Defining Hospitality

Joining the show this week is someone who believes that hotels are more than just a place to sleep and eat. Please welcome to the show, Global Chief Design, Technical Services & Innovation Officer for Premium, Midscale & Economy brands at Accor, Damien Perrot!In this vibrant conversation between Dan Ryan and Damien, the duo delve into the world of hospitality, hotel industry and its transformations. Damien shares his insights on everything from creating unique hotel experiences to the future of the industry. Takeaways: Hospitality is about connecting with people and leaving a lasting impression. It's the art of welcoming strangers who could become friends, even if you will only know them for a short time.The importance of creating memorable experiences in the hospitality industry cannot be understated. It's not just about food and beverage, but also about the ambiance and overall experience that sets a property apart and creates a destination.Creating a meaningful guest experience in a hotel involves immersing oneself in the local culture and surroundings, ensuring both guests and locals can truly live the experience they desire. This approach also proves to be profitable for hotel owners.Innovation in the hospitality industry extends beyond the confines of a hotel, encompassing the entire travel experience. By addressing pain points and enhancing guest satisfaction, hotels can create a positive and memorable stay for travelers.Hotels face the challenge of managing travelers' luggage, which often requires dedicated staff and even the use of meeting rooms. By allowing travelers to conveniently check their luggage at the hotel, the process is more efficient and hassle-free.Design in hotels goes beyond aesthetics, playing a vital role in guest experience. From achieving sustainability goals to driving profitability, investing in efficient and innovative solutions now is crucial for future success in a rapidly changing world.In the ever-changing world, being a part of shaping the future and challenging norms is exciting. Hospitality industry, like hotels, can play a vital role in evolving cities and ensuring a high quality of life amidst increasing urban density.Quote of the Show:“Hospitality is about welcoming people who are not yet your friends, but could become your friends.” - Damien PerrotLinks:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accor_design/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damien-perrot-42b6252/ Website: https://group.accor.com/en Shout Outs:01:43 - The New Museum: https://www.newmuseum.org/01:46 - Radical Innovation: https://www.radicalinnovation.io/ 01:58 - Marriott: https://www.marriott.com/default.mi 01:59 - Hilton: https://www.hilton.com/en/ 02:00 - IHG: https://www.ihg.com/ 05:08 - Mama Shelter: https://mamashelter.com/ 06:37 - Philippe Starck: https://www.starck.com/ 10:16 - Faena Miami: https://www.faena.com/miami-beach 10:38 - Fairmont Royal York: https://thefairmontroyalyork.com/ 14:40 - Alexis Henri C M Clerel Tocqueville17:56 - Ibis: https://ibis.accor.com/northamerica/index.en.shtml 37:28 - Wyndham: https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/ 37:42 - Novotel: https://novotel.accor.com/a/en/usa.html 40:26 - Chamonix: https://en.chamonix.com/ Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419Transistor: https://www.defininghospitality.live/

Our guest this week has a passion for creating restaurants that redefine the dining experience. With the innate ability to take a concept and turn it into reality, she drives innovation in the industry. Welcome to the show, Senior Director of Design & Concept Development at Union Square Events, Jessica Gidari!Dan Ryan hosts Jessica to delve into her approach to creating unique restaurant experiences and her understanding of true hospitality. Jessica shares the importance of collecting the dots, discusses her experiences with Union Square Hospitality, and explores the power of hospitality in all aspects of life and business.Takeaways: Hospitality is the act of doing something for someone rather than just doing it to them. While it may be customary to offer complimentary drinks, a customer may not want them, thus putting the customer in an awkward situation. Active listening and making connections are key elements in collecting valuable information. Utilizing these skills allows for effective networking and the facilitation of beneficial collaborations.Making meaningful connections with others can unlock the magic of building strong relationships, fostering teamwork, and enhancing personal growth. These connections create moments of excitement and shared understanding that can have a lasting impact.A cohesive combination of design, atmosphere, and narrative in a space can create a powerful and memorable experience. Ensuring all elements align and speak the same language enhances the overall impact and leaves a lasting impression on visitors.Prompt problem-solving is crucial in the hospitality industry, ensuring a seamless experience for guests even in challenging situations. By swiftly addressing issues and offering suitable alternatives, restaurants can uphold customer satisfaction.Hospitality should start by warmly welcoming guests and understanding their purpose for visiting. By paying attention to their cues and preferences, you can offer appropriate suggestions to enhance their experience.Hospitality is crucial in corporate environments, as it creates a sense of belonging and pride for employees while enhancing their overall experience. Incorporating innovative food and beverage concepts helps foster a positive and engaging work environment.Quote of the Show: “Hospitality is when you do something for someone rather than to someone.” - Jessica GidariLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-gidari-65906120/ Website: https://www.unionsquareevents.com/consulting/ Website: https://www.jgidari.com/ Shout Outs:00:43 - Danny Meyer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dhmeyer/ 07:32 - Shake Shack: https://shakeshack.com/#/ 07:33 - Union Square Cafe: https://www.unionsquarecafe.com/ 07:36 - Blue Smoke: https://www.bluesmoke.com/ 07:42 - Gramercy Tavern: https://www.gramercytavern.com/ 16:58 - JP Morgan Chase: https://www.jpmorganchase.com/ 17:24 - Foster and Partners: https://www.fosterandpartners.com/ 38:23 - Hospitality Quotient:https://hq.ushg.com/ 44:06 - Arizona State University: https://www.asu.edu/ Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419

Our guest this week is a talented designer with over 20 years of experience. She’s a leader who helps transform spaces into experiences that are truly part of their local communities. Joining the show is Chief Development Officer at NuovoRE, Heather Ciszczon!Heather joins host, Dan Ryan, for a comprehensive discussion on her journey from design to development. Heather discusses the intricacies of her work, including exceptional renovation projects like the 21C Museum Hotel in St. Louis. Additionally, Heather touches on the challenges of historic tax credit works and the responsibility of the hospitality industry in making outsized impact on the lives of people through innovation and engagement.Takeaways: Hospitality is about meeting someone where they are at and where they’re most comfortable. While luxury experiences are nice, your customers may want something more relaxed. As a designer, when working on any project, you need to fully understand what the owner wants. Understanding those goals allows you to more effectively meet them, and deliver a satisfactory end product. When you are the owner of a project, you need to help give your team agency to work effectively. Helping them understand the why behind your motivations will allow them to carry out your vision to its fullest. While any project requires a good team, renovations have particular nuances that members need to handle. Having team members who are familiar with historic buildings and tax credit work are crucial understandings in addition to their design skills. When renovating old buildings, there is a fine line between preservation and adaptation. Adjustments to a building to make it function more efficiently as a hotel may face pushback from preservation societies; designers need to be sensitive to these needs. When trying to ingrain a property in the local community, partnerships are key. By partnering with local groups and providers, you help meet everyone's needs, have stronger procurement processes, and invest in the local community. The foundation of a good team is trust. Rather than waiting for something to go wrong, establish trust early on. With a strong connection between your team, issues that arise will be much easier to handle. Quote of the Show:“That's not my skill set is to make something of a blank piece of paper. But if you give me a bunch of puzzle pieces, I will find a way to solve them.” - Heather CiszczonLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherciszczon/ Website: https://nuovore.com/ Shout Outs:03:38 - McDonalds04:19 - Two Roads Hospitality04:59 - The El Capitan Hotel: https://elcapitanhotelmerced.com/ 05:49 - 21C Museum Hotel St Louis: https://www.21cmuseumhotels.com/stlouis/09:04 - The Hermosa Inn: https://www.hermosainn.com/ 09:08 - Lon Megargee11:08 - Liam Neeson12:52 - YMCA: https://www.ymca.org/ 28:34 - New Waterloo: https://newwaterloo.com/ 42:23 - Lor Tush: https://lortush.com/ 46:13 - ASU: https://www.asu.edu/ 48:40 - Fidelity Hotel Cleveland 50:17 - Hotel Marcel: https://www.hotelmarcel.com/ Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419

Today's guest leads the charge of finding new ways to build and design sustainably. He’s responsible for the first zero emissions and passive house certified hotel in the United States. Our guest this week is none other than President at Becker + Becker Associates, Bruce Becker!Bruce joins Dan Ryan from the Hotel Marcel in New Haven, Connecticut, for a conversation on how he is trailblazing the world of sustainable hotels. Bruce shares his motivations for the hotel, how other brands need to better incentivize sustainable building practices, and how he took on his first hotel project. Takeaways: Hospitality is about caring for both people and their environments. You can’t be generous with hospitality while polluting the planet. Hospitality means preserving the future while innovating in the present. Beyond the good for the planet, sustainable initiatives can save a hotel on budget. A lower energy bill can save you as much money as having an extra 20 rooms. For the Hotel Marcell, their initiatives add up to about $300,000 a year to their bottom line. Despite the operating benefits of more environmentally friendly options, many brands still have issues implementing them, as no one directly owns these initiatives. To solve this, brands need to appoint individuals to choose more sustainable options. When hotel designers are over budget, their first intention is to start cutting back on costs from different sections. Environmental tax credits and grants are a potent way to adopt new technology while making budgets more efficient.When designing a hotel, it’s important to consider how each of the different functions interplay with each other. When you have over 100 rooms, you also need meeting rooms, lounge space, and open space. When looking to add solar to a hotel, building roof space can be a limiting factor. Covering parking spaces with solar panels offers a unique way to take advantage of existing space. A 4 story hotel has enough parking space to be 100% net zero.While there are incentives for individual designers to adopt sustainable practices, there needs to be more pressure from brands. Much like a hotel can’t open until passing a safety inspection, brands should require a certain level of sustainability before opening. Quote of the Show:“You have to have a holistic approach to taking care of people and their things and their environment and their planet.” - Bruce BeckerLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-redman-becker-383b34152/ Website: https://www.beckerandbecker.com/ Hotel Marcel: https://www.hotelmarcel.com/ Shout Outs:01:15 - Larry Traxler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrytraxler/ 01:16 - Hilton: https://www.hilton.com/en/ 13:14 - Hyatt: https://www.hyatt.com/ 13:17 - Marriott: https://www.marriott.com/ 13:19 - Accor: https://all.accor.com/usa/index.en.shtml 13:23 - IHG: https://www.ihgplc.com/en 19:21 - Megan Gill: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-gill-0a2636112/ 19:28 - BLDG: https://www.bldg-newhaven.com/ 21:27 - Nuveen: https://www.nuveen.com/en-us 30:30 - Dutch East Design: https://www.dutcheastdesign.com/ 30:50 - Consigli Construction: https://www.consigli.com/ 32:54 - Marcel Breuer33:01 - Bauhaus33:05 - Harvard: https://www.harvard.edu/ 33:27 - Paul Goldberger: https://www.paulgoldberger.com/ 33:31 - AIA: https://www.aia.org/ 34:02 - Richard Lee: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_C._Lee 37:34 - Cornell Hotel School: https://sha.cornell.edu/ 38:16 - Yale: https://www.yale.edu/ 45:15 - IKEA: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/ 47:39 - Elon Musk47:41 - Tesla: https://www.tesla.com/ 01:01:05 - Mitsubishi: https://www.mitsubishi.com/en/ 01:16:56 - Charlestowne Hotels: https://www.charlestownehotels.com/ Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419

In this special episode of Defining Hospitality, we’re live from BDNY 2023! Dan chats with some expo attendees, organizers, and Gold Key winners to see what excites them most about BDNY. We’ll discuss why guests have come from as far as Hawaii, what is exciting them about the future, and how to incorporate hospitality into expos.Links:Shaleah SolivenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaleah-soliven-03191726/ Website: https://www.thevanguardtheory.com/ Website: https://www.shaleahsoliven.com/ Michelle JaimeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-jaime-487a5b4/ Website: https://www.thevanguardtheory.com/ Julie FrankLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliecfrank/ Website: https://aspen.com/ Drew StuartLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-stuart-22bb286/ Website: https://inc.nyc/ Paul BienkowskiLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-bienkowski-0428b57/ Website: https://hospitalitydesign.com/ Shout Outs:02:49 - Gensler: https://www.gensler.com/ 02:53 - Shore Hotel: https://www.shorehotel.com/ 06:10 - Rockefeller Center: https://www.rockefellercenter.com/ Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419

Joining the show this week is an experienced executive who has a history of driving brands to success. Please welcome to the show, Head of Development for Ashford Inc and CEO at Premier, a subsidiary of Ashford, Hector Sanchez!Hector sits down with Host Dan Ryan to share the lessons he has learned from his time in the hospitality industry. Hector dives into the importance of owning mistakes when they happen, the challenges of aligning on budget, and how to build teams that play to their members’ strengths. Takeaways: Hospitality is the act of serving people and creating unique experiences that they can share with others. It plays a crucial role in creating memorable moments and fostering connections between individuals.Taking responsibility and providing a solution is crucial in resolving issues effectively, as it demonstrates accountability and ownership, unlike finger-pointing and avoiding responsibility.Ownership groups in the hotel industry typically do not bring various functions, such as project management, in-house. While some may handle design and project management internally, they often rely on external firms for expertise and assistance.As a newcomer to the hospitality industry, it’s important to take note of the small details around you. Observing how other projects came to fruition and noting their nuances will help you ramp up your design knowledge.While having a holistic understanding of your industry is beneficial, it doesn’t mean you need to be an expert in every discipline. Play to your strengths and build a team whose members fill in each other’s gaps. The disconnect between budget and creativity in the hospitality industry can be a large challenge. Being mindful of budget constraints while fostering creativity is crucial for successful project execution.Quote of the Show:“To me, it's just about how you react to those issues? Do you just hide from them? Do you ignore the calls or do you rise up?” - Hector SanchezLinks:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/premier_design_to_completion LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hector-a-sanchez-65799b7/ Website: https://www.premierpm.com/ Website: https://www.ashfordinc.com/ Shout Outs:01:16 - Chris Green: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wchrisgreen/ 01:23 - Chesapeake Hospitality01:25 - Remington Hotels: https://www.remingtonhospitality.com/ 09:31 - Bermanfalk: https://www.bermanfalk.com/ 11:38 - PEMEX: https://www.pemex.com/en/Paginas/default.aspx 12:18 - National Oilwell Varco: https://www.nov.com/ 12:30 - Schlumberger: https://www.slb.com/ 12:31 - Halliburton: https://www.halliburton.com/ 19:13 - Carla Niemann: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-niemann-rid-iida-81314a5/ 19:19 - Johannes Michalsky: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johannes-michalsky-80166b77/19:27 - Mike Funk: https://www.linkedin.com/in/funkmike/ 27:36 - Patrick Burke: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-burke-aia-ncarb-3125748b/ 27:51 - Rex Tullius33:20 - Mr C’s Beverly Hills33:22 - Hilton: https://www.hilton.com/en/ 33:27 - La Concha: https://www.laconcharesort.com/ 33:30 - Autograph Collection: https://autograph-hotels.marriott.com/ 33:32 - Le Pavillon Hotel: https://www.lepavillon.com/ 34:35 - Courtyard: https://courtyard.marriott.com/ 34:37 - Ritz-Carlton: https://www.ritzcarlton.com/ 35:41 - Barbara Carlson39:15 - Renaissance Nashville47:49 - University of Houston: https://www.uh.edu/ 47:52 - Texas Rangers: https://www.mlb.com/rangers 47:56 - Houston Astros: https://www.mlb.com/astros Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419

Filling a hotel with furniture is about more than just picking the right chair, it’s about working with your client to get the right product set up the right way for them. Our guest this week is a well rounded hospitality professional and expert in all things FF&E. Joining the show is COO - FF&E Division & Partner at The Parker Company, Mitch Parker!Mitch sits down with Host Dan Ryan to dive into all things procurement. Mitch outlines the importance of planning for proper time, the intricacies that go into furnishing a hotel, and the need for designers to design for the requirements of the hotel.Takeaways: Hospitality is all about service. In a hotel, it’s providing a place for others to feel comfortable. In procurement, it’s about providing efficient service that helps your client complete their project on time and under budget. With every item, there is often an unseen level of customization behind the scenes. Multiple locations may use the same chair, but the color, texture, and finish can vary. Managing these changes is a behind the scenes responsibility of procurement. Design never happens in a vacuum, but is shaped by the bounds of what you are designing for. When designing furniture for hotels, an aesthetically pleasing design isn’t enough, it needs to also meet the functional requirements of the hotel. While it’s important to meet client needs, you also need to open a hotel on time. To help stay on schedule, highlight the importance of making decisions to clients, and try to reduce the number of 3rd party decision makers. As a leader of a business you need to balance employee agency with your own oversight. It’s important to give your employees agency to make their own decisions, but you want to be involved enough that when problems arise, you are able to help out. When furnishing a hotel, you need to understand how all the parts and pieces play into the overall guest experience. A single element can turn a positive experience negative for a guest, preventing them from returning to your hotel.  As a purchaser, time is your best friend. It’s common for clients to change their mind or ask for revisions half way through the process. By building in a buffer, you can meet client requests without delaying the project.  Quote of the Show:“You can have a beautiful design, but if it can't be executed, you have a problem.” - Mitch ParkerLinks:Website: https://parkerinternational.com/ Website: https://wazi.com/ Shout Outs:01:02 - Leonard Parker04:23 - The Maxwell Company06:39 - The High Point Furniture Market: https://www.highpointmarket.org/ 09:13 - Marriott Courtyard: https://courtyard.marriott.com/ 09:43 - Four Seasons: https://www.fourseasons.com/ 09:44 - Rosewood: https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/default  09:46 - The Ritz-Carlton: https://www.ritzcarlton.com/ 33:45 - Carole Monestime: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-monestime-5aa4192b/ 34:11 - Linda Hein: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-hein-6a49a423/ 34:13 - Marilyn Webb: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marilyn-webb-a4024511/ 47:38 - Gregg Parker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregg-parker-418a1131/ 48:33 - Philip Parker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-parker-6b281a2a/ 48:39 - Doug Parker48:43 - Brad Parker48:55 - Camp Waziyatah: https://wazi.com/ 01:01:58 - American of Martinsville: https://americanofmartinsville.com/ Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419

In this special episode of Defining Hospitality, we’re featuring interviews from the 2023 Radical Innovation Awards. Dan speaks with Radical Innovation Founder John Hardy, and other event participants including Jury members, MC, and sponsors. Through each interview, you’ll hear about the excitement of the event, tips for anyone considering being a future juror, and which aspects of the designs stood out the most.Featured Guests:John HardyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-hardy-3a677812/ Website: https://www.jhgi.com/ Website: https://www.radicalinnovation.io/ Mark FriesenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-friesen-b7b77812/ Website: https://www.beyerbrown.com/Raj ChandnaniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajchandnani/ Website: https://www.watg.com/ Eran ChenTwitter: https://twitter.com/ODAArchitecture LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eran-chen-465b446/ Website: https://oda-architecture.com/ Damien PerrotLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damien-perrot-42b6252/ Website: https://group.accor.com/ John EdelmanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-edelman-4361a012/ Website: https://hellerfurniture.com/ Vito LottaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vito-f-lotta-464228/ Website: https://stories.hilton.com/ Shout Outs:The Gourd Project: https://www.thegourdproject.com/ Bruce Becker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-redman-becker-383b34152/ Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419

On this episode, we’re joined by a show director who puts together some of the hospitality industry’s most popular events. Please welcome to the show, Brand Leader & Associate Show Director - Boutique Design at Emerald, Keisha Byrd! Keisha joins Host Dan Ryan to share what makes a successful event. Keisha highlights the importance of finding the right people, the satisfaction that comes from pulling off a successful event, and the ways students can get the most out of events. Takeaways: Hospitality is about creating welcoming experiences, bringing people together, and making everyone feel like they belong. It is important to prioritize these aspects in order to foster a sense of unity and promote meaningful connections.When it comes to putting together an amazing event, the right people make it a success. Your attendees are likely to forget the food and beverages that were served, but they will remember the conversations had and connections made. Putting on an event is a lot of work, but the feedback and positive messages make it all worth it. Hearing feedback from attendees not only makes you feel appreciated, but also helps shape future events. When vendors ask for a better space or more square footage, those are both signs of an event well done. Additional signs of success include the feedback from attendees who have found your event to be a useful resource. As events grow and evolve, there is an increased focus on highlighting specific designs. Future events will still feature a traditional expo hall, but will start to incorporate open houses that highlight both specific designs and their designers.  Setting goals, being patient, and staying true to yourself are key factors in achieving personal growth and success. It is crucial to persevere and remain dedicated to your journey, as progress takes time and self-belief.Listening and being patient with others, while embracing creativity and continuous learning, are valuable skills for events. These help to improve event experiences and foster constructive growth.Quote of the Show:“Knowing that what we're doing is actually connecting everyone to do business, that's what we're here for.” - Keisha ByrdLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keisha-byrd-076ab680/ Website: https://hospitalitydesign.com/ Website: https://bdny.com/ Shout Outs:03:43 - BD Match: https://www.boutiquedesignmatch.com/about/04:53 - CitySCENE: https://hospitalitydesign.com/cityscene/ 08:16 - University of Cincinnati: https://www.uc.edu/ 10:23 - Taylor Swift11:32 - Michelle Finn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-finn-b30b9a9/ 13:22 - Association for Women in Science: https://awis.org/ 25:37 - HD Expo: https://hdexpo.hospitalitydesign.com/ 28:52 - Lynn University: https://www.lynn.edu/ 30:39 - Platinum Circle: https://platinum.hospitalitydesign.com/ 30:40 - Gold Key Awards: https://goldkeyawards.com/ 31:02 - Shelia Lohmiller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelia-lohmiller-2410097/ 31:05 - Martin Brudnizki: https://www.mbds.com/ 31:06 - Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dayssiolartedekanavos/ 31:07 - Libby Sims Patrick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libby-patrick-iida-leed-ap-981631/ 31:22 - Moxy NYC Lower East Side: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/nycom-moxy-nyc-lower-east-side/overview/ 31:28 - The Lightstone Group: https://www.lightstonegroup.com/ 31:34 - Ziegfeld Ballroom: https://www.ziegfeldballroom.com/ 31:54 - Lark Hotels: https://www.larkhotels.com/ 32:22 - NEWH: https://newh.org/ 36:26 - Independent Lodging Congress: https://ilcongress.com/ 37:28 - Pratt Institute: https://www.pratt.edu/ 37:29 - Fashion Institute of Technology: https://www.fitnyc.edu/ 38:04 - Cornell: https://www.cornell.edu/ 38:05 - NYU: https://www.nyu.edu/ 38:15 - Helen Jorgensen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-jorgensen-leed%C2%AEap-1594902/ 40:33 - Joe BurrowWays to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419

When it comes to finding the right workplace, the environment matters much more than the work. This week, we’re joined by a designer who understands firsthand the value of creating welcoming environments in both her workplaces and designs. Our guest this week is Lead Designer, Principal, and Founder of AJC Design, Alicia Cannon!Alicia joins Dan Ryan for a conversation on what being an entrepreneur in the hospitality industry is like. Alicia shares her tips for finding the right environment, what makes starting your own brand worth it, and the best ways to train new members.Takeaways: Hospitality is a blank canvas, allowing you to create intentional experiences for guests, providing idyllic escapes and reassuring comforts away from home. It is a gift that brings passion and fulfillment, making it a significant aspect of the industry.As a creative, it’s important to understand the environments you do and don’t want to be part of. While a certain company may offer great work opportunities, a misalignment of culture will ultimately be more detrimental to you. While going out on your own can be daunting, it opens the door to creative growth. With freedom to travel, you open your eyes to new styles and designs. By observing the work of others, you become a better designer for your clients. When training junior designers, it is important to guide them through the fundamentals of interior design, such as writing specifications and understanding the language of the field. When seeking internships, explore opportunities at different-sized firms to find a culture and environment that aligns with your goals. It's crucial to prioritize understanding the people you want to work with.Establishing a strong brand identity and prioritizing long-term relationships with clients are crucial for success as a business owner. Creating a family-oriented environment and fostering lasting connections can lead to significant growth and loyalty.It is crucial for new business owners to anticipate upcoming projects and maintain a steady stream of clients. Planning and preparation are key to ensure a consistent flow of work and avoid potential financial challenges.Quote of the Show:“If something doesn't feel good, It's probably not right.” - Alicia CannonLinks:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajc_design/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajcdesign/ Website: https://ajcdesign.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ajcdesign Shout Outs:01:20 - Cheryl Rowley06:42 - Deborah Geer07:15 - Jody Harley07:16 - Gensler: https://www.gensler.com/ 07:39 - David Easton: https://www.davideastonarchitect.com/ 09:51 - Kathy Stein: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-stein-73937814/ 10:02 - HBA: https://www.hba.com/ 12:39 - NEWH: https://newh.org/ 12:46 - University Of Minnesota: https://twin-cities.umn.edu/ 12:47 - University Of Iowa: https://uiowa.edu/ 26:34 - Renaissance New York Harlem: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/nychl-renaissance-new-york-harlem-hotel/overview/ 40:58 - Mason Contract Products41:00 - Charlie Grady: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-grady-7943b914/ 41:06 - Chuck Greenspan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckgreenspan/ 41:09 - Häfele: https://www.hafele.com/us/en/ 41:11 - Len Horowitz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/len-horowitz-0812b37/ 41:19 - Steve Wachtler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-wachtler-con-94206568/ 41:21 - Amatex41:43 - Stella D'oroWays to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPXApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1sAmazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419