No Vacancy With Glenn Haussman

For #NoVacancyNews, Anthony and I sat down with Stuart Greif, Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer at Forbes Travel Guide, to explore how tech is reshaping hospitality — and why human connection still wins. We talk about the risk of commoditizing service, the power of small gestures, and how technology should support — not replace — hospitality professionals. Stuart also shares how luxury brands are using AI to elevate personalization, and why ownership must reinvest in training if they want to protect long-term value. #guestexperience #hospitalityleadership

In this conversation from The Hospitality Show, Glenn Haussman chats with Alliants CEO Tristan Gadsby about how AI and smart technology are reshaping the hospitality experience. From Resorts World Las Vegas to properties across the globe, Alliants is helping hotels turn staff into "superhumans" by giving them the right tools to deliver seamless, personalized service. Discover how Apple Wallet room keys, guest messaging, and automation are simplifying the hotel stay and why "don't make me think" is the future of hospitality design. #AI #HospitalityTechnology #GuestExperience #Hotels #Alliants #NoVacancyNews

Not every financial story starts with a bull market — but that's exactly where Sarah Rogers, SVP of Corporate Finance for MGM Resorts International, found her footing. From Wall Street to the Las Vegas Strip, Sarah now helps steer one of the world's largest hospitality companies through billion-dollar deals, market shifts, and global expansion. In our conversation, Sarah opened up about:

The hospitality construction pipeline is full of mixed signals. For #NoVacancyNews, I spoke with Bruce Ford of Lodging Econometrics to cut through the noise for clarity on hotel development drivers. We discussed the rise of conversion brands, slowdown in new construction starts, and why markets like Dallas and Phoenix are still growth giants. Bruce also shares why franchise companies are clamping down on PIPs — and what that means for owners. #hoteldevelopment #hospitalitystrategy

The hospitality labor crisis isn't new — but it's evolving. For #NoVacancyNews, Glenn and Anthony Melchiorri spoke with Todd Davis of Chef Agency about what it really takes to recruit and retain culinary talent in today's casino and resort environments. We dig into the post-COVID talent shift, the rise of remote market opportunities, and why empathy, speed, and reputation matter more than ever. If you're still relying on post-and-pray hiring, you're already behind. 

On the floor at The Hospitality Show, Glenn connects with Nick Horgan of Amaze Insights for a conversation equal parts inspiration and laughter. From lessons in leadership and the power of data to the importance of working with purpose, Nick shares how to make the most of every opportunity—even when the waters get choppy.   Presented by Actabl, the platform that gives hoteliers the power to profit. Learn more at Actabl.com .

Longtime friend and shadowy industry figure Chris Daly briefly emerges from his cicada like cocoon to bestow us with some laughs and wisdom during our happy hour salute to the weekend. Plus, Bruce Ford makes a suprise appearance while Producer Dave shares some legit news.

Just unveiled at #TheLodgingConference, Hilton’s Outset Collection is redefining what it means to be an independent hotel — giving “indie gems” a global stage to shine while staying true to their identity. In this interview, Glenn Haussman chat with Kevin Osterhaus of #Hilton to talk about how Outset empowers hotels that have soul — properties that fit their place, not a mold.  Kevin shares how Hilton is bridging the gap between individuality and brand strength, with properties launching in Los Angeles, Moab, Chicago, and Upstate New York — and more than 60 active conversations in the works.  

Starting a new business is never easy — but after 39 years in the#hotelindustry, Greg A. Presley decided it was time to bet on himself. I caught up with Greg on the show floor during The Lodging Conference for #NoVacancyNews, where we talked about his leap of faith to launch Presley Hospitality, the power of relationships, and why getting “back to the basics” in #hotelmanagement might be exactly what the industry needs right now. Greg’s focus on smaller#hotelowners, personalized service, and good old-fashioned integrity is a refreshing reminder of what hospitality is all about. A big thank-you to my friends at Entegra — helping hotels stay profitable through smarter purchasing with the power of a GPO. Learn more at Entegra.com

I had the chance to interview keynote luncheon speaker Mitch Patel, President & CEO of Vision Hospitality Group, on stage during the Southern Lodging Summit this past August. Here's that keynote session for you.  We covered a lot of ground — from the early days when Mitch cashed out his 401(k) to build his first hotel, to how he’s navigating today’s market with a laser focus on #operationalexcellence, smart development, and a culture built to last. Mitch talked about how passion drives everything he does, why hospitality is “the most beautiful business,” and what it takes to build a company that thrives through every market cycle. His insights on #leadership and staying resilient through uncertainty are ones every hotel owner and operator should hear. Big thanks to my friends at Actabl for supporting conversations like this and for helping hoteliers turn insight into action. Learn more about how they’re empowering teams with better data and tools at actabl.com.

Zack Gharib is running up success after success as President of Red Roof. We think that streak is about to end as he joins Glenn, Craig, Producer Dave and Doctor Producer Suzanne for some drinks and laughs to kick off the weekend.

Extended stay is dominating the hospitality pipeline, but not all brands are the same. For #NoVacancyNews, I spoke with Jennifer Kearney, CMO of StayAPT Suites, about how they’re redefining the category with a true apartment-style experience. During The Lodging Conference we discussed the psychology of space, the importance of privacy and independence, and why StayAPT’s purpose-built design is attracting both long-term and transient guests. This isn’t just about sleep — it’s about living your life on the road. #extendedstay #hospitalitydesign

Doing more with less — that’s the reality for every #hotel operator today. I spoke with Cam Schultz, CEO of Foodbuy, about how smarter #procurement strategies and better technology are helping hoteliers protect margins, manage supply chains, and keep kitchens running smoothly — even when staffing is tight. Cam shared how #Foodbuy is giving operators a clearer look at costs, helping teams cut waste and focus on what really matters: creating great guest experiences. If you’re trying to control expenses without cutting quality, this is a must-watch.

Great hospitality starts with confident employees. Without them, guest satisfaction—and the bottom line—suffers. That’s why I hosted a Hotel Business Hot Topics roundtable with:

When the market gets wobbly, some run scared — others lean in. For #NoVacancyNews, I spoke with Doug Rigoni of West Coast Hospitality and Mark Hope of Coast Hotels at The Lodging Conference to explore how uncertainty is creating real opportunity across the West Coast and Canada. We talk about RevPAR trends, risk-taking mindsets, and why tertiary markets are struggling while primary cities still show promise. From Hawaii to Whitehorse, these operators are thinking differently — and that’s where the growth is. #hospitalitystrategy #hoteldevelopment

What if your hotel stay felt like a backstage pass? In this episode of #NoVacancyNews, Glenn Haussman and Anthony Melchiorri talk with Oscar Serrano of UMusic Hotels about how Universal Music Group is transforming hospitality into a full-blown entertainment ecosystem. From a 1945 theater at the heart of their Madrid flagship to genre-personalized guest experiences, this isn’t your typical luxury hotel. They explore how music drives design, revenue, and community — and why the room is just one part of the journey.

Tough times don’t mean you stop having fun. That’s what Dina Belon, President of Staypineapple Hotels, reminded me for #NoVacancyNews during the The Lodging Conference. She’s navigating rising costs, labor challenges, and market uncertainty — but with her trademark optimism and energy intact. Here’s what I loved from our conversation:

Las Vegas is evolving from a gaming town into one of the world’s premier sports destinations — and MGM Resorts International is leading the charge. In this interview, Lance Evans, SVP of Sports & Partnerships at MGM Resorts, explains how: ⚾ The arrival of Major League Baseball will transform the Las Vegas calendar. 

Management companies don’t always get top billing in deal conversations… but they should. At The Lodging Conference, I sat down with Mark Crisci, Principal & Chief Investment Officer at Azul Hospitality, to dig into the real role management companies play in transactions—especially in a slow market. Here’s what stood out:

Saudi Arabia is building one of the most ambitious #hospitality and #tourism projects in the world—and Jerry Inzerillo is leading it. On No Vacancy Live, Anthony Melchiorri and I spoke with Jerry, CEO of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, about the $64B master plan to transform the birthplace of the Kingdom into a cultural destination with 42 new hotels, 1,000 shops, and a fully walkable heritage city. Here’s what stood out: