SevenRooms discusses AI, perks of tech to drive revenue in hospitality

SevenRooms, a leading marketing and operations platform for the hospitality industry, has announced the formation of its Customer Advisory Board (CAB), where they discuss all things technology in the hospitality sector.

This new board consists of prominent hospitality experts and thought leaders from various regions, including Australia, the United States, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom.

The CAB aims to serve as a strategic forum where members can explore, discuss, and implement opportunities within the hospitality sector.

The first meeting of the CAB was held at the ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. During the event, discussions revolved around the central theme for 2024: 'Future Proofing to Serve up Success.'

The meeting allowed CAB members to gain deeper insights into industry trends and best practices from global markets, discuss the significance of loyalty in establishing hospitality-focused businesses, and debate how technology can narrow the gap between guests and hospitality venues to deliver revenue-boosting experiences.

Throughout 2024, the CAB members will be tasked with delving into several key areas.

These include the future of hospitality, focusing on consumer sophistication, technology consolidation, and workforce preparation. They will also examine the role of artificial intelligence, stressing the importance of maintaining authentic, human-focused hospitality connections. Another significant area of focus will be revenue management, particularly how to leverage data storytelling to optimise revenue from existing resources.

Kylie Moncur, Chief Marketing Officer of Australian Venue Co., highlighted the unique challenges and opportunities faced by the Australian hospitality market.

"Australia is a proud and passionate hospitality market, and while we share many of the same challenges and opportunities as our global counterparts, many things make us unique as a market."

"Being invited to join SevenRooms customer advisory board demonstrates their commitment to our market, and all the venues - big and small - that make it so vibrant," she added.

"As we strive to enact genuine positive change for the industry, and the venues and customers that make it so special, this global collaboration will enable knowledge sharing to prepare hospitality businesses for what's to come."

The CAB is committed to exploring what authentic, hospitality-driven experiences look like in the evolving landscape of consumer demands and expectations. The board will also develop strategies for how technology, such as SevenRooms, can provide a growth blueprint to help operators enhance guest experiences and build loyalty. This includes utilising CRM and marketing tools designed to help businesses achieve long-term success by generating more predictable and frequent revenue streams.

Joel Montaniel, CEO and Co-Founder of SevenRooms, expressed enthusiasm for the new initiative. "We are excited to launch our Customer Advisory Board, welcoming this esteemed group of industry leaders deeper into our community," Montaniel said. "At SevenRooms, we are committed to the long-term success of our customers both now and in the future. As leaders in innovation, we empower operators to build sustainable, profitable businesses with guest experience at their core."

The inaugural members of the Customer Advisory Board include notable figures such as Ari Kastrati, Chief Hospitality Officer, MGM Resorts International; Kylie Moncur, Chief Marketing Officer, Australian Venue Co.; Kelly MacPherson, Chief Supply Chain & Technology Officer, Union Square Hospitality Group; Syed Asim Hussain, Founder, Black Sheep Restaurants; and Hannah Berry, Marketing Director, MJMK Restaurants.

Ari Kastrati, who also serves as the Chairman of the new advisory board, shared his perspective.

"Working with Joel and the SevenRooms team over many years, I've seen firsthand their commitment to the hospitality industry and its continued growth and evolution; passions I too hold very dear," he said.

"I am honoured to chair this new advisory group, with a collective goal of supporting and empowering hospitality businesses as they navigate an increasingly complex market and strive to elevate experiences for diners of today and tomorrow."