Captive Conversations, The Hospitality Podcast

Jo Lynch from KAM captivates us with her wealth of knowledge in the hospitality sector, shedding light on the pivotal role of loyalty and frequency in driving customer engagement.

With her background as both an operator and marketeer, Joe offers a unique perspective, comparing emerging hospitality technologies to renowned loyalty programs like Tesco Clubcard and Nectar. Her stories, including a recent visit to Portugal and frequent trips to venues like Lucky Voice, illustrate the dynamic nature of the industry and the ways technology is enhancing customer experiences. We also explore the tech evolution reshaping hospitality, showcasing platforms like TripleSeat and Seven Rooms that streamline operations and enhance flexibility for operators. The conversation underscores the importance of adaptable tech solutions and the challenges of managing multiple systems. The benefits of unified platforms are highlighted, offering insights into how they simplify operations, improve efficiency, and provide operators with tailored solutions for their unique needs. Our deep dive into career transitions presents an inspiring journey from corporate finance to hospitality consulting, including work with Ann Elliott and the Big Table Group. The narrative emphasizes learning by doing and the adaptability required to thrive in the hospitality industry. We fondly recall iconic restaurants like Belgo and discuss strategies like the "Love Local" marketing initiative that empowered managers and fostered community engagement. The episode concludes with an exploration of tech integration challenges, featuring the adoption of Zonal's Live Res platform and the potential for streamlined, single sign-on solutions to improve operator efficiency. Highlights (06:40) - Tech Evolution in Hospitality (13:59) - Career Transition Into Hospitality (26:29) - Restaurant Industry Challenges and Adaptations (33:45) - Zonal Live Res - the very beginning (39:59) - Insight Research in Hospitality (51:50) - Streamlining Hospitality Tech Platforms

Jo's Answers:

🌟Best Hospitality Experience - Zia Lucia

🌟Best Hospitality Tech - Tripleseat

🌟Best Restaurant - Prego, Buckingham

🌟Best Burger - Back Bear Burger

🌟Best Hotel - Grove, Narbe

🔗 Links to check out from the show notes:

📣 KAM https://kaminsight.com/

📣 Seven Rooms https://www.sevenrooms.com

📣 Vita Mojo https://www.vitamojo.com

📣 Prego https://pregorestaurants.com/

#Hospitality, #Loyalty, #Frequency, #CustomerEngagement, #HospitalityTechnologies, #TescoClubcard, #Nectar, #Portugal, #LuckyVoice, #TechEvolution, #TripleSeat, #SevenRooms, #Adaptability, #CareerTransition, #CorporateFinance, #HospitalityConsulting, #AnnElliott, #BigTableGroup, #LoveLocal, #Marketing, #COVID-19, #Pandemic, #Zonal'sLiveRes, #RestaurantBookings, #TechnologyIntegration, #InsightResearch, #Consulting, #CustomerPerceptions, #CRM, #GuestExperience, #Streamlining, #SingleSign-On, #TechSuppliers, #Efficiency, #Collaboration, #LocalDining, #IndependentRestaurants

Meet Dan Brookman from Airship, who shares his insights into the transformative power of community-driven projects and innovative technology in hospitality. We'll take you on a remarkable journey from a derelict swimming pool to a vibrant Sheffield venue that became a cornerstone for music, community, and creativity. Discover how turning chaos into opportunity is not just a mantra but a thriving practice, showcased by the likes of GS Systems, who transformed pandemic-induced chaos into growth by offering Toggle for free and creating a track and trace system at breakneck speed. Explore the future of hospitality through the lens of technology and innovation. Learn about Airship's international expansion and their cutting-edge AI tool, "Flight Assist," designed to revolutionize customer interactions while safeguarding privacy. Dive into the world of AI and see how integrating machine learning can yield powerful, customer insights. Don't miss this episode if you’re fascinated by the synergy between hospitality, entrepreneurship, and technology. Dan's Answers: 🌟Best Hospitality Experience - Hotel at Paris Olympics 🌟Best Hospitality Tech - Recirculate & Ambl 🌟Best Restaurant - Kricket Soho & Brigadiers 🌟Best Burger - Patty & Bun & The Cricket Inn Sheffield 🌟Best Hotel - Pikes Ibiza 🔗 Links to check out from the show notes: 📣 Airship https://airship.co.uk 📣 Toggle https://www.usetoggle.com 📣 Joli https://joliapp.com 📣 Ambl https://ambl.co 📣 Albert Schloss https://www.albertsschloss.co.uk 📣 Revolution Bars Group https://www.revolutionbarsgroup.com Chapters (00:28) - Hospitality Industry Success and Innovation (10:36) - Entrepreneurial Success in the Hospitality Industry (17:58) - Evolution of Power Text Business (26:23) - Navigating Challenges in Hospitality Tech (37:56) - Tech Innovation Resilience in Hospitality (51:28) - Enhancing Customer Experience Through Technology (01:04:11) - Technology Implementation in International Expansion (01:07:14) - Emerging Technology in Hospitality #Hospitality, #MarketingStrategies, #IndustrySuccess, #CustomerExperience, #EmailMarketing, #SMSMarketing, #HospitalityTech, #EntrepreneurialSuccess, #PowerText, #TechnologyImplementation, #InternationalExpansion, #AI, #DataManagement, #GDPRCompliance, #Loyalty, #Frequency, #Automation, #CustomerData, #Innovation

Gemma from Honest Burgers joins us for a captivating conversation on the intersection of food and digital marketing.

We explore the power of email marketing as a dynamic platform for storytelling, fostering customer loyalty, and the anticipated launch of Honest Burgers' new loyalty program. Gemma shares her insights on the unique challenges of gathering customer data in a predominantly walk-in setting and how innovative digital tools can transform customer experiences.

Our journey also takes a detour through Gemma's vibrant career path, from Harvey Nichols to a passion for food photography and digital marketing. We reminisce about the early days of navigating strict brand guidelines, the evolution from static images to vibrant videos on social media, and the joy of capturing authentic dining experiences.

As we venture into the landscape of restaurant marketing amidst challenges, we look at Hawksmoor's transition to an e-commerce platform, underscoring the importance of teamwork and resilience. With discussions on Google's AI-powered search, SMS's cultural impact, and WhatsApp's marketing potential, our conversation highlights the future of digital marketing strategies.

We wrap up with a nod to Honest Burgers' inventive collaborations with local suppliers, which create distinct and delectable menu options, proving that innovation and local partnerships remain at the heart of culinary success.

🎧 Episode Highlights:

(00:29) Marketing Strategies and Smashed Burgers

(12:59) Exploring Food Marketing Careers

(26:06) Innovative Revenue Strategies During Challenges

(30:55) Building Customer Data Platform for Loyalty

(41:21) Google's AI Impact on Marketing Strategies

(48:22) Effective Customer Conversion Channels

Gemma's Answers:

🌟Best Hospitality Experience & Hotel - Smashed by Honest

🌟Best Hospitality Tech - Airship & Toggle

🌟Best Hotel - Ham Yard Hotel

🌟Best Restaurant - Dishoom, The Devonshire

🌟Best Burger - Five Guys

🔗 Links to check out from the show notes:

📣 Airship https://www.airship.co.uk

📣 Smashed by Honest Burgers https://www.honestburgers.co.uk/news/updates/honest-smashed-burgers/

#Food, #DigitalMarketing, #Ottolenghi, #Simple, #EmailMarketing, #CustomerLoyalty, #LoyaltyProgram, #CustomerData, #DigitalTools, #FoodPhotography, #BrandGuidelines, #SocialMedia, #SmartphonePhotography, #RestaurantMarketing, #Hawksmoor, #E-commerce, #Teamwork, #Resilience, #Google, #AI, #Search, #PPC, #SchemaMarkup, #Burgers, #LocalSuppliers, #CulturalDifferences, #SMSMarketing, #WhatsApp, #InnovativeTools, #DigitalMarketingStrategies

It's episode 25 🙌

I was a little nervous for this one, having the amazing Shawn P Walchef on the podcast, the man, the GOAT, the legend. Shawn was one of the main drivers for myself and many others making content, story telling aswell and giving great advice on how to "be the show, not the commercial". I've been attending the Digital Hospitality community group for about a year, starting on Clubhouse and now on Linkedin Live (6pm UK Weds and Fri), this community is managed by Shawn and his team so please do come a long. I've also listend to a lot of his content, his own story is captivating and I wanted the opportunity to share this to our community.

Shawn shares his hospitality journey, talking about the power of story telling, where he started in hospitality from a very young age washing dishes, to building a thriving BBQ business and creating Cali BBQ Media, creating amazing content with his own podcasts, content created for Toast and much more. His team team are the editing force behind some of the great hospitality podcasts out there!

🎧 Episode Highlights:

➡️ Unleashing the Power of Storytelling

➡️ Building Community Through Industry Impact

➡️ The Journey to Barbecue Success

➡️ Exploring Digital Marketing Strategies

➡️ Building Community and Sharing Stories

➡️ Building Community and Sharing Stories

➡️ and much, much more...

Tune in - Links below 👇

👉 Youtube 📹 https://youtu.be/I1OcPtvn6hg

Shawn's Answers:

🌟Best Hospitality Experience - The birth of his first Son at Mary Birtch Hospital

🌟Best Hospitality Tech - Toast POS

🌟Best Restaurant - Ichiban - Pacific Beach

🌟Best Burger - In-N-Out

🌟Best Hotel - Marriott Hotel - Nashville

🔗 Links to check out from the show notes:

📣 Cali BBQ Media https://calibbq.media

📣 Toast https://toasttab.com

#Storytelling, #DigitalPlatforms, #HospitalityIndustry, #ContentCreation, #SocialMedia, #Podcasts, #Restaurant, #Community, #Entrepreneurship, #DigitalMarketing, #LinkedInLive, #Collaboration, #Technology, #Barbecue, #Success, #BusinessPartner, #HospitalityExperience, #PersonalGrowth, #UnexpectedChallenges, #DigitalPlayground, #Podcasting, #Live-Streaming, #QVC, #CaliBBQMedia, #Clubhouse, #UK, #Infrastructure, #Resilience, #PersonalConnections, #CulturalDifferences, #FoodChains, #FamiliarHotels, #JWMarriott, #BusinessVentures, #HighsandLows

Dan Hawkey, Chief Commercial Officer at Tip Jar, joins us for a personal and engaging chat about the untapped potential in the hospitality industry. From his start at Hilton Hotels as a conference host to his journey through Jarvis and Village Hotels, Dan shares how hospitality has been a passion for him for over 20 years. He discusses the industry’s different perceptions across countries like Australia and the U.S., where it's often seen as a lifelong career path, thanks to strong tipping cultures.

Dan also dives into how Tip Jar’s tech, like their Super TRONC product, modernises tipping by making it easier and more transparent. He highlights the importance of fair tip distribution in the shift toward cashless systems and the impact of new legislation. It’s a great look at how technology transforms hospitality for staff and operators.

🎧 Episode Highlights:

(00:12) Exploring Hospitality Industry Perspectives

(11:57) Early Career in Hospitality Industry

(23:21) Modernizing Trunk Schemes in Hospitality

(32:51) Navigating Changing Hospitality Industry Legislation

(37:47) Impact of Cashless Policies in Hospitality

➡️ and much, much more...

Tune in - Links below 👇

👉 Youtube 📹 https://youtu.be/02wg3BrJq1w

Dan's Answers:

🌟Best Hospitality Experience & Hotel - Sala Hotel in Phuket

🌟Best Hospitality Tech - Red Engine, Flight Club & Electric Shuffle

🌟Best Restaurant - Hand & Flowers

🌟Best Burger - Five Guys

Show Links ➡️ https://www.tipjar.com ➡️ https://red-engine.com

#HospitalityIndustry, #CareerPaths, #TippingCulture, #HospitalityTechnology, #TippingTechnology, #SuperTrunk, #FairTipDistribution, #HospitalityLegislation, #CashlessTipping, #Compliance, #Technology, #HospitalityLandscape, #Operators, #Staff, #PetPeeves, #Undervaluation, #Transparency, #Employment, #Retention, #Compliance, #EmploymentTribunals, #ServiceCharges, #CashTips, #DigitalPayments, #Consumers