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  • Black Women of Hospitality is on a mission to unite, inspire and empower Women of Color in the Hospitality Industry by providing resources, support, and motivation to achieve personal and professional growth. Stacia Harvey-Randall is VP and Co-Founder of Black Women of Hospitality. She shares her hospitality journey, vision for the organization and much more.[...]
  • Mandi Graziano has more than 20 years of experience in leadership roles in sales, management, business and Hospitality. She is a highly regarded Hospitality and conference expert thatleverages her vast network and deep industry relationships to negotiate favorable contract terms, yielding significant price reduction and minimal risk for her clients. Additionally Mandi is an author,[...]
  • What started out as dry January has morphed into a sober movement where people are abstaining from alcohol due to a number of reasons: Perhaps they overindulged during the pandemic, they want better physical and mental health, or perhaps folks are simply tired of being hungover. According to a Forbes article (Jan 2023) the sober[...]
  • According to a survey published by MMGY Global, the world's leading integrated marketing company specializing in travel, tourism and hospitality, African American travelers spent $109.4 Billion in 2019. This tells me that we all possess the spirit of wanderlust, curiosity, adventure and discovery. Our guest this week has taped into this market by offering her[...]
  • Summertime is SMERF season. The time when hotels have the opportunity to fill room in the off-season and need periods. SMERF represents Social, Military, Educational, Religious and Fraternal Groups. Common events include weddings, family reunions, military reunions, sports tournaments, religious retreats, multicultural and LBGTQIA+ events. SMERF groups come in all sizes with a variety of[...]
  • Summer is summering and vacation travel is on the rise. Our guest this week is travel influencer, content creator, wife, mom and Founder of the Traveling Child, Monet Hambrick. Monet is normalizing luxury travel for Black families and has successfully turned her passion for travel into a business. She has partnered with brands such as[...]
  • This week was a tough one for those of us in the hospitality industry. We lost a kind hearted hospitality hero that was Dylan Beaumont. Dylan was the General Manager at the Fairfield Inn in Eugene, Oregon. When Dylan was not working he spent his spare time researching hospitality history. Whatever he learned he shared[...]
  • Robin goes solo in this episode of Don't Look Under The Bed. It's summertime and everyone is out "summering" I share my summer highlights, a recent summer travel survey and talk about "Set Jetting". Follow Us: IG: dontlookunderthebedpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
  • Summer travel is heating up and our guest this week has developed a program where you can give the gift of travel. Gift a trip is an e-commerce platform dedicated to the sale of fully inclusive individual travel certificates that are created by and redeemed directly through the world's leading cruise lines, resorts and hotels.[...]
  • If you know me, you know that I live for an island vacation with pristine beaches, mountain views, rich history, authentic Caribbean cuisine and gracious locals. St. Kitts and Nevis checks all of these boxes for me. Our guest this week is Greg Bernard Phillip, Travel Industry Keynote Speaker, Author and CEO of Nevis Sun[...]
  • If you know me, you know that I live for an island vacation with pristine beaches, mountain views, rich history, authentic Caribbean cuisine and gracious locals. St. Kitts and Nevis checks all of these boxes for me. Our guest this week is Greg Bernard Phillip, Travel Industry Keynote Speaker, Author and CEO of Nevis Sun[...]
  • Listen in as Niki and I discuss planning an international girls trip. We offer tips on how to stay organized, budget and delegate. IG: dontlookunderthebedpod www.linkedin/in/nikiwade www.linkin/in/robinmoncrieffe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
  • Niki and I are BACK and discuss what we have been up to while on spring break. Shout out to Rachel Vandenberg and Nancy Mendelson for inviting me to participate in the 2023 Accelerate Women Leaders in Travel Conference. IG: @dontlookunderthebedpod www.linkedin/in/nikiwade www.linkedin/in/robinmoncrieffe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
  • This week Niki and I are having a sales conversation. We are here to remove the stigma relative to prospecting. With the proper preparation, prospecting does not have to be painful. As sellers we are tasked with finding new business and generating revenue for the hotel and we use all of our resources: Property Management[...]
  • You have submitted your proposal and your property has made the shortlist and the client has requested a hotel site visit. This is your time to shine and focus on what is important to your client. it is also your time to build trust and confidence, showcase the hotel and align your site visit with[...]
  • Niki and Robin are back and celebrating 2 years hosting Don't Look Under The Bed Podcast. Thank you for your support! HEY...leave us a review on apple podcasts Connect with us: IG: @dontlookunderthebedpod LinkedIn: linkedin/in/robinmoncrieffe linkedin/in/nikiwade [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
  • Meet Calvin Stovall! He has blended his passion for hospitality and history to reveal true stories of African American hospitality pioneers. In his upcoming book titled, "Hospitality Historiography", Calvin highlights and celebrates the hospitality contributions of African American people...specifically centering African American hotel ownership throughout history. Calvin started his hospitality career like so many of[...]
  • This week Niki and I welcome Dylan Beaumont, General Manager at Fairfield Inn by Marriott in Eugene, Oregon. Dylan is a longtime supporter of Don't Look Under The Bed and an all around advocate of the hospitality industry. When he is not running the operations at his hotel, he is listening to podcasts, sharing hospitality[...]
  • KINnecting brings equity to the travel industry by building an ecosystem of culturally immersive experiences designed by Black and Brown locally-owned businesses. We are always inspired by those that follow their passion and purpose. Our guest this week Amara Brown went on vacation in Aruba and never left. She is now on a mission to[...]
  • Niki and Robin are back! We finished 2022 strong and have look forward to whatever 2023 has in store for us. your survey link connect with us: IG: @dontlookunderthebedpod [email protected] [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
  • Have you ever stayed at a hotel or vacation rental and inquired about a product? Minoan Experience makes it possible for you to shop your short term rental or hotel. Minoans has connected brands with property hosts and property hosts with consumers. Marc Hostovsky is turning short term rentals into showrooms for brands with a[...]
  • Leanne Calderwood, CMP is a personal branding expert and LinkedIn guru. She helps professionals find their unique differentiators so they can set themselves apart from their competition in their B2B business. She has developed aspects of her personal brand and was able to attract a community of like-minded individuals which resulted in business leads, job[...]
  • Nichelle Lund approaches Hotel Sales from a customer service forward approach. She enjoys working with Guest Service Associates and leads by example relative to guest and client interactions. Nichelle is a 14 year hospitality veteran focused on better communications, better cultures and elevated customer service experiences and has developed three very unique workshops that bring[...]
  • The Sales and Catering Team is charged with generating revenue for the hotel. We share the sleeping rooms and the event space. When a business opportunity comes across our desk the goal is to qualify it and eventually convert it to a definite booking. It's important that we communicate with our team members and be[...]
  • In this episode of Don't Look Under The Bed, Niki and I discuss the importance of recognizing and celebrating your peers and team members. What do you do to make your team feel valued and special? Connect with Us: IG: @dontlookunderthebedpod www.linkedin.com/in/robinmoncrieffe www.linkedin.com/in/nikiwade [email protected] [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
  • How do you feel about road trips? What if you did not have to do the driving? Would you consider traveling via a luxury coach? This week on Don't Look Under The Bed, Niki and I discuss the option of a "Luxury Bus" in this episode titled "This ain't your grandaddy's greyhound bus" Napaway provides[...]
  • How do your emails stand out from the rest? Does your subject line grab attention? In this episode of Don't Look Under The Bed Niki and I discuss a recent Linkedin post by Leanne Calderwood, CMP, Linkedin and Personal Branding Trainer. She outlines the (4) words that grinds her gears. What does your client and[...]
  • Working on property no 2 days are the same and you could be called upon to handle a number of special request. Niki and I recall some of our most memorable. Share your stories with us and let us know something unusual that a guest has asked of you. [email protected] linkedin/in/robinmoncrieffe IG: @dontlookunderthebedpod Learn more[...]
  • We all plan travel for different reasons (girls trip, wedding, bucket list destination) Our guest this week asked her son how he would like to celebrate his 21st birthday and their trip to Europe was born. We discuss the tips and strategies when planning, the importance of communication to drive customer satisfaction and why she[...]
  • Curtis Crimmins is a hotelier, fair wage advocate and innovator. He is reinventing hotels to provide better service jobs as well as change the guest experience. Roomza was started to make life better for the people who work in hotels, and for the people who stay in them. Roomza, an original hospitality concept, is hoping[...]
  • Jen Salerno is a 20 year veteran of the Hospitality and events industry. She hosts The Room Block Podcast (where hospitality and event professionals meet) and is the owner of JTS Connect where she helps organizations connect goals, ideas and products with attendees, exhibitors, vendors and teams. We discuss Jen's hospitality journey, her transition to[...]
  • James Ferguson is a leadership & culture speaker and author who has literally written the playbook on improving your leadership skills and strengthening your team culture by centering and celebrating your employees. In The Confetti Culture Playbook James guides you through the process of building a strong company culture of valued employees who are engaged,[...]
  • It's summer vacation time and in this episode of Don't Look Under The Bed Robin and Niki discuss lost and found and the many items left behind by hotel guests. How does the guest get their stuff back? Follow us: IG: @dontlookunderthebedopod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
  • In a recent hertelier article, Maria Navarro asks the question "Why Does Working in Hospitality Change You as a Person" ? Niki and discuss a few of her observations in this episode of Don't Look Under The Bed. Link to hertelier article below: https://www.hertelier.com/post/why-does-working-in-hospitality-change-you-as-a-person FOLLOW US: IG:   https://www.instagram.com/dontlookunderthebedpod Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/dlutbpod https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikiwade [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinmoncrieffe [email protected] Learn more about[...]
  • Susan Barry is the President + Queen Bee of Hive Marketing and host of Top Floor Podcast. Hive Marketing helps hotel owners, management companies, and brands optimize top line revenue performance by deploying 25 years of award-winning experience in sales, marketing and revenue strategy. Susan's super power is executing special projects that don't fit neatly[...]
  • Hotel sales teams generate rooms and catering revenue for the hotel. Not only do we have specific financial goals to achieve quarterly and annually, we have specific weekly activity goals to demonstrate our efforts to secure business. Prospecting/Solicitation, Outside Calls, Site Visits, Entertainment, Follow Up and Account Maintenance goals are a few of the activities[...]
  • Robin and Niki serve as hosts and emcees at MPI Houston Area Chapter's "Night Among The Stars Gala" It was a spectacular evening as we celebrated MPI's 50th Anniversary and 44 years of the Houston Area Chapter. We honored tenured member anniversaries and introduced the incoming Board of Directors. Niki and I were thrilled to[...]
  • It is summer travel season and this week on Don't Look Under The Bed, Niki and I discuss one of the benefits of working in a hotel. The associate discount is a great privilege afforded to hotel employees and extends to their friends and families. Should employees expect preferential treatment (upgrade or room not next[...]
  • This week on Don't Look Under the Bed we visit with Bruce Jordan, "The MJ of Hotels". Bruce is a revenue expert and his super power is the ability to turn around failing properties, increase review scores as well as hotel revenue. Bruces shares his outlook for the future of the hospitality industry, tips for[...]
  • Tanya Minor is Director of Sales &. Marketing, wife and mother (not necessarily in that order) and literally followed the career path set before her to become a successful hotel sales leader. Like so many of us, Tanya started her hospitality journey in hotel operations and is now an award winning, performance driven sales leader[...]
  • This week Niki and I talk hot topics from the FaceBook Hospitality Family page. Listen in and give us your thoughts. FOLLOW US: IG:   https://www.instagram.com/dontlookunderthebedpod Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/dlutbpod https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikiwade [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinmoncrieffe [email protected]
  • This week on Don't Look Under The Bed, Niki and I are excited to learn from Steve Turk, a "serialpreneur", passionate about hospitality, creating unforgettable experiences and mentoring aspiring industry professionals. ABOUT STEVE TURK- TURK HOSPITALITY VENTURES Born and raised in Miami, Steve Turk is a 20-year hospitality veteran consultant for restaurants, hotels, vacation rentals,[...]
  • In the early days of my career I always heard people say, “find a mentor”. I never thought that it applied to me. Who would support me when I expressed interest in advancing my career? Who would have time to mentor ME? How do I find a mentor or sponsor? How do I ask?  In an article[...]
  • What kind of coworker are YOU? In this episode Niki and I discuss the various personalities that we have worked with, from the social butterfly who plans the monthly birthday celebrations, the workaholic, the oversharer, the office comedian who is always this close to crossing the line and the eternal pessimist who carries around a[...]
  • What kind of co-worker are you? We have all worked with the social director that plans all of the office celebrations, the hall monitor that keeps tabs on what everyone else is doing or not doing, the comedian who is always this close to crossing the line, the swamped, overworked team member too busy for[...]
  • Starting a new job is exciting as this is a new opportunity for you to showcase your talent and make a positive impression, meet new and learn new things. This week Niki and I discuss the onboarding process. Preparation is such a vital step to making your new team member feel welcome, valued and that[...]
  • This week, Niki and I talk about how the sales process has changed for us in our suburban market. We are seeing some slow return of corporate group business however, the SMERF market and leisure travel is what is keeping the lights on. FOLLOW US: IG:   https://www.instagram.com/dontlookunderthebedpod Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/dlutbpod https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikiwade [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinmoncrieffe [email protected]
  • Niki takes her first business trip since 2019. Don't Look Under The Bed - A Hospitality Podcast is recognized by the International Hospitality Institute. We thank our listeners for their continued support and encourage any and all feedback. Don't be shy! Please send us a voice message using the following link https://anchor.fm/dlutbpod/message FOLLOW US: IG:   https://www.instagram.com/dontlookunderthebedpod[...]
  • Niki takes her first business trip since 2019. Don't Look Under The Bed - A Hospitality Podcast is recognized by the International Hospitality Institute. We thank our listeners for their continued support and encourage any and all feedback. Don't be shy! Please send us a voice message using the following link https://anchor.fm/dlutbpod/message FOLLOW US: IG:   https://www.instagram.com/dontlookunderthebedpod[...]
  • As the International Hospitality Institute recognizes and celebrates Hospitality Excellence through the Global Hospitality Awards, we thought it fitting to revisit our conversation with Dr. Jeffrey Obomeghie, President and CEO of the International Hospitality Institute, The Global Advocacy, Training and Standards Organization for the Hospitality Industry.  We discuss all things hospitality to include what we[...]
  • Adele Gutman Milne is a Speaker, Guest Experience Authority and host of Get Great Guest Reviews, the Podcast. Adele has been honored as one of the Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in Sales & Marketing by the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International for achieving exceptional results, driving revenue through guest experience and reputation cultivation.[...]
  • Lawrence Phillips embarked on a 30 country, 7-continent adventure around the world and noticed there was no consistent resource that could provide destination insights on racism. So, he built one. #TravelingWhileBlack is more than a hashtag, it is a reality for many of us as we travel the world. Historically Black Travelers have faced a number of[...]
  • HelmsBriscoe is the Global Leader in Meetings Procurement & Site Selection and streamlines the meeting planning process by managing the time consuming task of researching, contacting and evaluating venues for their clients. Debbie O'Reilly, Director, Global Accounts for Helms Briscoe shares her hospitality journey, the value that Helms Briscoe provides and much more! For more[...]
  • Temporary hospitality staffing or "Task Force" is a brilliant solution that provides immediate support to hotels and management companies to fill in gaps until permanent staff return or replacement staff is hired. Task Force consultants are prepared to make a direct impact on day 1 as they have experience across a wide range of properties[...]
  • This week on Don't Look Under The Bed we are talking short-term vacation rental with Dr. Amina Gilyard James of Chronicle Lodging & Events. She is a hotel investor and owner of the Big Blue House By the Sea in Hampton Virginia. Amina shares her tips for anyone interested in getting into to short-term vacation[...]
  • Our guest this week is Monet Hambrick, travel influencer, content creator and Founder of The Traveling Child. Monet is normalizing luxury travel for Black Families and has successfully turned her passion for travel into a business. She has partnered with brands such as American Express, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and with various Tourism Boards. Monet[...]
  • Friend of the show James Brown Jr. stops by to talk about SALES Market segments may be different however, the sales process should be the same: Research, planning and preparation, prospecting, solicitation and qualifying, presentation, proposal, overcoming objections, negotiations, gaining agreement, asking for the business and closing. We also discuss the importance of building relationships,[...]
  • Meet Barbara Bryant, Rooms Operations Manager at Marriott Hotels.  She balances family, a masters program and a full time job.  We discuss her hospitality journey, the opportunities she has been afforded as a result of her masters program and her plans for the future.  Barbara also talks about her hiring strategy and how she leads[...]
  • Don't Look Under The Bed Podcast turns ONE year old and Niki and I talk about how we started.  Thank you to our listeners, guests and day one supporters. We are celebrating by offering giveaways to the first 5 listeners that Leave an Apple Review or  Send us a voice message on Anchor or Tag[...]
  • Black and Camping is about encouraging black people to get out and enjoy nature by providing diverse camping experiences and camping resources that highlight and support the black camping community. Black and Camping's mission is to introduce the world of camping to US and US to the world of camping highlighting the black camping experience[...]
  • Niki and I discuss our lived experiences, where we are currently in our careers, if we should be further along based on of our years of service in the hospitality industry, and whose responsibility it is to get us to the next level.   A recent study published by the Castell Project, Inc. titled "Black[...]
  • As the owner and entrepreneur of Russell of Hotels, Russell L. Edmond, hotel guru takes his passion and expertise for “all things hospitality” to hospitality professionals, companies, and organizations - helping them create opportunities to grow their brand through connection, collaboration, and creative marketing programs and services. Russell’s excitement and involvement in the industry speaks[...]
  • It's has truly been the season of Davonne as she has been a guest on 15 podcasts, featured in 26 articles (Forbes, Black Enterprise, The Root to name a few)  developed 50 new hotel investors and closed on 2 hotels in the same day.   I have been in the hotel business for 30+ years[...]
  • We appreciate all of our listeners and our amazing guests.  We have learned a great deal over the past few months and want to simply say thank you.   More to come in 2022 FOLLOW US: IG:     https://www.instagram.com/dontlookunderthebedpod Facebook:  https://m.facebook.com/dlutbpod https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikiwade [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinmoncrieffe [email protected] --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dlutbpod/message
  • Virtual meetings have afforded us the opportunity to stay connected however, nothing can replace face-to-face meetings over coffee, lunch or on the tradesheow floor. This week on Don't Look Under the Bed we are delighted to welcome Angie Carey, the quintessential road warrior.  When she is not traveling weekly for business, she can be found[...]
  • In this bonus episode, Niki and Robin catch up with Chelsea Timmons, the delivery driver who was "stranded with strangers", Nina Richardson and Doug Condon in Austin during Winter Storm Uri.  This is truly an amazing story of hospitality, compassion and humanity.  We applaud Nina and Doug for their random act of kindness! FOLLOW US:[...]
  • Nikolas is a senior at University of Houston, Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management and shares why he chose hospitality and offers advice to other hospitality students. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dlutbpod/message
  • Kevin Reiss is a Global Hospitality Ambassador with 30 plus years in the Industry.   He is the Assistant General Manager at the Kona Coast Resort, A Wyndham Destination located along the scenic Kona coastline of Hawaii's Big Island.  Kevin truly cares about the future of hospitality and is working to save it.  We discuss[...]
  • Niki and I are on the other side of the mic as we chat with our good friend Kyle Allison, host of Hospitality MD Podcast.   We share our first taste of hospitality, the bridge between sales and operations and much more on this episode of Don't Look Under The Bed- A Hospitality Podcast. FOLLOW US:[...]
  • Robin and Niki share their stories of when they first "touched" hospitality  FOLLOW US: IG:    https://www.instagram.com/dontlookunderthebedpod Facebook:  https://m.facebook.com/dlutbpod https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikiwade [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-m-8760553a [email protected] --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dlutbpod/message
  • Bob Diener, President, Travel Funders Network, chat with Niki and I about his latest entrepreneurial venture.  He also offers tips and strategies to new entrepreneurs. Travel Funders Network is a unique hotel distribution network in the U.S. that offers mostly 3-star hotels a minimum revenue guarantee. The networks markets the hotels through a business-to-business network[...]
  • Sharpen your pencil and grab a seat because "Class Is In Session".  This week on Don't Look Under The Bed,  Niki and Robin have a conversation with Dr. Peter Ricci, Director of the Florida Atlantic University Hospitality and Tourism Management Program. The program prepares students for management positions in multiple segments of the world's largest[...]
  • Hospitality internships are a great way to learn and gain practical work experience for anyone who wants to pursue a career in the Hospitality Industry.  Internships prepare the next generation of service leaders and assist the decision making process for which management direction they wish to pursue.   Niki shares her internship experience and the[...]
  • Hospitalitarian and friend of the show Kyle Allison returns to Don't Look Under The Bed to discuss a range of topics to include servicing guests during Hurricane Ida, the balance between guest satisfaction and team member support, what makes hospitality a noble profession and much more. Connect with Kyle: [email protected] linkedin.com/in/kyle-allison-545156115 www.solo.to/hospitalitymd will take you[...]
  • Niki and Robin chat with Dr. Jeffrey Obomeghie, President and CEO of the International Hospitality Institute, The Global Advocacy, Training and Standards Organization for the Hospitality Industry.  We discuss all things hospitality to include what we have learned over the past 18 months, the future of hospitality and bridging the gap between Gen Z, millennials[...]
  • Niki and I are delighted to chat with Allie Giraldo, an award winning General Manager who is passionate, engaging and results driven.  We discuss her 20+ year hospitality journey, passion for the industry and how she leads her teams to success. Connect with Allie on LinkedIN: Alejandra "Allie" Giraldo FOLLOW US: IG:    https://www.instagram.com/dontlookunderthebedpod/ Facebook:  https://m.facebook.com/dlutbpod[...]
  • Loren Brown is a 3rd Generation Hospitality Professional, hospitality content creator and Founder of ReImagine Hospitality. Loren is stepping out of the shadows of her family and creating her own waves in the hospitality industry, is passionate about BIPOC obtaining executive roles in hospitality and career development for every hospitality worker along with a livable[...]
  • Kaylon Beck is a native Houstonian who loves everything hospitality including: events, food and travel.  Kaylon is on a mission to redefine hospitality through a cultural lens and hopes to achieve this mission by providing a unique lodging experience that offers a quality, hospitable setting for guests to enjoy the many riches of a historic[...]
  • I often joke about being resistant to Social Media however, I do recognize and understand the value of the LinkedIn platform and the significance it holds for many job seekers as well as recruiters. This week on Don't Look Under The Bed, Niki and I chat with Tamila Copeland, Customer Success Specialist and LinkedIn insider[...]
  • Niki and I visit with our friend James Brown Jr. (no relation to the music icon however, he is a rockstar in his own right)  James has a passion for people and an obsession with customer service.  He uses his "VOICE" and 30 years customer service experience to upskill, energize and empower. We discuss his[...]
  • This week on Don't Look Under The Bed, Niki and I visit with Juliana Wathen, CTA - Creative Consultant & Event Planner with Cosmo Cool Concepts, THE Destination Management Company in Houston. We discuss how Juliana has made great use of her time during furlough, how her employer has been supportive, her connection to Janet[...]
  • This week on Don't Look Under The Bed, Niki and I discuss the stress and anxiety many hospitality professionals are experiencing with Mental Health Counselor Stephanie Coradin. Additionally, she explains how leaders can better support their team members and what team members can do to help themselves and so much more! About Stephanie: Stephanie is[...]
  • The cruising industry has been shut down for over a year...but guess WHAT??  They are back in business! In honor of the cruise operations resuming over the Fourth of July weekend,  we decided to celebrate with an encore presentation of our interview with our hospitality hero Steven Schwartz, Host, Emcee, Ring Master and Cruise Director for[...]
  • Niki and I are delighted to speak with Adam Patenaude, VP of Operations at Aimbridge Hospitality, the leading 3rd party management company operating 8 hotel product categories, with more than 1500 branded, independent, and resort properties in 49 state and 20 countries. We discuss Adam's hospitality journey, current trends in operations, the resiliency of the[...]
  • Niki and I are thrilled to welcome America's Hospitality Guru to Don't Look Under The Bed Podcast.   Christine Trippi is an award-winning Hospitality Thought Leader and Entrepreneur who helps leaders and organizations have Sweet Hospitality, Sweet Cultures, and Sweet Results!  Christine is a sought after Keynote Speaker who INSPIRES, ENERGIZES and ACTIVATES!   She[...]
  • This week Niki and I chat with our good friend and colleague Rebecca Borrello.  Like so many in hotel sales, Rebecca has decided to pivot and practice hospitality in a different way, specifically in a Senior Living Community.  Rebecca is a Certified Hospitality Educator with over 16 years of hotel sales experience and a College[...]
  • This week on Don't Look Under The Bed Podcast, Niki and Robin chat with Catinna Houston, an Assistant General Manager who took an unconventional career path.  Catinna's hospitality journey has taken her through Sales and Marketing, Revenue Management, Site Sourcing, Meeting, Event and Conference Planning and more. Catinna discusses the dynamic relationship between Sales and[...]
  • Niki and Robin chat with Dorita Hatchett, M.B.A. of Hatchett & Associates LLC.  Dorita's superpower is helping entrepreneurs get things done. She has a "Strategy First" philosophy and framework for working with clients and is passionate about helping Start Ups or persons with entrepreneurial endeavors flesh out their visions to take their project to the[...]
  • Niki and Robin chat with Michele Olivier, Recruitment Disruptor who is here to REMIX the recruiting game.   Michele is the Principle Consultant at O & H Consulting where they prepare "SUPER RESUMES" and offer "POWERFUL CAREER ADVICE.  Niki and I discover that we have been doing it ALL wrong. Michele offers resume tips, interview[...]
  • This week on Don't Look Under The Bed Podcast, Niki and I chat with Elizabeth Ndungu, Kindness Incorporator, Business and Life Strategist and CEO of Ndungu LLC.  Elizabeth helps people find their inner HERO so they can accomplish their highest goals.  We discussed her hospitality journey as an award winning General Manager, how she kept[...]
  • Please SUBSCRIBE, SHARE and RATE the show.  Additionally, we encourage you to leave us a voice message with your comments and show ideas. This week Niki and I discuss the beginning of our hospitality journey and what we love about the industry.  One of the highlights that we have in common is that we were[...]
  • Niki and Robin chat with Kyle Allison, Managing Partner of HospitalityMD a hospitality consulting firm driven to revolutionize the hospitality industry with an insiders approach.  Kyle along with his partner, Gregorio Fregoso Jr. specialize in identifying a hotels' operational weaknesses and work to execute an aggressive stabilization plan.  They believe a hotels' success is dependent[...]
  • Niki and Robin are delighted to welcome Melissa DelBuono, co-founder of Project Save Hospitality. Melissa was laid off from her job in the hotel industry and came together with her friend Kingsley Egbuchunam to help their colleagues. They started talking to employers outside of the hospitality industry and it became clear that many were unaware[...]
  • Don't Look Under The Bed goes INTERNATIONAL as Niki and Robin chat with hospitality professionals from London, Sarah Kettel and Timothy R. Andrews. We discuss what's going on in our respective cities, what we miss most during quarantine and more.  Sarah and Tim host a podcast titled "Timothy, Put The Kettel On", where they discuss[...]
  • Please share, subscribe and follow us on IG:  @dontlookunderthebedpod / contact us: [email protected] Niki and Robin welcome back the Hospitality Coach, Monica Miller to discuss the reasons why there may be a shortage of talent in the hospitality industry. The conversation started from a recent LinkedIn post from Hospitality Recruiter, Megan Applegate, who stated that[...]
  • Robin has a conversation with Executive Hospitality Recruiter, Megan Applegate.  They discuss the 2021 Management Salary & Trends Report, top (3) tips to better position ourselves during the job search and more.  You can connect with Megan Applegate on LinkedIn. Follow us on IG: dontlookunderthebedpod [email protected] [email protected] --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dlutbpod/message
  • It's the last day of spring break and you are at the hotel pool enjoying your favorite beverage.  You return to your room, pack up and check out. You get home and discover that your portable bluetooth speaker is right where you left it... on the table, on the hotel balcony.  What happens now? Niki[...]
  • In this episode of Don't Look Under The Bed, your hosts Niki and Robin have a conversation with Sharmagne Taylor, CMP.  We discuss everything from hospitality recovery to contract negotiations and self-care.  Please SHARE, SUBSCRIBE and COMMENT  Follow us on IG: @dontlookunderthebedpod www.dontlookunderthebed.org  [email protected] [email protected]    --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dlutbpod/message
  • You must fill your own cup before you can pour into others.  Niki and Robin discuss how they engage in self-care to reduce stress and promote a healthy well-being.  Also Niki shares a story of a guest who definitely had a "full cup" . Please share, comment, review and follow us!  IG: instagram.com/dontlookunderthebedpod/ --- Send in[...]
  • Winter storm Uri pounced on Texas and brought with it snow, ice and unprecedented temperatures. The infrastructure was compromised and millions of residents were without electricity and water for days. Temperatures dipped into the teens and families were forced seek lodging in local hotels and warming centers.  Niki and I discuss how the community pulled[...]
  • The WSJ published an article titled "Four Million Hotel, Restaurant Workers Have Lost Jobs.  Here's How They're ReInventing Themselves."  Hotelier and Sales Leader, Monica Miller commented on LinkedIN in reference to this article and started some necessary dialogue.  Robin and Niki speak with Monica about her reaction to the WSJ article.   --- Send in[...]
  • This week we shine the SPOTLIGHT on a 20 year hospitality veteran who specializes in team sports travel.  Russ Dlin, Senior Sales Manager at The Hotel at the University of Maryland hosts collegiate and professional sports teams AND works a bonus job at ESPN and CBS Sports as a statistician. Find out what Russ does[...]
  • Robin and Niki navigate the job search and discuss why we may not be getting any call backs. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dlutbpod/message
  • Occasionally we find ourselves in an oversold situation where the number of incoming reservations outnumber the remaining rooms.  Niki and Robin give you a "peak under the under the bed" --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dlutbpod/message
  • Meet Niki and Robin and hear their stories of how they got into the hospitality business and never looked back --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dlutbpod/message
  • The hospitality industry has been devastated by the pandemic and millions have lost their jobs.  Some that were furloughed have returned to work, others found it necessary to pivot and try another industry and many of us are still not working. Your hosts Niki and Robin will amplify the voices of colleagues and industry leaders[...]

Ep. 103 Sober Curious, Trend or Movement? with Sydney Eason, Co-Founder, Eason Branding

What started out as dry January has morphed into a sober movement where people are abstaining from alcohol due to a number of reasons: Perhaps they overindulged during the pandemic, they want better physical and mental health, or perhaps folks are simply tired of being hungover.

According to a Forbes article (Jan 2023) the sober movement is driven by Millennials and Gen Z who are not big on drinking. Sober Bars offer a non alcoholic option for those who want to participate in the ritual of celebration and socializing while enjoying a sexy non alcoholic craft cocktail or non alcoholic wine or beer. Study researcher, Gretchen Andsager for NCSolutions says, ” This is a growing industry trend and the market value is between $8 billion and $11 billion for low and no alcohol beverages, so it’s definitely a growing industry in general that many companies are starting to tap into”.

Our guest this week is Sydney Eason, Co-Founder of Eason Branding, a Hospitality Branding and Marketing Firm. Sydney discusses the emerging sober movement, the various non-alcoholic options available, how hotels and restaurants can build out their non-alcohol programs and more.

www.easonbranding.com

IG: @easonbranding

Sober Bars

NYC: Hekate East Village, Sechey West Village, Absence of Proof / Houston: Better Luck Tomorrow, Monkey’s Tail, Daily Gather / Austin: Sans Bar/ San Francisco: Ocean Beach Cafe/ Chicago: Benedicion Dry Bar, Prazbar/ Washington DC: Binge Bar/ Phoenix: The Nixer

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