Q&A with Jeanne Hopkins, CMO at Lola.com

Q&A with Jeanne Hopkins, CMO at Lola.com
Jeanne Hopkins, CMO at Lola.com has profound expertise in data-driven, high-velocity customer acquisition and marketing organizations and inbound-based lead gen programs to support global demand for high-growth SaaS companies.

Jeanne is also the co-author of "Go Mobile"​, the #1 best-selling mobile marketing book. She has been named to Sales Lead Management Association "Top 50"​ 3 years in a row and "20 Women to Watch" in 2015/14/13 & 2011.

MEDIA 7: What inspired you to get into marketing?
JEANNE HOPKINS:
 After graduation, I took my first job in the accounting department at Baystate Medical Center. At my annual review, I was told that I was too “noisy” for an accounting department. I went on to work at Milton Bradley Company’s in-house advertising agency, MB Communications, as editor of their in-house newspaper, and later recruited to LEGO Systems to do marketing programs. I found myself at a self-funded start-up tech company in 2000, where I was running an inside sales team and building digital properties to generate leads. I moved into software, digital marketing, and lead generation at companies like MarketingSherpa, then HubSpot, SmartBear, Ipswitch (now Progress Software) – it’s all been a fantastic journey.

M7: How is agile technology transforming corporate travel around the globe?
JH:
Small and mid-sized businesses have to be fast and efficient amidst growth, and booking, re-booking, and managing business travel can seriously impede efficiency and productivity. Finance teams are trying to manage, control, and get visibility into expenditures. Travelers are trying to do their jobs and don’t have time for expense reports. And travel arrangers (executive assistants and office admins) have plenty on their plates. Finally, there are tools that are addressing these direct needs at small and mid-sized businesses. Consumers have had the ease of booking travel through sites like Kayak and big businesses can afford the services and fees associated with high-end travel agencies. But the middle segment has been left out. Now, agile tools like Lola.com are making it really easy for corporate travelers to book, re-book, and take the task of expense reports off the table. And finance teams are able to set up travel policies in minutes, and easily manage, control, and get visibility into expenditures. The corporate travel market is huge, and agile technology is making it much easier for travelers and companies all-around.


"The corporate travel market is huge, and agile technology is making it much easier for travelers and companies all-around."

M7: How does Lola.com ensure a hassle-free modern business travel experience with transparent spending for its customers / business travelers?
JH:
It’s a simple super app to use. For travelers, it has a large inventory of flights and hotels that allows users to avoid having to go between tabs or other sites to compare fares, and it saves preferences, loyalty programs, and payment options in the same place. Traveler profiles are automatically stored so users can book with one click, and the 24/7 support team ensures easy booking and re-booking due to delays and cancellations. Seriously, when someone is in the air, missing their connection due to a delay, many times, Lola.com support has them re-booked on another flight before they land.

For finance personnel, a corporate travel policy can be set up in five minutes for more control over spending, and employees automatically know what they are allowed to book. Takes the guesswork out of the booking process. All data resides in one place so there is complete visibility into travel spend. And we integrate with other tools like Expensify – receipts are automatically sent to Expensify for easy expense tracking and reporting. No messing with receipts (or missing receipts either).


"For finance personnel, a corporate travel policy can be set up in five minutes for more control over spending, and employees automatically know what they are allowed to book."

M7: What trends do you foresee in the ‘Travel & Expense Software Market’ in future?
JH:
Certainly, we are seeing “Bleisure” travel on the rise – those looking to combine business travel with leisure time. Busy people who travel with their jobs want to get the most out a business trip, and many times, even look to extend a business trip last minute to enjoy the area or do something in particular. So companies are looking for faster, agile tools that can respond to quick changes in plans. Companies are also focusing more on keeping their travelers happy and productive on the road, and don’t want them to get caught up in the red tape of corporate travel. So, the trend is simple, faster, more agile tools to make arranging and managing travel a great experience for all.

M7: As the co-author of ‘Go Mobile’, what tactics do you believe modern marketers must focus for successful mobile media marketing campaigns?
JH:  
That book was launched in 2012 and was probably ahead of its time. While at HubSpot seven years ago, I saw the growing influence of mobile search on our blog and website and wanted to make sure we recognized its impact. Today, marketers know that Google prioritizes mobile search and it is imperative to truly understand the need for content that can be delivered in a mobile setting. The ability to auto-fill a form is critical now. The ability to read your email and respond is imperative now. The ability to print from your phone is important - whether an eBook, a recipe or instructions. Your mobile device is your computer now. It wasn’t perceived as that urgent a requirement until 18-24 months ago.


"Companies are focusing more on keeping their travelers happy and productive on the road, and don’t want them to get caught up in the red tape of corporate travel. So, the trend is simple, faster, more agile tools to make arranging and managing travel a great experience for all."

M7: What is your favorite part of working at Lola.com?
JH:
The people. Transparently, everyone really values working alongside each other – all smart, motivated, driven, fun teammates who want to make Lola.com the best workplace ever.  I take a quote from Netflix on how I feel, “Loosely coupled yet tightly aligned.”

M7: What is your superpower or spirit animal?
JH:
 GSD. I just like to get stuff done. I use lists, reminders, notes, etc. to try and stay on top of all that needs to be done. More than anything, I want my team and the company to be successful. I enjoy working, and I enjoy success and - most of all - I enjoy making mistakes and sharing what I did so that others realize that you won’t die from a typo. It’s all fun and I enjoy laughing most of all (remember, I am a loud individual).

ABOUT LOLA.COM

Lola.com makes Agile Travel Management real by providing a super simple way to manage, book and report on business travel, saving employers and travelers time and money. Happy employee travel experiences within a policy can be set up in five minutes. Lola.com uses machine learning and 24/7 support to help travelers easily book trips, while empowering managers to create policies, view budgets and expenditures, and monitor their globetrotting team efficiently. Based in Boston, the company was founded in 2015 by Paul English, co-founder of the travel booking site KAYAK, and is led by CEO Mike Volpe, previously CMO at HubSpot. For more information, connect on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

More C-Suite on deck

Data is king and informs any marketing strategies we employ’ says Dr. Jens Thraenhart, CEO at Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.

Media 7 | September 7, 2022

Dr. Jens Thraenhart, CEO at Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. talks about highlighting small businesses and local entrepreneurs, targeting our audiences digitally. Read on to know unique initiatives in tourism industry.

Read More

'The “Swissness” stands for quality around the world' says Henri W.R. Kennedie, President & CEO at Swiss International Hotels & Resorts.

Media 7 | July 12, 2022

Swiss International Hotels & Resorts President & CEO Henri W.R. Kennedie discusses the company's iOS and Android apps, as well as its operations, licensing, revenue, quality, and other relevant topics. Read along for additional information on Swissness, Swiss-Select, and more.

Read More

“The guest experience has never been more important,” says Matthew Cameron-Smith, CEO at Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia.

Media 7 | June 27, 2022

Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia's CEO, Matthew Cameron-Smith, discusses, Tali Wiru, Indigenous training and employment across Australia, as well as experience-based vacations, the iconic Red Centre, and tourism facilities. Read more to learn more about eco-friendly, sustainable travel.

Read More

Data is king and informs any marketing strategies we employ’ says Dr. Jens Thraenhart, CEO at Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.

Media 7 | September 7, 2022

Dr. Jens Thraenhart, CEO at Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. talks about highlighting small businesses and local entrepreneurs, targeting our audiences digitally. Read on to know unique initiatives in tourism industry.

Read More

'The “Swissness” stands for quality around the world' says Henri W.R. Kennedie, President & CEO at Swiss International Hotels & Resorts.

Media 7 | July 12, 2022

Swiss International Hotels & Resorts President & CEO Henri W.R. Kennedie discusses the company's iOS and Android apps, as well as its operations, licensing, revenue, quality, and other relevant topics. Read along for additional information on Swissness, Swiss-Select, and more.

Read More

“The guest experience has never been more important,” says Matthew Cameron-Smith, CEO at Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia.

Media 7 | June 27, 2022

Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia's CEO, Matthew Cameron-Smith, discusses, Tali Wiru, Indigenous training and employment across Australia, as well as experience-based vacations, the iconic Red Centre, and tourism facilities. Read more to learn more about eco-friendly, sustainable travel.

Read More

Related News

Business Travel

With Stayntouch PMS & Kiosk, Sentral Achieves Service Excellence and Soars in ROI

PR Newswire | October 27, 2023

Stayntouch, a global leader in cloud hotel property management systems (PMS) and guest-centric technologies, expands their thriving partnership with Sentral, a leading full-building residential hospitality operator. Sentral boasts a network of Class A apartment properties across the U.S., offering flexible living services, authentic local experiences, premium amenities and community connection for residents and guests. Stayntouch PMS operates across 14 properties in the Sentral portfolio, including Sentral Michigan Avenue and Sentral Union Station. These establishments have integrated Stayntouch Kiosk for an elevated guest experience. By effectively utilizing Stayntouch's mobile and kiosk-driven upsell technology, Sentral properties have generated ample revenue to self-fund these systems. Sentral Michigan Avenue achieved a remarkable 253% ROI from their Kiosk subscription within a year, or a 120% ROI from their combined Kiosk and Cloud PMS subscriptions. Similarly, revenue from mobile-based early check-in offerings at Sentral Union Station covers their combined Cloud PMS and Kiosk subscription costs. Todd Butler, Chief Technology Officer at Sentral comments, "Stayntouch PMS and Kiosk has streamlined and enhanced our check-in process. Guests now have the option of a rapid, staff-less welcome experience, presented in a way that avoids any sense of pressure - the upsell decision rests entirely with the guest. The revenue generated from ancillary upsells and offers is significant, surpassing our subscription costs and tech investment with Stayntouch. We're extremely satisfied with the additional revenue to offset costs, all the while providing guests with an enriched stay." Priya Rajamani, VP of Implementation and Support at Stayntouch said, "We are very excited that Sentral has leveraged our platforms not only to enhance their guest experience but to boost their bottom line and generate a positive ROI. Ultimately, our mission is to develop technology to enhance hospitality for hotel operators, staff, and their guests, and we are proud that Sentral has been able to use our technology to reimagine flexible living communities." Sentral aims to roll out the Stayntouch Kiosk at additional properties, seeking to amplify financial benefits while consistently elevating the guest experience. About Sentral Sentral is the leading full-building residential hospitality operator, maximizing NOI lift for Class A owners through superior performance and enhanced experience. The company is redefining home for the modern renter by transforming upscale, multifamily properties into dynamic communities in the nation's most coveted cities. Sentral delivers flexible living services, authentic local experiences, premium amenities, community connection for residents and guests, and a tech-enabled platform that enhances operational efficiency. The company manages over $5 billion in Class A multifamily assets and is backed by world-class firms in technology, hospitality, and real estate, including ICONIQ Capital and Ascendant Capital Partners. Sentral is headquartered in San Francisco and Denver. About Stayntouch Stayntouch delivers a cloud-native and guest-centric hotel property management system (PMS) with a comprehensive library of over 1,100 integrations. Stayntouch's cloud-native PMS empowers independent hotels, hotel groups, and management companies to drive revenue, reduce costs, enhance service, and captivate their guests. In 2022, Stayntouch launched Stayntouch 2.0, a fully integrated technology suite featuring its core cloud-native PMS and guest kiosk solution, a comprehensive chain management module, a seamless booking engine (Stayntouch Booking), a robust payment processing platform (Stayntouch Pay), and a powerful channel manager. Stayntouch 2.0 enables hotels to streamline their operations, maximize and diversify their revenue streams, and deliver an even more enhanced guest experience with the innovation and support of one trusted technology partner. Stayntouch is supported by a team of professionals with deep roots in the hospitality industry and is a trusted partner to industry-leading management companies, including Sage Hospitality, HEI Hotels & Resorts, and EOS Hospitality, innovative independent brands such as Village Hotels, Pod Hotels, and First Hotels, and iconic flagship properties such as the TWA Hotel, Showboat Hotel Atlantic City, and Zoku Amsterdam.

Read More

Commercial Travel

Red Roof SHE Leads Forum Celebrates, Supports and Inspires Women in Hospitality to Fuel Personal and Professional Growth

PR Newswire | October 26, 2023

Red Roof, an award-winning leader in the lodging industry, hosted over 200 attendees at its 2023 SHE Leads Forum in Dallas. From sound baths to sound advice and student scholarships, attendees – mostly women in the hospitality industry – left the Forum inspired and armed with insightful information and tools to support, help and elevate themselves for future success. This year's SHE Leads Forum was based on SHE, inspired by Red Roof'sSM pillars of ownership, personal branding, and wellness brought to life, with support from HBO, through interviews, a stellar lineup of speakers and workshops, networking, and even a meditative sound bath. Program leader and founder, Red Roof Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Marina MacDonald opened the Forum celebrating the growth of women in the hospitality industry and at Red Roof. "In recent decades, there has been an evolution, a growing emphasis on women's professional development as part of broader efforts to close gender gaps in the workforce. And while hospitality is still a male-dominated industry, even that is evolving," said MacDonald. "Last year, we celebrated 31 percent of our Red Roof properties owned or partially owned by women, and this year, that number is over 35 percent, thanks in large part to participation in Red Roof women initiatives throughout the year." The Forum also celebrated the future of the hospitality industry by presenting seven deserving students with 'SHE Leads Forum Student Scholarships,' sponsored by DISH Business. Each student was selected by their school, including Cornell University, Florida International University, Howard University and University of Nevada, Las Vegas, to attend the SHE Leads Forum free of charge. Dr. Lalia Rach, Founder and Partner, Rach Enterprises and best-selling author of Managing the Book on You! Rewriting Your Leadership Story, moderated the two-day Forum. "Red Roof's 'SHE Leads Forum' is in a class all its own! It is jam-packed with interesting speakers, iconic women leaders sharing information, and a passionate leader, Red Roof CMO Marina MacDonald," said Rach. "The biggest difference is the engagement of the attendees, all successful professionals, who want to learn, be inspired, meet new people and connect with those they know. The energy, the desire to be more, is so inspiring." Keynote speaker Dorothy Dowling, Founder of Introspect Strategic Advisor Services, helped motivate the crowd with her inspirational thoughts. "Women's leadership events such as 'SHE Leads' are like having a trusty guide on our journey, whether it's climbing the corporate ladder or venturing into the world of hotel ownership. They're not just about empowerment, they're about real-world guidance. These events let us tap into the experiences of women who've been there, done that. It's like getting insider tips for navigating our own unique paths," said Dowling. Through a session on Red Roof's Strategic Initiatives, with Red Roof Director of Strategic Initiatives Lina Patel and Chief Development Officer Matthew Hostetler, attendees also learned about SHE, inspired by Red Roof's sister program, RIDE with Red RoofSM. While SHE is intended to motivate, RIDE is intended to activate — providing access to capital, educational resources and the connections needed to build a strong network of industry partners. SHE Leads attendees also heard from experts offering business advice. Jyoti Sarolia, President and CEO at Ellis Hospitality gave an informational talk about how attendees can fine tune their lending skills and be ready to finance their next project. Christine Taylor, Claims Consultant & Strategic Insurance Partner at Lockton Companies, spoke about the state of the property and casualty insurance market, educating attendees on the importance of insuring their assets and understanding risk. Listening to and interacting with so many enthusiastic and seasoned business owners left many inspired. AAHOA EVP of Communications and Chief Strategy Officer Heather Carnes, who also spoke at the Forum, was struck by the collective fearlessness in the room. "When I looked at the strength, intelligence and the daring nature of the women in attendance, I know that the future of the hospitality industry is in great hands. The can-do attitude and entrepreneurial spirit in the room was palpable and contagious. I left feeling like, in conjunction with this amazing group, I could change the world," said Carnes. Forum speaker Marti Winer, Executive Leader and General Manager of Casa Bonita said, "Programs like SHE Leads are crucial to women in hospitality and beyond for three important reasons. The first is that they provide a forum for conversation. They are a safe space to meet, explore and create the critical relationships that advance careers. The second reason is education. These forums provide much needed and customized learning opportunities for women that are largely unavailable elsewhere. The final reason is innovation. Dedicated time away from the day-to-day allows for more focused thinking, processing and collaborating. As a result, great ideas are born and given space to germinate." The annual SHE Leads Forum kicks off a year-long infusion of inspiration for women primarily in hospitality that facilitates sharing professional experiences and provides collaborative learning opportunities to continue to foster change in the industry. 'SHE' provides thought leadership, access to resources, and serves as a platform, sharing content and best practices through a dedicated website.

Read More

Travel Technology

Interval International Releases Its Top Travel Destinations for 2024 – to Inspire Vacation Enthusiasts

Business Wire | November 02, 2023

Interval International, a leading travel membership company, today announced its top destinations for 2024. For nearly 50 years, Interval has offered benefits and flexibility for vacation enthusiasts to explore the world's most desired destinations. Using data(1) from its nearly 1.6-million members worldwide, the company has compiled a list of its most in-demand destinations across its network of more than 3,200 affiliated resorts in over 90 countries and territories. While Interval members continue to seek out vacations in popular spots such as the Hawaiian Islands and across Florida, both known for their natural beauty and activities for all ages, member booking data indicates gained interest in international travel. European destinations such as Portugal and Scotland have increased in demand, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have also become a favorite among Caribbean destinations. Whistler, British Columbia is a newcomer to the list, joining top U.S. ski resorts such as Vail, Colorado and Park City, Utah. “Our members are clearly passionate about travel, and for 2024, it looks like newly discovered destinations are climbing towards the top of their list,” said Joanna Todd, senior vice president of global marketing at Interval. “Whether relaxing on a remote beach, visiting world-class museums and attractions, or skiing unexplored terrains, our travel savvy members are always looking for new places and experiences. And Interval offers them a multitude of incredible destinations and ways to enjoy their bucket-list vacations.” Below are Interval’s top in-demand destinations for 2024 travel. The Hawaiian Islands Orlando, Florida Aruba Florida's Gulf Coast Key West, Florida U.S. Virgin Islands Hilton Head Island, South Carolina Newport Coast, California Vail, Colorado Lake Tahoe, California & Nevada Park City, Utah Costa del Sol, Spain Phoenix, Arizona Breckenridge, Colorado Algarve, Portugal Cabo San Lucas, México Sint Maarten Whistler, British Columbia Glasgow, Scotland Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Interval’s travel membership products offer an expansive suite of benefits and tools to help create exceptional vacation experiences, including discounted hotel bookings and car rentals, special rates on cruises, and access to more than 300,000 tours and activities around the world. These, in addition to its vacation ownership exchange network made up of celebrated hospitality brands and unique independent resorts, help Interval’s members travel more often and to more destinations than they ever thought possible. Travel inspiration is delivered through Interval’s digital publication, where readers can explore a myriad of vacation ideas – full of places to relax, indulge, eat, shop, and make everlasting memories. About Interval International Interval International operates membership programs for vacationers and provides value-added services to its developer clients worldwide. Based in Miami, Florida, the company has been a pioneer and innovator in serving the vacation ownership market since 1976. Today, Interval's exchange network comprises over 3,200 resorts in more than 90 countries and territories. Through offices in 12 countries, Interval offers world-class products and benefits to resort clients and nearly 1.6-million-member families who are enrolled in various membership programs. Interval is an operating business of Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: VAC), a leading global vacation company that offers vacation ownership, exchange, rental and resort and property management, along with related businesses, products, and services.

Read More

Business Travel

With Stayntouch PMS & Kiosk, Sentral Achieves Service Excellence and Soars in ROI

PR Newswire | October 27, 2023

Stayntouch, a global leader in cloud hotel property management systems (PMS) and guest-centric technologies, expands their thriving partnership with Sentral, a leading full-building residential hospitality operator. Sentral boasts a network of Class A apartment properties across the U.S., offering flexible living services, authentic local experiences, premium amenities and community connection for residents and guests. Stayntouch PMS operates across 14 properties in the Sentral portfolio, including Sentral Michigan Avenue and Sentral Union Station. These establishments have integrated Stayntouch Kiosk for an elevated guest experience. By effectively utilizing Stayntouch's mobile and kiosk-driven upsell technology, Sentral properties have generated ample revenue to self-fund these systems. Sentral Michigan Avenue achieved a remarkable 253% ROI from their Kiosk subscription within a year, or a 120% ROI from their combined Kiosk and Cloud PMS subscriptions. Similarly, revenue from mobile-based early check-in offerings at Sentral Union Station covers their combined Cloud PMS and Kiosk subscription costs. Todd Butler, Chief Technology Officer at Sentral comments, "Stayntouch PMS and Kiosk has streamlined and enhanced our check-in process. Guests now have the option of a rapid, staff-less welcome experience, presented in a way that avoids any sense of pressure - the upsell decision rests entirely with the guest. The revenue generated from ancillary upsells and offers is significant, surpassing our subscription costs and tech investment with Stayntouch. We're extremely satisfied with the additional revenue to offset costs, all the while providing guests with an enriched stay." Priya Rajamani, VP of Implementation and Support at Stayntouch said, "We are very excited that Sentral has leveraged our platforms not only to enhance their guest experience but to boost their bottom line and generate a positive ROI. Ultimately, our mission is to develop technology to enhance hospitality for hotel operators, staff, and their guests, and we are proud that Sentral has been able to use our technology to reimagine flexible living communities." Sentral aims to roll out the Stayntouch Kiosk at additional properties, seeking to amplify financial benefits while consistently elevating the guest experience. About Sentral Sentral is the leading full-building residential hospitality operator, maximizing NOI lift for Class A owners through superior performance and enhanced experience. The company is redefining home for the modern renter by transforming upscale, multifamily properties into dynamic communities in the nation's most coveted cities. Sentral delivers flexible living services, authentic local experiences, premium amenities, community connection for residents and guests, and a tech-enabled platform that enhances operational efficiency. The company manages over $5 billion in Class A multifamily assets and is backed by world-class firms in technology, hospitality, and real estate, including ICONIQ Capital and Ascendant Capital Partners. Sentral is headquartered in San Francisco and Denver. About Stayntouch Stayntouch delivers a cloud-native and guest-centric hotel property management system (PMS) with a comprehensive library of over 1,100 integrations. Stayntouch's cloud-native PMS empowers independent hotels, hotel groups, and management companies to drive revenue, reduce costs, enhance service, and captivate their guests. In 2022, Stayntouch launched Stayntouch 2.0, a fully integrated technology suite featuring its core cloud-native PMS and guest kiosk solution, a comprehensive chain management module, a seamless booking engine (Stayntouch Booking), a robust payment processing platform (Stayntouch Pay), and a powerful channel manager. Stayntouch 2.0 enables hotels to streamline their operations, maximize and diversify their revenue streams, and deliver an even more enhanced guest experience with the innovation and support of one trusted technology partner. Stayntouch is supported by a team of professionals with deep roots in the hospitality industry and is a trusted partner to industry-leading management companies, including Sage Hospitality, HEI Hotels & Resorts, and EOS Hospitality, innovative independent brands such as Village Hotels, Pod Hotels, and First Hotels, and iconic flagship properties such as the TWA Hotel, Showboat Hotel Atlantic City, and Zoku Amsterdam.

Read More

Commercial Travel

Red Roof SHE Leads Forum Celebrates, Supports and Inspires Women in Hospitality to Fuel Personal and Professional Growth

PR Newswire | October 26, 2023

Red Roof, an award-winning leader in the lodging industry, hosted over 200 attendees at its 2023 SHE Leads Forum in Dallas. From sound baths to sound advice and student scholarships, attendees – mostly women in the hospitality industry – left the Forum inspired and armed with insightful information and tools to support, help and elevate themselves for future success. This year's SHE Leads Forum was based on SHE, inspired by Red Roof'sSM pillars of ownership, personal branding, and wellness brought to life, with support from HBO, through interviews, a stellar lineup of speakers and workshops, networking, and even a meditative sound bath. Program leader and founder, Red Roof Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Marina MacDonald opened the Forum celebrating the growth of women in the hospitality industry and at Red Roof. "In recent decades, there has been an evolution, a growing emphasis on women's professional development as part of broader efforts to close gender gaps in the workforce. And while hospitality is still a male-dominated industry, even that is evolving," said MacDonald. "Last year, we celebrated 31 percent of our Red Roof properties owned or partially owned by women, and this year, that number is over 35 percent, thanks in large part to participation in Red Roof women initiatives throughout the year." The Forum also celebrated the future of the hospitality industry by presenting seven deserving students with 'SHE Leads Forum Student Scholarships,' sponsored by DISH Business. Each student was selected by their school, including Cornell University, Florida International University, Howard University and University of Nevada, Las Vegas, to attend the SHE Leads Forum free of charge. Dr. Lalia Rach, Founder and Partner, Rach Enterprises and best-selling author of Managing the Book on You! Rewriting Your Leadership Story, moderated the two-day Forum. "Red Roof's 'SHE Leads Forum' is in a class all its own! It is jam-packed with interesting speakers, iconic women leaders sharing information, and a passionate leader, Red Roof CMO Marina MacDonald," said Rach. "The biggest difference is the engagement of the attendees, all successful professionals, who want to learn, be inspired, meet new people and connect with those they know. The energy, the desire to be more, is so inspiring." Keynote speaker Dorothy Dowling, Founder of Introspect Strategic Advisor Services, helped motivate the crowd with her inspirational thoughts. "Women's leadership events such as 'SHE Leads' are like having a trusty guide on our journey, whether it's climbing the corporate ladder or venturing into the world of hotel ownership. They're not just about empowerment, they're about real-world guidance. These events let us tap into the experiences of women who've been there, done that. It's like getting insider tips for navigating our own unique paths," said Dowling. Through a session on Red Roof's Strategic Initiatives, with Red Roof Director of Strategic Initiatives Lina Patel and Chief Development Officer Matthew Hostetler, attendees also learned about SHE, inspired by Red Roof's sister program, RIDE with Red RoofSM. While SHE is intended to motivate, RIDE is intended to activate — providing access to capital, educational resources and the connections needed to build a strong network of industry partners. SHE Leads attendees also heard from experts offering business advice. Jyoti Sarolia, President and CEO at Ellis Hospitality gave an informational talk about how attendees can fine tune their lending skills and be ready to finance their next project. Christine Taylor, Claims Consultant & Strategic Insurance Partner at Lockton Companies, spoke about the state of the property and casualty insurance market, educating attendees on the importance of insuring their assets and understanding risk. Listening to and interacting with so many enthusiastic and seasoned business owners left many inspired. AAHOA EVP of Communications and Chief Strategy Officer Heather Carnes, who also spoke at the Forum, was struck by the collective fearlessness in the room. "When I looked at the strength, intelligence and the daring nature of the women in attendance, I know that the future of the hospitality industry is in great hands. The can-do attitude and entrepreneurial spirit in the room was palpable and contagious. I left feeling like, in conjunction with this amazing group, I could change the world," said Carnes. Forum speaker Marti Winer, Executive Leader and General Manager of Casa Bonita said, "Programs like SHE Leads are crucial to women in hospitality and beyond for three important reasons. The first is that they provide a forum for conversation. They are a safe space to meet, explore and create the critical relationships that advance careers. The second reason is education. These forums provide much needed and customized learning opportunities for women that are largely unavailable elsewhere. The final reason is innovation. Dedicated time away from the day-to-day allows for more focused thinking, processing and collaborating. As a result, great ideas are born and given space to germinate." The annual SHE Leads Forum kicks off a year-long infusion of inspiration for women primarily in hospitality that facilitates sharing professional experiences and provides collaborative learning opportunities to continue to foster change in the industry. 'SHE' provides thought leadership, access to resources, and serves as a platform, sharing content and best practices through a dedicated website.

Read More

Travel Technology

Interval International Releases Its Top Travel Destinations for 2024 – to Inspire Vacation Enthusiasts

Business Wire | November 02, 2023

Interval International, a leading travel membership company, today announced its top destinations for 2024. For nearly 50 years, Interval has offered benefits and flexibility for vacation enthusiasts to explore the world's most desired destinations. Using data(1) from its nearly 1.6-million members worldwide, the company has compiled a list of its most in-demand destinations across its network of more than 3,200 affiliated resorts in over 90 countries and territories. While Interval members continue to seek out vacations in popular spots such as the Hawaiian Islands and across Florida, both known for their natural beauty and activities for all ages, member booking data indicates gained interest in international travel. European destinations such as Portugal and Scotland have increased in demand, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have also become a favorite among Caribbean destinations. Whistler, British Columbia is a newcomer to the list, joining top U.S. ski resorts such as Vail, Colorado and Park City, Utah. “Our members are clearly passionate about travel, and for 2024, it looks like newly discovered destinations are climbing towards the top of their list,” said Joanna Todd, senior vice president of global marketing at Interval. “Whether relaxing on a remote beach, visiting world-class museums and attractions, or skiing unexplored terrains, our travel savvy members are always looking for new places and experiences. And Interval offers them a multitude of incredible destinations and ways to enjoy their bucket-list vacations.” Below are Interval’s top in-demand destinations for 2024 travel. The Hawaiian Islands Orlando, Florida Aruba Florida's Gulf Coast Key West, Florida U.S. Virgin Islands Hilton Head Island, South Carolina Newport Coast, California Vail, Colorado Lake Tahoe, California & Nevada Park City, Utah Costa del Sol, Spain Phoenix, Arizona Breckenridge, Colorado Algarve, Portugal Cabo San Lucas, México Sint Maarten Whistler, British Columbia Glasgow, Scotland Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Interval’s travel membership products offer an expansive suite of benefits and tools to help create exceptional vacation experiences, including discounted hotel bookings and car rentals, special rates on cruises, and access to more than 300,000 tours and activities around the world. These, in addition to its vacation ownership exchange network made up of celebrated hospitality brands and unique independent resorts, help Interval’s members travel more often and to more destinations than they ever thought possible. Travel inspiration is delivered through Interval’s digital publication, where readers can explore a myriad of vacation ideas – full of places to relax, indulge, eat, shop, and make everlasting memories. About Interval International Interval International operates membership programs for vacationers and provides value-added services to its developer clients worldwide. Based in Miami, Florida, the company has been a pioneer and innovator in serving the vacation ownership market since 1976. Today, Interval's exchange network comprises over 3,200 resorts in more than 90 countries and territories. Through offices in 12 countries, Interval offers world-class products and benefits to resort clients and nearly 1.6-million-member families who are enrolled in various membership programs. Interval is an operating business of Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: VAC), a leading global vacation company that offers vacation ownership, exchange, rental and resort and property management, along with related businesses, products, and services.

Read More

Spotlight

Lola.com

Lola.com

Lola.com makes Agile Travel Management real by providing a super simple way to manage, book and report on business travel, saving employers and travelers time and money. Happy employee travel experiences within a policy can be set up in five minutes. Lola.com uses machine learning and 24/7 support t...

Events

Resources