Customer satisfaction is paramount in the hotel industry. Executives must hire, train and empower people who can problem solve to provide the best customer service. But teaching them how to say "Yes" isn't enough. Where does that leave them when the answer really is "No"? Smart executives expand upon the "Culture of Yes" to include the culture of "Yes and..." Empowering employees with the skills of humor and improv provide them the flexibility and creativity to move beyond traditional problem solving skills. The ability to manage customers' perceptions and create positive experiences despite seemingly negative circumstances can provide organizations with a competitive edge. READ MORE

The future of the hotel industry is decidedly futuristic, with automated drapes and floors that light up in the dark when you step on them. The endless capabilities of the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) provide hotels with innumerable ways to give guests a more convenient, enhanced experience. Yet, the danger of turning devices into a smart device means they can now be used as a gateway for a hacker or cybercriminal. Hotels incorporating AI and IoT technology into their guest experience need to be aware of what they're exactly offering and the steps needed to prevent cyberattacks. READ MORE

Wellness is an essential component for planners to incorporate into their 2019 meetings and events, focusing on the complete physical, mental and social well-being of their attendees. The top meeting trend prediction comes as the theme of wellness grows rapidly on a global scale. Diane Tighe of Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club and JB Duke Hotel on the campus of Duke University shares recommendations for physical, mental and social wellness for planners to incorporate in 2019. With nearly 20 years of experience, Diane is a Certified Professional Catering Executive (CPCE) and an active member of NACE since 2001. READ MORE

"My pleasure." Though just two words and three syllables, this simple phrase can serve as the cornerstone for a hotel's delivering on a great guest experience. I have found that by training associates to not only say but to also consistently live this creed can make a difference in the success of a property. So, how do we develop quality hotel associates to try to be better every day? How do we make guest service a priority of every hotel associate's job function, regardless of the department in which they are engaged? READ MORE

Insuring that workers are safe on the job is an issue that is increasingly in the spotlight. While it applies to the entire hotel staff, it is especially relevant to those who often work in isolation, with housekeepers being a prime example. The industry is responding with new programs that include devices which staff can activate to signal an emergency alert when in distress, i.e. personal safety devices (PSDs). A safer workplace also contributes to employee confidence and satisfaction, augments health and wellness, and aids in reducing worker compensation exposures. This article explores the role of technology in achieving these goals. READ MORE