LODGING On Demand interviews give hospitality leaders an opportunity to talk through pressing issues in the industry. Subscribe to LODGING On Demand on YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify.
For sponsorship opportunities, please contact LODGING’s Sales Rep Holly Kaye.
Episode 56:
Industry Outlook for 2025
In this episode Lodging Editor-in-Chief Dennis Nessler discusses what to expect in 2025 from an industry perspective with Eric Jacobs, chief global growth officer, Aimbridge Hospitality, and Michael Blank, principal, Woodmont Lodging. The veteran duo offer their projections on what they expect to drive growth in the year ahead, as well as how recent economic and political events continue to shape current conditions. | LISTEN
Episode 55:
Dissecting the Deal
December 7, 2024 | In this episode Lodging Editor-in-Chief Dennis Nessler meets with Joseph Bojanowski, President of PM Hotel Group and Kirk Peterson, President of Sightline Hospitality to discuss the recent merger between the two Companies. The company leaders explain how the deal came together and detail some of the potential benefits. The discussion also provides some color on how the newly merged companies will be integrated together in the coming weeks and months. | LISTEN
Episode 54:
Emphasis on Extended Stay
November 19, 2024 | In this episode Lodging Editor-in-Chief Dennis Nessler discusses ESLA’s upcoming Extended Stay Development & Operations Workshop Series with Doug Artusio of the Extended Stay Lodging Association and Dellisart, LLC; Cindy Estis Green of Kalibri Labs; and Matt Hostetler, chief development officer at Red Roof. The trio of hospitality executives detail what they see as some of the key differentiators for the event as well as the value proposition for attendees. | LISTEN
Episode 53:
Assessing the Recent Rate Cut
October 2, 2024 | Lodging Editor-in-Chief Dennis Nessler discusses the recent interest rate cuts with Brian Quinn (Chief Development Officer, Sonesta International Hotels Corporation) and Tim Muir (Chief Development Officer, TPG Hotels & Resorts) and their potential impact on transactions. The development veterans also address new build activity and what they see ahead for the rest of the year and for ’25. | LISTEN
Episode 52:
Strategies in Sustainability
Sponsored by Entegra
August 27, 2024 | In this episode of LODGING On Demand, Editor-in-Chief Dennis Nessler sits down with Monika Nessbach, Principal & Chief Creative Officer at DESIGNBAR and Peter Mack, Founder & CEO of Collective Retreats on some of the latest trends, best practices, and strategies in sustainability within both traditional hotels and nature-based properties. The duo also discusses how the U.S. lodging industry has fared relative to other countries and where those efforts can be enhanced going forward. | LISTEN
Episode 51:
2024 Second-Half Outlook
Sponsored by Cintas
July 29, 2024 | In this episode Lodging Editor-in-Chief Dennis Nessler talks with a trio of hotel industry veterans about their outlook on the lodging industry for the second half of ’24, as well as current industry conditions. Isaac Collazo, VP, analytics, STR; Charles Oswald, president/CEO, Aperture Hotels; Kerry Ranson, president, operations, Raines discuss a range of topics, including economic and geopolitical issues, interest rates and group business trends. | LISTEN
Episode 50:
Transaction Talk
Sponsored by Entegra
June 20, 2024 | In this episode Lodging Editor-in-Chief Dennis Nessler discusses current transaction activity within the lodging landscape and the economic factors that are impacting deals with Kevin Davis and Dan Lesser. The finance veterans also offer their projections on what they expect to drive deal activity heading into the second half of 2024 and into 2025. | LISTEN
Episode 49:
View From the C-Suite with Craig Smith
Sponsored by Entegra
May 31, 2024 | In this episode Lodging Editor-in-Chief Dennis Nessler discusses the third-party hotel management landscape with newly appointed Aimbridge CEO Craig Smith. The industry veteran—whose resume includes a lengthy tenure with Marriott International—also details the recent reorganization he spearheaded, the company’s operating ethos, and its prospects for growth going forward. | LISTEN
Episode 48:
Operating Strategies
Sponsored by Entegra
May 2, 2024 | In this episode Lodging Editor-in-Chief Dennis Nessler discusses the hotel management landscape with a pair of long-time hotel executives. Tom Luersen, president, CoralTree Hospitality; James Hansen, chief development officer, OTH Hotels & Resorts, discuss a number of factors impacting operations such as rate management, technology upgrades and creating the right culture. | LISTEN
Episode 47:
Supply Chain Challenges
Sponsored by Entegra
March 28, 2024 | In this episode Lodging Editor-in-Chief Dennis Nessler discusses some of the current supply chain challenges with a pair of operations executives from prominent industry management firms. Jason LaBarge of SVP at Raines and Tom Sprankle, VP of Operations at Twenty Four Seven Hotels. The discussion details best practices and strategies for operators to source product efficiently for various renovation and new construction projects. | LISTEN
Episode 46:
2024 Outlook for the Lodging Industry
Sponsored by Entegra
January 4, 2024 | In this episode, LODGING Editor-in-Chief Dennis Nessler brings together three long-time research experts to discuss their projections for the year ahead. The panel weighs in on key industry fundamentals, current economic conditions, and the hotel pipeline within the U.S., among other things. Participants: Amanda Hite, President, STR, Rachael Rothman, Head of Hotels Research & Data Analytics, CBRE, and JP Ford, SVP, Lodging Econometrics | LISTEN
Episode 45:
10 Minutes with Gary Gray
December 10, 2023 | In this episode Lodging Editor-in-Chief, Dennis Nessler sits down with Gary Gray, chief investment officer, Twenty Four Seven Hotels. Gray weighs in on a handful of key industry issues—such as labor, rising interest rates and development challenges—while detailing some of the strategies that have helped Twenty Four Seven carve its niche within the third-party management ranks. | LISTEN
Episode 44:
An Inside Look at the Lodging Industry’s Big Events
Sponsored by Entegra
November 10, 2023 | In this episode Lodging Editor-in-Chief Dennis Nessler catches up with leaders from three of the hospitality industry’s largest and longest-standing events to discuss the current state of business travel. The trio also address some of their respective experiences during COVID and how they navigated the challenges of reduced business travel, as well as some of their projections for the industry going forward. Participants: Jeff Higley, President, The BHN Group (ALIS Conference) Lee Hunter, Chairman, Hunter Hotel Conference, and Brent Tinter, VP of Sponsorships & Logistics, The Lodging Conference | LISTEN
Episode 43:
Assessing The Lodging Labor Landscape
Sponsored by LGC
October 30, 2023 | In this episode Lodging Editor-in-Chief, Dennis Nessler catches up with Glen Greenawalt to discuss the ongoing labor crisis in the lodging industry, and some of the potential staffing solutions that are available. Greenawalt also discusses some of the macroeconomic challenges that exist and are likely to impact the overall labor situation in the months ahead. | LISTEN
Episode 42:
TECH TALK: The Power of New Platforms
Sponsored by Hotel Key
September 29, 2023 | In this episode Lodging Editor-in-Chief, Dennis Nessler catches up with Aditya Thyagarajan of Hotel Key to discuss a number of key hotel technology trends and services. Thyagarajan emphasizes the importance of the integration of various tech platforms to work together, the movement to cloud-based products, and the increased ease of use within many technology offerings. | LISTEN
Episode 41:
LIVE with Ryan Rivett of My Place Hotels
September 25, 2023 | Ryan Rivett, president and CEO, My Place Hotels, sits down with LODGING Editor-in-chief Dennis Nessler during the recent Lodging Conference. Rivett details the company’s growth prospects, the current competitive landscape in the extended-stay segment, and some unique points of differentiation for My Place. | LISTEN
Episode 40:
LIVE with David Pepper of Choice Hotels
September 25, 2023 | LODGING Editor-in-chief Dennis Nessler catches up with David Pepper, chief development officer, Choice Hotels International, during the recent Lodging Conference for a brief one-on-one interview. Pepper discusses the ongoing integration of Radisson within the company, its extended-stay portfolio, and the power of the Choice family of brands and loyalty program. | LISTEN
SPECIAL EPISODE:
Lodging Virtual Roundtable – Prioritizing Profitability
Sponsored by Entegra
LODGING Magazine recently hosted a virtual roundtable discussion with a number of leading owner/operators, as well as a prominent procurement firm. Entitled “Prioritizing Profitability,” these hospitality executives discuss a wide range of topics from the importance of driving rate and leveraging scale to managing labor and supply chain challenges. | LISTEN
Episode 39:
10 Minutes with Marriott’s Anthony Capuano
August 21, 2023 | In this episode Lodging Editor-in-Chief, Dennis Nessler spends 10 minutes with Anthony Capuano, president and CEO of Marriott International, to discuss several key hospitality issues, such as the need for immigration reform, current industry fundamentals, and his overall outlook for ’24. Capuano also details Marriott’s new extended-stay brand StudioRes and offers his perspective on the company’s recent licensing agreement with MGM Resorts. | LISTEN
Episode 38:
10 Minutes with Alex Kirkwood
June 22, 2023 | In this episode Lodging Editor-in-Chief, Dennis Nessler spends 10 minutes with Alex Kirkwood, CEO of the Kirkwood Collection to discuss a handful of industry issues such as driving rate, managing the labor crisis and the current economic headwinds. Kirkwood also chronicles the continued expansion of his company’s luxury boutique brand throughout California and reveals some aggressive growth plans for the future. | LISTEN
Episode 37:
Operational Efficiency
April 13, 2023 | Robert Stevenson, CEO, Intelity, sits down with LODGING editor-in-chief Dennis Nessler to discuss some of the top operational challenges for hotel owners and operators. Stevenson also details ways to enhance the guest experience, as well as reducing labor-related costs, through a robust technology platform. This episode was brought to you by Intelity. | LISTEN
Episode 36:
Tech Talk – Cleaning Up with Robotics
March 13, 2023 | Kass Dawson, vp, brand strategy and marketing, SoftBank Robotics America, and Michael Case, general manager, Marriott Denver Tech Center, join LODGING to discuss the increased role of robotic and automation technology in hospitality. The pair discuss everything from collaborative robotics to the implementation and return on investment for hoteliers with regards to robotic solutions. This episode was brought to you by SoftBank Robotics America | LISTEN
Episode 35:
One-on-One with Sloan Dean
February 17, 2023 | Sloan Dean of Remington Hotels joins Dennis Nessler, Editor-in-Chief, LODGING, to discuss some of the leading industry issues and trends. From the popularity of the ‘bleisure’ movement to rising construction costs, Dean shares his insights and perspectives while providing an update on Remington. LISTEN
Episode 34:
SPECIAL REPORT with Chip Rogers
February 8, 2023 | In this special report, LODGING Editor-in-Chief Dennis Nessler catches up with AHLA President and CEO Chip Rogers to discuss the issue of human trafficking as the Super Bowl approaches. Rogers emphasizes the importance of increasing awareness, employee training and a recent fund generated for survivors, all aimed at helping the industry take the lead on fighting human trafficking throughout the U.S. LISTEN
Episode 33:
One-on-One with Bob Habeeb
January 17, 2023 | Lodging Editor-in-Chief Dennis Nessler catches up with Robert Habeeb, CEO of Maverick Hotels & Restaurants, to get his thoughts on a number of key industry issues such as current macroeconomic challenges, the growing ‘bleisure’ trend and the ongoing labor crisis. Habeeb also shares details on the continued growth of Maverick as an operator and how the company’s unique post-pandemic culture has positioned them for success. LISTEN
E
pisode 32:
One-on-One with Kerry Ranson
January 3, 2023 | In this episode LODGING editor-in-chief Dennis Nessler caught up with Kerry Ranson, CEO of HP Hotels, to discuss the company’s recent performance, outlook for the future and a host of other industry related issues. Ranson also reveals some growth opportunities for the third-party management, including a potentially significant transaction in the coming months. LISTEN
Episode 31:
One-on-One with Chris Green
December 12, 2022 | Lodging Editor-in-Chief Dennis Nessler sits down with Chris Green—the newly named President of Remington Hotels—to discuss the state of the Dallas-based third-party management company. During the discussion, Green offers his reaction to the recent promotion from divisional president, as well as the ongoing integration of Chesapeake Hospitality and the unique culture of the combined companies. Green also offers some brief thoughts on a number of critical areas impacting the lodging industry ranging from labor challenges and wage growth to the current transactions market and the impact of the home sharing platform on hospitality. LISTEN
Episode 30:
Budgeting Trends and Best Practices
In this episode, LODGING editor George Seli speaks with Charlestown Hotels Chief Revenue Officer Johnathan Capps on trends and best practices in post-pandemic budgeting. Focusing on revenue team forecasting and expenses related to sales, marketing, IT, and other areas. LISTEN
Episode 29:
Preparing Hotels for Summer Travel
In this episode, LODGING Editor Christine Killion spoke with Scott Neslage, Director of Lodging Operations, The Indigo Road Hospitality Group, and John Kattato, Senior Vice President, Essex Hotel Management, about their expectations for the 2022 summer travel season and how they are preparing as hotel operators to make the most of guest demand, optimize rate, and mitigate the effects of the latest challenges facing the industry. LISTEN
Episode 28:
Mitigating Labor Challenges
LODGING Editor Christine Killion spoke with UniFocus Founder and Board Director Mark Heymann and CEO Moneesh Arora about how hoteliers can mitigate today’s labor challenges by adjusting their strategies and incorporating technology. LISTEN
Episode 27:
The Post-COVID Housekeeping Model
LODGING Editor Christine Killion spoke with Del Ross, Chief Revenue Officer, Hotel Effectiveness, about the pandemic’s impact on the hotel housekeeping model and how technology is further evolving the ways in which hoteliers staff housekeeping departments and service rooms. LISTEN
Episode 26:
Holiday Travel Trends
Brought to you by: HBO
The holiday travel season is fast approaching and hoteliers are preparing to welcome travelers looking to get back out on the road to see friends and family and fit in end-of-the-year trips. In this episode, LODGING Editor Christine Killion spoke with Jason Fudin, co-founder and CEO of WhyHotel, about the booking trends he’s seeing as 2022 approaches, how his company is preparing for holiday travelers, and the opportunities he sees for the industry during this upcoming season and beyond. Brought to you by HBO. LISTEN
Episode 25:
Optimizing Pricing Post-Pandemic
Brought to you by: Duetto
LODGING‘s Associate Editor Robin McLaughlin spoke with David Woolenberg, CEO of Duetto, and John Elston, chief revenue officer for Soul Community Planet, about the pressing challenges hoteliers are facing today and how rolling out the right revenue management system can help them quickly adapt to the changing environment and price rooms appropriately considering staffing issues and guest expectations—meeting the influx of demand head-on. Brought to you by Duetto. LISTEN
Episode 24:
Shifting Demand Trends in the U.S.
In this episode, LODGING Editor Christine Killion spoke with Marisa Brooks, Regional Director of Revenue Management at Spire Hospitality, and Roy Madhok, Vice President of Revenue Management at Real Hospitality Group, about what markets they expect will outperform this summer and beyond, and how demand is shifting in the U.S. amid the current pandemic environment. LISTEN
Episode 23:
Navigating Hotel Staffing Challenges
In this episode, LODGING Editor Christine Killion spoke with Doug Tutt, CEO of Hcareers, and Tammy Gillis, founder and CEO of Gillis, about the current staffing challenges that hotel owners and operators are facing as travel demand heats up and strategies to help hoteliers attract, hire, and retain candidates. LISTEN
Episode 22:
Revisiting COVID’s Impact on Meetings and Groups
LODGING Editor Kate Hughes speaks with Ginny Morrison, VP of Sales & Marketing for Spire Hospitality, Tom Poehailos, SVP of Operations for Hotel Equities, and Josh Nowak, Director of Sales & Marketing for Interstate Hotels & Resorts, about how group business has evolved eight months into the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. LISTEN
Episode 21:
PMS: A Central Tool as Hoteliers Navigate the Recovery
Brought to you by: RMS
In this episode of LODGING On Demand, brought to you by RMS, LODGING Editor Kate Hughes speaks with Victor Vesnaver, Global Chief of the Hotel Business Unit at RMS, about how property management systems are helping hoteliers adapt to a new normal and drive success in the current COVID environment. LISTEN
Episode 20:
COVID’s Impact on Hotels Around the World
LODGING Editor Kate Hughes speaks with Deepak Ohri, CEO of Bangkok-based lebua Hotels & Resorts, and Rick Winn, president of Michigan-based AHC Hospitality, about COVID-19’s impact on hotels around the world. LISTEN
Episode 19:
Positioning Your Hotel for Recovery
Since COVID-19 upended the hotel industry more than five months ago, hoteliers have had to adjust their plans over and over—all while preparing for recovery. LODGING Editor Kate Hughes speaks with Chris Russell, CEO of Spire Hospitality, and Michael Cady, VP of Marketing for Charlestowne Hotels, about how they’ve adapted and positioned themselves for recovery. LISTEN
Episode 18:
Navigating Commercial Real Estate Bankruptcy
Brought to you by: Robbins, Salomon & Patt
As the COVID-19 crisis continues, hoteliers are having to make difficult decisions about their properties, including considering whether bankruptcy makes sense. Steve Jakubowski, shareholder at Robbins, Salomon & Patt, LTD., joins LODGING Editor Kate Hughes to discuss key issues facing parties in a distressed hotel situation, and what hoteliers should keep in mind as they plan their financial futures. LISTEN
Episode 17:
Re-onboarding Staff After the Pandemic
Many hotels are starting to bring back furloughed staff. LODGING Editor Kate Hughes spoke with Agnelo Fernandes, chief strategy officer of Terranea, and Sloan Dean, CEO of Remington, about what hoteliers should keep in mind when bringing team members back on board after a furlough. LISTEN
Episode 16:
Marketing in a Post-COVID Hotel Industry
Hotels are starting to ramp back up for the summer travel season, but hoteliers looking to promote their properties are facing a new marketing landscape. LODGING Editor Kate Hughes discussed marketing in a post-COVID hotel industry with Sheila Schottland, vice president of brand marketing at Wyndham; Deb Gabor, marketing specialist and author of two books on brand loyalty, Branding is Sex and Irrational Loyalty; and Emily Dille, director of marketing for Classic Hotels & Resorts. LISTEN
Episode 15:
Getting Leisure Travel Back on Track
The summer travel season has officially begun. In the lead-up to Memorial Day weekend, LODGING Editor Kate Hughes connected with Tamara Baldanza-Dekker, CMO at Margaritaville, Gary Gray, Chief Investment Officer at Twenty Four Seven Hotels, and Mark Williams, CEO of Coakley Williams Hotel Management Co., to talk about how the hotel industry is ramping back up for summer leisure travelers. LISTEN
Episode 14:
Building During a Pandemic
Aakash Patel, Chief Development Officer of The Witness Group, and Larry Spelts, Partner and President of the Lodging & Lifestyle Adventures Division of The Indigo Road, join LODGING Editor Kate Hughes to discuss how hotels’ approach to renovation and construction has changed in light of COVID-19. LISTEN
Episode 13:
Post-COVID Cleaning — How the Hotel Industry Will Change
LODGING Editor Kate Hughes speaks with Adria Levtchenko, CEO of PurpleCloud Technologies, Tim Heim, Area GM of Focus Hospitality, and Phil Cordell, SVP and Global Head of New Brand Development for Hilton, about how the hotel industry’s approach to cleanliness will change post-COVID-19. LISTEN
Episode 12:
Getting Groups Back on the Books
Brent Jackson, president of Jackson Hotel Management, and Ashley Asher, director of sales for Columbia Hospitality, joined LODGING Editor Kate Hughes to talk about what hotels should do when rescheduling groups that canceled or postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. LISTEN
Episode 11:
Virtual Town Hall With Radisson Hotels and RLH Corporation
In this special edition of LODGING on Demand, Aly El-Bassuni, Americas COO of Radisson Hotels, and John Russell, Interim CEO of RLH Corporation, join LODGING Editor Kate Hughes for a virtual town hall to answer questions previously submitted by LODGING readers. If you have a question for a future virtual town hall, email editor@lodgingmagazine.com. LISTEN
Episode 10:
Staying on the Payroll During the COVID-19 Outbreak
LODGING Editor Kate Hughes speaks with hospitality leaders about the steps they’ve taken to ensure their employees are kept on the payroll during the COVID-19 crisis, including flexing staff roles to meet the needs of this unique time. Panelists include Michael Williams, EVP and COO of The Lodge and Spa at Brush Creek Ranch, Kerry Ranson, Chief Development Officer at HP Hotels, Lisa Lombardo, Chief People and Culture Officer at HGD Hotels, and Nicole Painter, Director of Human Resources at O’Reilly Hospitality Management, LLC. LISTEN
Episode 9:
Considerations for Boutique Hotels
LODGING Editor Kate Hughes speaks with Ariela Kiradjian, Partner and COO of Boutique Lifestyle Leaders Association (BLLA), Fran Kiradjian, Founder and CEO of BLLA, and Jonathan Newbury, SVP of Strategic Development for Preferred Hotels & Resorts, about the unique challenges facing boutique and independent hoteliers during the COVID-19 crisis. LISTEN
Episode 8:
Crisis Comms and COVID-19
In this episode of LODGING On Demand, LODGING Editor Kate Hughes speaks with Brendan Griffith, Senior Vice President and Milwaukee Office General Manager at Reputation Partners, and Mark Natale, CEO of Smarthinking Inc., about crisis comms and COVID-19. LISTEN
Episode 7:
How Hoteliers Can Cut Costs During COVID-19
This episode of LODGING On Demand examines what hoteliers can do to cut costs during the COVID-19 crisis. LODGING Editor Kate Hughes speaks with Wayne West III, president of Newport Hospitality Group and chair of the IHG Owners Association; Brad Rahinsky, president and CEO of Hotel Equities; and Bob Rauch, chairman and CEO of RAR Hospitality, about steps hoteliers can take to save money during the coronavirus pandemic. LISTEN
Episode 6:
COVID-19 Insurance Primer
In this episode of LODGING On Demand, LODGING Editor Kate Hughes speaks with insurance experts Steve Figlin, SVP of Young Adjustment Company, and Jay Levin, principal at Offit Kurman, about the impact of COVID-19 on this sector and what hoteliers need to know about insurance coverage. LISTEN
Episode 5:
Hotel Industry Weighs in on COVID-19 Stimulus Plan
LODGING Editor Kate Hughes leads a discussion on the $2.2 trillion stimulus package signed into law on March 27 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic with panelists John Fareed, managing director of Horwath HTL, Michael Sonnabend, managing member of PMZ Realty Capital, and Jerry Cataldo, president and CEO of Hostmark Hospitality Group. LISTEN
Episode 4:
Alternate Uses for Hotels During COVID-19
LODGING Editor Kate Hughes discusses alternate uses for hotels during the COVID-19 pandemic with Stephen Nass, director of sales and marketing at The Bostonian Boston, and Rich Castle, co-founder, president, and COO of Cloudbeds. LISTEN
Episode 3:
What to Do If You Have to Furlough Employees
LODGING Editor Kate Hughes discusses what hoteliers should keep in mind when furloughing employees during the COVID-19 pandemic with Steven Ludwig, Partner at Fox Rothschild LLP; Abigail Larimer, Attorney at Morris, Manning & Martin LLP; and Vinay Patel, AAHOA Treasurer and President & CEO of Fairbrook Hotels. LISTEN
Episode 2:
SBA Loans and COVID-19
In Episode 2 of LODGING On Demand, LODGING Editor Kate Hughes discusses with industry experts SBA loans and financing options for hoteliers during COVID-19. Panelists include Brock Blake, CEO of Lendio; Harry Spirides, President of Spirides Hospitality Finance Co.; and Dan Weede, Hospitality Attorney at Carlton Fields. LISTEN
Episode 1:
Hoteliers Respond to COVID-19
In this inaugural episode of LODGING On Demand, Kate Hughes, editor of LODGING, discusses how hoteliers are responding to the COVID-19 outbreak with Mike Marshall, president and CEO of Marshall Hotels & Resorts, and Dan Lesser, president and CEO of LWHA. LISTEN
