The Modern Hotelier

David Millili & Steve Carran

Each episode we discuss industry trends, talk about new technologies, and speak to industry experts. All so that you, The Modern Hotelier, can succeed in a new age of hospitality.

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    #254: Building AKA & Leading Luxury Residence Hospitality | with Larry Korman

    How did Larry Korman go from growing up outside Philadelphia to leading one of the most innovative hospitality brands in the world? In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Larry Korman, President of AKA Hotels & Residences and Co‑CEO of Korman Communities. Larry shares his journey from growing up outside Philadelphia to leading one of the most innovative hospitality brands in the world. You’ll hear about: The power of design and how it shaped his career.The four generations of the Korman family and their 100+ year legacy in real estate.How AKA redefined luxury with flexible stay residences.His collaboration with Airbnb and thoughts on the future of hospitality.Personal insights on family, travel, and what’s next for AKA.This episode is packed with inspiration, history, and forward‑thinking ideas for hoteliers, designers, and anyone passionate about hospitality. Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PguHphM3iVI Links:aka on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aka/posts/?feedView=all aka: https://www.stayaka.com/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/254 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-... Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

    58 min
  2. 24 FEB

    #253: Helping Hospitality Sales Teams Increase Their Speed & Convert More Leads | with Greg Sukornyk

    In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Greg Sukornyk, CEO and co-founder of Oli Labs, to explore how AI is transforming hotel sales, customer service, and revenue management. Greg shares his journey from law to entrepreneurship, building startups like Extreme Network, and now leading Oli Labs to innovate AI-driven sales solutions for hotels. Learn how AI sales agents like Ollie are helping properties respond faster to leads, prioritize high-value opportunities, and increase conversions—all while keeping hotel teams happier and more efficient. In this episode, we cover: The story of Extreme Network, the UK’s first free internet service providerHow Oli Labs is revolutionizing AI-driven hotel sales and customer serviceReal results: increasing qualified leads by 2.5x and boosting conversion ratesHow AI and humans can work together seamlessly to enhance revenueWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JaU-9Jwudms Links:Gregory on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorysukornyk/ Oli Labs: https://www.olilabs.ai/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/253 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-... Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

    45 min
  3. 19 FEB

    #252: 2026 Hospitality Conference, Trade Show, & Events Guide | with John Burns

    Which hospitality events should YOU be attending in 2026? In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with John Burns, President of Hospitality Technology Consulting, to review the top hospitality events of 2026. From tech expos to independent hotel shows, cruise industry summits, and AI-focused conferences, we cover what’s happening, who should attend, and why these events are game-changers for hoteliers, developers, and investors.   In this episode, we cover: The global power of ITB Berlin and why it’s more than just a trade show.Networking gold at Hunter Conference Atlanta and what makes it a must-attend.Insider tips from HFTP Executive Vendor Summit, AAHOA Philadelphia, Sea Trade Cruise Summit, and more.How direct bookings and AI are shaking up the hotel industry.Whether you’re a hotel owner, operator, developer, or just love staying ahead in hospitality, this episode is your roadmap for networking, learning, and making deals happen. Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UbP3xSHCc-M Links:John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-burns-1a6139/Hospitality Technology Consulting: https://www.burns-htc.com/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/252 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-... Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

    19 min
  4. 5 FEB

    #248: From Pro Snowboarder to Hospitality Innovator | with Bradley Steward

    How does a pro snowboarder become a hospitality innovator? Join David Millili and Steve Carran as they sit down with Bradley Steward, Co-founder and President of Caravan Outpost, to explore an extraordinary journey from professional snowboarding to creating one of America’s most unique boutique hospitality experiences. In this episode, you'll discover: The transition from sports to media, directing projects for Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, and even influencing early Jackass.How he co-founded Bonfire Snowboarding, turning it into a global apparel brand before selling to Adidas.The inspiration behind Caravan Outpost, and how he and his wife designed it as an experiential travel destination, blending luxury, community, and the outdoors.Tips for independent hoteliers and entrepreneurs on creating a brand that fosters emotional connections rather than just products.Get ready for candid stories, unexpected adventures, and behind-the-scenes moments from snowboarding competitions, Hollywood projects, and a luxury outdoor retreat that feels more like a community than a hotel.   Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/leosxe5M0-0 Links:Bradley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradley-steward-7b829a23/Caravan Outpost: https://caravanoutpostojai.com/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/248 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-... Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

    56 min

About

Each episode we discuss industry trends, talk about new technologies, and speak to industry experts. All so that you, The Modern Hotelier, can succeed in a new age of hospitality.

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