No Vacancy with Glenn Haussman

David Donnelly's philosophy is that success is built on strong, mutually beneficial relationships. That attitude's going to get him into trouble while hanging with Glenn, Craig and Producer Dave. Tune in and find out

Yesterday at Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) hashtag#HITEC2025, I spoke with Ben Jamieson of Sonesta International Hotels about how the company is approaching hashtag#hoteltechnology and operations to support one of the fastest growth stories in hospitality. With more than 1,200 hotels and a portfolio that spans from economy to upscale, Sonesta is focused on building systems that work across all brands while keeping the guest experience front and center. This episode of hashtag#NoVacancyNews looks at how they’re doing it. Key points from our conversation: 🔹 What it takes to align technology and operations during rapid expansion 🔹 Building consistency while respecting the differences between brands 🔹 Choosing between in-house solutions and third-party tech providers 🔹 Enhancing revenue and service through mobile tools and POS upgrades 🔹 Taking a disciplined approach to AI with a steering committee and real-world testing 🔹Why learning quickly from failure is central to their innovation strategy Thanks to our sponsor Uniguest. Their Hotel Hub solution connects every step of the guest journey to your campaign messaging and brand. Learn more at uniguest.com.

This week at Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) HITEC, hashtag#NoVacancyNews sat down with Max Spangler, VP of Technology at Charlestowne Hotels, to discuss how their team is making clear-eyed tech decisions in a time when everything seems to be labeled “AI” - whether it is or isn't! Here’s what you’ll learn: *Why “AI-washing” is making it harder—not easier—to evaluate hotel tech *How Charlestowne’s steering groups across departments help vet, test, and implement tools that actually work *The impact of AI tools like Cursor and Windsurfer for lean teams managing boutique properties *How they’re now creating slide decks, video, and image content faster than ever—without sacrificing quality *What tech vendors should be doing to explain why they’re using AI (instead of just saying they are) If you care about hotel technology that actually helps your team—not just sells buzzwords—this is a great one to watch. hashtag#NoVacancyNews is here at hashtag#HITEC2025 bringing you the real conversations that matter in hospitality. And yes, hashtag#HotelTechnology that works does exist—you just have to know what to look for. Big thanks to our sponsor Unifocus – technology that drives value. Learn more at unifocus.com

Recorded live at HITEC 2025, #novacancynews caught up with Jenna Fishel, Chief Commercial Officer at First Hospitality, to explore how her team is taking #AI from theory to action—and evolving how commercial teams collaborate. This isn't about chasing tech trends. It’s about building smarter systems that make life easier and business better. Here’s what we covered: How #hoteltechnology is being used to analyze commercial calls and suggest strategy improvements The shift from siloed meetings to a fully integrated commercial strategy that include marketing, sales, revenue, and ops Why First Hospitality built a dedicated marketing team—and what happens when you stop forcing salespeople to moonlight as marketers The power of collaboration in a world where RevPAR growth is harder to come by Ways AI is helping reduce repetitive tasks so teams can focus on meaningful work 🎯 Special thanks to our sponsor: Unifocus, technology that drives value. Visit unifocus.com  

While in Indianapolis, hashtag#NoVacancyNews caught up with Michael Hirschler of Staypineapple Hotels Inc. during an event with Cendyn to talk about how the company rebuilt their hashtag#hoteltech stack from the ground up—and why taking risks on emerging platforms was the right call. In this short and insightful interview, you'll hear: 💡 How Staypineapple designed a fully cloud-based system to simplify ownership and operations 💡 Why connectivity between PMS, CRM, and other platforms is non-negotiable 💡 What it takes to break free from legacy tech and future-proof a hotel brand 💡 The importance of making bold decisions to keep the guest at the center of the experience 💡 How the industry’s past leaders can become stuck—and what to do differently

Recorded last month at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, hashtag#NoVacancyNews got an amazing backstage experience with the legendary Cami Christensen, President & GM of the property. Cami started at the front desk and now runs this iconic resort — and we had a lot of laughs and hashtag#Elvis sightings along the way. 📍If you love old-school hashtag#LasVegas nostalgia blended with modern hospitality, this one’s for you. Watch the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/e8k9kPBR What you'll experience in this episode: 🎰 How Cami went from check-ins to calling the shots at the about 3,000-room resort 🎤 The story behind recreating Elvis Presley’s legendary 1969 comeback show –coming this summer! 🕺 Hidden Elvis memorabilia—including a lock of his hair, his dressing room, and his water fountain (yes, really) 🍸 A tour of Westgate’s revived venues like Velvet Bar and EBar with nightly live music 🏈 Inside the world’s largest sportsbook and why it’s not becoming a nightclub 🏰 A walkthrough of their jaw-dropping rooftop 12,000 sq. ft. Versailles Suite (with a private pool!) 🚝 Why Westgate is the most connected resort in Vegas with direct monorail and Vegas Loop access ⚡️This isn’t just a history lesson, it’s a look at how a legacy property keeps reinventing itself while staying true to its soul. 👑 You’re going to want to watch this one before the King leaves the building again.

On this episode of #NoVacancyNews, I reconnected with longtime industry powerhouse Juan Corvinos Solans during NYU IHIF, who just made a major career pivot—leaving Hilton after 16 years to take on a bold new leadership role as President of #CALA for Hotel Equities. So, what drives someone to walk away from the familiar and embrace the unknown?   We discuss:   *Why Juan stepped away from a steady brand career to lead something new   *How he's helping build a startup-style venture focused on all-inclusive and urban lifestyle hotels   *What it's like to switch from brand-side to operations-side leadership   *Why he's traveling more than ever—and how his wife found out about the move from a press release. Uh-oh   *The vision for combining U.S.-based operational expertise with local talent across Latin America   *Building a team of hospitality rock stars with a fresh perspective   Juan’s passion for shaking up the status quo is contagious—and you’ll want to hear what’s next.   Special thanks to Actabl: 👉 Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit them at Actabl.com.  

Last week at the Stonebridge 's annual conference in hashtag#NewOrleans – where I hosted, moderated and delivered a keynote -- I spoke with EVP Operations Lee Palaschak for hashtag#NoVacancyNews about how the company is transforming. With a clear focus on culture, people, and purposeful partnerships, Stonebridge is entering a fresh chapter — or as Lee calls it, a “rebirth.” 🔑 What we cover: *How Stonebridge is redefining itself from the ground up *The philosophy behind thoughtful growth — and why bigger isn’t always better *Building real alignment with vendors, partners, and team members *Creating community during company events (yes, there were food trucks!) What it means to operate with clarity in an uncertain market #RightHereRightNow

Recorded recently in Las Vegas, I caught up with Tony Yousfi, CMP, Chief Sales Officer at the iconic The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, for an energizing hashtag#NoVacancyNews conversation about what it takes to keep 7,000 suites full, 2.2 million square feet of space active, and 10,000-person events running seamlessly—week after week. 📍 Here’s what we covered: *How the Venetian transforms every four days for new guests and events *The billion-dollar renovation strategy—and why they’re only doing it during hashtag#LasVegas’ “quiet” 98% occupancy months *How Tony’s team closes deals fast, even in a city running at near full capacity *What it really takes to lead and motivate the next generation of hospitality professionals *Why saying “yes” to failure can be the most effective teaching tool *Personal lessons on grit, growth, and taking your first-ever 15-day vacation at 50 💡 Whether you're a hospitality veteran or just hotel-curious, this one offers an inside look at what makes the Venetian tick. Special thanks to our advertiser: Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit them at Actabl.com. hashtag#hospitalityleadership

Recorded on location in Ft. Worth, Texas, I chatted with Mark Kimber, Chief Revenue Officer at Fintech, spoke to hashtag#NoVacancyNews to uncover how this decades-old alcohol invoicing powerhouse is shaking things up in hospitality. If you manage hotel operations and are drowning in invoices, this conversation might just change the way you work. 🎙️ Here's what you'll hear in this episode: How hashtag#Fintech evolved from alcohol compliance to hospitality-wide invoice automation Why hoteliers are stuck with “garage sale” accounting outside of alcohol—and how to fix it How Fintech eliminates hours of manual entry by integrating with your ERP system (think Birchstreet, Coupa, and more) Real-time visibility into cash flow, invoice accuracy, and vendor compliance A proof-of-concept approach that lets you test the platform with just a few vendors ⏱️ Saving 5 minutes per invoice might not sound like much… until you multiply it across every vendor, every day. Fintech’s model is about efficiency, visibility, and letting your team focus on guests—not back-office chaos. 🎧 Tune in now and hear why this isn't just another tech pitch—it’s a serious opportunity to cut costs and streamline operations.

🎙️ #NoVacancyNews’ Glenn Haussman sits down with Ryan Minton, bestselling author of Uplifted: The Remarkable Power of Positive Leadership on Frontline Teams, to talk about the game-changing impact of positivity in leadership. 🔹 What you’ll hear in this episode: How positive leadership transforms frontline teams and creates a thriving workplace Why employees don’t tolerate bad bosses anymore (and what leaders must do to keep top talent) The real ROI of uplifting leadership — how happier employees boost customer experience and the bottom line The invisible balloon analogy: How every interaction either inflates or deflates your team’s morale A wild customer service fail Ryan experienced last week—why outdated policies ruin brand loyalty 💡 Plus, Ryan shares practical advice for leaders, including how to empower teams through trust and avoid common pitfalls that drive employee disengagement. 🎧 But the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Uplifted-Remarkable-Positive-Leadership-Frontline-ebook/dp/B0FC6T8H7F/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1T9SHR7Z15C7W&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.SiJFLLHuXfOjXPOsHcHefhs8nG8RPW1Sj3uiPxVs6u3GjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.QEuFYL15ejc4Q6TOXKsDPAMwfk25_jEVE6ez1v7yyXg&dib_tag=se&keywords=of+Uplifted%3A+The+Remarkable+Power+of+Positive+Leadership+on+Frontline+Teams&qid=1749554909&sprefix=of+uplifted+the+remarkable+power+of+positive+leadership+on+frontline+teams%2Caps%2C131&sr=8-1 🔹 Special thanks to our sponsor: Actabl gives you the power to profit—visit Actabl.com #novacancynews #leadershipsuccess 📍 Where to listen: Find Uplifted Leadership wherever you get your favorite podcasts!

Tim Flohr is an Associate Professor of Teaching at U of Memphis and the Co-founder & Managing Partner of HospitalityInternships.com . Tonight he risks it all by joining Glenn, Craig, and Producers Dave and Suzanne for some ‘innocent’ drinks and laughs to kick off the weekend. Plus, Glenn is on location in New Orleans.

Why do some hotel companies thrive while others struggle with retention, innovation, and guest satisfaction? In this episode of hashtag#NoVacancyNews, we talk with Rob Smith, CEO & President of Stonebridge Companies, who’s bringing humanity back to hospitality — without ignoring the power of technology. 🔑 Key Highlights: 👥 Why putting people first isn’t just good ethics—it’s smart business 🤖 How Stonebridge uses technology to enhance—not replace—human connection 💼 Rethinking workforce culture to increase retention and reduce burnout 📊 The power of real-time data to drive better decisions at every level 💡 What the next generation of hospitality leadership needs to know 🎯 How aligning purpose with profit creates a company guests and staff want to be part of Whether you lead a hotel team, invest in propertie s, or are just obsessed with where hospitality is headed, this episode is a must-listen. 🔗 Tune in now and hear how one of the industry’s top CEOs is building a people-powered future. hashtag#HospitalityLeadership

Hospitality is shifting—and Joseph Bojanowski, President of PM Hotel Group, joined hashtag#NoVacancyNews during the NYU IHIF to gauge what’s really happening in the hashtag#hotelindustry right now. ✔️ Tired of mixed signals from headlines? This episode brings clarity on: *Why focusing on actual trends over trending topics is essential for strategic planning *What PM Hotel Group is seeing with real-time travel demand and consumer behavior *How seasonality shifts and timing affected hotel comp sets in 2025 *Strong ADR growth trends despite softening fundamentals *Firsthand insights from the opening of Evo Tahoe City—where experience-driven travel is thriving *Why the hospitality economy might be untethered from the broader U.S. economy What it all means for investors, operators, and leaders looking to make their next big move 📈 It’s a sharp, real-world look at how to lead in uncertain times.

What’s really happening with new hotel construction in today’s unpredictable climate? #NoVacancyNews sat down with Mark Laport, CEO of Concord Hospitality Enterprises, during NYU IHIF this week to discuss: • 🏗️ Why he’s bullish on launching #StudioRes, Marriott International’s new extended-stay brand • 💰 The financial balancing act—dealing with skyrocketing costs and persistent labor issues • 🌍 What makes Concord’s approach different, and how they’re betting smart on the future • 🤝 Why relationships—especially in tough times—make or break your ability to grow If you're in hospitality development or operations, this one is essential. Mark delivers thoughtful insight without fluff, and yes, he still refuses to call himself a “big shot.” 🎧 Listen in for real-world strategies and forward-looking ideas.

Recorded this morning live at NYU IHIF, hashtag#NoVacancyNews sits down with Greg Kennealey, CEO of Peregrine Hospitality, to unpack the realities of operating, investing, and thriving in today’s uncertain hotel landscape. 📌 Highlights from this episode: How Peregrine focuses on what they can control — guests and employees — to drive long-term profitability Why “no cash registers at the corporate office” is more than a saying—it’s a strategy The truth about today’s slow transaction market (and why that might be an advantage) What disciplined hashtag#HotelInvestment and acquisitions look like in a market with low new development Strategies for identifying underperforming hotels and transforming them into high-performing assets The surprising reason Greg isn’t sleeping better heading into 2025 Special thanks to our sponsor Actabl – Actabl gives you the power to profit. 💻 Visit them at Actabl.com

Is the hotel industry bouncing back—or just bouncing around? I caught up with Bruce Ford, SVP at Lodging Econometrics, during NYU IHIF, to tell hashtag#NoVacancyNews his razor-sharp perspective on where we really stand when it comes to hospitality investment, development, and demand. 🎧 Here’s why you’ll want to hit play: • Conference crowds are shrinking—what does that signal for the broader economy? • Owners are cutting back, but is that a sign of strength or stress? • Why “drive-to” travel might be your MVP this summer • Conversions are up—new builds, not so much • What brand consolidations really mean for the development landscape • The looming 2025 reckoning: why hard decisions can’t be delayed any longer 💡 Whether you're on the ops side or scouting your next big project, this episode is packed with no-nonsense insights and forward-looking trends that matter now. Special thanks to my advertiser, Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit them at Actabl.com  

Recorded live at the NYU IHIF, hashtag#NoVacancyNews catches up with Zack Gharib, President of Red Roof, exactly one year after their first interview—this time with plenty to celebrate and unpack. 🔑 What You’ll Learn: How Zack’s first year at the helm shaped a renewed culture and a long-term growth strategy at Red Roof. The impact of new partnerships, including: Sojern: boosting guest experience and connectivity. HotelIQ by Intelligent Hospitality: transforming revenue management with smarter pricing and analytics. Bridge: enhancing access to capital for franchisees. Real talk on industry-wide pressures—labor, costs, litigation, insurance, and interest rates—and why collaboration across brands and associations is critical right now. A major win for diversity: Red Roof welcomed 30 new women owners in the past year through its She Inspires initiative. Why sales & marketing are now front and center after a tech-focused year—and how this dual approach is designed to drive profitability. 📺 Don’t miss this one—you’ll walk away smarter about the state of the industry and where it’s going next.

Today we're saying thanks to all our listeners and saying goodbye. To live shows, that is. Plenty more content coming starting next week, but we're switching up formats to make everyone's lives easier! It's been exhausting doing as many as five live shows a week for five years. Dang, that's a lot. :-)

Adi Bhoopathy, Managing Principal and Head of Capital Markets at Noble Investment Group, joins No Vacancy Live to share his insights from over two decades of investing in the hospitality sector.   Since joining Noble in 1999, Adi has helped lead more than $4.5 billion in transactions, playing a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s investment strategy and capital relationships. In this episode, we dive into how Noble identifies opportunity in a rapidly evolving market, why Adi believes hospitality is a resilient and rewarding asset class, and what it takes to build trust with institutional partners.   From capital markets to culture, Adi offers a behind-the-scenes look at what drives one of the industry's most active hotel investors.