The Modern Hotelier

David Millili & Steve Carran
  • 4.9 (44)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

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. 1d ago

    #310: HITEC E20X 2026 Winners | with Mergim Kacija & Josh Ellis

    Live from HITEC 2026, we sit down with the winners of the prestigious E20X startup competition to explore the technologies redefining the future of hospitality. First, Mergim Kacija, CEO of Stayfull AI and the E20X Grand Prize winner, shares how his experience as a hotel owner inspired him to build an AI-native property management platform designed specifically for independent hotels. Learn how specialized AI agents can automate guest communication, revenue management, marketing, and daily operations while dramatically reducing technology costs. Then, we welcome Josh Ellis, CEO of Abra and the E20X People's Choice winner. Josh explains how Abra's guest intelligence platform unifies fragmented guest data across multiple systems, helping hotels deliver highly personalized experiences that strengthen guest loyalty and increase profitability. In this episode, you'll discover: How AI is transforming hotel operations and guest serviceWhy independent hotels are embracing AI-powered technologyThe value of unified guest data for personalization and loyaltyWhat it takes to win the hospitality industry's premier startup competitionWhat's next for two of hospitality's fastest-growing technology companiesWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/m_E8AmNFjZw Links: Mergim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/investormergim/Stayfull.ai: https://stayfull.ai/ Josh Ellis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-ellis1126/Abra Hospitality: https://abrahospitality.com/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/310 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.

  2. 3d ago

    #309: Think Global, Act Local: Insights from an International Hotelier | with Gonzalo Aguilar

    What does it take to lead one of the world's fastest-growing global hotel groups while staying true to the heart of hospitality? In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Gonzalo Aguilar, CEO of Europe & Americas at Minor Hotels, to discuss his remarkable journey from restaurant manager to global hospitality executive. Gonzalo shares how growing up across multiple continents, learning from his father—a lifelong hotelier—and leading hotels around the world shaped his leadership philosophy and passion for creating exceptional guest experiences. The conversation explores Minor Hotels' global expansion strategy, its shift toward an asset-light growth model, the launch of new hotel brands, and the company's vision for expanding across the United States and Canada. Gonzalo also shares valuable insights on balancing global brand standards with local market needs, building strong owner partnerships, and why the best hotel leaders are deeply connected to their communities. In this episode, you'll learn:  Why Minor Hotels is embracing an asset-light growth strategy  The company's expansion plans for North America  How new hotel brands are helping meet evolving owner and traveler needs  The importance of adapting global hospitality strategies to local markets  Why community engagement remains the foundation of exceptional hotel leadershipWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7on3C3IsOOo Links:Gonzalo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gonzalo-aguilar-/Minor Hotels: https://www.minorhotels.com/en For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/309 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.

  3. Jul 9

    #308: Hospitality Roundtable: Shannon McCallum, Anthony Melchiorri, Dmitry Kroshka & Henrik Shimony

    What does the future of hospitality really look like? In this special Modern Hotelier Round Table, industry leaders come together for an honest conversation about leadership, technology, AI, hotel operations, employee engagement, and the future of guest experiences. Joining the discussion are Shannon McCallum, VP of Hotel Operations at Resorts World Las Vegas; Dmitry (Dima) Kroshka, CEO of Phunware; Henrik Shimony, CEO & Co-Founder of Reeco; and Anthony Melchiorri, Co-Founder of the Hospitality Creator Summit and renowned hotel expert. Together, they share career-defining lessons, leadership philosophies, and practical insights on topics including AI adoption, digital transformation, hotel technology, procurement, employee retention, guest personalization, and why hospitality remains one of the world's most dynamic industries. In this episode, you'll learn: The leadership advice that shaped successful hospitality careersHow AI is transforming hotel operations without replacing peopleThe biggest technology opportunities hotels should embraceThe future of hotel operations, procurement, and digital guest experiencesWhy hospitality offers one of the most diverse and rewarding career pathsWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eU1Z9fDjh2A Links:Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonymelchiorri/ Shannon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-mccallum-09ba7a8/ Dmitry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dkroshka/ Henrik on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrik-shimony/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/308 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.

  4. Jul 7

    #307: Elevating the Airport Lounge Experience | with David Collyer of Aspire Pre-Flight Hospitality

    In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with David Collyer, Global SVP of Aspire PreFlight Hospitality, to explore how hospitality principles are transforming the airport lounge experience. David shares his fascinating career journey—from studying design in London and working with global brands like IHG, British Airways, and Accor, to leading guest experience innovation across luxury retail and aviation. He reveals how Aspire is applying hotel-style service standards, technology, design thinking, and guest insights to elevate airport lounges around the world.  In this episode, you'll discover:  How Aspire is reshaping airport lounges through hospitality-first thinkingThe role of AI, occupancy management, and dynamic pricing in lounge operationsWhy guest expectations have dramatically changed post-pandemicThe importance of guest feedback and data-driven innovationDavid also shares his vision for the future of airport hospitality, including luxury airport experiences, in-terminal hotels, sustainability initiatives, and how lounges can become a seamless extension of the travel journey. Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/45AdsDBRe-A Links:David Collyer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-collyer-a1341641/Aspire Pre-Flight Hospitality: https://www.theaspireway.com/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/307 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.

  5. Jul 6

    #306: A Better Way For Hotel Marketing | with Evan Saunders

    How can hotels use AI and location intelligence to attract new guests instead of spending marketing dollars on travelers who were already planning to book? In this special HITEC edition of The Modern Hotelier, David Millili sits down with Evan Saunders, who shares how Azira is helping hotels rethink marketing through AI-powered location intelligence and attribution. Rather than focusing on vanity metrics like inflated return on ad spend, Evan explains how hotels can identify untapped travelers, win guests away from competitors, and measure the true impact of their campaigns. The conversation also explores the evolving role of OTAs, the importance of guest journey marketing, World Cup travel strategies, and why hotels should prioritize experience-driven campaigns over generic discounts and promotions. In this episode, you'll learn:  How AI and location intelligence help hotels attract new guests  Why traditional hotel marketing metrics can be misleading  The power of foot traffic attribution and booking-channel-agnostic measurement  Why experience-focused advertising outperforms discount-driven campaigns Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/79-_nfYS2Xg Links:Evan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evansaunders/ Azira: https://azira.com/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/306 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.

  6. Jul 2

    #305: Transparency & Confidence is Key in Owner Accounting | with Brian McGeown

    How can hotels eliminate spreadsheets, improve financial transparency, and strengthen relationships with owners? In this special HITEC episode of The Modern Hotelier, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Brian McGeown, General Manager of Owner Relations, to discuss how technology is transforming owner accounting and financial reporting in hospitality. Brian shares the biggest challenges hotels face with traditional owner accounting workflows, why real-time financial transparency is becoming essential, and how automation helps management companies save time while improving accuracy. The conversation also explores seamless PMS integrations, branded owner portals, portfolio scalability, and the future of owner reporting as hotel organizations continue to grow. In this episode, you'll learn:  Why spreadsheets create risk in owner accounting  The importance of real-time financial transparency  How automation reduces manual work and owner support requests  Scaling owner accounting across multi-property portfolios  Trends shaping the future of hospitality financial reporting Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FSDifQU_IqI Links:Brian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-mcgeown-a0390213/Owner Relations Technology: https://www.ownerrelations.com/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/305 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.

  7. Jul 2

    #304: How In-Room Tablets Are Increasing Guest Engagement & Unlocking Revenue | with Kevin Bidner

    In this special HITEC episode of The Modern Hotelier, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Kevin Bidner, Founder and CEO of HCN (Hotel Communication Network), to discuss how in-room tablets are reshaping the guest experience and driving new revenue opportunities for hotels. Kevin shares HCN's journey from startup to industry leader, explaining why guest room tablets are becoming an essential communication platform for hotels. The conversation explores how interactive tablets improve guest engagement, increase room service revenue, reduce operational costs, and create personalized experiences through AI-powered concierge services. Kevin also reveals HCN's innovative revenue-sharing model that allows hotels to deploy tablets at no upfront cost while earning recurring income through network promotions. Key Topics:  HCN's growth and acquisition of Crave  Why in-room tablets outperform hotel apps  Increasing ancillary revenue and operational savings  HCN's free-to-hotel revenue-sharing model  The future of hospitality technology showcased at HITEC Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9xA-wYZ5DGk Links:Kevin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinbidner/The Hotel Communication Network Inc.: https://hcn-inc.com/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/304 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.

  8. Jul 1

    #303: How Hotel Maintenance Impacts the Guest & the Bottom Line | with Chris Zach

    In this special HITEC edition of The Modern Hotelier, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Chris Zach, Senior Director of Product Marketing at ServiceChannel, to explore how hotels can modernize facilities management, improve guest satisfaction, and reduce operational complexity. Chris shares how ServiceChannel helps hotel operators manage external vendors from start to finish, streamlining everything from dispatching work orders to invoice approvals, while providing access to a network of more than 70,000 service providers. The conversation dives into the growing challenges facing hotel engineering teams, rising labor costs, and why proactive maintenance is becoming a competitive advantage. The discussion also covers how AI is transforming facilities management by helping hotel teams prioritize critical work orders, improve response times, and make smarter maintenance decisions without adding more technology complexity. Chris explains how ServiceChannel integrates seamlessly into existing hotel tech stacks while giving operators, owners, and asset managers greater visibility into property health and long-term capital planning. Key Topics:  How ServiceChannel simplifies facilities and vendor management  The biggest maintenance challenges facing hotel operators today  Integrating facilities management into the modern hotel tech stack  Best practices for scaling maintenance across multiple propertiesWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XCSttDN1ATY Links:Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriszach/ServiceChannel: https://servicechannel.com/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/303 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.

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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.

Information

  • Creator
    David Millili & Steve Carran
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    311
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © David Millili & Steve Carran
  • Show Website
    The Modern Hotelier

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