HTNG Connect: Asia-Pacific 2024

• David Sjolander, VP, HTNG Operations, AHLA

• Garth Simmons, COO, Asia, Premium, Midscale & Economy Division, Accor
• Karen Yue, Group Editor, TTG Asia

Join Garth Simmons, COO of Accor Asia Pacific, and Karen Yue, Group Editor for TTG Asia Media, in an engaging fireside chat to explore the latest trends and innovations reshaping the hospitality industry. Gain valuable insights as they discuss strategies for navigating challenges and driving success in the ever-changing landscape of the hotel industry in the Asia Pacific region. Don't miss this opportunity to hear firsthand perspectives from a top executive shaping the future of hospitality.

• Ramesh Daryanani, VP, Global Sales, Loyalty Operations, Partnerships, APAC, Marriott International
• Kelly McGuire, Managing Principal, Hospitality, ZS Consulting

Tailored for hotel professionals, this presentation offers an in-depth exploration into the ever-evolving ecosystem of corporate travel booking technology and third parties. From actionable frameworks to hypotheses on where the ecosystem will go next, this session will equip business leaders with the tools needed to anticipate and proactively react to new tech players ensuring your business not only adapts but excels in this ever-changing landscape.

• Professor Basak Guillet Denizci, Professor of Revenue Management, Tourism, Sport & Hospitality, Griffith University
• Ibrahim Mohammed, Research Assistant Professor, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

We will deep dive into the cognitive decision-making processes of revenue management (RM) professionals, encompassing directors, managers, and analysts. This involves elucidating the collaboration between revenue management professionals and revenue management systems. Our focus is to understand their interventions in RM systems and how these decisions influence their revenue management strategies, considering the characteristics of individual decision-makers and organizational factors.

• Joshua Ryan-Saha, Director, Traveltech for Scotland

This session will explore the practical ways we can harness the power of foresight and future thinking to design the future of hotel and hospitality technology. Joshua will publicly launch the 'Traveltech Futures' collection. This is a short booklet featuring eleven future narratives taken from conversations with over 100 travel professionals, including last year's HTNG European Conference attendees.

• David Sjolander, VP, HTNG Operations, AHLA

• Joshua Ryan-Saha, Director, Traveltech for Scotland

Explore the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for hotels and hotel brands in this innovative workshop. We'll use a set of specialist cards that represent both current and future AI capabilities alongside roles within the hospitality industry. Participants will engage in a creative and strategic exploration of how AI can revolutionize their businesses. This session offers an opportunity to think collectively with industry peers about the impending changes AI might bring. It's not about predicting the future; it's about developing the ability to make meaningful, strategic decisions in adopting AI. Join us for this practical workshop and step confidently into the future of hospitality, armed with the knowledge and strategies to lead in AI adoption.

• András Bíró, General Manager, The Capital Kempinski Hotel Singapore
• Benjamin Krieg, Global VP Strategic Accounts, FutureLog
• Peter Lucas, Complex General Manager, Marriott Sukhumvit & MEA Sukhumvit
• Rob McIntyre, General Manager, Pullman Singapore Orchard

Join this breakout session to explore the game-changing strategies and benefits of automating the end-to-end procurement process in the hospitality industry. From crafting recipies and managing purchases to optimizing inventory, menu costing, efficient receiving, and seamless payment processes, discover how automation can enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and elevate the overall guest experience. Don't miss this opportunity to stay ahead in the competitive landscape of hotel management and technology integration.

• Malte Jess, Business Manager & Regional Product Lead, Travel Vertical Search, APAC, Google

Malte Jess from Google will be providing the right information on the implications of third party cookie deprecation for marketers, and taking you through some strategies to handle the new environment. Marketers! Don't miss this important information.

• Dr. Michael A. Kruesi, Associate Professor, Hospitality Business Program, Singapore Institute of Technology
• Dr. Detlev Remy, HSMAI Commercial Advisory Board and Associate Professor, Singapore Institute of Technology

This session aims to highlight the transformative potential of blockchain technology in redefining sustainability within the hospitality industry. The blockchain's decentralized nature offers a significant opportunity to streamline operations, reduce intermediaries, increase reliability, and lower energy consumption; all of which aligns with the sustainability goals of the hospitality industry. Learn how you can embrace blockchain innovations to carve out a pathway toward a future that is not only sustainable and efficient, but economically viable.

• Kevin King, CEO, Shiji International (Moderator)
• Branden Li, Regional VP, Field Technology Services, Asia-Pacific, Hyatt Hotels Corporation
• Terence Ronson, Founder & Managing Director, Pertlink Limited
• Joshua Tong, SVP, Chief Information & Digital Officer, APAC, Hilton

Join industry experts and thought leaders in a dynamic panel discussion where they'll delve into the intricate challenges of deploying brand standard systems in the diverse and rapidly evolving Asian market, with a special emphasis on the unique complexities faced in China. Explore insights, strategies, and innovative solutions to ensure seamless integration and successful implementation, considering cultural nuances, regulatory landscapes, and technological adaptability.

• Saurabh Prakash, CHDM, Chief Commercial Officer, Millenium Hotels & Resorts

• Kuan Yii (Chan), Senior Business Development Manager, Lighthouse

Lighthouse will present the latest strategies to target Chinese mainlanders, the current industry outlook as well as some overall APAC trends.

• Kelly McGuire, Managing Principal, Hospitality, ZS Consulting

• Jurgen Ortelee, Managing Director, APAC, IDeaS

Embark on a journey through the shifting terrain of revenue management in hospitality, where we underscore the pressing imperative for standards to evolve harmoniously with industry needs. Delve into the proactive efforts of HTNG's Revenue Management Workgroup as they rise to the occasion, addressing these challenges head-on. Join us to gain invaluable insights and discover how collaboration and innovation are shaping the future of revenue management in hospitality.

• Joshua Ryan-Saha, Director, Traveltech for Scotland

Explore the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for hotels and hotel brands in this innovative workshop. We'll use a set of specialist cards that represent both current and future AI capabilities alongside roles within the hospitality industry. Participants will engage in a creative and strategic exploration of how AI can revolutionize their businesses. This session offers an opportunity to think collectively with industry peers about the impending changes AI might bring. It's not about predicting the future; it's about developing the ability to make meaningful, strategic decisions in adopting AI. Join us for this practical workshop and step confidently into the future of hospitality, armed with the knowledge and strategies to lead in AI adoption.

• Mark Retnam, Senior Director of ICT, Banyan Tree Group

A connected hotel requires the right infrastructure. We'll share how the recently published Next Generation Infrastructure Technical Guide provides guidance on how to right-size a hotel's infrastructure to ease onboarding of new technologies, improve the guest experience, and increase operational efficiencies.

• Sandy Angel, Senior Director of Technology & Information, AHLA

Learn how hoteliers are connecting with new innovative partners in record speed using the HTNG Express PMS Specification.

• Ted Horner, Managing Director, E. Horner & Associates Pty Ltd (Moderator)
• Chris Ely, Head of Hotel & Hospitality Asset Management, CBRE
• Douglas Louden, Principal, Perceptions Hospitality
• Pierre Marechal, VP, Strategic Advisory & Asset Management, Hotels & Hospitality, JLL
• Peter Meyer, Vice Chairman, Lodgis Hospitality Holdings

As a hotel IT decision maker, it is easy to feel like you are caught in the middle between owner, operator, and brand. These parties usually have different objectives, and technology often becomes the battle ground between them. To make matters more challenging, sometimes IT needs to invest in infrastructure and security in which none are interested. This session will explore this complex relationship and discuss ways to work together for everyone's benefit.

• Ed Malinowski, CTO, KIN Foods

This presentation will delve into ways in which technology and data teams can apply their unique skills to further sustainability efforts in the hospitality industry. Using supply chains as an example, attendees will explore innovative strategies for leveraging data in understanding our carbon footprint and ways in which that data can assist in furthering our environmental and social responsibility goals. We will examine how IT can enable hotels and restaurants to identify and action on positive change, support local economies, and enhance the overall guest experience all while demonstrating our resolute commitment to a resilient and eco-conscious hospitality sector.

• David Teklit, CEO, Teklogix

In this dynamic presentation, we will delve into the intricate world of cloud migration for the hotel industry. As technology continues to evolve, the demand for agile, scalable, and efficient solutions is paramount. Join us to explore proven strategies and best practices for seamlessly migrating your hotel technology to the cloud. From overcoming common challenges to maximizing the benefits of cloud-based systems, this session is your roadmap to a successful and future-ready hotel technology infrastructure. Discover how embracing the cloud can enhance guest experiences, streamline operations, and position your hotel for sustained success in the digital era.

• David Peller, Founder/CEO, If Not You (Moderator)
• Winnie Ho, VP, Digital & Technology Solutions, MGM
• Spencer Lam, CTO, Shangri-La Group
• James Merchant, SVP IT & Distribution Systems, Accor
• Scott Strickland, CCO, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Join us for an engaing panel discussions featuring IT leaders from leading hotel companies. These industry titans will share insights, challenges, and triumphs as they navigate the ever-evolving landscape of hotel technology. From leveraging data analytics to enhance guest experiences to implementing cutting-edge solutions for operational efficiency, this session will offer valuable perspectives on harnessing technology to drive innovation and stay ahead of the competitive hospitality market. Discover how these visionary leaders are shaping the future of hospitality through strategic technological advancements and collaborative partnerships.