Best David Millili Podcasts (2025)

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#194: The Evolution of Revenue Management in Hospitality | with Daniel McGarry 24:04

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1d ago24:04

24:04

Today's episode, we sit down with Daniel McGarry, the Regional Director of Revenue Management of Stonebridge, and an HSMAI Rising Leader. From mowing lawns in Lancaster to managing revenue strategy across historic Marriott tribute properties, Daniel shares his unique journey through hospitality — and the lessons he’s learned along the way. We dive …

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#193: Why the Valencia Group Doesn't Follow Trends | with John Keeling 4:37

2d ago4:37

4:37

In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with industry veteran John Keeling, Executive Vice President of Valencia Hotel Collection. With over 40 years in hospitality, John shares the unexpected path that led him from Middle Eastern studies to becoming a pioneer in independent hotel development. You'll learn about: The story be…

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#192: How ONDA is Building a New Model for Experiential Stays | with Bill Graf 6:06

7d ago6:06

6:06

In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Bill Graf, the visionary founder of ONDA Hotels, to uncover how a former finance exec traded spreadsheets for surf towns and is now building a hospitality brand for the modern traveler. Bill shares the bold story of how a sabbatical, a motorcycle, and a post-COVID pivot led to the …

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#191: AHLA's New Focus on Independent Hotels | with Travis Mckie 4:46

8d ago4:46

4:46

Today's episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Travis Mckie, former pro basketball player turned champion for independent hotels at AHLA (American Hotel & Lodging Association). Travis shares his fascinating journey from the courts of Wake Forest and international basketball leagues to leading the charge for boutique and independent h…

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#190: How Sage Hospitality Thinks About New Investments | with Dean Stambules 5:30

9d ago5:30

5:30

In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Dean Stambules, Chief Investment Officer at Sage Hospitality Group, live from the ILC CONfab in Chicago. Dean shares his unique path into the hospitality world—from his family's deep roots in the industry to his early career in appraisal work that led to a passion for hotel investm…

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#189: Hotel Acquisition in Colorado & Starting ILC | with Jeremy Wells & Stephen Chan 10:40

14d ago10:40

10:40

In this episode, hosts welcome back Jeremy Wells, author, brand strategist, and co-owner of The Ozarker Lodge and the newly reimagined Parker Hotel in Colorado. Jeremy shares what it’s been like since opening The Ozarker Lodge—lessons learned, community wins, and how indie spirit fuels every project. He also dives into his second book, Indie Hotels…

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#188: What Makes ILC Events Special | with Meg Gutowski 3:38

15d ago3:38

3:38

In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with the dynamic Meg Gutowski, Executive Director of the Independent Lodging Congress (ILC), live from ILC CONfab in Chicago. Meg shares her unconventional journey from catering weddings to leading one of the most vibrant communities in independent hospitality. She opens up about what m…

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#187: We're Halfway Through 2025: Looking Back & Looking Forward 15:22

16d ago15:22

15:22

In this special edition of The Modern Hotelier: Hospitality’s Most Engaged Podcast, David Millili, Steve Carran, and Jon Bumhoffer take a moment to pause, reflect, and look ahead as we hit the halfway point of 2025. From standout interviews and hotel experiences to hilarious behind-the-scenes moments and the hustle of live events, the trio shares t…

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#186: Classic Luxury & Charm with Modern Amenities at The Warwick Melrose | with Michael Cole 5:34

21d ago5:34

5:34

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Cole, the Director of Sales and Marketing at the iconic Warwick Melrose Dallas, to explore how this historic hotel has gracefully evolved over the past century. From its roots as 1920s apartments to a luxurious modern-day destination, Michael shares the rich story behind the walls—and what makes this hotel …

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#185: Making Everyday a Holiday at The Landmark Prime Rib | with Chef Patrick McElroy 5:43

22d ago5:43

5:43

In this episode, we sit down with Executive Chef Patrick McElroy of Landmark Prime Rib inside the iconic Warwick Melrose Hotel in Dallas. Chef Patrick shares his journey from a small island in South Jersey—where fresh seafood was caught just minutes from home—to his rise through French and Italian kitchens across the Northeast, and eventually his r…

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#184: Improving Productivity for Hotel Teams & Operations | with Mahwish Saleem 4:49

28d ago4:49

4:49

In this episode, we sit down with Mahwish Saleem, Head of Sales at FCS Solutions, to explore how hotels can streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and improve guest satisfaction—all by simplifying their tech stack. Mahwish shares her first impressions of HITEC, what excites her about the future of hotel tech, and how FCS is helping hoteliers st…

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#183: Craftable's Procurement to Payment Platform | with Tony Ross 3:55

28d ago3:55

3:55

Today, Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Tony Ross, Director of Sales at Craftable, to talk about how technology is helping operators tackle today’s biggest hospitality challenges — especially rising costs and profit pressure. Tony brings decades of industry experience and shares how Craftable is streamlining operations, cutting down blo…

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#182: Reducing Inefficiency by Connecting Hotel Tech Stacks | with Jason Jenkins 4:30

28d ago4:30

4:30

In this live episode of The Modern Hotelier, Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Jason Jenkins, Vice President & Managing Director of the Americas, HRS, to talk all things hotel tech—from AI-powered upselling to seamless system integration. Whether you’re a HITEC veteran or a tech-curious hotelier, this episode gives you a front-row seat t…

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#181: Unified Payment Solutions for Hotels | with Phil Crawford 5:00

29d ago5:00

5:00

In this special episode of The Modern Hotelier, we’re live from the Dallara IndyCar Factory at HITEC—and yes, the cars are as fast as the tech talk. We’re joined by Phil Crawford, Head of Hospitality at Adyen, who dives into how they're reshaping the future of payments for the hotel industry. From solving the chaos of fragmented systems to leveragi…

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#180: Better Data & Better Hotel Systems | with Robert Dawson 8:22

29d ago8:22

8:22

In this episode, we’re joined by a hospitality tech powerhouse: Robert Dawson, Chief Strategist and Product Officer at IRECKONU. Robert shares his journey from front desk college job to C-suite, how he fell in love with the hotel industry, and why solving fragmented data problems became his mission. We talk all things AI, automation, data managemen…

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#179: How Video Can Supercharge Your Website | with Jason Craparo 6:58

29d ago6:58

6:58

Today’s episode features hosts Steve Carran and David M., broadcasting from the iconic Dallara IndyCar Factory in Indianapolis with special guest Jason Craparo, CEO of Hovr—the company revolutionizing hotel websites with video storytelling. We dive into: How Hovr helps guests' book with confidence through seamless video integration The power of gen…

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#178: An End-To-End Technology Solution for Hotels & Resorts | with Dan Bell 13:36

30d ago13:36

13:36

In this special HITEC 2025 edition of The Modern Hotelier: Hospitality's Most Engaged Podcast, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Dan Bell, VP of Hotels and Resorts at Agilysys, for an energized and insightful conversation straight from the show floor. Dan shares his journey from his blue-collar roots in Easton, Pennsylvania, to lea…

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#177: How Contactless Hotel Interactions Improve the Guest Experience | with Tristan Gadsby & Alberto Santana 19:27

1M ago19:27

19:27

In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, we’re live from the iconic Dallara IndyCar Factory in Indianapolis, joined by Tristan Gadsby, CEO of Alliants, and Alberto Santana, CRO of Alliants. Together, we explore how hospitality is shifting gears from clunky, fragmented tech to seamless, guest-first experiences. From reinventing contactless solutions …

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#176: Inside Hospitality's Virtual Technician | with Will Gilbert 5:52

1M ago5:52

5:52

Today, we sit down with Will Gilbert, co-founder of Bodhi, a groundbreaking platform transforming hotel operations through AI, automation, and integration. With over 25 years of system integration experience, Will shares how Bodhi acts like a virtual technician, working 24/7 to ensure every device in a hotel—regardless of brand—is functioning flawl…

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#175: How Zucchetti is Building Technology Solutions for Hoteliers | with Estella Hale 7:49

1M ago7:49

7:49

In this episode recorded live at HITEC, we sit down with Estella Hale from Zucchetti North America to talk all things innovation, automation, and integration in hotel tech. With more than 15 years of HITEC experience under her belt, Estella shares insider insights into how Zucchetti is reshaping the hospitality tech landscape in North America. In t…

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#174: Women in Travel Thrive: Day of Impact 2025 24:09

1M ago24:09

24:09

Hosts Steve Carran and David M. sit down with the powerhouse women behind the movement, including Mercedes Blanco and Silvia Camarota, the co-founders of Women in Travel Thrive. They share the inspiring story of how a grassroots idea born during the pandemic became a global nonprofit that’s transforming the travel and hospitality industry — one Day…

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#173: Simplifying Payments Between Hotels & Travel Agents | with Noelani Schroy 6:02

1M ago6:02

6:02

Hosts Steve Carran and David M. sit down with Noelani Schroy, VP of Global Territory Sales at Onyx CenterSource. Broadcasting from the bustling trade show floor in Indianapolis, Noe shares how Onyx is transforming the often-complicated world of hotel commission payments into a seamless experience for both hotels and travel agencies. They dive into:…

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#172: Using Tablets & AI to Improve the Guest Experience | with Kevin Bidner 10:45

1M ago10:45

10:45

In this episode, we’re coming to you from the floor of HITEC in Indianapolis, where Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Kevin Bidner, CEO of Hotel Communication Network (HCN). Kevin shares the incredible journey from being a serial tech entrepreneur to disrupting the hospitality industry with an innovative, guest-centric solution: in-room …

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#171: Improving the Process for Hotel Meetings & Events Sales | with Tania Sidokpohou 8:51

1M ago8:51

8:51

In this HITEC Trade Show edition, Steve Carran and David Millili sit down at the MeetingPackage booth with Tania Sidokpohou, Partnerships Director at MeetingPackage. With a rich background in digital marketing and hospitality tech—from Cloudbeds to APO—Tania shares how she’s helping redefine the group booking space. We unpack: The power of partners…

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#170: Exploring Access Control for Hotels | with Darien Long 16:40

1M ago16:40

16:40

Live from the buzzing HITEC trade show floor, The Modern Hotelier sits down with Darien Long, SVP of Specialty Access Control at dormakaba — and trust us, this isn’t your average corporate interview. From growing up in small-town Texas with a love for sunsets and strong coffee to running a 250-person team in a global powerhouse, Darien’s journey is…

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#169: How Stayntouch is Solving Problems for Hoteliers | with Bill Fanning 8:05

1M ago8:05

8:05

We’re live from the Stayntouch booth at HITEC with a powerhouse guest — Bill Fanning, Chief Revenue Officer of Stayntouch. From rolling out 139 properties in 90 days to launching new grab-and-go kiosk tech, Bill shares how Stayntouch is redefining PMS innovation in the hospitality industry. Tune in as we cover the latest innovations, guest experien…

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#168: Automating Operations in Hospitality | with Dino Pietropaolo 24:54

1M ago24:54

24:54

In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Dino Pietropaolo, the dynamic Chief Technology Officer at Optii. From global tech ventures to co-founding a cybersecurity firm, Dino’s journey into hospitality tech is anything but ordinary. We dive into how AI can truly revolutionize hotel operations—not just through automation but by e…

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#167: Boosting Revenue with Smarter Pricing | with Bobby Marhamat 12:00

1M ago12:00

12:00

What do tequila, ghost peppers, and hotel pricing have in common? In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Bobby Marhamat, the CEO of TakeUp.ai. The conversation covers Bobby's background, including his upbringing in Nebraska and California, his education at San Jose State, and his career progression in sales and tech. Bo…

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#166: HITEC E20X 10 Year Anniversary & 2025 Winner 18:51

1M ago18:51

18:51

In this episode, we’re coming to you from the floor of the HITEC Trade Show to celebrate a decade of innovation, grit, and startup brilliance with the Entrepreneur 20X (E20X) competition. Hosts David Millili and Steve Carran are joined by: Lyle Worthington – Founder of E20X & tech visionary Jonathan Rojas – First-ever E20X winner & Co-Founder of Wh…

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#165: HITEC 2025 from Indianapolis with HFTP Leaders 19:21

1M ago19:21

19:21

On this episode, we head to HITEC 2025 in Indianapolis. We sat down with Members of HFTP to talk about HITEC's growth, vision for the future, and what makes HITEC truly special. Thanks to Justin Taillon, the Global President of HFTP, Arlene Ramirez, the Senior Vice President of Learning for HFTP, and Scot Campbell, Principle at Integrated Resort Ad…

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#164: Inside the Biggest Independent Hotel Brand, Preferred Hotels & Resorts | with Lindsey Ueberroth 49:41

1M ago49:41

49:41

On this episode, we sit down with Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. From her family’s bold acquisition of the brand to her leadership in shaping global luxury travel trends, Lindsey shares a candid look into what it takes to lead with purpose, evolve with the market, and inspire a new era of independent hospitality. With over 10…

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#163: Reviving the Human Touch in Hospitality | with Jill Wilder 29:23

2M ago29:23

29:23

How do you maintain a deep understanding of the evolving needs of hotel owners and operators? In this episode, we sit down with Jill Wilder, President of Aptech, for an honest, insightful, and inspiring conversation on leadership, longevity, and what it really takes to serve the hospitality industry at the highest level. With over 38 years at Aptec…

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#162: How Independent Hotels Are Shaping the Future of Personalized Travel | with Summer Shoemaker 5:55

2M ago5:55

5:55

In this episode, we sit down with Summer Shoemaker, General Manager of the stunning San Diego Mission Bay Resort, to talk all things independent hotels. Summer shares how growing up across California, Colorado, and Hawaii sparked her love for travel and hospitality. She opens up about what makes independent properties so powerful, the creative free…

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#161: Marriott Acquires CitizenM, Resort Fees, Hotel Equities/Springboard Merger, Running Vacations and More | with Josiah Mackenzie 19:37

2M ago19:37

19:37

In this episode of Hospitality Hot Topics, Steve Carran and David Millili are once again joined by Josiah Mackenzie, Head of Marketing at Actabl, to break down the biggest stories in hospitality from May 2025. From Marriott’s bold acquisition of CitizenM to Airbnb’s major relaunch of Experiences, Josiah shares sharp insights into how innovation, sc…

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#160: Behind the Scenes at Virgin Voyages | with Colin Hughes 38:23

2M ago38:23

38:23

Get ready to set sail with one of the most innovative minds in hospitality. In this episode, we're joined by Colin Hughes, Director of Operations & Experience at Virgin Voyages. From spa decks to tattoo studios, Colin walks us through how Virgin is redefining the cruise experience, making it simpler, sexier, and more sustainable. We dive into: How …

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#159: How Creativity Fuels Independent Hospitality at Estancia La Jolla | with Eric Jenkins 11:07

2M ago11:07

11:07

In this episode, David and Steve sit down with Eric Jenkins, General Manager of Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa. From his roots in Savannah, Georgia, to his hands-in-the-soil leadership style in La Jolla, Eric shares his unconventional path through hospitality, starting as a fry cook and rising through the ranks to manage one of Southern California’s…

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#158: What Hotels Can Learn From Chick-fil-A Culture | with Nicholas Lawrence 40:31

2M ago40:31

40:31

What makes Chick-fil-A’s hospitality more than just good service? In this episode, we're joined by Nicholas Lawrence, Executive Director of People & Culture, Chick-fil-A Local Franchise - Indianapolis and the founder of Lawrence Leadership. Nick takes us behind the scenes of Chick-fil-A’s legendary hospitality culture—where “my pleasure” isn’t just…

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#157: Balancing High-Tech & High-Touch Hospitality | with Davis Howatt-Lambert 38:43

3M ago38:43

38:43

In this episode, David and Steve sit down with Davis Howatt-Lambert, VP of Marketing at Jonas Hospitality, to unpack how technology and human connection can co-exist in the future of hospitality. Davis shares his career journey from political science to hospitality tech, his love of golf and rock climbing, and how growing up in Edmonton shaped his …

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#156: How Culture & Creativity Influence Quixote's Menu | with Chef Jose Cepeda 12:14

3M ago12:14

12:14

In this episode, we sit down with Jose Cepeda, Executive Chef at Quixote in the LaFayette Hotel, San Diego. Jose shares how his culinary journey began in the kitchens of his grandmother and the streets of Mexico, selling rice pudding to support his family. He opens up about transforming personal hardship into artistic expression on every plate. Fro…

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#155: Meet the GM of The LaFayette Hotel | with Steve Slack 7:01

3M ago7:01

7:01

In this episode, we sit down with Steve Slack, General Manager of the iconic LaFayette Hotel in San Diego. From humble beginnings picking golf balls at a driving range to leading a $31 million hotel transformation, Steve shares his journey through the hospitality industry. We dive into the rich history of the LaFayette Hotel—from its golden age hos…

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#154: Status of RevPAR, Canadians Avoiding US Travel, Sports Tourism & More | Hospitality Hot Topics 21:56

3M ago21:56

21:56

In this episode of Hospitality Hot Topics, hosts Steve Carran and David Millili are joined by Gabriel Perez from Indigo Road to unpack April’s biggest shifts in hospitality. They dive into why boutique hotels are leading in RevPAR despite growing consumer caution, the booming popularity of camping and outdoor experiences, and how sports tourism is …

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#153: Developing & Building a Boutique Beach Hotel in Westhampton | with Elizabeth Bakhash 37:20

3M ago37:20

37:20

In this episode, we’re joined by Elizabeth Bakhash, co-owner of Three Ducks Hotel—a new 12-room boutique hotel in Westhampton that's redefining the luxury Hamptons experience. With a rich background in branding and real estate, Elizabeth shares how she’s building more than just a hotel—she’s curating a guest experience rooted in nature, local partn…

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#152: Inside BITAC Sales, Marketing, & Revenue Summit 2025 24:01

3M ago24:01

24:01

In this special episode of The Modern Hotelier, David Millili and Steve Carran take you behind the scenes at BITAC’s Sales, Marketing & Revenue Management Summit at the Hotel Fairmont Grand Del Mar in San Diego, CA. This episode is packed with insights, laughs, and moments that define what makes BITAC unlike any other event in hospitality. Featurin…

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#151: Diversity, Attracting Talent, and Creating Impact in Hospitality | with Anna Blue 47:55

4M ago47:55

47:55

In this episode, we sit down with powerhouse changemaker Anna Blue, whose journey from politics to hospitality is anything but ordinary. With roots in education policy, social impact, and gender equity, Anna brings a fresh and fearless perspective to an industry craving innovation and inclusivity. We talk about: Lessons from leading DEI, advocacy, …

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#150: Using AI to Improve Your Revenue Strategy | with Andrew Rubinacci 11:58

4M ago11:58

11:58

In this episode, Steve and David sit down with Andrew Rubinacci, Chief Advisory Officer at FLYR, to unpack how AI and next-gen data systems are reshaping the hospitality industry. With a background spanning 35 years in commercial strategy, Andrew brings deep insight into why pulling reports for five hours a day is a thing of the past—and how hotels…

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#149: How a CDP Helps Hotels Drive Direct Revenue | with Heather Knutson 15:04

4M ago15:04

15:04

In this episode, we're joined by Heather Knutson, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Ascent360, live from her very first BITAC Conference! Heather shares her candid journey from googling “what is a CDP?” to leading one of the most advanced customer data platforms in hospitality. We dive into the real difference between a CRM and a CDP,…

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#148: Building Relationships at BITAC | with Rich Viola 25:13

4M ago25:13

25:13

In this special episode, Steve and David sit down with Rich Viola, the visionary behind BITAC, for a heartwarming and eye-opening conversation about what makes business relationships actually meaningful. Rich shares the 21-year journey of creating BITAC—from its accidental beginnings as an online news platform to becoming a culture-shifting confere…

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#147: Innovating Meeting & Event Furniture in Hospitality | with Andrew Moffett 50:14

4M ago50:14

50:14

What do luxury kitchens, global events, and linen-less tables have in common? In this episode, Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Andrew Moffett, Chief Brand Officer at Southern Aluminum, for a conversation full of passion, innovation, and a few surprises—like a deep dive into linen-less tables. Andrew takes us on his unique journey from …

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#146: Digital Strategies that Drive Direct Bookings | with Charlie Osmond 41:38

4M ago41:38

41:38

In this episode hosts Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Charlie Osmond, the passionate and pioneering co-founder of Triptease. From leading a regiment in the British Army to founding multiple companies straight out of Oxford, Charlie’s journey is anything but ordinary. We dive into: Charlie’s early days in the British Army and Oxford Yac…

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#145: Southwest & Spirit Shakeup, Hotels Design for Bleisure & Ride the Cruise Wave | March Hot Topics with Grey Raines 15:28

4M ago15:28

15:28

In this episode, we're looking back at the biggest hospitality headlines from March—joined by none other than Grey Raines, Managing Partner at Raines Company. Fresh off the Hunter Conference, Grey dives into everything from staffing shortages to hotel design trends and cruise-ship inspired stays. We chat about: The ongoing labour crunch in hotels—a…