Don’t you just love it when things work out? Last week we had one of our largest Executive Vendor Summits in Austin. Putting a program together for 60 executives from the vendor community is a double-edged sword. It gives you a great deal of flexibility since you want a program that is less about technology and more about business, but since everyone deals with the hotel industry and technology you don’t want to totally ignore those topics either. This year we covered all subjects and it was the greatest feeling to have every attendee, including those who have attended for more than 10 years, tell us it was the best program we have ever offered. We must thank HFTP who partnered with us for EVS and did an amazing job to ensure every detail was covered, including some great help with the program. The final session comprised four CIOs candidly sharing what is on their plates and what challenges they are facing was a great way to end the event. We thank the CIOs and every other speaker who participated this year. For details on EVS please make sure you receive Hospitality Upgrade (www.hospitalityupgrade.com/subscribe) and I promise you that you will see the funniest pictures from golf, ice breakers and an amazing night at iFLY where just about everybody went flying. It was a great week in Austin. We might have raised the bar on expectations a bit, but what is life without the occasional challenge?
 
After Austin there was no break as I left Sunday for ITB in Berlin. It is difficult to explain how unique ITB is: sort of a throwback to days gone by when vendors set up their booths, the doors open and for the next six hours every booth is noisy with nonstop customers and potential customers. I met so many people that I hadn’t seen for quite a while and more importantly I met many who I hadn’t met before. It is always a great feeling when I am introduced and the person says, ‘I know you from the magazine.’ It does kind of make it all worthwhile. I have always stayed at a different hotel when in Berlin for ITB but I think I have a new favorite. I am writing this from my room at the Melia Berlin. It’s a great hotel, reasonably priced for ITB and a 30-second walk to the train station with a direct route to the convention center. The property is just wonderful and has a great staff. That is two weeks in a row I’m staying at great hotels. The Executive Vendor Summit was hosted at the Sonesta Bee Cave in Austin. I would call both properties four-star hotels with six-star service. What else could you ask for? It has been a great two weeks. Next week it is a much easier trip heading to Orlando for the Infor Hospitality Users Group which is always a fun event. It really is the time of year where things seem to go nonstop with events running one after the other until June and HITEC. We are only three months away from HITEC and it’s something everyone looks forward to each year. 
 
Here now is the latest technology happenings in the industry. I will see you at the end with this week’s attempt at you-know-what. I think it is time now for a German beer!

Rich Siegel

Technology NEWSSTAND
Recent headlines from Hospitality Upgrade
 
Introduction
 
This is your erstwhile correspondent reporting from the front lines – from the trenches – from a new hotel opening. HITEC is approaching, so I can’t wait to arrive in Houston to get more than my fair share of smoke, mirrors and over-amplified product hype. But until then, I am deeply focused on the real-world exercise of making things actually work in a real hotel just about to open its doors. Herewith are some miscellaneous ramblings and random observations:

* I miss analog. I used to look down upon the effete hipsters who rejected CDs and other forms of digital audio for the “warmth” and “realism” of analog vinyl records. This was because I knew – technically – that the “warmth” was just noise and hiss, and that the digital recordings were more accurate. I clearly acknowledge the numerous benefits of technology like voice-over IP and IPTV, but analog was easier – and more reliable. I still find it hard to accept things like guestroom phones new out of the box that have to receive firmware updates from the mothership before they will work. Or having to deal with software licensing or user subscriptions to add a phone extension. Or only being able to use phones certified for the particular IP PBX platform. Or IPTV boxes that just decide to not update over the network. I’m not a Luddite; the advantages outweigh the shortcomings, but I can be nostalgic for the old-school “plug-n-play.”

* I hate analog. Specifically, the pesky little bits that remain lurking in the dark corners of even modern products. Brand new IPTV systems using the latest and greatest model of set-top boxes. Brand new cardio machines in the fitness center with built-in HDTV consoles. But the connection solution to get TV control signals from the fitness consoles to the IPTV boxes involves infrared (IR) extension dongles on each device, with their little IR “eyes” taped together with black electrical tape. I swear I’m not making this up. It works, but it ain’t pretty. 

* Trust but verify. Vendors are not miracle workers, particularly when working in a pre-opening situation with ongoing construction activities. Make sure your vendors’ project plans include post-installation confirmation of functionality, and that your plan includes going behind them to double-check. You must INSPECT what you EXPECT. Most of the vendors involved in my current project have done a great job in this respect, but Murphy’s Law still applies – it’s the stuff you DON’T check that will end up biting you in the butt.

* Cable everywhere. This is an oldie, but a goodie. When the plans for a new property are highly detailed and well thought out, there is an understandable temptation to closely fit the cabling plan – to only put cable in spaces based on the current plan for those spaces. But we all know that needs – and plans – change over time. So, before you delete those cable drops from the storerooms or the public spaces because there is no need for them, think down the road to the inevitable changes. Some of those storerooms WILL become offices. And that empty corner of the lobby? It’s the perfect place for a new concierge desk ... if we only had power and cable. Until we can do everything securely via Wi-Fi, a few extra cable drops and power outlets are inexpensive future-proofing in new construction.

Next stop: HITEC!  Bring on the smoke and mirrors!

Ron Hardin, CHTP
RonHardin.TECH Consulting
Ron@ronhardin.tech


**
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MERGERS AND ACQUISTIONS
- LaSalle Hotel Properties to Be Acquired by Blackstone for $33.50 Per Share in $4.8 Billion Transaction
- RLH Corporation Closes Acquisition of the Knights Inn Brand From Wyndham Hotel Group
- Wyndham Worldwide Completes Acquisition of La Quinta Holdings
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For more information on Mergers & Acquisitions for 06/01/18


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PEOPLE ON THE MOVE
- HSMAI Appoints Insight Out to Manage HSMAI Middle East
- ReviewPro Appoints Hotel Tech Veteran Michelle Marquis as VP of Sales in North America
- SHR Announces VHP PMS Integration for APAC Region
- BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, Promotes Jarrad Evans to Senior Vice President, Business Development and Strategy
- Denihan Hospitality Appoints Michael Goldrich Vice President of Marketing
- NAVIS Welcomes New VP of Engineering to Leadership Team
- Red Roof® Names Ted Hutchins as New Chief Information Officer
- UpLift Appoints former Cisco Executive Rob Soderbery as Company’s First President
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For more information on People on the Move for 06/01/18


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GUEST MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
- “Maestro PMS is at the Heart of Our Business” Guest Preference and Stay History Across Multiple Modules Drives Personalized Service, Increases Staff Productivity
- StayNTouch Brings PMS Mobility to New Hotel in London
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“Maestro PMS is at the Heart of Our Business” Guest Preference and Stay History Across Multiple Modules Drives Personalized Service, Increases Staff Productivity
For hundreds of independent resort, hotel, conference center and multiproperty operators, the Maestro Property Management Solution is the hub of operations. Maestro’s property management software centralizes a rich supply of guest information across 20+ seamlessly integrated modules. Water’s Edge Resort & Spa, a 188-room year-round full-service destination in Westbrook, Conn., began using Maestro PMS in 2009. Water’s Edge Resort & Spa also uses Maestro’s online Guest Experience Measurement (GEM) module to connect with guests for feedback about their stay.
http://www.maestropms.com/
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StayNTouch Brings PMS Mobility to New Hotel in London
StayNTouch, an innovator in mobile technology and property management systems (PMS) for hotels, announced it has partnered with The East London Hotel, a stylish new hotel in the heart of London’s East End. StayNTouch has deployed its Rover PMS™ and Zest™ products which will be available for the opening in mid summer.
http://www.stayntouch.com
**


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RESERVATIONS
- SHR Announces VHP PMS Integration for APAC Region
- SHR to Offer Unique Business Analytics Software
- Head of France at SiteMinder Alerts Hotels: “Direct Bookings are Slowing”
- Hostelling International Looks to Win More Guests Directly with SiteMinder
- eDream Hotels Strengthens Offering to Hotels, Launches Connectivity with SiteMinder
- Tripleseat and SevenRooms Partner to Provide A Seamless Integration Between Online Reservations and Private Event Bookings For Restaurants
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For more information on Reservations for 06/01/18


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REVENUE MANAGEMENT
- HSMAI Recognizes Tech Innovation of Smart Space by IDeaS
- Golden Entertainment Selects Comprehensive Rainmaker Suite to Drive Guest Bookings and Increase Profitability
- The Rainmaker Group Continues to Make a Mark in the APAC Region as it Partners with SKYCITY Entertainment Group
- The Rainmaker Group Now Integrates with Hotel Property Management System, RoomKeyPMS
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For more information on Revenue Management for 06/01/18


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GUEST SERVICES
- LuMINN Hotel Minneapolis is Elevating Guest Engagement via Intelity/INNCOM Integration
- Intelity to Showcase 10 Years of Technology Innovation at HITEC Houston
- Phonesuite Integrates With Roxy Voice-Activated Assistant to Streamline In-Room Technology
- From Coast to Coast: The Parker New York Sister Property in Palm Springs Selects ALICE to Enhance Hotel Operations and Guest Experience
- Historic Hotel Baker Adds Modern Touch with Crave In-room Tablets
- From London to Singapore, DigiValet Expands to Luxury Hotels in Major Cities
- Shephard’s Beach Resort Maximizes Guest Connectivity with Advanced Wi-Fi and BeyondTV by Hotel Internet Services
- Hotel Internet Services Deploys Advanced Television Voice Command Functionality with BeyondTV
- Scribd and KEYPR Partner to Deliver Digital Library to Hotels
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For more information on Guest Services for 06/01/18


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PERSONALIZATION, GUEST EXPERIENCE
- Local Measure Announces New App on the Salesforce AppExchange
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Local Measure Announces New App on the Salesforce AppExchange
Local Measure, a leading location-based intelligence platform for hospitality, tourism and retail, announced its new app on the Salesforce AppExchange. The Local Measure integration allows businesses to connect in-venue experiences with their digital customer record, creating potential for richer, personalized customer experiences. The integration also provides real-time location context, allowing for a fuller view of the customer and their activity and interaction with specific business locations. Local Measure connects with venue wireless products to offer a social splash screen to sign onto venue Wi-Fi. Once installed, the sign-on data along with the customer profile integrates directly into the customer contact on Salesforce.
http://www.salesforce.com, https://www.localmeasure.com/
**


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MARKETING/MANAGEMENT
- HEBS Digital’s smartCMS® Wins a Stevie® Award for The Fifth Consecutive Year at the 2018 American Business Awards®
- IVH Travel + InnCentives Loyalty Club Now Available as a Mobile App for iOS and Android Devices
- Lodging Interactive Launches Next-generation ADA-conforming Websites for Hotels
- NextGuest Technologies to Showcase Fully Integrated Guest Acquisition, Engagement, and Retention Platform at HITEC Houston
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For more information on Marketing/Management for 06/01/18


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SALES & CATERING, MEETING PLANNING
- AVaStar Presents the Future of Meetings at HITEC 
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AVaStar Presents the Future of Meetings at HITEC 
The adoption and use of new technology has sparked a shift in meeting planner objectives and goals. According to the International Association of Convention Centers’ (IACC) 2017 Meeting Room of the Future™ report, meeting planners are looking to create more personalized experiences for delegates by integrating more interactive technology. This month at HITEC, AVaStar, a digital platform created in direct response to hoteliers’ requests for a solution that guides staff in providing technology services to their customers, will bring more attention to the event technology arena. Hoteliers struggling with keeping event technologies updated, developing technology plans and budgets, and providing training to internal AV teams can learn about AVaStar in the Electro-Media Design booth 1019, June 18 to 21, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston.
http://www.avastar.io
**


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BACK OFFICE
- Experience One of Hospitality’s Most Innovative Technologies at HITEC Houston with Beekeeper
- The Hospitality Industry Becomes a "HAPI-er" Place with the Launch of HAPI's Integrated Data Platform
- New Hotel Tech Stack e-book Explores the Impact of Technology Throughout the Guest Journey
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For more information on Back Office for 06/01/18


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F&B/POINT OF SALE
- Phoenix Hotel Gains Better Control Over Beer, Liquor and Wine Inventory Thanks to Clear Sky Software
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Phoenix Hotel Gains Better Control Over Beer, Liquor and Wine Inventory Thanks to Clear Sky Software
Clear Sky Software, Inc.® announced that The Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel has implemented the company’s beverage inventory control system to help manage and control all beverage products. The Renaissance Phoenix is taking advantage of the features of this industry-leading beverage inventory system. Called Clear Sky BEVERAGE, it is a comprehensive, perpetual inventory system that tracks and controls all beverage products. Functions include purchasing/ordering, receiving, electronic requisition, outlet transfers/issues/returns and physical inventory.  All of these software tools allow management at this hotel to report beverage costs by location, product and product category, thanks to an interface to Oracle's MICROS Simphony POS system.
http://www.clearskysoftware.com
**


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INVENTORY/PURCHASING
- Release of New Eatec® Version Brings Simplified Installation and Enhanced Integrations
- Annabel’s, the Most Exclusive Club in London, Tracks Its High-End Garments Using the InvoTech Uniform System
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Release of New Eatec® Version Brings Simplified Installation and Enhanced Integrations
Agilysys, Inc., a leading global provider of next-generation hospitality software solutions and services, announced general availability of the latest version of Eatec®, the company’s comprehensive inventory and procurement solution. Eatec v3.7.4 includes a simplified installation process along with improvements to Eatec Pocket, Eatec Client and Eatec Web. Eatec is a full-featured inventory, procurement and production system designed specifically for the hospitality and foodservice industries. Along with its core purchasing, inventory, recipe, forecasting, production and sales analysis functions, Eatec also offers modules for catering, cycle planning, retail management, nutrition and allergens.
http://www.agilysys.com/
**
Annabel’s, the Most Exclusive Club in London, Tracks Its High-End Garments Using the InvoTech Uniform System
InvoTech Systems Inc. announced the recent implementation of its uniform system at Annabel’s in London, U.K. InvoTech Systems is a leading provider of advanced linen management, laundry and uniform systems that integrate the latest RFID technology to increase profitability for hotels, resorts, casino operators, sports arenas, convention centers and theme parks. The InvoTech System installed at Annabel’s manages the uniform inventory for 300+ employees at the private club. Annabel’s joins InvoTech’s extensive worldwide client portfolio.
http://www.invotech.com
**


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DATA SECURITY/CYBER ATTACKS
- VENZA® Chosen as One of Atlanta's 2018 Best and Brightest Companies to Work for®
- Dashlane Releases 2018 Travel Website Password Power Rankings
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VENZA® Chosen as One of Atlanta's 2018 Best and Brightest Companies to Work for®
VENZA has been named one of Atlanta’s 2018 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® by Best and Brightest and The National Association for Business Resources (NABR). VENZA stands next to some of Atlanta’s top companies among this year's winners, displaying a commitment to excellence in its human resource practices and employee enrichment.
http://www.venzagroup.com/
**
Dashlane Releases 2018 Travel Website Password Power Rankings
Dashlane, one of the world's most trusted digital security companies, announced the results of its first Travel Website Password Power Rankings™. The rankings, which examined password and account security on 55 of the world's most popular travel-related sites, found that 89 percent of sites leave their users' accounts perilously exposed to hackers due to unsafe password practices. Dashlane researchers tested each website on five critical password and account security criteria. A site received a point for each criterion it met, for a maximum score of 5/5. Any score below 4/5 was considered failing and not meeting the minimum threshold for good password security. For more information, including the full data set, click here.
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HOSPITALITY EDUCATION
- OpenTravel Alliance Releases 2018A 2.0 Object Model Publication for Hospitality
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OpenTravel Alliance Releases 2018A 2.0 Object Model Publication for Hospitality
OpenTravel Alliance, the not-for-profit responsible for developing and maintaining interoperability for disparate systems in all verticals of the travel industry, has published the 2018A 2.0 Object Suite Publication. This release is primarily focused on hospitality and includes functionality for key actions associated with booking a hotel. Functions of the 2018A Object Suite Publication include searching for hotels, checking availability, creating offers and orders and booking reservations. Part of the larger 2.0 Object Model, 2018A Object Suite Publication affords implementers with the same benefits, such as scalability and message customization and personalization. The specification contains both XML and JSON messaging, WSDLs and Swagger, documentation and examples, as well as supporting artifacts. The 2018A 2.0 Object Suite Publication is available for download here.
http://www.opentravel.org
**


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HOSPITALITY EVENTS
- Multiplatinum Artist FLO RIDA Will Perform at the HITEC Houston Opening Party, Presented by Samsung
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Multiplatinum Artist FLO RIDA Will Perform at the HITEC Houston Opening Party, Presented by Samsung
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®), producers of Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®), announced a partnership with Samsung for the upcoming HITEC Houston opening party this June. Multiplatinum entertainer Flo Rida will perform at the opening party on Mon., June 18, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the House of Blues Houston. HITEC Houston will be held from June 18-21, 2018, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas. HFTP and Samsung, which annually hosts a party coinciding with HITEC, are coming together to create a memorable evening that will help propel the week of hospitality education and networking.
http://www.hitec.org, http://www.hftp.org, https://www.samsung.com/us/business/solutions/industries/hospitality/
**

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