Innovation

💻 In her journey from the Soviet Union to the U.S., she delved into hospitality, initially working 90-hour weeks and progressing through various roles. Mentored by Dana Blasi in revenue management, she developed the first AI-powered RMS, increasing RevPAR by 30%. The field has evolved, focusing now on revenue and profit optimization with a 20% possible yearly profitability boost through technology. Challenges remain, including tech adoption, dynamic pricing, and direct bookings. Embracing AI is key for future success.

📈 SignalFlare utilizes AI and machine learning to aid restaurants with pricing and customer behavior insights. Founded amid the pandemic by Lukianoff, it uses mobile, credit card, and economic data, outperforming traditional models. With seven full-time employees and clients like Habit Burger and Velvet Taco, it helps simulate business scenarios. SignalFlare aims to become a decision-intelligence platform, expanding into promotions and strategy. It was featured in the RTN Start-Up Alley at MURTEC 2025, with 2026 applications opening soon.

📈 Shiji, a global hospitality tech leader based in Berlin, achieved the fastest growth in the past three years, thanks to Daylight PMS. As of August 25, 2025, Shiji ranks third in the global PMS market, serving over 91,000 hotels worldwide. Daylight PMS advanced from “Contender” in 2022 to near “Leader” status, reflecting strong hotel adoption. With support centers in major regions, Shiji enhances scalability and compliance for hoteliers globally.

💻 In 2024, SynergySuite raised $12 million, led by Oyster Capital (Dublin), with contributions from First Analysis (Chicago) and Lago Innovation (Chicago). The funding supports global expansion and product innovation for its AI-powered platform for restaurant operations. The platform helps optimize labor, reduce waste, and improve profitability across thousands of locations. Founded in Dublin, SynergySuite is headquartered in the U.S., and is used by brands like Pollo Campero. In 2025, it received awards for innovation and customer service.

📖 August 22, 2025, the TrustYou Editorial Team, a group of hospitality and tech experts, shared insights on AI's role in the industry. Their content aims to aid hospitality professionals in enhancing business growth and guest satisfaction by leveraging AI innovations. Their expertise provides valuable resources for staying competitive in the hospitality sector.

🚀 SynergySuite raised $12 million to expand its AI-powered restaurant platform. The funding, led by Oyster Capital in Dublin with support from First Analysis and Lago Innovation, will support global growth and product innovation. The platform offers real-time inventory tracking, AI forecasting, labor planning, and more, enhancing operational efficiency for brands like Pollo Campero and Tropical Smoothie Cafe. In 2025, SynergySuite earned multiple awards for innovation and customer impact, solidifying its industry leadership.

✈️ Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, and Delta are leading AI in aviation. Delta focuses on customer experience with AI concierges and dynamic pricing. It migrated systems to the cloud from 2021-2023. Air Canada’s AI lab with 75+ specialists enhances operations, improving on-time performance and disruption management. Alaska Airlines emphasizes operational efficiency for sustainability, using AI for flight optimization since 2021. 80% of companies use AI, and these airlines openly share their AI strategies.

🚀 SynergySuite raised $12 million to expand its AI-powered restaurant platform, with funding led by Oyster Capital in Dublin and support from First Analysis and Lago Innovation in Chicago. The funds will enhance global expansion and product innovation. SynergySuite, based in the U.S. and Dublin, supports brands like Pollo Campero and Tropical Smoothie Cafe across thousands of locations, offering AI solutions for inventory, labor, and more. In 2025, it won multiple awards for innovation and customer service.

🛫 Travel disruptions, from the July 2024 CrowdStrike outage to the January 2025 UK storms, highlight the need for robust ground transport strategies. In the UK, 46% of travelers are less likely to fly after disruptions, and 49% lacked alternative transport. Operators are adopting tech-driven, flexible solutions, integrating real-time data, and focusing on inclusivity to maintain reliability and passenger trust. Demand-led models, smart scaling, and tech-enhancements are reshaping the travel sector's resilience.

💻 In Q1 2025, deepfake-enabled fraud cost businesses over $200 million. AI makes real-time voice and video impersonation easy, challenging traditional defenses. Despite this, only 6% of hotels see deepfakes as a significant risk. In 2025, 40% of executives faced deepfake attacks, with AI fraud losses in the U.S. projected to reach $40 billion by 2027. Nearly half of hotel leaders worry about data breaches, yet many lack training. 42% see third-party systems as the top cyber risk.