When Barry Sternlicht founded Starwood Hotels in the 1990's, no one could have predicted its future status as a premier worldwide hotel brand. Last year, Starwood was acquired by Marriott for $13 billion, and its innovative culture was largely to thank.

SIXTY Beverly Hills has selected ALICE's hotel staff and concierge technology - ALICE Staff and ALICE Concierge - to streamline task management and improve staff communication. The luxury boutique, just steps from storied Rodeo Drive, joins sister properties SIXTY SoHo and SIXTY LES on the ALICE platform.

For hotels that outsource their concierge services, request management technology can be a valuable tool to connect outsourced service providers with in-house staff and operations. This improves the management of guest requests as well as the communication between both your third-party concierge and your staff and between your third-party concierge and your guests, guaranteeing better guest service.

Agilysys, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGYS), a leading global provider of next-generation hospitality software solutions and services, today announced that Wilson Lu, regional director for the company's North Asia region, will be featured on an industry panel at the upcoming Global Gaming Expo Asia (G2E Asia). This year's event, which marks its 10th anniversary, is being held May 16-18 at The Venetian Macao.

JUCY Snooze, a unique Pod-hostel accommodation concept from JUCY New Zealand, opened its first property at Christchurch Airport in late 2016, with the installation of ASSA ABLOY Hospitality Mobile Access for keycard-free entry and security. JUCY Snooze Christchurch is currently using the ASSA ABLOY Hospitality app to implement Mobile Access using VingCard Signature RFID door locks. Self-check-in stations have also been installed to eliminate the need for a traditional guest reception.

Today's guests want a mobile hospitality experience. Do you have an effective strategy for mobile implementation? Would you like to learn more about emerging mobile applications? On May 31st at 1pmET (10amPT) three of the hospitality industry's leading mobile solutions companies will host a webinar that will show operators how to plan and execute a mobile strategy that delivers a positive guest experience and creates greater operating efficiency. Click here to register for the "Leveraging the Power of Mobility" webinar.

AElement Fusion is an electronic lock with a sleek reader accentuated by an interactive light ring that illuminates when access credentials are presented, providing a minimalistic design that blends with any hotel décor. The AElement Fusion is compatible with RFID and BLE (Bluetooth) technologies that integrate seamlessly with mobile applications including SALTO Systems' JustIN Mobile.

Global hospitality management software company Xn protel Systems today announced that it has signed a four-year deal with QHotels to extend its use of xmsEnterprise CRS, following a strategic development partnership. The agreement covers Global Distribution System (GDS), channel management and direct web bookings.

A fascinating and at the same time scary topic is entering our working world: Artificial Intelligence (AI). Many industries are already looking for ways to apply AI. So far, not much activity can be seen in the hospitality industry.

At the HR in Hospitality Conference and Expo in Las Vegas, industry leaders discussed where the industry is going and the power of foresight. Many topics were addressed, but the key takeaway was to resist complacency and utilize technology to "wow" your guests.