The Modern Hotelier

In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with the dynamic Meg Gutowski, Executive Director of the Independent Lodging Congress (ILC), live from ILC CONfab in Chicago. Meg shares her unconventional journey from catering weddings to leading one of the most vibrant communities in independent hospitality. She opens up about what makes ILC truly special—from building real partnerships with host properties to curating events where business gets done, but fun is never far behind. From rooftop cocktails to Miami shenanigans, you’ll hear how Meg and the ILC team are redefining what it means to connect in this industry. Whether you’re an independent hotelier, event producer, or just love hospitality done differently, this episode is packed with insight, laughs, and a whole lot of heart. Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DmZ_h4o24KM [https://youtu.be/DmZ_h4o24KM] Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-modern-hotelier/] The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media [https://makemore.media/] Links: Meg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meg-gutowski-09b33972/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/meg-gutowski-09b33972/] ILC: https://ilcongress.com/ [https://ilcongress.com/] For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/185https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/188 [https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/188] Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazVDR1pSVXJod3JVdlR4a0ttaF91QW9iaVR3QXxBQ3Jtc0ttYnRLV3FNVm0wZlB6M1I4UWNrUFFJSFY3MUwxd3FTUk4ySjVMempLdjZuaGhEQndTWnFmUDhkaWxnSklTX0tiX1phYTJvN1RDbVRhXy1rYklVVW5DLWtDTWM2VUI5OEFLbEN1YVRWNU9mZUE0MHBnWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fthe-modern-hotelier%2F&v=qybWQFbNhfw] Connect with Steve and David: Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbjFLejMwaTdCMGFoWTZfY0RkR3VJdzBkLUJtZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttQ3FGQ3Z0ZTBwLVJ4WVM0MzZZc1NiS2hyT0hnMTlUOC1jT3FhX3pWT0VvakUzeXVBN1EzdFE0QkFvaXlDcF9KbzFuMnVFdENFaXhvQnBxN3JiVmdoRktaMXd3Tkh1czBkYzRMWDlfSjdwZWxjYWRVbw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2F%25F0%259F%258E%2599%25EF%25B8%258Fsteve-carran-00914510%2F&v=qybWQFbNhfw] David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFdVS1ItdlVoaVM4ZjZEd0Jxc012MHdMeGE1UXxBQ3Jtc0tsMVhybGpBcDZzYnVCeEE4VDU3bnE5eER6OHRDQzVham1kSGgzcVU1Z01FWWQ1aGJVMGh5VjF2cnp3R1VHeFMyWjI4aS1qRWRFZkZKc1dEX3JMVnpCX2FUMWxweHdsT0tISy00bTNCVmVqVHczR1QtWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fdavid-millili%2F&v=qybWQFbNhfw]

In this special edition of The Modern Hotelier: Hospitality’s Most Engaged Podcast, David Millili, Steve Carran, and Jon Bumhoffer take a moment to pause, reflect, and look ahead as we hit the halfway point of 2025. From standout interviews and hotel experiences to hilarious behind-the-scenes moments and the hustle of live events, the trio shares their favorite memories, biggest surprises, and what it really takes to keep the podcast (and media company!) running at full throttle. Highlights include: * Why laughter has become the heartbeat of the show * Behind-the-scenes chaos (and joy) from filming hotel experiences * Favourite guests—from heartfelt conversations to industry game-changers * What they’ve learned as hosts, producers, and friends * Who they dream of interviewing next This isn’t just a recap—it’s a celebration of hospitality, creativity, and the people behind the stories. Tune in to laugh with us, learn with us, and see where we’re heading next. Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/X3xEpY8dxZk [https://youtu.be/X3xEpY8dxZk] Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-modern-hotelier/] The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media [https://makemore.media/] For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/185https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/187 [https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/187] Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazVDR1pSVXJod3JVdlR4a0ttaF91QW9iaVR3QXxBQ3Jtc0ttYnRLV3FNVm0wZlB6M1I4UWNrUFFJSFY3MUwxd3FTUk4ySjVMempLdjZuaGhEQndTWnFmUDhkaWxnSklTX0tiX1phYTJvN1RDbVRhXy1rYklVVW5DLWtDTWM2VUI5OEFLbEN1YVRWNU9mZUE0MHBnWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fthe-modern-hotelier%2F&v=qybWQFbNhfw] Connect with Steve and David: Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbjFLejMwaTdCMGFoWTZfY0RkR3VJdzBkLUJtZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttQ3FGQ3Z0ZTBwLVJ4WVM0MzZZc1NiS2hyT0hnMTlUOC1jT3FhX3pWT0VvakUzeXVBN1EzdFE0QkFvaXlDcF9KbzFuMnVFdENFaXhvQnBxN3JiVmdoRktaMXd3Tkh1czBkYzRMWDlfSjdwZWxjYWRVbw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2F%25F0%259F%258E%2599%25EF%25B8%258Fsteve-carran-00914510%2F&v=qybWQFbNhfw] David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFdVS1ItdlVoaVM4ZjZEd0Jxc012MHdMeGE1UXxBQ3Jtc0tsMVhybGpBcDZzYnVCeEE4VDU3bnE5eER6OHRDQzVham1kSGgzcVU1Z01FWWQ1aGJVMGh5VjF2cnp3R1VHeFMyWjI4aS1qRWRFZkZKc1dEX3JMVnpCX2FUMWxweHdsT0tISy00bTNCVmVqVHczR1QtWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fdavid-millili%2F&v=qybWQFbNhfw]

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Cole, the Director of Sales and Marketing at the iconic Warwick Melrose Dallas, to explore how this historic hotel has gracefully evolved over the past century. From its roots as 1920s apartments to a luxurious modern-day destination, Michael shares the rich story behind the walls—and what makes this hotel truly one of a kind. What you'll hear about in this episode: * How Michael accidentally fell into hospitality—and stayed for 32 years * Why the Presidential Suite still feels like stepping back in time * The recent additions: a brand-new spa, outdoor pool, and 5,500 sq ft ballroom * How the hotel flawlessly blends old-world charm with modern luxury Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zHJX_H3-_JU [https://youtu.be/zHJX_H3-_JU] Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-modern-hotelier/] The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media [https://makemore.media/] Links: Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-cole-96a08b20/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-cole-96a08b20/] Warwick Melrose - Dallas: https://www.warwickhotels.com/ [https://www.warwickhotels.com/] For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/185https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/186 [https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/186] Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazVDR1pSVXJod3JVdlR4a0ttaF91QW9iaVR3QXxBQ3Jtc0ttYnRLV3FNVm0wZlB6M1I4UWNrUFFJSFY3MUwxd3FTUk4ySjVMempLdjZuaGhEQndTWnFmUDhkaWxnSklTX0tiX1phYTJvN1RDbVRhXy1rYklVVW5DLWtDTWM2VUI5OEFLbEN1YVRWNU9mZUE0MHBnWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fthe-modern-hotelier%2F&v=qybWQFbNhfw] Connect with Steve and David: Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbjFLejMwaTdCMGFoWTZfY0RkR3VJdzBkLUJtZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttQ3FGQ3Z0ZTBwLVJ4WVM0MzZZc1NiS2hyT0hnMTlUOC1jT3FhX3pWT0VvakUzeXVBN1EzdFE0QkFvaXlDcF9KbzFuMnVFdENFaXhvQnBxN3JiVmdoRktaMXd3Tkh1czBkYzRMWDlfSjdwZWxjYWRVbw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2F%25F0%259F%258E%2599%25EF%25B8%258Fsteve-carran-00914510%2F&v=qybWQFbNhfw] David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFdVS1ItdlVoaVM4ZjZEd0Jxc012MHdMeGE1UXxBQ3Jtc0tsMVhybGpBcDZzYnVCeEE4VDU3bnE5eER6OHRDQzVham1kSGgzcVU1Z01FWWQ1aGJVMGh5VjF2cnp3R1VHeFMyWjI4aS1qRWRFZkZKc1dEX3JMVnpCX2FUMWxweHdsT0tISy00bTNCVmVqVHczR1QtWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fdavid-millili%2F&v=qybWQFbNhfw]

In this episode, we sit down with Executive Chef Patrick McElroy of Landmark Prime Rib inside the iconic Warwick Melrose Hotel in Dallas. Chef Patrick shares his journey from a small island in South Jersey—where fresh seafood was caught just minutes from home—to his rise through French and Italian kitchens across the Northeast, and eventually his return to the place he now calls home: The Melrose. We talk about the unique character of the Warwick Melrose, the revival of prime rib as an everyday luxury, and how nostalgia and neighbourhood ties have shaped this historic hotel into a modern-day favorite. If you love stories of culinary heritage, community connection, and bringing classic hospitality back to life—this episode is for you. In this episode, we explore: * How his father (a corporate exec with serious grill skills) influenced his cooking * What makes the Landmark Prime Rib and Library Bar so unique in the Dallas scene * The deep neighborhood ties and generational loyalty to The Melrose * Why prime rib deserves to be more than just a holiday meal * What brought Patrick back after 2020—and why it still feels like home Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zmFVQPBIauQ [https://youtu.be/zmFVQPBIauQ]  Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-modern-hotelier/] The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media [https://makemore.media/] Links: Patrick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-mcelroy-74763052/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-mcelroy-74763052/] Warwick Melrose - Dallas: https://www.warwickhotels.com/warwick-melrose-dallas [https://www.warwickhotels.com/warwick-melrose-dallas] For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/185 [https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/185] Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazVDR1pSVXJod3JVdlR4a0ttaF91QW9iaVR3QXxBQ3Jtc0ttYnRLV3FNVm0wZlB6M1I4UWNrUFFJSFY3MUwxd3FTUk4ySjVMempLdjZuaGhEQndTWnFmUDhkaWxnSklTX0tiX1phYTJvN1RDbVRhXy1rYklVVW5DLWtDTWM2VUI5OEFLbEN1YVRWNU9mZUE0MHBnWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fthe-modern-hotelier%2F&v=qybWQFbNhfw] Connect with Steve and David: Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbjFLejMwaTdCMGFoWTZfY0RkR3VJdzBkLUJtZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttQ3FGQ3Z0ZTBwLVJ4WVM0MzZZc1NiS2hyT0hnMTlUOC1jT3FhX3pWT0VvakUzeXVBN1EzdFE0QkFvaXlDcF9KbzFuMnVFdENFaXhvQnBxN3JiVmdoRktaMXd3Tkh1czBkYzRMWDlfSjdwZWxjYWRVbw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2F%25F0%259F%258E%2599%25EF%25B8%258Fsteve-carran-00914510%2F&v=qybWQFbNhfw] David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFdVS1ItdlVoaVM4ZjZEd0Jxc012MHdMeGE1UXxBQ3Jtc0tsMVhybGpBcDZzYnVCeEE4VDU3bnE5eER6OHRDQzVham1kSGgzcVU1Z01FWWQ1aGJVMGh5VjF2cnp3R1VHeFMyWjI4aS1qRWRFZkZKc1dEX3JMVnpCX2FUMWxweHdsT0tISy00bTNCVmVqVHczR1QtWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fdavid-millili%2F&v=qybWQFbNhfw]

In this episode, we sit down with Mahwish Saleem, Head of Sales at FCS Solutions, to explore how hotels can streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and improve guest satisfaction—all by simplifying their tech stack. Mahwish shares her first impressions of HITEC, what excites her about the future of hotel tech, and how FCS is helping hoteliers stay ahead in an increasingly complex digital landscape. What you’ll learn in this episode: * Mahwish’s first HITEC experience and why it's more than just a trade show * How FCS Solutions helps hotels improve operations and guest service * Why reducing the hotel tech stack is becoming a top priority * How automation and AI are driving productivity in housekeeping and maintenance Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OQLYoLfKBNM [https://youtu.be/OQLYoLfKBNM] This episode is sponsored by FCS Solutions: https://www.fcshub.com/en [https://www.fcshub.com/en] Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-modern-hotelier/] The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media [https://makemore.media/] Links: Mahwish on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahwish-saleem-17ab1283/?originalSubdomain=ca [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahwish-saleem-17ab1283/?originalSubdomain=ca] FCS Solutions: https://www.fcshub.com/en [https://www.fcshub.com/en] For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/166https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/184 [https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/184] Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazVDR1pSVXJod3JVdlR4a0ttaF91QW9iaVR3QXxBQ3Jtc0ttYnRLV3FNVm0wZlB6M1I4UWNrUFFJSFY3MUwxd3FTUk4ySjVMempLdjZuaGhEQndTWnFmUDhkaWxnSklTX0tiX1phYTJvN1RDbVRhXy1rYklVVW5DLWtDTWM2VUI5OEFLbEN1YVRWNU9mZUE0MHBnWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fthe-modern-hotelier%2F&v=qybWQFbNhfw] Connect with Steve and David: Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbjFLejMwaTdCMGFoWTZfY0RkR3VJdzBkLUJtZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttQ3FGQ3Z0ZTBwLVJ4WVM0MzZZc1NiS2hyT0hnMTlUOC1jT3FhX3pWT0VvakUzeXVBN1EzdFE0QkFvaXlDcF9KbzFuMnVFdENFaXhvQnBxN3JiVmdoRktaMXd3Tkh1czBkYzRMWDlfSjdwZWxjYWRVbw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2F%25F0%259F%258E%2599%25EF%25B8%258Fsteve-carran-00914510%2F&v=qybWQFbNhfw] David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFdVS1ItdlVoaVM4ZjZEd0Jxc012MHdMeGE1UXxBQ3Jtc0tsMVhybGpBcDZzYnVCeEE4VDU3bnE5eER6OHRDQzVham1kSGgzcVU1Z01FWWQ1aGJVMGh5VjF2cnp3R1VHeFMyWjI4aS1qRWRFZkZKc1dEX3JMVnpCX2FUMWxweHdsT0tISy00bTNCVmVqVHczR1QtWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fdavid-millili%2F&v=qybWQFbNhfw]