Best Steve Carran Podcasts (2025)

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#223: Traditional SEO is OUT: How Hotels Can Get AI-Ready | Fredrik Sjoberg 39:56

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3d ago39:56

39:56

In today's episode, hosts Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Fredrik Sjoberg, the visionary CEO and founder of Maison — an AI-driven platform revolutionizing how hotels interact with guests and manage their digital presence. Fredrik's story is extraordinary — from acting on national TV and earning a Ph.D. at Harvard to leading hotel chain…

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#222: How Coffee Can Increase Revenue & Guest Experience | with Gage Johnston 30:21

5d ago30:21

30:21

Ever wondered how a world-class coffee program can transform a boutique hotel’s guest experience and boost revenue? In this episode, hosts David M. and Steve Carran sit down with Gage Johnston, Marketing Manager at Dalla Corte, to explore the art and science of coffee in hospitality. Gage shares his incredible journey in the coffee industry—from ba…

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#221: Smart Hospitality Integrations that Improve the Guest Experience | with Will Gilbert 9:41

10d ago9:41

9:41

On today's episode, hosts Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Will Gilbert, Co-Founder of Bodhi, at the company’s Training and Testing Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Bodhi is transforming hospitality technology with a manufacturer-agnostic platform that unifies every system in a hotel—from door locks and lighting to PMS, POS, and hous…

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#220: Leading Red Roof: Insights from the Best Budget Hotel Brand | with Zack Gharib 41:07

12d ago41:07

41:07

In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Zack Gharib, the President of Red Roof, to explore leadership, innovation, and the future of hospitality. Zack shares his incredible journey — from growing up in Lebanon and discovering his passion for hotels, to leading one of America’s most recognized hospitality brands. Learn ho…

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#219: US Government Shutdown, Holiday Travel, Visa Law and more | with Anthony Melchiorri 22:04

16d ago22:04

22:04

In this episode of Hospitality Hot Topics, hosts Steve Carran and David Millili are joined by the legendary Anthony Melchiorri to break down what’s been happening in the hospitality world throughout September. From ongoing labor shortages and AI’s role in hotel operations, to the impact of the government shutdown on travel, visa challenges for inte…

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#218: Getting Guest-Facing Technology Right in Hotels | with Robert Grosz 39:20

19d ago39:20

39:20

By David Millili & Steve Carran

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#217: How Hotels Can Win with Creators, Podcasts, and Emerging Platforms | Independent Hotel Show Panel 49:07

23d ago49:07

49:07

How can independent hotels win in today’s digital landscape with creators, podcasts, and emerging platforms? In this episode of The Modern Hotelier Podcast, hosts Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with hospitality leaders Hillary Folkvord (Hotelier & Entrepreneur, Sacajawea Hotel), Melissa Benhaim (Founder of Benhaim Public Relations), Jennif…

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#216: Providing a Better Parking Experience for Hotels | with Munir Maluf 5:36

24d ago5:36

5:36

We’re live from the Independent Hotel Show in Miami, Florida, joined by Munir Maluf, CEO & Founder of MP Parking. In this episode, we dive into the future of hotel valet parking and how the Smart Valet Podium is transforming the guest arrival experience. Munir shares his insights on: Why the valet experience is the first impression of a hotel How M…

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#215: How Digital Guides Can Provide a Better Guest Experience & Reduce Waste | with Jaimey Bembry 8:28

25d ago8:28

8:28

In this episode, we sit down with Jaimey Bembry, CEO & Founder of Bhlen, to explore how hotels can transform the guest experience by replacing outdated paper lists and brochures with digital guest guides. Discover how Bhlen helps hotels and hospitality brands: Eliminate paper lists with eco-friendly digital solutions Deliver personalized, hyper-loc…

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#214: Helping Hoteliers Elevate Their Coffee Programs | with Gage Johnston 6:29

26d ago6:29

6:29

In this episode, recorded live at the Independent Hotel Show in Miami, hosts Steve and David sit down with Gage Johnston from Dalla Corte, a Milan-based manufacturer of premium espresso machines and grinders. Gage shares how Dalla Corte is helping boutique and independent hotels elevate their coffee programs with innovative automation, Italian desi…

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#213: An All-In-One PMS that Enhances the Guest Experience | with Venkatesh Sakamuri & Krishna Talasila 8:52

27d ago8:52

8:52

In this episode, we sit down at the Independent Hotel Show in Miami with Venkatesh Sakamuri, CEO of Stayflexi, and Krishna Talasila, CIO & Co-Founder of Stayflexi, to explore how they’re transforming hospitality technology. Venkatesh introduces Stayflexi IQ, their new AI-powered data intelligence and revenue management platform designed to help ind…

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#212: The Independent Hotel Advantage | Scott Eddy at the Independent Hotel Show Miami 14:41

1M ago14:41

14:41

In this episode, David and Steve sit down in person with global traveler and hospitality expert Scott Eddy at the Independent Hotel Show in Miami. Scott shares why he believes independent hotels have a major edge over big brands, the growing importance of wellness and quiet luxury, and why storytelling and showcasing the destination and people are …

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#211: How Hotels Can Be an Authentic Part of Local Communities | Trent Freeman of Valencia Hotel Group 26:50

1M ago26:50

26:50

In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Trent Freeman, Vice President of Operations at Valencia Hotel Group. With over 25 years of experience in hospitality and leadership roles at Four Seasons, Omni, and Peabody Hotels & Resorts, Trent brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for creating authentic guest experiences. He…

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#210: A Deep Dive into Meetings & Events | with Steven Kinsley 46:17

1M ago46:17

46:17

In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran, sit down for a fast-paced and insightful conversation with Steven Kinsley, President of Kinsley Meetings. From his beginnings as a Ski Bum in Vail to leading a nationally recognized meetings and events company, Steve shares stories, lessons, and perspectives shaped by decades in hospitality and…

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#209: Leading the Food & Beverage at Hotel Polaris | with Chef Ken Butler 7:30

1M ago7:30

7:30

In this episode, we sit down with Chef Ken Butler, Executive Chef at Hotel Polaris, to explore the art of hospitality, the evolution of food and beverage trends, and the behind-the-scenes dedication that makes guest experiences unforgettable. From rooftop sushi to locally sourced Colorado flavors, Chef Ken shares his insights on how culinary innova…

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#208: How Hotel Polaris Creates a Great Guest Experience | with Nick Nations 8:49

1M ago8:49

8:49

In this episode, we sit down with Nick Nations, Director of Rooms at Hotel Polaris, to explore how genuine care, communication, and technology combine to create unforgettable guest experiences. Nick shares his philosophy on hospitality, why personality and compassion matter more than processes, and how his team leverages both tech and heart-first s…

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#207: How Hotel Polaris Creates a Perfect "Bleisure" Experience | with Kevin Barosso 6:45

2M ago6:45

6:45

In this episode, we sit down with Kevin Barosso, Director of Sales and Marketing at Hotel Polaris, to explore how the property is redefining the balance between business and leisure travel in Colorado Springs. From versatile dining and meeting spaces to unique leisure amenities, Kevin shares how the hotel is creating experiences that attract both p…

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#206: Behind Hotel Polaris at the United States Air Force Academy | with GM Curtis Bova 10:11

2M ago10:11

10:11

In this episode, we sit down with Curtis Bova, General Manager of Hotel Polaris in Colorado Springs, located right outside the U.S. Air Force Academy. Curtis shares the inspiring journey behind the hotel’s creation, its deep-rooted connection to the Academy, and how it has become a true neighbor within the local community. From its mid-century mode…

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#205: SOHO House Goes Private, STR Outperfroms Hotels in Q2, US Traveler Trends | Hospitality Hot Topics with Mandy Murry 13:07

2M ago13:07

13:07

In this episode of The Modern Hotelier: Hospitality Hot Topics with Steve Carran and David Millili are joined by hospitality strategist Mandy Murry to break down the biggest trends and stories shaping the industry in August 2025. From evolving travel trends and the rise of AI trip planning to Soho House going private, Booking.com launching a credit…

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#204: How Trailborn is Bringing Design-forward Hotels to Outdoor Destinations | with Michael Weiss 26:50

2M ago26:50

26:50

In this episode, hosts Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Michael Weiss, co-founder and co-CEO of Trailborn, a brand redefining outdoor hospitality. Michael shares his journey from Goldman Sachs to Airbnb and Compass, to ultimately launching Trailborn—boutique, design-forward hotels in outdoor destinations like national parks, wine countr…

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#203: How Cashless Tipping Can Improve Employee Morale & Retention in Hospitality | with Elle Rustique 27:00

2M ago27:00

27:00

In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Elle Rustique, Founder and CEO of TipBrightly—a FinTech company revolutionizing tipping through easy, cashless, app-free technology. Inspired by her mother, a hotel housekeeper, Elle turned a personal story into a mission to create more equity, gratitude, and recognition for frontline ho…

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#202: Creating a Positive Impact on the Planet & People in Hospitality | with Jon Buerge 42:10

2M ago42:10

42:10

In this episode, hosts Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Jon Buerge, President of Urban Villages, to explore how sustainable development is reshaping hospitality. From his upbringing in Aspen and a deep-rooted love of nature to leading innovative, carbon-positive hotel projects like Populus, Jon shares how design, community, and environm…

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#201: Simplifying Hotel Operations | with Eoin Heavey 31:18

2M ago31:18

31:18

In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Eoin Heavey, CEO and founder of Maitre, a modern operating system built specifically for independent hotels. With a unique background spanning both technology and hospitality, Eoin shares his journey—from growing up in Dublin and playing competitive tennis at UC Berkeley to working…

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#200: Turning a Love for Hotels into a Career in Hospitality | with Stacy Warner 25:34

2M ago25:34

25:34

This week’s episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Stacy Warner, Executive Vice President at Eat.Drink.Sleep., the boutique hospitality group known for concept-driven hotels, restaurants, and bars that blend standout design with unforgettable guest experiences. Stacy shares her journey from a small town in Massachusetts to shaping so…

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#199: Inside Viceroy's Development & Growth Strategy | with Mark Keiser 38:26

2M ago38:26

38:26

In today’s episode, David and Steve talk with Mark Keiser, President of Development at Viceroy Hotels & Resorts, about his journey from a suburban upbringing and a year abroad in France to leading the brand’s global growth. Mark shares early career lessons—including taking on a GM role with zero hotel experience—the evolution of luxury lifestyle ho…

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#198: Micro-cations, Adventure Travel, Luxury Sleep Experiences & More | Hospitality Hot Topics 23:22

2M ago23:22

23:22

In this Hospitality Hot Topics edition of The Modern Hotelier, hosts Steve Carran and David Millili are joined by Ryan Rivett, President & CEO of My Place Hotels, to unpack July’s biggest hospitality trends. From the TSA finally ditching the shoe-removal rule, to the rise of micro-cations and adventure travel, to the luxury sleep experience movemen…

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#197: Staypineapple's Growth Strategy & Using Technology to Personalize the Guest Experience | with Michael Hirschler 14:10

3M ago14:10

14:10

On today’s episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Michael Hirschler, Chief Growth Officer at Staypineapple, live from Staypineapple Chicago. Michael shares how the brand is redefining boutique hospitality through a combination of 'friend-style' service, a bold brand identity, and guest-focused innovation. They dive deep into Staypine…

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#196: Staypineapple's Food & Beverage and Chicago's Food Scene | with David Fingerman 10:09

3M ago10:09

10:09

Today's episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Chef David Fingerman, Corporate Executive Chef at Staypineapple, live from The Atwood in Chicago. From delightful afternoon treats to Chicago’s gritty, authentic food and dive bar culture, Chef David shares what makes Staypineapple’s F&B program pop, and why hospitality is more personal …

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#195: The Naked Experience & Surprise and Delight at Staypineapple | with Beth Anne King 14:55

3M ago14:55

14:55

What happens when playful luxury meets bold hospitality? In this insight-packed episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Beth Anne King, Regional Director of Operations Staypineapple, to explore the playful luxury and deeply personalized service that define the brand. From high-end bedding that encourages you to sleep naked to su…

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#194: The Evolution of Revenue Management in Hospitality | with Daniel McGarry 24:04

3M ago24:04

24:04

Today's episode, we sit down with Daniel McGarry, the Regional Director of Revenue Management of Stonebridge, and an HSMAI Rising Leader. From mowing lawns in Lancaster to managing revenue strategy across historic Marriott tribute properties, Daniel shares his unique journey through hospitality — and the lessons he’s learned along the way. We dive …

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Big Announcement! We've Been Acquired! 4:33

3M ago4:33

4:33

In this episode, I’ve got some big news to share: Slick Talk: The Hospitality Podcast, Good Morning Hospitality, and Suite Success by Katie Cline have officially been acquired by Skift — the leading voice in global travel and hospitality media. This is a full-circle moment for me, and I couldn’t be more excited to join the Skift team as their new D…

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#193: Why the Valencia Group Doesn't Follow Trends | with John Keeling 4:37

3M ago4:37

4:37

In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with industry veteran John Keeling, Executive Vice President of Valencia Hotel Collection. With over 40 years in hospitality, John shares the unexpected path that led him from Middle Eastern studies to becoming a pioneer in independent hotel development. You'll learn about: The story be…

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#192: How ONDA is Building a New Model for Experiential Stays | with Bill Graf 6:06

3M ago6:06

6:06

In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Bill Graf, the visionary founder of ONDA Hotels, to uncover how a former finance exec traded spreadsheets for surf towns and is now building a hospitality brand for the modern traveler. Bill shares the bold story of how a sabbatical, a motorcycle, and a post-COVID pivot led to the …

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#191: AHLA's New Focus on Independent Hotels | with Travis Mckie 4:46

3M ago4:46

4:46

Today's episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Travis Mckie, former pro basketball player turned champion for independent hotels at AHLA (American Hotel & Lodging Association). Travis shares his fascinating journey from the courts of Wake Forest and international basketball leagues to leading the charge for boutique and independent h…

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#190: How Sage Hospitality Thinks About New Investments | with Dean Stambules 5:30

3M ago5:30

5:30

In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Dean Stambules, Chief Investment Officer at Sage Hospitality Group, live from the ILC CONfab in Chicago. Dean shares his unique path into the hospitality world—from his family's deep roots in the industry to his early career in appraisal work that led to a passion for hotel investm…

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#189: Hotel Acquisition in Colorado & Starting ILC | with Jeremy Wells & Stephen Chan 10:40

3M ago10:40

10:40

In this episode, hosts welcome back Jeremy Wells, author, brand strategist, and co-owner of The Ozarker Lodge and the newly reimagined Parker Hotel in Colorado. Jeremy shares what it’s been like since opening The Ozarker Lodge—lessons learned, community wins, and how indie spirit fuels every project. He also dives into his second book, Indie Hotels…

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#188: What Makes ILC Events Special | with Meg Gutowski 3:38

3M ago3:38

3:38

In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with the dynamic Meg Gutowski, Executive Director of the Independent Lodging Congress (ILC), live from ILC CONfab in Chicago. Meg shares her unconventional journey from catering weddings to leading one of the most vibrant communities in independent hospitality. She opens up about what m…

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#187: We're Halfway Through 2025: Looking Back & Looking Forward 15:22

3M ago15:22

15:22

In this special edition of The Modern Hotelier: Hospitality’s Most Engaged Podcast, David Millili, Steve Carran, and Jon Bumhoffer take a moment to pause, reflect, and look ahead as we hit the halfway point of 2025. From standout interviews and hotel experiences to hilarious behind-the-scenes moments and the hustle of live events, the trio shares t…

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#186: Classic Luxury & Charm with Modern Amenities at The Warwick Melrose | with Michael Cole 5:34

4M ago5:34

5:34

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Cole, the Director of Sales and Marketing at the iconic Warwick Melrose Dallas, to explore how this historic hotel has gracefully evolved over the past century. From its roots as 1920s apartments to a luxurious modern-day destination, Michael shares the rich story behind the walls—and what makes this hotel …

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#185: Making Everyday a Holiday at The Landmark Prime Rib | with Chef Patrick McElroy 5:43

4M ago5:43

5:43

In this episode, we sit down with Executive Chef Patrick McElroy of Landmark Prime Rib inside the iconic Warwick Melrose Hotel in Dallas. Chef Patrick shares his journey from a small island in South Jersey—where fresh seafood was caught just minutes from home—to his rise through French and Italian kitchens across the Northeast, and eventually his r…

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#184: Improving Productivity for Hotel Teams & Operations | with Mahwish Saleem 4:49

4M ago4:49

4:49

In this episode, we sit down with Mahwish Saleem, Head of Sales at FCS Solutions, to explore how hotels can streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and improve guest satisfaction—all by simplifying their tech stack. Mahwish shares her first impressions of HITEC, what excites her about the future of hotel tech, and how FCS is helping hoteliers st…

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#183: Craftable's Procurement to Payment Platform | with Tony Ross 3:55

4M ago3:55

3:55

Today, Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Tony Ross, Director of Sales at Craftable, to talk about how technology is helping operators tackle today’s biggest hospitality challenges — especially rising costs and profit pressure. Tony brings decades of industry experience and shares how Craftable is streamlining operations, cutting down blo…

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#182: Reducing Inefficiency by Connecting Hotel Tech Stacks | with Jason Jenkins 4:30

4M ago4:30

4:30

In this live episode of The Modern Hotelier, Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Jason Jenkins, Vice President & Managing Director of the Americas, HRS, to talk all things hotel tech—from AI-powered upselling to seamless system integration. Whether you’re a HITEC veteran or a tech-curious hotelier, this episode gives you a front-row seat t…

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#181: Unified Payment Solutions for Hotels | with Phil Crawford 5:00

4M ago5:00

5:00

In this special episode of The Modern Hotelier, we’re live from the Dallara IndyCar Factory at HITEC—and yes, the cars are as fast as the tech talk. We’re joined by Phil Crawford, Head of Hospitality at Adyen, who dives into how they're reshaping the future of payments for the hotel industry. From solving the chaos of fragmented systems to leveragi…

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#180: Better Data & Better Hotel Systems | with Robert Dawson 8:22

4M ago8:22

8:22

In this episode, we’re joined by a hospitality tech powerhouse: Robert Dawson, Chief Strategist and Product Officer at IRECKONU. Robert shares his journey from front desk college job to C-suite, how he fell in love with the hotel industry, and why solving fragmented data problems became his mission. We talk all things AI, automation, data managemen…

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#179: How Video Can Supercharge Your Website | with Jason Craparo 6:58

4M ago6:58

6:58

Today’s episode features hosts Steve Carran and David M., broadcasting from the iconic Dallara IndyCar Factory in Indianapolis with special guest Jason Craparo, CEO of Hovr—the company revolutionizing hotel websites with video storytelling. We dive into: How Hovr helps guests' book with confidence through seamless video integration The power of gen…

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#178: An End-To-End Technology Solution for Hotels & Resorts | with Dan Bell 13:36

4M ago13:36

13:36

In this special HITEC 2025 edition of The Modern Hotelier: Hospitality's Most Engaged Podcast, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Dan Bell, VP of Hotels and Resorts at Agilysys, for an energized and insightful conversation straight from the show floor. Dan shares his journey from his blue-collar roots in Easton, Pennsylvania, to lea…

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#177: How Contactless Hotel Interactions Improve the Guest Experience | with Tristan Gadsby & Alberto Santana 19:27

4M ago19:27

19:27

In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, we’re live from the iconic Dallara IndyCar Factory in Indianapolis, joined by Tristan Gadsby, CEO of Alliants, and Alberto Santana, CRO of Alliants. Together, we explore how hospitality is shifting gears from clunky, fragmented tech to seamless, guest-first experiences. From reinventing contactless solutions …

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#176: Inside Hospitality's Virtual Technician | with Will Gilbert 5:52

4M ago5:52

5:52

Today, we sit down with Will Gilbert, co-founder of Bodhi, a groundbreaking platform transforming hotel operations through AI, automation, and integration. With over 25 years of system integration experience, Will shares how Bodhi acts like a virtual technician, working 24/7 to ensure every device in a hotel—regardless of brand—is functioning flawl…