As states grapple with decisions and mandates around in-person gatherings, hotels across the nation have seen a major loss of revenue generated from conferences, trade shows, weddings, and other social events. Event planners have had to rethink their production strategies, while some have tried to pivot to virtual platforms. As restrictions ease the question remains on how to adapt to today's new world and move forward thoughtfully and carefully. READ MORE

Many older hotels in large cities are forced to invest in upgrades when new venues go up nearby at competitive price points. Now that COVID has impacted the sector as a major disruptor, those plans will almost certainly have to change. This article offers guidance for working with designers and architects to manage safety concerns, stay competitive, and finding appealing ways to re-imagine the hotel experience in the COVID era. READ MORE

Research in the hotel industry takes many forms. Sustainable systems and materials, enhanced security, life safety and marketing are all subjects where research is called for to advance each discipline. Marriott undertook an extensive research project in the process of inventing the Courtyard brand. In this article we review three research projects and the methodologies they employed to arrive at actionable results. READ MORE

Hotel brands are collaborating with architects and interior designers to rethink both existing and new-build projects to help shift human behavior, and the way hotel guests experience hospitality. The hotel lobby experience is undergoing a shift; once defined by socializing, lounging, and shared amenities, brands are strategizing how to safely maintain the guest connection to hospitable services, without compromising on community. READ MORE

The hospitality industry loses too much talented staff to other industries due to low pay, demanding hours, and inadequate support. The assumption is that the low pay, demanding hours, and inadequate support aren't enough of a detriment to drive them from an industry that they love. While that scenario is true for many, it means that we also lose too many people with incredible potential. READ MORE

Now, more than ever, the hospitality industry will need to capture global travelers and rewards members not previously accessible via internal sales & marketing efforts. Owners are looking to international brands to help bring them back to life; especially in emerging markets where local brands and independents all fight for market share. Valor Hospitality Founder & CEO Euan McGlashan, shares lessons for companies entering the global space. READ MORE

In an era characterized by the constant change in consumer behavior and decision making, as a result of several demographic and psychographic variables, revenue management is becoming critical to the success of a restaurateur. F&B professionals need to think beyond just Average Check and Labor Cost to Revenue Ratio, and explore additional indicators such as RevPASH and Unconstrained Demand Assessment. READ MORE

It's all about the guests. That's the thinking every hotel owner and hotel operator should have in mind all day, every day. COVID and the ensuing economic strife have made that more difficult. Hotels have pressed the pause button in a variety of ways, including capital improvements. At the same time, they are experiencing reduced occupancy rates. Their challenges are immense, but so are the opportunities. READ MORE

In the past few months alone, the pandemic has unleashed its new norm for us, forcing properties such as AC Hotel Washington DC Convention Center to adjust to these new beginnings as we open its doors. With concerts, events and conference meetings postponed and cancelled nationwide, it has caused a dramatic decrease in urban travel. It is up to us, as operators, to instill that confidence or we will continue to see weak demand. READ MORE

Since Cleopatra's reign, copper's antimicrobial talents have been protecting populations killing 99.9% of all bacteria it touches. What other piece of furniture or material can scientifically support such a claim? By incorporating copper products into the design of your spaces and sharing its story in your marketing, you will offer an extra level of confidence for today's safety conscious guests. READ MORE

The pandemic has accelerated a broader conversation about the importance of designing hospitality spaces that support visitor health and wellness. To stimulate the travel economy, hotel properties must step up to the plate with effective design solutions that make people feel comfortable and excited to book their stay. Here are six areas of hotel interiors that will see the biggest changes. READ MORE

Monika Moser, Regional Managing Director for Wilson Associates' New York, Paris, and London studios, offers her insight into the key role of architectural interior designers in a post COVID-19 world. She oversees three of the international firm's three offices and shares potential solutions for the evolving hospitality and food and beverage industry. READ MORE

When it comes to hotel design, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, brands need to embrace the new environment and to reimagine their futures. This article explores some of the biggest trends ahead, from conversions of meeting and banquet spaces to food and beverage options, also communal pantries and keyless entry, smaller studio spaces in lobbies and the transformation of hotel rooms into service apartments. READ MORE

A common misconception among many hoteliers is that investing in labor management when business is slow won't lead to solid ROIs. But in reality, sophisticated labor management systems leverage advanced technology and artificial intelligence to produce results far greater than any manual process can. Amidst record low occupancy levels and ongoing volatility caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, now is the time for hospitality organizations to re-examine this option. READ MORE

Building back a better Humpty Dumpty requires design and branding in the broadest sense of the words. Design as we think of it these days is more than the development of the interior design of the project. Today, design includes a selection of a vast array of amenities and systems requiring a deep understanding of how the guest will relate to the facility in order to experience the brand as intended. READ MORE