Another sunny NOLA morning shepherded in the third day of HITEC 2016 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Centre.
Throughout the conference, fun on the exhibition floor has been a constant presence; exhibitors brought everything from fresh, delicious cookies to robots to a fully-furnished faux hotel room, all with the goal of enticing visitors.
Full mock hotel room complete with faux guests #HITECnola #HITEC2016 pic.twitter.com/FoEFmxTWhu
— James Dicken (@jamesadicken) June 22, 2016
Serving up more freshly baked cookies today at Booth 1308…. Come say hello and grab a sweet treat! #HITECnola pic.twitter.com/5yjFysUag5
— Sertifi (@Sertifi) June 22, 2016
Our Starwood robot delivery butler at #HITEC2016 #HITECnola pic.twitter.com/tnJPti73kf
— James Dicken (@jamesadicken) June 22, 2016
Speaking of robots, automation was a hot topic of discussion yesterday. Linda Pouliot, CEO of Dishcraft Robotics, and Robert Rippee of the University of Nevada Las Vegas led a talk about the recent emergence of robots as a key component of many industries. They covered everything from robot design and function to some of the ethical questions surrounding robotic workers, including the potential for job losses and the looming obsolescence of the human employee.
Robots are inevitable & desirable! Today's session on #robotics in hospitality. #Relay is paving the way. #HITEC2016 pic.twitter.com/faFiChLiu3
— Savioke (@Savioke) June 22, 2016
#hospitality robotics is not about the machine replacing people, it’s about how it changes processes. @rippee_robert #TWCBCxHITEC #HITECnola
— Spectrum Enterprise (@SpectrumEntUS) June 22, 2016
"Travelers are more forgiving of a dirty bathroom than they are no or poor WiFi at a hotel". #Hitec2016
— Martin Jones (@martinjonesaz) June 22, 2016
Besides robots, the role of China in the hospitality industry was a prominent subject of conversation. A session produced by the China Hospitality Technology Alliance put the spotlight on hoteliers in the Chinese hospitality market. They highlighted the strength of the global Chinese economy, its effects on the industry as a whole, and the new opportunities it brings to hoteliers.
Learning more about the explosive growth in the Chinese market and the great opportunity for hoteliers. #HITECnola pic.twitter.com/KZP38aZ1rV
— Katie Briscoe (@katieebriscoe) June 22, 2016
#HITEC2016 #HITEC2016 China will lead with the highest number of business travelers in 2016 pic.twitter.com/Yd4OeCoxaT
— Helen McGrath (@helenmacg) June 22, 2016
But the insights didn’t stop there. A variety of sessions covered topics ranging from hotel scams to smart hiring to the evolution of the guest experience. When it comes to tech, most seem to agree that it’s crucial to balance new technology with a high standard of customer service.
You want vendors to be laser-focused on your industry w. techs that are an extension of your staff. – @KevinSpruill #TWCBCxHITEC #HITECnola
— Spectrum Enterprise (@SpectrumEntUS) June 22, 2016
It’s about giving the customer the power to communicate with hotels their way, on their own devices. #HITECnola #TWCBCxHITEC
— Spectrum Enterprise (@SpectrumEntUS) June 22, 2016
Today is your last chance to drop by the Mitel Pavilion and learn how our Loop product suite can help you create meaningful relationships with your guests. Drop by booth #1425 to say hello to the team! They can answer any questions you may have and provide a live demo of Loop.
Have a great last day at HITEC 2016! In the meantime, don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and on Twitter @Benbria.
