In this episode, David and Steve sit down with Scott Eddy, one of the world's top social media influencers in hospitality, boasting over a million followers on X and Instagram. Scott’s journey is anything but conventional—he transitioned from investment banking to launching the first digital agency in Southeast Asia, and now he’s a full-time traveler, speaker, and industry leader.

We dive into:

• How hotels are marketing like it’s 2015—and what they need to do instead
• Why storytelling is the real key to success in hospitality marketing
• The brands that are getting it right—and the ones that are missing the mark
• The biggest mistakes hotels make with social media (and how to fix them)
• Scott’s insane travel stories, from 120 cruises to 85 countries 

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-9jL7vc1qNU

This episode is Sponsored by 

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media

Links:
Website: https://www.mrscotteddy.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrscotteddy/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrscotteddy/

X: https://x.com/mrscotteddy

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/142

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil...

What if independent hotels could outsmart OTAs at their own game?

In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, we sit down with Tarun Goyal, the founder & CEO of Simplotel, to uncover how hotels can increase direct bookings by leveraging the same digital strategies as major OTAs. Tarun shares his journey from Amazon and Expedia to building a tech-driven hospitality powerhouse, helping independent hotels convert more visitors, personalize guest experiences, and maximize revenue.

Key Takeaways:

• How OTAs use personalization, and how hotels can do it too
• The must-have website features that drive direct bookings
• The biggest mistakes hotels make with their digital presence
• How speed, SEO, and engagement impact revenue
• Why hyper-personalization is the future of hotel marketing

Whether you're a hotelier looking to boost bookings, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about the future of hospitality, this episode is packed with game-changing insights. 

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qtz_r2qUYbw

This episode is Sponsored by Simplotel: https://www.simplotel.com/

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media

Links:
Tarun on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tgoyal/?originalSubdomain=in
Simplotel: https://www.simplotel.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/141

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil...

This is our 2025 guide to the conference and events season in the Hospitality Industry.

In the episode, Brent Hayhurst, the VP of Curator Hotel & Resort Collection joins us to take a look at some of the upcoming events and conferences in the Hospitality Industry. We breakdown upcoming events so you can see what events you should put on your calendar in 2025. 

We talk about the benefits of attending these upcoming events:

• Digital Transformation in Hotels & Hospitality
• BITAC Events
• AAHOACON
• Direct Booking Summit
• HITEC & HSMAI
• ILC Events
• Hotel Data Conference 
• Independent Hotel Show 
• The Hospitality Show 
• ILHA INSPIRE

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Is8aVAYZGLE

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media

Links:
Digital Transformation in Hotels & Hospitality: https://dthsummit.com/
BITAC Events: https://www.bitac.net/Event/Sales/2025
AAHOACON: https://aahoacon.com/
Direct Booking Summit: https://www.directbookingsummit.com/
HITEC & HSMAI: https://www.hitec.org/
ILC Events: https://ilcongress.com/
Hotel Data Conference: https://str.com/event/hotel-data-conference
Independent Hotel Show: https://independenthotelshow.us/
The Hospitality Show: https://www.thehospitalityshow.com/
ILHA INSPIRE: https://inspire.ilha.org/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/140

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil...

Join hosts David Millili and Steve Carran on this engaging episode of The Modern Hotelier as they sit down with Jacob Messina, CEO of Stayntouch.

Jacob shares his unique journey from front desk operations in New York City to spearheading innovations in hospitality technology. In an in-depth conversation, he reveals how his hands-on experience in hotels shaped his vision for a cloud-based property management system that streamlines operations, enhances guest experiences, and redefines customer support.

Listeners will gain insights into overcoming legacy tech challenges, the power of seamless integrations, and why viewing technology as a profit center can transform the industry. With candid personal anecdotes, career advice, and strategic perspectives on modernizing hospitality, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about driving change in the hotel tech space.

Key Topics: 

• How to Overcome Outdated, Manual Processes in Hotel Operations 
• What are the benefits and how has a cloud-based property management system evolved? 
• Why it is important to shift the mindset from viewing technology as a cost center to seeing it as a profit and revenue generator. 
• Adapting to emerging trends, expanding multi-property functionality, and driving continuous innovation. 

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/n331_HPEfdg

This episode is Sponsored by Stayntouch: https://pms.stayntouch.com/

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media

Links:
Jacob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-messina-b6361311/

Stayntouch: https://pms.stayntouch.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/139

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil...

In this episode, we’re joined by Christian Lee, CEO of Mint House, a pioneer in flexible living that’s revolutionizing the way we experience travel. Christian’s journey is anything but conventional, from growing up in Fargo, North Dakota, to living in Lahore, Pakistan, and climbing the corporate ladder from Citigroup to WeWork before landing at Mint House.

We dive into how Mint House bridges the gap between the comfort of home and the consistency of a hotel, offering a unique alternative to Airbnb. Discover how Mint House caters to the modern traveler with apartment-style hotels that provide the security and personalization of a hotel stay, minus the hassle.

Key Topics:

• How is Mint House adapting to the changing landscape for digital nomads and hybrid workers?
• What pivotal moments shaped Christian’s journey from investment banking to leading Mint House?
• How is Mint House leveraging technology to deliver a truly custom experience?
• Where is travel heading, and how is Mint House leading the rise of managed residential hospitality?

Whether you're a hotelier looking to stay ahead of industry trends or a traveler curious about the next evolution of accommodation, this episode offers a fresh perspective on hospitality.

Tune in to The Modern Hotelier – Hospitality's Most Engaged Podcast – and discover how Mint House is changing the game.

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZPlcfxUTUMA

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media

Links:
Christian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-lee-1a1837b/

Mint House: https://minthouse.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/138

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil...

How do you build a hospitality brand that combines the best of Airbnb and traditional hotels?
 
In this episode, we sit down with Sky McLean, CEO and Founder of Basecamp Resorts, the fastest-growing hospitality brand in Western Canada. Sky shares her journey from real estate development to creating a hotel brand that blends the best of Airbnb and traditional hospitality—offering the flexibility of home-style accommodations with the service and reliability of a hotel.

We dive into:

• How Sky raised millions in funding through Instagram
• The growing demand for apartment-style hotel suites
• The challenges (and wins) of scaling from 1 to 13 properties
• The role of Nordic Spas in the future of hospitality
• How AI and tech are changing hotel operations

If you're into hospitality, real estate, or just love a bold entrepreneurial story, this one’s for you.

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/uUrLYDNelNY

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media

Links:
Sky on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sky-mclean-2299a420/

Basecamp Resorts: https://www.basecampresorts.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/137

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil...

In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, we welcome Caroline Tissot, Chief Procurement Officer at Accor, for an eye-opening conversation on procurement, sustainability, and the evolving landscape of the hospitality industry.

Caroline shares her journey from consulting to leading procurement at one of the world’s largest hotel groups, giving insights into how Accor is driving sustainable practices, eliminating single-use plastics, and optimizing supply chains globally.

We also dive into: 

• How procurement is shaping the future of hospitality
• Challenges and successes in sustainability initiatives
• Emerging trends like AI and carbon footprint reduction
• Caroline’s personal career advice for aspiring C-level executives

Whether you're a hotelier, industry leader, or just passionate about the future of hospitality, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.

Watch the FULL EPISODE now and elevate your industry knowledge: https://youtu.be/k4NPGpoCmWw

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media

Links:
Caroline on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-tissot-0a8955/

Accor: https://group.accor.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/136

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil...

Did you know that there are highly effective strategies for maximizing travel rewards through loyalty programs? 

In this episode, we sit down with Brian Kelly, the founder and CEO of The Points Guy, to talk about travel hacking, loyalty programs, and making the most out of points and miles.

Brian shares his personal journey, from booking his first family vacation with points at age 12 to building a multi-million-dollar business that helps travelers unlock luxury experiences for less.

Key Topics includes: 

• The biggest mistakes people make with points
• Why airline status isn’t what it used to be
• The future of hotel loyalty and how independent properties can level up
• His new book, "How to Win at Travel", packed with insider tips
• The best travel hacks for scoring premium flights and hotels

If you want to stop leaving money on the table and start traveling smarter, this episode is a must-listen. 🚀

Watch the FULL EPISODE now & learn how to master the art of points and miles: https://youtu.be/XqGwZgUM8rQ

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media

Links:
Brian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thepointsguy/

The Points Guy: https://thepointsguy.com/

Books:
How to Win at Travel: https://www.amazon.com/How-Win-Travel-Brian-Kelly/dp/1668068656

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/135

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil...

What does it really mean to be a sustainable hotel?

In this episode, Ben Webster, General Manager of Hotel Marcel, joins us to break down how his property became the first and only all-electric, solar-powered, LEED Platinum-certified, fossil-fuel-free hotel in the U.S..

From historic preservation to cutting-edge energy solutions, Ben shares insights for hoteliers looking to embrace sustainability, the real costs (and savings) of going green, and why so many companies talk the talk but don’t walk the walk when it comes to hosting sustainable events.

Key Topics:

• What does it truly mean for a hotel to be sustainable?
• How does the hotel engage guests in its sustainability efforts?
• The Challenges and Trends in Sustainable Hospitality
• Why do many Fortune 500 companies claim to prioritize sustainability but fail to book sustainable venues?

If you're in hospitality, this episode is a wake-up call—because sustainability isn’t just a trend; it’s the future.

Watch the FULL episode here: https://youtu.be/s5wShlHrLAc

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media

Links:
Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-webster-cha-91390181/

Hotel Marcel: https://www.hotelmarcel.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/134

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil...

In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, we sit down with Monty Bennett, Chairman & CEO of Ashford Group of Companies, one of the leading real estate firms in hospitality. With over 30 years of experience, Monty has built an empire of over 100 hotels and advises two publicly traded REITs.

From his Cornell beginnings to navigating economic downturns, industry trends, and the evolving future of travel, Monty shares game-changing insights into hotel investment, sustainability, and the rising demand for leisure-driven experiences.

Key Topics:

• How does Ashford stay ahead in a volatile industry?
• Why are hotel tech adoption and sustainability such uphill battles?
• What’s coming for hospitality in 2025 and beyond?

Join Steve Carran and David Millili for an insightful and entertaining conversation with a true hospitality mogul.

Don’t miss this deep dive into the business of hotels, real estate, and leadership!

Watch the FULL episode here: https://youtu.be/n5UHFu27cu0

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media

Links:
Mont on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monty-bennett-592a7b1a3/
Website: https://montybennett.co/

Ashford Inc.: https://www.ashfordinc.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/133

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil...