HFTP Connect is featuring four guest bloggers throughout HITEC 2012. The bloggers will be providing you their insights on all things HITEC. Before we get to Baltimore next week, get to know our guest bloggers.
We already met Brad More, Nicole Hockin and Christina Dzingala.
Let’s meet our final guest blogger, Tyrone Davis.
Tyrone Davis is been in hospitality IT management for the past six years, currently at the Grand Hyatt Washington. As a member of HFTP, he has served on the board of directors for both the New England Hotel and Greater Washington DC Hotel chapters. You can network him on LinkedIn or through e-mail.
What is your specialty in hospitality and why do you enjoy your job?
I became IT Manager of a travel-industry company very closely related to hospitality over 12 years ago. Having made the transition to managing IT directly in hospitality six years ago, I’m currently at my second property now.
The honest fact that unlike many branches of technology, no two weeks are the same in the hotel business — the variety is enjoyable.
Emerging technologies, interesting associates to support, something new to learn all the time and lately, even more involvement in satisfying the unique technology needs of groups (ie. our robot will need a fixed IP address on your wireless feed).
What is your favorite part about HITEC?
The vibrant environment of being amongst peers that both understand what’s involved in delivering hospitality IT and are as excited about the latest possibilities as you are.
The camaraderie of others who are striving to contribute to the success of their properties sparks ideas from both session presenters and from the audience during Q&A.
What is something that you are looking forward to doing in Baltimore?
Meeting up with my industry friends.
One friend recently finished a high-profile gut renovation that I’m excited to learn more about. I’m also looking forward to catching up with a West Coast friend I haven’t seen since we worked 16+ hour days six days a week on a property takeover. I’m looking forward to seeing how the property is doing now.
Since you’ve been in the industry, which technology do you think has changed hospitality the most?
Aside from the fascinating behind-the-scenes projects that HTNG (Hotel Technology Next Generation) is working on, I would say wireless technology.
We all realize the impact that the proliferation of wireless devices is having upon the guest-facing infrastructure — but take it beyond that and the opportunities have expanded.
As an enabler, wireless technologies are impacting our business in a number of ways.
Small pendant wireless devices that have been featured at HITEC over the past few years allow hands-free communication between front desk, housekeepers, supervisors, bellmen and valet – all over a property’s Wi-Fi network. This discreetly provides a higher level of situational awareness and thus enhance guest service.
Many of our Andaz-brand properties utilize a Wi-Fi based tablet to break away from the “Front Desk” and engage a guest at the door, then comfortably in the lobby for check-in and finally escort them to their room. This reshapes and personalizes the very flow of the welcome being delivered.
A property, such as Aria at City Center in Las Vegas, is able to utilize a Zigbee-enabled lock system. This system can communicate back to security when a door is left ajar for too long. And when the lock’s batteries are running low, the lock tells you — not a disappointed guest.
Look for this symbol on HFTP Connect to show you that the blogger is an official blogger of HITEC 2012.
Please note:
The content published in this section was provided by HITEC Guest Bloggers. The information is the view/opinions of the Guest Bloggers and not of HFTP, nor of any person or organization affiliated or doing business with HFTP.
