Hospitable

AI isn’t coming to replace hospitality, it’s coming to restore it. In this final episode of Hospitable, host Rob Napoli sits down with Dr. Fredrik Sjoberg to explore how unified data, better hotel education, and AI-driven tools will shape the next decade of hotel innovation. As founder of Maison and a professor at NYU, Fredrik brings a rare combination of academic insight and hands-on startup exec...

The best hotel tech doesn’t replace people, it empowers them. In this episode of Hospitable, host Rob Napoli sits down with Ricarda Müller, COO and Partner Manager at ibelsa, to explore how their people-first, modular PMS became a favorite across the DACH market. From zero downtime in 8+ years to smart integrations and AI-driven workflows, ibelsa is proving that great tech starts with great relati...

How do you build a connected tech ecosystem for 42 luxury properties, across trains, safari camps, river cruises, and hotels, in multiple legal jurisdictions? In this episode of Hospitable, host Rob Napoli sits down with Tiago Alves of Belmond to unpack one of the most ambitious digital transformations in global hospitality. From fragmented PMS systems to a unified, cloud-based platform, with 40+...

From scattered to seamless: one integrated dashboard for your hospitality data. In this episode of Hospitable, Rob Napoli (COO, Omniboost) is joined by Daniel Costa (Sr. Data Engineer) and Quinten de Putter (Sr. Data Scientist) to reveal how Omniboost is transforming backend complexity into intuitive dashboards. No more spreadsheet chaos. No more clunky PowerBI setups. Just smart, scalable busines...

Manual processes. Disconnected systems. Expensive errors. Hospitality is full of friction, and Omniboost is removing it. In this on-the-ground episode recorded after a major hospitality event in Las Vegas, host Rob Napoli sits down with two of Omniboost’s key players to explore how automation, integrations, and consultative SaaS are reshaping hotel and restaurant operations. Vincent Gitsels and Ro...

What do jazz bass, project management, and ESG have in common? More than you’d expect. In this episode of Hospitable, host Rob Napoli sits down with Gerald J. Leonard, musician, author, TEDx speaker, and CEO of Turnberry Premiere, to explore how hospitality leaders can embed sustainability into the DNA of their businesses. From “micro-impact” practices to leadership habits that mirror music perfor...

What happens when a hospitality tech startup from a small Dutch town decides to go global on its own terms? In this special Founder Talks episode, Omniboost CEO Kees Zorge sits down with COO and podcast host Rob Napoli to unpack what it really takes to scale a people-first, partner-driven SaaS company in the hospitality industry. From redefining what it means to “fail fast” to the power of servant...

We sit down with Romano Ruijtenburg, Sales Lead at Omniboost, to uncover what truly sets Omniboost apart: consultative SaaS selling, deep technical collaboration, and building long-term partnerships in the hospitality industry. From solving the complex Midas Hospitality integration across legacy PMS systems to managing clients across time zones, Romano shares how Omniboost simplifies data unificat...

What if hotels weren’t just places to stay, but models for sustainability and innovation? In this episode of Hospitable, Rob Napoli sits down with Levar Jackson, CEO of Yogh Group, to discuss the reality of “lazy business” in hospitality — and what needs to change. From innovative ROI-backed sustainability solutions to challenging industry norms, Levar shares real talk and real solutions to make h...

We sit down with Koen Lavrijssen, Founder & CEO of Winston POS, to explore how his company is redefining point-of-sale technology for the hospitality industry.   Born from a single frustrating restaurant experience, Winston POS was built to work with hospitality staff—not against them. Koen shares his journey from tech to POS, highlighting the importance of simplicity, usability, and innovatio...

We explore the future of hospitality technology with Maximilian Huber, integration specialist at gastronovi. Max shares his journey from growing up in a family-owned hotel to becoming a leader in gastronomy tech, offering valuable perspectives on how technology is transforming restaurant and hotel operations. Key topics discussed include: - The evolution of gastronomy technology and its impact on...

An inspiring conversation with Wink Jones, CEO and founding member of Meal Ticket. Since its launch in 2011, Meal Ticket has been transforming the food service industry with cutting-edge technology. Wink takes us on his journey from starting in a small garage to leading a company that processes billions in sales data. He shares the challenges and rewards of building relationships in the food tech...

Hospitality veteran Chris Tripoli shares his journey through the restaurant industry, emphasizing the importance of passion, connection, and adaptability. Chris offers practical advice on creating memorable guest experiences, managing operations with technology, and balancing vision with flexibility in a competitive market. Chris reflects on the role of tech in enhancing efficiency and guest satis...

We sit down with Greg Früchtenicht, Chief Operating Officer at Saira Hospitality, to explore how technology and human connection can work hand-in-hand to create meaningful change in the hospitality industry. Saira Hospitality, a pioneering nonprofit, builds pop-up hospitality schools worldwide to train and empower local communities, equipping individuals from underserved areas with the skills to t...

We delve into the intersection of technology and the human experience in the restaurant industry. Join us as we welcome Tom Rutledge, owner and managing partner of RDMS Group, who brings over 20 years of expertise to the table. Tom discusses how to blend culinary artistry with operational efficiency and financial savvy, emphasizing the critical role of technology in creating extraordinary dining e...

Ready to take your travel experience to the next level? In this episode of "Hospitable," co-founders Roeland Verhamme and Jeroen Vaassen of ExpectMe reveal how their cutting-edge platform is revolutionizing hotel stays by allowing guests to select specific rooms based on personal preferences. Imagine choosing a room just like you would a seat on a plane – it’s a game-changer! We dive into the powe...

We’re joined by Saxton Sharad, CEO and founder of Revival Hotels, to explore the art of building brand ethos and the revival of boutique hotels in today's hospitality landscape. Saxton takes us on a journey through his early influences in the industry, from writing pretend restaurant menus as a child to working with his parents at Hilton Hotels, shaping his unique approach to hospitality. Saxton i...

In this episode of Hospitable, we sit down with Joe Sykes, Co-Founder and Director of ecommit, to explore the critical role data plays in driving sustainability within the hospitality industry. Together, we delve into how hospitality brands can leverage data to create awareness around CO2 emissions, ensuring that sustainability efforts move beyond mere buzzwords into actionable strategies. Joe sha...

We sit down with Susan Graves, a former hotelier turned solution provider, to explore the future of hospitality. Susan shares her passion for modernizing the industry through sustainability, automation, and AI, all while enhancing the guest experience. Discover how easy-to-use and affordable solutions can significantly impact guest and employee satisfaction. Susan discusses innovative approaches l...

We sit down with Michel Meeuwse, Chief Data & Strategic Projects at Omniboost, to unveil the secrets of the data services team. Discover how Omniboost's data team transforms raw data into actionable insights and enhances customer experiences with their innovative projects. Michel shares insights into the team's approach, from data flexibility and unification to recent projects like the Strawbe...

Get ready for an enlightening episode of Hospitable as host Rob Napoli sits down with Daniel and Trevor from Event Temple at HITEC 2024! Discover how technology is shaping the hospitality industry to be more human-centered. We discuss the importance of in-person interactions, the balance between human touch and automation, and the future of AI in hospitality. Daniel and Trevor, seasoned profession...

Get ready for an enlightening episode of Hospitable as hosts Rob Napoli and Kees Zorge sit down with Jennifer Jones from J2 Hospitality Solutions at HITEC! Discover the transformative power of technology in the hospitality industry, the immense value of industry events, and the essential collaboration between various departments. Jennifer Jones, a seasoned IT consultant from J2 Hospitality Solutio...

Join us for an enriching dialogue with Mickey Creyf, CEO of Travel Experts and BTS Travel. In this thought-provoking episode, Mickey and our host explore the profound impact of technology on the travel industry and the enduring importance of personalization in travel experiences. As the CEO of Travel Experts and BTS Travel, Mickey brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Throughou...

Welcome to the latest episode of Hospitable! In this engaging discussion, we dive into the world of data unification in the hospitality industry with our special guest, Kyle McCaig, Director of Technology for MCR, one of the leading property management companies in the United States. Join us as Kyle shares insights on the challenges and strategies of data management in the hospitality sector. From...

Step into the world of storytelling in business. Shawn P. Walchef, Kees Zorge, and Rob Napoli come together for a spontaneous exploration of the industry. Recorded on the fly, this episode captures the essence of candid conversations and unfiltered insights. They discuss the importance of true connections, resilience, and the impact of humanising brands. Join the trio as they delve into the simpli...