How can Agentic AI and a modern consulting mindset make hospitality tech strategy repeatable, contextual, and client-specific?

In this episode of dojo.live, we sit down with David Chestler, President, and Daniel Johnson, Strategic Advisor – EMEA, of ProVision Partners to challenge outdated consulting models and explore the future of strategic enablement in hospitality tech. With decades of leadership experience and a front-row seat to hospitality’s digital transformation, David and Daniel share how Agentic AI is reshaping the consulting playbook—enabling faster, more contextual, and repeatable engagements that move beyond gut feel and guesswork. From busting industry myths to differentiating collaboration from coordination, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how consultants, vendors, and hoteliers can uncover blind spots, benchmark more intelligently, and accelerate innovation. David and Daniel also unpack the concept of serialized consulting—where 70% of the work is standardized, and 30% is tailored for true personalization.

About David Chestler

David Chestler is recognized as an icon of the global hospitality and travel industry, having forged a successful career in hotel technology that spans over three decades. He currently serves as President of ProVision Partners International, Inc, a hotel and travel consultancy and marketing firm that he co-founded in 2019. Since beginning his career in hospitality in 1989 with Utell International, Chestler has held leadership roles with some of the industry’s most prominent organizations, where he consistently delivered global scale and growth by developing high performance teams focused on complex technology solutions.

About Daniel Johnson

A veteran of the travel technology sector, Daniel Johnson brings over two decades of experience in cybersecurity, data protection and strategic consulting to his role as Strategic Advisor – EMEA at ProVision Partners. As co-founder of VENZA, a leading provider of data protection and regulatory compliance solutions for the hospitality industry, Johnson played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s vision and growth.

While serving as the company’s CEO, he led the organization’s strategic direction, including oversight of sales, marketing and product development teams. Under his leadership, the company experienced significant growth, including the addition of an office in the Netherlands in 2018, further expanding the enterprise’s global footprint.

At ProVision Partners, Johnson advises clients on business growth opportunities, strategic initiatives, cybersecurity strategies and digital innovation, helping organizations stay competitive and secure in an increasingly complex global marketplace.

What should a complete, ROI-driven consulting engagement look like in today’s hospitality tech landscape?

In this episode of dojo.live, we’re joined by Gregg Hopkins, President of Get Hoppy Consulting. This conversation takes a hard look at the traditional consulting model in hospitality—and why it often fails to deliver lasting value. Gregg shares how his Attaché Technology Consulting Services approach addresses the full lifecycle of tech engagement, from selection to adoption to long-term ROI. He outlines where most support gaps emerge post-purchase, how vendors and hoteliers can avoid costly missteps, and what a modern consulting partnership should actually look like. With HITEC on the horizon, Gregg also offers practical tips for getting the most out of industry events, vetting the right partners, and navigating major shifts in tech—from AI to evolving guest expectations—with confidence and clarity.

About Gregg Hopkins

Get Hoppy Consulting has championed operational efficiency and profitability in the hospitality sector for over eight years. Under the leadership of President Gregg Hopkins, the firm empowers clients with innovative technology solutions and exceptional customer relationship strategies that drive market leadership and long-term success. At the helm of Get Hoppy, Gregg has pioneered new business development strategies and strategic marketing initiatives, fostering strong partnerships that fuel growth within the travel and hospitality technology landscape. The company’s hands-on approach consistently delivers practical, enduring results—setting the stage for clients to thrive.

Additional Resources

For deeper insight into why traditional hospitality tech consulting often falls short—and what a modern, full-lifecycle approach should look like—read Gregg Hopkins’ LinkedIn article, Hospitality Technology Consulting: It’s Time for a New Approach.

Is SaaS overload creating more pain than progress—and what can project management do to bring the industry back into balance?

In this episode of dojo.live, we welcome Custódio Barreiros, Founder & CEO of EIP MGT (Everything is Possible Management Company). With deep roots in hotel operations and a sharp eye for tech strategy, Custódio brings a refreshingly grounded perspective to the conversation around project management in hospitality. As SaaS solutions continue to multiply, he asks an important question: are we truly solving problems—or just shifting them? Drawing from hands-on experience, Custódio unpacks why thoughtful implementation, realistic timelines, and human-centered planning still matter. From evaluating existing tools more effectively to aligning hotelier needs with vendor support, this episode offers practical advice for industry leaders who want to move forward with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

About Custódio Barreiros

Custódio Barreiros is a distinguished professional in the hospitality and travel technology sector, currently serving as Founder and CEO at EIP MGT GmbH. He has held pivotal roles with various key industry partners, focusing on operational and business development initiatives across global regions, further establishing his reputation as a strategic thought leader who integrates hospitality technology to enhance the human touch within the industry.

His strength lies in bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology, operational excellence, and exceptional guest experiences, making him a vital asset to any organization aiming to thrive in today’s dynamic markets.

Custódio has a keen interest in continually learning and expanding his diverse skillset, gathered across various trades. His background spans multiple areas of business management, beyond just hospitality and travel.

How can tech vendors, hoteliers, and consultants turn industry conferences into real results—before, during, and after the event?

In this episode of dojo.live, we’re joined by Ira Vouk, hospitality tech consultant, author, and founder of Hospitality 2.0 Consulting. With HITEC on the horizon, Ira shares practical strategies for turning conferences into real business results—for tech vendors, hoteliers, and consultants alike. From pre-show preparation to post-event follow-through, this conversation covers what it really takes to build traction at industry events. Ira unpacks common missteps (and how to avoid them), offers tips for making the most of the show floor—whether you have a booth or not—and explains how support systems like HTNG, strategic partnerships, and honest conversations can help move innovation from pitch to practice. Whether you’re walking the expo for the first time or refining your approach after years of attending, this episode offers a smart, actionable blueprint for making events like HITEC actually matter.

About Ira Vouk

Ira Vouk is the author of top industry publications “Hotel Tech 101” and “Hospitality 2.0”, a hospitality consultant and tech innovator who brings two decades of practical industry experience, predominantly championing the role of revenue management and the use of data and technology to provide hospitality companies with insight to lead their business strategy better.

She is also an HTNG/AHLA T100 member, a public speaker and educator on revenue and profit optimization, distribution and hospitality tech and currently teaches Hospitality Technology at Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at SDSU.

Ira is also a contributing writer for various hospitality publications and platforms and a guest lecturer at various universities worldwide.

Additional Resources

Dive deeper into Ira Vouk’s insights on hospitality technology, revenue strategy, and innovation by viewing her latest publications.

User adoption isn’t the finish line. What vendors and hoteliers need to stop doing—and start doing—to create true business value and solve real problems.

In this episode of dojo.live, we sit down with Melissa Jurkoic, Chief Operations Officer at Benson Consulting, Inc., for a candid conversation about why user adoption is no longer enough—and how both vendors and hoteliers are falling short when it comes to unlocking true business value from their technology investments.

Melissa unpacks the growing disconnect between what tech vendors sell and what hotels actually use, exploring how AI is accelerating innovation but also widening the implementation gap. Through real-world examples and her A.I.M. framework (Align, Inspire, Mobilize), she offers actionable insights on change management, enablement, and what both sides need to stop doing—and start doing—to solve real problems and drive lasting impact.

Whether you’re a vendor struggling with client churn or a hotelier overwhelmed by half-used tools, this episode offers practical, no-fluff strategies for getting more from your tech stack and building a culture that supports meaningful transformation.

About Melissa Jurkoic

Melissa Jurkoic is the Chief Operating Officer at Benson Consulting, where she helps organizations maximize the value of their technology investments by bridging the gap between implementation and operational success. With over 25 years of experience, she specializes in empowering teams with the knowledge and strategies needed to drive measurable results. Leveraging Benson Consulting’s User Adoption Maturity Model™ and collaborating with vendors and buyers to develop a proficiency index aligned with their unique workflows, Melissa helps businesses achieve sustainable technology adoption. A respected thought leader, she shares insights through industry discussions and speaking engagements, empowering organizations to navigate tech-enabled business transformation with confidence.

Additional ResourcesLooking to go deeper on how strategic alignment drives successful tech adoption? Check out this expert article by Benson Consulting CEO Candice Benson on empowering CIOs to lead change with confidence, clarity, and purpose.

How does early-stage positioning help hospitality tech vendors stand out, scale faster, and stop guessing? And what can you do when your messaging sounds just like everyone else’s?

In this episode of dojo.live, we welcome Jacki Brown, strategic product marketing leader and founder of Jacki Brown Marketing. This conversation dives deep into the power of early-stage positioning—and why product marketing should never be an afterthought for hospitality tech vendors.

Jacki breaks down the common misconceptions around marketing in the B2B hospitality space and explains what’s really behind the industry’s “sea of sameness.” She shares a practical 3-part research framework—market, competitors, and buyers—that helps companies define what truly makes them different and valuable. From confronting the fear of narrowing focus to knowing when (and how) to bring in product marketing, Jacki offers candid advice and actionable steps for vendors at any stage of growth.

Plus: where product marketing should live, how to build the muscle without a full team, and what trends are reshaping messaging in 2025 and beyond.

About Jacki Brown

Jacki Brown is the Founder and CEO of Jacki Brown Marketing, LLC, a consultancy that helps hospitality and travel technology companies navigate growth by identifying and crafting their positioning and messaging, then scaling that across digital channels and into lead-generating marketing campaigns.

With nearly two decades of experience in marketing, Jacki honed her skills working with renowned brands such as Amadeus Hospitality, Demandware (now Salesforce Commerce Cloud), Shark Vacuums, and Nexxus Haircare, where she shaped global marketing strategies that significantly impacted pipeline growth and sales. She lives in Portsmouth, NH with her husband and two young children.

How do visibility, support, and self-advocacy shape stronger leaders, smarter strategies, and better business outcomes?

In this episode of dojo.live, we’re joined by Rachel Lehman, Director of Innovation & Integration at Hyatt and Chairwoman of Women@Hyatt, for a candid conversation about women’s leadership in hospitality. From the power of mentorship to the persistent gaps in executive representation, Rachel explores why women remain underrepresented in roles like operations, finance, and tech—despite making up the majority of the industry’s workforce.

She shares how visibility, sponsorship, and authenticity can shape stronger leaders and smarter strategies, and why so-called “soft skills” are actually key business advantages. This episode also highlights how employee resource groups and a culture of real support can help women stop playing the game—and start shaping it.

Rachel Lehman​ is the Director of Innovation & Integration at Hyatt and Chairwoman of Women@Hyatt, where she has led the resource group’s growth from 250 to over 500 members and championed data-driven programming to deliver the support women need most. During her time with Women@Hyatt, she’s led initiatives that build both confidence and community—from self-defense sessions to workshops that tackle tough conversations head-on. She’s also mentored women at all career stages, driven by a passion for helping them lead with authenticity—and navigate around the pitfalls she’s seen too many encounter.

About Rachel Lehman

¿Cómo pueden los hoteles independientes aumentar sus ingresos sin sacrificar ocupación?

En este episodio de dojo.live, Alfredo Rodríguez Flores, Regional Sales Manager en SiteMinder, comparte cómo los hoteles independientes pueden aumentar sus ingresos sin sacrificar ocupación. Hablamos de la evolución del channel management, el impacto de los errores comunes en la distribución y cómo un RMS ligero puede ayudar a optimizar tarifas de forma sencilla y efectiva. También exploramos tendencias en canales de reserva en México y consejos prácticos para hoteleros que buscan crecer con tecnología accesible.

Acerca de Alfredo Rodríguez

Impulsado por el poder innovador de la tecnología digital, Alfredo Rodríguez Flores ha construido una carrera enfocada en fomentar el crecimiento y la innovación dentro de marcas líderes, siendo testigo del impacto de soluciones eficientes que empoderan al usuario.

Desde que se unió a SiteMinder—la plataforma líder mundial en distribución hotelera y gestión de ingresos—en 2021, tras desempeñar roles clave en las empresas de tecnología hotelera Easy-Rez y OYO, Alfredo ha liderado la rápida expansión de SiteMinder en México y en la región de América Latina. Su profundo conocimiento de las particularidades y dinámicas de cada mercado se ha convertido en un recurso invaluable para los hoteleros locales que buscan competir con éxito en un entorno de huéspedes en constante cambio.

¿Cómo pueden los hoteles independientes aumentar sus ingresos sin sacrificar ocupación?

En este episodio de dojo.live, Alfredo Rodríguez Flores, Regional Sales Manager en SiteMinder, comparte cómo los hoteles independientes pueden aumentar sus ingresos sin sacrificar ocupación. Hablamos de la evolución del channel management, el impacto de los errores comunes en la distribución y cómo un RMS ligero puede ayudar a optimizar tarifas de forma sencilla y efectiva. También exploramos tendencias en canales de reserva en México y consejos prácticos para hoteleros que buscan crecer con tecnología accesible.

Impulsado por el poder innovador de la tecnología digital, Alfredo Rodríguez Flores ha construido una carrera enfocada en fomentar el crecimiento y la innovación dentro de marcas líderes, siendo testigo del impacto de soluciones eficientes que empoderan al usuario.

Desde que se unió a SiteMinder—la plataforma líder mundial en distribución hotelera y gestión de ingresos—en 2021, tras desempeñar roles clave en las empresas de tecnología hotelera Easy-Rez y OYO, Alfredo ha liderado la rápida expansión de SiteMinder en México y en la región de América Latina. Su profundo conocimiento de las particularidades y dinámicas de cada mercado se ha convertido en un recurso invaluable para los hoteleros locales que buscan competir con éxito en un entorno de huéspedes en constante cambio.

¿Quieres conocer más sobre las tendencias que están transformando la industria hotelera? Revisa estos estudios esenciales de SiteMinder: Hotel Booking Trends y Changing Traveller Report. ¡Te sorprenderán los insights!

Recursos adicionales

¿Quieres conocer más sobre las tendencias que están transformando la industria hotelera? Revisa estos estudios esenciales de SiteMinder: Hotel Booking Trends y Changing Traveller Report. ¡Te sorprenderán los insights!

Why are instant rewards—not points— becoming the new loyalty currency for driving direct hotel bookings?

In this episode of dojo.live, we explore how modern loyalty strategies are reshaping the hotel booking experience with Ellis Connolly, Chief Revenue Officer at Laasie. Ellis breaks down why the shift from traditional points programs to instant, personalized rewards is unlocking new levels of direct conversion and guest retention. From real-world success stories to low-lift implementation tips, discover how loyalty can become one of your most powerful tools for driving revenue, building first-party data, and turning casual bookers into lifelong guests.

About Ellis Connolly

Widely recognized as a visionary hospitality and travel technology leader, Ellis Connolly is the Chief Revenue Officer of Laasie. He is a passionate evangelist of disruptive innovation, and has held senior executive roles within some of the most world’s most successful SaaS technology companies.

With customer-centric engagement, creativity and curiosity at his core, he brings industry connections and deep domain expertise that few else hold. Based outside of Los Angeles, Ellis is a sought-after speaker, advisor, author and influencer.

How can harnessing data—the ‘new oil’—fuel better bookings, pricing, and operational excellence in hospitality?

In this episode of dojo.live, we dive into the power of data-driven hospitality with Binu Mathews, CEO of IDS Next. Binu unpacks why unified data layers are essential to modern hotel operations—fueling everything from smarter pricing and upselling to more impactful AI adoption and direct booking success. Discover how a platform-first approach can unlock operational excellence, improve guest loyalty, and drive long-term business value in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Binu, the Director and Chief Executive Officer of IDS Next, stands as the driving force behind the company’s remarkable success. With a career spanning over three decades, Binu has showcased unparalleled expertise, particularly in steering IDS Next to prominence in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia Pacific, positioning IDS as Asia’s largest hospitality technology enterprise solutions provider.

As a seasoned executive, Binu has held leadership positions across industries such as manufacturing, hospitality, and information technology. Before resuming the role of CEO at IDS Next, he served as the President and COO, earning a reputation as a “Change Agent” for driving process changes toward global excellence and innovation. Binu is also part of HTNG T100 – Global technology leaders shaping the next generation of hotels.

Binu lives with his family in Bangalore, India, when not traveling around the globe and inspiring the IDS Team and partners to excel at what they do!

• Read Binu’s Top 10 CRS Technology Trends Revolutionising Hospitality in 2025 on Hospitality Net. Read the article and see what’s next for your hotel tech stack!
• Read Binu’s Envisioning 2025 in travel and hospitality. Read the Article.

About BinuWant to go deeper?