Discover key perspectives on the marriage of artificial intelligence and human touch in the hospitality sector, as shared at the NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference and Agilysys presentations at the HITEC event.
AI and Human Interactions in Hospitality Industry: Key Insights from NYU Conference
New York, June 2024 – The hospitality industry’s approach to artificial intelligence (AI) and the importance of human interaction were highlighted during the “Aligning Stakeholder Objectives to Power Performance” session at the NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference.
Joseph Bojanowski, President of PM Hotel Group, emphasized that technology, including robotics, machine learning, and AI, should handle repetitive tasks, allowing employees to focus more on human interactions.
Tyler Morse, CEO of MCR Hotels, expressed skepticism about the current implementation of AI in hotels, noting it’s primarily a “parlor game” and not widely executed. However, Greg Friedman, CEO of Peachtree Group, argued that AI is essential for managing labor costs and improving guest experiences.
Warren Fields, CEO of Pyramid Hotel Group, and Craig Smith, CEO of Aimbridge Hospitality, also acknowledged AI’s potential, especially in accounting and predictive modeling, while maintaining that guest-facing services should prioritize human interaction.
The conference also featured a debate on the essence of the hospitality industry. Morse described it as selling “a bed and a shower,” while Fields and other panelists countered, emphasizing the importance of selling experiences.
Agilysys Highlights Technological Innovations at HITEC Event
Alpharetta, GA – Agilysys, Inc. presented at two major events, HITEC and HITEC IC, held from June 24-28 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Frank Pitsikalis, Agilysys Senior VP of Product Strategy, spoke on “New Era Hospitality: Revenue Beyond The Room,” focusing on leveraging mobile apps, AI, and advanced POS systems to enhance revenue across property amenities.
Agilysys CEO Ramesh Srinivasan discussed the company’s transformation from 2017 to 2024, sharing strategies for modernizing its hospitality software and achieving significant market growth.
Both sessions underscored the evolving role of technology in enhancing guest experiences and optimizing operational efficiencies within the hospitality sector.
