Atrium Registration & PGA Championship Hall
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
2023-11-15
Registration Open
10:30 AM - 7:00 PM
10:30 AM
7:00 PM
Fazio Golf Course
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
2023-11-15
Golf Outing
11:30 AM - 4:00 PM
11:30 AM
4:00 PM
<p>HTF is excited to host an exclusive golf outing at the world-renowned PGA National Resort. Golfers will enjoy an afternoon at the Fazio golf course, which pairs classic architecture with modern advances. Enjoy a round of golf in a fantastic setting, all while networking with industry friends and making new connections.</p>
<p><strong>Pre-registration required. This activity is open to hotelier attendees & select sponsors.</strong> Hoteliers can reserve their spot during event registration. Note that space is limited and will fill up!</p>
Vista
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
2023-11-15
Networking Reception
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
5:00 PM
6:30 PM
British Open Ballroom
Thursday, November 16, 2023
2023-11-16
Breakfast
8:00 AM - 8:50 AM
8:00 AM
8:50 AM
PGA Championship Hall
Thursday, November 16, 2023
2023-11-16
Registration Open
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
8:00 AM
6:00 PM
PGA Ballroom
Thursday, November 16, 2023
2023-11-16
Morning Remarks
8:50 AM - 9:00 AM
8:50 AM
9:00 AM
Abigail Lorden
VP & Publisher
Hospitality Technology & RTN
PGA Ballroom
Thursday, November 16, 2023
2023-11-16
Keynote: Leadership Essentials to Overcome Any Barrier
9:00 AM - 9:55 PM
9:00 AM
9:55 PM
<p>Today's hotel technology leaders are faced with disruption on multiple fronts: economic strain and labor shortages continue, amidst pressure to vet and deploy emerging technologies. IT leaders must know how to adapt and maintain resiliency, for themselves and their teams. In this special session, acclaimed keynote speaker Bryan K. Williams will energize the HTF stage and arm attendees with tools to overcome professional and personal barriers. He'll help you deliver high performance in the face of disruption, and empower you to build and sustain your resilient team. Be prepared to leave this interactive session having participated in the conversation, and armed with a set of actionable takeaways for your growth.</p>
Dr. Bryan K. Williams
Founder
BW Leadership Academy
Dr. Bryan K. Williams is a keynote speaker, consultant, and author, who is a noted authority on service excellence and leadership effectiveness. His passion is to serve others so they may better serve the world. Over the past several years, Bryan has provided training and consulting expertise to hundreds of organizations in over 20 industries ranging from Healthcare to Luxury Hotels. His work with clients has taken him throughout North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
PGA Ballroom
Thursday, November 16, 2023
2023-11-16
Editorial Remarks
9:55 AM - 10:00 AM
9:55 AM
10:00 AM
Robert Firpo-Cappiello
Editor-in-Chief
Hospitality Technology
PGA Championship Hall
Thursday, November 16, 2023
2023-11-16
Keynote Networking & Coffee Break
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
10:00 AM
10:30 AM
PGA Ballroom
Thursday, November 16, 2023
2023-11-16
The Power of Data in the Customer Relationship
10:30 AM - 11:05 AM
10:30 AM
11:05 AM
<p>Customer relationship management has evolved exponentially in recent years, with data playing a critical role. Our exploration of cutting-edge tools and methodologies from across the travel and hospitality worlds will demonstrate how data-driven strategies can revolutionize guest engagement, loyalty, and overall satisfaction.</p>
Ed Skapinok
Chief Commercial Officer
Appellation
Ed Skapinok is Chief Commercial Officer for Appellation, a new line of culinary-first boutique hotels opening in Healdsburg, Sun Valley, Petaluma and Pacific Grove over the next few years. A hospitality veteran since 1988, Ed Skapinok is recognized for his accomplishments leading the commercial disciplines at some of the industry’s most notable ownership groups, global hotel brands, and third-party management companies. Prior to joining Appellation, Ed worked as Senior Vice President for Aqua-Aston Hospitality, with additional leadership roles at Hostmark Hospitality Group, Larkspur Hotels & Restaurants, InterContinental Hotels Group, and Sheraton hotels. With a long track record of building and developing winning sales and marketing teams, he is credited with innovations in pricing and revenue management, e-commerce, database marketing, and corporate communications.
Claudia Infante
Chief Data Officer
Margaritaville Enterprises
Claudia is a consummate hospitality professional with a career that spans 25 years. Her field experience ranges from technology, reservations, e-distribution, revenue management, operations, digital marketing, and data management. Her executive management and branding experience comes from a 10-year role with Hard Rock International where she opened and oversaw revenue and data strategy for 26 hotels around the world. In her more than four years as Sr. Vice President of Revenue Strategy for Margaritaville, Claudia and her team have focused on future proofing the brand on all-things revenue, data, technology, and loyalty.
Claudia has extensive experience in the creation, deployment and optimization of initiatives that enhance the revenue capture and data processing power of the organization with staggering results. Claudia speaks regularly about data management and innovation in annual conferences. In her free time, she travels, dances, knits, and draws on walls with a sharpie!
Jesse DePinto
Co-Founder & CEO
Frontdesk, Inc.
Jesse DePinto is the Co-Founder and CEO of Frontdesk, Inc., an Inc. 5000 fastest-growing travel company operating short-term rental hospitality suites across 30+ U.S. markets. With over 200 team members and 300k guests served, Jesse spearheaded Frontdesk's success by leveraging cutting-edge, in-house property management technology, raising venture financing, and leading the company through it's first company acqusition. Prior to Frontdesk, he held product roles in aerospace, real estate, and hospitality tech, infusing data-driven decision-making and UX design into product development. A proud husband, father, and an AI enthusiast, Jesse is a thought leader who understands the power of data in shaping the customer experience, from both technical and executive perspectives.
Steven Heselius
Consultant
TAPS
Steven is a 30-year hospitality industry veteran: as an operator, as an executive and as a consultant with a focus on technology solutions, operation efficiency, organization strategy and large project management. He has held key positions with global brands focusing on hotels and casinos, with technology service providers leading technology operations and professional services and with a land and hospitality development group as it grew from a startup real estate company to a developer of high-end residential club and resort communities. In these roles he managed, developed and implemented standards for Hospitality Technology, Enterprise Technology, Data Governance Processes, Security and Regulatory Compliance, Telecommunications Operations and related Service Support Services.
He has contributed to more than 40 domestic and international startup ventures. He has engaged in the start-up, expansion or reorganization of multiple business ranging from technology service providers, real estate and land development to hotel and resort design, development, and operations. He has spent several years in the international market supporting companies and entrepreneurs in South America, the Caribbean, Balkans, Middle East and Asia.
PGA Ballroom
Thursday, November 16, 2023
2023-11-16
Practical Applications of Artificial Intelligence for Hotels
11:10 AM - 12:00 PM
11:10 AM
12:00 PM
<p>We go straight to the bottom line: How can AI deliver operational efficiencies and personalized guest experiences right now in the real world? Robert Dawson, hospitality industry consultant and a trailblazer in business intelligence, e-commerce, and solutions architecture, will explore use cases that are already transforming hotel brands. We’ll also take a look at AI’s near future, and answer your most pressing questions about what just may be the ultimate tech disruptor.</p>
Robert Dawson
Founder
Invotar
Robert Dawson, a distinguished innovator in the field of hospitality with over 30 years of industry experience, boasts an impressive career spanning over 15 years in Digital Marketing & Web Development. His leadership in online technology innovations encompasses areas such as Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Website Development, Booking Engine Development, and Custom Website Application Development.
Before embarking on a consulting career, Robert served as the VP of Global Digital Marketing for Sabre Hospitality Solutions, a relationship that lasted a decade following the sale of his boutique Digital Agency to Sabre in 2007. As the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of E-site Marketing, he was instrumental in pioneering the development of Hospitality Digital Marketing Solutions. His creative genius led to the creation of many first-to-market technology products, including RezTrack®, MCC (Marketing Communications Center), E-site Marketing's RSS content management solution, and the company's inaugural AJAX-based hotel booking engine.
With a rich blend of technological innovation and deep hospitality knowledge, Robert's multifaceted background and unwavering commitment to excellence have solidified his reputation as a leading figure in the industry. His 30+ years of hospitality experience have shaped a career marked by innovation, leadership, and a profound understanding of the ever-evolving landscape of the hospitality sector.
PGA Ballroom
Thursday, November 16, 2023
2023-11-16
Hotel Visionary Awards: Honoring Real-World Innovation and Industry Collaboration
12:00 PM - 12:20 PM
12:00 PM
12:20 PM
<p>The Hotel Visionary Awards, presented annually by <em>Hospitality Technology </em>magazine, honor hotel operators that are harnessing technology innovations in tangible, real-world implementations. This year, for the 18th annual unveiling of this prestigious program, the Hotel Visionary Awards return here to <em>HT</em>'s Hotel Technology Forum – their original home – and take the stage with an exciting update. The 2023 Hotel Visionary awards have added a new category: the Hotel-Vendor Partnership Award. It aims to honor the relentless efforts and dedication required to foster extraordinary working relationships between hoteliers and the technology supplier community. This new category recognizes that this collaborative spirit is what underpins the success of many IT projects. Join us in congratulating your peers on their fantastic achievements! Then, join us as these exciting stories take the stage in several must-see sessions later in the HTF program. </p>
Michal Escobar
Senior Editor - Hotels
Hospitality Technology
Marilyn Tabet
Director, Digital Experience
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Marilyn Tabet has been in the hospitality industry for over 12 years starting her career in the Las Vegas casino industry and moving to luxury hospitality when joining Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group almost 4 years ago. Her passion for technology mixed with her upbringing in hospitality led her a career focused on driving successful digital transformations and navigating the complexities of hospitality systems across hotel operations and corporate.
James Holman
Director, Custom Products & Partnerships, Marriott Digital Services
Marriott International
James Holman is the Director of Custom Products and Partnerships with Marriott Digital Services (MDS). In this role, James oversees a dedicated team of associates and vendors to execute the build and management of over 150 customized websites for outlets, hotels, regions, brands and other corporate initiatives, such as Marriott International’s All-Inclusive Resorts, Christmas at Gaylord Resorts and Marriott Vacations Worldwide among others. Additionally, James is responsible for the relationship with RealTime Reservation, an inventory management platform focused on delivering enhanced guest experiences and ancillary revenue to hotel managers and owners. James holds a BA from the American University and an MBA from the Eller School of Management at the University of Arizona. James resides in Washington DC with his wife and five-year-old son. In his free time, James enjoys golfing, cooking BBQ and playing the piano.
Shaun Wood
Head of Enterprise Architecture and Technology
Sonesta International Hotels
Shaun Wood is the Head of Enterprise Architecture and Technology at Sonesta International Hotels. He is a seasoned senior technology leader with over 25 years experience navigating the intricate landscapes of enterprise architecture and IT management across many different industries.
Shaun’s career trajectory includes a role of Director of IT at BostonCoach, steering technology strategies to enhance operations efficiency. His tenure as Senior Director at The Mentor Network was marked by driving innovation and overseeing critical IT initiatives including the development of an Electronic Medical System. Subsequently, Shaun was an Enterprise Solutions Architect at AWS, where he was able to further hone his skills amidst cutting-edge cloud technologies.
Now, as the Head of Enterprise Architecture and Technology at Sonesta International Hotels, Shaun brings a wealth of experience to sculpting the technological backbone of a renowned hospitality brand. His journey reflects a commitment to leveraging technology for strategic advantage and a passion for staying at the forefront of the ever-evolving tech landscape.
Vijay Raghavan
Director, Digital Stay Experience Products
IHG Hotels & Resorts
Vijay Raghavan began his career with IHG Hotels & Resorts 17 years ago as a Manager - Revenue and Guest Technology. During that time, he led several innovative guest-facing initiatives such as IHG Marketplace (a tech portal for hotels to purchase tech products), IHG Connect (next gen Wi-Fi infrastructure), real-time secure Hotel Connectivity from IHG cloud to all IHG hotels, and IHG Studio (IHG’s next generation In-room entertainment platform). After a few years in that role, he was promoted to Sr. Technology & Business Relationship Manager. In this role he was responsible for implementing a $3M Salesforce.com migration initiative that stood up a closed marketplace portal for all IHG hotel colleagues as well as implementing a key next generation initiative for IHG to transform its internet infrastructure. This ultimately laid the foundation for the brand's most recent round of Wi-Fi innovation. In his current role as Global Director, Digital Stay Experience Products - Commercial & Technology, Vijay has been responsible for the brand's rollout of Wi-Fi Auto Connect, a new feature within its new mobile app that allows IHG One Rewards members to automatically connect to the internet upon arrival at any of its hotels worldwide without needing to put in an access code or a login. He is also responsible for IHG’s next generation in-room guest experience products and collaborating with some key external partners to bring new innovations to IHG’s guests.
Lori Esposito
VP, Head of Client Services
Valtech
As the VP, Head of Client Services at Valtech, Lori leads the travel vertical, where she consults with clients to help them realize the potential of transformative digital technologies. Her expertise includes providing strategy and oversight for ecommerce, customer experience, and technology integrations. Lori's impact at Valtech includes launching a multi-year digital transformation journey for Mandarin Oriental, resulting in significant improvements in key performance indicators and numerous awards.
Lori boasts an extensive history in the hospitality industry. Prior to her current role at Valtech, she held the position of Chief Marketing Officer at a B2B technology company specializing in mobile event apps. Her career journey also encompasses significant roles at Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. and Marriott International. At Starwood, she served as the Director of Brand Management for Tribute Portfolio, successfully launching the brand. At both Starwood and Marriott, as Director of Field Marketing, she was instrumental in shaping marketing strategies for a diverse hotel portfolio. Her contributions aimed to enhance demand generation, elevate guest experiences, foster brand loyalty, and optimize revenue capture.
Over the course of her career, Lori also had the opportunity to work across a diverse portfolio of clients such as Citizens Bank, Choice Hotels, Samsung, Henry Schein, and Birkenstock.
Shawn Tarter
President
RealTime Reservation
Shawn Tarter is President and Founder of RealTime Reservation, an organization that provides real-time inventory management reservation software to the hospitality/travel industry. With a passion for innovation and customer satisfaction, Shawn embarked on a transformative journey in the realm of real-time inventory management reservation software.
Having identified untapped potential in numerous properties, Shawn's vision was crystal clear: he aimed to empower hotels with tools that not only enhanced the customer experience but also bolstered client satisfaction and loyalty. In 2015, he laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial aspirations by establishing Ipalapa Corporation, a venture that would eventually evolve into the powerhouse known as RealTime Reservation in 2018.
Under Shawn's leadership, RealTime Reservation embraced the vibrant and dynamic culture emblematic of startup companies. Fueled by innovation and exceeding customer's expectations, the company navigated the challenging landscape of the global pandemic with resilience and determination. Despite the business climate, RealTime Reservation experienced remarkable growth in sales and revenue, a testament to Shawn's strategic acumen and the dedication of the entire team. “We are fast-moving, responsive, collaborative and relevant.”
Today, RealTime Reservation stands as a beacon of innovation, employing a diverse team of fifty professionals spanning across development, R&D, client services, administration, sales, and marketing. This diverse and talented workforce, united by a shared vision, forms the backbone of the company's success.
With a client base exceeding 500, RealTime Reservation has become synonymous with efficiency and reliability in the hospitality and travel sector. Shawn's commitment to excellence, coupled with his ability to seize opportunities amidst challenges, has propelled the company to unprecedented heights. His entrepreneurial spirit continues to inspire not only his team but also the industry, shaping the future of hospitality technology and setting new standards for customer satisfaction.
British Open Ballroom
Thursday, November 16, 2023
2023-11-16
Networking Lunch
12:20 PM - 1:40 PM
12:20 PM
1:40 PM
PGA Ballroom
Thursday, November 16, 2023
2023-11-16
Expand Loyalty Benefits — and Revenue
1:40 PM - 2:20 PM
1:40 PM
2:20 PM
<p>Top brands are leveraging artificial intelligence to drive loyalty membership via better marketing and new ways to think about rewards. We’ll explore case studies from across travel and hospitality that demonstrate the value of first-party data for guest profiles, hyper-personalization, instant rewards, and more.</p>
Evan Crawford
Corporate Director, Field Marketing
Benchmark Pyramid Luxury & Lifestyle
Evan Crawford is Corporate Director, Field Marketing for Pyramid, Benchmark Luxury & Lifestyle. Evan leads the strategic marketing vision and oversight of the East region, providing essential support for our regional and property level marketing teams as well as working with the Executive Vice President of Marketing and Branding, and the corporate marketing team to strengthen the brand messaging and communications.
Over the past eight years with Benchmark, Evan has played a critical role in helping to elevate the marketing synergies across the portfolio, starting as a marketing manager for Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort Curacao. In the years since, Evan has assumed marketing oversight for a wide range of properties across the portfolio including several openings and management transitions. Evan and the properties he supports have been recognized for their achievements including Adrian Awards in Digital Marketing and Social Media, and a variety of Benchmark accolades. Evan is passionate about travel and marketing enjoying exploring new properties and their destinations.
Evan lives in Austin, TX with his wife, Amanda, two children, Hayden and Everly, and dogs, Penny, and Lexi. When not working, you can find Evan enjoying time with family or out on the ice playing and coaching hockey.
Chad Mackay
CEO
Fire & Vine Hospitality
Chad Mackay is the CEO of Fire & Vine Hospitality, a multi-concept operator of experiential full-service restaurants and the company behind the Revelers Club loyalty program. Since its development in 2011, the Revelers Club program and its technology platform includes 80K members with the highest average guest spending, and the program drives 30% of the company’s revenue. Founded in 1996, El Gaucho is the flagship concept which has expanded to five locations, including three standalone locations and two independent operations in branded hotels. Fire & Vine also owns and operates AQUA by El Gaucho, Aerlume and the Witness Tree lounge. The Revelers Club includes additional independently owned properties including Walla Walla Steak Co., Crossbuck Brewing and Yellowhawk Resort in Walla Walla, WA.
Drawing from twenty years of hospitality management experience and technical expertise, Chad founded Brigado, a consulting and technology company serving clients in the hospitality industry.
Chad currently serves on the Customer Advisory Board for Oracle's Global Food and Beverage Industry Group, was the past Chair of the Washington Hospitality Association, past Chair and Finance Chair of Visit Seattle. He is a frequent speaker about how to Thrive Beyond $15 Minimum Wage by implementing new compensation models for full-service restaurants.
Toby Malbec
Managing Director
ConStrata Consulting LLC
Toby manages the day to day operations for ConStrata and works personally with many of ConStrata’s top clients to help them leverage their technology investments and bring measurable results to the company’s business operations.
Toby Malbec is an “operational technologist” who brings over thirty years of technical and operational expertise to his clients. He began his career in the hotel industry coming up through the operations ranks before getting into the technology domain as hotels were first beginning to embrace the value of technology as a mainstream affordable operational tool. He was responsible for the design and development of some of the first PC-based Property Management Systems for small to mid-sized hotels as well as working on the design of early touchscreen-based POS systems. After ten years in hospitality, Toby was recruited into retail by Saks Fifth Avenue to head up their CRM initiatives and was responsible for designing and managing the development of several key applications including Saks Trak and their E-Client Book.
In 2004, Toby assumed the role of Vice President of Business Development for Springer-Miller Systems, one of the premier hotel software companies in the world with applications designed for the resort and high-end luxury properties. In 2008, he joined the IPC (Independent Purchasing Co-Operative), the franchisee-owned arm for Subway restaurants, and was responsible for building and managing the team to build the in-house proprietary restaurant technology platform that would create a standard POS and technology platform for all restaurants worldwide. Subway is the world’s largest restaurant chain with over 37,000 units in over 100 countries.
Malbec is a 1985 graduate of the University of Vermont and is in his final stages of completing his MBA at the Isenberg School of Business at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.
PGA Ballroom
Thursday, November 16, 2023
2023-11-16
Sonesta's Swift Loyalty Overhaul: Streamlined Operations, Enhanced Guest Experience
2:20 PM - 2:40 PM
2:20 PM
2:40 PM
<p>In 2022, Sonesta embarked on a transformative loyalty system replacement project, aiming to replace a legacy 15-year-old loyalty system with a modern commercial off-the-shelf software. The success of the project hinged on creating a flexible/scalable system that could communicate seamlessly with multiple property management systems. But it also needed to establish its own data platform to gain a unified view of customer data across the organization for enhanced service delivery. In less than a year, Sonesta – with the help of solution providers HAPI and Tally – was able to streamline loyalty operations and provide guests with a seamless and transparent experience across various touchpoints. In this discussion with one of our 2023 Hotel Visionary Award winners, we’ll learn how the brand overcame various project complications, reasons why it chose to work with technology providers instead of doing everything in-house, and the significant achievements observed following the project’s completion.</p>
Shaun Wood
Head of Enterprise Architecture and Technology
Sonesta International Hotels
Shaun Wood is the Head of Enterprise Architecture and Technology at Sonesta International Hotels. He is a seasoned senior technology leader with over 25 years experience navigating the intricate landscapes of enterprise architecture and IT management across many different industries.
Shaun’s career trajectory includes a role of Director of IT at BostonCoach, steering technology strategies to enhance operations efficiency. His tenure as Senior Director at The Mentor Network was marked by driving innovation and overseeing critical IT initiatives including the development of an Electronic Medical System. Subsequently, Shaun was an Enterprise Solutions Architect at AWS, where he was able to further hone his skills amidst cutting-edge cloud technologies.
Now, as the Head of Enterprise Architecture and Technology at Sonesta International Hotels, Shaun brings a wealth of experience to sculpting the technological backbone of a renowned hospitality brand. His journey reflects a commitment to leveraging technology for strategic advantage and a passion for staying at the forefront of the ever-evolving tech landscape.
PGA Ballroom
Thursday, November 16, 2023
2023-11-16
Instant Hotel Wi-Fi: IHG's Game-Changing Auto Connect Feature
2:40 PM - 3:00 PM
2:40 PM
3:00 PM
<p>Imagine if your front desk staff never had to answer the question: “How do I connect to the Wi-Fi?” For years, hoteliers and solution providers have been working hard to develop a simple and seamless solution that would allow guests to connect to the internet as soon as they walk through the front doors. IHG Hotels & Resorts – a 2023 Hotel Visionary Award winner – has spent the last two years developing Wi-Fi Auto Connect, a new feature within its mobile app that allows IHG One Rewards members to automatically connect to the internet upon arrival at any of its hotels worldwide without needing to put in an access code or a login. Join us as we talk with IHG Hotels & Resorts about the development process, the rollout process, and the major success they’ve seen since its implementation.</p>
Vijay Raghavan
Director, Digital Stay Experience Products
IHG Hotels & Resorts
Vijay Raghavan began his career with IHG Hotels & Resorts 17 years ago as a Manager - Revenue and Guest Technology. During that time, he led several innovative guest-facing initiatives such as IHG Marketplace (a tech portal for hotels to purchase tech products), IHG Connect (next gen Wi-Fi infrastructure), real-time secure Hotel Connectivity from IHG cloud to all IHG hotels, and IHG Studio (IHG’s next generation In-room entertainment platform). After a few years in that role, he was promoted to Sr. Technology & Business Relationship Manager. In this role he was responsible for implementing a $3M Salesforce.com migration initiative that stood up a closed marketplace portal for all IHG hotel colleagues as well as implementing a key next generation initiative for IHG to transform its internet infrastructure. This ultimately laid the foundation for the brand's most recent round of Wi-Fi innovation. In his current role as Global Director, Digital Stay Experience Products - Commercial & Technology, Vijay has been responsible for the brand's rollout of Wi-Fi Auto Connect, a new feature within its new mobile app that allows IHG One Rewards members to automatically connect to the internet upon arrival at any of its hotels worldwide without needing to put in an access code or a login. He is also responsible for IHG’s next generation in-room guest experience products and collaborating with some key external partners to bring new innovations to IHG’s guests.
PGA Championship Hall
Thursday, November 16, 2023
2023-11-16
Networking & Coffee Break
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
3:00 PM
3:30 PM
PGA Ballroom
Thursday, November 16, 2023
2023-11-16
A Tale of Teamwork: Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group & Valtech
3:30 PM - 3:55 PM
3:30 PM
3:55 PM
<p>Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group (MOHG) and Valtech originally began working together to revamp MOHG’s website. But as they delved deeper into the project’s goals, they recognized the need for a comprehensive website redesign. Their project’s success was due to a partnership that thrived on clear communication, empathetic collaboration and a foundation of trust. They fostered an environment of shared ideas, with regular formal and informal meetings, clear channels for feedback, and a consensus-building workshop that led to innovative solutions. This vibrant partnership resulted in a new digital experience that not only elevated their website but also strengthened their relationship, making it an exciting example of successful teamwork.</p>
Marilyn Tabet
Director, Digital Experience
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Marilyn Tabet has been in the hospitality industry for over 12 years starting her career in the Las Vegas casino industry and moving to luxury hospitality when joining Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group almost 4 years ago. Her passion for technology mixed with her upbringing in hospitality led her a career focused on driving successful digital transformations and navigating the complexities of hospitality systems across hotel operations and corporate.
Lori Esposito
VP, Head of Client Services
Valtech
As the VP, Head of Client Services at Valtech, Lori leads the travel vertical, where she consults with clients to help them realize the potential of transformative digital technologies. Her expertise includes providing strategy and oversight for ecommerce, customer experience, and technology integrations. Lori's impact at Valtech includes launching a multi-year digital transformation journey for Mandarin Oriental, resulting in significant improvements in key performance indicators and numerous awards.
Lori boasts an extensive history in the hospitality industry. Prior to her current role at Valtech, she held the position of Chief Marketing Officer at a B2B technology company specializing in mobile event apps. Her career journey also encompasses significant roles at Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. and Marriott International. At Starwood, she served as the Director of Brand Management for Tribute Portfolio, successfully launching the brand. At both Starwood and Marriott, as Director of Field Marketing, she was instrumental in shaping marketing strategies for a diverse hotel portfolio. Her contributions aimed to enhance demand generation, elevate guest experiences, foster brand loyalty, and optimize revenue capture.
Over the course of her career, Lori also had the opportunity to work across a diverse portfolio of clients such as Citizens Bank, Choice Hotels, Samsung, Henry Schein, and Birkenstock.
PGA Ballroom
Thursday, November 16, 2023
2023-11-16
Nurturing a Strong Partnership: Marriott Digital Services and RealTime Reservation's Collaborative Success Story
4:00 PM - 4:20 PM
4:00 PM
4:20 PM
<p>For years, Marriott Digital Services (MDS) and RealTime Reservation have cultivated a robust partnership, crafting white-labeled products that seamlessly uphold brand standards, integrate with diverse systems, and elevate guest experiences. Their partnership – which spans multiple joint projects – is built on trust, adaptability and a collaborative spirit. Through shared custom data and analytics, they have not only enhanced guest experiences but also significantly boosted revenue. This fruitful partnership has collectively generated more than $140 million in ancillary revenue since 2019.</p>
James Holman
Director, Custom Products & Partnerships, Marriott Digital Services
Marriott International
James Holman is the Director of Custom Products and Partnerships with Marriott Digital Services (MDS). In this role, James oversees a dedicated team of associates and vendors to execute the build and management of over 150 customized websites for outlets, hotels, regions, brands and other corporate initiatives, such as Marriott International’s All-Inclusive Resorts, Christmas at Gaylord Resorts and Marriott Vacations Worldwide among others. Additionally, James is responsible for the relationship with RealTime Reservation, an inventory management platform focused on delivering enhanced guest experiences and ancillary revenue to hotel managers and owners. James holds a BA from the American University and an MBA from the Eller School of Management at the University of Arizona. James resides in Washington DC with his wife and five-year-old son. In his free time, James enjoys golfing, cooking BBQ and playing the piano.
Shawn Tarter
President
RealTime Reservation
Shawn Tarter is President and Founder of RealTime Reservation, an organization that provides real-time inventory management reservation software to the hospitality/travel industry. With a passion for innovation and customer satisfaction, Shawn embarked on a transformative journey in the realm of real-time inventory management reservation software.
Having identified untapped potential in numerous properties, Shawn's vision was crystal clear: he aimed to empower hotels with tools that not only enhanced the customer experience but also bolstered client satisfaction and loyalty. In 2015, he laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial aspirations by establishing Ipalapa Corporation, a venture that would eventually evolve into the powerhouse known as RealTime Reservation in 2018.
Under Shawn's leadership, RealTime Reservation embraced the vibrant and dynamic culture emblematic of startup companies. Fueled by innovation and exceeding customer's expectations, the company navigated the challenging landscape of the global pandemic with resilience and determination. Despite the business climate, RealTime Reservation experienced remarkable growth in sales and revenue, a testament to Shawn's strategic acumen and the dedication of the entire team. “We are fast-moving, responsive, collaborative and relevant.”
Today, RealTime Reservation stands as a beacon of innovation, employing a diverse team of fifty professionals spanning across development, R&D, client services, administration, sales, and marketing. This diverse and talented workforce, united by a shared vision, forms the backbone of the company's success.
With a client base exceeding 500, RealTime Reservation has become synonymous with efficiency and reliability in the hospitality and travel sector. Shawn's commitment to excellence, coupled with his ability to seize opportunities amidst challenges, has propelled the company to unprecedented heights. His entrepreneurial spirit continues to inspire not only his team but also the industry, shaping the future of hospitality technology and setting new standards for customer satisfaction.
Bella Lago
Thursday, November 16, 2023
2023-11-16
Networking Reception
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
4:30 PM
6:00 PM
British Open Ballroom
Friday, November 17, 2023
2023-11-17
Breakfast
8:00 AM - 8:50 AM
8:00 AM
8:50 AM
PGA Championship Hall
Friday, November 17, 2023
2023-11-17
Registration Open
8:00 AM - 10:30 AM
8:00 AM
10:30 AM
PGA Ballroom
Friday, November 17, 2023
2023-11-17
Morning Remarks
8:50 AM - 9:00 AM
8:50 AM
9:00 AM
Robert Firpo-Cappiello
Editor-in-Chief
Hospitality Technology
PGA Ballroom
Friday, November 17, 2023
2023-11-17
Research Keynote: Big Data Discoveries in HT’s 2024 Lodging Technology Study
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
9:00 AM
9:45 AM
<p>Industry leaders weigh in on the results of our all-new survey, revealing which technologies are really transforming the guest experience and operational efficiency; adoption and benefits of contactless check-in, smart rooms, artificial intelligence, and guest personalization, and an honest appraisal of the challenges and ROI in implementing and managing lodging technology initiatives.</p>
Robert Firpo-Cappiello
Editor-in-Chief
Hospitality Technology
Don DeMarinis
Senior Vice President, Sales
Agilysys
Don DeMarinis has been Senior Vice President - Sales, Americas and EMEA since January 2018. Don brings extensive industry experience and a track record of success in working with global clients across hospitality markets to achieve their operational goals with technology. His primary responsibilities are to lead Agilysys' sales activities in Americas and EMEA Regions, and to look after the company's global go-to-market initiatives; designing innovative sales strategies and accelerating revenue growth across Agilysys' vertical industry markets. Previously, Don enjoyed a long career with MICROS/Oracle, ultimately serving as Vice President of several business units responsible for selling enterprise food and beverage technology solutions into hotels, resorts, sports venues, entertainment complexes and managed foodservice operations. Just prior to joining Agilysys, he served as Chief Commercial Officer for two startup companies focused on hospitality food and beverage technologies including point of sale and guest self service solutions.
Mark Samardich
Strategic Account Executive
Marigold
25+ year veteran in loyalty marketing and customer digital solutions. Mark started his career as a software developer of online marketing and data entry solutions. As an entrepreneur he pioneered online marketing and geolocation technology that supported many of the online location marketing services today. Most recently he has performed key roles helping marketers build loyalty, cross channel messaging and analytic programs. Having key roles with companies like FICO, Kobie Marketing, Marigold (Formerly Cheetah Digital), he helped clients create customer focused, data-driven marketing solutions aimed at influencing profitable customer behavior.
Nadav Solomon
President & Founder
Tabit Technologies
PGA Ballroom
Friday, November 17, 2023
2023-11-17
Special Session: The Future of Hoteling from the Gen Z Perspective
9:45 AM - 10:20 AM
9:45 AM
10:20 AM
<p>Hotel operators want to know: What does the next generation of guests — and staff — expect from lodging technology? We sit down with an exceptional group of hospitality students to learn their attitudes and preferences, plus some highlights from their applied research and technology development. Bring your questions and be ready for some surprising takeaways!</p>
Dan Kornick
CIO
Loews hotels
Dan Kornick is the chief information officer at Loews Hotels & Co in New York City, where he is responsible for all aspects of Information Technology including strategy, systems development, infrastructure, IT operations, internal customer support and working across the organization on the evolution of IT. He is a global digital and global technology leader with vast experience in multiple industries including Hospitality & Travel, Telecom and Financial services.
Prior to Loews, he has held CIO roles with TracFone Wireless, Wyndham Hotel Group and Cendant’s Vacation Rental Group in Europe. He has successfully led multiple business, technology and digital transformations focusing on the customer and team experience, while leveraging the investment in technology to achieve the overall objectives for the organizations.
A graduate of Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Mathematics, Dan previously served on the Board of Governors for Hotel Technology Next Generation (HTNG), and currently sits on Board of Trustees for the New Jersey Youth Chorus.
PGA Ballroom
Friday, November 17, 2023
2023-11-17
HTF Closing Remarks
10:20 AM - 10:30 AM
10:20 AM
10:30 AM
Abigail Lorden
VP & Publisher
Hospitality Technology & RTN