Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast

Vibrant Management
  • 5.0 (12)
  • Management
  • Updated Daily

Welcome to Virtual GM, the ultimate podcast for anyone looking to elevate their game in the modern hospitality industry! Whether you're a boutique hotel owner, VRBO manager, Airbnb administrator, front desk staff, or just someone trying to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the hospitality world, this podcast is for you! Each episode is packed with valuable insights, expert advice, and real-life stories from industry leaders and innovators. We'll cover everything from how to effectively market your property and increase bookings, to how to provide top-notch customer service and stand out in a crowded market. But it's not all business - we'll also be having a lot of fun along the way. Expect witty banter, relatable anecdotes, and plenty of laughs as we take a fresh and entertaining approach to discussing the hospitality industry. Produced and distributed by Vibrant Management - a company dedicated to helping hoteliers and vacation rental managers thrive in the modern world - Virtual GM is your go-to source for all things hospitality. So, join us, and let's elevate your game! and visit us on our website: www.thevibrantteam.com

  1. 4d ago

    No Show Today, Season 4 Starts September 3rd

    No new episode today! Cody and Meagan are hard at work behind the scenes preparing an exciting Season 4 of the Virtual GM Podcast. We'll be back in the studio with Season 4, Episode 1 on Thursday, September 3rd, and we can't wait to share what's ahead. In the meantime, we encourage all independent hospitality professionals to join us at this year's Independent Hospitality Show at the Miami Beach Convention Center on September 16th–17th. Be sure to use promo code CODY26 to receive complimentary entry to the show. https://independenthotelshow.us/ Enjoy the rest of your summer, and we'll see you in September for Season 4! Follow us on Instagram -  @thevibrantteam @virtualgmpodcast Checkout our website -  www.thevibrantteam.com

    No Show Today, Season 4 Starts September 3rd

  2. Aug 6

    No Show Today, Season 4 Starts September 3rd

    No new episode today! Cody and Meagan are hard at work behind the scenes preparing an exciting Season 4 of the Virtual GM Podcast. We'll be back in the studio with Season 4, Episode 1 on Thursday, September 3rd, and we can't wait to share what's ahead. In the meantime, we encourage all independent hospitality professionals to join us at this year's Independent Hospitality Show at the Miami Beach Convention Center on September 16th–17th. Be sure to use promo code CODY26 to receive complimentary entry to the show. https://independenthotelshow.us/ Enjoy the rest of your summer, and we'll see you in September for Season 4! Follow us on Instagram -  @thevibrantteam @virtualgmpodcast Checkout our website -  www.thevibrantteam.com

    No Show Today, Season 4 Starts September 3rd

  3. Jul 30

    🎧 Episode 52: Celebrating 156 Episodes and The Independent Hotel Show Miami

    After 156 episodes and an incredible Season 3 journey, Cody and Meagan are wrapping up the season with a look back at some of their favorite moments, lessons learned, and conversations that shaped the year on the Virtual GM Podcast. In this special season finale, they reflect on the growth of the show, celebrate reaching 156 episodes, and share their plans to take a short summer break to spend time with their families and enjoy the season with their kids. While the microphones may be quiet for a few weeks, the break won't last long. The Virtual GM Podcast will return to the studio on Thursday, September 3rd, kicking off Season 4 with fresh conversations, new guests, and more insights for independent hospitality professionals. Cody and Meagan also highlight the upcoming Independent Hospitality Show taking place September 16th–17th at the Miami Beach Convention Center. If you're planning to attend, be sure to use promo code CODY26 for complimentary entry to the show. https://independenthotelshow.us/ Thank you to everyone who listened, shared, supported, and joined the conversation throughout Season 3. Enjoy the rest of your summer, and we'll see you in September for Season 4 of the Virtual GM Podcast! Follow us on Instagram -  @thevibrantteam @virtualgmpodcast Checkout our website -  www.thevibrantteam.com

  4. Jul 23

    🎧 Episode 51: The New Guest Expectations in 2026 What Travelers Want Now That They Didn't Five Years Ago

    In this episode, Cody & Meagan explore how guest expectations have changed and what boutique hotels can do to exceed them while standing out from larger brands. 🔹 Segment 1: Guests Want Convenience Convenience has become a baseline expectation. Cody & Meagan discuss why fast response times, mobile check-in, contactless options, and reliable high-speed internet are now essential parts of the guest experience. 🔹 Segment 2: Guests Want Experiences Travelers are increasingly choosing destinations based on how they'll feel—not just where they'll sleep. Learn why authentic local recommendations, thoughtful design, memorable moments, and share-worthy experiences have become key differentiators for boutique properties. 🔹 Segment 3: Guests Want Flexibility Modern guests value transparent policies, personalized communication, and the ability to easily connect with your team. Cody & Meagan explain why making guests feel known—not just like another reservation—creates lasting loyalty. 🔹 Segment 4: What Boutique Hotels Can Do Better Than Big Brands Independent hotels have a unique advantage when it comes to creating genuine hospitality. Cody & Meagan discuss how personal interactions, distinctive design, local partnerships, and emotional connections help boutique properties deliver experiences large brands often struggle to replicate. ⚡ Rapid Fire Questions  Most underrated guest amenity?  One expectation every owner should prioritize this year?  One hospitality trend you think is overhyped? Today's guests aren't simply booking a room—they're searching for convenience, connection, authenticity, and experiences they'll remember long after their trip ends. Follow us on Instagram -  @thevibrantteam @virtualgmpodcast Checkout our website -  www.thevibrantteam.com

  5. Jul 16

    🎧 Episode 50: Why Direct Bookings Matter More Than Ever Winning Guests Without Relying on OTAs

    In this episode, Cody & Meagan discuss one of the biggest opportunities for independent hotels in 2026: increasing direct bookings. OTAs are valuable partners and play an important role in driving visibility and occupancy. But when properties become too dependent on third-party bookings, they often sacrifice profitability, guest relationships, and long-term loyalty. Cody & Meagan share practical strategies boutique hotels can implement to grow direct bookings while maintaining a healthy balance with OTA channels. 🔹 Segment 1: The Hidden Costs of OTA Dependence Not all booking channels are created equal. Cody & Meagan discuss the hidden costs of relying too heavily on OTAs, including commission expenses, limited guest ownership, reduced loyalty, and fewer opportunities to personalize the guest experience or generate additional revenue. 🔹 Segment 2: Why Guests Book Direct Guests often choose to book directly when they receive a better overall experience. Learn why clear communication, flexible policies, personalized service, and exclusive perks can encourage travelers to skip third-party booking sites and book directly with your property. 🔹 Segment 3: Easy Wins for Boutique Hotels Simple improvements can make a big impact. Cody & Meagan cover practical ways to increase direct bookings, including:  Creating a faster, more user-friendly website  Building an email marketing list  Staying connected with past guests  Offering simple loyalty incentives  Creating unique packages and local experiences ⚡ Rapid Fire Questions  What's the best direct booking incentive?  What's the biggest mistake independent hotels make with their website?  What's the most overlooked hotel marketing opportunity? Direct bookings aren't just about saving commission—they're about building stronger guest relationships, increasing profitability, and creating a more sustainable business for the future. Follow us on Instagram -  @thevibrantteam @virtualgmpodcast Checkout our website -  www.thevibrantteam.com

  6. Jul 9

    🎧 Episode 49: The Boutique Advantage in an AI World Why Independent Hotels Can Outperform Big Brands Using Technology

    Artificial intelligence is transforming hospitality, but independent hotels may have the biggest opportunity of all. In this episode, Cody & Meagan explore how boutique properties can leverage AI to save time, improve operations, enhance guest communication, and compete with larger brands—without sacrificing the personalized experiences that set them apart. 🔹 Segment 1: Why Boutique Hotels Have an Advantage Independent properties can adapt much faster than large hotel brands. Cody & Meagan discuss why smaller teams are uniquely positioned to implement new technology quickly while continuing to deliver authentic, personalized hospitality. 🔹 Segment 2: Practical AI Uses Today Discover how hotels are using AI to streamline everyday operations, including:  Automated guest messaging  Review responses and reputation management  Revenue management and pricing recommendations  Email marketing and content creation  Staff scheduling and operational efficiency These practical tools help teams spend less time on repetitive tasks and more time creating exceptional guest experiences. 🔹 Segment 3: Where Owners Should Be Careful AI is a powerful tool—but only when used thoughtfully. Cody & Meagan discuss common mistakes, including over-automating guest communication, relying too heavily on technology, and losing the personal touch that defines boutique hospitality. ⚡ Rapid Fire Questions  One task every hotel should automate tomorrow?  One thing that should always remain human? AI isn't replacing hospitality—it's enhancing it. The independent hotels that embrace technology while keeping hospitality personal will be the ones that stand out in the years ahead. Follow us on Instagram -  @thevibrantteam @virtualgmpodcast Checkout our website -  www.thevibrantteam.com

  7. Jul 2

    🎧 Episode 48: Cutting Through the Noise — How Hotel Owners Can Choose the Right Hospitality Partners

    In this episode, Cody welcomes special guest Ryan Negron, Director of Sales and Marketing at X-quic, for a conversation focused on one of the most important decisions hotel owners and operators make: selecting the right vendor partners. With hundreds of hospitality solutions competing for attention, it can be difficult to separate great products from great marketing. Ryan shares insights from the vendor side of the industry and discusses what the best hospitality partners are doing to help hotels improve operations, guest experience, and profitability. 🔹 What Hospitality Vendors Are Doing Right Ryan discusses the trends he's seeing among the industry's top-performing vendors:  Focusing on measurable results  Creating true partnerships instead of simple transactions  Solving operational challenges, not just selling products  Becoming more consultative in their approach 👉 The best vendors don't just sell solutions—they help hotels achieve outcomes. 🔹 Where Many Vendors Miss the Mark Not every hospitality solution delivers on its promises. Cody and Ryan discuss:  Overpromising results  Focusing on features instead of value  Generic sales approaches  Lack of ongoing support after implementation 👉 Successful partnerships require more than a great sales presentation. 🔹 How the Most Successful B2B Hotel Partners Are Evolving The hospitality industry continues to change rapidly, and the strongest vendor partners are evolving alongside it. Topics include:  AI and automation  Data-driven decision making  Personalized guest experiences  Integration between systems  Helping hotels do more with leaner teams 🔹 What Hotel Owners and Operators Should Evaluate Before signing any contract, Cody and Ryan discuss key questions every operator should ask:  Will this solution save time?  Will it improve guest experience?  Can it increase revenue?  Is implementation realistic?  What support exists after launch? 👉 The right solution should create measurable value—not additional complexity. 🔹 How to Cut Through the Marketing Noise One of the biggest challenges facing operators today is evaluating vendor claims. Ryan shares practical advice on:  Asking better questions  Requesting real-world examples  Looking beyond demos  Evaluating ROI expectations  Identifying long-term partners versus short-term sales pitches 👉 Great decisions come from understanding outcomes, not just features. 🔹 Connect with Ryan Negron If you'd like to learn more or connect with Ryan:  LinkedIn: Ryan Negron LinkedIn Profile Email: ryan.negron@xquic.com Phone: (346) 818-7831  Schedule a Meeting: Book Time with Ryan Negron🔹 Closing Thoughts Whether you're evaluating technology, operational services, marketing solutions, or guest experience tools, choosing the right partners can have a significant impact on your property's success. Ryan's insights provide a valuable framework for cutting through the noise and making smarter vendor decisions in today's hospitality landscape. Follow us on Instagram -  @thevibrantteam @virtualgmpodcast Checkout our website -  www.thevibrantteam.com

    🎧 Episode 48: Cutting Through the Noise — How Hotel Owners Can Choose the Right Hospitality Partners

  8. Jun 25

    🎧 Episode 47: Why Every Independent Hotelier Needs to Attend the Independent Hotel Show Miami

    In this solo episode, Cody Adent shares why the Independent Hotel Show Miami has become one of the most important events in hospitality—and why every hotel owner, operator, GM, and hospitality professional should consider attending this year. Whether you're looking for innovative technology, new vendor partnerships, industry insights, or networking opportunities with fellow independent hoteliers, the Independent Hotel Show delivers an experience specifically designed for the independent hospitality community. 🎟️ Use Promo Code: CODY26 for FREE admission 👉 https://independenthotelshow.us/ 🔹 Why the Independent Hotel Show Matters Cody discusses what makes this event different from traditional hospitality conferences:  A focus on independent hotels and boutique properties  Industry-leading educational sessions  Access to innovative vendors and technology providers  Networking opportunities with owners, operators, and hospitality leaders  Actionable strategies you can immediately implement at your property 🔹 Who Should Attend? This event is ideal for:  Hotel Owners  General Managers  Virtual GMs  Revenue Managers  Marketing Professionals  Hospitality Vendors  Independent Property Operators Whether you're operating a boutique motel, luxury resort, vacation rental portfolio, or independent hotel, there is valuable content and networking for every hospitality professional. 🔹 What You'll Learn Topics often include:  Revenue Management  Direct Booking Strategies  Hotel Technology  AI in Hospitality  Marketing & Branding  Guest Experience  Operations Best Practices  Hospitality Trends 👉 The goal is simple: help independent properties compete and thrive in an increasingly competitive marketplace. 🔹 Additional Resources Be sure to check out these previous Virtual GM Podcast episodes featuring Independent Hotel Show board members and hospitality leaders discussing the impact of the event: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1992151/episodes/16824683https://www.buzzsprout.com/1992151/episodes/16704057https://www.buzzsprout.com/1992151/episodes/17398696🔹 Closing Thoughts Cody wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to invest in themselves and their businesses by attending industry events that inspire innovation and connection. 👉 The relationships you build and the ideas you discover at one event can have a lasting impact on your property's future. Don't forget to register today and use Promo Code: CODY26 for FREE entry to the Independent Hotel Show Miami. Follow us on Instagram -  @thevibrantteam @virtualgmpodcast Checkout our website -  www.thevibrantteam.com

See All (164)

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Welcome to Virtual GM, the ultimate podcast for anyone looking to elevate their game in the modern hospitality industry! Whether you're a boutique hotel owner, VRBO manager, Airbnb administrator, front desk staff, or just someone trying to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the hospitality world, this podcast is for you! Each episode is packed with valuable insights, expert advice, and real-life stories from industry leaders and innovators. We'll cover everything from how to effectively market your property and increase bookings, to how to provide top-notch customer service and stand out in a crowded market. But it's not all business - we'll also be having a lot of fun along the way. Expect witty banter, relatable anecdotes, and plenty of laughs as we take a fresh and entertaining approach to discussing the hospitality industry. Produced and distributed by Vibrant Management - a company dedicated to helping hoteliers and vacation rental managers thrive in the modern world - Virtual GM is your go-to source for all things hospitality. So, join us, and let's elevate your game! and visit us on our website: www.thevibrantteam.com

Information

You Might Also Like