The Modern Hotelier

By David Millili & Steve CarranSociety & Culture Business Places & Travel Management

The Modern Hotelier episodes

March 26 #261: Understanding Insurance for Hotels | with Brian Popelmayer
David Millili sits down with Brian Popelmayer of Lockton Companies at the Hunter Conference in Atlanta to discuss one of the biggest challenges facing the hospitality industry today: rising hotel insurance costs.
In this episode, Brian shares insights from more than 23 years in the insurance industry, including how the hotel insurance marketplace has evolved, why liability insurance costs are rising, and what hotel owners and management companies must do to protect their balance sheets.
Brian also breaks down emerging risks in hospitality such as human trafficking, sexual misconduct liability, environmental exposures, mold, and Legionella claims, and explains how hoteliers can secure the right coverage in an increasingly complex insurance market.
If you’re a hotel owner, operator, asset manager, or hospitality professional, this episode will give you a clear look at the risks shaping the industry and practical strategies to manage insurance costs while protecting your business.
In this episode, we cover:
• How Brian Popelmayer got into the hospitality insurance industry
• Why hotel insurance costs have risen from 1.2% to nearly 2% of operating revenue
• How hotel owners can secure better insurance coverage
• The positive trends in the property insurance market
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DUIM79T4FuY
Links:
Brian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianpopelmayer/
Lockton: https://www.global.lockton.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/261
Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...
Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
9 min
March 25#260: Hotel Deal Trends, Disconnects Between Buyers & Sellers, and Market Outlook | with Hunter Advisors
Recorded live at the 2026 Hunter Conference in Atlanta, this special episode of The Modern Hotelier: Hospitality’s Most Engaged Podcast brings together key voices from the Hunter team to unpack what’s really happening behind the scenes in today’s hotel investment market.
In this episode, Host David Millili sits down with Mayank Patel, Sophia Pittaluga, and Kami Burnette to discuss the forces shaping hotel deals right now—from economic uncertainty and rising operating costs to shifting buyer expectations and the growing demand for luxury and lifestyle properties.
The conversation explores the biggest disconnects between buyers and sellers, how macroeconomic factors and local market dynamics are influencing investment decisions, and why financing and renovation costs are playing a critical role in today’s negotiations. The group also looks ahead to what the hotel investment landscape could look like by the next Hunter Conference, including the potential impact of AI on underwriting, asset management, and deal-making.
Plus, they share why the Hunter Conference remains one of the industry’s most important events—bringing together everyone from regional developers to Wall Street investors to spark conversations and close deals.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
What hotel owners and investors may be overlooking in the current market
The biggest buyer vs. seller disconnects affecting transactions today
Why financing and renovation costs are shaping deal negotiations
How AI could transform hotel investment and operations
Why lifestyle and luxury properties are attracting more attention from investors

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2q_byG5bf60
Links:
Mayank Patel
SVP, Hunter Hotel Advisors
Mayank on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayank-patel-2b15206/?skipRedirect=true

Sophia Pittaluga
SVP, Hunter Hotel Advisors
Sophia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiapittaluga/?skipRedirect=true

Kami Burnette
SVP, Hunter Hotel Advisors
Kami on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamiburnette/?skipRedirect=true

Hunter Advisors: https://hunteradvisors.co/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/260
Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...
Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
13 min
March 19#259: The Evolution of Hotel Revenue Management and Pricing Strategies | with Chris Anderson
Ever wondered how hotels set the “perfect” price, why AI is changing the game, and what the future of travel really looks like?
In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Chris Anderson, Professor at Cornell University and former Director of the Cornell Center for Hospitality Research, to unpack the evolving world of hotel revenue management, pricing strategy, and guest analytics.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The evolution of revenue management and pricing in hotels over the last few decades
How AI is transforming demand forecasting, guest intent analysis, and revenue optimization
Strategies for independent hotels to compete with big brands
What are the predictions for travel, luxury hospitality, and pricing trends in 2026 and beyond?

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Pksb5lJZfKI
Links:
Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriskanderson/
Cornell University: https://www.cornell.edu/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/259
Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...
Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
45 min
March 17#258: What Creates A Thriving Hospitality Culture | with Kristie Goshow, CCO of Loews Hotels
In this episode, Join David Millili and Steve Carran for another engaging episode of The Modern Hotelier, the most engaged podcast in hospitality. Today, we sit down with Kristie Goshow, CCO of Loews Hotels & Co., to explore her journey in travel, hospitality, and leadership.
We dive into Kristie’s early experiences in travel and aviation, lessons learned from Virgin Atlantic and Scandinavian Airlines, and her insights on building successful teams, cultivating hotel culture, and innovating in the luxury and independent hotel markets.
Kristie also discusses the role of AI in hospitality, balancing technology with human connection, and the future of personalized guest experiences. She offers advice for aspiring leaders in the industry and shares her thoughts on women in hospitality and how to navigate a path to the C-suite.
In this episode, we cover:
How growing up connected to Holland and traveling with her father shaped her passion for the travel industry.
Strategies for maintaining authentic culture and leadership within a hotel organization
The role of AI in hospitality and how it can enhance human connection
How great leaders build others and foster success in the industry.
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GiasMp_g5XQ
Links:
Kristie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristiegoshow
Loews Hotels & Co.: https://www.loewshotels.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/258
Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...
Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
39 min
March 12#257: Losing the $150 Hotel Room, Hotel Investments in 2026, Airbnb World Cup Push, and More | Hospitality Hot Topics
In this episode of Hospitality Hot Topics, Steve Carran, David Millili, and Jon Bumhoffer break down the latest trends and insights from February in the hospitality industry. From rising midscale hotel rates to the booming luxury market, they explore what’s shaping travel in 2026 and beyond.
What we cover in this episode:
Why the $150 midscale hotel room is disappearing and what travelers are paying now
How inflation, rising operating costs, and labor expenses are changing hotel pricing
The shift towards AI-driven personalization and dynamic hotel packages
Opportunities for Airbnb hosts during the World Cup and the changing landscape of long-term stays
Tips for getting better hotel rates: price matching, direct bookings, and leveraging technology
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0pidWSZCog

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/257
Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...
Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
22 min
March 10#256: Optimizing & Future-Proofing Hospitality Systems | with Darko Bosancic
What does the future of hospitality look like in an AI-driven world?
Join David Millili at ITB Berlin for a deep dive into the future of hospitality technology with Darko Bosancic, Senior Vice President of Travel & Hospitality at Sirma.
In this episode, we explore how hotels can move beyond fragmented tech stacks, leverage AI agents, and build connected ecosystems that enhance operations, guest experiences, and data security.
In this episode, you’ll learn about:
How AI agents are transforming hotel operations and guest communications
Strategies for integrating multiple hotel technology systems without disruption
Ways to scale tech platforms globally while maintaining data security and compliance
How Sirma acts as an “embedded technology partner” to accelerate innovation
What autonomous AI agents could mean for the future of hotel management

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2DVQYIqP9Ok
Links:
Darko on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darkobosancic/
Sirma: https://sirma.com/
Sirma.AI Enterprise: https://sirma.ai/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/256
Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...
Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
9 min
March 03#255: How AHLA Supports the Hospitality Industry | with Rosanna Maietta, President & CEO of AHLA
What’s Next for the Hospitality Industry?

Join David Millili and Steve Carran as they sit down with Rosanna Maietta, CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), to discuss the state of the hospitality industry, labor challenges, AI in hotels, and the incredible ways hotels give back to their communities.

In this episode, you'll learn about:
The hospitality trends for 2026 and guest spending forecasts
How the industry is addressing labor shortages and workforce development
The role of AI and technology in enhancing hotel operations without losing the human touch
Inspiring stories of hotels supporting their local communities
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/v9M5gyx9fi0
Links:
Rosanna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosanna-maietta-669a9151/
AHLA: https://www.ahla.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanhotelassociation/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hotelassociation
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAHLA

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/255
Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...
Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
32 min
February 26#254: Building AKA & Leading Luxury Residence Hospitality | with Larry Korman
How did Larry Korman go from growing up outside Philadelphia to leading one of the most innovative hospitality brands in the world?
In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Larry Korman, President of AKA Hotels & Residences and Co‑CEO of Korman Communities. Larry shares his journey from growing up outside Philadelphia to leading one of the most innovative hospitality brands in the world.

You’ll hear about:
The power of design and how it shaped his career.
The four generations of the Korman family and their 100+ year legacy in real estate.
How AKA redefined luxury with flexible stay residences.
His collaboration with Airbnb and thoughts on the future of hospitality.
Personal insights on family, travel, and what’s next for AKA.
This episode is packed with inspiration, history, and forward‑thinking ideas for hoteliers, designers, and anyone passionate about hospitality.
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PguHphM3iVI

Links:
aka on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aka/posts/?feedView=all
aka: https://www.stayaka.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/254
Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...
Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
59 min
February 24#253: Helping Hospitality Sales Teams Increase Their Speed & Convert More Leads | with Greg Sukornyk
In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Greg Sukornyk, CEO and co-founder of Oli Labs, to explore how AI is transforming hotel sales, customer service, and revenue management.
Greg shares his journey from law to entrepreneurship, building startups like Extreme Network, and now leading Oli Labs to innovate AI-driven sales solutions for hotels. Learn how AI sales agents like Ollie are helping properties respond faster to leads, prioritize high-value opportunities, and increase conversions—all while keeping hotel teams happier and more efficient.
In this episode, we cover:
The story of Extreme Network, the UK’s first free internet service provider
How Oli Labs is revolutionizing AI-driven hotel sales and customer service
Real results: increasing qualified leads by 2.5x and boosting conversion rates
How AI and humans can work together seamlessly to enhance revenue

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JaU-9Jwudms
Links:
Gregory on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorysukornyk/
Oli Labs: https://www.olilabs.ai/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/253
Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...
Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
45 min
February 19#252: 2026 Hospitality Conference, Trade Show, & Events Guide | with John Burns
Which hospitality events should YOU be attending in 2026?
In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with John Burns, President of Hospitality Technology Consulting, to review the top hospitality events of 2026. From tech expos to independent hotel shows, cruise industry summits, and AI-focused conferences, we cover what’s happening, who should attend, and why these events are game-changers for hoteliers, developers, and investors.
In this episode, we cover:
The global power of ITB Berlin and why it’s more than just a trade show.
Networking gold at Hunter Conference Atlanta and what makes it a must-attend.
Insider tips from HFTP Executive Vendor Summit, AAHOA Philadelphia, Sea Trade Cruise Summit, and more.
How direct bookings and AI are shaking up the hotel industry.
Whether you’re a hotel owner, operator, developer, or just love staying ahead in hospitality, this episode is your roadmap for networking, learning, and making deals happen.

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UbP3xSHCc-M
Links:
John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-burns-1a6139/
Hospitality Technology Consulting: https://www.burns-htc.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/252
Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...
Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
20 min

About The Modern Hotelier

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Each episode we discuss industry trends, talk about new technologies, and speak to industry experts. All so that you, The Modern Hotelier, can succeed in a new age of hospitality.