Hospitality Technology Next Generation (HTNG), in partnership with the Hotel Electronic Distribution Network Association (HEDNA) and OpenTravel Alliance, launch a Travel Safe Workgroup to resolve COVID-19 implications for the lodging industry.

In many ways, the hospitality industry is founded on high touch interactions. Beyond the obvious appeal of an ideal location, the experience of a new culture, or a momentary 'pause' or escape from everyday life, much of the guest travel experience is defined by the services they experience. Each trip comprises memorable moments delivered via expertly curated interactions with hotel staff and the property itself. This is what we refer to as touchpoints; the opportunities your hotel has to make a lasting impression, provide hands-on convenience or service, and establish a genuine connection and rapport with guests.

Success in hospitality has always focused on finding talented workers with a hospitality mindset and a desire to pursue personal growth. These workers thrive in a hotel environment, where they can tap into the industry's nearly limitless opportunities for growth potential. The trouble is, where to find them? With roughly half of American workers still out of work, now is the time to acquire and cultivate top talent within your property to assume a more impactful position when the market begins to improve.

Angie Hospitality, developer of the industry's first 24-hour interactive guest room assistant, room control, telephony and Wi-Fi solution, built just for hotels, today announced it has expanded its executive team. The company has appointed Chris Connar, as SVP of Sales, Americas, and Ilaria Marinoni, who joined in late 2019, as SVP of Sales, EMEA.

Agilysys, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGYS), a leading global provider of next-generation hospitality software solutions and services, today announced that Kewadin Casinos has expanded its existing relationship with Agilysys with the addition of its innovative new contactless food and beverage ordering solution, IG OnDemand, within its properties.

Infor, a global leader in business cloud software specialized by industry, today announced it will introduce Infor Hospitality Management Solution (HMS) and Infor Sales & Catering (S&C) in the cloud at the IZB Residence CAMPUS AT HOME. The hotel in Martinsried on the outskirts of Munich, Germany, plans to optimize its work processes for flexibility and mobility and thus offer its guests the best possible service.

Hospitality Technology Next Generation (HTNG) extends free memberships through the end of the year to individuals who have recently been laid off by HTNG member companies.

They say that smooth seas do not make for skillful sailors, and indeed, over the past several months, that belief has been put to the test. As global communities continue to work tirelessly to combat the spread of the coronavirus, the hospitality industry has been placed in an incredibly vulnerable position. But, within that sobering reality, it's important to remember that the hospitality sector is no stranger to crisis. Our industry has survived countless challenges and periods of economic downturn, and COVID-19 is no exception.

Providing a quality guest experience is more important than ever for hoteliers seeking to compete in the post-COVID-19 world. Much has been said over the past six months about social distancing, mask etiquette, and the need for greater vigilance in protecting public health. No question this is table stakes, but the goal of hospitality—providing a positive guest experience—is more paramount than ever.

With the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in many parts of the world, hoteliers need to be more agile today than ever before. As newly crafted safety and operating protocols continue to evolve, hoteliers must react quickly to ensure that changes are carried out effectively by their frontline employees.