The Turndown: The Podcast for Hoteliers

The vacation rental industry has become highly lucrative – and competitive – in recent years. As Global Head of Connectivity Account Management at Vrbo, Gavin Gray has a wealth of insights to share about the vacation rental industry, including top trends, hot destinations, and essential technology tools needed to gain a competitive edge. He highlights the differences between hotels and vacation rentals, as well as the increasing similarities in the experiences they offer. 
Additional resources on this topic: 
23 Airbnb competitors and alternative booking sites 
How to choose a revenue management system (+18 top RMS solutions)

During his long career in hospitality education, Dr. Stowe Shoemaker (Ph.D. Cornell University) has witnessed the hospitality curriculum evolve into a business-focused teaching. But should hospitality be all business? He discusses the challenges of educating and attracting a new generation to the hospitality industry and explores the value of applying hospitality principles in other industries, especially healthcare. 
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Exclusive interview: How to empower hospitality’s future leaders with modern tech skills and innovation 
6 trends shaping the travel landscape

Running a resort & spa in the middle of remote Utah has proven to be one of life’s greatest adventures for Dallin Tait. After spending the better part of his career running an excursion company, Dallin also took on the role of General Manager at his family-owned hotel in Bluff, Utah – a sanctuary for outdoor enthusiasts. He shares his success journey, from starting a destination hotel business and building a strong team to navigating challenges and scaling for growth. 
Additional resources on this topic: 
From idea to execution: 10 sections to include in your hotel business plan
Starting a lodging business: The complete technology guide

Jacqueline Nunley has been at the forefront of revolutionizing travel industry technology for over two decades. As the Industry Advisor for Travel & Hospitality at Salesforce, she has dedicated her career to guiding companies to transform with innovative solutions. She shares her perspective on the importance of discovering and adopting new tools, the impact technology has on hospitality job roles, and the future of travel – including potential disruptions that may occur.  
Additional resources on this topic: 
14 hotel technology trends that every hotelier needs to know
PMS Technology: The evolution and future of the hospitality platform

From business setbacks to viral TikToks, Bianda Brasdorp has experienced a full spectrum of challenges and triumphs on her journey to becoming the successful owner of multiple female-only hostels in Europe. She shares her experience and recommendations for aspiring hostel owners, including coming up with a unique concept, making the most of social media marketing, and maintaining a positive mindset when facing obstacles and criticism. 
Additional resources on this topic: 
TikTok for hotels: 9 best practices & examples to get you started
8 ways hostel marketing should differ from hotel marketing

Love them or hate them, social media influencers are on the rise. As the co-founder of Anorak Travel, an influencer company focused on the tourism industry, Anne-Julie Karcher has made a career of strategically matching hoteliers with influencers who can help them reach their marketing goals. She provides insights into the costs and budgeting of influencer marketing and how to choose influencers who match your target audience. 
Additional resources on this topic: 
8 hotel marketing trends & how properties can prepare
Instagram for hotels: what to post, features to use, and examples to inspire

In our inaugural season of The Turndown podcast, host Sebastien Leitner has led conversations with hospitality leaders from all corners of the industry. Now, we’re turning the tables and putting Sebastien in the guest seat to get to know more about his illustrious hospitality career that spans hotel management, travel distribution, technology partnerships, and beyond. Get to know more about his passion and future vision for the industry, plus the other career path he almost followed instead.  
Additional resources on this topic: 
State of Independent Lodging Report 
CloudTalks: Strengthening Your Distribution Strategy with the Right Channel Mix 

What’s the difference between Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning? Jason Pinto, Co-founder and COO at Pace Revenue, can not only answer that question in a way that’s easy to understand, he can also explain how these tools are impacting revenue management in the hotel industry. He shares how AI-and-ML-backed technology is bringing hotel revenue managers greater results, more informed decision-making, and even better storytelling. 
Additional resources on this topic: 
The ultimate guide to hotel revenue management 
What is a hotel compset and why is it important for pricing?