Hotel Tech Unwrapped

For Season 2 of Hotel Tech Unwrapped, host Denis Ahern is joined by leaders in the hospitality tech industry to explore how technology is transforming hotel operations and guest experiences.For Episode 4, Denis is joined by Markus Feller, CEO of LIKE MAGIC, a Swiss hospitality technology company bringing digital guest experiences and hotel operations together through one integrated platform. In this episode, we explore the challenges of fragmented hotel technology, how AI and automation are changing the way hotels operate, and why digital transformation needs to support employees just as much as guests. They also discuss the importance of making technology intuitive, giving guests greater choice and ensuring innovation delivers measurable value for hotel operators.Key takeaways:- Why connecting fragmented hotel systems and bringing operational data together is essential for successful digital transformation.- How AI is moving beyond answering guest enquiries to automating tasks, with real examples of measurable improvements in hotel operations.- Why the employee experience is just as important as the guest experience, and how intuitive technology can free up staff to focus on hospitality.- How guest expectations are being shaped by the simplicity and convenience of technology they already use in everyday life.- Why the right level of digitisation depends on each hotel's brand, operating model and guest preferences.Resources:Learn more about IMS connect by ASK4: https://imsconnect.com/Learn more about LIKE MAGIC: https://likemagic.tech/Connect with Markus: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markus-feller/

For Season 2 of Hotel Tech Unwrapped, host Denis Ahern is joined by leaders in the hospitality tech industry to explore how technology is transforming hotel operations and guest experiences.For Episode 3, Denis is joined by Alexander Richter, Founder and Managing Director of Convene Hospitality, a leading provider of self-service check-in technology. In this episode, we discuss how self-service is enhancing rather than replacing the guest experience, why giving guests greater choice is becoming increasingly important, and how AI is accelerating innovation behind the scenes while keeping people at the heart of hospitality.Key takeaways:- Why self-service technology creates more time for meaningful guest interactions, rather than replacing them.- How offering guests flexibility and choice is shaping the future of the hotel experience.- The role of integrations, AI and automation in making hospitality technology faster to deploy and easier to scale.- Why successful technology adoption is about improving operational efficiency while preserving the human touch.Resources:Learn more about IMS connect: https://imsconnect.com/ Learn more about Convene Hospitality: https://convene.com/Connect with Alexander: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderweissrichter/Guest Technology Maturity Assessment: https://s.imsconnect.com/guest-tech-assesment

For Season 2 of Hotel Tech Unwrapped, host Denis Ahern is joined by leaders in the hospitality tech industry to explore how technology is transforming hotel operations and guest experiences. Jason Noronha, CEO of D3x, joins us for episode one. D3x is a platform providing agentic AI automation for hotels, hostels, aparthotels & hospitality businesses. In this episode, we explore the reasons why we don't view AI as our competitor, the potential lasting impact of early AI adoption for hospitality businesses, and the importance of change management for successful adoption.Key takeaways: - AI is an advantage to our business, and with our experience and physical capability, we don’t see it as a competitor.- How we are using AI day to day, and which platforms are leading the way- Early adopters of AI-driven hospitality tech can gain a significant competitive advantage in both guest experience and operational performance.- Successful implementation is as much about change management and team adoption as it is about the technology itself. Resources: Learn more about IMS connect: https://imsconnect.com/ Learn more about D3x: https://www.d3x.ai/Jason's Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/35ExmzlUb7JOZY9cXZl50f?si=7ecf1d338b4c478fConnect with Jason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonnoronhareal/Guest Technology Maturity Assessment: https://s.imsconnect.com/guest-tech-assesment

For Season 2 of Hotel Tech Unwrapped, host Denis Ahern is joined by leaders in the hospitality tech industry to explore how technology is transforming hotel operations and guest experiences. Brett Robbins, CEO of Snapfix, joins us for episode one. Snapfix is a platform built to empower frontline hotel teams and connect complex operational systems. In this episode, we explore our key principles for investing in tech, how hotels can move from reactive problem-solving to proactive, and how AI will shape the future of hotel technology in different ways than expected.  Key takeaways: Frontline staff are the true architects of the guest experience, and Snapfix is the first platform designed specifically with their needs in mind. Micro-optimisations can create massive financial and efficiency impact when applied consistently across a hotel. Piloting software technology offers significant benefits for hoteliers who want to understand its real-world impact before committing to long-term investments. Home technology experiences leaped forward during the pandemic, and the future of hotel tech relies on hotels catching up to meet those modern expectations. Meeting guests where they live could be the next big step in the digital tech journey, whether through messaging apps or voice assistants, guests want hotel technology to feel as intuitive as the tech they already use daily. Resources: Learn more about IMS connect: https://imsconnect.com/ Learn more about Snapfix: https://snapfix.com/ Connect with Brett on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettaustinrobbins Guest Technology Maturity Assessment: https://s.imsconnect.com/guest-tech-assesment 

Join our CEO Denis Ahern, and Business Development Manager Helena O' Brien on the final episode of the Hotel Tech Unwrapped podcast series, where we unravel the pivotal role of technology in hospitality. A slightly different format, this special episode features Joe Pine, co-author of The Experience Economy, an internationally acclaimed author, speaker, and management advisor to Fortune 500 companies and entrepreneurial start-ups. The conversation revolves around the concept of the experience economy and its application in the hospitality industry. It explores the principles of the experience economy, its impact on guest and employee experiences, and the role of technology in enhancing these experiences. Takeaways: The application of the experience economy principles in the hospitality industry The impact of technology on enhancing guest and employee experiences The role of customisation and theming in creating memorable guest experiences Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 09:24 - The Experience Economy 12:42 - Applying the principles in hospitality 18:08 - The role of technology 25:12 - The progression of economic value 32:26 - Innovation in hospitality 38:28 - The digital guest experience 46:02 - Key takeaways

Join our CEO Denis Ahern, and Business Development Manager Helena O' Brien on Ep #9 of the IMS Hotel Tech Unwrapped podcast series, where we unravel the pivotal role of technology in hospitality. Watch episode here: https://youtu.be/1es1wkW02uo In this episode, Denis and Helena discuss the role of hybrid technology in facilitating work while traveling. They explore the importance of creating a home-like experience for guests and the need to provide office-to-office experiences. They highlight the significance of connectivity and the use of digital signage technology in common areas to show schedules and provide wayfinding. Takeaways Digital signage technology can be used to show schedules, provide wayfinding, and offer branding and advertising opportunities. Making it easy for guests to book meeting spaces and ensuring staff are trained in using the technology is important. Hotels have the opportunity to showcase their commitment to sustainability through the use of technology. Ensure team buy-in and familiarity with video conferencing technology Provide a digital end-to-end experience for guests Create an office-like environment in meeting rooms Consider the sustainability aspect of technology use Explore the potential of hybrid conferences to reach a larger audience Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast 03:22 Reflection on the Journey of the Podcast 06:16 Creating a Home-Like Experience for Guests 09:07 Facilitating Office-to-Office Experiences 12:12 Simplifying the Booking Process for Meeting Spaces 15:32 Enhancing Communication and Wayfinding with Digital Signage 19:07 Technology and Sustainability in the Hospitality Industry 21:02 Transforming the Video Conferencing Experience 23:55 Partnerships and Expertise in Audiovisual Solutions 26:59 Creating Office-Like Environments in Meeting Rooms 28:51 Embracing Sustainability in Technology Use

Join our CEO Denis Ahern, and Business Development Manager Helena O' Brien on Ep #8 of the IMS Hotel Tech Unwrapped podcast series, where we unravel the pivotal role of technology in hospitality. Watch episode here: https://youtu.be/7ukuVddQGxI In this episode of Hotel Tech Unwrapped, Denis and Helena discuss phone and voice communications technology in the hospitality industry. They highlight the importance of having a well-designed phone system that can generate revenue, improve operational efficiency, and enhance the guest experience. Takeaways - A well-designed phone system in the hospitality industry can generate revenue, improve operational efficiency, and enhance the guest experience. - Key considerations for phone systems include having multiple channels for calls, integrated voice receptionists, and integration with property management systems. - Cloud-based phone solutions offer flexibility, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. - Phone systems can be integrated with other communication channels to create an omnichannel experience. - Investing in a phone system can lead to operational efficiencies, such as real-time room availability updates and streamlined communication between staff members. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Overview 06:53 - Revenue Generation with Phone Systems 26:34 - Sustainability and Future Considerations

Join our CEO Denis Ahern and Business Development Manager Helena O' Brien on Ep #7 of the IMS Hotel Tech Unwrapped podcast series, where we unravel the pivotal role of technology in hospitality. In this episode, Denis and Helena discuss IoT technology in the hospitality industry. They also explore the various applications of IoT in hospitality, such as door access control, monitoring and controlling the environment, and voice assistants. They emphasise the importance of data-driven decision-making and the potential for IoT to enhance the guest and employee experience, while improving operational efficiency and sustainability. Takeaways IoT technology, such as casting and door access control, is becoming increasingly popular in the hospitality industry. IoT can enhance the guest experience, improve operational efficiency, and contribute to sustainability efforts. Data-driven decision-making is crucial in leveraging the benefits of IoT technology. IoT can be used to monitor and control the environment, improve energy efficiency, and enhance safety and security. Upgrading Wi-Fi networks to support IoT devices can unlock significant cost savings and business opportunities. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and feedback on IoT technology in hospitality 07:10 Common use cases of IoT in hospitality: door access control, casting technology, and environment monitoring 13:56 The benefits of IoT in period buildings and energy efficiency 28:53 Emerging trends in IoT: aIot and digital guest and employee experiences 34:05 Key takeaways and conclusion

Join our CEO Denis Ahern and Business Development Manager Helena O' Brien on Ep #6 of the IMS Hotel Tech Unwrapped podcast series, where we unravel the pivotal role of technology in hospitality. Watch episode here: https://youtu.be/8I8TW95FjUY In this episode, Denis and Helena discuss casting technology for hotels. They explain that casting allows guests to wirelessly share their own device's content on the hotel TV screen. They highlight the importance of hospitality grade TVs and the deployment options for casting technology. They also discuss the benefits of casting, such as the ability to watch on-demand entertainment and the data security it provides. The hosts emphasise the need for a reliable Wi-Fi and wired network to support the casting experience, and discuss future trends in casting technology. Takeaways Casting technology allows guests to wirelessly share their own device's content on the hotel TV screen. Hospitality grade TVs and a reliable Wi-Fi network are prerequisites for deploying casting technology. Casting enhances the guest experience by providing on-demand entertainment and ensuring data security. Future trends in casting technology include app-based experiences, cloud-based solutions, and the transition to Google Chromecast 4. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:53 Feedback from TV and podcasts 03:36 What is casting? 04:31 Methods of deployment 05:54 Hospitality grade TV 06:06 Deployment with existing TVs 09:10 Difference between hospitality grade and non-hospitality grade TVs 09:42 Advantages of hospitality grade TVs 11:23 Network security for casting 12:27 Benefits of casting technology 14:14 Issues with incorrect installation 15:12 Methods of network deployment 20:20 Advantages and benefits of casting 22:00 Prerequisites for deploying casting 24:27 Future trends in casting technology 26:05 Key takeaways

Join our CEO Denis Ahern and Business Development Manager Helena O' Brien on Ep #6 of the IMS Hotel Tech Unwrapped podcast series, where we unravel the pivotal role of technology in hospitality. Watch episode here: https://youtu.be/8I8TW95FjUY In this episode, Denis and Helena discuss hospitality TV and the importance of enhancing the guest experience. They highlight the benefits of using hospitality grade TVs, which are designed for long-term use and offer customisable user interfaces. The importance of a well-designed Wi-Fi and switch network is emphasised, as it supports the TV experience. Takeaways Invest in hospitality grade TVs for a better guest experience Consider using network cables for TV channel distribution Ensure a well-designed Wi-Fi and switch network to support the TV experience Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 01:13 - Positive feedback on the podcast 03:19 - Hospitality grade TVs 04:00 - TV channel distribution 05:15 - Options for existing TVs 07:09 - Using coax cable and network Cable 08:18 - Benefits of hospitality grade TVs 09:02 - Content management system 10:09 - Sustainability and content management 12:37 - Using coax cable for TV channels 13:46 - Data over coax solution 15:09 - Importance of Wi-Fi for TV services 16:36 - Phased approach to upgrading TVs 20:12 - Matching the home experience 21:26 - Key takeaways 22:29 - Conclusion