No Vacancy With Glenn Haussman

Join Glenn and Craig for a “hilarious” and laid-back episode of Friday Night Audit, our Happy Hour Comedy Podcast! This week, we’re thrilled to welcome Michael Koch from the Michael Koch Group, a first-time guest who brings a wealth of experience and a great sense of humor. Grab your favorite drink and get ready for some real-time networking, funny stories, engaging conversations, and not so good one liners.

Designer Paul Bishop shares his expertise on creating unforgettable hospitality experiences. From his work in Dubai's iconic developments to his latest projects, Paul discusses the power of design in shaping memorable guest journeys. Discover how he blends creativity, functionality, and storytelling to craft unique and captivating spaces. Learn about the latest trends in hotel design, the importance of immersive experiences, and the challenges and opportunities in the evolving hospitality landscape. Main Points: The role of design in creating memorable hospitality experiences Insights into Paul Bishop's career and work in Dubai and beyond The importance of balancing functionality and aesthetics The impact of immersive experiences on guest satisfaction Trends and challenges in the contemporary hospitality design landscape #hospitalitydesign #hoteldesign #designinspiration #travel #tourism #hospitality #interiordesign #experienceeconomy #innovation #creativity #Dubai #designthinking

Join us in this insightful episode as we dive into the fascinating journey of Paul Novak, a seasoned hotel industry veteran with over 54 years of experience. Paul shares his story, from his early days in hotel development to his involvement with the extended stay segment, including his experiences with iconic brands like Marriott, Residence Inn, and Woodspring Suites. Discover the secrets behind his success, the challenges he faced, and the discipline required to thrive in the ever-evolving hospitality landscape. Whether you're a seasoned hotelier or just starting out, this episode offers valuable lessons and inspiration for anyone interested in the hotel industry. Main Points: Paul Novak’s extensive 54-year career in hotel development. His pivotal role in the growth of extended stay brands like Residence Inn and Woodspring Suites. Insights into the extended stay segment's potential and challenges. The importance of discipline in maintaining a successful extended stay model. The evolving landscape of hotel i

Jeff Thomas is VP of Marketing at My Place Hotels. We chatted about the unique marketing strategies required for extended-stay hotels. Recorded during the My Place Hotels Annual Conference, this episode covers: • How My Place leverages its brand website and OTAs to attract long-term guests. • The importance of storytelling in creating an emotional connection with potential guests.  • New technologies like virtual tours to enhance customer online experiences. • Insights on marketing to construction crews, nursing teams, and corporate contracts. • Collaboration between marketing and national sales teams to capture high-value guests. • Upcoming innovations and distribution channels at My Place Hotels. Tune in for an in-depth look at how to market extended stays in today’s competitive hospitality environment!

Ryan Rivett, is not just a CEO but the driving force behind My Place Hotels. We discuss discuss the incredible growth and vision of the brand. From the company's 6th convention to the introduction of "My Place 3.0" and the future of the conversion brand Trend, Ryan talks about the company's unique approach to blazing new trails, how they are empowering the next generation of leaders, and the importance of partnerships and delegation. Main Points: Growth and excitement at the 6th My Place Hotels convention Introduction of "My Place 3.0" and its new prototype Expansion with franchisees and properties The launch of the Trend conversion brand Emphasis on leadership, partnerships, and delegation within the company Future opportunities in new construction and acquisitions Impact of the upcoming presidential election on the industry

Irene Roberts, VP of Loyalty at My Place Hotels of America, and I are kicking off the My Place 2024 Conference in Tucson. We discuss the significance of guest loyalty in the hospitality industry, particularly in the economy sector. Irene shares how My Place Hotels’ loyalty program, Stay Rewarded, enhances the guest experience by offering immediate rewards for long-term stays. We also discuss the challenges of encouraging hotel participation, the program’s success with over 310,000 members, and future growth strategies. *Importance of guest loyalty in the economy sector *Overview of the My Place Hotels' loyalty program, Stay Rewarded  *Benefits of immediate rewards for long-term guests  *Strategies for encouraging hotel participation in loyalty programs 

Mike Stengel is back and he brings the new GM for the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center to talk about all the amazing things happening with this project.

Grab your favorite drink and join the barely tolerable duo of Glenn Haussman and Craig Sullivan for the 150th episode of Friday Night Audit! This podcast, which somehow made it this far, is like hanging out at a bar after a hotel conference—if that bar had a low cover charge and no dress code. In this very 'special' episode, Bruce Ford, CJ Arlotta, Producer Dave, Dr. Producer Suzanne and more join for the usual mix of questionable humor, half-baked industry insights, and the kind of banter that makes you wonder, "Why am I still listening?" But hey, it’s a milestone! So, tune in for the unexpected, the unplanned, and maybe even a few useful tidbits about hospitality trends—if we’re smart enough to tink of any. Perfect for hoteliers, industry insiders, and anyone who enjoys a good laugh, we're celebrating mediocrity with Glenn, Craig and maybe Producer Dave as they reflect on how they got this far without getting banned from the internet.

Ignore vegans at your peril!!! Today we discuss the vegan cuisine trend in the hospitality industry. Meredith Marin, CEO of Vegan Hospitality, shares insights on how hotels can boost profitability and enhance sustainability by offering plant-based menu options. Learn about the importance of menu engineering, overcoming guest hesitations, and creating a seamless dining experience for all guests. Key Points: The rise of vegan cuisine as a profitable and sustainable trend in hospitality. How Resorts World in Las Vegas set a precedent with its plant-based restaurant, Crossroads Kitchen. The connection between sustainability and plant-based food, focusing on lower carbon emissions. Strategies for integrating vegan options into existing menus without compromising on taste or guest experience. The importance of training staff to understand and effectively communicate vegan options. How offering plant-based dishes can attract a wider audience, including traditional meat eaters. Overcoming the "veto vote" where one v

It’s RFP (Request for Proposal) season! Cesar Wurm, VP of Commercial and Premium Brands at IHG Hotels & Resorts joins us to explore crucial topics you need to know to maximize success with group business.   Main Points: Understanding RFP Season: What it is, why it matters, and how it impacts the hospitality industry.   Market Projections: Cesar discusses the anticipated 2-3% growth in the coming year and the factors influencing these projections.   Customer Sentiment: How the general sentiment in the hospitality industry is surprisingly positive despite economic uncertainties.   Impact of Work-from-Home: The role hybrid work models play in driving group business and the demand for meeting spaces in hotels.   Evolution of RFP Processes: A look at how RFPs have evolved from static to dynamic pricing models and the importance of total revenue yield management.   Sustainability and Well-being: Increasing focus on sustainability, well-being, and how these factors are becoming critical in RFP considerations.  

We're getting ready for an end of summer blast here on FNA and we're joined by Alex Coury, CEO and Founder at Coury Consulting, who's better at impersonating celebrities than Glenn is impersonating a podcaster.

The ultimate guide to extended stay with Glenn McFarland, VP at Choice Hotels’ Extended Stay brand, and co-host Matt McElhare, VP and Segment Lead at Choice Hotels International. We’re digging into the unique opportunities within the extended stay segment, sharing valuable lessons from industry pioneer the late Jack DeBoer, and discussing how to achieve success in this growing market. Whether you're a seasoned hotel investor or new to the space, this episode offers essential advice on maximizing returns, understanding guest needs, and maintaining operational discipline.  Learn: • The importance of understanding the extended stay segment, with insights from industry icon Jack DeBoer. • The significance of maintaining operational discipline and avoiding unnecessary costs.  • Real-life examples of how extended stay hotels can make a difference in guests’ lives.  • The role of professional management companies to ensure property success.  • Strategies for investors determining the right type of extended stay prod

It’s back to school week here for me as I’ve got two kids off to college. So I spoke with Rachael Hood, Senior Editor of Travel at US News & World Report, who just named the 20 Best College Town Hotels to see what it takes to be a top college town in 2024. With a focus on location, traveler reviews, and real customer experiences, Rachael shares what makes these hotels stand out.  Key discussion points include: Top College Town Hotels: Highlighting the best hotels near major universities, including Dartmouth and Cornell.  University-Owned Hotels: The growing trend of colleges investing in campus hotels for guests and business visitors. Traveler Reviews and Insights: How customer experiences shaped the rankings. Planning Tips: Advice for booking during peak times, like football games.   Read the full article here: https://travel.usnews.com/features/best-college-town-hotels   

Wayne Tabor may be a hotelier, but we love he's also on a competition BBQ team in his home town of Memphis. Grab a drink and join us for some happy hour laughs and BBQ techniques and tipos.

Shane Green, Founder and President of SGEi, talks about how to inspire people and companies to move beyond the mundane and out of status quo to exceed the expectations of their employees and customers. What are ways that organizations can attract the right talent, retain that talent, and wow the customer?

I caught up with Dina Belon, President of Staypineapple Hotels Inc. during the Southern Lodging Summit, where she shared insights on optimizing hospitality operations through implementing cutting-edge technology and personalized guest experiences. Key highlights include: Optimizing Tech Stacks: Insights into Staypineapple’s recent tech stack overhaul and the challenges of integration. Personalized Guest Experiences: How Staypineapple uses data to create hyper-personalized services, enhancing guest satisfaction. Business Intelligence: The role of AI and data in understanding market trends and outperforming competitors.  Nimble Operations: The importance of flexibility and smart decision-making in the evolving hospitality landscape.

Discover the secrets behind the success of LivAway Suites, an innovative upscale economy extended stay hotel. In this episode, COO Kevin Dailey and I explore the brand's unique approach to guest experience, technology integration, and property design. Learn how LivAway Suites is redefining the extended stay market with its focus on essential amenities, efficient operations, and strategic expansion plans. From check-in kiosks to smart parcel lockers, this episode reveals the cutting-edge features defining LivAway Suites.  Main Points:  • Introduction to LivAway Suites, an upscale economy extended stay hotel • Focus on guest needs over wants  • Technology integration for enhanced guest experience and operational efficiency  • Unique property design and layout for optimal guest comfort • Expansion plans and franchising strategy 

We discuss current trends and challenges in the hospitality industry with Mitch Patel, CEO of Vision Hospitality Group, focusing on the rise of extended stay hotels, innovative development strategies, and the importance of creating memorable guest experiences. Mitch shares his expertise on: Extended Stay Success: Why extended stay properties have become a "darling" of the industry, and how Vision Hospitality has leveraged this trend. Development Challenges: Navigating construction cost volatility, labor shortages, and high interest rates in today's hotel development landscape.  Lifestyle Select Service Hotels: The growing popularity of lifestyle select service hotels, combining boutique elements with efficient business models.  Experiential Design: How hotels are prioritizing memorable guest experiences, from room design to public space activation.  Profitability Beyond Room Rates: Innovative strategies to boost profit per available customer through food and beverage, rooftop bars, and more. This episode offe

Scott Stevens, of HREC, and Glenn Bisping, Director of Franchise Services at Extended Stay America (ESA) on why major hotel brands are entering the extended stay segment, how the market has evolved, and why it's attracting investors.  Discover the benefits of partnering with brokers for hotel investments, how to navigate current lending challenges, and what to watch out for when investing in extended stay properties. Please visit our sponsor, HREC at www.HREC.com and learn more about ESLA at ESLA.org. Key Highlights: •    Extended Stay America’s success and its focus on long-term profitability •    Insights into the growing interest from major hotel brands in extended stay segments •    The role of brokers in helping investors find and purchase profitable hotel assets •    Understanding market demand and key drivers for extended stay investments •    The importance of partnerships between franchisors, brokers, and investors •    How financing and market trends affect the extended stay sector #ExtendedStayHote

Glenn and Chirag Shah, American Hotel & Lodging Association's EVP, Federal and Political Affairs & Counsel, at LendingCon - Hospitality Investors Conference to explore the intersection of politics and the hospitality industry, especially with an election just around the corner. Episode Highlights: Election Impact: Discussing the potential effects of the upcoming election on the hospitality industry and why it’s considered the most crucial election yet.  Political Climate: Insight into the razor-thin margins in the House and Senate and their implications for future legislative agendas. Bipartisan Relationships: How HLA builds relationships with both sides of the aisle to advocate for the lodging industry.  Industry Advocacy: The importance of sharing industry stories with Congress and conducting "Heart of the House" tours to highlight the sector’s economic and social impact.  Regional and Local Outreach: HLA’s extensive participation in over 120 events yearly to strengthen connections with local hoteli