Category: Thought Leadership

Evolution and lessons from smart grid 1.0 In 2017, Gartner reported that advanced metering infrastructure was passing through the “Trough of Disillusionment” in its hype cycle for smart grid technology. The utility field area networks were beginning to climb the “Slope of Enlightenment” and perhaps have plateaued in productivity. A few important lessons were learned […]

Axel Hefer, Managing Director and CEO of Trivago, joins David Peller, Global Head of AWS Travel and Hospitality, for a broad-ranging discussion about the recent disruption faced by travel and hospitality companies – and his company’s response to that disruption. With just €1.4m initial investment, Trivago has grown to become one of Europe’s most notable […]

Graham Donoghue, CEO of Sykes Holiday Cottages joins Joanna Todd, AWS’ Head of Worldwide Accommodations and Lodging, for a broad-ranging discussion about the recent disruption faced by travel and hospitality companies – and his company’s response to that disruption. Sykes is one of the largest vacation rental agents globally, managing over 20,000 properties across the […]

Ted Zhang, Co-Founder and CEO of DerbySoft, joins David Peller, Global Head of AWS Travel and Hospitality, for a broad-ranging discussion about the recent disruption faced by travel and hospitality companies – and his company’s response to that disruption. DerbySoft enables travel companies to work together through technology and innovation by providing high-performance distribution services […]

Jim Davidson Chief Product Officer of Accelya (Former CEO of Farelogix) joins Judy Pitchford, AWS’ Head of Worldwide Travel, for a broad-ranging discussion about the recent disruption faced by travel and hospitality companies – and his company’s response to that disruption. Accelya recently acquired Farelogix, where Davidson served as CEO. Farelogix is a recognized leader […]

Pat Pacious, President and Chief Executive Officer, Choice Hotels International joins Joanna Todd, AWS’ Head of Worldwide Accommodations and Lodging, for a broad-ranging discussion about the recent disruption faced by travel and hospitality companies – and his company’s response to that disruption. Choice Hotels International is one of the largest and most successful lodging franchisors […]

Sankar Narayan, CEO of SiteMinder joins Joanna Todd, AWS’ Head of Worldwide Accommodations and Lodging, for a broad-ranging discussion about the recent disruption faced by travel and hospitality companies – and his company’s response to that disruption. SiteMinder is the global hotel industry’s leading guest acquisition platform, earning the trust of more than 35,000 hotels, […]

Kieron Branagan, CEO of OpenJaw Technologies joins Judy Pitchford, AWS’ Head of Worldwide Travel, for a broad-ranging discussion about the recent disruption faced by travel and hospitality companies – and his company’s response to that disruption. OpenJaw provides leading e-Commerce platforms for travel companies and loyalty programmes. They are helping transform travel companies into travel […]

In previous blog posts I have shared insights, inspiration, and customer success stories from restaurants and catering/contract food service organizations. The majority of the observations have come from the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR), Fast/Quick Casual and Casual Dining segments of the industry. As a result, I have received many ‘playful’ comments from Fine Dining establishments. […]

Chris Nassetta, President and CEO of Hilton joins David Peller, AWS’ Head of Worldwide Accommodations and Lodging, for a broad-ranging discussion about the recent disruption faced by travel and hospitality companies – and his company’s response to that disruption. Hilton is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 18 world-class brands comprising more […]