The Hospitality Show, now in its second year, will take place at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio from Oct. 28-30, 2024. The Show will bring together 5,000 attendees and promises to drive profitability for owners, operators and hospitality innovators through dedicated content, extensive networking and 400+ operations and technology vendors.
In this installment of The Hospitality Show Sponsor Q&A, we catch up with Michelle Potorski, vice president and general manager, Duracell Professional.
What do you think is the biggest problem for the industry currently?
Potorski: The hotel industry is facing ongoing challenges with productivity and operational efficiency. While staffing shortages have been an issue, the focus has shifted towards optimizing existing staff's time and energy to enhance guest experiences. There is also a continuous push to leverage technology to improve back-end operations, allowing hotel staff to concentrate more on delivering exceptional service. On top of this, increasing awareness and demand for sustainable practices are pressuring hotels to adopt greener operations. This includes reducing waste, improving energy efficiency, and sourcing sustainable products, all of which can be capital-intensive.
What new trends do you see affecting the hospitality industry the most in 2024?
In 2024, technology will play a crucial role in transforming the hospitality industry to drive operational efficiencies and better guest’s experiences. Hotels are increasingly adopting digital solutions like AI, machine learning, and IoT to streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve guest satisfaction. Smart room technologies and AI-powered chatbots are becoming more common, enhancing the guest experience by offering personalized and efficient service. Embracing digital technologies such as Procell InSite, which provides real-time data on when batteries and consumables need replacing, can optimize operational efficiencies and enhance guest experiences. Finally, sustainability remains important; hotels are increasingly adopting sustainable practices to meet the growing demand from environmentally conscious travelers.
What do you see as the biggest opportunities for the industry this year?
In today's dynamic landscape, the hospitality industry has several significant opportunities to capitalize on, driven by evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements.
Delivering exceptional guest experiences is fundamental for ensuring sustained competitiveness and revenue growth. As we delve into strategies to elevate guest satisfaction and effectively manage challenges such as staffing shortages, extensive research underscores the pivotal role of guest reviews, service perception and consumer behavior in shaping a hotel's success. Investing in digital technologies such as AI, machine learning and IoT can enhance operational efficiency, guest experiences and sustainability. From smart room technologies to AI-powered chatbots, the integration of digital solutions can streamline processes, reduce costs and improve customer satisfaction. Embracing sustainability practices presents a substantial opportunity. Hotels can attract eco-conscious travelers by implementing green initiatives, reducing carbon footprints and obtaining sustainability certifications.
Leveraging the cutting-edge technological solution of Procell InSite presents a unique opportunity not only to augment guest experiences and sustainability practices but also to address productivity and operational efficiency comprehensively. Through an examination of key findings and industry insights, Procell InSite's innovative system addresses the multifaceted challenges faced by the hospitality industry.
Procell InSite is a game-changing device monitoring system that tracks when batteries and consumables need replacing. Procell InSite hardware is installed in key devices like door locks, soap and paper towel dispensers, faucets, and flush valves, seamlessly integrating with existing systems and the software provides real-time data. By harnessing its technology, hotels can navigate these challenges more effectively with optimized operational efficiencies, drive positive customer experiences and foster long-term loyalty, ultimately ensuring sustained success in a competitive global market landscape.
What do you think the industry's biggest accomplishment has been in the past year?
The hospitality industry's biggest accomplishment in the past year has been its ability to adapt and innovate in response to the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The industry has significantly accelerated its adoption of digital technologies including contactless services as well as digital and automation. The industry has also made significant strides in sustainability, in terms of energy efficiency, implementing energy-efficient systems and practices to reduce carbon footprints as well as waste reduction. And finally, despite challenges, hotels have continued to innovate in providing exceptional guest experiences, including more personalization and unique offerings. These accomplishments demonstrate the hospitality industry's resilience and commitment to innovation, safety and sustainability. By successfully navigating the challenges of the past year, the industry has positioned itself to better meet the demands of today's travelers positioning it well for future growth.
What are you most looking forward to at The Hospitality Show?
The Hospitality Show is an excellent opportunity to stay ahead of industry trends, network with peers, and discover innovative solutions that can enhance operations, guest satisfaction and overall business performance. More importantly for my team, this represents a unique opportunity to highlight and promote our new Procell InSite innovative solution to the hospitality industry, showcasing how it can drive operational efficiencies and elevate guest experiences, ensuring it gains the attention and recognition it deserves.