Checking Inn With Miranda & Leon

The Quote Of The Show was 

“Do you always have a bean pie in your pocket”

During this episode of Checking Inn, we engage in a thoughtful conversation with Jess, exploring key facets of hotel technology, including the integration of artificial intelligence. She also shares insightful guidance for college students and professionals aspiring to advance their careers.

About Jess (From her Linkedin profile)

Jess is a hospitality sales leader with over 25 years of experience in the industry. She works for technology companies that put the guest first. She is also the founder and consultant of Hayespitality, a firm that helps hotels and companies choose and implement their sales, marketing, and operations tools, and spark sales and delight guests. 

Jess is passionate about hospitality technology and marketing, and has a proven track record of solving problems, connecting with people, and generating leads and metrics. She has worked with Sojern, Plusgrade, iVvy, Buku, and Jimmy's Jazz Club, and served as President of HSMAI Boston. She holds a B.A. in French from Mount Holyoke College and used to speak the language fluently. She loves to travel, write, and take photos, and has visited places such as France, Ethiopia, Tahiti, and Nebraska. She lives in Portsmouth, NH but considers Philadelphia her home.

Emily Penfold Dailey is our guest on this episode of Checking Inn.

During this conversation Emily talks about her work as CEO and Founder at Pen Dailey Consultting. https://pendailey.com/

Here’s some more information about Emily (from her Linkedin Profile)

While my interests and experiences are very diverse, they are driven by a strong set of values and beliefs. I am a creative, inquisitive, and nurturing person. I follow three simple rules in my life and career:

- Treat others the way THEY want to be treated.

- Practice makes improvement. 

- Leave things better than you found them. 

See my full portfolio at https://empendailey.com

14 years ago I was studying Theatre Production and Design when I started working at a hotel. I fell in love with the hospitality industry. The union of guest service and hotel branding crafted meaningful theatre which could both entertain and also connect people. Over these many years, I have worked in operations, marketing, design, communications, and branding in hotels, restaurants, retail, and tourism. Over the years I have worked in the B2C and B2B space and look at the experience of clients, customers, and guests holistically with each interaction being a thread in the fabric of their experience with the brand. 

I have a deep passion for the environment and social justice issues and have interest in making the travel and tourism space more societally and environmentally sustainable. 

Along with hospitality I have many other passions; I love teaching and learning, yoga, travel, gardening, paddle sports, biking, hiking, camping, painting, cooking, caring for animals, and improving the environment. My favorite gifts of all-time have been my camera, microscope, paint set, and books. When I'm not at my laptop I can often be found in the garden or by the beach. If you have a fun fact or crazy idea you've been dying to share with someone, send me a message!

On this episode of Checking Inn, we talk to Don Farrell.

In addition to sharing his background, Don introduces us to Tagged Trip—the simplest and safest way to meet like-minded people while traveling. Once you sign up on the mobile app, any planned future trips become Tagged Trips™, automatically “attracting” other like-minded travelers. The app also connects you with groups and events that match your profile.

Don also discusses another app he helped create: Farever—a platform that enables nonprofits to communicate and collaborate to better help those in need.

To get in touch with Don, you can email him at [email protected] or call him directly at 731-514-1589.

Here’s some information about Don (taken from his Linkedin profile)

As the Founder of Fresh Revenues, I’ve helped over 10,000 hotels, hotel management companies and other hospitality businesses to significantly increase their profits and permanently distance themselves from the competition. With decades of experience in the hospitality industry, I have developed a unique approach with guaranteed results. 

At Fresh Revenues, we offer DNA-customized programs and processes designed to boost your market share, revenues, and ROI. Our expert team works closely with you to cultivate a revenue-driven culture that permeates every level of your organization, from clients and employees to brand, vendor partners, lenders, and the community.

What sets us apart?

- Proven Profit Acceleration Strategies: Our cutting-edge techniques are tailored to the specific needs of the hospitality industry, ensuring maximum impact on your bottom line.

- Guaranteed Results: We are so confident in our ability to deliver that if you're not satisfied with the results, you don't pay. It's that simple.

- Comprehensive Approach: We address your challenges holistically, focusing on sales, service, leadership, and culture to create lasting, transformative change.

I've been fortunate to share my expertise as a speaker at major industry conferences and events, and I am committed to staying at the forefront of hospitality trends and best practices.

Specialties: Sales and Service Culture Transformation | Hotel Profitability Strategies | Leadership and Culture Development | Customized Training Solutions | Revenue Optimization

Diego Ng Is Chef and Co-Owner at Temple Street Eatery & Houmei

https://www.templestreeteatery.com/

Before they were Temple Street Eatery, Chef Diego Ng & Chef Alex Kuk were doing POP-UPS all over Miami under the name HOUMEI. The concept which currently resides inside The Wharf Fort Lauderdale, focuses on Chino-Latino inspired dishes from their upbringing (Alex being Chinese-American & Diego being Chino-Venezolano) and from their travels.

Watch this episode to learn about Diego’s path to restaurant ownership.

On this edition of Checking Inn we talk with Annie Sloan, Co-Founder & CEO of The Host Co

About Annie, from her Linkedin profile

Co-Founder & CEO of The Host Co. We connect hotel-level amenities to short term rentals in 17 countries and counting.

Former Creative Director Facebook and Twitter. Embedded lead Google, Nike, R/GA. 

Tech and travel nerd, three years in Asia and two across Europe + Africa + South America. 

Past life: TV Director and Producer, Lucasfilm Development, USC Film School.

To learn more visit https://www.thehost.co/

On this episode of Checking Inn, we have a great conversation with Dr. Herman Crawford. 

Among the many topics discussed was his new book “Ai is F***ing Hospitality”

Purchase the book at this link

https://sites.google.com/view/aiisfinghospitalityliterally/

Hospitality, long rooted in personal interaction and care, is experiencing a radical transformation. Artificial Intelligence (Al) has evolved from science fiction into a powerful, disruptive force, reshaping everything from guest experiences to operational workflows. This book delves into how Al is revolutionizing the hospitality industry — transforming simple interactions, such as room service, into sophisticated processes and raising new questions about privacy, personalization, and service innovation. This book navigates the thrilling and complex relationship between Al and hospitality through real-world examples, expert insights, and compelling case studies.

About Dr. Crawford, (from his Linkedin profile)

With over a decade in adult learning, certification development, and project management, I specialize in creating impactful, data-driven training solutions that drive measurable results. I’ve led SaaS-based certification programs with a 92% pass rate for over 40,000 learners and managed SME workshops to ensure alignment with accreditation standards.

As a PMP-certified project manager, I bring a structured approach to program development and continuous improvement. My expertise spans LMS integration, including platforms like Moodle, Blackboard, and D2L, and leveraging data tools like Amazon and Microsoft Azure to meet diverse learner needs.

Highlights:

- Managed SME workshops for curriculum design and compliance, ensuring alignment with accreditation 

 standards

- Increased team effectiveness by 75% through strategic training initiatives and project management 

 practices

- Developed essential courses in Event Planning, Food & Beverage, and Hotel Operations to address 

 workforce demands

Key Skills: Adult Learning | Program & Project Management | Certification & Compliance | Data-Driven Training Solutions | Learning Management Systems | Curriculum Development | SME Collaboration

I am dedicated to transforming training initiatives into measurable successes and am always open to connecting with like-minded professionals in adult education and project management.

Our guest on this episode of Checking Inn is Horace T. Brooks. He is a seasoned hospitality executive known for his expertise in hotel management, leadership, and team development. Through dedication and perseverance, he has advanced into various leadership roles within the industry.

Horace is widely recognized as a leadership expert and speaker, with a focus on team development, communication, and quality assurance in hospitality. His journey reflects a deep commitment to service, leadership, and the empowerment of others in the hospitality field.

On this episode of Checking In, Miranda and Leon welcome seasoned hotel executive Phil Haddad for an insightful conversation about the hospitality industry. With years of experience managing top hotel brands, Phil brings a deep understanding of hotel operations and sales. He’s also the creator of two popular series, Hotel Sales Leads by Phil and Hotel Operations by Phil, which have earned him a devoted social media following.

Don’t miss this engaging episode as Phil shares his expertise, stories, and practical tips from the hotel world.

Rachelle Peterson is the guest on this episode of Checking Inn A Lodging DEI Chat

Peggy Berg in the guest on this episode of Checking Inn-A Lodging DEI Chat