Rachel O'Neill-Cusey

A strong ERG culture and a virtuous cycle of benefits translated in an astonishing 93% engagement rate for a successful hotel chain, Hilton. A thorough research conducted throughout the whole staff showed that around 82% of employees are at risk for burnout this year, leaving HR teams across the country worried about retaining top talent as workers feel increasingly disconnected. Companies are actively searching for solutions to this growing problem. Hilton's approach is one that exploratist | brand & employee experience agency strongly encourages as a best practice for organizations seeking healthy growth and engagement: 💡a robust ERG culture & values  💡creating safe spaces for diverse voices, fostering connection & support among its workforce 💡mental health platform 💡effective financial services Prioritizing ERGs and comprehensive benefits can create an environment where employees feel valued, engaged, and motivated to contribute to the organization's success. Read more below. #EmployeeEngagement #ERG #WorkplaceWellness #BestPractices

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🏨 LA's $30/hour Tourism Minimum Wage: Disruption or Evolution? Los Angeles just dropped a bombshell on the hospitality industry: mandating a $30/hour minimum wage by 2028. But this isn't just a paycheck increase, it's a seismic shift that will fundamentally reshape how hotels operate, hire, and deliver service. - Can hotels absorb this cost without massive layoffs? - Will automation accelerate the replacement of human labor? - Are we witnessing the birth of a new hospitality workforce model? What do YOU think? Will this drive innovation or drive hotels out of business? Somewhere in between? Thoughts? 👇 #FutureOfWork #MinimumWage #Hotels #UniteHere #FutureOfHospitality #LosAngeles #Labor #HotelIndustry https://lnkd.in/gysHYQtt

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Anaheim City Council Approves DisneylandForward Project Big win for Disneyland Resort! The Anaheim City Council tentatively approved (though still not 100% official till May) the "DisneylandForward" project, a massive $2B undertaking, that promises to bring significant economic benefits to the city over the next four decades. After 8 hours of public discussion (late night!), the city council voted unanimously to pre-approve the plans. Big win as the city of Anaheim and Disney have not always had the best relationship. Here's a quick rundown of the key takeaways: 🔶 New Theme Parks: Disneyland is getting an expansion! The agreement allows Disney to develop new theme parks on currently underutilized land. This will undoubtedly attract more visitors and boost the local economy. 🔶 Millions in Community Benefits: The project isn't just about theme parks. Anaheim will also receive millions of dollars in community benefits, including crucial funds for affordable housing initiatives. 🔶 Concerns Linger: While the project is expected to be a boon for Anaheim, some residents have expressed concerns about the sale of Magic Way (a road) to Disney. Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken is quoted in the article saying “I have been a critic of city subsidies to private corporations,” but she believes Disney has “done it right” with this project. Overall, the DisneylandForward project is a significant development for Anaheim, with the potential to create jobs, stimulate the economy, and address important community needs. ### 🎢 If you found this interesting and want to learn more about the business of theme parks, give me a follow Tay Mauro #disney #anaheim #disneyland #disneylandforward

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Event planners, you deserve some R&R! 🌿 Here are a few tips to help you unwind and recharge this weekend: 🌳 Take a nature walk 📖 Enjoy a good book 🍔 Treat yourself to your favorite comfort food. You’ve earned it! #WeekendVibes #PlannerLife #EventExperts #ReventServices #EventGurus #VirtualMeetings #Workfromhome #Zoomtips #Remotework #Revent #EventPlanning #EventProduction #HybridEvents #AVProduction #Virtualevents #virtualconferences

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What does #diversity mean to you? Many people think of race or gender/sexual orientation but it's more than that. It includes people with different skills sets and abilities and is one of the elements that make working in hospitality always interesting. #TheAnaheimHotel #OCGoodwill #DevelopmentalAbilities #OvercomeBarriers #Employment. https://lnkd.in/gsTmsG-d

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I love this clarification: "There’s a distinct difference between the events business and the business of events. We have to understand that events are designed to serve a business purpose.” Corporate events are different today because we now understand that enabling people to engage and grow is more that logistics and menus -- it's appealing to both business and attendee goals in order to shape content, format and overall outcomes.

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I’m talked with Rob Robinson, Executive Vice President at Springboard Hospitality, at The Hospitality Show! We discuss the key role of hospitality company culture, the challenges of operating in Hawaii, and how Springboard Hospitality's unique approach is shaping the future of independent hotels. Thanks to Entegra -- unmatched purchasing, unlimited performance. Explore more at EntegraPS.com Building Culture: Discover how Rob’s experience at Kimpton Hotels shaped his approach to fostering a vibrant workplace culture at Springboard. Culture Champions Club: Learn about the innovative Culture Champions Club, uniting teams across 48 hotels to promote collaboration, best practices, and employee satisfaction. Operating in Hawaii: Rob shares insights on tackling high turnover and housing challenges in Hawaii, where Springboard is a top employer. Independent Hotel Success: Understand why Springboard’s independence appeals to owners seeking stability amidst industry consolidation. Leveraging Purchasing Power: How Springboard collaborates with partners like Integra to maintain cost efficiency in an increasingly expensive market. Future Opportunities: Exciting new projects on the horizon, including hotel transitions, new builds, and growth in the independent boutique space. This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone in hospitality management, hotel ownership, or anyone interested in creating strong workplace cultures. Like, share, and subscribe for more in-depth conversations on industry trends! #Hospitality #HotelManagement #SpringboardHospitality #CompanyCulture #EmployeeEngagement #IndependentHotels #HawaiiHotels #HospitalityInsights #NoVacancyLive #Leadership #podcast #hotels

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In-person events are back, and meeting planners are searching for transformative experiences that “wow.” Get to know what they’re thinking with these five takeaways from the latest edition of DCI’s “Winning Strategies in Destination Marketing.” https://lnkd.in/gDUgn7qb

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Hey, everyone! 🎉 It’s our final interview celebrating the 500th opening of an extended stay hotel by Choice Hotels International, this one in Glendale, Arizona! 🏨 I'm thrilled to have SVP Ron Burgett with me, a true pioneer in the extended stay sector with decades of experience. Ron shares his passion for extended stay hotels and shares why the demand for extended stay is so high, plus how this unique hospitality segment offers fantastic returns on investment. We also discuss Choice Hotels' innovative programs like "Kitchen in a Box" and "Lobby in a Box" that's simplifying the market. 🚀 Whether you're a developer, investor, or just a hospitality enthusiast, this conversation is packed with insights on the ever-evolving extended stay market and what the future holds. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter by texting the word "hotel" to 66866 for more exciting updates. 👍 Like, Share, and Subscribe for more hospitality industry insights! #ChoiceHotels #ExtendedStay #Hospitality #HotelDevelopment #GlendaleAZ #EverhomeSuites #SuburbanStudios #MainStaySuites #HotelInvestment #HotelConversion #HotelConstruction #HospitalityIndustry #HotelNews #Travel #noVcancy

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Group travel is a key component of an effective sales strategy for hoteliers, but responding to a request for proposal (RFP) can be time consuming, resource intensive, and sometimes fruitless. This doesn’t have to be the case. By taking stock of your strengths, you can identify which opportunities to pursue and create open channels of communication with planners to maximize bookings and win more market share. John Russell, Product Director, Sales & Event Management, Hospitality, Amadeus explains how to take the friction out of group RFPs in this article for Premier Hospitality Magazine: https://lnkd.in/gdwftRcT

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Happy New Year! There is a new shift in the events industry, with relationship-based partnerships between planners and DMCs taking center stage as we enter 2025. A recent article by CORPORATE & INCENTIVE TRAVEL features ETHOS Event Collective insights on what’s driving this transformation and what to expect in the year ahead. This isn’t just about logistics or execution—it’s about creating deeper connections through authenticity and local expertise. Our team offers unmatched on-the-ground expertise, emphasizing that the most successful partnerships will be rooted in genuine local knowledge and a shared vision for meaningful, impactful events. Another key evolution highlighted is the intentionality behind event design. Today’s planners are challenged to go beyond surface-level programming and focus on what truly matters when people gather in person. This renewed focus on thoughtful design is reshaping how we define success in our industry—and at ETHOS, it’s driving the way we approach every event we create. Read more about these trends and upcoming insights in the full article: https://lnkd.in/e8egPdV8? #incentivetravel #corporateevent #localdmc #eventprofs #oneethos #eventplanning

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#EventProfs, let’s talk about making your events truly unforgettable and keeping your attendees alert and awake! Creating a memorable and engaging event goes beyond just the logistics, it’s about creating an experience that resonates with your attendees. Here are some strategies we use at RWLV to help take your event to the next level in 2025: 1️⃣ Personalized Experiences Offering tailored experiences helps attendees feel valued. Whether it’s through interactive content or customized messaging on screens and displays, personalization adds a unique touch that leaves a lasting impact. 2️⃣ Immersive Technology Incorporate cutting-edge tech like customizable digital displays, interactive screens, and real-time feedback systems. At Resorts World Las Vegas, we offer a range of advanced tech solutions to keep your attendees engaged and immersed in your event. 3️⃣ Dynamic Spaces Transform your venue to match the mood of your event. With diverse venues from the electric Zouk Nightclub to serene outdoor settings, Resorts World provides the flexibility to adapt to any style or atmosphere. 4️⃣ Engagement Through Interaction Encourage active participation through live polls, Q&A sessions, and interactive sessions. Our customizable screens are perfect for showcasing real-time audience engagement. What’s your top tip for making an event stand out? Share in the comments below! #RWLV #EventProfs 

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Do you know how your current buyer is spending their money and what matters to them? Price sensitivity is a HOT🔥TOPIC right now in hospitality. How are you innovating your current sales structure to better serve your guests and thrive instead of just survive? Make sure to grab a ticket to the HSMAI San Diego Chapter State of the Industry Event to learn more about where and when your customers are spending their money so you can figure out why they may not be spending it with you! #sales #hospitlaityindustry #economics #revenue #sandiego

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Did you know? Contracting Your Programs Before December 31 Can Offer Significant Advantages As the year winds down, now is the perfect time to leverage unique opportunities in the meetings and events industry. Submitting your RFPs and contracting before December 31st can offer significant advantages for both clients and venues. Here’s why acting now can help: 🔹 Maximized Client Benefits: Many hotels and the sales teams are focused on meeting year-end targets and goals. This can create potential for better deals and added value in Q4. We help them by contracting before Dec 31st and they help us by adding value to your contract. 🔹 Strengthening Relationships: By signing a contract now, you may help a hotel sales managers achieve their year-end goals and incentives, strengthening relationships for future opportunities. People don’t forget. 🔹 Secures the space and dates you need: Sometimes this push towards year end will create value that you might not see at the start of a New Year. Maybe better space, secured dates that might not be available at the turn of the New Year. It can simply create a little more flexibility for you the client to get what you need and helps everyone involved. If you are sitting on a RFP, don’t hesitate. Get it out the door and let’s get started and see what we can find. If we can find a great space and sign before end of year we can sometimes find a lot of value in that timely transaction. It means a lot to everyone and gets you an early start on your 2025 calendar which is also an added benefit. Let Strategic Site Selection guide you through the process, ensuring every detail is handled with care and expertise. 📩 Contact me today - [email protected] to discuss your needs and get started. #RFP #ClientBenefits #HotelPartners #HotelGoals #SiteSelection #EventPlanning #YourPartnerInPlanning #StrategicSiteSelection

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Aloha, HSMAI Hawaii Chapter community! 🌺 Check out this insightful article by LODGING Magazine: "Seven Ways Hoteliers Can Foster Better Partnerships with Meeting Planners." Learn how personalized experiences, transparent communication, and strategic collaborations can elevate guest satisfaction and drive business success! Read more: https://lnkd.in/g_nKhtaq #HospitalityPartnerships #EventPlanning #HotelIndustry #HSMAIHawaii

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There are some great points made here: https://lnkd.in/giJkhhMJ Michael Blank from Woodmont: Focus on solutions to Save Money, Enhance Revenue, Generate Immediate ROI. Barry James Phillips from Loews: Integration of solutions into tech stack is paramount. Chris Richardson LEED A.P. from Davidson: With ADR and Occupancy at all time highs, focus on utilities and lowering utility cost. The great news is FreshAir Sensor does exactly what these three executives are looking to accomplish. Did you know: FreshAir Sensor is an easy and affordable way to lower housekeeping expenses, capture revenue from airborne anomalies (like smoking, vape, etc), increase GSS scores, the solution is integrated into Service Optimization for ticketing and PMS solutions for billing AND can inform other IoT devices (like HVAC) when guests are in the room lowering utility costs! FreshAir Sensor is squarely positioned to boost the bottom line and increase guest satisfaction!

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Thanks for the shout out, BizBash, in this great article on the emerging hotel trends for 2024.

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