The Modern Hotelier

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 flawlessly. From a universal guest app that requires no downloads to a powerful AI "Super Agent" processing hundreds of thousands of data points every second, Bodhi is solving problems hotels didn’t even know they had.

We dive into:

In this episode recorded live at HITEC, we sit down with Estella Hale from Zucchetti North America to talk all things innovation, automation, and integration in hotel tech. With more than 15 years of HITEC experience under her belt, Estella shares insider insights into how Zucchetti is reshaping the hospitality tech landscape in North America.

In this episode, we cover:

Hosts Steve Carran and David M. sit down with the powerhouse women behind the movement, including Mercedes Blanco and Silvia Camarota, the co-founders of Women in Travel Thrive. They share the inspiring story of how a grassroots idea born during the pandemic became a global nonprofit that’s transforming the travel and hospitality industry — one Day of Impact at a time.

You'll also hear from participants like Rachel Kooyman, who found community and purpose through volunteering, and guest speakers like Cezary Pietrasik, author of Homo Idioticus, and Syama Bunten, CEO of Big Delta Capital and host of the...

Hosts Steve Carran and David M. sit down with Noelani Schroy, VP of Global Territory Sales at Onyx CenterSource. Broadcasting from the bustling trade show floor in Indianapolis, Noe shares how Onyx is transforming the often-complicated world of hotel commission payments into a seamless experience for both hotels and travel agencies. 

They dive into:

In this episode, we’re coming to you from the floor of HITEC in Indianapolis, where Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Kevin Bidner, CEO of Hotel Communication Network (HCN).

Kevin shares the incredible journey from being a serial tech entrepreneur to disrupting the hospitality industry with an innovative, guest-centric solution: in-room tablets that redefine hotel communication. Discover why HCN’s technology is quickly becoming the global standard, how it’s solving the decades-old problem of digital guest engagement, and how it's now accessible to hotels of all levels through an ad-subsidized model.

We als...

In this HITEC Trade Show edition, Steve Carran and David Millili sit down at the MeetingPackage booth with Tania Sidokpohou, Partnerships Director at MeetingPackage. With a rich background in digital marketing and hospitality tech—from Cloudbeds to APO—Tania shares how she’s helping redefine the group booking space.

We unpack:

Live from the buzzing HITEC trade show floor, The Modern Hotelier sits down with Darien Long, SVP of Specialty Access Control at dormakaba — and trust us, this isn’t your average corporate interview.

From growing up in small-town Texas with a love for sunsets and strong coffee to running a 250-person team in a global powerhouse, Darien’s journey is packed with grit, charm, and game-changing insights.

In this episode, you'll discover:

We’re live from the Stayntouch booth at HITEC with a powerhouse guest — Bill Fanning, Chief Revenue Officer of Stayntouch. From rolling out 139 properties in 90 days to launching new grab-and-go kiosk tech, Bill shares how Stayntouch is redefining PMS innovation in the hospitality industry.

Tune in as we cover the latest innovations, guest experience enhancements, and the real impact of customer-led product development.

In this episode, you'll learn about: 

In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Dino Pietropaolo, the dynamic Chief Technology Officer at Optii. From global tech ventures to co-founding a cybersecurity firm, Dino’s journey into hospitality tech is anything but ordinary.

We dive into how AI can truly revolutionize hotel operations—not just through automation but by enhancing the human connection. With practical insights and a few laughs (and even a surprise gift!), this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, you'll learn:

What do tequila, ghost peppers, and hotel pricing have in common?

In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Bobby Marhamat, the CEO of TakeUp.ai.
The conversation covers Bobby's background, including his upbringing in Nebraska and California, his education at San Jose State, and his career progression in sales and tech. Bobby shares insights about his passion for hot peppers and hot sauces, and his COVID-era venture into starting a tequila company.

The episode concludes with a detailed demonstration of TakeUp's web-based platform, and its features designed to enhance...

In this episode, we’re coming to you from the floor of the HITEC Trade Show to celebrate a decade of innovation, grit, and startup brilliance with the Entrepreneur 20X (E20X) competition. 

Hosts David Millili and Steve Carran are joined by: 

Together, they unpack what it takes to build, pitch, and thrive in the hospitality tech world.

🔑 In this episode, you'll learn:

On this episode, we head to HITEC 2025 in Indianapolis. We sat down with Members of HFTP to talk about HITEC's growth, vision for the future, and what makes HITEC truly special. 

Thanks to Justin Taillon, the Global President of HFTP, Arlene Ramirez, the Senior Vice President of Learning for HFTP, and Scot Campbell, Principle at Integrated Resort Advisors, for sitting down with us and talking about HITEC with us!

Links:

HITEC: https://www.hitec.org/

HFTP: https://www.hftp.org/

Justin Taillon: https://www.linkedin.com/i...

On this episode, we sit down with Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. From her family’s bold acquisition of the brand to her leadership in shaping global luxury travel trends, Lindsey shares a candid look into what it takes to lead with purpose, evolve with the market, and inspire a new era of independent hospitality.

With over 100 countries under her belt and a passion for curating meaningful travel, Lindsey offers insights that will resonate with hoteliers, entrepreneurs, and experience-driven brands alike.

Key Topics Discussed:

How do you maintain a deep understanding of the evolving needs of hotel owners and operators?

In this episode, we sit down with Jill Wilder, President of Aptech, for an honest, insightful, and inspiring conversation on leadership, longevity, and what it really takes to serve the hospitality industry at the highest level. With over 38 years at Aptech, Jill shares her journey from pencil-and-paper accounting to pioneering enterprise-level business intelligence solutions for hotels worldwide.

We talk about:

In this episode, we sit down with Summer Shoemaker, General Manager of the stunning San Diego Mission Bay Resort, to talk all things independent hotels.

Summer shares how growing up across California, Colorado, and Hawaii sparked her love for travel and hospitality. She opens up about what makes independent properties so powerful, the creative freedom they offer, and how tools like Curator Hotel & Resort Collection give GMs the backup they need to thrive in a competitive market.

From slashing wine costs by 50% to saving over $200,000 on AV, Summer walks us through the real-world wins that...

In this episode of Hospitality Hot Topics, Steve Carran and David Millili are once again joined by Josiah Mackenzie, Head of Marketing at Actabl, to break down the biggest stories in hospitality from May 2025.

From Marriott’s bold acquisition of CitizenM to Airbnb’s major relaunch of Experiences, Josiah shares sharp insights into how innovation, scale, and branding are reshaping the industry. They also dive into Springboard’s merger with Hotel Equities, the $1.1B Sabre hospitality tech deal, and why transparency in resort fees is long overdue.

In this episode, you'll learn about...

Get ready to set sail with one of the most innovative minds in hospitality.

In this episode, we're joined by Colin Hughes, Director of Operations & Experience at Virgin Voyages. From spa decks to tattoo studios, Colin walks us through how Virgin is redefining the cruise experience, making it simpler, sexier, and more sustainable.

We dive into:

In this episode, David and Steve sit down with Eric Jenkins, General Manager of Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa. From his roots in Savannah, Georgia, to his hands-in-the-soil leadership style in La Jolla, Eric shares his unconventional path through hospitality, starting as a fry cook and rising through the ranks to manage one of Southern California’s most unique independent hotels.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

What makes Chick-fil-A’s hospitality more than just good service?

In this episode, we're joined by Nicholas Lawrence, Executive Director of People & Culture, Chick-fil-A Local Franchise - Indianapolis and the founder of Lawrence Leadership.

Nick takes us behind the scenes of Chick-fil-A’s legendary hospitality culture—where “my pleasure” isn’t just a catchphrase, it’s a moral obligation. From his early days selling shirts and ties at Macy’s to leading people and culture at a top-performing franchise, Nick shares how leadership, emotional intelligence, and ownership are at the heart of every great customer experience.

In this episode, David and Steve sit down with Davis Howatt-Lambert, VP of Marketing at Jonas Hospitality, to unpack how technology and human connection can co-exist in the future of hospitality. Davis shares his career journey from political science to hospitality tech, his love of golf and rock climbing, and how growing up in Edmonton shaped his leadership style.

They explore Jonas Hospitality’s unique "buy and hold" model, the evolution of guest experience through personalization and data, and why CDPs (Customer Data Platforms) might soon outshine CRMs. From AI and automation to personalized spa itineraries and se...

In this episode, we sit down with Jose Cepeda, Executive Chef at Quixote in the LaFayette Hotel, San Diego. Jose shares how his culinary journey began in the kitchens of his grandmother and the streets of Mexico, selling rice pudding to support his family. He opens up about transforming personal hardship into artistic expression on every plate. From perfecting his grandmother’s flan to adding bold global flavours inspired by his travels, Jose reveals how he brings modern creativity to traditional Oaxacan roots. Plus, he talks about his signature dish—the wood-fired branzino—and why every meal is more than f...

In this episode, we sit down with Steve Slack, General Manager of the iconic LaFayette Hotel in San Diego. From humble beginnings picking golf balls at a driving range to leading a $31 million hotel transformation, Steve shares his journey through the hospitality industry.

We dive into the rich history of the LaFayette Hotel—from its golden age hosting Hollywood legends to its modern revival. Steve Slack also opens up about building a strong community-focused culture, the importance of thoughtful hiring, and what it’s like creating a space where staff and guests alike feel a true sense of b...

In this episode of Hospitality Hot Topics, hosts Steve Carran and David Millili are joined by Gabriel Perez from Indigo Road to unpack April’s biggest shifts in hospitality.

They dive into why boutique hotels are leading in RevPAR despite growing consumer caution, the booming popularity of camping and outdoor experiences, and how sports tourism is becoming a massive economic driver—from the NFL Draft to the upcoming World Cup.

They also discuss the evolving tourism dynamics between the US and Canada, the rise of mobile bookings, and how hotels can adapt to trends such as g...

In this episode, we’re joined by Elizabeth Bakhash, co-owner of Three Ducks Hotel—a new 12-room boutique hotel in Westhampton that's redefining the luxury Hamptons experience. With a rich background in branding and real estate, Elizabeth shares how she’s building more than just a hotel—she’s curating a guest experience rooted in nature, local partnerships, and a little bit of whimsy (yes, the ducks have names!).

We dive into:

In this special episode of The Modern Hotelier, David Millili and Steve Carran take you behind the scenes at BITAC’s Sales, Marketing & Revenue Management Summit at the Hotel Fairmont Grand Del Mar in San Diego, CA.

This episode is packed with insights, laughs, and moments that define what makes BITAC unlike any other event in hospitality.

Featuring exclusive interviews with:

In this episode, we sit down with powerhouse changemaker Anna Blue, whose journey from politics to hospitality is anything but ordinary. With roots in education policy, social impact, and gender equity, Anna brings a fresh and fearless perspective to an industry craving innovation and inclusivity.

We talk about:

Watch the FULL EPISODE on...

In this episode, Steve and David sit down with Andrew Rubinacci, Chief Advisory Officer at FLYR, to unpack how AI and next-gen data systems are reshaping the hospitality industry. With a background spanning 35 years in commercial strategy, Andrew brings deep insight into why pulling reports for five hours a day is a thing of the past—and how hotels can now optimize rates, personalize experiences, and drive revenue in real time.

We dive into:

In this episode, we're joined by Heather Knutson, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Ascent360, live from her very first BITAC Conference! Heather shares her candid journey from googling “what is a CDP?” to leading one of the most advanced customer data platforms in hospitality.

We dive into the real difference between a CRM and a CDP, how hotels can leverage guest data to deliver deeply personalised experiences, and why automation is the key to solving staffing shortages and boosting revenue. Heather also unpacks real-world strategies—from pre-arrival campaigns and spa upsells to retargeting wedding guests...

In this special episode, Steve and David sit down with Rich Viola, the visionary behind BITAC, for a heartwarming and eye-opening conversation about what makes business relationships actually meaningful.

Rich shares the 21-year journey of creating BITAC—from its accidental beginnings as an online news platform to becoming a culture-shifting conference experience that’s anything but traditional. He dives into how BITAC helps people go beyond business cards and LinkedIn connections, creating an environment where real friendships are formed, personal stories are shared, and even lifelong bonds are born.

From tales of serendipitous reunions to game...

What do luxury kitchens, global events, and linen-less tables have in common?

In this episode, Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Andrew Moffett, Chief Brand Officer at Southern Aluminum, for a conversation full of passion, innovation, and a few surprises—like a deep dive into linen-less tables.

Andrew takes us on his unique journey from the kitchens of the Four Seasons to the boardrooms of hospitality's top innovators. With a background in culinary arts and years of experience leading global events for Marriott, Andrew shares how he’s now redefining meeting and event spac...

In this episode hosts Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Charlie Osmond, the passionate and pioneering co-founder of Triptease. From leading a regiment in the British Army to founding multiple companies straight out of Oxford, Charlie’s journey is anything but ordinary.

We dive into:

In this episode, we're looking back at the biggest hospitality headlines from March—joined by none other than Grey Raines, Managing Partner at Raines Company. Fresh off the Hunter Conference, Grey dives into everything from staffing shortages to hotel design trends and cruise-ship inspired stays.

We chat about:

In this episode, David and Steve chat with Ilir Sela, the visionary Founder and CEO of Slice, a platform that empowers over 20,000 independent pizzerias and generates nearly $2 billion in sales.

Ilir shares his incredible journey—from growing up in a small town in Macedonia to moving to New York City and embracing the entrepreneurial spirit that built his career. He talks about his early ventures, the lessons he learned bootstrapping a business, and how Slice is bridging the digital gap for small pizzerias, ensuring they thrive in an online world.

We also dive into:

In this episode, we sit down with Samuel Zats, co-founder and CEO of Craftable, a game-changing hospitality management platform. Sam shares his journey from working in his family’s café to founding a company that’s revolutionizing hotel and restaurant operations.

We dive into:

With insights from his experience at McKinsey & Company and his background in Silicon Valley, Sam d...

In this episode, David and Steve sit down with Scott Eddy, one of the world's top social media influencers in hospitality, boasting over a million followers on X and Instagram. Scott’s journey is anything but conventional—he transitioned from investment banking to launching the first digital agency in Southeast Asia, and now he’s a full-time traveler, speaker, and industry leader.

We dive into:

What if independent hotels could outsmart OTAs at their own game?

In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, we sit down with Tarun Goyal, the founder & CEO of Simplotel, to uncover how hotels can increase direct bookings by leveraging the same digital strategies as major OTAs. Tarun shares his journey from Amazon and Expedia to building a tech-driven hospitality powerhouse, helping independent hotels convert more visitors, personalize guest experiences, and maximize revenue.

Key Takeaways:

This is our 2025 guide to the conference and events season in the Hospitality Industry.

In the episode, Brent Hayhurst, the VP of Curator Hotel & Resort Collection joins us to take a look at some of the upcoming events and conferences in the Hospitality Industry. We breakdown upcoming events so you can see what events you should put on your calendar in 2025. 

We talk about the benefits of attending these upcoming events:

Watch the FULL...

Join hosts David Millili and Steve Carran on this engaging episode of The Modern Hotelier as they sit down with Jacob Messina, CEO of Stayntouch.

Jacob shares his unique journey from front desk operations in New York City to spearheading innovations in hospitality technology. In an in-depth conversation, he reveals how his hands-on experience in hotels shaped his vision for a cloud-based property management system that streamlines operations, enhances guest experiences, and redefines customer support.

Listeners will gain insights into overcoming legacy tech challenges, the power of seamless integrations, and why viewing technology as a...

In this episode, we’re joined by Christian Lee, CEO of Mint House, a pioneer in flexible living that’s revolutionizing the way we experience travel. Christian’s journey is anything but conventional, from growing up in Fargo, North Dakota, to living in Lahore, Pakistan, and climbing the corporate ladder from Citigroup to WeWork before landing at Mint House.

We dive into how Mint House bridges the gap between the comfort of home and the consistency of a hotel, offering a unique alternative to Airbnb. Discover how Mint House caters to the modern traveler with apartment-style hotels that p...

How do you build a hospitality brand that combines the best of Airbnb and traditional hotels?
 
In this episode, we sit down with Sky McLean, CEO and Founder of Basecamp Resorts, the fastest-growing hospitality brand in Western Canada. Sky shares her journey from real estate development to creating a hotel brand that blends the best of Airbnb and traditional hospitality—offering the flexibility of home-style accommodations with the service and reliability of a hotel.

We dive into: