ILHA Suite Talk

International Luxury Hotel Association
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Meet the International Luxury Hotel Association Podcast: ILHA Suite Talk, where we discuss key topics that are shaping luxury hospitality, including: ✔ Emerging trends redefining guest expectations ✔ The future of luxury travel and personalized experiences ✔ Sustainability & innovation as a competitive advantage ✔ Leadership strategies for navigating an evolving market Subscribe for exclusive stories from industry leaders—no fluff, just actionable insights. Listen now!

Episodes

  1. Insights Beyond Hospitality: What can luxury hospitality learn from immersive entertainment?

    08/13/2025

    Insights Beyond Hospitality: What can luxury hospitality learn from immersive entertainment?

    Our guest, Laura Hess, is an experience strategist and founder of Reuleaux. After exploring 500 immersive productions, she created the REMARKABLE 2025 report, a weighted evaluation rubric that measures emotional resonance, exchange, magic, and engrossing moments that leave a lasting imprint. In this conversation, she shares how luxury hospitality can adopt non-transactional touchpoints, sensory design, and playful facilitation to create transformative guest journeys. Also featuring: Susie Arnett – Transformational Concierge; Editor and Director of Wellness Programming, Six Senses Sharon Hirschowitz – Head of Communications, International Luxury Hotel Association In this episode: Translating immersive entertainment principles to hospitality: from sensory signatures to “crossing the threshold” rituals. The Hermès “unshoppable event” an experience offered purely as a cultural gift. Play, agency, and human-centered design in check-ins, spa experiences, and departure rituals. When technology supports storytelling and when it isolates. Follow the podcast and explore more insights: ⁠⁠ilha.org⁠⁠

    39 min
  2. What Can Luxury Hospitality Learn from the World of Luxury Wines and Spirits?

    08/01/2025

    What Can Luxury Hospitality Learn from the World of Luxury Wines and Spirits?

    In this episode of ILHA Suite Talk, Chris Gabaldon, President and CEO of Moët Hennessy North America, joins Susie Arnett, Transformational Concierge Editor and Director of Wellness Programming at Six Senses and Sharon Hirschowitz, Head of Communications at the International Luxury Hotel Association for a conversation on brand storytelling, emotional resonance, and how legacy brands stay relevant without losing their identity. They discuss: - How heritage and innovation can coexist - What luxury hospitality can learn from the pace of premium spirits - Why emotional connection—not status—is the new currency for high-net-worth guests - The role of digital in extending the guest relationship beyond the stay An inside look at the strategic thinking behind some of the world’s most enduring luxury brands. Follow the podcast and explore more insights: ⁠ilha.org⁠

    29 min
  3. The Impact Hospitality Handbook

    07/22/2025

    The Impact Hospitality Handbook

    In this episode of ILHA Suite Talk, Sharon Hirschowitz, Head of Communications at the International Luxury Hotel Association, speaks with Donte Johnson and Jason Bass, co-authors of The Impact Hospitality Handbook. They share how a hotel in Baltimore became a space for social impact during a two-year period of crisis. From offering hotel space to independent restaurateurs to redirecting housekeeping savings to local nonprofits, they walk through the steps that turned isolated actions into a sustainable framework. In this episode • How they connected daily operations with community outcomes • What worked and what didn’t when budgets were tight • How to engage teams around a shared purpose • What future guests and hotel staff are beginning to expect Follow the podcast and explore more insights at ⁠ilha.org

    11 min
  4. Insights Beyond Hospitality: From Price Tag to Cultural Capital

    06/24/2025

    Insights Beyond Hospitality: From Price Tag to Cultural Capital

    In this episode, Ana Andjelic, PhD in Sociology and Brand Strategist, author of "The Business of Aspiration," joins host Susie Arnett, Transformational Concierge Editor & Director of Wellness Programming at Six Senses, and Sharon Hirschowitz, Head of Communications at the International Luxury Hotel Association, to discuss how luxury hospitality brands can leverage cultural capital to enhance guest experiences. Ana explores the shift from conspicuous consumption toward taste-driven experiences, the rising importance of curated and collectible moments, and why understanding niche communities is crucial for resonating with today's luxury guests. Key insights include: Defining and utilizing "cultural capital" in hospitalityThe power of curated experiences and connoisseurshipHow luxury hospitality can learn from fashion and retailCreating lasting guest relationships through meaningful storytelling and personalizationExtending brand connections beyond the guest’s stay through authentic experiencesEmpowering hotel staff to embody and deliver genuine brand values 👉 Follow to stay updated on trends redefining luxury hospitality. ilha.org

    37 min
  5. Insights Beyond Hospitality: Neuroscience Meets Luxury Hospitality

    06/04/2025

    Insights Beyond Hospitality: Neuroscience Meets Luxury Hospitality

    In this episode, Dr. Paul Zak, Founder of Immersion Neuroscience, shares how neuroscience is helping redefine the guest experience in luxury hospitality. His research uncovers the emotional signals behind memory, connection, and trust. These are core elements of a stay that stays with the guest long after they’ve left. Susie Arnett, Transformational Concierge Editor and Director of Wellness Programming at Six Senses, and Sharon Hirschowitz, Head of Communications at the International Luxury Hotel Association, explore how these insights translate into hotel operations, team culture, and long-term guest relationships. 🎧 Highlights: • Identifying peak moments and reinforcing them • Understanding the emotional impact of staff engagement • Applying technology to deepen guest connection • Designing experiences that are remembered and shared • Training teams to deliver with presence and purpose Read the full Q&A on Substack: susiearnett.substack.com Follow the podcast and explore more insights: ilha.org

    45 min
  6. What J.D. Rockefeller said. The Culture Catalyst for Your Hotel. Why culture is so important for your staff retention and beyond.

    05/28/2025

    What J.D. Rockefeller said. The Culture Catalyst for Your Hotel. Why culture is so important for your staff retention and beyond.

    In this special debut episode, ILHA Suite Talk: NexGen Guest Edition, host Stephen Danelian, Principal Business Development, NexGen Guest, is joined by top industry voices to explore the invisible force that drives great hospitality: culture. Guests include: Vaibhav Garg, Group Director of Human Resources, Canouan GroupLisa Cain, Associate Professor, Florida International University (FIU)Jeremy Zuber, General Manager, Ariel BVI Together, they discuss how today’s leaders can rebuild culture, earn loyalty, and inspire performance through values, transparency, and team empowerment. 🎧 Topics covered: Building purpose-driven service teamsLeadership by exampleEmployee well-being and flexibilityCareer development and mentorshipOpen communication and real-time feedbackRecognizing staff as the foundation of success Whether you're managing operations, leading talent, or shaping the next generation of hospitality professionals—this episode delivers insight, connection, and action. Follow the podcast and explore more insights at ilha.org 🔗 Discover guest-facing tech solutions at nexgenguest.com

    46 min
  7. Meeting the Needs of the Changing Demographic of the Luxury Traveler

    02/13/2025

    Meeting the Needs of the Changing Demographic of the Luxury Traveler

    Explore the evolving landscape of luxury travel and how brands adapt to shifting demographics. At the INSPIRE Luxury Hospitality Conference, Ron Pohl (President, WorldHotels) and Peter Kressaty (Chief Commercial Officer, LW Hospitality Advisors) share strategies for meeting the demands of modern luxury travelers. Key Highlights: - Insights from McKinsey: Why younger travelers are redefining luxury travel. - Data-driven approaches to understanding and anticipating guest needs. - The rise of unique destinations and experiential travel in luxury. - How sustainability, wellness, and personalization drive guest satisfaction. - Creative solutions for reaching and engaging multi-generational luxury travelers. 🌟 Watch this transformative session and learn how top leaders navigate the future of luxury hospitality. 📌 Stay connected with ILHA at ilha.org for more insights and updates.

    27 min
  8. How Fontainebleau Las Vegas Built a 6,500-strong Team in Just 3 Months Using AI Solutions

    02/13/2025

    How Fontainebleau Las Vegas Built a 6,500-strong Team in Just 3 Months Using AI Solutions

    Explore the transformative role of AI in recruitment with this insightful session sponsored by Paradox from the INSPIRE Luxury Hospitality Conference 2024. Discover how Fontainebleau Las Vegas utilized innovative AI tools to assemble a 6,500-strong team in just three months. Key Discussion Points: - Leveraging AI to streamline the candidate journey and handle 300,000+ applications. - Building a culture-first approach with guiding values: Innovate, Cultivate, Collaborate, Celebrate. - How ""Morris,"" the AI chatbot, supported pre-screening and candidate engagement with a 93% satisfaction rate. - Insights into the future of contextual AI for hospitality recruitment. Featured Panelists: - Ally Bonner, VP, Client Success, Paradox - Sara Piper, Executive Director of People & Talent Acquisition, Fontainebleau Las Vegas 🌟 Join the Conversation: Stay connected with ILHA and explore more strategies shaping luxury hospitality atilha.org

    19 min
  9. The Future of Travel & The Experiential Guest

    02/13/2025

    The Future of Travel & The Experiential Guest

    Dive into The Future of Travel & The Experiential Guest, an insightful panel discussion from the INSPIRE Luxury Hospitality Conference 2024, proudly sponsored by Onity. This session brings together top industry leaders to explore how luxury hospitality is evolving to meet the expectations of today’s travelers. Discussions include: - Redefining luxury through guest personalization and experiential travel. - Balancing technology and human touch in creating memorable stays. - Strategies for integrating sustainability and authenticity in luxury services. Featured Panelists: - Susie Park, Executive Vice President, Asset Management, JLL - Donte Johnson, General Manager, Thompson Buckhead - Gamal El Fakih, Vice President of Operations (Luxury), Caribbean & Latin America, Marriott International - Fayyad Sbaihat, CEO, Onity 🌟 Join the Conversation: Learn more about ILHA and connect with global hospitality leaders atilha.org

    37 min
  10. Trends in Luxury, Industry Disruptors & Innovation

    02/13/2025

    Trends in Luxury, Industry Disruptors & Innovation

    Discover key insights shaping the future of luxury hospitality in this dynamic panel discussion. Industry leaders share strategies for navigating challenges, embracing innovation, and redefining luxury. Key Discussion Points: - Luxury at Scale: Balancing guest expectations and operational challenges in large-scale properties. - Technology Integration: From one-click service to frictionless experiences, transforming customer interactions. - Market Segmentation: Adapting to shifts in leisure, business, and hybrid travel demands. - Sustainability and Customization: Meeting diverse customer expectations while innovating in guest services. Featured Panelists: - Jonathan Falik | CEO, JF Capital Advisors - Ayesha Molino | President & COO, ARIA & Vdara, Chief Public Affairs Officer, MGM Resorts International - Walter Isenberg | Co-founder & CEO, Sage Hospitality Group - Keith Space | President, Fort Hospitality Group Gain actionable insights from top leaders in luxury hospitality.📌 Visit us to explore more:ilha.org

    47 min
  11. Luxury Hospitality from the Owner’s Perspective

    02/13/2025

    Luxury Hospitality from the Owner’s Perspective

    Gain unparalleled insights into the world of luxury hospitality ownership with this dynamic panel discussion featuring industry-leading experts. Explore how brands, operators, and owners navigate challenges and shape the future of luxury hotels. Key Discussion Topics: - Brand Selection: Balancing rate distribution, guest experience, and owner profitability. - Development Costs: Tackling rising costs of construction, labor, and branded residences. - Luxury Trends: The evolution of ultra-luxury resorts to family-centric destinations. - Operational Insights: Managing cost escalation post-pandemic and enhancing owner-operator relations. Featured Panelists: - Homi Vazifdar - Founder & Exec. Director, The Canyon Group - Richard Stockton - CEO, Braemar Hotels & Resorts - Phil Keb - Senior Executive, Luxury Brand Growth - Americas, IHG Hotels & Resorts 🌟 Join the Conversation: Stay informed about luxury hospitality trends atilha.org

    32 min
  12. Blending Innovation & Legacy: The $1.5B Venetian Evolution

    02/13/2025

    Blending Innovation & Legacy: The $1.5B Venetian Evolution

    Explore the incredible journey of the Venetian Resort Las Vegas as it undergoes a $1.5B transformation at the INSPIRE Luxury Hospitality Conference 2024. Patrick Nichols, CEO of the Venetian Resort, shares insights into the innovative strategies and legacy-driven approach behind the largest reinvestment in hotel history. Key Highlights: - The story behind the Venetian’s reimagination, blending modern innovation with iconic legacy. - How a $1.5B reinvestment is redefining luxury hospitality for a new generation of travelers. - Insights into leadership strategies that drive alignment, accountability, and guest experience excellence. - A look at the people-first culture, from the team’s entrepreneurial spirit to groundbreaking community programs. 📌 Don’t miss this inspiring talk on the future of hospitality. Stay connected with ILHA atilha.org

    29 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

Meet the International Luxury Hotel Association Podcast: ILHA Suite Talk, where we discuss key topics that are shaping luxury hospitality, including: ✔ Emerging trends redefining guest expectations ✔ The future of luxury travel and personalized experiences ✔ Sustainability & innovation as a competitive advantage ✔ Leadership strategies for navigating an evolving market Subscribe for exclusive stories from industry leaders—no fluff, just actionable insights. Listen now!

Information

  • Creator
    International Luxury Hotel Association
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © International Luxury Hotel Association
  • Show Website
    ILHA Suite Talk