names Christian Stuart Executive Vice President of Gaming and Interactive Entertainment
- Canyon Ranch
® Adds to Leadership Team with Three New Executive Appointments
- Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management Appoints Distinguished Alumna, Lizabeth Kane-Hanan, as the Chair of the Dean’s Advisory Council; Welcomes New Members
- Hilton Appoints Chief Customer Officer
- And more People on the Move…
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For more information on People on the Move for 04/07/17
MERGERS and ACQUISITIONS
- DCI Design Announces the Acquisition of EthoStream’s Operations
- IDeaS Helps Hoteliers Further Optimize Group, Meetings and Events Revenue Through Smart Space Acquisition
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DCI Design Announces the Acquisition of EthoStream’s Operations
DCI Design Communications LLC (DCI), an industry leader in data, voice and unified communications technologies,
announced the execution of a definitive agreement to acquire the assets and operations of EthoStream LLC, from Telkonet, Inc. The combined entity will serve more than 2,500 properties and provide a full managed service offering in voice and data to more than 500,000 hotel rooms. The combined operations make DCI the No. 1 provider of data and voice services in hospitality in North America. DCI is retaining all key employees of EthoStream.
http://www.DCI-Design.com **
IDeaS Helps Hoteliers Further Optimize Group, Meetings and Events Revenue Through Smart Space Acquisition
IDeaS Revenue Solutions
acquired the business assets of Smart Space Strategy Limited. Smart Space pioneered a cloud-based, visual strategy management solution that helps companies analyze the business trends and performance of meeting and event space within hotels and conference center venues. By combining Smart Space with IDeaS’ suite of hotel revenue management solutions, IDeaS will continue to bridge the roles of revenue management and function space sales and marketing, signaling the growing need for technology solution providers to equip hotels with a more holistic approach to a combined sales and revenue management strategy.
http://www.ideas.com **
GUEST MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
- Springer-Miller and FreedomPay Delivering World-class Commerce Solutions and Transforming Customer Experience
- Luxury Resorts Welcome Newest Enhancements Included in Version Upgrade for Springer-Miller’s
SMS|Host PMS
- FCS Launches Cloud-based CosmoPMS Property Management System
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For more information on Guest Management Systems for 04/07/17
RESERVATIONS
- Hoteliers Tell All in New SiteMinder Report: “Being bookable and visible online is our No. 1 business focus”
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Hoteliers Tell All in New SiteMinder Report: “Being bookable and visible online is our No. 1 business focus”
A report by SiteMinder, one of the global hotel industry’s leading cloud platforms, has found that the ability to grow direct bookings and online presence is the top business focus for hotels this year. The finding, documented in SiteMinder's Global Hotel Business Index 2017 release, is based on more than 2,100 survey responses from hoteliers at both independent properties and hotel groups around the world.
SiteMinder.com
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F&B/POINT OF SALE
- Detroit Marriott Hotel Selects Clear Sky’s Beverage Inventory Software
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Detroit Marriott Hotel Selects Clear Sky’s Beverage Inventory Software
Clear Sky Software, Inc.
® announced that The Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center
has installed the company’s beverage inventory control system to help manage and control all beverage products. This busy downtown hotel is taking advantage of the features of this industry-leading beverage inventory system. Called Clear Sky BEVERAGE, this is a comprehensive, perpetual inventory system that tracks and controls all beverage products. Functions include purchasing/ordering, receiving, electronic requisition, outlet transfers/issues/returns and physical inventory.
http://www.clearskysoftware.com **
HOSPITALITY EDUCATION
- New Edition of AHLEI’s Front Office Textbook Shows Impact of Technology on Operations
- HFTP Announces Hospitality Program Team for Upcoming GDPR Compliance Deadline
- HSMAI’s ROCET Delivers Revenue Optimization Education to Hotel Revenue Managers
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For more information on Hospitality Education for 04/07/17
HOSPITALITY EVENTS
- HFTP Exceeds Expectations with Inaugural HITEC Amsterdam
- Agilysys Executive Ravi Angadi to Moderate Session Panel at Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention in San Diego
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HFTP Exceeds Expectations with Inaugural HITEC Amsterdam
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP
®), producers of the Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC
®),
exceeded its goal to successfully produce HITEC Amsterdam, a European counterpart to its recognized, 45-year-old North American event. HITEC Amsterdam was held from March 28–30, 2017, at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre with more than 1,100 hospitality industry professionals in attendance. Based on this year’s successful show, HFTP has already scheduled HITEC Amsterdam 2018 for April 11–13 at the same location.
http://www.hftp.org/hitec/amsterdam/ **
Agilysys Executive Ravi Angadi to Moderate Session Panel at Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention in San DiegoAgilysys, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGYS), a global provider of next-generation hospitality software solutions and services, announced that Ravi Angadi, the company’s vice president of product management,
will moderate a panel discussion at the 2017 Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention, which will be held April 10-13 at the San Diego Convention Center. The annual event is produced by the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA). Angadi will moderate the panel discussion entitled: "EMV and Navigating the Liability Shift." The session, which is designed to highlight the payment security challenges facing the industry, will address topics such as: the latest rules and regulations regarding EMV; how to protect sensitive guest information; and how to prevent data breaches and credit card fraud.
http://www.agilysys.com **
PIQUED OUR INTEREST
- “Signature Scenting” – Taking the Guest Experience to a Soothing Sensory Level
- Hotels’ New Custom Scents
- Why Do Fancy Hotels Pipe in Such Powerful Fragrances?
- Signature scents at hotels: Love 'em or lose 'em?
- The Smell of Money: How Marketers Are Selling With a Signature Sensory Experience
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For more information on Piqued Our Interest for 04/07/17
PERSONALIZATION/GUEST EXPERIENCE
- Odawa Group Selects Keypr As Exclusive Guest Experience Technology Partner
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Odawa Group Selects Keypr As Exclusive Guest Experience Technology Partner KEYPR
®, a technology company whose cloud-based solution integrates the hospitality experience for guests, staff and management through mobile technology, announced its partnership with Odawa Casino Resort in Petoskey, Mich. The 300,000-sq. foot casino, which is owned and operated by the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, will use the KEYPR platform to enhance the experience for both its hotel and casino guests. The KEYPR platform provides a custom mobile guest app, in-room tablets, keyless entry and a back office management system (GEMS
®) and offers hotels, casinos and residential properties opportunities to increase revenue, decrease overhead, access valuable data and delight guests. In addition to using the system at the 137-room hotel, the Odawa Group will utilize unique GEMS features to manage work orders and services on the casino floor.
http://www.keypr.com **
GUEST SERVICES
- Blueprint RF Connects Club Magnolia Guests During the Masters Golf Tournament
- Hotel Staff Technology by ALICE Introduced at a Hollywood Icon
- GuestTek Celebrates 20th Anniversary
- Comfort Inn & Suites Boston Logan International Airport Adds Mobile Device Charging from Kube Systems
- Preferred Hotels & Resorts Enhances iPrefer Hotel Rewards Program with Launch of Mobile App and Members-Only Rates
- TTI Technologies Reports Four ways Hotels Produce Profits with Free Usage Business Centers
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For more information on Guest Services for 04/07/17
MARKETING/MANAGEMENT
- Hotel ICON Selects Cendyn as CRM and Loyalty Provider
- TravelClick Launches Media Intelligence Platform to Drive Direct Booking Revenue for Hotels
- New Milestone CMS Feature Returns $20 for Every $1 Spent
- PolyU Study Finds Social Media Critical for Overseas DMOs in China
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For more information on Marketing/Management for 04/07/17
COMMUNICATIONS/INFRASTRUCTURE
- Cloud5 Partners with Mitel to Expand Voice Solutions
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Cloud5 Partners with Mitel to Expand Voice Solutions
Cloud5 announced that it has been
appointed an authorized partner in the Mitel Hospitality Program, further expanding its suite of telephony products and services to enable hotels to meet their customers’ evolving needs with flexibility and cost efficiency. This collaboration provides hospitality clients with Cloud5’s cloud-based voice, networking and support solutions, alongside the award-winning MiVoice premises-based communications products offered by Mitel, a global leader in enterprise communications.
http://www.cloud5.com **
SECURITY
- Urbanest Darling Square Bolsters Trendy Design and Reputation with Innovative Door Lock Solutions from ASSA ABLOY Hospitality
- ASSA ABLOY Hospitality Captures Prestigious Vendor’s Trophy Award for Best Locks Vendor in the Hotel Industry
- Seven of the “Best 15 Hotels in the USA” Trust
dormakaba USA Inc Electronic Locks
- Hilton Hits Industry Milestone with Launch of 1,000th Hotel Featuring Digital Key
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For more information on Security for 04/07/17
You-Know-What
And now for you-know-what…
A mathematician, an accountant and an economist apply for the same job.
The interviewer calls in the mathematician and asks, "What do two plus two equal?"
The mathematician replies, "Four."
The interviewer asks, "Four, exactly?"
The mathematician looks at the interviewer incredulously and says, "Yes, four exactly."
Then the interviewer calls in the accountant and asks the same question. "What do two plus two equal?"
The accountant says, "On average, four – give or take 10 percent, but on average, four."
Then the interviewer calls in the economist and poses the same question. "What do two plus two equal?"
The economist gets up, locks the door, closes the shade, sits down next to the interviewer and says, "What do you want it to equal?"
**