I’m heading back home from the Skift Future of Lodging Forum - and honestly it was the best event I’ve been to in a long time. Shows what’s possible when you throw out the traditional template and do things that just make sense, like starting at noon, having 20 minute sessions, and putting conversation topics on cups during networking. They crushed it and I can’t wait for the next event.

Today we’re looking at some of the ideas I took away from the sessions today:

• Missed opportunities

• Education as service

• The month-long summer trip

• Doing your homework

Let’s jump in….

Missed opportunities

To increase the guest experience by doing a better job storytelling….

Josiah Mackenzie @JosiahMackenzie

“Last night I stayed at a 100 year old hotel property but nobody told me about it. What a missed opportunity!” - Robert Tanenbaum, Starwood Capital at #SkiftLive

2:00 PM ∙ May 12, 2022

…and to make more money through learning and serving your guests:

Josiah Mackenzie @JosiahMackenzie

"Guests’ willingness to pay is significantly higher than we think it is," says Jason Bryant @OracleHosp "As you learn more about your guests you have more opportunities to offer more to them." #skiftlive

2:09 PM ∙ May 12, 2022

Josiah Mackenzie @JosiahMackenzie

QR codes can speed up the buying experience, but can turn hospitality provides into just order takers, says Robert Tanenbaum at Starwood Capital at #SkiftLive Need to look for opportunities to serve, engage and (maybe) upsell something they'd like

2:04 PM ∙ May 12, 2022

Education and transparency is a form of service

Be honest about what you offer. If you don’t you may get the booking - and lose the customer.

Josiah Mackenzie @JosiahMackenzie

"We’re living in a digital world where our job is to give you as much information and transparency about our products. Why this hotel, this home may or may not be a good fit." - Jennifer Hsieh, VP Homes & Villas @Marriott #SkiftLive

2:17 PM ∙ May 12, 2022

The month-long summer trip

You know travel preferences are changing. But it got me thinking: if you were hosting more guests for a month, how would that change your offering? The amenities and services you provide? The activities?

Josiah Mackenzie @JosiahMackenzie

Travel booking patterns are changing. @Sojern is seeing the summer vacation turning into a month-long trip for many. #SkiftLive

3:32 PM ∙ May 12, 2022

Do your homework

I love this. More from Rami here.

Josiah Mackenzie @JosiahMackenzie

"Research is what separates a dilettante from an artist." - Rami Zeidan, founder & CEO, @lifehousehotels #SkiftLive

3:52 PM ∙ May 12, 2022