David G. Schwartz is not just a PhD but also the Director, Center for Gaming Research, at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, an amazing historian as well as the author of several books including Roll The Bones, which is a history of gambling since the dawn of time and his newest, Grandissimo: The First Emperor of Las Vegas, the story of Caesars Palace developer Jay Sarno.

Glenn and David speak about how a nice guy from Jersey winds up with a job like this, some history highlights of Las Vegas such as the life of the aforementioned Jay Sarno, the current state of Las Vegas, the explosive growth of the downtown revolution, and most important what is in store for the future of Sin City. They even chat about the downturn in Atlantic City and the global gaming scene.

This is a fun filled way to kick off your New Year the right way.

First we speak with one of our favorite CEOs, Vantage’s Roger Bloss. He doesn’t mess around and is frank, open and honest about his business. You’ll hear all about what the company has been up to and learn how this company has gotten to 1,100 hotels in less than 15 years with brands such as Americas Best Value Inns and Lexington Collection. Yup, that’s an industry record. We also talk about defining corporate culture and why Bloss runs the business the way he does.

• Then we speak with Scott Anderson, President & CEO of Cruise Inns. It’s a new company being built from the good folks at Vantage Hospitality and this idea is pure gold. They are looking to replicate their well-received hotel membership model with TV parks. Hardly any existing RV parks are affiliated with a national brand and this idea has the potential to completely change that industry. You’ll learn all about how they plan to make this vision a reality.

Too many people are hungry and during the holiday time giving back seems to come into focus. So we took some time to speak with Brian Burton, CEO of ThreeSquare, which is Southern Nevada’s largest food bank.

Based in Las Vegas the feed thousands of people every day. So we learn all about how they do and more importantly, what you can do to help hunger issues in your home town.

The show starts off with Red Lion’s interim President & CEO Jim Evans. This northwestern U.S. based hotel company has transformed during the last couple of years and Evans and Julie Shifflet, the company’s EVP & CFO. They share the story of how Red Lion has changed by getting its financial house in order, focusing its strategy and putting together a team that will ensure future growth. An interesting and fun interview. Note: Evans is a long time board member and is only interim CEO because he things new blood from outside will further benefit the company’s long term goals.

• Then Glenn chats with John Loizos, General Manager at The Strand who shares his strategy for success in New York City as well as how international travelers behave differently than American travelers. This is a great primer to understand this type of guest and how you can learn to appeal to them as well.

Glenn has a great conversation with Nancy Trejos, who writes about everything hotels for USA Today and is an expert on trends. Joining the conversation is Bruce Ford, SVP of Lodging Econometrics, who has plenty of factiods in his brain that are dying to come out.

The conversation starts by hearing what Nancy has to say about how the next generation of hotels are being developed. It’s great to hear that hotel companies such as Marriott are looking to the future by engaging guests in the development process instead of figuring these things out disconnected from the guests they plan to serve.

Then the conversation shifts to all things hospitality for a great free form conversation that explores trends and provides a few laughs.

Recently appointed President and CEO of the AH&LA Katherine Lugar. In this interview we discuss everything you need to know about the new AH&LA. And you need to know a ton because the entire organization has changed. They have a new membership model and a seriously heightened focus on advocacy. This interview will make you an expert on the AH&LA and its new leader.

Then we speak with Ron Vlassic, regional VP with Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants. Vlassic just completed his year as Chairman of the organization so we look back as to what his year was like, especially since there was so much change! We also learn all about what Kimpton is up to. Those guys never slow down and there is lots to share.

For this week’s show we speak with:

Arthur Holst, VP, Operations with IHG Army Hotels. That’s right, we take a look at this intriguing niche where IHG is placing its brands on military bases as the Army privatizes hotel operations. So what will this strategy do for IHG? We get the answers.

Then Kate Gibson, VP Corporate Responsibility and Maury Zimring, Director, Corporate Responsibility - Environmental Responsibility, share how IHG is helping to make a positive impact in communities in which their hotels are located and beyond.

For this week’s show we dig deep into two of IHG’s brands.

Glenn speaks with Mary Winslow, director, Brand Management for Hotel Indigo, Americas, where we get the inside scoop on the brand as it nears its 10th anniversary including how it found it’s footing, went more upscale, how it focuses on F&B and its future growth plans.

Then Heather Balsley, SVP, Holiday Inn Brand Family, Americas, shares the state of Holiday Inns and its changes during the last few years and future plans. You won’t believe how many hotels cycled out of the system and how many newer ones have upped the ante with this classic brand’s offerings. We also learn how they will capture their iconic role in hotel history for a future generation of travelers.

This week Glenn has a cadre of evil spirits surrounding him and the crew talks industry trends and haunted hotels.

We have a big group this week checking in on the mics including Mark Viola; Bruce Ford, SVP Business Development of Lodging Econometrics; Jeff Polly of Molecular Media and Tyler Jones of DecoLav.

Get set to hear some spooky haunted tales and learn some practical information too.

This week Glenn speaks with Steven Belmonte, CEO of Vimana Franchise Systems which operates Centerstone and KeyWest Inns brands. We get an update on the state of the brands which includes new construction – yay economy – and his thoughts on myriad topics such as how to get ahead in this business, making your brand stand out, why he thinks the hotel industry needs to do better at recruiting young people, how Steve worked his way up from a front desk position to be one of the most notable people in the hotel business and lots more.

Then we speak with Brian McGuiness, SVP of Specialty Brands with Starwood Hotels & Resorts. He shares his thoughts on the deal making aside of the business, keeping brands relevant to consumers, the psychographics of Starwood customers, driving local business, Four Points and craft beers and we learn about ELEMENT and its high performance structures. We even find time to talk about saline pools.

So get set for an exciting and entertaining show.