Exploring the Future of Hospitality IT
Page Petry recently shared her expertise during the 2024 BITAC Owners Fall Event panel discussion. Moderated by Heide Werthamer, Vice President of Operations – Managed Services at Cloud5, the panel also featured Nelson Garrido, SVP of IT at Brookfield Properties. Together, they explored critical trends in hospitality technology, from essential infrastructure upgrades to leveraging AI and sustainability practices.
One key takeaway was the importance of robust network infrastructure. Page highlighted that without a solid network, guest-facing services and operational tools cannot perform optimally—making it a foundational investment for any hotel. She stated,
If that network isn’t solid, nothing else you invest in will materialize fully.
he also discussed balancing brand-driven tech mandates with financial realities, ensuring owners plan proactively to manage costs.
You need to be proactive about your three-to-five-year strategy,” emphasizing the importance of anticipating brand-driven tech requirements before they become urgent.
Another focal point was the potential of AI and robotics. Page shared how AI can support internal operations like employee training and knowledge management, allowing staff to focus on high-touch guest services. She elaborated on AI’s use in internal processes, suggesting that AI-powered tools could be deployed to help staff quickly access training materials, internal documents, or HR information without requiring human intervention.
She also stressed that sustainability must be ingrained in daily operations, not just checked off as a requirement. Page pointed out that sustainability should be integrated into the very DNA of a property, not just a box to check.
It’s about how you’re operating—your heating, lighting, and power systems—and driving costs down.
Ultimately, the discussion emphasized a balanced approach to hospitality IT—investing in secure networks, leveraging data for decision-making, and adopting emerging technologies to meet evolving guest expectations and operational needs.
Note: Quotes are sourced from the article linked above.
Photo Credit: Hotel Interactive
Published on January 14, 2025
Author: Gavin Fraser
