How can data-driven personalisation and direct booking strategies help hotels navigate structural change? with Bryson Koehler

How can data-driven personalisation and direct booking strategies help hotels navigate structural change? with Bryson Koehler

As the hospitality industry faces a confluence of rising operational costs, shifting consumer expectations, and growing OTA dependency, how can hotels use data and personalisation to protect profitability and rebuild direct guest relationships? In this episode of Setting the PACE, Tim Davis speaks with Bryson Koehler, CEO of Revinate, to explore how hotels can move beyond broad segmentation towards truly one-to-one marketing, and why the stakes for doing so have never been higher. Bryson shares insights on Revinate's evolution from a guest feedback platform to a direct booking powerhouse driving over $5 billion in annual revenue for hotels worldwide, and what it takes to build a 360-degree view of the guest that powers personalisation across every channel. The conversation examines the structural shifts redefining hotel economics post-COVID, from cost inflation to OTA commissions, and why simply waiting for conditions to revert is no longer a viable strategy. Bryson also offers a candid assessment of where the hotel industry sits on the marketing maturity curve, the mounting pressure on traditional loyalty programmes, and how AI can augment rather than replace the human connections that lie at the heart of hospitality. Drawing on experience at IHG, IBM, The Weather Company and Equifax, he brings a distinctly data-led lens to some of the industry's most pressing commercial challenges.

How can connected technology and data reshape the hospitality journey? With Paco Pérez-Lozao Rüter

As hospitality grapples with fragmented systems, rising operational complexity, and rapidly evolving guest expectations, what technology foundations are needed to enable truly connected, experience-led travel? In this episode of Setting the PACE, Tim Davis speaks with Paco Pérez-Lozao Rüter, President of Hospitality at Amadeus, to explore how the industry can move beyond isolated “tech islands” towards cloud-based, data-centric ecosystems that support personalisation and digital merchandising at scale. Paco shares insights on the shift from transaction-centric models to traveller-centric journeys, the importance of unified data architecture, and how next-generation core platforms are enabling new use cases across distribution, operations and guest engagement. The conversation examines the realities of technology adoption in hospitality, the balance between building, partnering and acquiring capabilities, and how AI-driven models could reshape how travel is discovered, planned and booked. Paco also provides a global market perspective, discussing regional growth trends, changing traveller behaviour and what distinguishes industry leaders from those struggling to keep pace.

How is cloud technology transforming hotel operations? With Michael Leidinger

As hotels accelerate their digital transformation journeys in an era of rapidly evolving guest expectations and operational demands, what are the critical technology foundations required to innovate at scale? In this episode of Setting the PACE, Tim Davis speaks with Michael Leidinger, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Hilton, to explore the strategic imperatives behind one of the industry's most ambitious technology transformations. Michael shares insights on Hilton's transition to cloud-based infrastructure, the shift from legacy systems to API-driven architecture, and the practical implications of AI for both guest experience and operational efficiency. The conversation examines the build versus buy dilemma, the importance of data architecture in enabling personalisation, and how privacy regulations are reshaping technology decisions. Michael also offers candid perspectives on the challenges of prioritising technology investments across a global portfolio.

How is technology transforming revenue management? With Klaus Kohlmayr

As hotels navigate unprecedented changes in guest expectations and technology capabilities, how should revenue management evolve to stay ahead? In this episode of Setting the PACE, Tim Davis speaks with Klaus Kohlmayr, Chief Development Officer at IDeaS Revenue Solutions, to explore the future of pricing and commercial strategy. Klaus shares his perspective on the shift towards personalization and merchandising, the role of AI in decision-making, and why legacy systems need modernisation. The conversation examines how revenue managers can expand their influence, the challenges of data integration, and why alternative accommodations are reshaping traditional strategies. Klaus also reflects on balancing technology innovation with the human element of hospitality.

What does the future of the hotel industry look like? With Chris Silcock

In today's crowded hotel brand market, with rapid technology innovation reshaping guest expectations, how can hospitality companies sharpen their competitive edge? In this episode of Setting the PACE, Tim Davis speaks with Chris Silcock, President of Global Brands and Commercial Services at Hilton, to explore the strategic imperatives facing the industry. Chris shares his views on the evolving role of loyalty programmes, the forces reshaping consumer behaviour, and how technology and AI are transforming hospitality. The conversation examines Hilton's approach to navigating an increasingly competitive landscape and managing a diverse brand portfolio across global markets. Chris also offers practical advice for those entering the industry. https://pacedimensions.com/