January 13, 2023
Siegel Sez
There are many discussions about what industry events to attend to see the latest technologies, but for me, it is a no brainer. If you haven’t been to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) held every January in Las Vegas, you must put it on your bucket list. Even if technology is not your thing, you will be intrigued by what you will see and what you will learn. At CES many of the futuristic things you will see, will never make it to the market and much of what you will see are years away, but it really is eye opening to see what the future has in store. I spent a fair amount of time in the automotive section and the BMW exhibit was interesting with their car of the future that allows you to change the color of your car, but what really amazed me was John Deere’s driverless tractor. It got a lot of buzz this year. There were quite a few from the hotel industry in attendance as you can see from the picture above. One of my highlights was taking The Loop from Resorts World to the Las Vegas Convention Center. The Loop is an underground tunnel that brings you back and forth in Teslas. It is amazing and something everybody should experience. It was a great week in Las Vegas.
As we look to the future, Doug Rice in his Definitely Doug column this week is sharing his thoughts about what lies ahead for the hotel industry with technology in 2023. I promise, some of it will surprise you and if you are a hotelier or technology supplier you will also be intrigued by how the hotel industry will no longer be able to ignore or be amazingly slow to adopt technology. Yes, this is going to change. We thank Doug for looking into his crystal ball and opening our eyes. It is not all about technology, often he shares how hotels have something to sell and for some reason aren’t selling it. Take a few minutes and read his column. You will probably agree with most of his thoughts and at other times say to yourself, really?
Well, I’m letting the cat is out of the bag — the Hospitality Upgrade Executive Vendor Summit will be held in New Orleans on March 29th. I can tell you, if we pull one of the planned surprises off this year it will be beyond memorable. Time will tell. If you have any questions about EVS or would like to join us, please email Kim Delaney at kim@hospitalityupgrade.com. We never hesitate to raise the bar at EVS and since we will be in New Orleans it might be a bit dangerous to do anything in a bar. 😊 We hope to see you there!
Here now is Doug’s column. It is going to be a very interesting year from all the gossip that has been shared with me and the many industry changes coming. It is going to be an exciting 2023 with industry optimism seeming to be higher than it has been in a long time. Finally!
Rich
rich@hospitalityupgrade.com
Definitely Doug
Before this week’s column, I’d like to ask you a favor. If you could complete this short survey, we can gather some data that may help a lot of my readers who are trying to assess the relative traction of the competing trade shows scheduled for the end of June. While it’s great to hear that AHLA and HFTP have now agreed to avoid conflicting dates in future years, this year both shows are scheduled for June 26-29. I know many attendees and even some exhibitors are still trying to decide which show(s) to attend. Many are taking a wait-and-see attitude but want to know what others are doing before deciding. I know I do.
As I thought about it, I realized that readers of this column are probably about as unbiased a population as it’s possible to survey about a hotel technology show. So, if you’ll indulge me, I’ll report the results in a future article.
Please participate even if you’re not sure or don’t plan to attend either event. Again, the link is here.
And now, we return to our regularly scheduled programming…
Predictions for 2023
If I have learned one thing in 35 years in hospitality, it’s that technology change is slow. The prediction “not much will change” is usually a safe one, and it is quite possibly foolhardy to make predictions with time frames shorter than five years. But many of us have observed a rapid acceleration in technology adoption over the past 18 months, so I have decided to break my rule and offer some directional predictions for 2023. These will not be revolutionary, overnight changes. Rather, they are mostly technologies that are still very early in the adoption phase of their lifecycles, that I think will get traction in 2023. They might go from a measurable but low penetration today like 1 or 2%, to double that in a year.
1. Operational efficiency
For as long as I can remember, a high percentage of non-essential tech spending in hotels (meaning anything not required to keep the lights on) went to revenue-related technologies: customer relationship management, loyalty, revenue management, distribution, digital marketing, and the like. But the labor shortage has finally put the focus on what I have long thought was an underused opportunity to use technology to reduce costs, primarily through efficiency in hiring, motivating, and utilizing labor.
Owners and managers are increasingly realizing that when labor is more expensive, scarcer, and harder to retain, we need better tools to manage it. This has given a boost to operational optimization software like housekeeping scheduling as well as to human resources tools that manage shift planning, employee engagement and communication, and training. It has also spurred the adoption of guest self-service options for check-in and room service ordering. These trends started in earnest in 2022 but are gaining steam rapidly; I expect to see many more hotels deciding to adopt these technologies in 2023.
Click here to read more of Doug’s column Predictions for 2023
Douglas Rice
Email: douglas.rice@hosptech.net
Twitter: @dougrice
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ricedouglas
Predictions for 2023
CORPORATE NEWS
- Agilysys to Report Fiscal 2023 Third Quarter Results January 24th and Host Conference Call and Webcast
Agilysys, Inc., a leading global provider of hospitality software solutions and services that deliver High Return Hospitality, announced that it will release its fiscal 2023 third quarter results after the market closes on Tuesday, January 24th, 2023.
www.agilysys.com
- INTELITY Announces Updated Strategic Partnership with Unifocus, Formerly Knowcross
INTELITY®, provider of hospitality’s leading guest experience and staff management platform, announced today an updated partnership with Unifocus, the global leader in hospitality operations software. Following recent revisions to Unifocus’s technology, the INTELITY integration is all new.
www.intelity.com unifocus.com
PEOPLE ON THE MOVE
- Uniguest Appoints Former President and COO Matt Goche to CEO Position
Uniguest, a global leader in digital engagement technology to multiple end markets, announced today important leadership changes, most notably the promotion of Matt Goche to chief executive officer from his role as chief operating officer, taking over responsibility from Jeff Hiscox following a highly successful six-year tenure.
www.uniguest.com
- Jack Blaha Named New CEO of Cendyn
Cendyn, a catalyst for digital transformation in the hospitality industry, today announced the appointment of Jack Blaha as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
www.cendyn.com
GUEST MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
- Elite Hotels of Sweden Standardises on Infor
Infor, an industry cloud company, announced that premium hotel operator Elite Hotels of Sweden has begun a project to standardise operations on Infor Hospitality Management Solution (HMS) and Infor Sales & Catering System (SCS).
www.infor.com
- Cloudbeds Wins Six 2023 HotelTechAwards, Solidifying Position as an Industry Leader
Cloudbeds has been recognized for the fifth consecutive year as one of the industry’s top technology providers by Hotel Tech Report, solidifying its position as a leading hospitality platform powering more reservations and happier guests for lodging businesses worldwide. The 2023 HotelTechAwards honors Cloudbeds with six total awards.
www.cloudbeds.com
- With Pace of Progress in Hospitality Slated to Move Onward and Upward, Maestro Presents Its PMS Roadmap for 2023
The leading provider of property-management systems for independent hotels is poised to meet the rising demand for cloud hosting, mobile tools, enhanced two-way texting, marketplace integrations, heightened security, and online gift carding in the new year.
www.maestropms.com
RESERVATIONS & DISTRIBUTION
- For The Sixth Year in a Row, Cendyn Named #1 CRS Provider by Hotel Tech Report
Cendyn, a catalyst for digital transformation in the hospitality industry, has secured the top award for “Best Central Reservations System” (CRS) at the 2023 Hotel Tech Awards. The win for the product in question — Pegasus CRS — marks Cendyn’s sixth in-succession victory in this category. Pegasus CRS has previously taken home the honor each year since 2018.
www.cendyn.com
- RezRecover Celebrates Record-Setting Year with Over $78M in Recovered Bookings for Hotels, 200+ New Implementations, and 143 New Properties
2022 was a landmark year of record-setting reservations recovered, new hotel clients, new technology advancements, and key strategic partnerships.
cartstack.com/rezrecover
- The Essex Resort and Spa Partners with Travel Outlook, The Premier Hotel Call Center, to Offer Its Guests Genuine Hospitality and a Friendly, Helpful Voice
Travel Outlook, The Premier Hotel Call Center™, is pleased to announce that The Essex Resort and Spa in Essex, Vermont has joined the group of exceptional hotels enjoying the premium Travel Outlook voice services.
www.traveloutlook.com
REVENUE MANAGEMENT AND ANALYTICS
- Data Visualization Powers Mandarin Oriental's BI Strategy
Leadership at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has teamed with Datavision to transition from Excel spreadsheets into more advanced Business Analytics, gaining a better understanding of their business and the data behind it.
www.datavisiontech.com
- Amadeus and Key Data Announce Business Intelligence Partnership
As travel trends continue to evolve, so have the lodging options available to travelers. From hotels to short-term rentals, travelers have more choices than ever. For hoteliers, property managers, and tourism organizations trying to understand what’s happening in their market and how they are performing against their competitive set, a full picture of accommodation bookings and air traffic is necessary to make accurate, data-driven revenue decisions.
www.amadeus.com
- IDeaS Expands European Presence
IDeaS, a world leading provider of revenue management software and services, announced today that it closed 2022 with a host of new clients. From luxury resorts to unique family-friendly campsites, IDeaS’ client wins encompass the breadth of accommodation offerings across Europe.
ideas.com
MARKETING
- HSMAI to Honor GCommerce Solutions with 6 Adrian Awards for Outstanding Travel Marketing
GCommerce Solutions will be honored for travel marketing excellence by the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) at the annual Adrian Awards Celebration at the JW Marriott LA Live on Thursday, February 23, 2023.
www.gcommercesolutions.com
- Sarova Hotels and Resorts, Kenya selects Cendyn’s streamlined technology ecosystem to power their CRM, Distribution, Corporate Sales, and Loyalty services
Cendyn, a catalyst for digital transformation in the hospitality industry, announces today that Sarova Hotels, Kenya’s leading independently owned hospitality group, has selected Cendyn to power CRM, distribution, corporate sales, and loyalty across their portfolio of Kenyan hotels and resorts.
www.cendyn.com
SALES & CATERING, GROUPS & MEETINGS
- SalesAndCatering.com Now Servicing Over 150 Management Companies Worldwide
SalesAndCatering.com has had a year defined by exciting additions to its growing client portfolio, which now includes over 150 management companies using the company’s flagship sales and catering solution, STS Cloud.
salesandcatering.com
- Pyramid Global Hospitality Extends Data Analytics Partnership with Knowland
Today, Knowland, the world’s leading provider of data-as-a-service insights on meetings and events for hospitality, announced that Pyramid Global Hospitality has expanded its long-standing relationship with Knowland, implementing the group data solution in additional properties and utilizing the platform across its Americas portfolio.
www.knowland.com
BACK OFFICE
- M3 Named Best Finance & Accounting Software for 3rd Consecutive Year in the 2023 HotelTechAwards
M3’s, Accounting Core solution has been named 2023’s #1 Finance & Accounting Software by Hotel Tech Report, and M3’s Labor Management solution has been named 2023’s #2 Scheduling and Labor Management Software.
www.m3as.com
- M3 Propelling Into 2023 As It Surpasses 7,500th Hotel Milestone
M3, one of the hospitality industry's leading cloud-based financial and data management platform, continues to propel its record growth and has exceeded 7,500 properties utilizing the platform throughout North America. M3 continues to expand its customer base and be a vital tool in the hospitality community with its services targeted to streamline and manage vital property operations.
www.m3as.com
FOOD & BEVERAGE
- Bluesun Hotels & Resorts Adopt Shiji’s Infrasys POS Systems Across all Their Hotel F&B Outlets
Shiji, a global hospitality innovator, has announced that its product Infrasys has gone live at all Bluesun Hotels at the Adriatic coast of Croatia. The Croatian-based hotel brand has selected Shiji to install over 100 POS workstations with Infrasys Cloud POS software and Shiji hardware at more than 20 properties of the brand.
www.shijigroup.com
- The Sagamore Hotel South Beach Celebrates the 20th Anniversary of Art Basel - Miami with Exceptional Guest Service Powered by Beachy Food & Beverage
Beachy, a leading provider of next-generation solutions and services for the country’s leading resorts, today announced that The Sagamore Hotel, South Beach successfully deployed its innovative mobile point-of-sale (POS) solution in time to welcome guests to the 20th anniversary of Art Basel – Miami.
www.beachyapp.com
HOSPITALITY EVENTS AND ASSOCIATION NEWS
- HFTP Announces 2023 Global Executive Committee and Board of Directors
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) has announced its 2023 Global Executive Committee and Board of Directors. The association leaders represent a wide variety of segments within the hospitality industry, including: clubs, academics, hotels, finance, technology and more.
www.hftp.org
- HFTP and AHLA Announce 10-year USALI Agreement
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals Association (HFTP) announced today a 10-year agreement to jointly produce the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry (USALI).
www.hftp.org
MARKET REPORTS
- Knowland Closes Recovery Data Reporting as Monthly Meeting Volume Exceeds 2019 for Second Month in a Row with December Reaching 103.1 Percent of Pre-Pandemic Events
Knowland, the world’s leading provider of data-as-a-service insights on meetings and events for hospitality, released its final U.S. monthly meetings and events data benchmarked against 2019, reporting December 2022 achieved 103.1 percent of December 2019 volume, exceeding monthly pre-pandemic levels for the second month in a row.
www.knowland.com
- Knowland and ConferenceDirect Release 2023 State of the Meetings Industry Report
Today, Knowland, the world’s leading provider of data-as-a-service insights on meetings and events for hospitality, and ConferenceDirect, a full-service global meetings solution company, announced the results of a survey entitled, 2023 State of the Meetings Industry. The collaboration reveals insights to help industry professionals understand what meeting planners and event managers expect and will prioritize in 2023.
www.knowland.com
PIQUED OUR INTEREST
- McDonald's Is Testing Its First Robot Restaurant with No Human Contact
- Hotels Are Still Too Slow to Adopt Tech Post-Pandemic
- Welcome to the Touch-Free Hotel
- Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and the Metaverse: Opportunities for Hospitality within the Next Tech-Revolution
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For more information on Piqued Our Interest for 1/13/2023
And now for the You-Know-What...
