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

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.

In his first year as CEO of Hospitality America, Ben Campbell set a bold tone by putting people and culture at the heart of the company’s strategy—well ahead of the industry curve.

From earning back-to-back “Best Places to Work” awards to launching flexible PTO programs and strategic mentorship initiatives, Ben’s leadership has sparked a cultural and operational transformation.

This episode dives into how his People First approach, new leadership roles, and investment in soft-branded hotel growth have positioned HA for long-term success. 

Tune in to hear how bold vision, data-driven decisions, and a passion for people are reshaping the hospitality landscape.

Thanks to Actabl for sponsoring this video. Actabl gives you the power to profit.

Anna Blue returns to Friday Night Audit for some happy hour fun while Glenn is on location smoking ribs at Memphis in May BBQ festival making Craig, Dave and Suzane jealous.

Dorraine Lallani is one of the most influential people in the hotel business you may not have heard of before. And even with decades of experience as a premier professional, somehow she still chose to join Glenn, Craig and the gang for some purported comedy. Join us for our world famous happy hour show!

Go inside the strategy and soul of one of the West Coast’s most distinctive hotel companies on#novacancynews with Scott Roby, Pacifica Hotels, and Chris Marquis, Invest West Financial. From bold design to smart growth, they reveal how they’re building a culture-driven, guest-focused brand that stands out in a crowded market.

Step inside the heart of Bourbon Street with Royal Sonesta New Orleans GM David Bilbe on #NoVacancyNews. From historic #neworleans charm to future renovations, this tour gives you a front-row seat to one of the most irreplaceable hotel assets in America.

🔹 Highlights:

• Growing up with Royal Sonesta — why this hotel holds personal meaning for GM David Bilby
• Fulfilling a dream: David’s journey to leading this iconic property
• What makes Royal Sonesta’s energy and vibe so different from other hotels
• Celebrating New Orleans traditions with Easter parades and local favorites
• The unforgettable guest arrival experience — energy that sets the tone instantly
• Touring the jazz club, oyster bar, and fine dining hotspot, Restaurant R’evolution
• How long-time staff loyalty defines the hotel's guest experience
• Balancing modern renovations with authentic New Orleans charm
• Finding calm in the hidden pool courtyard — a true oasis off Bourbon Street
• Stories of guests who return year after year for Jazz Fest, Mardi Gras, and beyond

Special thanks to our advertiser Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com!

✅ Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more incredible behind-the-scenes hospitality stories!

Russell Edmond—better known as Russell of Hotels— joins Friday Night Audit to swap podcasting stories and content tragedies. We’ve got Craig, Producer Dave, Dr. Producer Suzanne with some travel hacks and more on our quest for hospitality’s biggest pet peeve.