How we find, manage, and retain top talent at revenue-managing hotels has changed dramatically since the big-data boom began. It's important that we continuously strive to provide ongoing education and support in this competitive job market. Blended learning approaches are key to accommodate varying levels of expertise, job roles, and employee age groups. On-demand, quick learning tools are especially relevant as high-turnover rates necessitate faster uptimes of skilled, productive employees. Beyond that, career trajectory and a clear pathway for upward mobility must also be considered to attract top performers. Properly training, maintaining, and elevating talent is essential to achieving an ongoing return on investment in your people, technology, and processes. READ MORE

Millennials are entering the workplace with the ideology that their tenacity and education would propel their professional career. They are being met, however, with some stark realities. In speaking to numerous millennial hospitality workers, it was apparent that there are some gaps between what they expected from the workplace versus what they are actually experiencing. These gaps are explored, and supplemented with direct quotes from millennial hospitality professionals. The millennial worker is a valuable resource to our industry, especially given the size of this young generation. It is important that industry professionals understand these misconceptions so as to maximize performance. READ MORE

What's possible when hoteliers reframe their approach and role within a design initiative? Here's a story about a historic property and ownership group that recommitted itself to its city through an immersive reinvention for both the hotel and its operations model. The results: a 15% uptick in occupancy and a whopping 282% increase in revenues associated with its restaurant and catering. We'll explore a few staff-to-guest connection strategies that evolved from this simple and cost-effective mind shift. Why this matters? We're in a new age where great design alone isn't enough to woo consumers. READ MORE

This article describes the redevelopment of historical buildings into new hotels. The design of hotels is especially suited to fit into older buildings which have lost their original purpose as the various functions of hotels are quite flexible and don't need to be the same all the time. The architect Dirk Lohan discusses the wonderful experiences travelers can have by staying at such hotels which have become quite ubiquitous. He features five unique historical hotels around the world and expresses the hope that this trend will continue to give the travelling public more choices for memorable experiences. READ MORE

Today's travelers are looking for engaging guest experiences that offer an authentic connection to the local community. For many national brands, this means designing unique hotel environments that feel rooted in each location. From the food they serve, to the art they display, to the entertainment they provide, we take a look at how hotel flags are infusing local influences into their designs to create one-of-a-kind experiences deeply-rooted in a sense of place. READ MORE