Innovation

💻 LodgIQ, based in Silicon Valley, was selected for France's top hospitality podcast's first global episode in 2026. This marks the international expansion of the "10 Minutes for a Hotelier" show, which reaches 400,000 readers monthly. LodgIQ's AI Wizard helps revenue teams by analyzing data for strategic insights, addressing "analysis paralysis." The episode titled “Hotels Have More Data Than Ever — So Where is Generative AI?” is now live, emphasizing AI's role in commercial strategy.

📈 A volunteer committee in a town of 1,800 used AI prompts to audit a main inn and art gallery, taking under an hour per quarter. Six prompts facilitate tasks like business audits and outreach emails. One-page handouts help businesses update Google listings independently. The guide assumes one hour monthly, breaking tasks into 10-minute chunks. Key tasks include comparing Google and website business hours and sending corrective emails. A successful year involves four to six businesses.

📅 February 19, 2026, NYC, at the Consulate General of France, the SOCIETIES event will gather senior hospitality executives for high-level discussions. This invitation-only event, hosted by Influence Society, highlights AI, digital ecosystems, and brand experience. Sessions run from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. with keynotes from Sébastien Félix and others. Noteworthy topics include AI integration, hidden revenue, and hotel visibility. Complimentary registration is required for the event, which concludes with a cocktail reception.

💻 Shiji achieved its 400th installation of Infrasys POS at Hyatt Regency Greenville, SC, marking a milestone since 2019. The technology, which includes Stellaris Digital Dine and Infrasys POS Move, enhances the guest experience by enabling real-time order management and mobility for staff. Shiji serves over 91,000 hotels globally, ensuring seamless operations with its cloud-based solutions. With more than 5,000 employees, Shiji stands as a technology leader in the hospitality industry.

🔑 Electronic key control systems in hotels enhance security by recording data on each key removal and return, allowing for accountability and data-driven improvements. For instance, a facilities manager identified missing tools using this system and increased security with multi-factor authentication. In housekeeping, adding a networked key control cabinet reduced late returns, saving time and costs. These systems transform keys into strategic tools, optimizing hotel operations through intelligent data analysis.

📅 Paris, February 2, 2026. Influence Society's SOCIETIES event will occur on February 19, 2026, at the Consulate General of France in New York. This invitation-only symposium, under Consul General Cédrik Fouriscot, spans 3:00-6:00 p.m., featuring keynotes and panels on AI in luxury hospitality. Speakers include Sébastien Félix (Influence Society), Abe Salam (EPIC Revenue Consultants), and Alex Pensyl (Curacity). Registration is mandatory, and attendance is limited.

📱 Hyatt Regency Greenville, South Carolina, U.S., February 2, 2026: Shiji marked its 400th Infrasys POS installation at a Hyatt hotel since 2019. The 327-room Hyatt Regency Greenville now uses Infrasys POS, Stellaris Digital Dine, QSR/KDS, and Infrasys POS Move for enhanced service speed and guest experience. This collaboration supports flexible, real-time order management and service across Hyatt’s global portfolio, emphasizing personalized and efficient operations.

📈 January 2025, UK: Organizations are urged to reassess supplier contracts, focusing on performance and cost. JLA, with 50+ years of trust from over 22,000 businesses, offers comprehensive services in catering, laundry, and safety. Supported by 450 engineers, JLA prioritizes sustainability with innovations like energy-efficient appliances and an Energy Smart Hub. Their Total Care package provides equipment with no upfront costs, simplifying budgeting. JLA aims to reduce Scope 3 emissions, potentially 90% of a business's carbon footprint.

🤖 600 volunteers conducted 2,961 AI prompt tests with ChatGPT, Claude, and Google AI. Findings showed a