The interview was conducted on stage at BITAC Luxury earlier this week on Tuesday, March 12. Conducted by Hotel Interactive’s Editor-in-Chief Glenn Haussman we delve deep into Bedner’s long and esteemed career.|

For those of you not familiar with what a big deal he is here’s his bio: As Chairman of Hirsch Bedner Associates, Michael Bedner leads the largest hospitality design firm in the world. In 1964, Mr. Bedner and his partner, Howard Hirsch, revolutionized hospitality design by creating a totally new professional discipline.|

Throughout his career, Mr. Bedner has expanded the discipline into a functional art form that continues to evolve. His vision and creative energy provide inspiration to the entire industry and his design influence can be seen in hundreds of the finest hotels throughout the world.|

Mr. Bedner’s combination of traditional training and over 40 years of international hands-on experience have provided him with a singular understanding of the cultural, programmatic and financial aspects of a variety of projects. This understanding makes him uniquely qualified as a consultant for virtually every aspect of the hospitality business, from conceptual planning to budgeting and installation.|

By applying his expertise to the daily direction of the company’s projects, Michael Bedner continues to be a leader in expanding the vision and scope of the hospitality design business to include resorts, boutique hotels, cruise ships, restaurants, casinos, spas and a myriad of other projects. Under his leadership, HBA has raised the bar in every area of hospitality design and developed extraordinarily strong teams for graphic design, art consultation, procurement and management.

We are talking to John Curtas and Al Mancini, the city’s two foremost food critics in Sin City. And they’re dishing about the top restaurants in the whole town. And rest assured the guys don’t agree. So get set for a passionate conversation.

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John and Al are also co-authors of Eating Las Vegas: The 50 Essential Restaurants and are currently filming a show for the Travel Channel set to debut this spring.

Join us here each week for a great new show!

Mike Leven, President/COO of Las Vegas Sands has transformed the company from being on the brink of collapse to arguably the most powerful gaming company today because of its role in Asia – and possibly soon, Madrid where you can expect to see the creation of a Euro-Vegas.

But this incredible feat is just the encore to an iconic career. For you young folks out there; today is going to be a major history lesson. Leven’s 50 year career cast is as a central figure in the development of the modern hotel industry, and his fingerprints are everywhere. From his days running brands such as Holiday Inn and Days Inn to creating his own hotel brands like Microtel, Leven has literally done it all. He even combated racism and discrimination throughout the 1960s, which culminated in his helping hand in creating AAHOA, which is now one of the most powerful industry associations.

For context, we did the interview on February 9, 2013 in a bagel shop for a Saturday morning breakfast about 25 minutes off the Las Vegas Strip. So do not be confused by any conversation regarding omelets.

Topics we cover include:

Next week we speak with Las Vegas Sands President and hotel industry icon Mike Leven. In future episodes we’ll also speak with several F&B VPs and leading Las Vegas food critics.

Today’s show however focuses on the state of Las Vegas today. That’s why we speak with Mike Dominquez, Senior Vice President of Corporate Sales at MGM Resorts International. He knows everything you need to know about the state of the Las Vegas market. Getting Good! He also shares how they are positioning themselves to be market leaders. Free WiFi for all!!|

Then we speak with Gigi Vega, General Manager of the new Nobu Hotel and VP Luxury Hotel Operations at Caesars Palace. We go gaga for this place as it really took us by surprise. The hotel really looks great and we discuss its style, design and how it expects to wow its 30 and 40 somethings core audience.

Timothy Levin, Corporate VP Architecture & Design with Marriott Vacations Worldwide.|

Jennifer Frost, Principal of Rice Fergus Miller|

Catherine Veasey, Project Assistant at HPG International

Mark DeCarlo is a comedian, Emmy Award winning television personality, author and a lot of other stuff that makes us feel like we’re just not doing enough to achieve success. So thanks for that Mr.DeCarlo. |

Today’s show is a hysterical glimpse into Mark’s life and his years spent on the road hosting a Travel Channel series and writing the book “A Fork in the Road: 400 Cities One Stomach.” We talk about his travels, the unique people he met and his glorious past including his time hosting the early 90s show “Studs.” That’s right you can’t escape your past and we find out neither can Glenn. |

Enjoy this show which is sure to go down in history as one of the most insane podcasts we have ever done. |

And be sure to check out : www.Decarloinc.com for more information on DeCarlo swag and be sure to pick up your personalized signed books At www.markdecarlo.com.

The one and only Bruce Ford, SVP Lodging Econometrics is back. This time he shares his thoughts on why the hotel industry is grooving on all cylinders and we completely break it down for you.|

Then we chat with Larry Broughton, CEO of Broughton Hotels. He runs an incredible portfolio of hotels and we take an inside look at his company, the nearly completed The Moment hotel and learn what makes for a great boutique hotel.|

Then we wrap up with Gerry Chase, President of New Castle Hotels & Resorts. In this segment we dig into his thoughts on industry dynamics and then learn how is the company is in major expansion mode and what their growth strategy entails. Did someone say Canada?

Mitchell Etess the CEO of the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority. The Authority is one of the leaders in the gaming business with properties in Connecticut, Pennsylvania and most recently they landed a deal to manage Resorts in Atlantic City where they are Buffetizing the place. That is, bringing a Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville Casino and Restaurant to the property as well as the beachside Landshark Bar & Grill.|

Shaun Golan, executive chef at Ballo Italian Restaurant and Social Club, is a rising star who has created a menu that deftly crosses a modern approach to cuisine while still delivering Italian classics people must have. You won’t believe how much chicken parm they can make. But more important is how he creates new dishes that are awe inspiring. Beyond that they turn this place into a great nightclub on weekends and shares their secrets to continued success.|

Then we wrap up with breakfast at Hash House a Go Go. The growing chain which dubs itself as serving twisted farm food is expanding in casino resorts and even standalone locations. We find out from co-owner Jim Rees why this company is connecting so well with customers and just how they can create such amazing food without freezing anything!

Beth Scott, Hilton Worldwide Vice President F&B Strategy & Innovation, Full Service & Luxury Brands. She shares how the company is adapting to the tasting changes of America to sell more food and drink at brand such as Embassy Suites and Hilton Hotels. Lots of talk of trends and new concepts in this winning chat.|

Then we do our semi-annual foodie chat with food expert Robert Nyman, founder and president of the Nyman Group. They have consulted with most major hotel companies and have deep relationships with all the key players. You won’t want to miss this one!|

Join us here each week for a great new show!

Roger Bloss, Founder, President and CEO of Vantage Hospitality |

Bill Hanley, Partner & Group President of Lexington Collection