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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Can AI stop your next big hotel claim before it happens?

In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Sriram Nalla, Hospitality Vertical Lead at WithCoverage, to discuss his unique journey from music management and entrepreneurship to transforming the insurance industry for hotels.

Topics Covered:

• How WithCoverage is disrupting traditional hotel insurance with AI-powered solutions
• Stories of hotels saving 20-25% on premiums and improving coverage
• Tips for aspiring leaders in hospitality and entrepreneurship
• The importance of curiosity, networking, and building trust in business.

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7cegKtiXR-I

Links:
Sriram on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sriram-nalla/

WithCoverage: https://withcoverage.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/251

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.

Steve Carran & David Millili sit down with Mark Harmon, Founder of Auberge Resorts Collection, on this episode of The Modern Hotelier.

From studying law at Princeton and UC Law to becoming one of the most influential leaders in luxury hospitality, Mark shares how he transitioned from Silicon Valley attorney to visionary hotel developer behind some of the most iconic boutique resorts in the world.

Mark also shares his philosophy on leadership, empathy, innovation, and why hospitality is ultimately about creating meaningful experiences — not just rooms.

In this episode, we explore:

• How Auberge Resorts redefined luxury hospitality
• Why 50-room hotels can be wildly profitable
• The power of design, real estate, and residential-style experiences
• Workforce housing challenges in resort markets
• Advice for the next generation of hospitality leaders

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/luY77HXb6f0

Links:
Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-harmon-2184851/
Auberge Resorts: https://auberge.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/250

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.